Stretton Focus - June 2022

Founded 1967

Average monthly sales 1,463 copies (About 63% of dwellings in Church Stretton)

Chairman

Richard Fillenham 723119

Editors (editor@strettonfocus.co.uk)

Patricia Thomas Sandra Davies (Events Diary)

David Lyons Janet Du Cros

In-house Journalist

Christine Williams

Cover Editor

Geoff Taylor 723301

Design and Layout

Barrie Raynor 723928

Graham Cossins Rowland Jackson

Steve Moore

Andrew Fenton

Proof Readers

Catherine Macartney, Bronwen Taylor, Catherine Redfern, Linda Bishop, Cynthia Wood, Nina Marsh Subscriptions and Distribution

Chrys Bonds 724184

Peter Whitlock 725533

Advertising (Business)

Ian Midgley 722938

Finance Director

John Rowlands

Secretary

Chris Moores 722940

Directors

Richard Fillenham, John Rowlands, Barrie Raynor, Chris Moores, Sandra Davies, Geoff Taylor, Andrew Fenton

Advertisements (Business)

Rates for block and occasional business advertisements may be obtained from the Advertising Manager, Ian Midgley, 24 Oaks Road, Church Stretton, SY6 7AX, or email to adverts@strettonfocus.co.uk to whom copy should be sent.

The Stretton Focus Directors cannot accept responsibility for any product or service advertised. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisers are required to comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

Disclaimer

Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles and letters. The views expressed in these are those of their authors and not necessarily those of the Management Board. The Editors exercise their right to edit any articles, letters etc submitted for publication at their discretion without consulting the author.

Outlets

Stretton Focus may be purchased by annual subscription (delivered) or directly from Sandford Hardware (Sandford Avenue), Co-op, Family Shopper, Church Stretton Library, Mayfair and the Churches.

© 2022 Stretton Focus Limited

Registration No. 06237590 Inc in England

Registered Office: 8 High Street, Church Stretton, SY6 6BU ISSN 1479–7356

Printed by WPG, Welshpool

This Month in Focus

26 All Stretton History Society 23 All Stretton Jubilee Party 15 Arts Festival Free Concerts 57 Catholic Voice 12 Chamber of Trade 18 Climate Care 50 Coppice Leasowes 54 Crafts Galore 55 Crossword Solution 37 CS Parish Paths 52 CS Tree Group 24 CSTC Community Matters 8 Editorial: Janet Du Cros 35 Flicks in the Sticks 12 Focus Directors Wanted 12 Focus Secretary Wanted 10 Friends of CS Library 35 Gardening Club 20 History Group 16 Letters 11 Library Opening Times 59 Marmaladies CS WI 57 Mayfair Lottery 42 Mayfair News 57 Mayfair Quiz Answers 57 Mayfair Thursday Arts Group 28 Methodist Voice 40 More Singers Concert 52 National Trust News 20 Pazapa 35 Quaker Voice 38 Queen Victoria’s Jubilee 26 Recipe of the Month 37 RSPB 36 SACWG 11 Scout Group News 25 Scrappies 28 Shuttle Buses 58 StrettFest 32 Stretton Climate Care 30 Student Journalists 32 Summer Volleyball 19 SWT 51 Tennis Club 16 Thank You 40 Trivia Answers 16 Trivia Corner 23 URC Voice 3 What’s On

SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS FOR PUBLICATION

should be made to the editors by email at editor@strettonfocus.co.uk

Please use this address even if you are contacting an individual editor.

If you do not receive a response within 48 hours please check the address carefully and send your email again.

If you are unable to use email, your material may be submitted to Wrights, Estate Agent, 32 Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, SY6 6BW clearly labelled ‘Stretton Focus’. These items are collected on the deadline date.

When are the deadlines?

The deadline for receipt of all submissions by all methods is 12 NOON on the FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH

for the following month’s edition. If the Monday is a Bank Holiday, the deadline will be 12 NOON on the TUESDAY of that week.

No submissions will be accepted after the deadline unless prior arrangements have been agreed with the editors.

For the July issue the deadline is Monday 6th June, at 12 noon.

For the August issue the deadline is Monday 4th July, at 12 noon.

The July issue will be distributed on Friday 1st July

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Focus can be purchased by subscription and delivered to your door for £10 per year.

If you wish to use this facility, please phone the Subscriptions Manager on 01694 725533 or 724184 or email focus.subscription@gmail.com

COMMUNITY AWARDS

Focus has a scheme whereby clubs, societies, organisations and individuals can apply for a grant up to a maximum of £1,000 for projects which have a direct benefit to the community of the Strettons. For details and an application form, please see the Focus website www.strettonfocus.co.uk

High Street and Queen Victoria’s Jubilee fountain, 1902 (see page 38)

What’s On in the Strettons in June

If you wish to make contact with societies and groups, please see the list in the yellow pages

Queen’s Jubilee Events

The Platinum Jubilee will be marked with a number of events and activities across The Strettons, including:

1 Wednesday

Jubilee Afternoon Tea at Mayfair

Kick-start the Platinum Jubilee festivities in style with an afternoon tea. To book a place for £7.50 per person, or £20 for a family of 4 (max 2 adults), call Mayfair reception on 722077.

3.30-5.30pm Mayfair/HWBC

2 Thursday - 5 Sunday

All Stretton Jubilee Flower Festival

10am-4pm Thurs, Fri, Sat 1-4pm Sunday St. Michael and All Angels Church

2 Thursday

Exhibition: All Stretton in the 1950s

A Jubilee Celebration, with 1950s living room, house histories, music, fashion, food, kitchenalia, toys, games, etc, plus feature film of the Queen’s coronation. Free entry. All welcome. www. allstrettonhistory.org.uk 10am-4pm All Stretton VH

Have-A-Go Pétanque Session

12 noon Russell’s Meadow

Junior Have-A-Go Volleyball Session

For under 12s.

2-4pm Russell’s Meadow

Beacon Launch

Listen to CS Community Singers perform The Song for the Commonwealth, plus other songs. Watch a fireworks display by the scouts, on Caer Caradoc. From 9pm Russell’s Meadow

3 Friday

Exhibition: All Stretton in the 1950s 10am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Stretton Focus Website

www.strettonfocus.co.uk

Sandford Avenue Park Jubilee Family Fun Day and Dog Show

Range of attractions and events: inflatables, face painting, try crazy golf, archery, tennis, bowls, croquet etc, plus singing, music and dance.

11am-4pm

Coppice Leasowes

Local Nature Reserve guided walk. Meet inside Sandford Ave Recreation Park. Walk will last about an hour. 2.30 pm

4 Saturday

All Stretton Jubilee Party

Competitions, games, royal fancy dress, music, DJ. Hot food, licensed bar. No dogs except assistance dogs Enquiries: Caroline Crump: 01694 723283 / alancrump@sky.com 2pm til late Dudgeley Far, Lower Wood, All Stretton

Rectory Wood & Field Events:

Local Nature Reserve Formal Declaration by the Mayor 9.30am Moth Talk 10am Butterfly Talk 11.15am-12.30pm

5 Sunday

Little Stretton Village Party/Plant Sale

All Saints Church, Little Stretton In the afternoon

Cudwell Meadow Opening Celebration

Including a wildflower walk 5pm Cudwell Meadow

Jubilee Evening Songs of Praise Service, 6pm St. Michael & All Angels Church, All Stretton

1 Wednesday

Arts Festival Tickets go on Sale

Tickets will be available online: www. strettonfestival.org.uk or in person at the Visitor Information Centre, CS Library, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-12 noon.

Beginners Yoga with Becca

£6 per class or £30 for 6

Contact Becca on 07905 236 805 or yogawithbecca@hotmail.com 9.30-10.30am SAPA Dance Studio

CS Library Reading Group

Friendly, informal group. With Felicity Thomas. Note: slightly later start time. 2.15-3.15pm CS Library

C.A.M.E.O. Meeting

‘A Checkered Past?’ With Christobel Hargreaves.

Contact: Margaret: 07802 513 315 2.30pm Parish Centre

Cuppa and Chat at the Methodist Hall

Members of the public are invited to drop in for tea, cake and conversation. This is a good way to meet friends and make new friends. Covid regulations are under constant review. 2.30-4pm Methodist Church Hall

Breathing Space

Singing for health and wellbeing.

Contact Kate: 720358 or 07974 382 989 or kate@playonperformingarts.co.uk 3-4pm Mayfair

Three Touch Passing Football

All over 50s welcome.

Contact Ken: 328514 5-6pm CS Leisure Centre

The ‘What’s On’ diary may also be viewed for free on our website: www.strettonfocus.co.uk. Any amendments and entries too late for the print edition may be added to the website What’s On by emailing us at editor@strettonfocus.co.uk

CS Badminton Club

Including Junior, Adult and Disability Badminton. All abilities welcome from age 7 to adult. Sports wheelchairs and rackets available free of charge. Info from Alan Fox 725588 6.30-8pm CS Leisure Centre

Stretton Summer Volleyball

Enjoy playing volleyball and socialising. Teens upwards. Taster session is free. 7-9pm Richard Robinson Field, next to Russell’s Meadow, off Churchill Rd

CS Amnesty Group

Meet 1st Wednesday of the month. All are welcome; we are a friendly inclusive group. Contact csamnesty@outlook.com 7.30pm SHI

Flicks in the Sticks: Cardington

‘A Queen Is Crowned’ (1953) Cert: U. Running time: 1hr 22m The start of our jubilee celebrations. This is a free event for the community. 7.30pm Cardington VH, SY6 7JZ

2 Thursday – 3 Friday

Please note that CS Library is closed on both days, for the Queen’s Jubilee.

2 Thursday

Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus Service Resumes

Weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays, from Thursday 2nd June until Sunday 25th September. For route, timetable, prices and donation information, go to: www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk

Wake Up Yoga with Becca £6 per class or £30 for 6 Contact Becca on 07905 236805 or yogawithbecca@hotmail.com 7-8am Scout Hut

Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice

Drop-in session, every Thursday. Our knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to offer advice on a wide range of issues to do with energy saving, renewable technology and the growing climate emergency.

Info from Jon Cooke: 720353 10am-12 noon HWBC

What’s On continued

Yoga at Westhope

With Sue Pugh. Numbers are limited.

Contact Betty Manley: 07860447397 10.30-11.30am Westhope Village Hall

The Strettons Bridge Club

Duplicate Bridge in a relaxing atmosphere for players of all standards. Teaching for those new to the game. Visitors are welcome. Contact: Maxine Lainchbury 07971 191 664 www.bridgewebs.com/churchstretton 1-5pm All Stretton Village Hall

Hope Bowdler Handbell Ringers

New members are most welcome; you do not need to be able to read music.

Contact: Ruth Jenkins: 724919 2pm Hope Bowdler VH

Westhope Clover Club

A friendly, social group for the over 60s, meeting on the first Thursday of the month with a varied programme of events in the hall and occasional outings. All welcome to come along. Enquiries to Kathleen 01584 841254

2.30pm Westhope VH

CS

Pickleball Club

Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and pingpong. £5 pp

Contact Carol: 07803 329106 7-9pm CS Leisure Centre

CS Chess Club

All ages and abilities welcome.

Contact: Tom Williamson 722767. Please enter via rear entrance to avoid contact in bar area.

7.30pm Kings Arms, CS

Stretton Community Singers

A no-audition community choir sourced in the Natural Voice approach. Limited places available.

Contact Kate: 720358 or 07974 382989 or kate@playonperformingarts.co.uk

7.30-9pm Mayfair Activity Room

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom)

We are a non-denominational group welcoming everyone. Christian Meditation is a modern name for a form of contemplative prayer found in early Christian monastic communities and in other major faith traditions. More information from John Dennison: 722599 or email 1johndennison@ gmail.com 8pm via Zoom

3 Friday Hearing Loss Support Hub

Monthly service, offering hearing aid tube changing, battery collection and advice on hearing aid care. Staffed by NHS audiology trained volunteers. Appointments must be pre-booked: 01743 342168 10am-12 noon Mayfair

Christian Meditation (Meeting in Person)

We are a non-denominational group welcoming everyone. Christian Meditation is a modern name for a form of contemplative prayer found in early Christian monastic communities and in other major faith traditions. More information from John Dennison: 722599 or email 1johndennison@ gmail.com 2pm URC Vestry

4 Saturday

CS Ballroom & Sequence Dance Club

Come and enjoy an informal evening of socialising and dance (Ballroom, Latin and Modern Sequence). £6 per person. All abilities welcome, with or without a partner. Bring your own refreshments. Info from Christine: 723386 8-10.30pm SHI

6 Monday

Vita Bona Yoga at CS Library

Booking: Sue 07432 349933

9.30-10.30am Improvers 11-11.45am Chair Yoga

Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group

Would-be knitters welcomed. Details from: 722328

2.30pm Ley Gardens, SY6 6GA

Yoga with Liz Curtis

Small classes for all levels of experience. Beginners are welcome. £7 Contact Mayfair on 722077 5.15pm and 7pm Mayfair

Royal British Legion ‘Drink & Chat’ Hour

If you are ex Service or have a connection to the Services and would like to join us, do come along and say hello. Non-RBL members welcome.

5.30-6.30pm King’s Arms, SY6 6BY

Learn 2 Jive

Great fun, improves fitness, no partner needed, join anytime, easy to learn and no experience needed.

Classes are £6 pay as you go. For more info contact Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354, info@coolmovesdance.co.uk, www. coolmovesdance.co.uk 7.30pm beginners/8.30pm intermediates SHI

7 Tuesday

Yoga Class at SHI (term-time only)

£8 per session. Open to all. There is plenty of room in the hall.

Call David Hedge: 07870 936889 10-11.30am SHI

Rhyme Time

Fun, songs, stories and rhymes for children under 5 years of age. Booking may be required. 10.30-11am CS Library

CS Youth Drop-In (Term Time)

A relaxed and inviting space for school years 8 to 11 to meet up outside of school hours to participate in a range of activities or just chat. Sessions are staffed by trained and DBS checked youth workers. Contact: Richard 01743 430005 or email at info@sya. org.uk 6-7.30pm Pavilion, Russell’s Meadow

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom)

We are a non-denominational group welcoming everyone. Christian Meditation is a modern name for a form of contemplative prayer found in early Christian monastic communities and in other major faith traditions. More information from John Dennison: 722599 or email 1johndennison@ gmail.com 8pm via Zoom

8 Wednesday

Beginners Yoga with Becca 9.30am (see Wed 1st for details)

Babies and Toddlers Group (term time only)

An informal group for children from birth until they start school. Children to be accompanied by a responsible adult. 10am-12noon Methodist Church Hall

Classical Music Talks

Monthly event, hosted by Richard Walker and David Andrew. A small fee is requested to cover expenses.

Contact Barbara Hall on 724578 10am-12 noon URC

u3a History of Plants and Gardens Group

TBC. Please check with the library. 10.30am-12.30pm CS Library

Cuppa and Chat at the Methodist Hall 2.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Breathing Space 3pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Three Touch Passing Football 5pm (see Wed 1st for details)

CS Badminton Club 6.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Stretton Summer Volleyball 7pm (see Wed 1st for details)

9 Thursday

Wake Up Yoga with Becca 7am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice 10am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Yoga at Westhope 10.30am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Local & Family History Session

Let our history volunteers guide you in your local and family history research. Free library internet access to Ancestry. 1-4pm CS Library

The Strettons Bridge Club 1-5pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Stroke Support Group

Support for stroke survivors, friends and family. Meetings take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month. 2-4pm Jubilee Room, Mayfair

Hope Bowdler Handbell Ringers 2pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Pickleball Club

7pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Chess Club

7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Marmaladies CS WI

This month we are off-site, for a visit to The Shropshire Flower Company. We welcome new members to join us for creative, informative and discussion sessions. Info: Carol: 07803 581580 or email carol.greswell@gmail.com 7.30pm Mayfair

Stretton Community Singers

7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom) 8pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

10 Friday

Christian Meditation (Meeting in Person) 2pm (see Fri 3rd for details)

u3a Reading Group 1 2pm-3pm CS Library

Pub Night at Westhope Regular event, usually on the 2nd Friday of each month. Pool, table tennis, darts. Everyone welcome. 6pm till late Westhope VH, SY7 9JL

11 Saturday

Monthly Drop-In Council Surgery

With Councillor Hilary Luff. 10am-12 noon CS Library

Stretton Climate Care Repair Café

Please contact us to book in your item, giving details and a photo if possible: info@strettonclimatecare.org.uk Walk-ins accepted after 11am. 10am-12noon Scout Hut

CS Ballroom & Sequence Dance Club 8pm (see Sat 4th for details)

13 Monday

CS & District Gardening Club Outing

Our first June outing is to Hereford Cathedral Gardens. For more information, please contact Wendy on 722844.

