Black Mountains Group Newsletter July 2021

The Black Mountains Group Benefice

NEWSLETTER July 2021

The Parishes of Clodock & Longtown with Craswall, Llanveynoe, St Margaret’s, Michaelchurch Escley & Newton Vicar and Rural Dean: The Revd. Prebendary Nicholas Lowton Forest Mill, Craswall, Herefordshire HR2 0PW 01981 510675 lowton.nicholas@virgin.net

www.bmgparishes.org.uk

Min

50p donation

Visitors are always welcome at any of our churches

Churchwardens Clodock & Longtown Mr Nick Vaughan

01873 860201

Craswall Mrs Christine Cleaton

01981 510674

Mr Geoff Holder

07580 632273

Llanveynoe Mr Donald Phillips

01873 860298

Commodore Peter Tribe

01873 860260

St Margaret’s Mrs Jane Baxter

01981 510388

Michaelchurch Escley Mrs Olive Howells

01981 510228

Newton (Vacant)

Please ensure all copy is with the editor by email or post before the deadline below.

Editor: Mark Ewins Marlands Longtown HR2 0PD 01873 860829 newsletter@corefields.com

Advertising: Jill Cook Clodock Mill Longtown HR2 0PD 01873 860408 jill@clodockmill.com

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August 2021

14 July 2021

25 July 2021

September 2021

18 August 2021

29 August 2021

October 2021

15 September 2021

26 September 2021

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July 2021 – Page 3 From the Vicar I A WOKE It is always encouraging to discover that, no matter how old you are, there are always new things to find out about yourself. The other day, I discovered that I am, apparently, a woke. That is, in any case, what I was called, and the person calling me that made it abundantly clear that it was not meant to be a compliment: in fact it was an insult.

Now, of course, when you find in a discussion that the person with whom you are speaking resorts to insults, that is really good, for it means that the person concerned is recognising that you have won the argument. We sad boring Classicists call it argumentum ad hominem.

However I wasn’t entirely happy to leave it at that, as I was keen to know what gave away my wokishness/ wokery/wokitude. (Not sure of the right word.) Apparently it was because I did not just believe that all people are equal and should be treated with equal respect, but – even worse – I did not realise that adopting such a position was not taking an ethical stance, but in fact a political one.

Now, as I wrote back in May, we all have a doctrine, and that doctrine determines the way we think and live. Unfortunately, there are those who think that, if you are a follower of Christ, that means that what you think important – what you think is Christian doctrine – is standing up for the Book of Common Prayer against Common Worship or arguing about whether women can be priests. As I see it, however, following Christ means embracing the values that he so manifestly preached during his lifetime - those of peace, justice, love and reconciliation and holding dear the liberating theme running throughout the bible, that all God’s people are made in his image and should be treated as such. And if you would claim to be a follower of Christ, but find holding to those values difficult, then, I fear, you have to ask yourself whether you are truly following the word of God or the word of the rulers of this world. For, when those two clash, then we Christians are faced with a necessary choice. I would be genuinely happy to discuss this with anyone who disagrees.

And, of course, there are those people who appear to live by different and conflicting standards at the same time. For instance, nobody knows for sure exactly who St George was, but there is compelling evidence that he was a Palestinian and a refugee. Yet there are some people – and I am choosing my words carefully – some people in this country among the many, who wave the flag of St George about the place, who do so to signify their loathing of, among (many) others, Palestinians and refugees. And the flag of St George is indubitably a Christian sign. Such usage of it is, as far as I can see, simply blasphemous.

Jesus tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. And that is true. Embracing peace is easier than embracing war: embracing love is easier than embracing hatred; embracing justice is easier than fostering a feeling of unfairness and embracing reconciliation is better than stoking division.

If following the values of Christ means that we are on a collision course with the values of this world in general and this country in particular, then so be it. It just means that we need to go out of our way to show that our living a life of

peace, justice, love and reconciliation is enriching for the whole of society, and the more people who live by that light, the better society will be.

So, I am happy to be a woke, and if anyone else calls me that, I can assure you that I will rejoice! It will mean that I am trying all the more to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who would I imagine now be dismissed as a woke, and would rejoice to carry that load.

Nicholas JULY READINGS Sunday July 4th Old Testament Ezekiel 2: 1 - 5 New Testament 2 Corinthians 12: 2 - 10 Gospel Mark 6: 1 - 13 Sunday July 11th Old Testament Amos 7: 7 - 15 New Testament Ephesians 1: 3 - 14 Gospel Mark 6: 14 - 29 Sunday July 18th Old Testament Jeremiah 23: 1 - 6 New Testament Ephesians 2: 11 - end Gospel Mark 6: 30 - 34, 53- end Sunday July 25th Old Testament Jeremiah 45: 1 - 5 New Testament Acts 11.27 - 12.2 Gospel Matthew 20: 20- 28 Nicholas AUGUST SERVICES Sunday August 1st, 9th, Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Michaelchurch Morning Prayer 11.00pm Llanveynoe Holy Communion Sunday August 8th, 10th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Clodock Morning Prayer 11.00am Newton Holy Communion Sunday August 15th, The Blessed Virgin Mary 11.00am Craswall Holy Communion 3.00pm St Margaret’s Flower Festival Sunday August 22nd, 12th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Llanveynoe Morning Prayer 11.00am Michaelchurch Holy Communion Sunday August 29th, 13th Sunday after Trinity 3.00pm Clodock Benefice Service Nicholas THE CRASWALL PILGRIMAGE The Craswall Pilgrimage succumbed to the virus last year, but it is being wondrously resurrected this year. It will be on Saturday July 3rd, and will, as always, take us from the abbey church at Abbey Dore to the priory at Craswall. This will be a 12(ish)-mile walk taking us from the Cistercian grandeur of the church that survives from the wonderful monastery in the lush Golden Valley to the scant remains in wild moorland of the Grandmontine house which is the highest monastery in England. We will start with prayers in Dore Abbey at 9.00am and then make our way over the hill to Newton Church for prayers then into the Escley Valley where we will break for lunch at the Bridge Inn at Michaelchurch Escley where bar meals will be available. We will leave there at 1.30, stopping at Michaelchurch Church for prayers, then making our way up the hill towards Craswall and then along a drover’s

July 2021 – Page 4 road towards Craswall Church for tea. Then on to the priory, where, depending on our speed, but probably at about 5.00, we will celebrate Evening Prayer.

On one level, this will be a wonderful walk in some of the most glorious scenery in the country: on another, it will be a spiritual pilgrimage between two very different monastic houses and between two very different landscapes. There are some hill climbs, but they are not overly strenuous.

Nicholas THE CRASWALL CLASSIC Our next gathering and blessing of cherished vehicles will be on Saturday July 24th.

There will be a service of blessing at Craswall Church at 10.00am, followed by a scenic drive, to prove that the blessings have been effective. We end up at the Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch, where lunch will be available from 12 noon.

All cherished vehicles – 2, 3 or 4 wheeled – will be most welcome (along with their owners and friends).

Nicholas THE TRANSFIGURATION PILGRIMAGE There will be a pilgrimage on Friday August 6th – the Feast of the Transfiguration.

Like so many significant events throughout the Bible, it happened on a mountain. So we will use the mountain on that day. We will begin at Craswall Church at 5.45pm with a meditation on the subject of Transfiguration and walk together back to the Bull’s Head. We will then walk up the brief footpath which takes us on to the green lane skirting the mountain, and follow the track eventually leading us to Llanveynoe Church. We will stop at various points for quiet and meditation.

We finish with the wonderful night service of Compline in Llanveynoe.

Nicholas

Deanery Events During July, we’re looking forward to welcoming our new curate Angie Kateley to the Deanery. Angie will be ordained on Sunday 4th July at Hereford Cathedral and then begins 3 to 4 years of ‘on the job’ training with us.

Abbeydore Deanery, with our focus on engagement with the whole of our communities, not just those who come to church regularly, offers an exciting and innovative training ground for Angie, which is why we were selected as a training deanery.

Following the same working pattern as all the Rural Pioneer Priests in the deanery, after her induction period, Angie will spend part of her time in parish-based ministry, where she’ll be able to gain experience of leading services, taking funerals, baptisms and weddings, getting to know our communities through schools, community groups and visiting. The rest of the time Angie will be developing an area of mission … more of that in future updates.

Angie brings great enthusiasm together with experience of working with people in both urban and rural settings, and of all ages. Welcoming a curate is an exciting time for parishes across our deanery; it’s a chance for us all to try out new things with Angie, some of which will be successful, and some may not, but that’s how we learn together and discover

more about what God’s up to in the villages across our deanery.

Welcome Services for Angie – Sunday 11th July 2021 10.30am at St Peter’s, Peterchurch or 4pm at Dore Abbey If the weather allows, both will be held outside.

Bring a chair and your own mid morning or teatime picnic to enjoy whether we’re inside or out.

As social distancing measures may still be in place, please do book your place at either service by contacting Anne Lloyd – abbeydoredmc@gmail.com or phoning 07432 873422

Detail of services in your local churches can be found elsewhere in this magazine.

For more information, to find out more about how you can get involved, or anything else related to the Deanery, please contact Anne Lloyd Deanery Mission Coordinator 07432 873422 abbeydoredmc@gmail.com.

You can also look at our website: abbeydoredeanery.org.uk or join our ever-growing Facebook Group – Abbeydore Deanery.

We look forward to connecting with you over the next month.

Anne Lloyd See also page 4, “Consultation for Black Mountains Group of Parishes”

Thanks THANKS FROM PHYLLIS GWILLIAM I would like to thank Genevieve, Paddy and Rhiannon and the BHV (Black Hill Voices)for making their choir practise into a lovely party, and I thank whoever made the beautiful cake with lovely flowers and a black and white cat sat on it, all made of icing (the very image of Daisy).

Thanks to everyone who sent cards, flowers and donations to St Margaret’s Church amounting to £420 Phyllis Gwilliam Editor’s note to Phyllis: Dear Phyllis, please accept my apologies for misspelling your surname in the team’s thanks to you printed in last month’s edition.

Mark

Forthcoming Events NEWTON ST MARGARETS WOMEN’S GUILD Keep all crossed for our first meeting of 2021.

By kind invitation of Linda, there will be a picnic tea in her amazing garden at Court-y-Pella HR2 0QN on Thursday 8th July between 3 and 5pm. It WILL be sunny so a prize will be awarded to the wearer of the jolliest sun hat.

Guests and potential new members will be very welcome but please phone for more details. Tel 01981 510666.

MICHAELCHURCH ESCLEY FLICKS IN THE STICKS In conjunction with ARTS ALIVE, the Flicks in the Sticks team are looking forward to bringing you some LIVE MUSIC at long last.

The modern day balladeers, Chris Green and Sophie Matthews otherwise known as GREEN MATTHEWS will be presenting “A BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC” on Friday 9th July at Michaelchurch Court HR2 0JR. (Cont’d)

July 2021 – Page 5 This event will be outside. Bring chairs. Doors open at 6.15pm for 7pm start. Tickets are limited and are available through: Artsalive.co.uk or by calling 01981 510116 Prices: Adult £12; Child £6; family ticket £30 Don’t miss out, buy your ticket now.

LONGTOWN THURSDAY CLUB As it has been so long since we last met, there will be a planning meeting on Thursday 15 July from 12 to 2pm for the committee and any members who would like to attend.

We hope that this will be in the Woodlands Coffee Shop in Pontrilas, but please let Pauline know if you would like to come.