Vita Bona Yoga at CS Library 9.30am/11am (see Mon 6th for details)

Coffee Hour Drop-In with CS u3a Opportunity to chat with a u3a member and find out about our groups. We’re here 2nd Monday of the month. 10-11am HWBC

Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group 2.30pm (see Mon 6th for details)

Yoga with Liz Curtis 5.15pm/7pm (see Mon 6th for details)

Chamber of Trade Informal Event

An open invitation to those who are in business in the Strettons: working from home, running a small or medium sized business, or have a retail or business unit in the area. See main item for more details. Refreshments provided. 6pm The Hayloft, Kings Arms

Learn 2 Jive 7.30pm/8.30pm (see Mon 6th for details)

14 Tuesday

Yoga Class at SHI (term-time only) 10am (see Tues 7th for details)

Rhyme Time 10.30am (see Tues 7th for details)

u3a Writers Group 1 With Jenny O’Shea 2-4pm CS Library

CS Youth Drop-In (Term Time) 6pm (see Tues 7th for details)

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom) 8pm (see Tues 7th for details)

15 Wednesday

Beginners Yoga with Becca 9.30am (see Wed 1st for details)

Babies and Toddlers Group (term time only) 10am (see Wed 8th for details)

Cuppa and Chat at the Methodist Hall 2.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Breathing Space 3pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Three Touch Passing Football 5pm (see Wed 1st for details)

What’s On continued

CS Badminton Club 6.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Stretton Summer Volleyball 7pm (see Wed 1st for details)

16 Thursday

Wake Up Yoga with Becca 7am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

SACWG Course: Pollinating Insect ID ‘Pollinating insect ID, the Ten Top Groups’ is led by local expert Ian Cheeseborough. The course and refreshments are free but you will need to bring a packed lunch. Please book at strettonwetlands@gmail.com 10am-3.30pm Discovery Centre, Craven Arms

Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice 10am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Yoga at Westhope 10.30am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Local & Family History Session 1-4pm (see Thurs 9th for details)

The Strettons Bridge Club 1-5pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Carer Support at Mayfair Café-style support group for unpaid carers. With Shaz Malins of MAYSI and Lisa Wright of the Alzheimer’s Society. Previously drop-in, we have had so much interest, we are now asking people to please book in: Mayfair on 722077 or email us on information@mayfaircentre.org.uk 2-3.30pm Mayfair

Hope Bowdler Handbell Ringers 2pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Pickleball Club 7pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Chess Club 7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Stretton Community Singers 7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom) 8pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

17 Friday

Christian Meditation (Meeting in Person) 2pm (see Fri 3rd for details)

18 Saturday

CS Ballroom & Sequence Dance Club 8pm (see Sat 4th for details)

19 Sunday

The More Singers Summer Choral Concert ‘Songs of laughter, life and love’ Tickets: £10, pay on the door. Contact Alistair Auld: 07981 399482 Profits/donations to Ukraine Crisis. 7.30pm URC

20 Monday

Vita Bona Yoga at CS Library 9.30am/11am (see Mon 6th for details)

CS Area Local History Group (CSALHG)

Illustrated talk by David Preshous: ‘A Shropshire Alphabet’ – historical wanderings through the county. Non-members fee £3, pay on the door. If Covid persists into June, please call 723627 to check talk is going ahead. Contact: csalhg@outlook.com 2pm URC Hall

Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group 2.30pm (see Mon 6th for details)

Yoga with Liz Curtis 5.15pm/7pm (see Mon 6th for details)

Learn 2 Jive 7.30pm/8.30pm (see Mon 6th for details)

21 Tuesday

Yoga Class at SHI (term-time only) 10am (see Tues 7th for details)

Rhyme Time

10.30am (see Tues 7th for details)

CS Youth Drop-In (Term Time) 6pm (see Tues 7th for details)

Mayfair 25th Anniversary Celebration

We are having an evening birthday celebration and would like to invite and thank everyone who has supported Mayfair over the last 25 years. If you would like to join us, please give us a call on 722077 so that we can keep a record of attendees. 6-8pm Mayfair

All Stretton Women’s Institute

With guest speaker Claire Greener: ‘Blooming marvellous’ – the creation of a naturally glorious cut flower field. Email: allstrettonwi@gmail.com 7.30pm All Stretton VH

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom) 8pm (see Tues 7th for details)

22 Wednesday

Beginners Yoga with Becca 9.30am (see Wed 1st for details)

Babies and Toddlers Group (term time only) 10am (see Wed 8th for details)

u3a General Meeting

We meet every 4th Wednesday. For meeting details, please see: u3asites.org.uk/churchstretton/events  2pm URC Hall

Cuppa and Chat at the Methodist Hall 2.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Breathing Space 3pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Three Touch Passing Football 5pm (see Wed 1st for details)

CS Badminton Club 6.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Friends of CS Library AGM

All members are welcome to attend. There will be an introductory audio-visual of past events and achievements, in addition to the usual AGM business. Weather permitting, we shall have refreshments in the URC garden. 7pm URC Hall

Stretton Summer Volleyball 7pm (see Wed 1st for details)

23 Thursday

Wake Up Yoga with Becca 7am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice 10am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Yoga at Westhope 10.30am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Local & Family History Session 1-4pm (see Thurs 9th for details)

The Strettons Bridge Club 1-5pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Hope Bowdler Handbell Ringers 2pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Pickleball Club 7pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Chess Club 7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Stretton Community Singers 7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom) 8pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

24 Friday

Christian Meditation (Meeting in Person) 2pm (see Fri 3rd for details)

u3a Reading Group 1 2-3pm CS Library

Bingo Night at Westhope

Licensed bar. Eyes down 7.30pm Contact Amie on 07486 414742 or Betty on 07860 447397 7.30pm Westhope VH

25 Saturday – 26 Sunday

‘Green

Homes/Greener Living’ Weekend

A Stretton Climate Care event. Eight local homes will be open to the public to view the Energy Efficient and Greener Living measures the owners have taken. Please visit: www.strettonclimatecare.org.uk or www.greenopenhomes.net/ for location map and details of each home.

25 Saturday

Pazapa Summertime Concert

Across the centuries from Handel to Gershwin. With Sarah Westwood (soprano), Chris Lacey (flute) and Richard Silk (piano). Free entry with donations in aid of Pazapa Church Stretton, supporting the school and clinic for disabled children in Haiti. www. pazapa.org 10.30am URC

Friends of St Lawrence CE Primary School: Summer Fair

Fun for everyone! – Cakes, Refreshments, Bouncy Castle, Raffle, Living Histories, Tombola, Books. 11am-3pm, St Lawrence CE Primary School

27 Monday

Vita Bona Yoga at CS Library 9.30am/11am (see Mon 6th for details)

Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group 2.30pm (see Mon 6th for details)

Yoga with Liz Curtis 5.15pm/7pm (see Mon 6th for details)

Learn 2 Jive 7.30pm/8.30pm (see Mon 6th for details)

28 Tuesday

Yoga Class at SHI (term-time only) 10am (see Tues 7th for details)

Rhyme Time

10.30am (see Tues 7th for details)

u3a Writers Group 1 With Jenny O’Shea 2-4pm CS Library

CS Youth Drop-In (Term Time) 6pm (see Tues 7th for details)

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom) 8pm (see Tues 7th for details)

29 Wednesday

CS & District Gardening Club Outing

Our second June outing is to Powis Castle, Welshpool (NT property). For more information, please contact Wendy on 722844

Beginners Yoga with Becca 9.30am (see Wed 1st for details)

Babies and Toddlers Group (term time only) 10am (see Wed 8th for details)

Cuppa and Chat at the Methodist Hall 2.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Breathing Space 3pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Three Touch Passing Football 5pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Strettons Branch Evening Flora Walk

A walk of approximately 2 hours. Join us for a walk around some of the mires and flushes on Plush Hill, led by members of the local Botany Survey Team of Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Members £3, non-members £4. For further information contact Wally Blake 724040 or Janet Martin 722361

5.45pm Meet at Plush Hill car park near Jinlye (SO 4516 9631)

CS Badminton Club 6.30pm (see Wed 1st for details)

Stretton Summer Volleyball 7pm (see Wed 1st for details)

30 Thursday

Wake Up Yoga with Becca 7am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice 10am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Yoga at Westhope 10.30am (see Thurs 2nd for details)

What’s On continued

Local & Family History Session 1-4pm (see Thurs 9th for details)

The Strettons Bridge Club 1-5pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Hope Bowdler Handbell Ringers 2pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Pickleball Club 7pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

CS Chess Club 7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Stretton Community Singers 7.30pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

Christian Meditation (online via Zoom) 8pm (see Thurs 2nd for details)

1 July Friday

Butterfly Identification Course

A one-day course with local butterfly expert Michael Williams. Learn how to identify and record the butterflies and day-flying moths of the Long Mynd. Refreshments provided but you will need a packed lunch. Advance booking is essential. Please contact: strettonwetlands@gmail.com 10.30am-3.30pm All Stretton VH

Key to Abbreviations/Addresses:

CMV – Carding Mill Valley

CS – Church Stretton

CS Library – Church Street, SY6 6DQ Tel: 722535

CS School – Shrewsbury Rd, SY6 6EX Tel: 722209

St. Laurence’s Church/CS Parish Centre –Church St, SY6 6DQ

Mayfair – Mayfair Community Centre, Easthope Rd, SY6 6BL. Tel: 722077

HWBC – Health and Well Being Centre, next to Mayfair, SY6 6BL

Methodist Church – Watling St South, SY6 7BG

SHI – Silvester Horne Institute, High St, SY6 6BY. Tel: c/o CS Town Council Office 722113

URC – United Reformed Church, High St, SY6 6BY

VH – Village Hall

Contact Numbers – only numbers OUTSIDE the CS dialling code area (01694) will include the full number.

Editorial

Welcome to June’s edition of Focus, a month in which we will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. The Queen has been our Monarch throughout my lifetime and I, like many of you, cannot help but admire her commitment to service. This is a theme which is picked up in this month’s Catholic Voice (page 57) and Methodist Voice (page 28).

You will find a list of events celebrating this momentous milestone at the beginning of What’s On. Further details can also be found in the double page spread in May’s magazine (pages 36 and 37). Let’s hope that the weather is kind to us and the community can enjoy coming together to celebrate. It seems perfect timing after two years of minimal social interaction.

Geoff Taylor, our cover editor, has worked hard to produce an appropriate cover and our thanks go to Barrie Raynor and Tony Crowe who searched through their many images to find the picture of Queen Victoria’s memorial. Can you identify where it used to stand?

Other items in this issue include the return of the Arts Festival Free Concerts (page 15) and Strettfest (page 58). Other musical events to tempt you include the Papaza Concert (page 20) and More Singers (page 40). The walkers amongst you will be pleased to see the return of the shuttle buses – details on page 28.

There is a mix of articles to read as you enjoy a cup of tea in the sunshine. The younger generation, once again, demonstrate a thoughtful approach – Student Journalists (page 30) and Christine Williams’ Climate Care article (page 18).

Enjoy the long bank holiday weekend to celebrate the Jubilee whether you choose to join in with the celebrations or just find time to pause and read this issue of Focus.

Janet Du Cros

WILLOWBATCH

CARDING MILL VALLEY

A ground floor, centrally heated one bedroom self catering apartment, set in the beautiful surroundings of Carding Mill Valley 100 yards past the National Trust Pavilion.

Please contact Don Rogers for rates and availability on 01694 722358 or donrogers@gmail.com www.willowbatch.co.uk

Friends of Church Stretton Library

AGM Wednesday 22nd June at 7.00pm in the URC Hall

Friends of Church Stretton Library was launched in June 2019 to help save our lovely library here in Church Stretton – by supporting the staff and raising funds. Stringent restrictions from the first wave of Covid meant we were unable to run our planned first AGM in 2020, and the continued effects of the pandemic resulted in our 2021 AGM being held online. We now plan to hold our 2022 AGM on 22nd June at the URC Hall at 7.00pm.

All members are welcome to attend. In addition to the usual AGM business there will be an introductory audiovisual presentation on our past events and achievements.

Following wine and nibbles – hopefully in the garden if the weather is good enough – we will move on and discuss the main points of Shropshire Council’s new draft Library Strategy. We would really appreciate input from members on how to make the implementation of the strategy a success in Church Stretton to ensure the future of our library.

Also if you would like to know more about the role of the charity’s trustees or if you might consider joining our committee, please email churchstrettonlibrary@outlook. com or leave a message at the front desk at the library.

Welcome and Thank You

A big thank you to Books by Moonlight who have generously donated £100 to Friends of Church Stretton Library to demonstrate their support for our work.

Books by Moonlight opened in April and can be found at 2 Burway Road. It offers a warm and friendly bespoke second hand bookshop, with books to suit everyone!

Thank you!

The Trustees of Friends of Church Stretton Library

Strettons’ Planning Diary: Help Each Other Avoid Event Clashes

This is an online planning calendar which helps events organisers check whether there are similar events taking place in the Strettons area before deciding on a date for their own event.

They can then enter brief details of their own event so other organisations know to avoid that date if they are planning something similar.

The online calendar was set up in 2021 and many organisations are already using it. However, we recently heard from a group who were not aware of it and wish they had after they discovered someone else running a similar event in the same week.

Please make sure that any clubs or groups you are a member of are aware of this facility.

You can find the calendar by going to the Friends of Church Stretton library website and taking the option at the top right-hand side of the home page for the Strettons’ Planning Diary: see www.strettonlibraryfriends.org.uk.

present Interesting Times – Church Stretton 1914-1918

On Friday 8th July at 7.30pm in the Silvester Horne Institute the Stretton Players and Friends of Church Stretton library will be presenting the story of our community in wartime.

This show was first presented in 2018 to celebrate the Centenary of the 1918 Armistice. We are repeating this production to celebrate the Centenary of The Church Stretton Branch of the Royal British Legion and its continuing support for the members of the Armed Forces.

In Interesting Times we describe how the men of the Strettons went away to war, and how the community continued to keep its home fires burning through four difficult years until the Armistice.

Some men came wearily and thankfully home. Others are remembered on the War Memorial, erected above the town at Longhills, facing down the valley where they had lived and toiled. There are also memorials near the church in All Stretton and in the church at Little Stretton.

What was happening in the town and around during that time?

Much of the story is told in the words of the time through extracts from the Church Stretton Official Handbook of 1912, from Kelly’s Directory for 1913 and 1917, from Harman and Carey’s Information of Church Stretton 1917 and from the pages of the local newspaper, the Church Stretton Advertiser.

Wartime hospital in Church Stretton

We hear the voices of those who lived at that time in Strettondale

Through the research by the Local History Group in 2018, we learn about the lives of some of the Stretton men who marched away.

We will hear some extracts from A Shropshire Lad by A E Housman and the words of Shropshire-born Wilfred Owen, who told the world in a soldier’s voice of the war to end all wars.

Some snatches of the songs of the time will also be heard as we take you through those long years of conflict.

Tickets cost £10 and will be available from 10th June at Newsworld/Sandford Hardware or online at www. ticketsource.co.uk.

Proceeds in support of The Royal British Legion and The Friends of Church Stretton Library.

Sheila Davies

Scout Group News

There has been a flurry of activity throughout the 2nd Longmynd Group as all sections prepare for the main camping season. Both Cub Packs are training in camping skills, including actual overnight camps, ready for a combined camp in the summer. The Wednesday Pack is continuing with the Disability Awareness Badge by including a blindfold sensory trail in its programme. There will also be a night hike particularly to view the fireworks for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Tuesday Pack has added a new activity to its programme by taking up volleyball under local expert Steve Redmond.

The Troop has already had a four-day camp in Wales and further camps are planned. An annual activity will be ‘bracken bashing’ in Batch Valley to keep the area clear. Freddie Westall, one of the two Scouts going to the World Jamboree in South Korea next year, has discovered a talent for making fudge, a profitable addition to his fund-raising efforts. The Explorer Unit has taken part in the Six Summit project and at the time of writing were passing through Church Stretton on the three-day course.

Church Stretton Library and Visitor Information Centre

Opening Hours

Monday 10am-4pm Feb-Oct 2022 (Visitor Information Centre only)

Tuesday 9.30am-5pm

Wednesday 10am-4pm Feb-Oct 2022 (Visitor Information Centre only)

Thursday 9.30am-5pm

Friday 9.30am-5pm

Saturday 9.30am-5pm

Sunday Closed

N.B. The visitor information centre is staffed by volunteers. Opening hours are subject to their availability.

Telephone: 01694 722535

Email: churchstretton.library@shropshire.gov.uk

Alexis Seaborne

Explorers on the move, from the left Eric, Will, Finn and Toby. Looking fresh on the first day and coming home first on the third

Group Scout Leader Terry Davies reports that five boys from local schools are taking the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and have chosen the 2nd Longmynd for their service section. Two each are working with the two Packs and one with the Beaver Colony. He is also glad to welcome a new Assistant Beaver Leader to the Group.

Fundraising for the Group was extremely curtailed during the pandemic but now it is set to get under way again with a Beer Festival which will be held in Rectory Field on the 11th and 12th June.

All meetings are held at the Group Headquarters in Church Street and are open to both boys and girls. More information from the Group Scout Leader (GSL) Terry Davies on 07484 717317.

Monday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

Beaver Scout Colony. Ages 6-8: 5.30-6.30pm Scout Troop. Ages 10½-14½: 7-9pm

Explorer Scout Unit. Ages 14-18: 7-9pm (Check dates with GSL)

Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Cub Scout Pack (Tues). Ages 8-10½: 6.30-8pm

Wednesday 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Cub Scout Pack (Wed). Ages 8-10½: 6..30-8pm

Fred Reeve

Directors Required for Stretton Focus Limited

Are you intrigued by how Stretton Focus maintains its role at the centre the community and how it continues to evolve with the times?

With 88 volunteers, and all the functions associated with the production and publication of a monthly 60-page high-quality magazine, there is much to think about and do.

Focus’s purpose is to provide an active voice for the community of the Strettons, be a source for creative expression, for useful information and much more besides. We reach some 63% of households with monthly sales of approximately 1,600.

The board of directors has oversight of the performance of the magazine and is also responsible for governance and the commercial success of the company. In looking to the future, the board is the policy making and strategy

body. The intent is for the board to have directors with a complementary and broad range of skills and backgrounds. These are unpaid volunteer roles.

Focus is now seeking additional directors. Applicants should be familiar with contributing at board level or its equivalent. At this time, the board wishes to enhance its collective commercial experience, and also its legal expertise, although suitable applicants from other backgrounds will also be of interest.