At long last, we have a date for our first meeting of 2021, Thursday 12 August, 2 – 5pm, in Longtown Village Hall (provided, of course, that there are no further Covid restrictions). We look forward to meeting all our members again after such a long absence. There will be further information in the August newsletter.

Hazel Pugh: 01873 860803 Pauline Jones: 01873 851782; jonespauline@pobroadband.co.uk

We’ll keep an eye on Covid developments but at the moment we should be all right to gather outside on that date. If things change we will let you know of any alterations in these arrangements.

Christine Cleaton Addendum: At the moment we are just outside the extended lockdown rules (at 24th July) and fingers crossed the current restrictions will not be extended. If the worst comes to the worst and we have to cancel the actual barbecue we will still conduct the draw.

Christine Cleaton ST.MARGARETS CHURCH OPEN WEEKEND FLOWER DISPLAYS AND MUSIC There will be an open weekend at St. Margaret’s on 14th and 15th August. Please come and see the decorated church during the weekend. The church will also be open to those young or old to display their musical talent. If you would like to show your musical talent please contact Elizabeth May on 01981 510533 or emaylittlem@gmail.com. Take this chance to meet up with old friends and have a chat in a wonderful setting.

If you would like to help with the weekend, contact either Tim Williams 01981 510641 or tim@newfields.me.uk

The Eusebius Quartet

Ross Morris

Saturday July 17th at 7pm St Michael’s Church Michaelchurch Escley HR2 0JS

St Mary’s Church, Craswall HR2 0PN

Haydn – String Quartet in A Major, Op.9 No.1 Janáček – String Quartet No. 1, "Kreutzer Sonata" Beethoven – String Quartet No.12 in E Flat Major, Op. 127 Making their first appearance with Concerts for Craswall, this exciting young string quartet were recently praised as ‘excellent’ by The Sunday Times.

Formed in 2016 out of a passion for the extraordinary music written for this formation, The Eusebius Quartet have since gained a reputation for possessing ‘clarity and unity of thought’.

Fast gaining an international reputation, the quartet were finalists in the Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition and were awarded a residency at Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme at Snape Maltings in 2019, where they worked with one of their mentors, Hungarian pedagogue and pianist Rita Wagner. As a quartet, they have frequently been invited to perform live on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’.

Each an outstanding musician, the members of the Eusebius Quartet work regularly with leading ensembles across the world and their debut CD with SOMM Recordings, featuring Korngold’s Piano Quintet along with pianist Alasdair Beatson, will be released in 2021.

Booking essential. https://concertsforcraswall.org/live-music/ or 01981 510112.

CRASWALL BARBECUE Join us on Saturday July 24th for Craswall Barbecue, Grand Draw and Fancy Dress Competition on the theme “Myths and Fairytales” for kids and fun loving adults.

This will take place in Craswall Churchyard at 5.00pm following the blessing of vintage vehicles in the morning of that day, also in Craswall Churchyard, at 10am.

Sunday August 22nd at 3.30pm We are thrilled to be hosting young classical guitarist, Ross Morris to perform live in concert.

The programme will include works by Scarlatti, VillaLobos, Piazzolla, Granados, Houghton, and Llobet – spanning the baroque to Spanish flamenco.

After studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music Junior Department and the world-renowned Chethams School of Music, Ross is currently studying with Professor Allan Neave at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

He has enjoyed masterclasses with John Mills, Andrea de Vitis, Pavel Steidl, Alvaro Pierri, David Russell, Göran Söllscher, and others.

Do come and support this young artist with immense talent and huge potential, and maybe also enjoy a pre-concert picnic in the grounds of St Mary’s or a post-concert pizza at Chapel House farm next door.

Further details and tickets available at https://concertsforcraswall.org/live-music/ or call 01981 510112.

Sunday, 29th August, 2021 WHOLE BENEFICE SERVICE 3pm St Clydawg’s Church. CLODOCK EVERYBODY, this is your opportunity to say farewell to Reverend Nicholas as he takes his last Service before he retires.

Local Newsround CONSULTATION FOR OF PARISHES

BLACK MOUNTAINS GROUP

PCCs have recently received a letter regarding the above.

As you are aware the Deanery Pastoral Plan, recently adopted, envisages both the creation of a group ministry

July 2021 – Page 6 (now in place) and also the creation of new mission communities across the deanery.

As you also know, Revd Nicholas Lowton is due to retire at the end of August. In order to allow the conversations about the creation of the new mission communities to proceed at a pace everybody is comfortable with, the proposal is that we should not seek a permanent replacement for him immediately, but make temporary arrangements for ministry and pastoral care in the benefice, led by Revd Mark Godson, while the longer term pattern of ministry in the deanery is settled. These arrangements can be left in place for up to five years, but can be ended at any time once the decisions as to the future are settled.

Comments about this proposal are invited from PCCs by July 16th. If you would like a copy of the letter, please get in touch with your PCC Secretary or the Deanery Coordinator abbeydoredmc@gmail.com or ring 07432 873422.

We already have the lovely Diamond Jubilee Oak in the field next to the Village Hall, and there was discussion whether to add to that, or whether there were other suitable places in the village. We thought that schools too, might want to join in. Please give it some thought, and let us know your suggestions.

With such an increase in our tourism business this year we hope that people can be encouraged to remember the Country Code, and make sure that dogs are on the lead in fields with sheep, that gates are closed and that no horses or other farm animals are fed. In addition, our County Councillor, Peter Jinman warned of the risk of fire from disposable barbecues or campfires, in this hot weather.

The four Defibrillators in Craswall, Llanveynoe, Walterstone and Longtown have been inspected and a plan for their maintenance is being considered. We will update you later.

The next meeting of the Council will be on July 21st. We do not meet in August.