We welcome applicants who are residents of the Strettons, both those with no prior involvement with Focus and existing volunteers.

Should you be interested, please contact Richard Fillenham at chairmansfocus@btinternet.com.

Secretary to the Board of Stretton Focus Limited

Applications are invited for the role of Secretary to the Board. The post holder’s principal role is to provide administrative services to the Stretton Focus Limited board of directors, reporting to the Chairman.

Typically, there are three board meetings per year and a small number of other events such as the Annual General Meeting of the members of Focus.

Duties would include maintaining statutory records, reporting to Companies House, taking minutes of meetings,

distributing the minutes and other documents to the directors, and arranging meeting venues. There may be a small number of other administrative duties.

This volunteer role would greatly assist the smooth functioning of the board and would be a valued part of the Focus team.

Should you be interested please apply to Richard Fillenham at chairmansfocus@btinternet.com.

Church Stretton & District Chamber of Trade

Moving Forward

The Chamber of Trade has been established in the town since the mid-1900s and is made up of people running local businesses whether in the town centre or from further afield. Its members include owners from all sectors such as retail, professional services, food and drink establishments, accommodation providers, sole traders and trades people.

In the past the Chamber has represented local businesses with any issues with statutory bodies and councils, it has promoted Church Stretton community through special themed events such as the Stretton Summerfest, food fayres, fireworks, Strettfest and Christmas lights.

At present we have around thirty members and hold regular monthly meetings at the Hayloft, part of the Kings Arms in the High Street. During the past two years the Chamber has not held so many meetings due to

the pandemic, however having held successful meetings during the past few months, members have discussed our way forward and to rebrand our current initiatives and create more of a ‘Church Stretton Business Network’. On Monday 13th June we are inviting all types of businesses to an informal event at The Hayloft, Kings Arms, Church Stretton at 6pm with finger food, wine and beer.

This is an open invitation to those who are in business in the Strettons who may be working from home, running a small or medium sized business or have a retail or business unit in the area.

We shall welcome all that attend and look forward to new ideas and any concerns that business owners have.

If you have questions in advance please contact Stuart Wright, Chairman (Wrights Estate Agents) or John Gott, Treasurer (Berry’s Café)

Stuart Wright

Arts Festival Free concerts

In addition to the Arts Festival events recently been described in Focus, there will be the usual series of free coffee concerts in the first week of the Festival. This year we expect to be fully back to normal, with concerts in St Laurence’s Church at 10.15am Monday-Saturday July 25th-30th. Excellent tea, coffee and home-made biscuits will be provided after each by Berry’s, with proceeds going to Mayfair Community Centre. There will also be three organ recitals the following week; details below.

Coffee Concerts

On Monday 25th July we welcome Bridgnorth-based professional double bass player Patrick Phillip. Double bass recitals are very rare, but it is an instrument of great range and versatility. Patrick will be playing music from the Baroque period to the present day, showing the full range of the instrument – and he will talk about it too.

Tuesday 26th July sees a return visit by Rosa Bonnin for a viola recital. When Rosa last performed for us, she was a pupil at Wells Cathedral School; she is now in her 2nd year reading music at Oxford University – and she will be playing one of the two Brahms viola sonatas, together with music by Schumann, Bloch and Prokofiev.

Frederick Lawton returns on Wednesday 27th July to give a guitar recital; he last played for us in 2017, and since then has continued his flourishing career, performing, directing, teaching and recording.

Piano duet team Gill Styles and Richard Walker will perform on Thursday 28th July – music by Mozart, Dvořák, Debussy and SaintSaëns – an eclectic programme with something for everyone. The piano itself will be worth hearing; we are fortunate to be able to hire a really first-class instrument from a piano showroom which is used for the ticketed evening events as well.

The generous acoustics of St Laurence’s Church lend themselves well to music for wind instruments, and there have been many such performances over the years. This year a festival first: the Nonet (work for nine instruments) by Raff on Friday 29th July. Raff was a 19th century Swiss composer, not currently at the height of fashion, but his day will surely come. This Nonet is a splendid work, and it is being paired with Richard Strauss’s Serenade for 13 wind instruments – written at the early age of 17, but definitely worth listening to.

We relax on Saturday 30th July with Branded Rogues. Edward Drury and Brian Stone present music for violin, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar and voice. A genre-bending event from the 16th century to the present.

Organ recitals

There will also be organ recitals the following week beginning at noon, ending around 12.45pm – popular programmes including music which will be appreciated by non-organ specialists.

On Monday 1st August, Allan Walker, former Organ Student at St John’s College, Cambridge, and now living in Malvern, returns to give a recital at All Saints’ Church, Little Stretton. The Green Dragon will be open before this recital for coffee, and for lunch afterwards. On Wednesday 3rd August, Richard Walker will play at Holy Trinity Church, Wistanstow, where there is a lovely small organ that we have used twice before for Festival events. We hope that the Plough will be open before and after, but that is yet to be confirmed.

And finally, Anthony Pinel, Director of Music at St Chad’s Church Shrewsbury, will play at St Laurence’s, Church Stretton on Thursday 4th August. This historic organ is in fine working order, sounds very well in the church and has great variety of volume and timbre.

All these concerts are free of charge, and tickets are not required – although it’s wise to come in good time if you want the best seats! There will be collections afterwards (there will be a card reader available, but please note that coffee concert refreshments will be cash only).

Tickets for paid events go on sale on June 1st; they can be purchased through the Festival website (www. strettonfestival.org.uk), in person at all festival events including the free concerts, and at the Church Stretton Visitor Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.00am and noon.

Richard Walker

Different brains

The essays by your student journalists always make interesting reading, but the Importance of Arts Education did cause me a rise in temperature as a person more inclined to science than the arts. I think she is suggesting that science subjects require merely an ability to recall information and arts subjects require more creativity. There is a point of view that it may in fact be the other way round. The matter tends to be subjective because how do we really know how someone else thinks?

At school I was hopeless at arts subjects. Making up a fictional essay was a real struggle – I felt it was lying. Yet I considered myself creative. I made all sorts of stuff in Meccano, including, at the age of 13, a fully working model of a car differential gear, of which I was very proud. I had imagination and would dream about the difference between two squares and travelling through the galaxy on a beam of light.

Our history master at Ludlow Grammar, a quietly spoken man past his retirement age, was exasperated that I wouldn’t ‘perform’ for him as he must have known I did in Physics, Maths and Latin. In one class he announced “I will say this three times – pay attention Priestley!” (I was gazing out of the window,) “Battle of Waterloo 1815. Battle of Waterloo 1815. Battle of Waterloo 1815.” I failed my history O-level. It’s all about different brains. Not everyone thinks in the same way, or about the same things, or how they come to a certain conclusion, or even allows their mind to think at all on a point.

Thank You

Running for Ukraine

Iwould like to thank all those who sponsored me for my Lake Annecy Marathon which I ran on 17th April. The marathon was a great success, and with a time of 3:08:33 I improved on my previous best marathon time by a whole two seconds! I am even more proud, however, that the Peppers ‘community’ helped me to raise £5,587 (+ £1,159 Gift Aid) for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Thank you all so much.

Richard Pepper

Trivia Corner

by Ken Willis Answers on page

40

1. Piddle is a river in which English county?

2. The Bangles & Atomic Kitten topped the charts with which song?

3. Who played Uncle Bryn in Gavin & Stacey?

4. Inspector Kurt Wallander is the creation of which writer?

5. How many deadly sins are there?

And what a wonderful thing this is! The diversity within a species that causes evolution as described by Darwin applies not only to physical differences but to the brain as well. What a dull world it would be if we were all the same! Getting older I have grown to understand and appreciate non-science subjects and the student journalist is absolutely right of course that arts education should not decline in importance. Everyone must make the most of the particular talents they have.

The history master came up to me when the class was dismissed. “When was the Battle of Waterloo?” he asked. I honestly hadn’t a clue.

Will Priestley

Stretton Shoes Farewell

It seems to me, and probably a lot of you, that it’s the end of an era for the shoe shop. By the time you read this I will be starting the next chapter of my life.

I just want to thank each and every one of you for the gifts I have received, and all the lovely wishes for my retirement. They all mean a lot to me.

The shop has been my life for the last 19 years and now it’s time for me and my partner to do all the things we couldn’t do whilst working. I’m sure I will see you all out and about in Stretton when I’m walking around the town enjoying the freedom, sunshine etc. Take care.

Kerry Beard

Climate Care – Children Lead the Way

At 3.15pm on Monday 4th April a small group of school students, including Lola, Jack, Laura, Lucy, Issy T, Issy L and Ruby, met with an adult panel of nine representatives from various Church Stretton groups. The meeting was moderated by Barrie Oxtoby of the u3a (University of the Third Age) and Stretton Climate Care. The adult panelists were keen to ask these young people about their attitudes and thinking on climate change: a daunting prospect for youngsters between the tender ages of 11 and 16, but the panel’s first question brought them tumbling passionately out of their comfort zones of school, family and friends.

Jack was the first and, when asked for his thoughts, confidently asserted that, “People aren’t doing enough!” Lucy agreed, adding that “The situation is devastating, and is with us right now.” Passions surged, with each of the students taking a turn to agree with their peers.

Laura expressed disappointment that the G7 governments and COP22 Climate Conference had demonstrated such a woeful lack of courage and commitments, and that she had hoped to see targets, with appropriate policies and money in place, to build many more sustainable sources of power from wind and waves, hydro-electric generators, household solar panels and heat pumps. Jack agreed, venturing that every new building must have sustainable energy sources built in to their design, and that every home should be retro-fitted with solar panels at the very least. He suggested that planning laws mitigate against these initiatives and seemed at a loss to understand why these apparently simple changes haven’t already been implemented.

All these youngsters agree that wind turbines are engineering elegance, with a beauty all their own, and that planning laws must be changed to allow many more to be built as a matter of urgency.

They are exasperated that, in their view, most adults are unaware of how their energy is generated, or interested in the cost to the environment created by their shopping habits, and are oblivious to the long term effects of their careless choices. They are disappointed that too few adults commit to learning more before they cast their political votes, and that far too many seem fixated on living in the moment, being unwilling or unable to think about the longer term. Many are reluctant to engage in appropriate conversations with their children, or even each other, about the world their children and grandchildren will inherit. To these young people it seems that older generations, even some of their own parents, believe that individual actions are pointless, an attitude that provides a screen behind which they can hide from difficult questions.

However, all praised those of their family members who are as committed as they are to making a difference. One student is proud to have been given a litter-picker for her birthday, and another that it is her family’s practice to grow-your-own as much as possible. One said that her brother works in the wind power industry, and there was pride in her voice.

Plastic rubbish and fossil fuels came in for particular censure, with thoughtless disposal of the former (thrown out of car windows, being left behind after picnics and more,) attracting specific scorn, together with holiday makers who appear to believe that flying abroad is almost a human right.

At this point we were joined by Lydia and Bella, who came directly from GCSE exams, which provided a natural breakpoint to turn these young people’s thoughts from discussions about the macro-issues of governments and engineering solutions to personal actions. They were asked what every individual should do to reduce their own carbon footprints. They demanded that people should walk and cycle more; think about the rubbish they create and how they dispose of it; educate themselves about recycling and to recycle everything they can, even when buying clothing and gifts; think “do I need this?” before they buy; use public transport wherever possible; take their own litter home and even pick up after others; shop locally; eat seasonal and locally produced foods or even become vegetarian, and stop flying. Lydia worried that this will make it difficult for people to visit family members who live significant distances away, even when travelling within the UK itself, but she conceded that everyone needs to make sacrifices or nothing will change.

Jack argued, ardently, for an increase in taxation to pay for necessary and essential changes, declaring that even difficult change is better than extinction.

When they were asked whether they would support campaigning organisations, such as Compassion in World Farming, whether they had considered writing to food growers,

processors and supermarkets about the amount of plastics on their shelves, or if they would join a campaign organisation, they looked across the floor at each other as these ideas settled in their minds. Perhaps it was a fancy, but the shadows of Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough seemed to appear behind them. Maybe these were questions for them to ponder rather than answer in that room.

These young people are, by virtue of their ages, inexperienced, idealistic and somewhat naïve, but they care keenly, and worry about the future in what seems to be on a downhill race towards calamity. They want to know more, they have their role-models and they’re not afraid to raise their voices. But is that enough? Past generations didn’t stop to look at the dangers they were creating, or that the industrial revolution they fostered into growth would have such a devastating result. Now, however, we know, and our children and grandchildren are teaching us more. We must hear them.

Evening Flora Walk

Wednesday 29th June at 5.45pm

Come and join us for a walk around some of the mires and flushes on Plush Hill, led by members of the local Botany Survey Team of Shropshire Wildlife Trust. The team surveys wildlife sites around the Strettons Area.

As the song goes, “the children are our future” and we all have a duty of care towards them.

The discussions we had in that room on 4th April were centred on these young people and their opinions, but the UK has a long history of exporting ideas and solutions around the world. After all, we began the industrial revolution that has done so much harm. Our place on the world stage has changed within the past three or four generations, but we still carry sufficient weight to be a role model for change. These young people believe that our nation and its innovations can be among the leaders of a revolution in climate care. Do you, and what are YOU going to do about it?

Christine Williams Focus Journalist

by Christine Williams

Plush Hill includes interesting upland grasslands, meadows and flushes with a wide variety of flowers, grasses, sedges and rushes. We’ll be looking at and recording the species we find of flowers, grasses, sedges and rushes.

Meet at Plush Hill car park near Jinlye (SO 4516 9631) at 5.45pm. The walk will last about two hours, and everyone is welcome. Waterproof footwear and clothing are needed. If you have a favourite flower ID book, bring it with you.

Members £3, non-members £4. For further information contact Wally Blake (01694 724040) or Janet Martin (01694 722361).

Photos

Janet Martin

Bog Pimpernel

Round-leaved sundew

Pazapa – Step by Step – in Haiti

An annual jazz concert, a quiz night, a classical music concert and a network of friends all around the UK are helping to support children and young people at Pazapa, (‘Step by Step’ in the Creole language). Pazapa is an amazing school and medical facility for children with disabilities in Haiti. If you’ve not yet been to one of our events or heard about our local charity, Pazapa Church Stretton then we’d love you to get involved.

Many people in the Church Stretton community have generously supported the Pazapa school over the years since the devastating earthquake of 2010. Since then, funds have been used to develop medical care and outreach services for children with severe and complex needs, providing much-needed family support, inclusive and vocational education.

A key part of Pazapa’s outreach programme is its monthly dry food distribution for those families in desperate need of nutrition. A hundred children regularly benefit from Pazapa’s anti-epileptic programme receiving the medication they need to be safe and go to school. Specialist casts and braces are provided for children with clubfoot, and adapted play equipment has been installed at the school so children can engage in physical activities alongside their peers. The Pazapa School and Rural Outreach Services are strong advocates in a country that does

Summertime

Our annual concert of sheer delight Saturday 25th June at 10.30am

Across the centuries from Handel to Gershwin

Sarah Westwood (soprano), Chris Lacey (flute) and Richard Silk (piano) in the United Reformed Church. Free entrance with donations in aid of Pazapa.

In aid of Pazapa Church Stretton. Supporting the School and Clinic for Disabled children in Haiti www.pazapa.org Registered Charity No: 1167025.

Noel

not always value diversity (where children with additional needs are often hidden away or institutionalised) providing new spaces for disability-advocacy community meetings and inclusive education. Amidst the turmoil of earthquakes, tropical storms, gang and political violence, fuel shortages and spiralling inflation, the need for places at the school and for outreach services and support has increased. Step by step, Pazapa is providing a beacon of hope to children and their families in Haiti.

Pazapa Church Stretton was set up to raise funds to support the school in 2010. “It is amazing to see how this special school is now impacting on the local area and wider community, just a small regular donation can make a huge difference and all the money you give and gift aid goes to the school” said Pazapa Church Stretton Treasurer Graham Jackson. There are lots of ways to get involved; you can become a friend of Pazapa and make a monthly donation, join our small friendly committee, or help at events. Please book the date and come along to the music concert at the URC on Saturday 25th June.

If you would like to get to know us and find out more about Pazapa Church Stretton please contact Helen Crumpton at pazapachurchstretton@yahoo. co.uk

Beattie

Church Stretton Area Local History Group

The next meeting will be held on Monday 20th June at 2.00pm at the URC Hall.

The talk is entitled ‘A Shropshire Alphabet’ –historical wanderings through the county with David Preshous. This is a personal collection of David’s favourite Shropshire places, people and anecdotes… the unpredictable and unexpected! David is from Bishop’s Castle and is an entertaining speaker with a wealth of knowledge about Shropshire’s history.

Visitors are welcome, but if you are not on our email list and Covid persists into June, please call 723627 before the meeting to make sure it is going ahead as planned.

Madeline Haigh

Louise Jackson, Pazapa Church Stretton Committee

The Idea Of God

One of the images from Ukraine that lingers in the mind was the woman in Bu after another massacre. Her cry: “What kind of god do we need to pray to, who will stop all this?” There are no words with which to respond, and none were offered, but listening, holding, waiting, and accompanying her to some safer place for now.

It is a question that some time we who are identified in the so called ‘religious sector’ have to answer.

I go back in my mind to those caves in Lascaux SW France or in southern Spain where our Neanderthal ‘cousins’ painted on the walls of their cave expressions of how they saw themselves connecting with their environment, reaching out in wonder, awe and respect to something beyond themselves. In a frequently hostile world they created rituals to help them construct coping strategies and ways of celebrating life. Religious thought, or just human thought, did not come from outside, but from the imagination of our ancestors. From then on humanity evolved religious thought and practice to identify the elemental powers as gods, perhaps in tandem with developing their social organisation and governance. At times there are tribal gods; a pantheon of deities in larger settlements; and in kingdoms, a high god.