Pamela Tribe, Parish Councillor

VOWCHURCH & DISTRICT GROUP PARISH COUNCIL To mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 a unique, UK-wide tree planting initiative is being launched, by inviting people to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’. This will be rolled out across Herefordshire and beyond, during the next planting season from October 2021 until March 2022, or later depending on tree supplies.

Schools, Community groups and Individuals are being encouraged to get involved, if you would like further information, please visit https://queensgreencanopy.org/ The Parish Council has approved their annual accounts for 2020/21 and these will be available to view between Tuesday 22nd June 2021 and Monday 2nd August 2021 by appointment. If you would like to inspect the accounts, please contact the Clerk to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Linda Cowles, Parish Clerk 01544 321906 / vowchurchparishclerk@hotmail.com

MICHAELCHURCH ESCLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL As we move towards the end of the summer term we are sad to say that, like schools across the country, our summer plans have been, and will continue to be, curtailed somewhat

by Covid-19 restrictions. However, we are trying to make the best of it despite the disappointment of not being able to invite parents to our annual Highland Games sports day or have a live audience for our production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Michaelchurch Court. Nonetheless we will still, no doubt, enjoy our performance and our Highland Games, just without the buzz of an audience!

In other ways though, life has continued relatively normally.

Squirrel Class have been really enjoying the amazing weather spending as much time as possible outside, either in the Squirrel garden, in The Spinney (our forest school area) or on their daily country walks. Acorn Class also had a great day in the sun playing around on their bikes with Mr Crocker. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, the class or Mr Crocker! Acorn Class also had a fantastic time at Longtown Outdoor Centre, testing themselves on the low ropes, raft building and much more.

Sapling Class have also been spending time with the excellent team at Longtown but this time they have been gorge walking – scrambling up a mountain stream! Suffice to say they had an absolutely brilliant time. “The best day ever!” was heard many times over as the children waited to go home.

Not wanting to be left out, Oak Class are due to head out on their activity week and they are understandably extremely excited. Like Sapling, they will also be gorge walking but in addition they will be karting, horse riding, paintballing, taking part in Nordic games, having a forest school afternoon and going mountain biking in the Forest of Dean.

We are really thankful that, despite all the tribulations of Covid, we can still have an exciting week of adventurous activity with our Year 5s and our Year 6 children before they leave us, something we couldn’t do with last year’s leavers.

Finally, we will round off a very active month by taking a group of children, ranging from Year 2 to Year 6, on a mountain bike ride from school to Hay on Wye, led by Mr

LONGTOWN GROUP PARISH COUNCIL At the Longtown Group Parish Council meeting on May 19th we were pleased to hear that our Clerk, Andrew London had decided not to resign but to continue with us. This was greeted with approval. The position is therefore not vacant.

However we do still have vacancies for Parish Councillors, and if you would like to take on this responsibility, please apply to the clerk, clerk@longtown-gpc.org.uk, for information.

The Castle Games: As the planned Games in the Castle do not seem to be in prospect, English Heritage has invited the village to consider using the Castle to run Events to benefit the Community, and especially the children. School PTAs have been contacted, and it may be that someone would like to organise a summer event. We well remember the wonderful Mediaeval Weekend a few years ago, Perhaps archery, hog roasts, hawks and fancy-dress might be popular again!

Among other items, there was discussion over the national proposal for planting trees in honour of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen called The Queen’s Canopy. The suggestion is for individuals, for groups or for villages or towns to consider how to celebrate this special occasion by planting trees.

July 2021 – Page 7 Crocker who is a qualified mountain bike guide, with the noble objective of an ice-cream at Shepherds Ice Cream Parlour. This will be the third time we have completed this fantastic adventure with the children.

Louise Crocker Head Teacher, Michaelchurch Escley Primary School Come along one and all, we want ALL YOUR VOICES!!

Round and About GOLDEN VALLEY DAY CENTRE We are still not able to open at the moment unfortunately but hopefully with the restrictions easing things will start getting back to normal soon.

The May winners of our draw were Maurice Herdman and Phyllis Pitt. Congratulations to them both.

Don’t forget the summer weekend at the hub and the village hall July 17th/18th. It will be lovely to see all the rainbow gardens.

So in the meantime keep staying well and hopefully we will be able to meet up again soon.

Sarah Murrin VOWCHURCH VILLAGE HALL Pilates, Vowchurch Hall Tuesdays from 6pm. Contact hannahmthomas@hotmail.com Bowls will resume in the Autumn.

Vowchurch Market July 31 10am - 12 noon (Covid rules permitting).

The Village Pub and Pizza Parlour will re-open in line with government advice.

Vowchurch Hall is now open with appropriate precautions unless Covid restrictions change. For further information contact: janewheatley@gmail.com 01981 550791.

VaT50 Winners of the June draw were Cliff Price £50, and Neil Price £20. Anyone who would like to sign up for the club (£3 monthly, £36 annually) please contact janewheatley@gmail.com

Notices and Advertisements

We are getting closer to being back up and broadcasting, so now is the time to get in touch.

Black Hill Community Radio is looking for:

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Members of the community to share 5 tracks of music or why not do a family 5 track.

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New Broadcasters

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Ideas for shows

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Advertise your community event on the website

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People to help behind the scenes with social media and admin

If you would like to be involved in anyway or would like some more information please call Vicki on 01981 240248, Christy on 01873 860607 or Lydia on 01873 860847 or email admin@blackhillcommunityradio.org.uk To listen to previous shows and have a look at up what community events are planned please visit https://www.blackhillcommunityradio.org.uk And follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Clodock’s Creatures of the Rainforest In support of Midlands Air Ambulance August Bank Holiday weekend Thursday 26th to Monday 30th of August 2021 Let your imagination run riot in the rainforest!

Make and display a creature where it can be seen from the road Photographs will be on display in The Cornewall Arms over the weekend 2 classes: ● Best Creature ● Creature most unlikely to attract a mate Entry open to all, each creature must be securely displayed within Clodock, with the property owner’s permission ● Entries: £5 per creature ● Votes: 50p per vote (for both classes) All entries must be in place by 6pm on Friday the 27th of August, with entry registered at The Cornewall Arms, ready for photography Winners to be announced at 6pm on Monday the 30th at The Cornewall Arms

July 2021 – Page 8 DRIVERS WANTED Dore Community Transport are looking for volunteer drivers to meet local transport needs.

As the pandemic eases, the demand for transport has increased and if you would be interested in driving for us we would be pleased to hear from you.

Training in the use of our vehicles is supplied and we operate during daytime Monday – Friday in the SW Herefordshire area.

Please contact our office on 0345 2020144 for more details.

Cultivating Learning and Nature CIC 43 Crossways, Peterchurch, HR2 0TQ 07980 863577 • 01981 550043 • info@clan-cic.org Hidden Herefordshire: Lottery funding encourages every one to record wildlife.

Cultivating Learning and Nature CIC in partnership with the Herefordshire Biological Records Centre (HMRC) has received £98,900 supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund it was announced today.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Hidden Herefordshire: discovering its wildlife and wild places, aims to connect people, young and old to recording wildlife wherever they are.

During the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a massive increase in people’s appreciation of nature and the resulting mental health benefits. The project aims to further encourage this interest with the wider community; those of all ages and from all backgrounds. Over the next couple of years there will be loads of fun and engaging opportunities for the people of Herefordshire to get involved in identification training courses, talks, family sessions and a county-wide garden wildlife survey. Training will be led by local experts both online and face to face if the situation allows and participants will also learn how to record findings to benefit the county.

Once the project has ended there will be an improved understanding of the biological heritage of Herefordshire, and therefore better information in both a local and national context regarding how species and habitats are faring.

Promotion and coordination of these activities allow a new HBRC website to be launched to further improve the work they are already doing.

Tim Kaye from Cultivating Learning and Nature CIC is delighted at the news of the funding ‘Our thanks to all national lottery players who have given the people in Herefordshire a chance to engage with nature, contribute to our understanding of the wildlife in the county and support the on-going work of the HBRC.’ For more please contact Tim Kaye on 07980 863577 or email tim@clan-cic.org

CAN YOU HELP, PLEASE? We are a local family who have lived and worked in the area for over 20 years. My children have grown up here and my youngest is still in school.

We are having to move from our rented accommodation as the property is being sold and we do not want to be displaced from this area as my youngest is in school and will be starting his GCSEs soon.

This is a plea to anyone with property in the area: Have you got anything you may consider renting out long term? Three bed house with garden? Land with ruin?

Something that needs TLC or fixing up? Something we can make off grid?

We are practical people who can fix, mend and rebuild if we have to. We can live off grid if we have to; if a place is the right one and a long term let, then it is worth our time and money making it right. We can look after property which in turn could work well for you as property owner.

The areas we are looking to move to are Llanigon, Felindre, Glasbury , Clyro, Llowes Clifford , Cusop OR, if necessary in, or close to, the Golden Valley.

If you can help then please, do give me (Laurie) a call on 07952 998320. www.laurielewis.org.uk HEREFORDSHIRE MAGISTRACY Become a magistrate in Herefordshire Staffordshire and West Mercia Advisory Committee is seeking applications from those interested in becoming a magistrate on the Herefordshire Bench where new magistrates are needed in the Adult Criminal Court.

These are voluntary positions; you do not need legal training or formal qualifications to become a magistrate and we are looking for applications from across the county and from all sections of the community.

Magistrates are not paid (although some allowances can be claimed), and those who are successful in being appointed must be able to attend training and sit in court for at least 13 days a year - this is a minimum requirement.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 may apply. Applications are particularly welcome from members of Black and Minority Ethnic communities, people under the age of 50, people in paid employment, and people with a disability who are able, either unassisted or with the benefit of reasonable adjustments, to carry out the full range of a magistrate's duties.

If you are interested in being considered for appointment and want to find out more about the work of a magistrate and how to apply, see: www.gov.uk/become-magistrate or email swmjco@justice.gov.uk Applications for the Adult criminal court open on 1st August 2021 and close on September 10th with interviews being held later in the year. Prior to submitting an application at least one observation visit must be made to a magistrate's court where magistrates [rather than a District Judge] are sitting; each visit should be for a minimum of half a day.

Magistrates will tell you what a worthwhile and rewarding position this is – as well as doing something vital within the community, friendships are formed and magistrates enjoy each other's company.

July 2021 – Page 9

July 2021 – Page 10

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: Late night Thurs: Saturday: Sunday (May - Oct): (Nov - April): Bank Holiday Mondays

7.30 am - 5.30 pm 7.30 am - 7.00 pm 7.30 am - 4.00 pm 10.00 am - 2.00 pm 10.00 am - 12 noon 10.00 am - 2.00 pm

Our lovely Sue, is going to spend more time at home developing her passion for donkeys into a business, whilst maintaining the high standard in her holiday cabins over a jam packed summer season. Sue, we wish you every success and would encourage everyone to look out for Black Hill Donkeys and book a session as soon as you can.

Last week Hopes accepted an invitation to be one of seven retailers on a national sustainable retailing zoom call. Well let me tell you I had a glass of water ready as I was extremely nervous. Do we do enough for the environment? It turns out within this peer group of awesome retailers we are holding our own and what all retailers identified is that they are not sure how to tell customers … us included. There is a host of information and often it can be conflicting. We are going to share our list of what we currently do ● If you bring your our hot drink mug/flask to fill you get a 49p discount ● When purchasing a hot drink we use milk from glass bottles and tea bags that are compostable. ● You can refill Cleaning and Health and Beauty products on a Thursday 3pm - 6.30pm or pick up a pre-filled bottle. (Very excited that the 20 Litre containers all go back to the supplier to be returned and used again). ● You can preorder items from Mailes Butchers to be collected from Hopes saving time and money on fossil fuels ● Stopped selling the best Cadbury launched product in 2019. Freddo Treasures, as it was in purple plastic, hard to recycle and had less chocolate. ● Cut plastic bag usage by 90% since 2018. ● We have switched our lights over to LED, the only draw back is that this affects potatoes so if you don’t see many on the shelf do ask us as we like to keep them in tip top condition. ● Our new till system in iPad based and automatically goes into sleep mode when not being used. ● We compost any fruit and veg waste that cannot be eaten the same day. ● We record monthly wastage figures and challenge ourselves to reduce it.