Among the Semitic peoples their pantheon had a high god called El who had 70 children some of whom were god/man figures. Eventually a more powerful deity emerges as Yahweh who had a body and a wife, but later he would become the one god of the monotheistic religions in the region. For Jewish people god became a more abstract concept, their interest being the integrity and solidarity of the community. The Christians somehow managed to position themselves into the wider multicultural Roman and Greek world with its many gods by re-introducing the idea of a son of god, and the new idea of the trinity. This became the foundation of Western culture and civilisation.

As Galileo discovered, the earth actually orbits the sun, a forbidden thought in religion then; we discover that we

are creatures, like all others, existing by happenchance of some chemical reactions, in an expanding, unknowable universe.

The Psalmist poet sings in Psalm 8: “What is man that thou art mindful of him ... Thou hast crowned him with glory and honour”. However, consider the heavens he asks – that immensity that surrounds us. Who are we on a fragile planet? Is this whole wondrous, infinite universe, the billions of suns and trillions of planets, all for our human existence, who can conceive wondrous things and execute such barbarity?

Religion has always been a vehicle through which we explore an understanding of who we are. Such an enterprise can only be appreciated in symbols and stories, with humility, valuing the richness of diverse human experience of living, suffering, knowing and enjoying the grandeur of all that is.

God or gods exist in our creative imagination, not in some supernatural sphere, but in our hope of becoming beings at ease with ourselves. For many ‘the idea of god’ inspires us to take seriously how we need to conduct ourselves in relation to others and with our world – doing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our god. We are, in the face of many contradictions, collectively, communally, compassionately, the saviours of our own bodies and souls.

And yet – the question our ancestors posed and all of us humans must some time wonder: why there is life; why anything at all? A mystery, a lonesome hope that there is more, grander still, beyond all, some centre of meaning.

O Thou transcendent, Nameless, the fibre and the breath, Light of the light, shedding forth universes, thou centre of them, ...

(Walt Whitman, text of Sea Symphony by R. Vaughan Williams)

Noel Beattie

Church Stretton Town Council Community Matters

Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend 2-5th June

Thank you to the Focus for a great summary of events in the May edition and for their generous funding of events. There will be something for everybody over the four days of the Jubilee and it is a good opportunity for the town to celebrate after two hard years. Watch out for programmes and more news on social media as the Jubilee approaches.

All Stretton Jubilee Park

After much planning, pushing and fundraising, work started on 3rd May on replacing the play equipment at All Stretton.

After the play equipment in All Stretton was condemned in 2021, the All Stretton Village Society took action to replace it. This has been a really good example of community action and collaboration with funding coming from the Village Society (which raised over £10,000), the Heritage Lottery (£8,500) and the Town Council (£20,000). The new facility will include some adult fitness equipment as well as a range of children’s play kit. A huge thank you to Caroline Crump, Rosie Faulkner and all of the volunteers from the village who in addition to raising the money have spent many hours preparing the site. Special thanks go to Tony Lawrence for his help with the tractor for clearing the site and Robin Lloyd for leading much of the fundraising.

Much of the play equipment in Brooksbury Recreation Ground is now in need of replacing and the Town Council is hoping that members of the community will come forward to help with fundraising over the summer. Please contact the Council offices if you are able to help.

Housing Needs Survey

A reminder to anyone who has not yet completed a survey that there is still time to submit one. It will only take 10 minutes and the greater the response the better the data. Anyone who has mislaid their original questionnaire can contact the organisers, Arc4, on freephone 0800 612 9133. The results of the survey will be available in July.

Parking

Regular readers of Focus will have learned in the April edition that “Given that Shropshire Council is the traffic authority responsible ... Shropshire Council should be the lead authority on presentation of any proposals.” However, anyone who attended or tried to attend the public meeting called by Shropshire Council on 13th April will know that this didn’t proceed as smoothly as they had hoped.

On 19th April a meeting organised by the CSTC attended by Unitary Councillors, CS Officers, NT managers, Town Councillors and residents’ representatives agreed that parking matters should be progressed together in a joint working group and on 26th April the Town Council unanimously agreed to establish a formal working group of the Town Council to do this. The purpose of formalising the working group is to allow the Town Council to use its resources to clerk the meetings and issue minutes. Residents can track progress in future editions of the Focus and minutes on the Town Council website.

Community Fund

The Community Fund, trailed in the May edition of Focus, was launched in May, and is working in partnership with the Church Stretton Consolidated Charities to raise funds for any refugees who settle in the parish and also for any residents who experience poverty which has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. The increases in food and energy prices need no further introduction, and as a rural community – with many residents using oil for heating and with longer journeys to work and shop – we will be hit harder.

All the details on how to contribute are given in the Community Fund appeal document, hard copies of which can be obtained from Sandford Hardware and the Town Council offices, and the Town Council website.

S137 Grants

The Town Council approved a budget of £10,000 for s137 grants for the financial year 2022/23 which was to be spread evenly over the entire year. The Finance Committee, which oversees the distribution of the funds, met on 12th April, and made distributions totalling £2,500 being the first quarter’s apportionment. The Finance Committee will consider the second quarter’s allocations at its meeting in July. Details about how to apply are given on the Town Council’s website.

Council Finances for the year ended 31st March 2022

At its meeting on 26th April the Town Council noted the draft figures for the year ended 31st March 2022. These are subject to audit and confirmation, but the figures presented to Council were:

The preliminary surplus for the year ended 31st March 2022 before transfers to Ear Marked Reserves (EMR) was £82,108 – being the difference between the opening balance (balances b/fwd) of £422,695 and the carried forward or closing balance (c/fwd) of £504,803. It was as the result of increased income (other receipts in the table) and lower

31st March 2021 £ 31st March 2022 £

Balances b/fwd 443,350 422,695

Precept 408,202 404,969 Other receipts 39,646 89,979

Staff costs 208,113 189,968

Loan interest 7,842 7,842 Other payments 252,548 215,030 Balances c/fwd 422,695 504,803

Total value of cash 442,159 543,139

costs and payments. (Bold text refers to items in the table). Full accounts will be published once audited, but it was felt important to share this information with the town as soon as it was available.

This surplus will allow the Council to allocate some of these funds to EMRs, and in particular to street lighting replacement (£12,000), the extension of the town cemetery (£20,000) and tree works (£25,000), all work which is urgently needed and which was planned for in the budget in anticipation of the year end surplus.

After boosting these funds the total EMR will increase to £373,832 and general reserves will be £130,971 which will also allow the Town Council to meet its newly adopted reserves policy of a minimum of four months net relevant expenditure (NRE). For 2022/23 NRE is budgeted at £123,197. Together, the EMR and General Reserves total £504,803.

The renewal of street lighting is one of the best ways for the Town Council to contribute to carbon reduction, whilst the existing cemetery is almost full and needs extending. These will be two of the important capital works planned during the year.

Emergency Planning Group

Over the past nine months the Town’s Emergency Planning Group, led by Cllr Colin Carson, have been researching and developing a new emergency plan for the town and surrounding villages. It will be published shortly along with individual leaflets for each household which can be retained, and which carry instructions about what to do in an emergency, items to keep in an emergency kit and useful information and contacts. Working in conjunction with several local agencies and charities, the Group will also be recruiting local street wardens who, in the event that services are disrupted, or bad weather prevents movement, will check on their street or neighbourhood and summon further assistance if required. Anybody who is willing to help should contact the Town Council in the first instance either on 01694 722113 or by email on cllr.colincarson@ churchstretton-tc.gov.uk

And finally…

A warm thank you to the residents of the Little Stretton Village Society whose General Meeting I attended on Wednesday 27th April. In a packed village hall, I was asked to set out some of the plans which the Town Council has, and to explain the importance of the Shropshire Local Plan for our community. I detailed developers’ submitted applications to build over 1,000 new homes around the town and how the data from the Housing Needs Survey will be critical in addressing this through the Examination in Public (EiP) of the Local Plan. Although the dates for the EiP have not yet been set, I don’t doubt that the subject will return to Community Matters in future months.

Andy Munro

Scrappies is bursting with end of line and recycled resources for craft, art and household projects of all kinds. Fabric, craft materials, stationery, haberdashery and a huge range of offcuts from industries are just some of the items on offer. Scrappies is also an outlet for Tools for Self Reliance, where you can find pre-owned and refurbished tools to help with DIY projects. We’re open to the public, so do come and visit us in Church Stretton; the heart of the lovely Shropshire Hills. Donation of items for sale in the shop: We welcome donations of clean, safe items for use in children’s education and creative arts on Saturday afternoons, between 2pm and 4pm. We cannot accept donations at any other time as we have to keep them for 72 hours before putting them out for sale and we don’t have very much storage space.

You are no longer required to make an appointment to donate items to the store.

Contact Details

Scrappies

At this time, we do not require the following items – yoghurt pots, butter tubs, egg boxes (please use your home recycling boxes for all these and anything else you can recycle easily) or lever arch files.

1 Sherratt Court, Beaumont Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6BN

Tel: 01694 328508 Email: info@scrappies.org

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am-5pm Thursday 10am-4pm Friday 10am-4pm Saturday 10am-4pm

Piyaz Turkish bean salad

Salad season is amongst us once again and nobody could be more pleased than Mr Heidi who, very helpfully, does love a salad. This is a notch up however in terms of interest and was inspired by a recent trip to Turkey where we dined amongst the locals with fabulous extensive brunches incorporating all manner of interesting flavours and textures, sweet and savoury, to dip into.

This recipe calls for cannellini or other white beans, but I think it’s equally at home with well-cooked chickpeas to soak up the dressing. I prefer to cook dried pulses myself rather than using tinned ones as you can vary the softness to suit your recipe and the flavour is much better. They’re also very economical of course. Having soaked them overnight I like to pressure cook them for 30 minutes, but you can cook them in a pan of water for around two hours before using them in your recipe of choice if you don’t have one. I always soak and cook far more than needed (usually a whole bag at a time) and then freeze the leftovers ready for an easy beany meal in a hurry. Quantities can be readily adapted to suit.

Serves 6 as a side or more as part of a buffet

Ingredients

Dressing

¼ cup good olive oil

4 tbsp apple cider vinegar – or other vinegar of choice

1 garlic clove crushed

2 tbsp lemon juice

A good shake of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Piyaz salad

4-6 spring onions chopped

2 cans cannellini beans drained or equivalent of cooked dried beans of choice

2-3 medium full flavoured tomatoes sliced in half moons

Half a cucumber chopped

A good handful of parsley roughly chopped

1 tbsp sumac

Handful of pitted black olives

2 hard-boiled eggs sliced

Method

Make the dressing by putting all the ingredients in a jar and shaking until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble all the salad ingredients down to the parsley in a large bowl, drizzle with the dressing then the sumac and toss gently.

Cover the salad and keep in fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavours to mingle.

Garnish with egg and olives just before serving.

In the Antalya region they like to make this using ¼ cup of tahini added to the dressing. It is also common practice

in Turkey to use ½ red onion for this recipe in place of the spring onions, in which case they soak the sliced onions in a bowl of water for 5 minutes to soften their strong flavour and to help with digestion. It’s not called for in the recipe but I think a handful of chopped fresh mint is a good shout here to further liven up the flavours. Either way, make the salad as early as you can as the flavours improve as it sits. It can be made a day in advance and keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heidi

Photo: Shutterstock

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● Borders maintenance

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Ben Carter

Landscaping, Grounds, Property Maintenance

Hedge cutting & reductions lawn care, mowing, spraying garden clearance fencing installation/repairs shed building/repairs Mini Digger work

Please call 07891 376638 or 01743 718802 for further information

This month we celebrate our beloved Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, commemorating her 70 years of service to the nation. At her coronation in 1952, I was just a student. The nation had so recently come through two world wars and we were still experiencing austerity and hardship. Life was a great deal simpler, but at the same time there were more certainties and there was a sense of order and purpose. Modern advances in technology have made life easier in these days, but they have added psychological and sociological pressures, which have made life more complex, especially for young people. Through all these changes the Queen has remained a steadfast bulwark. Her dedication to duty and her selfless commitment to public service have been an example to all of us. One great advantage of a Monarchy is that as Queen she is above politics. Yet at the same time she has an up-to-date awareness of the current state of affairs, here and worldwide, and her vast knowledge and experience have enabled her to be a steadying hand for political leaders in times of change. We remember her with love and respect, not for any political or military success, nor the celebrity status of the many who influence public opinion these days. What we so much admire is her complete commitment to her duty. A duty which she did not choose, but which was thrust upon her by circumstances beyond her control, a destiny which she accepted with a deep religious conviction, which one can attribute to her religious belief. Certainly, the anointing with oil which formed part of the coronation ceremony, dates back to Biblical times and was a symbol of the empowering of the Holy Spirit, enabling a sovereign to rule with the authority of God. Indeed, many of our modern laws are based on the ten commandments. The Queen’s life has been an

Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus

Thursday 2nd June-Sunday 25th September, weekends and bank holidays, including the Queen’s Jubilee weekend

We are welcoming passengers back on board the Shropshire Hills Shuttle Buses for the Queen’s Jubilee weekend. Starting on Thursday 2nd June, the buses are back on the road, running every weekend and bank holiday until the end of September. Join us for a day trip over the Jubilee weekend. We can’t promise bunting on board, but we can promise friendly banter, some lovely walks and perfect pit stops for refreshments.

Use the buses to explore some of the best bits of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stride out across the Long Mynd, discover the Golden Valley, hike along the Stiperstones ridge, or stroll along the easy access trail to enjoy the far-reaching views. Shuttle stops include the popular Bog Visitor Centre, the Stiperstones Inn and Bridges country pub.

New for 2022 – we now accept contactless payment on the buses, along with cash and concessionary bus cards, and you can find out where the bus is using the ‘realtime’ online timetable: search ‘780 Long Mynd Stiperstones’.

outstanding example of the extent of her religious belief and commitment to its values. In her marriage for example, her love and devotion to her beloved Prince Phillip never faltered, and he in return, until his recent death, was a tower of strength and support, through the long years of family problems.

It is interesting to note that the Jewish nation used to celebrate a special Jubilee every 50 years, a spectacular event, known also as the year of Restoration, which affected every person and level of society. It meant a completely new start for everyone, irrespective of rank or social status. The law required that all land and property which had been sold in the interim had to be restored to the original owner of fifty years earlier. Slaves had to be set free and all debts cancelled. Which meant that those who had fallen on hard times could have a fresh start. It was significant because it meant that land and property could only be sold ‘leasehold’, with a maximum term of 50 years, and slaves’ service could not extend beyond the Jubilee. The reason underlying this was the idea that the earth is not owned by us, we are only tenants. Although later Jewish scholars believed that the law only applied to the land of Israel and its division amongst the twelve tribes, to ensure the continuity of each tribe. Many modern thinkers would agree with the principle for everyone today. However, the reason underlying the Jewish Law, was that everything belonged to God, not to mankind, and we are accountable to Him for everything that we do. We are only tenants of the world we possess, preserving it for future generations, acknowledging our role, which is that of stewards of the present for the future.

Ken Hathaway

Like most other rural bus services, the Shuttle Buses need financial support to keep them going. The simple way to support the service is to use it, share your experiences and encourage your friends and family on board too.

You can also donate through our Shuttle Bus Supporter Scheme. Details about this, along with the route, timetable, ticket prices are at www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk.

The Shuttles Bus Service is managed by the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, with funding from Shropshire Council, Church Stretton Town Council and National Trust. Income from the car parks at Carding Mill Valley and Stiperstones National Nature Reserve as well as donations from Shuttle Supporters also help to fund this service.

Stephanie Hayes

Are Exams Fair?

You have probably heard that there is a continuous debate about whether exams are a fair way of assessing students. On one hand, yes, exams cannot be written by someone else, essays cannot be copied off the internet and success cannot be paid for; everyone is theoretically given an equal chance. But is it really right that something that could change a student’s whole life is based on less than two hours in an exam hall?

Of all the subjects offered at my school when I was choosing my GCSEs, 53% were fully exam-based qualifications, five of which were compulsory. Exams are only one way of grading, and it is unfair that extremely bright students, who find exams hard, achieve less due to a poorly designed system. Exams only take into account the answers to a very small number of questions, and school

Censorship

While everyone is talking about what’s happening in Ukraine, people are forgetting about what’s happening in Russia: censorship. Censorship is the suppression of words, images or ideas and can be carried out by the government or by private groups. Under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to receive news through any media and express their opinions. However, this is not the case in many countries in the world, and Russia, at the moment, is a particularly extreme example.

In these more censored countries, for example North Korea, the media serves as a mouthpiece for the state, and any independent journalism which is seen as contravening the censorship guidelines can be extremely risky for the journalists involved. This type of state control is not a new phenomenon. Censorship has been evident throughout history, and in Russia there was a long era of strict

The Importance of Poetry

Poetry is often seen as something pretentious, something that only a few privileged people can understand, but it is so much more powerful than that.

The power of poetry comes from the fact that it does not have to conform to the traditional standards of prose. Poets are free to write without grammatical constraints. This gives the writer the opportunity to convey their ideas without hindrance. The word ‘poetry’ is of Greek origin, derived from a noun meaning ‘to make’ or ‘to create’, confirming this way of using language.

I have observed that many students feel intimidated when studying poetry. This could largely be due to

runs over many years, during which students may produce numerous outstanding pieces of work, that don’t contribute to the all-important final grade.