There are a variety of ways to shop with us and we will be open everyday until Christmas: ● You can telephone to have a same day personal shopper service (Mon - Sat) ● Book an exclusive shopper hour Sunday afternoon or Wednesday evening ● Order a case of your favourite product, we will give you a 5% discount ● Have you checked out our growing bulk buying section? Rice, pasta, flour, sugar, mixed nuts and apricots ● Telephone/Email to order your most used product in advance eg 10kg jumbo oats Derek has been replaced with Doris with a nice clear voice, not just a green light to explain when and how you can enter our little store.

We are very grateful to Tristan from Stop the Thief after fitting our CCTV and coming back with Derek and now Doris for continued safety. You too will have neighbours and friends you would like to say a special thank you to. We are joining the National Campaign on the 4th July to say ‘Thank you’. On Saturday 10 - 12 learn more as we display and celebrate the many people to be very thankful for on Sunday 4th July.

Continuing to keep everyone safe is our continued priority and we expect only three customers in the shop for the rest of 2021. It is as simple as THREE, TWO, ONE THREE shoppers at any one time in the shop TWO metres apart ONE from each household Wave to Doris to alert us you are here and wait for the green light. Sanitise your hands and put your face mask on. Go shopping and sanitise your hands again on exit in the wood shed.

Welcome to the #TeamHopes Monica, Freya, Freya and Mathew our newest recruits. Starting training at the end of June onwards. Please help them settle into their new roles with a smiling face and confirmation of your bread and or magazine orders.

Hereford Times Food & Farming awards joy, we were thrilled to be shortlisted and over the moon to be announced winners of the Retailer category. Thank you everyone passing on congratulations, we really appreciate it.

July 2021 – Page 11 LONGTOWN POST OFFICE Saturday 9am ~ 11am & Monday to Friday 10.30am ~ 3.30pm Remember you can purchase National Express Bus tickets and can purchase Euros at the Post Office anytime and other currencies can be ordered.

Longtown Post Office can scan QR codes to return your parcels Pay your bills at our Post Office If an invoice has a barcode on it, it is likely it can be paid at the Post Office when you want, using cash, card or cheque (except Welsh Water). Keep track and you can pay your council tax, BT, Water, nPower, at the Post Office on a day you choose.

New Special Dennis & Gnasher stamps go on sale on the 2nd July; order your presentation packs today.

Top up your mobile phone at Longtown Post Office, so you can have those important chats and texts with those you care for (plus if you need a new sim card, just ask).

Use our Post Office as your local bank for personal and business reasons ● Using your bank card you can pay cash into most personal and business bank accounts ● Using a personalised paying in slip you can pay cash into your personal and business bank accounts ● Using a personalised paying in slip and an envelope you can pay cheques into personal and business accounts. We have the paying in envelopes, please ask us for spare ones if you are self-isolating and wish to prepare in advance.

We are very, very grateful for your continued custom.

Hopes of Longtown – Open seven days a week 01873 860444 www.hopesoflongtown.co.uk / @HopesofLongtown / info@hopesoflongtown.co.uk join our Facebook group Hopes of Longtown and post community/charity events for free Like our Hopes of Longtown business page to keep up to date with news Tag us in your passion for food and community via Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook

Events Planner Escleyside Gardening Club: Hardy Ferns for Damp and Dry Shade, Robin Pearce.

Longtown Village Hall 12 August 2.00pm - 5.00pm Longtown Thursday Club. Longtown Village Hall 14 August St.Margaret’s Church Open Weekend. Flower displays and music 15 August St.Margaret’s Church Open Weekend. Flower displays and music 22 August 3.30pm Concerts for Craswall: Ross Morris (guitar), St Mary’s Church, Craswall 28 August 2.30pm Michaelchurch Duck Race and Barbecue. Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch 29 August 3.00pm Reverend Nicholas’ last Service before he retires. St Clydawg’s Church 01 September Afternoon Escleyside Gardening Club: Visit to Nant-y-Bedd

04 August

7.30pm

06 October

7.30pm

Escleyside Gardening Club: How to take care of yourself in the garden, Alexandra Probert.

Longtown Village Hall

09 October

7.30pm

Concerts for Craswall: Galina Stamenova, Tora Rostvik & Dimitris Spouras.

St Mary’s Church, Craswall

Black Mountain Group Newsletter

ADVERTISING DIRECTORY Agricultural services

MARK LEWIS AGRICULTURAL, DOMESTIC & EQUESTRIAN HEDGE LAYING, FENCING & FIREWOOD PROCESSING

Contact: Jill Cook Clodock Mill, Longtown, Hereford HR2 0PD

ANDREW PHILLIPS, GLANDWR FARM Agricultural & Domestic Weed Control Large and small areas Fencing and Ditch cleaning Small and large bales of Hay and Straw Weed wiping service

TEL: (01981) 241115

Any amounts

MOB: 07807 079027

01873 860208 / 07903 933820

Animal care

01873 860408 jill@clodockmill.com

July 2021 Directory – Page 12 The Wild Bird Store

Arts

Wild Bird Food and Accessories 01432 340500 www.thewildbirdstore.co.uk Free delivery in Herefordshire every weekday from 12.30 pm ‘Click & Collect’ 46 Rural Enterprise Park Vincent Carey Road Rotherwas HR2 6FE Open Monday to Friday 09.30 - 12.30 Call for your free 24 page catalogue