Also, many of these questions have very specific answers so rather than assessing a student’s knowledge of the subject, these questions simply test memory or even just the competence of the teacher. Facts and figures can be researched and learnt but exam technique is something that can only be taught. Is it really fair for grades to rely so greatly on the teacher? In addition, because of this, exams reinforce the divide between state schools and private education as they favour those with resources not just intelligence. According to Ofqual figures, in 2019 there was a 24 percentage point gap between private schools and comprehensives in A* and A grades at A-level. This

censorship under the rulers of the USSR lasting until the end of the 1980s.

However, censorship is not always used for the same reasons. In Nazi Germany, Hitler used censorship to show the world how strong and perfect Germany had become. Whereas Putin is using it to “brainwash” the Russians into believing that there is no such war happening in Ukraine. Recently, Putin signed a law that effectively criminalised any public opposition or independent news reporting about the war against Ukraine. This means that accurate news cannot be spread across Russia from the usual media news outlets, so people are becoming blind to what is really happening. Furthermore, in March this year it was announced that a Russian court had banned Facebook and Instagram in the country, after saying that the companies were “extremist’’. We can clearly see that Russia’s attempts to isolate the people has been successful, as they’ve banned

the curriculum, which is made up of dead, white, middle-class men. People see poetry as formal, and therefore old-fashioned. It appears irrelevant and distant from life today. Traditional poetry has its place, and the messages conveyed are still relevant, but there is also poetry being written today that has meaning to students. Slam poetry has similarities to rap music, using spoken word to convey its message in a short, impactful way. There is an emphasis on the experience of the audience as a group, rather than a personal, internal relationship to the text. This makes the poetry more accessible and engaging.

The group experience of slam poetry and rap encourages people to interpret the message on both

is extremely worrying, in my opinion, and although there are many other factors that cause this divide, I feel that reducing our reliance on exams in determining grades could reduce this gap and give everyone a more equal chance.

And then there is stress. I’m sure any of you who have done exams in the past will remember the feeling of walking into the exam hall, sitting down and seeing the paper for the first time, the paper that could change your life. Or being overwhelmed by the amount of revision and the lack of time. Stress: it clouds the mind, it removes concentration, it makes you panic and fluster. Exams don’t show the true intelligence of a student, they show their ability to work with stress and therefore aren’t truly fair. Even outside of the exam hall, exams have a big impact on the mental health of students. They have to deal with the

stresses of growing up on top of exam stress and this can lead to a number of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and regular panic attacks. According to an article I read recently, 43% of the suicides among those aged under 20 in 2014-15 were experiencing academic pressures of different sorts before their death. Almost one in three had exams at the time, or coming up soon, or were waiting for exam results. These statistics are shocking as I’m sure you’ll agree.

I’m not saying that exams should be completely eradicated but that we should rely on them less and use other methods to assess students, such as coursework. This would give everyone a more equal chance and reduce some of the problems caused by today’s system.

Laura Brian

worldwide social media and controlled independent news outlets.

Many Ukrainians have said that their relatives in Russia simply don’t believe that there’s a war, as they have been so brainwashed by the government that they believe that Russia would never do something like that. For the minority who do know what’s going on, many agree with Putin and the war. Since new laws and regulations adopted over the past few years have allowed the authorities to filter and block internet content automatically, many won’t have seen both sides of the war and will only believe what they’ve been told for years.

In Russia, the truth is getting harder to find as penalties for speaking it grow harsher. You could get a 15-year jail sentence for speaking out against the war, and parents are being warned to watch their children on social media, especially where they may be tempted to show or see anti-

government messages. Children are even receiving special sessions reinforcing the official government beliefs, such as the Russians ‘restoring peace’ in Ukraine.

However, there is still some opposition to the war and to the government, particularly from the younger generation who have watched the war unfold and seen their families and friends go and fight. Anti-war protests have erupted in some of Russia’s major cities, such as Moscow, and thousands have been arrested over spreading ‘fake news’ and ‘discrediting’ the Russian armed forces. Despite the protests being peaceful, the government continues to use violence and their power against them in order to stop the message being spread further around Russia.

We can clearly see how the Russian government controls its people by censoring the things they see and by using propaganda to fill their minds with their extremist ideas, as so many other dictators have done in the past.

Elena Morton

a collective and personal level. This is different to the way students are taught to understand a single interpretation of the text, which is considered ‘correct’ and will therefore gain the highest grade. Students should be free to make sense of the poem themselves, or benefit from discussing it as a group. Poet Miller Williams defined poetry as “the use of language to communicate more than the words seem to say” in passages where “the reader or listener feels like a co-creator”.

Poetry does not have to be experienced through words on a page. Locally, the Poetry Pharmacy in Bishop’s Castle offers ‘poetry on prescription’, where

ailments can be relieved with a ‘poetic remedy’. This service acknowledges that poetry can provide help and succour in a time where people are looking for ways to feel supported and understood.

Poetry is important today because it can help give context to change in the world. There is currently a lot of instability – examples include the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, Black Lives Matter and #MeToo. Poetry can provide a lens from which to understand the reasons for this instability and, for those who feel society is not progressing quickly enough, it provides inspiration to campaign for more change.

Grace Martin

Buying, wearing and washing our clothes and household textiles has a huge impact on the planet. As well as the land use, energy, water and chemicals used to produce textiles, around 300,000 tonnes of fabric goes to landfill and incineration every year in the UK (one of the highest amounts in Europe), instead of being recycled or repurposed according to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) report, Valuing Our Clothes: The cost of UK fashion. In turn, this produces more greenhouse gases and impacts hugely on climate change.

So, what can we do about it? Firstly, we can buy much less and buy the best quality that’s affordable as they should last longer and be more easily repaired. Secondly, take a look at your clothes – is there something in the wardrobe that you don’t wear because there is some damage or wear and tear? At Repair Café we can mend a tear in a shirt, a hole in a jumper, patch a pair of trousers or stitch a button back on – just to mention a few types of repair!

It is becoming very popular now to repair clothes and textiles rather than bin them and buy new. In fact, some people are even making fashion statements out of repairing garments, showing off a visible repair rather than hiding it. The Japanese are expert menders – Boro is a technique in which patches are stitched to cover holes and tears and Sashiko is another ancient technique where small stitches (or little stabs) are used as a visible mend. In fact, cracked pieces of ceramics in Japan have been fixed over the centuries by using a method of filling the cracks with gold or even patching bigger gaps using different pieces of ceramic; this is called Kintsugi – another ancient craft which is celebrated around the world as a way of thinking, a way of life, an

aesthetic. They call it wabi-sabi which is based on the acceptance of imperfection, being impermanent, and incomplete therefore seeing new beauty in the repair of the item. A completely different approach to our throw away, wasteful culture.

These mending techniques and the philosophy behind them can help us not only extend the life of a garment or object but help us to accept and adopt another way of consuming less, therefore helping us to reduce the causes of climate change. According to WRAP, if we can extend the active life of 50% of UK clothing by nine months, we would save 8% of carbon, 10% of water and 4% of waste per tonne of clothing.

Come along to Repair Café and see if we can make a repair and give your item a new lease of life! We just ask for a donation for any successful repair work.

Sally Farrell and Liesa Shigan

L Visible seam split before R Visible patch repair after

L Visible tear before R Visible mend after

Retrofitting our homes

With greatly increasing energy bills and South Shropshire trying to become Zero Carbon by 2030 there is a rising interest and need to make our homes more energy efficient. Stretton Climate Care have organised a ‘Green Homes / Greener Living’ weekend, 25th-26th June where eight local homes will be open to the public to view the Energy Efficient and Greener Living measures the owners have taken. Full details will be available on their website www. strettonclimatecare.org.uk or at www.greenopenhomes.net/ where a location map and details of each home can be found.

Jon Cooke

Stretton Summer Volleyball

Hi all. Hopefully we’ve had some good weather and you have managed to join me for volleyball on one or more Wednesday evenings in May. I need at least four of us so we can play a game.

Volleyball is a non-contact sport with two teams of up to six players each, male and female, passing a ball over a net. The aim is to ground the ball in your opponent’s court or off an opponent’s body. Each team has to pass the ball over the net with no more than three touches.

If you’re interested then please come along on a Wednesday evening between 7 and 9pm in the Richard Robinson field. Even better, bring a friend! Teens upwards. Nothing serious, the aim is to play, enjoy and socialise for a few hours mid-week.

No commitment required or indeed much playing experience. I can do some light coaching and training to get you started. Please let me know if you have any questions –thebiggestredofall@yahoo.co.uk or 07962 785612

Steve Redmond

Cardington

Cardington Village Hall, Wednesday 1st June, 7.30pm

A Queen Is Crowned (U), Free entry

When Queen Elizabeth the Second was crowned on 2nd June 1953, many of Britain’s leading cinematic artists were commissioned to create this wonderful record of the event. Narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier, it conveys the sights and sounds, the pomp and pageantry, the very spirit of that unforgettable day. Oscar-nominee and BAFTA-winner, A Queen is Crowned is one of the greatest films of an historical event ever made.

Cardington enquiries: 01694 771295

A Quaker Voice

Footsteps in the Snow

Idrew the curtains this morning to be greeted by a world dusted in white. A late fall of snow was sprinkled over branches and shrubs. The Stretton Hills shone beautiful and white in the brilliant sun. As I walked up the hill I left footprints in the snow. The snow will be gone tomorrow and the footprints will be lucky to last more than an hour or two. And what about me? I hope to be around for a few years yet, but sooner or later I shall be no more present than the snow. And what shall I leave behind?

Some will write a symphony, a book or a poem. Most will not. Some will leave children and grandchildren. Some will not.

But we shall all leave a legacy; what it may be is up to us. The things we do, the smiles we share, will stay with those we leave behind. We should, of course, not need reminding to be kind to one another. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another.” More recently Friedrich von Hügel, a theologian who lived and taught in London said, “Caring matters most.” And now there is a large body of research that shows that acts of kindness benefit not only the recipient but the giver. Being kind reduces depression and stress, improves mood

and self esteem and lowers blood pressure. The statistics are backed up by studies demonstrating changes in hormone levels. And out of all this work has developed a social movement called Random Acts of Kindness.

If we are kind, generous or friendly our kindness will multiply and spread. A simple gift or a good deed done carries more than its simple value; it carries an affirmation of a person’s worth. A smile shared is not lost, it is multiplied.

And so, perhaps, when we fade away like the melted snow we shall leave behind some smiles; and not just a smile on our own face like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland but smiles on the faces of family, friends and those who met us.

Since I started writing this column the snow has gone, spring flowers have faded and the cuckoo has announced the arrival of summer. We live in a world beset by the horrors of war and the hardship of illness and poverty: a world that has never had a greater need of kindness. At the same time, as we look at the beauty around us, this world and the people in it give us reason to smile.

Charles West

Church Stretton & District Gardening Club

We have another two outings for you to enjoy this month.

Monday, 13th June Hereford Cathedral Gardens.

Wednesday, 29th June Powis Castle. This is a National Trust Property.

For further information please contact Wendy on 01694 722844.

Stretton Area Community Wildlife Group

Cudwell Meadow News – Project Leader Isabel Carter

Our regular group of volunteers in Cudwell Meadow have been busy over the last few months and considerable progress has been made with tree planting, making benches and controlling bracken, nettles and soft rush. The lambs in the meadow were delighted with the new benches – which they regarded as a wonderful exercise arena built just for them! Four small egrets are welcome recent visitors to the meadow. One year we hope they will stay and nest, but not this year alas.

With permission from the Environment Agency who manage the Quinny Brook, a small scrape was planned at the wetter end of the meadow. Because of underground pipes the work had to be done by hand alas! This was a rather larger task than our volunteers usually tackle, so we asked for help from the Stepping Stones volunteers. An enthusiastic band of people turned up in early April, suitably clad in wellies and grubby clothes. We all got very muddy but with hard work and much conversation, an attractive scrape is now finished. The soil underneath is heavy clay, but this means that the scrape is holding water very well. Water plants like Yellow Flag, water mint and Marsh Marigold are already present and will thrive with more space and colonize the newly dug areas.

We’re very grateful indeed to Focus and the Green Recovery Fund for helping us with the funding for a signboard for the meadow. This will provide information on our management cycle which should enable the wildflower meadow to flourish. It will be unveiled at the official opening of the meadow to the community. All are welcome to come and join us at a short official opening event on Sunday June 5th at 5pm. Following the formal opening and unveiling of the new information board, there will be a flower walk around the meadow. There is no need to book for this, just come and enjoy having a look around.

We always welcome new faces at our monthly work parties on the first Thursday of each month from 1.303.30pm.

SACWG Training Courses

Thanks to the Green Recovery Fund we can offer some training courses this summer. If you like flying critters and you’ve always wanted to gain a little more knowledge about how to work out hoverflies, from solitary bees or bumble bees etc, we have the ideal training for you. ‘Pollinating insect ID; the 10 top groups’ is a course led by local expert Ian Cheeseborough. It’s being held in the Discovery Centre, Craven Arms on 16th June 10am-3.30pm. The course and refreshments are free, but you will need a packed lunch. Please book in advance by emailing: strettonwetlands@gmail.com

Butterfly ID

Local butterfly expert Michael Williams is running a day course to help people learn how to identify and record the butterflies and day-flying moths of the Long Mynd. This will be held on Friday 1st July in All Stretton village hall from 10.30am-3.30pm. Refreshments provided but you will need a packed lunch. Advance booking essential to strettonwetlands@gmail.com

Save our Swifts – Project Leader Julie Cowley

The common swift Apus Apus has been placed on the UK Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern. Numbers are declining, in part due to loss of nesting sites here in the UK. Swifts are almost entirely aerial-living birds, feeding on flying insects. The UK population returns during May for just three months, to breed. They are faithful to their mate, pairing for life and are also ‘site-faithful’ so generations of swifts can be raised at one nest site.

The 2022 Swifts in the Strettons survey is due to commence at the end of May. If you wish to participate and learn more about this enigmatic bird, please contact Julie Cowley by email at grahamandjuliecowley@gmail.com or telephone 07580 159183.

Photo: Shutterstock

Photo: Isabel Carter

Curlew, Lapwing, Dipper and Red Kite – Project Leader

Leo Smith

The Curlew nest-finding and protection project started at the end of April. Before we can find the nests, we need to know where the Curlews are. Therefore, if you see or hear a Curlew, please let us know.

We are also looking for Lapwing, Dipper and Red Kite.

If you have information about any of these birds, please send reports to Leo Smith (leo@leosmith.org.uk).

Dr Penny Bienz

Kingfishers

Kingfishers are not always easy to see, especially when hidden in dappled shade created by the foliage on a river bank.

This is surprising for a bird of such dazzling colours. Often just a streak of sapphire alerts us to its presence as it flies by, fast, low and straight, calling a shrill “kit chee”.

This bird is waiting to swoop and seize an unsuspecting fish in his dagger-like bill. He will strike the fish against a hard object to stun it, then turn it so it can be swallowed head first.

We can see kingfishers in many rivers, canals and lakes in Shropshire, anywhere their food, mainly fish, insects and tadpoles are in good supply.

A pair will make a nest by first tunnelling into the bank for up to a metre. Five to seven eggs will be laid on dry fish bones. It can get horribly smelly! Both parents will feed the young for up to 25 days. They become independent a few days after leaving the nest.

Kingfishers need clean unpolluted water.

Church Stretton Parish Paths Partnership

With another kissing gate fitted at Middle Hill, Cardington, the group of volunteers have been busy maintaining rights of way under supervision from Shropshire Council who supply tools and materials. The ridge of the Hope Bowdler hills and Wilstone Hill leading to Middle Hill and Cardington Hill must be one of the most splendid less-used parts of south Shropshire, away from the busy Long Mynd. Hope Bowdler and Wilstone are Open Access but there are plenty of rights of way in the other areas to explore. The beautiful Nant Valley, Wondrell Coppice and Woodgate are typical Shropshire at its most romantic on a sunny day. We have put in five new kissing gates in this area in the last few months and encourage you to use them.

The group meets every fortnight to do a particular job such as replacing a stile, fitting a kissing gate, clearing a path, putting in steps and revetments and way marking. There is always plenty to do. New volunteers are always welcome if you like this type of work, without obligation, and enjoy helping in the community.

If you have come across any broken stiles, blocked paths or work needed in the area, or if you would like to volunteer, please message: Tim Parker on tim.parker111@gmail.com or Will Priestley on lwp@btinternet.com.

Will Priestley

Carol Wood

Photo: Shutterstock

The 3 Ps Graham Porter, Will Priestley and Tim Parker

How Church Stretton Celebrated Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee

The cover picture this month shows the drinking fountain which was erected to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. It was in a small planted area at the junction of High Street and Burway Road, where the HSBC Bank building now stands. The site was owned and made available by Ralph Beaumont Benson of Lutwyche Hall, who was then the Lord of the Manor. The fountain was unveiled by his wife, Mrs Caroline Essex Benson, on 21 June 1887.

The town celebrated the Jubilee by holding “amusing sports in the Crown meadow including races, catching a greased sheep and dancing around a pole”. At the end of the day there was dancing on the lawn of the Rectory and at night a torchlight procession up the Burway to the Pole and a large bonfire. The children were entertained the next day by the Rector.

later site of the fountain in Burway Road opposite Burway House (1913)

In November 1906 the fountain was moved to a new position at the junction of Church Street, Burway Road and Longhills Road at the request of Mr Benson who wanted to redevelop the original site. The Midland Bank, later HSBC, was eventually built on that site about 1920.

The fountain remained in its new position until April 1963 when the then Church Stretton Urban District Council decided that it was an obstacle and a danger to traffic and should be removed; it had, indeed, been hit and damaged by a large vehicle some time before. The lower portion of the fountain was broken up but the upper portion of the structure and the metal plaque containing the inscription have survived and are in store.

The

Barrie Raynor and Tony Crowe, from Church Stretton through the ages

The damaged fountain with top askew

Paul

The More Singers Summer Choral Concert

Sunday 19th June 2022 at 7.30pm: United Reformed Church, Church Stretton

The More Singers are a chamber choir, founded in 1973 and based in Church Stretton. They are directed by Alistair Auld.

A Musical Summer at last!

As summer is with us once again, the prospect of warm, sunny days re-affirms life’s great pleasures of nature, friendships and laughter. Not least this year, the lifting of lockdown which has plagued our lives for the last two summers. The More Singers, as with many performers, have not been able to present a summer concert since June 2019, a full three years ago. Bring on the fanfare!

So, on Sunday, 19th June at the URC, the chamber choir will be bursting to perform a lighter repertoire of secular (as opposed to sacred) songs reflecting laughter, life and, of course, love! As has been the custom in More Singers’ concerts, there will also be some vocal solos performed by individual members of the choir.

The choir have of course been active again since September last year and their most recent concert featured Dvořák’s Mass in D and works by Brahms, Mendelssohn and Bruckner. The two performances, given in Church Stretton and Clungunford were well received. This time the emphasis is on Part-Songs. These are secular songs with three or more voice parts without instrumental accompaniment. The music is set to inspiring poetry, portraying a wide range of moods.

Hungarian Folk Song

The first part of the concert will feature special arrangements of Hungarian and Yugoslavian folk songs by Matyas Seiber. With a jaunty, lilting and lively musical style these songs tell stories from folk lore and fairy tale. The song titles include The Handsome Butcher and The Unfaithful Lover. Humour, nature and indulgent love are all explored here!

20th Century English Song

The second part of the concert is devoted to English songs from the last century. Hubert Parry (1848-1918) from the late Victorian/Edwardian period, combines a blend of longing and devotion in his highly emotional musical settings – so evocative of the age. One example is Music, When Soft Voices Die, set to Shelley’s poem. Gustav Holst (1874-1934) lifted many English folk songs from extinction (as did other contemporary composers) and this influenced his very English style of writing. The Night Piece, to Julia is an evocative love poem by Robert Herrick, beautifully set to music by Holst.

A 21st Century Alice!

We are all familiar with Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland story and who could forget such delights as The Lobster Quadrille and Jabberwocky. They are so rich in language and description and so free in rhythm that musical settings have not been abundant. However, Edmund Coxhead, a leading baritone in the choir and late-developing composer, has taken up the challenge! Written specially for the More Singers, his Alice Suite encapsulates the essence of Carroll’s words in a most entertaining manner with melodic and rhythmic subtleties which enhance the essence of the delightful poems.

Alistair Auld, now in his eighth year as the More Singers’ Musical Director, says: “It is anticipated that this concert will be a most uplifting evening of choral music, perfect entertainment for a summer evening. I hope that it will attract a large and enthusiastic audience. A treat for all music lovers and an event not to be missed!”

Entry to the concert is by programme which can be purchased at the door from 7pm.

Concert details: Concert begins at 7.30pm. Doors open 7pm Venue: United Reformed Church, 73 High St, Church Stretton Parking and full wheelchair access Duration of concert approx. 60 minutes. There will be no interval.

Entry to the concert is £10 at the door. For pre-booked entry please call 07896 761149 After concert expenses, all profits and donations will go to Ukraine Crisis.

The More Singers are affiliated to Making Music, a UK organisation for voluntary music. For further information about the choir please contact Alistair Auld on 07981 399482

Alistair Auld

‘Songs of laughter, life and love’

CAROLINE CRUMP

S.R.Ch., D.Pod.M., M.Ch.S. Dis. Medicine & Medical Science

STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST

Private Consultations and Home Visits

ESSEX LODGE FARM LANE ALL STRETTON Telephone: 723283

HILLSIDE

"Gleneldon", 94 Watling Street South, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BH Tel: (01694) 724152

Berry’s

17 High Street Church Stretton 01694 724452 www.berryscoffeehouse.co.uk

Everything is home-made: breakfasts, hot and cold meals, snacks, cream teas, cakes, children's menu. Courtyard; fully licensed; dog-friendly; private room for up to 12 people by prior arrangement. Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice* 2021 * in global top 10% of restaurants

25 Years of Mayfair

On 21st June Mayfair marks its 25th Anniversary. To celebrate, we will be holding a birthday celebration on the evening of the 21st June from 6 to 8pm. We hope the weather will be kind so we can celebrate outside with drinks and nibbles, and of course Birthday Cake! We would like to use this opportunity to invite and thank everyone who has supported Mayfair over the last 25 years. If you would like to join us, please give us a call on 01694 722077 so that we can keep a record of attendees.

Calling all Stretton Stars – a date for your diaries

Our Chair of Trustees, Meredith, thinks that Stretton folk are a talented bunch! Let’s prove him right. On the 3rd December, we will be holding a talent show at the Silvester Horne Institute. Meredith will be our host for the evening, and we hope to attract a variety of artists and performers from the Stretton area to help showcase some fantastic talent, provide a wonderful night of entertainment, and raise money for Mayfair. Whilst December is a way off, we would like to give people plenty of time to put performances together. Look out in the next edition of Focus for information on how to put forward your expressions of interest if you would like to take part. If you know of, or are involved in, any local art, dance, drama, performance and skills groups (particularly those who work with young people), please get in touch with Mayfair on 01694 722077 or email us at information@mayfaircentre.org.uk.

Celebrating success

We’re pleased to say that Mayfair has successfully passed two important inspections recently. Our crèche had a surprise Ofsted inspection and was successful in meeting all the requirements needed for the Ofsted Voluntary Register status. Our catering team also had a visit from Environmental Health to check our kitchens and were given top marks. Well done to all staff and volunteers involved in maintaining such high standards of service here at Mayfair.

Games, food and fun for Youth Drop-in Mayfair are delighted to be involved in offering youth drop-in sessions in Church Stretton. These have been running since September 2021 in Russell’s Meadow Pavilion. Every Tuesday evening 6.00 ‘til 7.30pm the sessions offer a safe place for young people in school years 8, 9, 10 and 11 to drop-in and relax. Whilst Covid has had an impact on numbers, we have about eight regular members with others joining occasionally. The project was set up by the Town Council and Mayfair in partnership with SYA, a Shropshire-based charity that supports and delivers youthwork. The team is made up of one qualified, experienced SYA youth worker together with a rota of wonderful

volunteers arranged through Mayfair. Activities vary each week. Everyone is given a voice and the group choose what they would like to do. So far there has been keen interest in board games, particularly Catan. Food preparation and eating is also popular and has varied from lemon drizzle cakes and microwave mug cakes to toasties and pancakes. Better weather has allowed us to use outside space a bit more since Easter. Our itinerary has included Sumo Suits, Dodge Ball and Nerf Gun Battles as well as more board games, crafts and, of course, lots of lovely food.

Three years of grant support for Beacon

Three years ago the Beacon, formerly known as Daycare, successfully bid for a 3-year funding grant from the Dunhill Medical Trust to enable us to re-brand the service, trial new activities, and publicise the fantastic facility we have in the Beacon. The first year saw significant achievements in all these areas; attendance more than doubled, and new support groups were formed with external partners. Pop up sessions were held in village halls, and coach trips, outings and entertainment returned to the agenda.

When the Covid Pandemic hit, our services didn’t stop. Initially we provided remote support; doing crosswords or sing-a-longs over the telephone and sending out activity packs. While the building was closed, we took the opportunity to re-decorate. The very talented Hannah painted a fantastic tree mural and Beacon logo mural (which is currently decked out in fantastic Jubilee decorations). With Covid distancing measures in place, we gradually introduced people back into the building. This gave the opportunity for more detailed one-to-one projects, and when we were able to have performers back, they were outside in the fresh air.

Fun in our Mayfair crèche garden

Distancing requirements have halved the number of people we can accommodate, which has been financially challenging, however with funding from Dunhill Medical Trust, and others, we have kept going. We know that there is still a high demand for the services the Beacon offers, particularly as people are feeling lonely and isolated after the pandemic. We are just starting to rebuild things again; the Care and Share group is successful and growing and Breathing Space will soon be returning in a slightly different format. Staff and volunteers have done an amazing job throughout the pandemic and we feel very positive about the Beacon’s future.

Walks!

Our Mayfair Health Walks volunteers are now kitted out with new branded hi-vis vests which look great. A variety of walks take place from Mayfair most weekdays and are a great opportunity to get active, meet some lovely people, and appreciate the beautiful scenery we have around the Stretton area. Walks are free to join, just give us a call on 01694 722077 to find our more.

Computer skills for all The Digital Skills support at Mayfair is proving popular and can be a lifeline for anyone who feels cut off by lack of access to digital technology and information. Mayfair offers one-to-one support with our fantastic IT volunteers. In addition, we are now holding digital skills social gettogethers every Monday, with special presentations and discussions on topics such as staying safe online. This has been made possible by generous funding from Shropshire Council. It’s been great to see the group supporting each other and gaining confidence with all things digital. To book into one (or all) of these Monday sessions from 12 noon to 1pm, just give Mayfair reception a call.

Spot the signs...

Can you identify which signs we have used to make up Mayfair? All of these letters are taken from signs on Sandford Avenue in Church Stretton. You should be able to spot them all on a quick stroll from the Family Shopper up to the junction with High Street (or you can find the answers on page 57).

You can’t miss our Mayfair Health

Churches in the Strettons

ANGLICAN CHURCH (The United Parish of St Laurence, Church Stretton, with St Michael & All Angels, All Stretton, and All Saints, Little Stretton) Rector: Rev’d Steve Johnson (Tel: 722585) Website: www.strettonparish.org.uk

Sunday Services

St Laurence’s

1st Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Holy Communion 10.30am Café Church, Parish Centre

2nd Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Morning Worship

3rd Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Holy Communion

4th & 5th Sundays 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Morning Worship

On the 2nd-5th Sundays in the month the children’s activities will be in the Parish Centre. Children will be dropped off before the service starts and they will rejoin us in the service before the end.

St Michael’s

1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays: 10.30am Morning Worship

2nd Sunday: 10.30am Holy Communion (Common Worship) 4th Sunday: 10.30am Holy Communion (URC)

All Saints

1st Sunday: 3.00pm Evensong

2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays: 11.00am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday: 11.00am Morning Prayer

Midweek Services Holy Communion will be held weekly in St Laurence’s at 10.30am each Wednesday

The Parish Office is in the Parish Centre, Church St. (Tel: 724224).

Open 9am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday Secretary: Jo Aze. Email: office@strettonparish.org.uk

METHODIST CHURCH Minister: Rev’d George Heinz (Tel: 07538 480626) Website: www.churchstretton-methodistchurch.org.uk

Hall bookings: Carole Coles (Tel: 724958) Sunday Services 10.30am Morning Service Wednesday Activities Babies and Toddlers (School term time only) 10am-12noon Cuppa and Chat 2.30-4pm. All welcome

RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS) Co-clerks: Lesley Richards and Charles West (Tel: 722068) Email: csqm@gorswen.co.uk

Sundays: 10.30am Meetings for Worship in the Silvester Horne Committee Room; Children on 4th Sunday in month For details of home discussion groups please telephone the Clerks.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Priest: Canon Jonathan Mitchell (Tel: 01694 658091) St Milburga’s, Church Stretton

Email: stmilburga@gmail.com Sunday: 9.30am Mass Tuesday-Saturday: 9.30am Daily Mass Saturday: 5.30pm Evening Mass

St Walburga’s, Plowden

11.15am Sunday Mass

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Minister: (vacant) Website: churchstrettonurc.org.uk

Sunday Services

10.30am Morning worship, followed by refreshments in the church hall Communion is celebrated on Sundays notified in URC Church Newsletter Weekday Activities

Mondays/Wednesdays: Monday Group and Ladies Link are currently suspended Wednesdays: Discussion and prayers – currently suspended Fridays (non-denominational): Meditation – in the Vestry at 2.00pm

Church Contact: 722123; Email: urcchurchstretton@gmail.com

Church and Hall bookings: 722092

Clubs and Societies in Church Stretton with names of Secretary and contact details

Allotment Gardens Association

All Stretton Amateur Dramatics Society

Ben Warren 07779 437871 greenhillsallotments@gmail.com

Nicola Simcock allstrettondrama@gmail.com

All Stretton Village Hall allstrettonvillagehall@gmail.com www.allstrettonvillagehall.org.uk

All Stretton History Society

All Stretton Village Society

Ruth Grafton 723187 janegra@waitrose.com

Caroline Crump 723283 carolinecrump68@icloud.com

Jackie Pennington 722077 [Monthly, 2nd Friday, 2.00pm] www.mayfaircentre.org Amnesty, Church Stretton Group Barbara Parnell 720040

Alzheimers Carer’s Support (Mayfair)

Ancient Greek Study Group

David Langslow 723538 stretlang@gmail.com

Ros Healy Roshealy1@gmail.com Archers, Long Mynd Sue Williamson 722767 sue@chelmickforge.co.uk

Archers: Bowmen of Caradoc

Army Cadet Force

Lt Wheelden 01743 231779 info.shropshireacf@rfca.org.uk ArtsAlive (Church Stretton)

Michael Walker 720132 fontenay1@btinternet.com Arts Festival, Church Stretton & South Shropshire 07763 985707 info@strettonfestival.org.uk

Badminton Club (Monday 8-10pm)

Badminton Club (Junior and Adult, Wednesday)

Beacon (Activities and Care at Mayfair)

Books (Mayfair Shop)

James Kirkwood 07979 474326 home@jameskirkwood.co.uk

Alan Fox 725588 alandavidfox@live.co.uk

Joy King 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk

Tony Crowe 723292

Book Sales (Mayfair/Rotary) Sue Hird 724235 smhird@btinternet.com

Bowling Club, Church Stretton Probus Glyn Morgan 722388 crocrus2@tiscali.co.uk

Bowling Club, Indoor Alan Mileson 723999 amileson@lineone.net

Bowling Club, Ladies’

Lucy Taylor 720115 Breathing Space (Singing for health and wellbeing) Kate Buttolph 720358 kate@playonperformingarts.co.uk Bridge Club (Thursday 1-5pm, All Stretton Vlge Hall) Maxine Lainchbury 07971 191664 www.bridgewebs.com/churchstretton Bridleways Association, Long Mynd and District Lynn Townsend 722667 Brownies, Church Stretton Judy Russell 724056 davejudy1@googlemail.com

Busy Bees Preschool Church Stretton School 722209 Camera Club, Long Mynd Amanda Page secretary@longmyndcameraclub.co.uk Cancer Research UK Sue Toghill 722713 susantoghill@outlook.com

Cancer Support Group, Stretton Lesley McIntyre 723427 Chamber of Trade, Church Stretton Stuart Wright 722237 Chess Club, Church Stretton Tom Williamson 722767 tswilliamson337@gmail.com Choral Society, Stretton Ru Trew 724297 strettonchoral@gmail.com; www.strettonchoral.org.uk

Churches Together Lesley Richards 722068

Church Stretton School Theatre Alan Fox 725588 or 07977 060303; alandavidfox@live.co.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Thursdays] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk

Civic Society, The Strettons Charles Simmonds 724117 candp.simmonds@googlemail.com

Climate Care, Stretton David Howard 722904

Country Market (ex WI) Ann Lloyd 07889 143057 or (01694) 731274

Credit Union c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Wednesdays] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk

Cricket Club, Church Stretton Rob Whittall 07967 571044 churchstrettoncricketclub@gmail.com

Croquet Club Fane Conant 722610 fanesue@aol.com; www.churchstrettoncroquet.org.uk Cub Scouts, Longmynd (Tuesday Pack) Jane Wrench 723923 janewrench2@gmail.com Cub Scouts, Longmynd (Wednesday Pack) Andrew Spurling 723429 aspurling@btinternet.com

Cycle Group, Stretton Steadies

Clive & Fiona Hunt strettonsteadies@gmail.com

Darts, Church Stretton and District League Mark Davies (Verd) 07588 517955 verddavies72@gmail.com

Dementia Carers’ Support Emma Wilde 01743 341800

Dominoes, Church Stretton and District League Martin Salisbury 723253 Dramatic Society, All Stretton Amateur Nicola Simcock allstrettondrama@gmail.com Explorer Scouts Angie Walshaw 723477 angiewalshaw@hotmail.com Extend (Gentle Exercise) Mayfair Nicola Daniels 722077 [Thursday mornings] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk

Fitness Instructor

Pam Allsop 723899 pamallsop@churchway.plus.com

Fitness for the Young at Heart Pam Allsop 723899 pamallsop@churchway.plus.com

Flicks in the Sticks (All Stretton) Kate Latchford 723378 terri@artsalive.co.uk Flicks in the Sticks (Church Stretton) Andrew Hall 07508 072206 aahall2002@yahoo.co.uk

Football Club, Church Stretton Town Nick Cole 724362 nick@eloc.eclipse.co.uk

Football Club, Magpies (5-16 years old) 07816 686139 enquiries@csmfc.co.uk

Football Club, Stretton Red Rovers (6-15 years old) Martin Watts 723543 contact@redrovers.org.uk Friends of Church Stretton Library Sheila Davies 723455 www.strettonlibraryfriends.org.uk Gardening Club, Acton Scott Terri Clegg 781572 actonscottgc@gmail.com Gardening Club, Church Stretton & District Evelyn Dapling 723648 evedapling@waitrose.com Gliding, Midlands Gliding Club Ltd Office 01588 650206 office@midlandgliding.club Golf Club James Townsend 722281 secretary@churchstrettongolfclub.co.uk Good Neighbours Care Group Office 724242 churchstrettongoodneighbours.org.uk Guiding, 2nd Church Stretton Jane Hurst 771622 janehurst77@hotmail.co.uk Hockey Club, Stretton Juniors (5-15 years old) Martin Watts 723543 mlwatts@yahoo.co.uk Hope Bowdler Hand Bell Ringers Ruth Jenkins 724919 Horse Show, Church Stretton Sarah Davies 771370 daviesblackhurst@aol.com Interfaith Forum, South Shropshire Canon Noel Beattie 725530 Inner Wheel Club, Church Stretton Lee Crowhurst lee.crowhurst1@btinternet.com Judo, Junior Roger Houston 01743 358415 RogerHoustonJudo@aol.com