Business & Financial

much more than pet food Home Delivery of Pet Food from a local business, one less thing to worry about! ● Free home delivery (using hygienic, no contact methods) ● British-made complete and balanced life-stage pet foods ○ Puppy to Senior, including Working Dog ○ Kitten to Senior with Dental Care ○ Honestly labelled and made from high quality ingredients ○ Sensitive and special diets catered for ● Free samples or £5 starter packs for dogs and cats ● Dog chews and treats, and cat treats ● Toys and healthcare products ● Rabbit food, Fish food and Bird food

Contact Nic on 07521 607029 To place your order or to find out more. nic.kinch@oscars.co.uk www.oscar.co.uk/branches/herefordshire

FREE DELIVERY!

Agricultural Insurance with Price Checker

Professional Dog Grooming Service Washing – De-Fleaing – Ear Plucking Nails Trimmed – Hand Plucking/Stripping Clipping City and Guilds Trained Fully Qualified Domestic & Commercial Friendly Reliable Service Reasonable Rates All Breeds Welcome For further information, friendly advice or to book an appointment please contact Becky 07980 889 810 thebarn84@gmail.com

INDEPENDENT ADVICE

• COMPETITIVE COVER

50 YEARS EXPERIENCE Farm Insurance Abergavenny based Neil Smith is best placed to give Independent Advice, Great Premiums, Great Cover being a Farmer in his own right.

Satisfied with your existing Insurer or not, it won’t cost you anything to get a quote?

Pick up the phone and give Neil a call on 07885 257788 quoting for your 20% discount.

T: 07885 257788 E: neil@frball.com W: www.frball.com

Food & Catering

July 2021 Directory – Page 13 Come and join us in our beautiful, heated and fully equipped yoga studio (no need to bring anything but yourself!).

We offer a variety of classes suitable, from Gentle (suitable for beginners) to more advanced. Private lessons are also available.

For more details of the timetable, events and prices please look at our website:

SARAH L. HOPE

BSc. (Ost)

Registered Osteopath Old Hall Farm, Orcop, Herefordshire HR2 8ET

Tel: 01981 580 371

Home and Domestic

All types of cleaning – Private houses & House Keeping service for Holiday Homes/Lets/B&Bs etc.

High standard of work.

All aspects of Horse Help undertaken Clipping, sale/show prep, local horse transportation.

Experienced and capable rider and Groom.

Happy to tackle a wide range of jobs, No job too small.

Just Ask Gabz!!!!

Reliable, Local, Friendly, Helpful Excellent references available. Non Smoker Tel – 07875 535 619 / 01981 510606 Email – askgabz@yahoo.co.uk

Health and well-being

ACUPUNCTURE in Craswall HR2 0PN

HEALING-SHIATSU Christopher Sheehan. HSEC. FwSS. Sessions in Hereford and Longtown chris@eryritai-ji.co.uk 01873 860667 07870 149 745 www.eryritai-ji.co.uk

Personal and Family Support Life can be complicated. If you, your family or someone you care about are having a tough time I offer social, emotional and behavioural support. From an informal discussion (cake optional...) through to intensive mentoring, together we can:

Christopher Woodward LicAc, MBAcC Over 20 years of experience helping patients.

Tel 01981 510154 Mobile 0790 321 67 63

For all your soft furnishing needs –

christopherswoodward@gmail.com

Please contact

City & Guilds qualified. Free home consultation.

Set simple goals so the positives replace the not-sopositives.

Impartial, consistent and objective support from someone with over 20 years experience.

Support grounded in Social Work Theory and Evidence Based Practice.

Acceptance and encouragement Reassurance of what is working well. Flexible times and places to meet.

Prevention of issues worsening.

Improved self esteem and confidence. Improved relationships.

A stronger, happier you.

Patient - Sensitive - Friendly For a free initial discussion please call me anytime on 07973 332990 / (01981) 570763 at www.carlgriffithssupport.org or email:carl.griff071@gmail.com I'd like to help.

curtains, pelmets, blinds, cushions, bedding and more

Fiona Witcher 01981 242040 / 07811 396258

Gently explore what is happening.

Find and use your strengths to help you be kinder to yourself.

Local Makers

Release tension Aid Sleep Encourage the body to re-balance naturally Provides a complementary treatment to conventional healthcare.

AOR registered (hot stone and VRT – vertical reflexology also available).

July 2021 Directory – Page 14 Personal services

Produce and Products

THE GOAT COMPANY Luxury Mohair products from our prize-winning flock of Angora Goats.

Fountain Cottage Newton St Margarets Hereford HR2 0QW jo.rowland@hotmail.com 01981 510136 07917 125053

Visit the shop and meet the goats.

Darren Farm, Llanveynoe Open 11am to 4.30pm except Sundays

Maintenance & Services

Property services

Air dried oak for sale Various sizes and thicknesses 01981 510 522

Independent Funeral Directors

Airguns Shotguns Rifles

Unit 3, Wormbridge Court, Wormbridge, Hereford, HR2 9DH

Servicing, Repairs, Alterations, Refinishing and Gun Fitting.

Registered Firearms Dealer Contact James Phillips 07503 616760 james@thegunworks.co.uk www.thegunworks.co.uk Is your Broadband driving you mad?

Are you unable to use the internet as you would like?

Are you unable to use services like BBC iPlayer and Netflix, which require a faster, more consistent connection?

Access to reliable, high speed broadband is patchy in our area, with some properties struggling to receive more than 1Mbps download speeds.