Karate Club Dave Shephard 724212 daveshepard1379@gmail.com Keep Fit, Stretton Lisa Ryan 751369

Languages Group David Langslow 723538 stretlang@gmail.com Leisure Centre, Church Stretton Sue Wells 720051 info@teme-leisure.co.uk

Lesbian & Bisexual Women, Border Women Social Group borderwomen.net

Line Dancing Dave Bishop 07527 264846 southerncrossldc@gmail.com Lions Club, Middle Marches Brian Dawson 01584 831508 thefirs38@btinternet.com

Local History Group

Long Mynd Adventure Camp

Madeline Haigh 723627 csalhg@outlook.com

Peter Jenkins 724919

Martial Arts, Freestyle Phil Hatton 07852 961675 freestylemartiaarts.com/stretton

Masonic Lodge (Caer Caradoc) Graham Williams 07939 109726 caercaradoclodge@gmail.com

Masonic Lodge (Longmynd)

Mayfair Health Walks

MAYSI Project (Mayfair Supporting Independence)

More Singers, The

Mothers’ Union, Church Stretton

Music: Strettons Classical Music Group

Charles Hennell 01584 856716 charles@hennell.net; www.longmyndlodge.org.uk

Trish Howard 722077 trish.howard@mayfaircentre.org.uk

Janet Williams/Shaz Malins 722077 maysi@mayfaircentre.org.uk

Alistair Auld 07981 399482

Diana Coles 723548

Barbara Hall 724578

Netball Club, Flames hello@flamesnetball.co.uk; www.flamesnetball.co.uk

Ornithological Society, Stretton Branch

David John 724772 poolbrook12@gmail.com

Footpath maintenance volunteers (Parish paths Partnership) Tim Parker 07493 659514 tim.parker111@gmail.com

Parkinson’s UK

Photography, Marches Independent

Pilates (exercise)

Play On Performing Arts

Penny Chambers 07896 019302 or 01694 724963; penny.chambers@live.co.uk

Geoff Taylor 723301 gtaylor.photo@btinternet,com

Sandra Liebrecht 781660 selenaorme@yahoo.co.uk

Kate Buttolph 07974 382989 kate@playonperformingarts.co.uk

Pride of Place, Church Stretton

Trevor Halsey

trevorhalsey@btinternet.com Probus, Strettondale

Alan Stockbridge 722317 alan.stockbridge@btinternet.com

Rail User’s Association, Church Stretton Alison Bradley 722138 www.strettonrailusers.org.uk

Radio Control Model Club, Church Stretton Tim Goodwin 720392 tmgdwn@gmail.com

RAF Roundel Club

John L Davies 724703

Judy Russell 724056 davejudy1@googlemail.com Ramblers, The South Shropshire Group Darren 07837 021138 Rangers (Girl Guides) Church Stretton Group Ana Ireland 723390 anaireland001@gmail.com Readers Group at the Library

Rainbows, Church Stretton

Felicity 722535 churchstretton.library@shropshire.gov.uk RNLI Brian Bradley 722138 b.glenmoar@gmail.com

Rotary Club of Church Stretton

Royal British Legion

Pat Stokes-Smith 723189 patstokessmith@hotmail.com

Les Mackey 724992 sulesmackey@btinternet.com

Rugby Club, Church Stretton Samurai Martyn Longhurst martynlonghurst@hotmail.com Rushbury and Cardington WI

Save the Children

Kaye Smith 771554

Ann Hurst 771622 ann.hurst46@gmail.com

Scottish Dancers, Stretton David Thomas 722107 Scouts, 2nd Longmynd Group Terry Davies 723477 mrterrydavies@hotmail.com Scrappies - Shropshire Children’s Scrapstore 328508 info@scrappies.org

Shropshire Strummers

Singers, The More Singers

David Rae 722459 d.j.rae362@gmail.com

Alistair Auld 07981 399482 alistairauld@gmail.com

Soaring Association, Long Mynd (model gliders) Tim Goodwin 720392 info@lmsa.org.uk www.lmsa.org.uk Soaring Club, Long Mynd (Hangliding & paragliding) Tim Dunn 01588 672919 coaching@longmynd.org

Stepping Stones Nursery

Stretton Community Singers

Anne Arkwright 722341

Kate Buttolph 07974 382989 www.strettoncommunitysingers.org.uk

Stretton Players Simon Cleaton 07510 390981 strettonplayers@gmail.com Stretton Pool Action David Betton 07977 221171 dmbetton@googlemail.com

Stretton Stitchers

Katy Webster 720200 or Frances Williams 722656

Stroke Group, Church Stretton and District Hilary Parker 723419 Swing Band, Stretton Jamie Wrench 723923 jamie.wrench@lineone.net

Table Tennis, Church Stretton Leisure Centre 720051

Table Tennis, Leebotwood Will Priestley 724223

Table Tennis, Rushbury Ian Pennington 771410 ianpennington133@btinternet.com

T’ai Chi Marc Lacey 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk

Taiko Drumming James Barrow 720169 James@taikowest.com

Taoist Tai Chi, Longmynd Jo Lendon 01743 369787 jolendon@hotmail.co.uk

Tennis Club Claire Hatfield 720123 mail@strataassociates.co.uk Theatre & Concert Group, Stretton Jenny or Graham Heath 722216 heath@knollcrest.co.uk; strettontheatreandconcert.net Thursday Lunch Club (Ley Gardens) Margaret Hamer 722407 or Dawn Longmore 722328

Traidcraft (fairly traded goods)

Maureen Clow 722000 Tree Group, Church Stretton Hilary Hymas 723208 hilaryhymas7@gmail.com United Nations Association, Shropshire Branch Ruth Davies 724304 daviescs@btinternet.com University of the Third Age (U3A)

Lesley Brown 724330 u3asites.org.uk/churchstretton/contact Upright and Active (falls prevention strength & balance) c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Walking Football Ken Willis 328514 gordonwillis@go-plus.net Wildlife Group, SACWG, Community Julie Cowley 722310 sacwg@shropscwgs.org.uk Wildlife Trust, Strettons Branch Wally Blake 724040 Women’s Institute, CS Marmaladies WI Carol Greswell 07803 581580 marmaladieswi@gmail.com Women’s Inst., Rushbury and Cardington Kaye Smith 771554 kayerubetta.smith@btinternet.com Women’s Institute, All Stretton Heather Hathaway 722537 allstrettonwi@gmail.com Yoga (Mayfair) c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Youth @ St Laurence’s Sally Clilverd 724224 sally@strettonparish.org.uk

Additions and corrections to this list should be addressed to: The Editor, Stretton Focus, by email: editor@strettonfocus.co.uk

Church Stretton Town Councillors

Town Clerk (Locum): Mrs Gillian Bailey Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00 - 4.30pm Council Office: 60 High Street, Church Stretton SY6 6BY. Tel: 722113, Fax: 723608. email: reception@churchstretton-tc.gov.uk

South Ward North Ward Little Stretton Ward Lyn Antill 07734 294909 Nicola Carter 07581 300498 Colin Carson 722784 Ryan Foulkes 07528 372471 Sheila Davies (Deputy Mayor) 723455 Julie Lawton 723750 Daniel Hartshorne 07802 610277 John Luck 725596 All Stretton Ward Mark Morris 722741 Bob Welch 722998 Andy Munro (Mayor) 725554 Graham Lewis 07906 426727 Helen Stowell 07879 848168

Shropshire (Unitary) Councillors for the Area

David Evans 01588 672179 email: david.evans@shropshire.gov.uk Hilary Luff 07890 056084 email: hilary.luff@shropshire.gov.uk

MP for Ludlow Constituency: Philip Dunne, 54 Broad St, Ludlow, SY8 1GP, 01584 872187. StrettonDale Local Joint Committee (Details pending)

Responsibilities for Public Services

Domestic rubbish: Shropshire Council 0345 678 9007 Street cleaning: Shropshire Council 0345 678 9006

Electricity power failure: 105 Gas emergencies 0800 111999 Last collection at Family Shopper letter box Weekdays 6.00pm, Saturdays 12.00 noon, No collection Sundays and Bank Holidays

Some useful numbers

Medical Centre

Church Stretton School 722209 appointments and general enquiries 722127 St Lawrence C of E Primary School 722682 out of hours 111 Sports and Leisure Centre (Teme Leisure) 720051

NHS Choices 111

Church Stretton Library 722535 Ring and Ride 720025 South Shropshire Furniture Scheme 01584 877751 Shropshire Council (Shrewsbury) 0345 678 9000

Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 783 1359 - 24hr support Visitor Information Centre and Shropshire Customer First Point: 723133 South Shropshire Housing Association: 0300 3031190 (Housing and Support)

Police - Non emergency only 101, Emergency 999

Local Police Team Message Service (not to be used for crime or emergencies): 01743 264773 or csca.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT): Inspector Nicola Roberts [223695]: Tel 101 ext 4630; Sergeant Kapil Pindoria [21284]: Tel 101 ext 66601

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs): Lisa Thomas [226064]: 07870 163208; David Baron [226417]: 07870 163156; Julia St-John Martin [224002]: 07870 163199

Neighbourhood Watch Crime stoppers: 0800 555 111. Twitter: @SouthShropCops

Police Station now closed, but there is a 24 hour telephone service there connected to another centre. Support at Mayfair Community Centre - run by the Community for the Community 722077 For activities and support groups at Mayfair, please refer to the entries under ‘Clubs and Societies’ and to their advertisement.

Stretton Directory: Index to Advertisers

Accommodation

see Hotels, B&B, Self Catering

Accountants and Bookkeeping

James, Holyoak & Parker 13 RLW Accountants 13

Architects, Town Planning

Batch Valley Design 34 Christopher Roscoe Assocs 34

Bathrooms see Kitchens, Bathrooms

Beauty, Slimming see Hairdressers, Health, Beauty

Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering see Hotels, B&B, Self Catering

Bookshop

Burway Books 56

Builders, Plant & Equipment

A J Lewis-Price 33 A Morgan 34

A.2.Z Construction 33

E J & G J Groom 34 EMT Drives 33 Farmer Plant Services 34 Homden Excavations 33 Joe Drury 39 K J Morris 33 Keith George 39 Mark Terry 34 Morris Maintenance 39 Paul Tinsley 39 Richard Sherratt Builders 39

Cafés see Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs

Cards and Gifts

Entertaining Elephants 41 Stretton Print & Supplies 21

Care - Homes and At Home Bluebird Care 17

Carpenters

Clothes

Entertaining Elephants 41

Coaches

Caradoc Coaches 29

Community Centre Mayfair 17

Computing, Graphic and Web Design

Jason Gough 21 Nic Sansom 21 Stretton Internet 21 Webbex Technical Services 21

Cycle Repairs Go Cycling 56

Decorators

see Painters, Decorators

DIY & Hardware Cyril Bason Hardware 29 Mynd DIY 29 Stretton DIY 39

Domestic Appliances & Repairs

Continental Fireplaces 56 Norman Jones 56

Electrical Services, Lighting AMP Electrical 22 Boxall’s Electrician 22 Charles Ephraim 49 M C Electrical 22 Stephen Morgan 22

Estate Agents

Bluestone 44 Miller Evans 44 Samuel Wood 44 Wrights Estate Agents 44

Event Venues Eaton Manor 9 Haybarn 9

& Joiners

E J & G J Groom 34 Keith George 39 Mark Terry 34 Mike Webster 33 Paul Forrester 33

Carpets

Abbey Carpets 56

Catteries and Kennels see Pet Food, Pet Care

Chemist

Hillside Pharmacy 41

Child Care Hilary’s Childcare 53 Wistanstow Nursery 53

Chiropodists

Caroline Crump 41 Stretton Podiatry 17

Classic Car Restoration Johnathan Callwood 53

Cleaning and House Care Chris Sansom Pest Control 13 Cleanrite Services 49 In Depth Cleaning 13 Shaw Clean 13 Shropshire Sweep 13 Stanton Sweeps 13

Financial Services & Insurance Caleb Roberts 14 Crown Wealth Management 14 Philippa Gee Wealth Mngment 14 Wrights Yorkshire Building Soc 13

Fine Art Restoration Stretton Fine Art Restoration 53

Florist

John R Thomas 53 Shropshire Flower Company 53

Food, Delicatessen

Entertaining Elephants 41 van doesburg’s 41

Funeral Arrangements A S Morris and Son 17 South Shropshire Remembrance Park 17

Furniture Restoration Johnathan Callwood 53

Garage Services

Burway Garage 29 Central Garage 29 MOT Clinic 29

Garden Design, Services, Supplies

Ben Carter Landscaping 27

Farmer Plant Services 34 Homden Excavations 33

Occasional Adverts not indexed

Integral Gardens 27

John Stephens Services 27 Karkloof 27 Keith Warrington 27 Mike Russell Designs 27 Paul Forrester 33

Paul Tinsley 39 Peter Tipton 27 Shropshire Lawn Co 27 Stretton DIY 39 Tidy Garden 27 Unique Landscapes 27 Whitehead Trees 27

Garden Machinery

Newington Garage 29 Stretton DIY 39

Hairdressers, Health, Beauty Anthony’s Hair Studio 60 Health & Beauty Clinic 60 Katerina White 9 Shampers 60

Health, Therapies see also Chiropodists & Physiotherapists

Birch Tree Reflexology 60 Bodylogic Mobile Massage 60 Cate Gowlett 60 Forever Living Products 60 Mayfair 17 Shropshire Acupuncture 60 Stretton Podiatry 17

Hobbies Burway Books 56 Philip Hooper 53 The Prolific Crafter 53

Home & Garden Caradoc Charcoal 53 The Garden Room 53 The Prolific Crafter 53

Home Furnishings Abbey Carpets 56 Louise Watney 56

Hotels, B&B and Self Catering Eaton Manor 9 Haybarn 9 Mynd House 9 Willowbatch 9

House and Garden Clearance Peter Tipton 27 Insurance see Financial Services, Insurance

Keep Fit see Health, Therapies, Keep Fit

Kennels Netley Kennels 29

Kitchens, Bathrooms

A J Lewis-Price 33 A.2.Z Construction 33 County Tiles & Bathrooms 33 Homefix 49

Lee Brown 49 Mark Terry 34 Paul Forrester 33

Logs & Charcoal Caradoc Charcoal 53

Mobility Stretton Mobility Store 17

Outdoor Clothing and Equipment

The Outdoor Depot 56

Painters & Decorators

Andrew Webster 22

D R Tipton Painter & Decorator 22

DWS Property Services 22 E B Jones 22 G H Jones & Son 22 Paul Forrester 33 Roger Lucas 22

Pest Control

Chris Sansom Pest Control 13 Keith Warrington 27

Pet Food and Pet Care John R Thomas 53

Pharmacy Hillside Pharmacy 41

Physiotherapists

Chris Turner 41 Marion Murdoch 41 Physio Pilates 41

Piano Tuner and Repairs Philip Hooper 53

Plumbers, Heating

Gary Paris 49 Homefix 49 J Morris 49 K & J Davies Gas Services 49 Lee Brown 49 Morris Maintenance 39 Peter Floyd 49 Whiting Heating 49

Printing, Copying, Photo Products

Craven Design & Print 21 Marshbrook Print 21 Stretton Print & Supplies 21

Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs Berry’s 41 Royal Oak, Cardington 41

Skip Hire

John Stephens Services 27 Peter Tipton 27

Solicitors

FBC Manby Bowdler 9 PCB Solicitors 9

Storage

Ludlow Self-Storage 14 Self-Storage Containers 14

Sweep

Shropshire Sweep 13 Stanton Sweeps 13

Taxi

Longmynd Private Hire 29

Tree Surgery Whitehead Trees 27

Watches, Batteries, Straps The Outdoor Depot 56 Windows A Morgan 34

Window Cleaning Handyman Services 13

Works at Coppice Leasowes Local Nature Reserve

Wetland areas, like Coppice Leasowes, are an increasingly rare habitat across the wider countryside. They provide habitat for a wide range of plants and animals including amphibians such as frogs and newts, plants such as water crowfoot and birds like jack snipe.

Works have recently been underway to help to create a more varied topography following an approach by the Severn Rivers Trust to the Coppice Leasowes Working Group that funds may be available for limited activities related to wetland enhancement. Maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity value and important

features of the site are Management Plan objectives and over the years the grassland and the wetland at the western area of the reserve have become waterlogged leading to the area showing a decline in species diversity, with a dominance of rushes. Hence, the Town Council successfully applied for funding for the creation of wetland scrapes which will not only improve the biodiversity but will allow settlement of silt from the Ash Brook and improve water quality further down the catchment in the Cound Brook.

Coppice Leasowes at present has uncontrolled water levels, for much of the year flowing too fast as a stream causing erosion; and during the summer drying out too much because existing scrapes are too shallow. Also egress points are uncontrolled. Ash Brook enters the reserve and runs behind a raised embankment. It should then enter Network Rail land enabling most of the water to flow on the rail-side of the fence. Instead, the brook has breached the embankment and most of the water flows through the reserve. The channel behind the fence on railway land has not been cleaned and dredged for several years, with the result that only a small proportion of the water enters the rail-side channel. The raised water levels in the wetlands due to the malfunction of the rail-side channel have probably also contributed to the decline and death of the willow trees, which require attention when the site is drier. Negotiations are now underway with Network Rail to remedy the problems with the flow of the stream and the lack of maintenance of the rail-side channel along which most of Ash Brook water should flow.

The scrapes were successfully excavated at the beginning of April and new benches constructed for people to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The reserve is easily accessed from the Town Park and/or Churchill Road and is well worth a visit. Local Nature Reserves are protected areas of land, designated for their special local natural interest, educational and community value. Coppice Leasowes is managed primarily for conservation purposes providing opportunities for the enjoyment of nature and quiet open-air recreation which does not cause disturbance or damage to its wildlife or habitats. Please respect this and enjoy your visit.

In addition, if you would like to become more involved with caring for the site there are working group parties held on a three monthly basis which you are welcome to join. The next one is on Friday 8th July at 10am. Please contact the Town Council first to let them know you would like to attend.

Janet Martin

Church Stretton Tennis Club

Junior Coaching and The Queen’s Jubilee Fun Day

As a brief history, the Church Stretton Lawn Tennis Club was established in 1905 in the recreation park. It was recorded in the official town guide that visitors to this popular town were invited to play. A prestigious four day tournament was held in mid 1900s with Bunny Austin (the last Briton to reach the final of the men’s singles at Wimbledon, until Andy Murray did so in 2012) and Tony Mottram playing. He was a British tennis player of the 1940s and 1950s. Mottram reached the quarter final of the 1948 Wimbledon Championship.

As the Wimbledon Championships start on 27th June Church Stretton Tennis Club, in conjunction with ‘We do Tennis’, is running a six-week course of coaching for age groups 4 to 11.

The Council Family Fun Day on Friday 3rd June, as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday, also includes sessions for all standards of tennis including coaching from 2pm to 4pm.

More details can be obtained from wedotennis.co.uk/churchstretton or contact Stuart Wright, Chairman on 01694 722237 or Claire, Committee Member on 07980 225569.

Stuart Wright

National Trust News

Den boxes installed for pine martens on the Long Mynd

The National Trust-led Stepping Stones Project is continuing to support the work of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Pine Marten Project, with the installation of pine marten boxes.

triggered cameras. Footage of pine martens has already been captured on some of these cameras, adding to what is already known about how these animals are using the local area.

As the next step in this conservation work, five pine marten den boxes were recently installed in local woodland to give these amazing creatures a better chance of breeding successfully and producing the next generation of Shropshire pine martens.

Charlie Bell, Stepping Stones Project Officer with the National Trust, said: “Pine martens ideally use features like old, hollowed out trees, or holes in rotten tree trunks, for their dens. This sort of thing is common in ancient woodland, but in Shropshire much of our woodland is relatively young conifer plantations which tend to lack these features. So, the den boxes provide a warm and cosy alternative to a hole in a tree trunk.

“The installation is actually quite tricky, as the boxes are heavy and require winching into position several metres up a suitable tree. Thankfully we had a great team helping us with the logistics of getting the boxes into position.”

She continued: “In south Shropshire, we’re lucky enough to have one of the very few pine marten populations in the country. They were rediscovered in Shropshire in 2015 – at that time, that was the only known pine marten population in England.

“Since then, local conservationists have been working hard to learn more about our pine martens and help them expand their populations. These den boxes will hopefully help our existing martens produce the next generation of kits.”

As well as work to support the Pine Marten project, Stepping Stones is also working with local farmers, supporting local community wildlife groups, and carrying out a programme of nature conservation work such as hedgerow planting and meadow creation.

Camera traps were installed last year at various woodland locations across the project area, and trained volunteers are now monitoring a network of these motion-

Church Stretton Tree Group

Stretton Tree Data – IT Help Needed

Over the years the Church Stretton Tree Group has been collecting data relating to significant trees in the Strettons. This information has been collated in a spreadsheet and is available to view on the website (www. churchstrettontreegroup.co.uk). The original objective of the exercise was to identify our tree resources and provide a means by which general tree health could be assessed. This could be represented by growth rates, coverage, species diversity and well-being. The importance of having such a bank of knowledge became ever more apparent with the introduction of tree diseases, the most notable recently being ash dieback.

The Tree Group has come to a point where our IT skills are struggling as our spreadsheet is getting more unwieldly.

There are lots of opportunities for volunteers to get involved and help with this important work. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Charlie Bell charlie.bell@nationaltrust.org.uk

We would like the information we have amassed to be accessible to all as a database whereby individuals can access specific pieces of information. For example, all the ash trees in the Stretton area, all trees in Little Stretton; trees with a girth exceeding 2m etc. To that end we are asking for help from anybody who has the knowledge to convert our Excel spreadsheet into a functioning database. If you feel you could help us to achieve this, please contact Frances Eade on cstreegroup@gmail.com

Jane Fallows

Harry Wright

National Trust apprentice Katie Appleby admires a newly installed den box

Church Stretton is truly blessed by the number of inventive people who lace its community with their creative skills. Many are well known to us, such as the Crafty Ladies who stock the Mayfair shop, but many work at home, and have the internet and craft fairs as their shop windows. They might escape our notice unless we’re browsing for a unique gift and accidentally find them through a ‘click’ on our computer, or come across them at a craft fair. Here are just a small number of the imaginative people who live and work in our area.

Francesca FitzHerbert moved here from Derbyshire with her mum and step-father. She says, “I have always been creative and adventurous and prefer to be making and creating things.” She studied textiles at school and says “I spent most of my spare time on the sewing machine in the art room, and began collecting shells on the beach in Somerset while walking my dogs. I was home-alone one weekend and decided to see what I could do with them.” She now has a tiny studio that she describes as “… a bit like Harry Potter’s bedroom under the stairs,” where she paints the oyster shells she collects and turns them into trinket trays, salt and pepper sets, and decorations on mirror.

Penny Childs was born in the West Midlands and came to Church Stretton with husband Richard, when he opened the Six Seasons Gallery on Sandford Avenue. She, too, was a creative child, learning from her mum how to make clothes and dance costumes. Penny says, “I invariably added or amended the pattern to create something unique and am still doing it!” She now makes jewellery with threaded beads, wire-wrapped sea-glass that she began collecting from Scottish beaches because of their wonderful colours and shapes, and makes greetings cards, sews tweed handbags, and crochets and embroiders motifs. She explains that, “My inspirations are born out of lucky finds, chance meetings and a wish to create, but with as little waste as possible. I polish the sea-glass I use and the tweed is from Laxey Woollen mill on the Isle of Man. These are short runs woven on traditional hand looms, which provide an everchanging range of fabric for me to play with.”

Jen Bartl is the ‘face’ of The Prolific Crafter shop on the High Street. She began her craft career as a small child, painting with her feet. Most of us use our hands, Jen! She made friendship bracelets and then learned to knit under her grandmother’s tutelage, making clothes for her Barbie dolls. She learned to adapt knitting patterns and began to design her own. Like so many of us, Jen came to the Strettons as an adult, this time because of marriage to a ‘native’ Strettonian. She says, “I craft with sheep’s wool, from washing and preparing the fleece to spinning. I crochet and weave as well as knit, and I’ve also ventured into felting.” Jen works in her living room, although she has a studio for when concentration is necessary. She says, “I get a few sneaky rows of knitting in now and again between shop customers.” Visitors and locals alike love Jen’s shop, lingering on the pavement to see what’s new inside before being beguiled into stepping over the threshold.

Stephanie Jacobs explains that she, too has memories of a school sewing room, with piles of sumptuously colourful fabrics, beads in all shapes and sizes, and shiny sequins. She loved drawing, painting, and creative writing, which is hardly surprising because her dad was an author with several published books to his name.

Stephanie says, “Art and creativity have always been my passion, and they keep me grounded and happy.” Born and raised in Wales, she came to Shropshire with her children. “… because I’d fallen in love with it during several visits.” Now, where have we heard that before?

In 2012 Stephanie began a textile degree course during which she discovered Paverpol. With this fabric hardener, she created her first nymph-type sculpture. In 2013 the owners of the Paverpol company came to the UK from Holland, and their weekend workshop was lifechanging for Stephanie. She says, “Since that weekend I haven’t looked back. I began sculpting with textiles and now have an on-line shop, exhibit at craft fairs and love every minute of my time spent creating at my kitchen table. Sadly, I don’t have a workshop!”

These four crafters work at home on kitchen or dining tables, or in small workshops. The income they earn is, more often than not, secondary to other occupations. All crafters have something in common, however, whether their commitment is to painting, sculpture, writing or creating something beautiful or functional. The act of creation seems to feed something deep in their souls.

As far back as history records, mankind has created figures of clay, left patterns and depictions on cave walls, and carved bones and shells to make adornments and items of trade. The Craft Potters Association’s membership list shows that pottery and ceramics attracts more male adherents than many other crafts, but the majority of potters are female, at around 60% of the total. Blacksmithing, which includes all kinds of ironworking, has an approximate 20% female workforce, but female woodturners are even rarer, at only around 2%. In 2019, only about 1% of thatchers were female. That’s the roofing thatcher, not to be confused with descendants of the former prime minister.

Some crafters gravitate towards small projects that require little specialist equipment or space but, perhaps, call for extreme dexterity. Others are motivated to create beauty and functionality out of the more elemental materials of clay, iron, wood, stone and straw, which might require physical strength and investment in equipment. Whatever these talented people create, long may they, and thousands like them, continue to amaze and delight us.

Photos by the respective crafters

You can find out more, if you wish, at Stephanie’s website: www.stephaniejacobs.co.uk or tel 01694 723064; email pennyachild@gmail.com or tel 07786 508727; email Jen at info@theprolificcrafter.co.uk or tel 01694 724041; and email Francesca at francescafitz@me.com or tel 07541 834066.

Christine Williams Focus Journalist

May Crossword Solution

Our delightful bookshop stocks a huge variety of adult and children’s titles and if you can’t see what you want on the shelves we can normally get it for you within 24-48 hours. Our knowledgeable booksellers are here to help you. See our website for news of book groups and author events www.burwaybooks.co.uk (NB we do not stock second-hand books) 18 Beaumont Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6BN Tel: 01694 723388, email: ros.ephraim@btconnect.com Home Delivery Service available

At the time of writing my family are preparing for the funeral of my grandmother, for whom God had granted her prayer, and who had departed this world at the age of ninety-nine years, falling short of the Queen’s traditional birthday message for centenarians by just four months. Amid the passing aspects of life with all its joy and pains – marriage, widowhood, motherhood, grand (and great-grand) motherhood, the loss of siblings (my grandmother’s last baby brother died earlier this year aged 98) – a constant throughout my grandmother’s life was the monarchy and the reign of our sovereign Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen who celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this year, acceded to the throne and was crowned when my grandmother was a young wife and mother of two, aged 29, her Majesty being 33 months her junior but also a young wife and mother of two.

My grandmother has been a presence throughout my life; just as for many of us we have only known one head of state: the Queen. When celebrating the 70 years of her service and vocation as our monarch, let us reflect on all the changes that have taken place during her reign: recovery of ‘normal life’ in the early post-war years, the change in the United Kingdom’s place in the world with the end of the British Empire and the development of the Commonwealth. During her reign the Queen as Head of State has welcomed 14 different Prime Ministers from Sir Winston Churchill to Boris Johnson, as well as 13 Presidents of the United States from Harry S Truman to Joe Biden. The Queen has welcomed 152 State visits to the UK, and made a total of 261 overseas visits to around 116 different countries. Her majesty has provided steady stability during a time which has seen the highs and lows of the national economic fortune, the development of space exploration, the advent of computers, mobile phones, and the explosion of social media and the internet.

Like with all families, we have welcomed new members of the Royal Family, seen them grow, and said farewell

Mayfair

to those who have died. There have been scandals, quarrels, and drama in more recent years, yet unlike our own families these have been portrayed front and centre of the media. This is the ‘Sword of Damocles’ that members of the royal family have to endure; whilst to the eyes of so many it is a life of great privilege and comfort, it is also a life lived in the knowledge that one’s words and actions (especially mistakes and sins) may be reported and splashed across the media.

As we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of her accession at the beginning of this month, whether a monarchist or republican, let us recognise the remarkable selfless service of the Queen. On her 21st birthday in 1947, the Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) said “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great [imperial] family to which we all belong.” The Queen has remained true to her words. In a message for the Jubilee her Majesty wrote to our nation “I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me. Your servant Elizabeth R.”

The monarchy reminds us of the truth of noblesse oblige – nobility obliges those with power, status and wealth not to be self-serving but to care for and protect the more vulnerable, the weak and the poor by serving them. Older generations of our society have a lot to teach the younger members, through their gift of longevity, which brings a nuanced viewpoint and how to be a positive presence in the life of others, learning from their ability to accept change, their wisdom, their self-effacement, and the sacrifice they have given for their country and for their families. May we give thanks for Her Majesty’s service of our nation and that of all her generation.

Canon Jonathan Mitchell

Answers to Mayfair Quiz

M = Mr Bun the Baker

A = Stretton Antiques Market

Y = Family Shopper

F = Sandford Avenue 1884 Sign

A = Kaboodle

I = Jaipur Lounge

R = Ragleth Gallery

Mayfair Thursday Art Group

The Mayfair Thursday Art Group is a relaxed and informal group meeting on Thursdays from 2-4pm at the Mayfair Centre. We now have vacancies for up to three people.

For more information ring 01743 718012 or e-mail wallybee@hotmail.co.uk

Wally Brant

Strettfest 2022 comprises a carnival street parade around the centre of Church Stretton followed by a Fringe Festival week, supported by the local community and businesses. Fringe Festival week precedes the annual Arts Festival that runs from 23rd July: strettonfestival.org.uk

Do come and support the Community Parade on Saturday 16th July. Timed before schools break up for the summer term, with children and adults playing Brazilian Samba music, with dancers and lots of colourful visuals. The Parade leaves the Cricket Pavilion, Russells Meadow, at midday and will make a circuit of the town, finishing at the Mayfair Health and Wellbeing Centre. Get dressed in Rio Carnival style, make a flag – come and celebrate!

Come and be part of the carnival parade! We would love you and your children or grandchildren to get involved and be part of this exciting summer event! More details are available through the Church Stretton secondary and primary schools or at strettonartsforum@gmail.com.

To get us started Peta Piper, our Samba band maestra, is running percussion workshops for adults and 8 years+ at Silvester Horne Institute, High Street on Wednesday evenings from 6pm. £5 adults, £3 under 16s. More info at 07581 477054.

Be a Volunteer! If you, a family member or friend would like to offer some support then please contact strettonartsforum@gmail.com.

Help is very welcome before the parade, with promotion, handing out flyers or small admin tasks that can be done from home; or during the parade itself perhaps as a marshal to help keep things safe or to keep traffic under control; and during Fringe Festival week perhaps as an event marshal. Guidance and safeguarding training provided where needed. Volunteers with social media skills are especially welcome.

Make a donation to support workshop leaders running a range of music, dance and visual arts workshops, for the public and in local schools: events.hiveonline.org.uk/ whats-on/strettfest-2022-donations or you can donate by card by telephoning 01743 234970. All donations will be collected safely on our behalf by The Hive, a Shrewsburybased arts charity we have partnered with.

What’s happening during Fringe Week, 16th to 22nd July?

Following the parade there will be a range of street performance, providing familyfriendly, informal entertainment for the public, plus easy-to-access, fun workshops for all to try.

We want to tap into the passion, skills and energy of local artists, teachers, and performers to offer a wide range of arts-based workshops and performances. We plan to include storytelling, music, singing and dance styles from other cultures like Celtic roots, ukulele, Brazilian samba, blues guitar, West African percussion, etc., to encourage creativity through the arts and involve all ages and abilities within the community.

How is Strettfest being promoted?

Following a recent launch event, we have built a network of local artists – musicians, performers and workshop leaders – to be part of Fringe Festival week, 16th to 22nd July. We are also encouraging creativity and collaboration between artists, leading to pop-up performances around the town.

Artists can register their interest in being part of Fringe Festival week here: strettonartsforum@gmail.com.

There’ll be more announcements made in community newsletters, via social media, Shropshire radio, and locally. For more information, please contact strettonartsforum@ gmail.com.

Put the dates in your diary – we look forward to seeing you soon at Strettfest 2022!

Stretton Arts Forum

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Marmaladies Church Stretton WI

Time marches on, Covid comes and goes but the Marmaladies WI of Church Stretton are still here. As you may know from previous snippets, we continued meeting on Zoom, or socially distanced up the valley, throughout Covid, but we have been meeting face to face since September and hope that this can continue.

So, what have we been up to? The main meetings have included a talk by one of the Long Mynd commoners explaining how they utilise and protect the land on the Mynd, a talk and demonstration

about Chinese medicine and acupuncture, a Christmas party, basket weaving, photography, a marmalade competition (of course) and many more.

The future includes a visit to the Shropshire Flower Company (in June), a talk on Power of Attorney, a subject many of us have to learn about when dealing with ageing parents etc, and a talk by the local crime prevention on the current scams circulating and how to defend ourselves.

The craft arm of Marmaladies WI has also restarted and has managed several new crafts including making glass and MDF ornaments, quilting, pottery and soap making.

Marmaladies WI is primarily an evening-based group catering for many of our members who work or have daytime responsibilities. We are always keen to welcome

new members and new ideas for offshoots (cycling, film going, pudding clubs etc), so why not come along to our next meeting and see if you like us. We normally meet on the second Thursday of each month, at Mayfair, at 7.30pm but June’s meeting is the visit to the Shropshire Flower Company so please contact us for details. Please

Carol Gresswell

Promoting Well Being since 1982 THE Health & Beauty Clinic

Pam Allsop

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