Hopefully, high-speed fibre broadband will reach us all one day, but if like me, you don’t want to wait, there may be alternatives. In many locations where the existing phone line broadband is only able to provide very low broadband speeds, the 4g mobile phone network is capable of providing 70Mbps, which is easily enough to stream HD movies and can provide a consistent, high quality service. There are other benefits to using 4g mobile broadband over services provided by BT and other cable based providers.

Contact: Ben Hill Tel: 01981 510136 Mob: 07990 638125 Email: bingoben@hotmail.com If you suffer with poor internet speeds or WiFi dead spots in your home, I may be able to help.

Monmouth MemorialsLtd MONUMENTAL MASONS EST. 1988

Nigel Cave BRAMM Registered Mason (British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons)

Suppliers of quality memorials

at competitive prices, additional inscriptions and renovations undertaken with free quotations and inscription proofs provided

Tel: 01600 890 098 Mobile 07950 117 122 monmouthmemorial@aol.com

All aspects of groundworks, construction and steel building erections We specialise in: Ground source heat systems Electric cables Ponds/lakes Treatment plants Supply & disposal of soils Tree shear with 300mm cut Bulldozing Tractor & Dump trailer hire Footings Concreting Ditching Pipe laying Site clearance Muck away Driveways Drainage Contact: Tommy Wood-Cole Phone: 07964355422 Email: TommyWood-Cole@hotmail.com

July 2021 Directory – Page 15

DECOR SOLUTIONS tjsj@me.com

Painting & Decorating Tim Jones Tel 01981 540242 Mob 07810 895355

Woodland and Garden

3 Generations of experience, specialising in Painting & Decorating services.

General property maintenance duties carried out.

Fully insured.

Good competitive rates.

A high standard of workmanship & customer satisfaction guaranteed.

RP ELECTRICAL All Electrical Work Undertaken

Scrub Clearance and Timber Extraction Most types of scrub and woodland cleared, including brambles, bracken and gorse, as well as meadow/small field topping. Sloping and narrow access areas reached using compact (Alpine) tractor semi-offset topper and mulching flail.

Timber forwarding service also available.

Felled timber moved using Alpine tractor and trailer with crane.

Call Ben Hill 01981 510136 or 07990 638125

Testing & Inspection PAT Testing & Fault Finding All carried out by Qualified Electrician 07814 008626

Sooty’s ey Chimn Service Richard Watkins 01981 240 185 07947 959 452

AVALON TREE SURGERY WE CARE FOR YOUR TREES

MATTHEW THOMAS OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE NPTC QUALIFIED FULLY INSURED

WWW.AVALONTREESURGERY.CO.UK

01981 541307 07794 569284

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE WORK UNDERTAKEN

Mob: 07810 288115 Evenings: 01432 378163

MATTHEW MAFLIN PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES Internal and exterior decoration Tel: 01873 860867 Mobile: 07497258129 matthewmaflin@gmail.com Public Liability Insurance held References available on request

kwilliamson027@hotmail.co.uk

K&D building and landscaping All aspects of building new and old undertake Drainage specialist/septic tanks Fencing specialists All aspects of landscaping/ patios/decking /ponds/retainers and stone walls All internal work carried out Over 20 years experience between us and a large portfolio

TUGWELL TREE SERVICES For a professional service in all aspects of tree care, including Pruning, Felling, Planting Supplying Trees & Shrubs and Hedge Maintenance Specialists in: Tree Reports & Surveys, Stump Removal with a High Power Narrow Access Stump Grinder for all those inaccessible stumps

DAVID TUGWELL Tech Cert. Arbor A Bridge End, Newton St Margarets. HR2 OQP Tel: 01981 510104 / 07968 093898

July 2021 – Page 16 JULY SERVICES Saturday July 3rd 5.00pm(ish) Craswall Priory Evening Worship at the end of the Craswall Pilgrimage Sunday July 4th, 5th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Craswall Morning Worship 11.00am St Margaret’s Holy Communion Sunday July 11th, 6th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Llanveynoe Morning Worship 11.00am Michaelchurch Holy Communion Sunday July 18th, 7th Sunday after Trinity 9.30am Clodock Morning Worship 11.00am Newton Holy Communion Saturday July 24th 10.00am Craswall Service of Blessing for the Craswall Classic.

Sunday July 25th, St James the Apostle 9.30am St Margaret’s Morning Worship 11.00am Craswall Holy Communion JULY DIARY 08 July 2021 09 July 2021 7.00pm 14 July 2021 17 July 2021 20 July 2021 21 July 2021 22 July 2021 24 July 2021

Afternoon 7.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm

Newton Women’s Guild Picnic Tea. Court-y-Pella Green Matthews, A Brief History of Music. Grounds of Michaelchurch Court (for Flicks in the Sticks) Escleyside Gardening Club: Visit to Moors Meadow, Bromyard Concerts for Craswall: The Eusebius Quartet, St Michael’s Church, Michaelchurch Escley The Gesualdo Six: English Motets. Clodock Church The Gesualdo Six: Fading. Dore Abbey The Gesualdo Six: Josquin’s Legacy. St Michael’s Church Craswall Barbecue, Grand Draw and Fancy Dress Competition on the theme “Myths and Fairytales”

If you, or anyone you know, would like some support, perhaps to buy food, collect prescriptions, get to a medical appointment, walk a dog, or maybe just want to have a chat, please contact us:

01873 280028 Helpline open 6.00am to 10.00pm, answerphone at other times or contact us via https://blackhillcommunities.net

We have a great team of volunteers from our local communities who are ready to help.

We can now distribute free Food Boxes to members of our communities whom you feel might appreciate a helping hand at present.

Golden Valley Safer Neighbourhood Team Peterchurch Police & Fire Hub, Hereford HR2 0RU. 01981 550253 PC 3687 Jeff Rouse 07870 150972 PCSO 6378 Pete Knight 07773 053 919 peter.knight@westmercia.pnn.police.uk Contact: 101 ext 4820 – Email: goldenvalley.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk