- Stretton Focus

Community Voice of the Strettons
U
December 2002
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Also inside:
Christmas Church Services, Tree of Light, Shaping the Future,
Weather Report, Questions & Answers, Medical Centre Information,
Winter Reading, Letters to the Editor.
Nativity scene blue full
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15/11/02, 3:09 pm
50p
God - with - us
STRETTON FOCUS
(founded 1967)
V
isitors to St. Milburga’s will recognise the lovely
statues, one of which is depicted here. The ‘Holy
Family’ will no doubt be on many a Christmas
card plopping through your letterbox shortly, but my
favourite version pictures baby Jesus asleep in a laundry basket while Mary briskly hangs the nappies on the
line. It brings home the fact that most of Jesus’ life was
a pretty humdrum affair, lived out in an ordinary family.
They had their share of family troubles, starting with
Mary being an ‘unmarried mum’.
Average monthly sales: 1,428 copies.
(About 65% of households in Church Stretton)
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Editor
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Advertising Manager, Len Bolton, ‘Oakhurst’, Hazler
Road, Church Stretton, SY6 7AQ, Tel: 01694 724579 to
whom copy should be sent.
The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot accept
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quality glossy colour or monochrome photographs
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c/o Wrights, Estate Agent, Sandford Avenue by Noon
on the date below. Material may also be sent by e-mail
to [email protected] as an attachment by the
same copy date.
Disclaimer. Stretton Focus prints a wide range of
articles and letters. The views expressed by signed
articles are those of their authors and not necessarily
those of the Management Board.
Copy day is normally the first Monday of the month. For
the January issue it is Monday 2nd December 2002.
Diary items for the January issue should be sent directly
to Rev. Ward Davies, 1 Central Ave, CS, SY6 6EE.
(Tel. 724304) by Thursday 12th December 2002.
Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52), i.e. he
learned things the hard way, like the rest of us; no short
cuts because he also happened to be God made man.
The story about him loitering behind a whole day on
a trip to Jerusalem when he was twelve shows him as
heedless of his parents’ probable worries as any teenager!
The family has its share of grief too, Joseph appears no
more after this episode, probably dying while Jesus was
a young man, with brothers and sisters to support. And
I guess his relationship with them was much the same as
among siblings in all families, judging by their reaction
to him later – they thought he was mad!
Yes, Jesus, ‘God-with-us’, knows from the inside all about
the ups and downs of family life. Many of us live daily
with the heartache and soul-searching which so often are
the result. But whatever your family life may be, Jesus
is longing to be invited to be a member of your family
this Christmas. And you can be sure of a welcome in his
church.
Valerie Morris.
The January Stretton Focus will be distributed on
Friday 27th December.
Outlets. Stretton Focus may be purchased by annual
subscription (delivered) or directly from Newsworld
(Sandford Avenue), All Stretton Stores, Co-op, the Esso
Filling Station and the Churches.
The Official Church Stretton web site is at
www.churchstretton.co.uk.
Have you visited it yet?
© 2002 Stretton Focus
Stretton Focus is printed by WPG, Welshpool
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
December 2002
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15/11/02, 3:27 pm
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE STRETTONS
Warmly invite you to any of these Christmas services
ANGLICAN: St. Laurence
Sunday 22nd December 8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am Nativity Service
6.00pm Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Eve
5.30pm Children’s Service
Parish Centre
11.30pm Midnight Communion
Christmas Day
10.00am Family Communion
All Saints, Little Stretton
Sunday 22nd December 2.30pm Carol Service
Christmas Day
11.00am Holy Communion
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Sunday 15th December 10.30am Carol Service
Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Celebration
‘The Gift Seller’
Christmas Day
10.00am Short family service
METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Morning Service
4.30pm Family Carol Service
Christmas Eve
11.30pm Christmas Communion
Christmas Day
10.00am Family Service
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, St. Milburga
Christmas Eve
11.30pm Carols,
followed by Mass at 12 midnight
Christmas Day
9.15am Mass
RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)
Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Meeting for Worship
Nowell at Aston on Clun
Friends of Hope House present:
C
T
St Michael’s, All Stretton
Sunday 22nd December 6.00pm Carol Service
Christmas Day
9.00am Holy Communion
A Soirée by Candlelight
First and Last!
raven Arms Men’s Chorus are to present ‘Nowell’
– their ‘Feast of Carols for Christmas’ at Aston
on Clun Village Hall on Saturday, 14th December
2002 for the first time. For Basil Cullum, however, the
Founder/Conductor of the Chorus, it will be for the last
time, for he has announced his pending retirement to take
effect from the end of the year, after 41 years.
The very first ‘Nowell’ was thought up by Basil Cullum
and presented by the Chorus way back in 1968, in
Ludlow Town Hall, and it as taken place every year since
in a variety of venues, in aid of a whole range of charities.
This year, the net proceeds will be devoted to the South
Shropshire Voluntary Helping Hand Association.
The Chorus is pleased to announce that they will have
with them two popular Thespians in the persons of
Michael Evans and Christine Fisher to provide the
readings, which always form a vital part in what
has become the most popular event in the Christmas
calendar.
Basil Cullum - 01588 672224
Dec 2002 mag InD2
Salop Musica will be providing the performers for
the soirée giving a varied programme of vocal and
instrumental music. This should be a happy convivial
evening in aid of a very worthy cause.
Due to the size of the hall, numbers
will be limited to 60 people.
Tickets are available from committee
members:
Jenny Martin Jones 724507,
Judi Willis 722702
Jennifer Bridge 722092
Hosanna
Tickets available from Committee members of the
Helping Hand (Enquiries Tel 660 242) or from members
of the Chorus. Early booking is advised.
Stretton Focus
he Church Stretton Committee have organised a
soirée with refreshments at Church Stretton United
Reformed Church to be held on Saturday
7 December 2002 at 7-30p.m.
A
celebration of Christmas in Words and Music
with the More Singers at the Methodist Church
on Saturday, 14th December at 7.00pm. Retiring
collection in aid of Hope House Hospice.
December 2002
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15/11/02, 3:27 pm
The Tree of Light in the Square – to shine again
F
ollowing the success of the last three years, when
nearly £5000 was raised for local charities, the
Rotary Club of Church Stretton is again organising
the Tree of Light.
The simple scheme which brings a lot of
comfort and solace to a lot of people at
this time of the year is promoted by the
South Shropshire Journal, supported by
the Church Stretton Christmas Lights
committee and assisted by Kelly at Estate
Agents, Chamberlaines & Stephens in
the High Street. It enables people to
remember a person or cause (a recently
lost relative or friend, or a cause dear
to their hearts) by sponsoring a light on
the Church Stretton Christmas tree in
the Square for £5, or more if they wish.
For their donation the sponsor received,
in addition to the light on the tree,
a thank you letter, a bauble for their
own tree and their name, by way of
acknowledgement, will appear in the
South Shropshire Journal.
A sponsor/donation form
appears in the South
Shropshire Journal, or can be obtained from
Rotarian Pat Doyle, 3 Rectory Gardens,
Church Stretton SY6 6DP – Telephone 01694
724551 or donations can be made by hand
to Kelly at Chamberlaines & Stephens, 4
High Street, Church Stretton. Cheques etc.
should be made payable to the ‘Rotary Club
of Church Stretton’.
John Corfield – Public Relations Officer
December and The Tree of Light
I
sit atop a garden where purple heathers grow
and look down over Long Mynd’s back where sunlit clouds their shadows grey
the little red roofed town in vale below.
Winter and the hills are sleeping silently at rest.
Sheepless their bosoms hibernate below brown broken bracken dead
and in the valleys ice their streams arrest.
Frost, which painted all things white, expires in winter sun.
Smoke stacks rise lazily as if from steamers on an unseen sea
and moon in view its endless journey runs.
Oblivious to its viewer a vapour trail I spy.
Its sensuous turning trail avoiding spaces blue where nearer me
a bare limbed oak entangles with the sky.
Greenfinches on the feeders, jostle to get their share,
Blue tits about the peanuts flit in anxious eccentricity
and robins search the ground for daily fare.
Way beyond the hills the weakening sun slides into night
and showing its annoyance spreads the clouds with blood to mark its end.
While I enjoy the glory of the sight.
Little red roofed town afar in quiet vale below
its business finished for the day the sellers on their homeward way
look in the sky in fear of coming snow.
Night draws on; the festive lights illuminate the way.
The tree of light awaits the eve when carollers will sing their lays
of Jesus who was born on Christmas day.
And all is still........
John Voller
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
December 2002
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15/11/02, 3:27 pm
URC Voice
T
he royal visit had been meticulously planned.
In fact the preparations had been in progress for
hundreds of years. The timing was precise. The
actual place of arrival had been specifically chosen to
link up with previous royal patronage. No doubt any
personnel with immediate responsibility had been
carefully screened.
you can use your days to help other people
experience the joys and benefits of the
kingdom too.
Norman Smith
Too many people in prison!
Because the visit was so unusual, hardly
anyone realised that it had begun! A few
individuals like the young couple, the
rough and ready night shift workers and
the rather ‘way out’ singers were excited
to find themselves spectators of such a
momentous event. Later on some academics travelled a
long way to satisfy their curiosity, while one ruler took
drastic action because he felt threatened by the new royal
visitor. Security was efficient, if rather subjective, and an
efficient escape plan was put into operation.
The actual visit lasted about thirty-three years. Towards
the end of the time the royal visitor became well known,
making many friends. He was not universally popular; he
obtained a reputation for keeping bad company, upset the
religious authorities and consequently discovered he had
numerous enemies. He provoked a response wherever
he went. There were no press conferences, but plenty
of ‘walk abouts’. His ability to handle the crowds was
outstanding, even silencing the antagonistic elements
initially. He proved a hero to many sick and lonely folk
and always seemed to have time for people of all ages.
The visit came to an end quite abruptly because for some
reason he appeared to let his enemies get the upper
hand. They rigged his trial and fixed his death. He
totally surprised those who had been his followers by
re-appearing for a period of forty days before making
a dramatic exit. Since then he has carried out countless
visits. They are different in nature, being far more
personal and mystical. He may have begun a visit to
you. He may want to begin one. Unless such a visit is
welcomed the music, the cards, the presents, the family
gatherings at this season of the year have only partial
significance. They may be good, but they could be better.
If you know him, and his royal presence in your life, then
you can live as one of his loyal subjects. You can really
be thrilled about the kingdom that does not end, and
T
he prison population stands at a record 71,000.
There are plenty of dangerous, wicked and greedy
people who are rightly in prison. However, during
my 15 years as a probation officer, I saw far more who
were there because they had suffered a lifetime of
disadvantage, through no fault of their own. If just a few
of the drug-dependent, the mentally ill and the rising
number of elderly and infirm prisoners were transferred
to drug rehabilitation centres, psychiatric hospitals
or old peoples’ homes, prison could be a much more
constructive experience for the remainder. I have seen the
statistics many times, but I remain astonished that 70%
of prisoners suffer from at least two mental disorders
(including personality disorder, psychosis and drug
dependence) and that 80% of all prisoners can write only
at the level of an 11-year-old, or lower.
…………There are some odd perceptions about crime and
prison. Though the prevalence of many types of crime
is decreasing, fear of crime continues to increase; and
though many people in the street would say that prison
sentences should be longer, most also agree that prisons
generally make offenders worse rather than better.
Despite the dedication of individual church goers,
criminal justice still has a minority appeal in churches....
.
I cannot see how the Church can escape being concerned,
following as it does, a Lord who demonstrated a passion
for justice, for victims and for repentance and restoration.
Stuart Dew - officer for the Churches’ Criminal Justice Forum.
“Speak to me”
Silence is poisonous, negative air when someone is
calling out in despair
words need not be complex, need not be grand
even if you cannot understand
knowing you care and will just hold my hand
means I’m not trying to cope on my own
cause despair can make people very alone.
Debbie Woods
News from St. Michaels, All Stretton
I
t was a crowded church on 18th October for the funeral
of Miss ‘Nancy’ Smout. Miss Smout, who died on
7th October aged 98, was a well-known and much
respected lady, who for so many years had been actively
involved with the life of All Stretton, having a deep faith
with our church in particular. She was a longstanding
member of the choir, where she had continued to sing until
the great age of 90. As is the custom, a posy of flowers
marked her regular place in the choir stalls at her funeral.
The service was conducted by the Rector and the address
given by Mervyn Williams. Although Miss Smout spent
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
some of her final years at a rest home, she will
nevertheless be widely missed in the village.
A.Ashworth
St.Michaels Centenary Committee
A
concert was held in October with the
entertainment provided by the Shrewsbury Male
Voice Choir and proved a most enjoyable evening.
The committee would like to thank all who were
involved. The sum of £472.30 was raised for the Church.
J.R.Evans
December 2002
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15/11/02, 3:27 pm
Visit to the Houses of Parliament
I
n October 1834 a disastrous
fire destroyed most of the
medieval Royal Palace and only
Westminster Hall was saved. So
visitors today see the new Palace of
Westminster designed by architect
Sir Charles Barry and rebuilt
between 1840-52 in the Gothic
style. It is certainly one of the finest
jewels in the country’s architectural
heritage, and that is why it is such a
fascinating place to visit.
So at the end of October a group of
Strettonians set off by coach very
early on a dark, dank morning to
see for themselves and were most
impressed by all accounts by what
they saw and heard. We all know
what the exterior of the building
looks like, but some of the interior is
quite stunning in its magnificence,
especially the House of Lords with
its red benches and carpets and gold
decorations, beautiful carvings,
paintings, and the throne from which
the Queen makes her speech at the
opening of Parliament. The House
of Commons, by comparison, is very
plain with its oak panelling and green
benches and is smaller than one
expects. Sadly there is not space here
to mention all the other interesting
rooms we saw, but mention must be
made of the statues of Sir Winston
Churchill and Lloyd George that
stand on either side of the archway
leading to the Commons chamber,
with their polished toes which
thousands of hands have touched
over the years. Our group was met
by our Constituency MP Matthew
Green in the Commons Lobby, but
he was on his way to discuss police
matters in West Mercia with the
Home Secretary David Blunkett. He
would be in the House for the debate
after lunch.
The visit to the Strangers’ Gallery,
however, was certainly the highlight
of the visit for many, despite having
to queue for some time. By great
good chance we had picked a
day when the debate was about
modernisation of the House of
Commons and its working practices.
Mr Robin Cook who led for the
Government, is a clear speaker and
polished debater, and brought the
place to life with his sharp wit and
clever ripostes. But he had to ‘give
way’ to many questions during
his speech which enlivened the
proceedings even more. Sadly the
coach could not wait and we had to
leave long before the debate ended.
But we had seen the action at first
hand which proved fascinating.
Some have said they would go again.
But next, what about a trip to
Cardiff to see the Welsh Assembly
in action, with its circular debating
chamber which makes for a less
confrontational atmosphere?
Interested? If so contact the writer
(01694 724246)
Tony Thomas
(The Strettons Mayfair Trust would
like to thank the people who raised £80
for the Community Centre by raffling
a bottle of Houses of Parliament sherry
on the above trip. This innovative idea
has funded some IT Suite furnishings.
Very many thanks to all of you.)
Crossword number twenty Cryptic greetings by Toucan
Round the edge of this crossword a seasonable message may be found, reading clockwise from the top left square
Across
6. Circular about a bit of a fight (5)
7. Misread, misread, but regards highly (7)
8. Howard’s End – ripping, impelling! (7)
9. Stage type in a pronounced success (5)
10. Close to sleep (6)
12. More found this the best place to be (6)
15. Stint, omit about the end of term (5)
17. Monster bells ring before the Egyptian sun-god (7)
19. Flaming torch that betrays secrets (7)
20. Airship with miles to go in a minor upset (5)
Down
n1. Editeur learned to translate (7)
2. Made by a spokesman? (5)
3. Little money can make a difference (6)
4. Run into a bit of the castle (7)
5. Net searcher discards loud instruction and becomes more confident (5)
11. I’m after nothing – it’s the thickness of the paint! (7)
13. Previn loses direction but gains two more in early show (7)
14. How Delia makes a perfect mix (5)
18. Initially it may be using emotions to inspire (5)
Quick crossword clues
Across
6. About (5)
7. Regards highly (7)
8. Pressing on (7)
9. Kind of stage (5)
10. Ocular guard (6)
12.
15.
17.
19.
20.
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
Solutions on page 35
Down
1. Learned (7)
2. Rays of circle (5)
3. Alter (6)
4. Castle wall (7)
5. More certain (5)
Ideal place (6)
Fall short (5)
Monster (7)
Old torch (7)
Airship (5)
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5
11. Thick oil-paint (7)
13. Advance showing (7)
14. Kind of duck (6)
16. Perfect (5)
18. Fill with inspiration (5)
December 2002
15/11/02, 3:27 pm
Bell Ringing in Church Stretton
B
ells – not universally loved, but
an important part of English
tradition, as John Betjemen
wrote, “I can make no apology for
writing so much about church bells.
They ring through our literature
as they do over our meadows and
roofs and few remaining elms. Some
may hate them….but they dislike
them chiefly, I think, because they
are reminders of eternity. In an age
of faith they were messengers of
consolation.”
Bells and bellringing – who are we
and what do we do? We are a group
of people, of almost any age and
coming from many backgrounds, but
all united in the activity of ringing
bells. Bellringing is an art with
many levels depending on aptitude
and opportunity, but in the English
version involves controlling the bell
via a rope or wheel. Change ringing
developed in England early in the
17th century and there are now more
than 5,000 rings of bells (5 or more)
and about 40,000 active ringers.
There is always a need for more
ringers to keep the tradition alive
and to share in the fellowship.
photos: Paul Miller
There is a difference in Britain
between ‘method’ and ‘call change’
ringing. Method ringing is the
most common in which the bells
are rung in sequences, avoiding
repetition and following a learnt
method. Call changes are called out
by the person in charge and rung
as instructed. Striking (i.e. avoiding
clashes of sound and keeping to the
steady and accurate rhythm) is of
vital importance to the enjoyment
of the listeners. Normally bells are
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
rung to avoid clashes of sound,
but occasionally, for example at
weddings, bells are ‘fired’ as a
celebration and should sound as if
one!
Ringing is full of terminology – ‘blue
line’, ‘sally’, ‘stay’, ‘slidder’, ‘dodge’,
‘bob’, etc., and there are many books
available to help and a weekly
magazine.
Church Stretton’s bells are a ring of
eight and the largest (tenor) weighs
over half a ton. There is also a ninth
bell, rung as minute bell before
services. In 1553
there were five
bells in Church
Stretton. In 1711
this increased to a
ring of six, cast by
Abraham Rudhall.
The fourth and
fifth were recast
and two trebles
added in 1890
by Taylors of
Loughborough.
The bells have
plain bearings
which means that regular
oiling is essential. There
are inscriptions on each
bell – ‘Peace and Good
Neighbourhood’ on the
seventh (which is a common
inscription for this area).
We are within the Hereford
Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.
We ring for services,
weddings, funerals and
other special occasions.
We ring half muffled for
Remembrance Sunday and
also on New Year’s Eve. The
bell has a muffle of leather
tied to one side of the clapper in
order to reduce the sound on the back
stroke. In Church Stretton full peals
(which take about three hours) are
rare – only 32 have been rung, the
most recent in 1987, but quarters are
quite common, the most recent being
for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in
June 2002.
How do we work? What is the
Tower Captain’s job? We work by
co-operation and ring for all kinds of
reasons – fellowship, service to God,
exercise, etc. The Tower Captain is
there to co-ordinate the ringers, liaise
with the church and visitors, look
after the general maintenance of the
bells, organise practices and service
ringing, act as relief clock winder
– the list goes on! She also writes
articles in the hope that someone will
want to find out more and come and
join us; Church Stretton has a small
band of ringers and always needs
recruits.
How much does it cost to learn and
how long does it take? The bells
are very valuable, but the cost to us
is time and it can take a lifetime to
learn. However, to handle and ring
for service usually takes only a few
weeks or months to learn. There is
great scope to learn more and that,
perhaps, is one of the reasons that
once hooked, many of us cannot
give it up willingly. If anyone is
interested, we practice on Tuesdays
at 7pm and my telephone number is
722970. Ringers share fellowship and
visitors are always welcome.
A.Hone, Tower Captain
Unusually
Church
Stretton
has a stone
slab, dating
from 1773,
containing
the names
of the then
(male)
ringers and a
set of belfry
rules.
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December 2002
15/11/02, 3:27 pm
Remembrance Day Letters
O
n Sunday 10th November my wife and I waited,
along with a sizeable group of people of all ages,
at our War Memorial for the annual service of
remembrance. We were all to be both disappointed and
astonished. For the first time in the seventeen years I
have been attending (and much longer in the memory of
others) there was no service.
In contrast the less favourable weather in London did not
dissuade the Queen, or the many veterans present, from
attending the service at the Cenotaph.
This I consider showed very serious lack of respect to
those whose sacrifice we were there to remember. Is
this another example of the current trend to ignore our
traditions? Subsequent reports indicate that the decision
to cancel was taken on the basis of weather forecasts,
although it was in fact dry, bright and with even some
sunshine. In the past years I have attended the ceremony
in rain, high winds, and even once in snow.
R
We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have
preserved our freedoms with the supreme sacrifice of
their lives, and I acknowledge that the decision not
to go up to the War Memorial this year, but to lay the
wreaths in the Parish Church, has caused a lot of pain
to many people. For this I am truly sorry.
The decision not to go to the War Memorial was taken
just before 10:00 a.m. after consultation with senior
officers of the Royal British Legion, the Police and
others concerning the weather and safety or otherwise
of going to the War Memorial. For many years now
there has in fact been in place a ‘Plan B’ in the event
of wet weather. This plan, drawn up by the Royal
British Legion, was put into effect last Sunday. With
hindsight, it seems that that was a mistake, and has
caused much hurt.
Cancer Research UK
he local committee in Church
Stretton wish to thank you all
for your support during the
past year and look forward to your further support at
their Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, 7th December at
the Silvester Horne Institute from 2pm until 4pm. There
will be stalls for gifts, cakes, books, bric-à-brac, plants
and Christmas cards as well as raffles and a tombola.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to buy those late
Christmas presents. We look forward to seeing you
there.
H.M.Souter
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
Editor: Another letter on the same lines was received
from Mr. Chris Kolvin who said that ... “A measure of a
town’s dignity and pride is how we organise events like
this. Something was lost that day and it will take a lot of
soul-searching and determination to get it back”.
I accept that there is a very strong case to be made
for saying that, regardless of the weather, an Act of
Remembrance should always take place at the War
Memorial, and that individuals should be free to choose
whether to attend or not. If the weather is bad, or for
those who may not be able to climb the hill, a concurrent
Act of Remembrance can continue to be held in the parish
church as happens each year in any event.
emembrance Day this year saw some 400
or more people gather in the Parish Church
and Parish Centre for special services of
Remembrance. Others had also gathered at the War
Memorial in anticipation of the Act of Remembrance
that usually takes place there following the church
services. To them, especially, I should like to offer my
sincere apology that this event did not take place and
that no communication of that decision was made.
T
I think we who attended on Sunday are entitled to
an explanation and a reassurance that this will not be
repeated.
J.A.Cox, (79, Ex.R.N.)
In the light of what happened this year, I am in the
process of organising a meeting with representatives
of the Royal British Legion, the Town Council, the
Uniformed Organisations, and Churches Together, to
look at the way in which Remembrance Day is observed
in Church Stretton. Should this be a civic or church event
or a combination of the two? If decisions are to be made
concerning severe weather, who should make those
decisions and how should they be communicated? These
and other concerns can, I hope, be fully aired and an
agreed policy for the future decided upon and publicised.
Notwithstanding the upset this year, my hope and
prayer is that a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation
may prevail. I feel sure that in the years to come our
community will continue to honour all those who gave
their lives in the service of this country.
Jonathan Millard (Rector and Royal British Legion Chaplain)
Impact Alcohol Advisory
Services
A
re you concerned about your own or someone
else’s drinking or substance misuse problem?
IMPACT now have a venue in Church Stretton
which can offer free confidential advice and a range of
advisory and education services. For more information or
to book appointment, telephone our central office on 0845
143 0005 or 01952 223165.
December 2002
- 10 -
7
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Longmynd Hike 2002
T
his year saw the 35th annual Longmynd Hike take
place on October 5th and 6th and for the first time in
its history the outright winner came from Church
Stretton. Andy Davies of Central Ave not only made history by winning, but
actually beat the record time which had stood since 1981 with an outstanding
8hr 30min for the 50 miles and 8,000 feet of ascent.
Conditions for this year`s hike (of
course it`s more of a non-stop run
for the fell runners like Andy!) were
amongst the best for years. The going
was unusually dry underfoot and the
weather fairly kind throughout the
night. Competitors start at 13:00
on the Saturday and have to
complete the route passing through
all named check points in 24 hours.
This year 335 walkers started and 232
completed the event within the time
allowed….all credit to those 232; it is
a very tough test of map reading and
endurance.
Andy Davies - Overall winner/record holder
and winner of Longmynd Scout staff
Other Strettonians who were amongst
this year`s trophy winners were
popular 2nd Longmynd Cub Scout
Leader, Terry Davies, who was the
first member of the Scout movement
home in a personal best time of 9hrs
54mins and Longmynd Scouter and
local Town Councillor, Brian Alston
who won the 2nd Longmynd Scout
staff for the best performance by a
local member of the Scout movement.
It is very pleasing to see an increasing
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
number of local people taking up the
challenge which in its earliest days
had been dominated by fell runners
from “up North”. (17 Church Stretton
addressees completed the event this
year.)
So what about those early days of the
Longmynd Hike? It all began with an
idea of George Davies, the then Scout
Leader of the 2nd Longmynd Scout
troop and our present President of the
Longmynd Hike. After completing
Yorkshire`s famous Fellsman Hike
in 1967, he said, “We could do this
around Stretton”. So, in 1967, a pilot
event was organised for the first
weekend in October and, with very
few minor variations, that same route
and date has been the “Longmynd
Hike” ever since. In 1967, fifty-nine
competitors entered and the winning
time was 21hrs 24mins! Actually
a group of Longmynd Scouters
trialled the route earlier that year but
camped overnight at the Drum and
Monkey Inn – allegedly in those days
the haunt of Ronnie Lane and Eric
Clapton and their associates ….
goodness knows how those Scouters
ever got back to Stretton, let alone
finish the hike!
In its early days the Hike started
and finished at the Scout Hut
which was also used to serve
food to the hikers when they
had finished. The old Parish
Hall was used for sleeping in
afterwards. An upstairs room
was used for making out and
issuing certificates. The Hike
became immediately popular,
with a steady increase in entries
over the years. It continued with
the same format for ten years, but
eventually “outgrew” the available
facilities. In 1978, the then Head
Teacher of Church Stretton School,
Mr Dick Tanswell, kindly agreed
to allow the Hike committee to use
the school facilities. This meant that
the Hike could not only start and
finish there, but facilities were also
available for the hikers to be fed and
watered and the gymnasium became
available for the to sleep in following
their exertions – what luxury! During
that year approximately 350 people
entered the Hike. The school has been
used every year since then, to the
effect that the limit of 450 entrants has
at times been oversubscribed.
So 35 years on and Church Stretton
hosts a nationally renowned event.
Pleased as we are that a Strettonian
has finally triumphed, the Hike still
draws entrants from all over the
country. This year`s finishers ranged
from Cornwall to Cardiff, Eastbourne
to Edinburgh, Leeds to London and
Peterborough to Penrith.
In closing, the 2nd Longmynd Scout
Group would like to give a sincere
vote of thanks to our huge band
of volunteer helpers, to the many
landowners whose ground the route
crosses, to Raynet for their radio
communications expertise, our local
branch of the Red Cross, Church
Stretton School and to all who make
the event possible.
More details of the event can
be found on our website at
www.longmyndhike.free-online.co.uk
or by contacting any 2nd Longmynd
Scout Leader.
Brian Faulkner, Chairman,
The Longmynd Hike Committee,
Left: Terry Davies, 2nd Lomgmynd Scout
Leader. First Scout member home and winner
of a Longmynd Scout staff. Right: Scouter and
Local Town Councillor Brian Alston. Winner
of the second Longmynd Scout staff.
- 13 -
8
December 2002
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
A Place Like No Other
Roman Catholic Voice
E
very 10 minutes I had a phone call. Although the rain
was a trickle compared to downpour an hour ago the
wind had left the road in a maze of ‘pick up sticks’.
It would take hours before my husband made it home on
the day of the storm. Our own garden had suffered as
well. Not long after pouring the Frosties, a large Ash came
crashing over the fence. A tree I had rarely noticed in the
past had suddenly made its existence very clear.
As we compared stories over the mobile I looked out of
the upstairs window and shouted in disbelief – not one,
but two couples were walking past with their dogs. In
the middle of the worst storm in ten years, as our power
flicked off and on, with my children huddled in the hall
clinging to their blankets and torches – the dog people
carried on. This was confirmation. I had known for a
while, but at this moment any doubt waned for good.
We are frauds. We are not ‘true’ dog people. We will never
be a part of the Strettonian Canine Elite. Surely you have
encountered them as you drive down Church Street - the
dedicated individuals who emerge from Rectory Woods,
leads in hand, covered in mud and smiling. They are the
ones whose dogs wait happily, without restraint, as they
pop into the Spar.
I am not only jealous but also embarrassed. We have
spent the last 18 months redesigning our lives around
our dog – the housetraining, the fence, the visits to
the vet, the chewy toys, the grooming. Huge sums of
money have been spent – often to replace what she has
destroyed. And yet, given the opportunity to escape she
doesn’t hesitate. We have met two new people just this
week - those kind enough to return our wayward dog.
‘Don’t you know how lucky you are?’, I want to yell at
the dog (and sometimes do!) after we close the door.
‘Don’t you appreciate all that we have done for you?
For many people, this time of year will bring more
stormy weather – not outside – but inside their own
homes. There will be people who are working hard to
make Christmas ‘just right’ only to feel unappreciated
and tired because at the end of the day the other 364
days of the year are pretty grim. I remember a local
estate agent explaining that there is always a greater
demand for rented accommodation in the New Year.
Much money will be spent and lavish presents will be
exchanged, but rarely do gifts heal relationships or make
for more harmonious family life. My dog has been given
much - except what she really needs - time. I have done
many things for her but few things with her. I guess her
lack of faithfulness should not be surprising.
Giving to others what is truly needed can be difficult. In
many cases, it will require personal sacrifice. I hope that
as you enjoy the tree in the square and the coloured lights
around town, you will consider giving to your family,
friends and neighbours what makes our homes and
community…a place like no other.
J. Wyeth
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
Christmas is Coming
T
he constable stood in Market Square. The
shops, decorated out for Christmas in an
austere fifties Britain, were now in darkness leaving
only street lamps to cast pools of yellow light. The chatter of
cinema goers and the shouts and laughter from the public
houses had died away. The last bus had lurched off and all
was quiet at last. The bus shelter, rustic brick and timber
with a slate roof, sparkled with frost and with a star or two
above it almost doubled as a stable for a Christmas scene.
Christmas was coming.
He straightened as the sergeant approached, a strict
disciplinarian of the old school. ‘All correct’ said the
constable as the sergeant signed the proffered pocket book.
He then accompanied the constable and crossing the road
passed by the bus shelter. There, huddled on the bench
in a dark corner, was a young man with nowhere to go.
‘Tramps’ they were called then, but just a young man, not
too bright with no home and no friends. Frightened, cold
and hungry. ‘Stay here’ said the sergeant to both young
men as he hurried off towards the police station a few
hundred yards away. And so they did, one well clothed and
shod against the bitter night, the other shivering in castoffs. Presently the sergeant returned from the station with
a large mug of steaming tea and a cheese sandwich. There
was no local shelter for the homeless. He talked gently to
him as he took his first food that day. And then the young
man made off into the night on his long and lonely journey
to nowhere. One small act of kindness. The rest of the town
slept in their warm beds dreaming their dreams.
So Christmas comes again, the celebration of Christ’s
birth in a humble stable. For some it will mean church
services in His memory and a re-living of the story of
Joseph and Mary desperate for a night’s shelter away
from the cold, of a baby, of shepherds and wise men.
For many, Christmas will mean family reunions and
celebrations inextricably entwined with the giving of
presents. But to whom? Just family and friends? Christ’s
message of faith, hope and charity dwells on charity. If
we are to celebrate Christmas in a true Christian sense
then the giving must stretch beyond the twelve days
and beyond family and friends. Who is my neighbour?
We may not find many in the Strettons without a roof
but there are many struggling to remain in their own
homes. Many people need a little help in all kinds of
different ways. They need just a little of your time.
The equivalent of that mug of tea – a little help. Look
around, there are organisations here in the Strettons
helping people in so many different ways. ‘Good
Neighbours Care Group’, ‘Age Concern’, ‘Mayfair’, Day
Centres of various kinds – all need support. Why not
join them? Make a Christmas Gift – A little of your time.
Derek Griffiths.
Stretton Focus was sorry to hear the news that
Father Paddy Shivnen of St.Milburga’s died on 14th
November 2002. We understand the funeral will be in
Dublin although the date is not known yet
December 2002
- 14 -
9
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Shaping the Future of Church Stretton Area
A
n open consultative meeting was held on the 29th
of October at Church Stretton School to assess
local resources and clarify needs. The meeting
was attended by 147 people and the proceedings were
opened by the chairman, Trevor Davies. Those attending
were grouped around tables of 8 and were invited to
discuss and put over their points of view after each
presentation. All were able to express their opinions by
completing notes which were stuck on flip-charts at each
table. By the end of the evening, 686 notes had been
written and collected.
The first presentation on Social & Community Issues was
by Alan Fox. He outlined the South Shropshire District
Council Plan for the next 9 years. This included no use of
greenfield sites but using redevelopment land to provide
150 houses. He pointed out that South Shropshire
Housing Association had a waiting list of 237 of whom
187 were in need. More affordable housing and more
second-stage housing are required. Church Stretton is
seen as a wealthy town but it is poor in sports and leisure
facilities. A Swimming pool with more public access has
been clearly identified by respondents to questionnaires.
There are problems both of care for the elderly and
child-care facilities for working parents. A Culture
Centre, Cinema, Museum and Art Gallery have all been
requested.
Stuart Wright then spoke of the Transport and
Accessibility problems for the area, such as transport
to outlying areas, town congestion in Church Stretton,
parking, particularly with less expensive use for
residents, and the on-going problems of the A49 trunk
road – safety, and the traffic flows at the traffic lights.
A clear need for better integration of existing transport
facilities has been identified. Footpaths and cycle paths
from adjacent villages would encourage safer pedestrian
use. Better and more widespread disabled access needs
to be addressed.
The next presentation was by Digby Chillcott and
Charles Wood on the Local Economy. Key issues of
employment, particularly for young persons, training and
education, tourism and visitor services, retail and town
centre services and support for business were outlined.
Employing a Town Manager, broadband internet access,
and the lack of industrial and commercial development
space inhibiting growth. were further highlighted.
Tourism remains a key stimulus for the local economy.
Adrian Cullis and Julie Jordan presented findings on the
Environment. The character and vitality of the town,
the character of the surrounding landscape and the links
between town and country were highlighted.
It was generally agreed that education facilities are good,
but there is a need for childcare facilities for working
parents. It was felt there is a lack of retail space and more
industrial areas are needed. Jobs for young people need
to be created or they will continue to find work and live
elsewhere. On the Environment, dog fouling and litter
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
were popular causes and everybody seemed to agree that
we need more recycling facilities, particularly for plastics.
A public sports hall was suggested. Also, could the
Tourist Information Centre be sited more conspicuously?
The Working Groups will analyse the results of the
lively consultation evening and will draft a Vision for
the future of Church Stretton Area. From this a “Vision
and Action Plan” will be created and will be presented
to public consultation meetings for endorsement in the
next few months.It is hoped that by these discussions and
suggestions Church Stretton could attract up to £300,000
in funding for local investment.
David Beckett
Rail Users’ Association
T
here was a slight error in the
November issue of Focus; it
is quite correct that, earlier in
the year, there were problems with
parking at the station. It is also true
that it was felt that a number of
non-users were causing the problem and our Association
decided to carry out a survey generally along the lines
you reported. However, the problem resolved itself and
so the survey never took place!
However, it might be useful to clarify the facts –
• The station approach is privately owned.
• It is owned by Network Rail and leased to Wales &
Borders Trains.
• They paid to have the road resurfaced a couple of years
back and parking spaces marked out.
• There are notices saying that parking is for rail
passengers only.
I am sure that most people will agree that it is only
reasonable that the parking spaces at the station should
be left for genuine rail travellers.
Mike Scott
Household Rubbish Collections
Christmas and New Year
Normal Collection Day
Thursday 26th December
Friday 27th December
Monday 30th December
Tuesday 31st December
Wednesday 1st January
Thursday 2nd January
Friday 3rd January
All collections return to normal from 6th January 2003
December 2002
- 17 -
10
Revised Collection Day
Friday 27th December
Saturday 28th December
As normal
As normal
Thursday 2nd January
Friday 3rd January
Saturday 4th January
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Anglican Voice
W
hat do you do when you get a
Christmas present you don’t really
like or want?
Jesus was God wrapped in a human body he couldn’t be
discarded so easily as a present. Even death couldn’t hold
him.
A. Pretend that the hand-knitted tie that Aunt Nellie spent
hours making for you is absolutely wonderful, and reluctantly
wear it every time she comes to visit?
B. Smile politely and say thank you, but make sure
it finds its way to the bin or a charity shop at the
earliest opportunity?
Meek doesn’t mean wimpish. It means being
honest enough to admit that we’ve got it wrong.
That takes guts - to face up to it. Have you got
it wrong about Jesus? Or will you ask him into
your life, to bring you the best Christmas, and best life,
you’ll ever have?
C. Be completely honest and risk embarrassing her
and causing a family rift for generations to come?
Jesus was the best gift the world has ever received, but
most people rejected him. And some of them took it so
badly they crucified him. Fortunately for us, because
Jonathan Millard
Weather October 2002
Mayfair Community Centre
We had to pay for it in the end. After that long dry
September it was inevitable that October would take
its revenge and it did with a rain fall of 5.52 inches
compared with 1.04 inches in September, but, even
so, it was not quite as high as October 2001 when
we had 5.77inches, but what is 0.25 inch amongst
friends!
The rain started as
soon as September
closed down with
a little rain on 1 st
October then we had a
9 day dry spell before
the rains returned
never to stop and over
the remaining 20 days
5.34 inches fell, with
spells of 5 and 4 consecutive days, in fact, the longest
dry spell was 2 days in that period.
Temperatures were below average as well only 49.93F for
the month against 55.33F last year, so quite a noticeable
difference. The warmest day of 69F was on the 6th,
the coldest day, 45.5F on the 20th. Hail fell during one
particularly heavy downpour on the 21st and we had fog
on two days. Only 10 days were above the 60F mark
compared with 25 days last year.
The week-end of the 27th/28th is one we will not forget
in a hurry, even as I write some areas of East Anglia
are still without power. A particularly deep depression
moved in from the west bringing storm force winds and
torrential rain. Many trees were uprooted and power
was off for some hours in places.
R Smart
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
And not only that, God didn’t give the world just one
chance to receive Jesus. Everyone alive today has a
personal opportunity to receive him or reject him, if they
know His name. In the words of ‘O Little Town
of Bethlehem…’ ‘Where meek souls will receive
him, still the dear Christ enters in.’
Christmas Quiz ~ 13th December
By popular demand!
Tickets now available £2.50 including snacks. Bring your
own wine, glasses will be provided.
*****************
Christmas Presents ~ Buy a Lottery number for 2003, or
The Mac Fayre Family recipe book, or how about the new
Mac Fayre tea towel.
Thank You ~ The Fundraising Committee thanks
everyone who has supported the events throughout the
past year and we wish you all a Happy and Peaceful
Christmas.
Sue Wood
Winners for October
411 - £100
79 - £50
367 - £20
501 - £10.
Exercise Referral Scheme
M
ayfair Community Centre and Lifestyles
are pleased to be able to offer individual
assessments to provide you with a tailored
exercise programme. If you want to shape up before
or after Christmas, make an appointment to see Tracey
Herron on a Monday morning. Two assessments, three
months apart, cost £12.40. The cost of exercise sessions
chosen depends on the provider.
December 2002
- 18 -
11
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
EVENTS DIARY: what’s on in December
EVERY WEEK
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Thu & Fri
Fridays
Scottish Dancing. All Stretton Village Hall. Party on 16th . No meeting 23rd and 30th. . . . . . . 7.15 for 7.30
Carpet Bowls at the Methodist Hall £1. Slippers please. Not 24th and 31st.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 to 4.00
Disability & Benefits information and advice. Mayfair. Not 25th Dec or 1 Jan. . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 to 12.00
Citizens Advice Bureau. At Mayfair Centre, Easthope Road. Not 26th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 to 12.00
Traidcraft fairly traded goods available at Mayfair Centre. Not 26th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.30 to 1.00
Chess Club. Returns to District Social Club, Essex Road. Not 26 December and 2 January . . . . . . . . 7.30
Choral Society. Rehearsals after the concert start on 9th January at the United Reformed Hall . . . . . 7.30
Good Neighbours’ Bereavement & Loss Befriender. Mayfair. Not 26th and 27th . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 to 12.00
WI Market at Mayfair Centre. 20th December is the last market until mid March. . . . . . . . . . 9.00 to 10.30
Mayfair Centre is open on 24th Dec, closed from 25th to Jan 1st inclusive, and reopens on Thurs 2nd.January
WEEK ONE
Sun 1
Acton Scott Church. Advent Evensong with the Ashbrook Singers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30
Hope Bowdler Church. Advent Service of Music and Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Mon 2
Hope Bowdler MU. Diocesan Council at Church Stretton Parish Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00
Shropshire Literary Society. Christmas Social. Fancy Dress – win a prize for best dressed literary
character. At “Greta”, Sandford Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30
Tue
3
Hope Bowdler MU. Prayers at noon, followed by Pots and Pies. At 36 Alison Road. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00
All Stretton Fellowship. Readings and Carols in the Church Vestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Flower Club. Mrs Sheila Holland, “Christmas Charisma”. Table: Holly and Ivy plus flowers.
Visitors welcome. £3.00. At the Silvester Horne Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30
Wed 4
Carers’ Support Group. Every 1st Wed: contact Jean Maddox 722127 Health Centre . . . . . . . 2.00 to 4.00
Women’s Fellowship. Cathy Watson, “A little bit of Anthropology goes a Long Way”.
St Laurences’s Parish Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Women’s Network. Christmas Lunch at Methodist Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.30 for 1.00
Fri
6
Prayers for Peace. Suggestions by URCs. Drop in at Emmaus Chapel, St Laurence. . . . . . . . 10.00 to 4.00
Sat
7
All Stretton Village Hall. Christmas Coffee Morning. Mince pie included. Entry £1.00 . . . . . . . . . . 10.30
Cancer Research UK Christmas Bazaar in the Silvester Horne Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 to 4.00
WI Caradoc Group Carol Service in St Laurences’s followed by refreshments
in the Parish Centre. Members, family and friends welcomed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Choral Society Christmas Concert. Messiah music and carols. At Church Stretton School . . . . . . . . 7.30
WEEK TWO
Sun 8
Bible Society United Service at the United Reformed Church. Preacher: Revd Tim Heard . . . . . . . . 6.00
Tue
10
CS Women’s Institute. Christmas Miscellany from The Nonnette Singers.
Competition: Home made Christmas cracker. Silvester Horne Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.15
All Stretton WI. Valerie McCalla with “A Musical workshop”.
Competition: My oldest Christmas tree decoration. All Stretton Village Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30
Methodist Wives and Friends. Christmas pastry parcels with Rosie. Methodist Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00
Wed 11
Women’s Network. Christmas readings and carols. Bring and Buy stall. Methodist Hall. . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Camera Club. Competition number two “Street Scenes”. Room1, Silvester Horne Institute . . . . . . . 7.30
Middle Marches Lions Club. Each 2nd Wed at Travellers’ Rest. Contacts: 724337or 722020 . . . . . . . . 8.00
Thur 12
Stretton Cancer Care. Christmas lunch at The Plough, Wall-u-Heywood
Fri
13
Senior Citizens. Beetle Drive with Derek and Janet Mountford. Silvester Horne Institute . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Sat
14
Stretton Cancer Care. Grand Christmas Bazaar. Silvester Horne Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 to 4.00
More Singers’ Christmas Concert. In aid of Hope House Hospice. Methodist Church. . . . . . . . . . . . 7.00
WEEK THREE
Tue
17
Countrywomen’s Guild. Dorothy Nichole, “The Truth about Christmas”. Parish Centre . . . . . . . . . 2.15
Fri
20
Arthritis Care. Every third Friday at Mayfair Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00
WEEK FOUR
Tue
24
Hope Bowdler St Andrew’s Church. Carol Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Carols in the Square. Proceeds to Rotary charities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30
Sun 29
Acton Scott Church. Lessons and Carols with the Ashbrook Singers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30
January dates by 12 noon on THURSDAY 12 Dec to Focus Diary, 1 Central Ave, CS SY6 6EE
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
December 2002
- 20 -
12
Tel. 724304
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
CHURCH SERVICES in the Strettons
ANGLICAN CHURCH (The United Parish of St Laurence’s, Church Stretton, with St Michael’s & All Angels,
All Stretton, and All Saints, Little Stretton)
Rector: The Rev. Jonathan Millard (Tel: 722585)
Sunday Services
Holy Communion (a quiet reflective service) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00 am.
Morning Worship. A service suitable for everyone of all ages with crèche and Kidzone (for children 3 - 11)
followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.
Holy Communion on 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.30 am.
Evening Worship. (On 4th Sunday Holy Communion with special prayers for Healing). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00 pm.
Pathfinders (Years 6 - 10) in Parish Centre
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00 pm.
Weekday Activities. Many house groups and activities are held throughout the week. Contact the Parish Office
for details.
Thursdays: Holy Communion
...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.30 am.
All Saints, Little Stretton. A traditional Sunday Service is held each Sunday
Week 1. Evening Prayer
...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00 pm.
Weeks 2, 4, and 5. Holy Communion . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am.
Week 3. Morning Prayer
...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am.
The Parish Office is in the Parish Centre, Church St. (Tel: 724224). Open Tuesday & Wednesday 10.00 - 12.30 pm.
Thursday & Friday 9.30 - 4.30 pm
Secretary: Nancy Cleaton. Email: [email protected]
METHODIST CHURCH
Minister: Rev. Bernard C Nixon (Tel: 724923)
Sunday Services
Morning Service
10.30 am.
Junior Church & Crèche 10.30 am.
Evening Service
6.00 pm.
Weekday Activities
Mondays: Prayer Group (weekly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.45 - 7.15 pm.
Mondays: Bible Study (as announced) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30 pm.
Tuesdays: Wives and Friends (2nd week of the month) . . . . . . . . . . 8.00 pm.
Wednesdays: Women’s Network (weekly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30 pm.
Holy Communion: one Sunday morning each month and two evenings each quarter (as announced)
RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)
Clerk: Jamie Wrench (Tel: 723923)
Sundays: Meetings for worship in the Silvester Horne Committee Room. Children welcome . . . . . . . . . 10.30 am.
For details of home discussion groups which meet at 7.30 pm. please telephone the Clerk.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
St Milburga’s, Church Stretton
Sunday Mass
9.15 am.
St Walburga’s, Plowden.
Sunday Mass
Priest: Rev’d. Fr. Patrick Shivnen (Tel: 722897)
Monday - Thursday Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 am.
Friday Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00 am.
Saturday Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30 pm.
...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.45 am.
ST MICHAEL’S & ALL ANGELS, ALL STRETTON (Local Ecumenical Partnership with URC) Contact: 724224
Sunday Services
Week 1 Morning Prayer (ASB)
Week 2 Holy Communion (URC)
Week 3 Family Service
Week 4 Holy Communion (BCP)
Week 5 Holy Communion (ASB)
...
...
...
...
...
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Minister : Rev. Norman Smith (Tel: 724903)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00 pm.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00 am,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am.
Sunday Services
Worship and Activity Group
(On the 1st Sunday in month includes Holy Communion) . . . . . . 10.30 am.
followed by refreshments in the church hall
Weekday Activities
Mondays (week 1) Ladies’ Group
...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30 pm.
Wednesdays (week 1) Ladies’ Link
...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00 pm.
For information about house groups, church meetings and other activities, including ecumenical ones, please
telephone the minister.
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
December 2002
- 21 -
13
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Methodist Voice
Congratulations Kitty
e express heartfelt congratulations
to Miss Kitty Murby, who
celebrated her 100th birthday on 24th November.
It doesn’t seem possible that Kitty was born even before
our church was built and yet she has remained such a
vibrant, dynamic person, winning the admiration of all
who have come into contact with her. Many of us will have
been influenced by her persuasive and charming presence,
particularly in connection with the work of the United
Nations Association and we all shared the joy of that visit
to Buckingham Palace to receive a well-deserved MBE.
May the Lord continue to bless you, Kittty
W
Two Sad Farewells
In October, we bade farewell to two ladies who were pillars
of strength in our church and community. Pat Savage
died on 3rd October, at the age of 72 years, and a crowded
congregation witnessed a moving Service of Thanksgiving
on Monday 14th October, when the Ashbrook Singers, of
which Pat had been an enthusiastic member, paid their
musical tribute. The service was led by our minister, Rev.
Bernard Nixon, with readings by Pat’s sister and by Revs.
Ward Davies and Malcolm Furness . Rev. Tony Hearle
gave a glowing tribute to Pat, reminding us of her close
involvement with Church and Community - she had
served as Communion & Church Steward and as a Pastoral
Visitor and had participated actively in Network, the Bible
Society, Good Neighbours and Meals on Wheels. We shall
miss your cheerful and helpful presence, Pat!
Sue Tye, who died on 12th October, will be particularly
remembered for her great contribution to Stretton Focus,
as well as to her church. I personally have good reason to
be grateful to Sue for her efficient and friendly work as
Secretary to the Focus Board of Management, including
during the 5 years I was privileged to be its Chairman. Sue
also did much to encourage our young people, including
involvement with the MAYC (Methodist Association of
Youth Clubs) as we have been able to testify on several
occasions through this Methodist column. Within our
Quaker Voice
Was 9/11 really the day that changed the world?
O
ne year and three months on we still remember the
victims of 9/11 - or more accurately, some of them.
On that day, in addition to the 3000 that died from
terrorism in the richest part of the rich world, 75,000
died from poverty-related preventable diseases in the
poor world. The former have names, and photographs
and videos show us their faces; they are individuals we
can identify, and perhaps identify with. The others do
not appear on our TVs or in newspapers, and remain
nameless and faceless, each one a mere statistic.
What they all have in common is that their deaths were
deliberate and intentional, the result of choices. The former
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
church here, Sue was a member of our Church Council
and served as a Communion Steward. We ask for God’s
blessing on husband Dennis and the family. Please read
Joyce Davies’ eulogy elsewhere in this issue.
Adding Strength To Our Church
Members of our Junior Church have been playing an ever
increasing part in our church services and have thrilled
us with their enthusiastic involvement. We are, therefore,
all the more delighted to learn that four of our senior
scholars have decided to become full Church members
and we express the warmest of welcomes to Kim & Simon
Robinson, Edward Toon and Eleanor Blower . The staff of
our Junior Church are to be congratulated on their devoted
work among our young people, leading to this wonderful
fruition. Our Church mission will surely be strengthened
by the involvement of our new young members
Dates For Your Diary
Sunday 8th December: United Bible Society Service at the
URC at 6 p.m.
Sunday 22nd December: CAROL SERVICE at 4.30 p.m.
Sunday 5th Jan. 2003: Annual Covenant Service at 10.30a.m.
Salve Atque Vale
After compiling this Methodist column for over 20 years,
I have decided, dear readers, that you deserve a change
of scribe and the introduction of a fresh mind with fresh
ideas. I am delighted to report that Mr. Harry Clarke,
with the full support of our Church Council, has agreed
to take over responsibility for our page. Over the years,
Harry has done stalwart service in Church and Circuit,
having served both as Circuit Steward and as Senior
Church Steward and nobody knows better than Harry
what our Church is about. Certainly, I have good reason
to be grateful to him for the way he has kept me informed
about church affairs, thereby enabling me to report to our
readers. He is, then, the ideal person to take over the reins
and I wish him every success. Over to you, Harry!
Meanwhile, we wish all our readers a very happy
Christmas and a successful New Year!
Eric Stephenson.
by the suicide attackers, the latter by the
economic policies we adopt, of not sharing
our food with the hungry, our medicine
with the sick, or of ensuring clean water for
the thirsty. Since the first 9/11 billions of
dollars have been spent on the War on Terrorism, with the
prospect of billions more in a war against weapons of mass
destruction. Little has been devoted to the war on poverty
and the diseases of mass destruction, as the Johannesburg
Earth Summit confirmed.
This highlights a double standard in the value of life. Do we
really need to be reminded that all life is equally precious,
and that the pain of death does not vary with context?
Lest we forget, the majority of victims of 9/11 were never
known. Was it really The Day That Changed the World?
Not for the poor, of whom 75,000 have died every day since.
Cliff Marrs, First published in ‘The Friend’ 18th Oct. 2002
December 2002
- 22 -
14
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Farewell from Focus
The Rev. Emrys Davies
Remembering Sue Tye
(24th December 1948 - 12th October 2002)
E
S
tretton Focus wishes to pay tribute to Sue Tye, for
all her help and support, as part of the Focus team,
over many years.
It was at the beginning of the 1980’s that I first met Sue, who
was one of the many welcoming faces when I first attended
meetings of the Methodist Young Wives. Her warm and
friendly personality registered strongly with me and, when
Hettie Dormer, (one of the founders of Focus), retired from
typing the Church pages, I, as the organizer of the paper’s
layout, approached Sue to help. Without a moment’s
hesitation, she agreed. Never once did she let me down.
With her delightful sense of humour and remarkable gift of
interpreting some unique handwriting, she was a rock.
mrys Davies, who died peacefully in York on 1st
November, was a much-loved Minister and friend
to many people in Church Stretton. Emrys and his
wife, Kath, retired to Lutwyche Road, Church Stretton,
at the end of the 1970’s and both became very much
involved in the life of the United Reformed Church in
the High Street. When the Rev. Michael Crutchley left for
pastures new, Emrys fulfilled much of the role of Minister
until the arrival of the Rev. Noel Stancliffe. During this
time, he wrote the URC page in Focus. As he had suffered
a minor stroke and was convalescing, Kath always
accompanied him to my house with his notes and we
always enjoyed a pleasant half-hour each month.
Had I appreciated, at the time of my original approach for
help from Sue, just what a busy lady she was, I am sure I
would have hesitated. As well as having two young children,
Sue worked part-time, was a member of the School’s Board of
Governors and, around 1983, became a Parish Councillor. She
was also a Sunday School teacher and undertook other youth
events in the Methodist Church involving national Methodist
youth gatherings. Because of her sunny, enthusiastic
approach to all these activities and, of course, her expertise,
all undertakings were a great success.
After Kath’s death in 1990, Noel Stancliffe suggested
that Emrys become part of the Focus team at Editorial
meetings; he also helped as a proof reader to ensure
that each issue of Focus was as free from errors as was
possible and he brought to this task a great appreciation
of language. There was much of the poet and philosopher
about Emrys and, from time to time, Focus benefited
from his literary skills with some wonderfully evocative
articles, particularly those in which he took us back to his
Welsh roots. He was a much loved member of the Focus
team, which felt severely depleted when he decided
to retire to York, to be closer to his family. It must be
remembered that, before we computerised the putting
together of our monthly Focus, its compilation was the
work of a devoted team of volunteers, led by the editors
and including typists, ‘pasters-up’ and proof readers.
Teamwork was of the essence and characters like Emrys
Davies were vital to its efforts. We remain grateful to him
for his encouragement and inspiration.
During the period that Sue was so actively involved with
Focus, the 25th anniversary colour edition was published
(February 1992), the paper’s circulation reached 1430 copies
sold each month and, in 1994, the award of First Prize for
the best Church newspaper in the Hereford diocese. Sue will
be sadly missed, but has left us with happy memories.
I unfortunately never heard Emrys preach, but, having
read his articles and spent many hours in his company,
I realize that is my loss. All his many friends will be sad
that he is no longer with us, but pleased that he was so
happy in York despite the reservations he had before he
left Church Stretton.
As always happened with Focus volunteers, others were
encouraged to participate by existing members, so a very
friendly and co-operative team prevailed. Sue, therefore,
became Secretary to the Management Board when
the Rev. Gordon Davies relinquished the role and her
efficiency was second to none.
M. Joyce Davies (Focus co-editor 1984-1994)
Joyce Davies (in collaboration with Eric Stephenson)
Just to prove that I am not anti red meat here is a lovely occasional dish. Forget your cholesterol
count for one day. Give yourself a treat!
Fillet Steak With Mushrooms & Pâté
Ingredients:
Fillet Steak, Liver Pâté, 1/4 lb Mushrooms, 1/4 Pint Single Cream, Slices of Bread, 1 Tablsp Tomato Ketchup.
Method:
Spread slices of bread with pâté (according to the number of pieces of fillet) and cover with sliced mushrooms.
Place a fillet on top of each slice and spread with pâté and mushrooms again. Place in a greased fireproof dish and
tightly cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes in a fairly hot oven.(About 200C/400F or gas mark 6).
Remove from oven and pour over ketchup and cream. Return to oven and cook for a further 15 minutes.
Delicious !
“Her Ladyship”
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
- 24 -
15
December 2002
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Long Mynd Adventure Camp
F
or twenty something years, Pontesbury C.E.
Deanery has been arranging rural holidays with
local host families for children from an inner city
area of Birmingham. The only criterion for any child
to have a holiday has been that they would not have a
holiday otherwise.
At the beginning of this year, I was handed a Long
Mynd Adventure Camp (LMAC) leaflet by a friend who
thought that we might be interested in the facility in
connection with the above scheme. Were we just! Each
year there are always children who would like to come
to Shropshire, but are not able to do so, as we do not
have enough host families. LMAC looked as though it
could be the solution to this, without detracting from the
commitment to recruit local host families
quarters tidy without any fuss, which is more than can be
said for our own children! Some kind friends came in to
run evening football and rounders matches. Water pistols
were high entertainment all week. A host parent made a
water-slide for us one afternoon and other host families
joined us for a picnic and open day. Personally, I feel
that the space that the children had to run around in and
instigate their own imaginative games was a great asset.
The main building was instrumental in the success of
the holiday too, as it really was our social centre. Apart
from cooking and eating in there, we set up various quiet
activities and the children could choose to relax there
whenever they wanted to. Nail painting was the number
one activity, but they also enjoyed dominoes, listening to
story tapes, painting stones and various board games.
After discussion with the Head Teacher and Governors
of the Birmingham school which our holiday visitors
attended, we embarked upon a pilot scheme to see how
it would work. Our enthusiasm was matched by that
of Mr Don Rogers and his committee of LMAC, who
were delighted that this facility would be used for the
intention for which it was set up, ie, to provide holidays
for disadvantaged youngsters.
This pilot scheme was a resounding success and, if in no
other way, it can be judged by the fact that, before the
end of the week, all the children had booked for next
year. Some of the children wanted to stay for the whole
summer and one didn`t even want to go home. Without
a doubt, Long Mynd Activity Camp is set to become a
venue for these holidays for many years to come.
Sue Evans
What a fantastic week we had! The children threw
themselves into Camp life instantly. They were smitten
by the fields and hills which surrounded them. As for
the sheep – well, what more could you want?! We were
somewhat apprehensive about how the children would
perceive their sleeping quarters and if strange night-time
countryside noises would unsettle them. No worries here
either – they were all so worn out at the end of each day,
that they very quickly dropped off to sleep.
(The Long Mynd Adventure Camp was featured a few
years ago in Stretton Focus. It has a one and a half acre
site above Minton and contains a main hall, toilets/
showers and bunkhouses. – Ed)
Our outings and activities were quite simplistic ones but
how heartening it was to see how the children enjoyed
everything so much. We enjoyed days at The Quarry,
Shrewsbury and Harry Tuffins, Churchstoke – a great
favourite with the animals and the £1.00 shop. Local
beauty spot, Carding Mill Valley, was loved by one and
all – despite the rain. The friendly sheep were fortunate
they did not get bundled into a boot and taken back to
Birmingham! On another occasion, Diana Lloyd led us
on a walk from the Camp towards the glider station.
However, it was a bit much for us to get all the way there,
but, nevertheless, we spent a wonderful time picnicking
in a clearing, paddling in the brook and flying kites. On
our way back, we collected fallen deadwood and had
a magnificent bonfire that evening, accompanied by
toasted marshmallows. On our last day, with thanks
to a generous benefactor, we were able to visit Acton
Scott Working Farm Museum, which we all enjoyed
immensely.
LMAC itself was very popular with our children who,
I think, would have been quite content to be on site
all week. They were willing helpers on their washing
up rotas, made their own beds and kept their sleeping
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
The Mystery Lady
T
he featured photograph was recently found by a
local family in All Stretton, but they would like
to identify the elegant lady in the photograph. It
is believed to be Eliza Ann Smith (née Howells) who
was the mother of Agnes Amelia Francis (née Smith).
Agnes lived at Hollyhurst,
Leebotwood with her
husband Edwin and first
son Jim, and later at The
Row, All Stretton where
many more children were
bom (including a daughter
Gertrude, who later
married Tom Evans).
If anyone can shed any
light on the identity of the
Mystery Lady, or may have
researched the Francis or
Smith family name locally,
please contact Philip
Davies at 27 Longden
Road, Shrewsbury. SY3 7EZ
(01743) 359312. He would
very much appreciate your
interest.
December 2002
- 25 -
16
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Are you a Collector?
The Unitarian way
o you have a drawer
or cupboard where
you keep bottles and
packets of medicines? Have you
looked in there recently? We are
asking your help in reducing the
amount of wasted medicines in
Shropshire.
t a recent meeting in Church Stretton attended
by people interested in Unitarianism, it was
suggested that an account of that faith might be
written for Focus.
A
D
Unitarians represent a different way of being religious.
No creeds or dogma but a reliance upon one’s own reason
to decide upon such weighty matters as the existence and
nature of God and the divinity of Jesus Christ. (Many
Unitarians label themselves as Christian, but in the sense
of following his ways and precepts as indicated in the
Gospels rather than in attributing divinity to him.)
What you can do to help – Try
not to order your repeat medicines too early and order
only what you need. Tell the surgery if you no longer
need a medicine.
Please do not –
•dispose of medicines yourself - this could cause
environmental damage
•flush down the toilet – this is illegal
•give medicines to anyone else to use – this could have
serious health consequences
•bring them into the surgery – we cannot accept them.
Please return all unused or out of date medicines to the
local pharmacist, this includes any over the counter
medicines you no longer require.
Working together we can – help you get the best
out of your medicines; protect our community and
environment; reduce the cost of wasted medicines (over
£100 million is wasted nationally and approximately over
£400,000 is wasted in Shropshire) Unfortunately, once
medicines have been dispensed they cannot be reused,
even if returned unopened – they may not have been
stored properly.
DID YOU KNOW?
We offer a service whereby your prescription can be
sent direct to a pharmacy of your choice in Church
Stretton. If you wish to use this service, please notify
the surgery when you request your medication. You will
need to allow 2 working days before you can collect your
prescription from your chosen pharmacy or the surgery.
Think before you park
P
Changing, as faiths tend to do, Unitarians now emphasise
their confidence in freedom, reason and tolerance. In
Britain, the Unitarian Church, once robust and populous,
has declined in numbers and influence. However, it
still attracts people who want a faith with traditional
Christian connections but which also gives them the
opportunity and encouragement to be fully in charge of
their own beliefs about God, religion, life and death.
Tom Marriott
D
o you want to know more about what
the Citizens Advice Bureau does in South
Shropshire? Are you part of a voluntary group
or local organisation who would like an informal
presentation on our work? Could people you know
benefit from CAB assistance? Last year we answered
around 5,000 enquiries, ranging from questions about
housing, benefits, consumer issues and debt. We offer a
free and confidential advice and information service – if
you have a problem or need information we can help.
We are based at Marstons Mill, Portcullis Lane, Ludlow
(near Tesco), but have local sessions at Church Stretton in
Mayfair on Thursdays. Call the helpline 01584 876933 for
more details.
It is all too easy in the bad weather to decide to park as
near as possible to the front door of the medical centre
but this causes problems, so please, think before you
park.
Dec 2002 mag InD2
Modern Unitarianism dates from the 17th century,
the actual term Unitarian being documented in 1600.
Its outstanding pioneers include Francis David of
Transylvania, Faustus Socinus an Italian (Unitarians often
being referred to as Socinians) and the Englishman, John
Biddle, referred to in the Cambridge Autobiographical
Encyclopedia as ‘the founder of English Unitarianism’
who died in prison in 1662. Since then its adherents have
included Joseph Priestly and Tim Berners-Lee (inventor
of the World Wide Web). From Europe and Britain
Unitarianism crossed the seas to the United States where
it is a large and flourishing denomination: The Unitarian
Universalist Church of America.
How Can We Help You?
lease do not park in front of the Medical Centre
– this is for Ambulances only. Also, do not park
blocking the access to the side of the Medical
Centre, you will be preventing the doctors from
answering emergency calls.
Stretton Focus
The Unitarianism strand of thinking began with early
Christians who did not agree with the creeds which were
drawn up in the first centuries of the Christian era. Arius,
for example, was excommunicated and banished in the
4th century for his belief that Jesus was an exceptional
human being. That strand of thinking had been alive
both before Arius and it continued after him.
December 2002
- 26 -
17
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
T
“A hunting we will go
To catch a fox
Put him in a box
And never let him go.”
his classic rhyme depicts very little serious intent
to answer any questions on this controversial local
subject.
My formative years were spent on a small property on
the side of the Longmynd. Our livestock consisted of
chickens, ducks, geese and pigs (plus pets, a lamb called
Daisy and 3 rabbits). We also had a large productive
garden. In the 1920’s and 30’s wild life was in abundance.
The red squirrel, sparrow hawk, rabbits, grouse, plovers,
tawny and barn owls, tall trees full of nesting rooks and
sly clever Reynard, all living together on or off each other.
The fox did not pose our greatest threat. All our poultry
was inside and firmly secured by night fall, the presence
of Rover the dog being enough to deter any sizeable
predator while our fierce female tabby cat took care of the
stoat, rat and mouse.
Together with my Father and brothers I became
conversant with, and skilful in the use of a gun that we
needed to protect our stock and provide a rabbit or wood
pigeon for the pot. The only time I saw a fox was on
my early morning runs across the Mynd. The only close
contact I had with this elusive animal came with my
involvement in the making of the film “Gone to Earth”,
but that one was as tame as a domestic cat!
Children were reminded at school to show consideration
and kindness to all God’s creatures. The fall of a sparrow,
we were told at Sunday school, does not in His eyes go
unnoticed. Though chicks, ducklings and piglets were
adorable when young, they were reared for the sole
purpose of providing food for the table.
Many country homes had at least one pig. The old adage
that every part of the pig apart from the squeal could be
used for something, being literally true. The prized animal
was fed on small potatoes, table scraps and meal from Billy
Williams’ Water Mill. As the time for his demise drew near
he received extra rations to fatten him up! The end result
meant a plentiful supply of fresh liver, black puddings,
sausage and pork pies for later consumption. There was
lard, home-cured salted ham and bacon, plus a pig’s liver
bladder for a ‘kick-about’ balloon.
display, with some of the more elderly ladies balanced
precariously side saddle, causing suppressed giggles
and whispered comments of “ride her cowgirl” from
us local kids. We children loved to make a great fuss of
the hounds. They were always in a healthy condition
and enjoyed the attention we gave them. The pack
would ‘work’ the sinnals, a small forest of trees and
undergrowth, which was natural fox habitat. The general
idea was to spring the animal and give it chase across
the Mynd. If it was not caught or scent lost, then it
would, after a time, return back to its earth. I have never
witnessed the end of a hunt. In fact very few of the hunt
followers could keep up with the pack.
The catching of the fox appeared to be of secondary
importance; the oft used expression, ‘he gave us a good
run today’ indicated a certain admiration for their clever
elusive prey. I can vividly remember a young girl on
her pony crying bitterly, her face daubed with the warm
blood of a fox. It was a practice at that time to award
favoured hunt followers with trophies of the kill, i.e.the
mask and the brush. I would hope that this barbaric
ceremony is no longer practiced.
A lifelong lady huntress confessed to me that she had
never, ever been in at the ‘kill’. She also shared my view
of the hunting scene, in that the huntsmen in particular
and their followers, just enjoyed the ‘stirrup cup’, a jolly
good gallop, and of course the Grand Hunt Ball. (I too
enjoyed this jolly girl-hunting occasion).
I feel a certain affinity with the fox. After the fall of
Singapore I found myself manning a defensive road block
leading to Palembang (Sumatra) airfield. The Japanese
infiltrated behind us and I found myself separated and
alone crouching in the undergrowth. I could hear the
Japs thrashing about and calling to each other. Knowing
of my fate if captured, I felt an overwhelming desire
to get up, charge and get it over with, no hero this!
However, I forced myself to lie still until they had gone,
before creeping away bathed in sweat. There are those
who say that the fox enjoys the chase. I think he is just as
aware of his fate as I was.
The words from the Christian hymn ‘All Creatures Great
and Small’ provide much food for thought.
“The Lord God loves them All”.
I CONCUR.
Percy Edward Tarbuck
In a recent conversation with Alf Sankey, he reminded me
that his Father, together with Alf Matthews the village
butcher, were local ‘Pig Stickers’. This onerous task
had to be done by someone at that period. In time, as
appreciation of animal welfare became a national concern,
more humane methods were employed.
Hunting
The most usual venue for the Meet in All Stretton, was
at the top of Hollywell Bank, affording a colourful
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
December 2002
- 27 -
18
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Church Stretton Town Council
Extract from minutes of meeting held on 21st October
2002.
Waste Collection in Town Centre
A letter will be written to Biffa asking that they rearrange their schedule so that the whole of the Town
Centre, including High Street, has its rubbish collected
early, either on a Monday or Wednesday.
PLANNING MATTERS
District Decision – Refused
• Erection of a dwelling, etc. land adjacent to Arden
House, Madeira Walk, Church Stretton.
A reminder ~ Town Council meetings are open to the
public (unless confidential matters) and there is a public
session at beginning of each Town Council meeting.
Dates from the Office.
District Decisions – Approved
Church Stretton.
• Conversion of office building to 3 residential units,
Manchester House, Churchway.
• Erection of 2 extraction stacks to eastern elevation of
Unit 2, Polymer Laboratories Ltd.
• Erection of a garden shed and domestic garage,
Trefnant, Cunnery Road.
• Erection of a garden shed, Littlemead, Cardingmill
Valley.
• Pruning of lime tree, Telephone Exchange.
• Erection of 2 porches and contruction of pitched roof,
Copper Beech, Cardingmill Valley.
All Stretton
• Erection of a cold store, Stretton Hall Hotel.
• Removal of a hedgerow, Shrewsbury Road.
Little Stretton
• Erection of a domestic garage, 2 Bunnions Lye, Little
Stretton.
“Or in the night, imagining some fear,
How easy is a bush suppos’d a bear!”
S
Town Council recommendations –Approval
Church Stretton
• Erection of extension to dwelling to house swimming
pool, Fourways, Cunnery Road.
• Erection of a domestic garage, 22 Chelmick Drive.
• Erection of dwelling, land adjacent to Holmwood,
Ragleth Road.
All Stretton
• Conversion of domestic garage to accommodation, etc.
Maiden Hill Wood, Inwood.
Little Stretton
• Erection of dwelling, Plot 6, Ludlow Road.
• Erection of extension to dwelling, Oakfields.
Affordable Housing in Church Stretton
The meeting on 27th November with SSDC and SSHA
might be followed by a public meeting.
It was agreed that the SSDC policy currently being
finalised is very complex and could throw up problems.
Any mix of housing would have to be carefully handled.
Recyling Plastic
SSDC are not planning to recycle plastic at the moment
but early next year is introducing a new fortnightly
collection of glass bottles and jars, newspapers and
magazines, food and drink cans.
Lion Court
Concern was still expressed regarding access to the Lion
Court development and it was agreed to write to the
developer asking them to consider (in the light of the
difficulty of the access from High Street) making their
access to the site from Lion Meadow.
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
hakespeare always has a word for it. I wonder
how many others in Church Stretton, shocked
into sudden wakefulness by the earth tremor,
experienced a moment or two of blind terror. As the
rumbling, as of a huge vehicle, approached the side
of the house, followed by a feeling that the wall was
pressing on the foot of my bed, I had this sudden vision
of a huge monster leaning against the corner of the
house. Was it an elephant? Hardly, but what about an
enormous badger? (I have a well-established badger run
in my garden). Then I heard plaster falling in the roof
space above my head and felt that some unspeakable
creature was about to descend on me. Then followed
the clattering of wire coat hangers as the wardrobe door
swung open….
I hastily opened the curtains to see a bright, full moon
shining down from a clear sky. By this time I realised
that there had been an earthquake, but my heart was
still pounding as I settled back to sleep. The day after I
recounted my experience to my daughter and received
the following:Ann Moffatt
The Great Badger (or the earthquake of 2002)
It was about the time. And I supposed
That he would come on such a night. So hard
Though, to believe, when waiting for soft sleep,
Instead the rumble of his linear
Approach - a scattering of plaster in
The roof, and now he sets a shoulder to
One whitewashed corner of the house. Oh dear,
The wardrobe door pops free and all the hangers
Jangle on the rod. “Did I put…? I should
Have put more nuts out” Confounding sense, the
Thoughts of one surprised at night; clearly
A creature of his size cannot survive
On nuts alone. What more, then, might he want?
Switch on the lamp and in the hubbub of
Your heart draw back the curtain on the East –
But miss the silvered shakedown of his pelt.
He slips away, and not a shadow moving
On the thrumming lawn, this brillig night.
Joanna Moffatt
- 29 -
19
December 2002
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Any Questions – (and Answers) 3
Answers
W
e are grateful to three of our readers who sent
us answers to the question in last month`s
Focus about the fate of the Town Brook after it
leaves Rectory Woods. Mike Morris,
Derek Agnew and Dennis Nisbet sent
us answers, which were in agreement
(fortunately), but each answer had an
extra interesting point to make.
brook emerged from the tunnel at the site now occupied
by the Medical Centre. He remembers that, at the times
of the Church Stretton May Fair (May 14th), he and his
friends used to explore some way inside the tunnel from
its end point there. One brave soul almost reached the top!
He says that the tunnel is about 2ft
6inches to 3ft wide and is made of blue
engineering brickwork.
Q and A
The Town Brook enters a tunnel at the entrance to
Rectory Gardens next to Pryll Cottage on Burway
Road. It then flows underground down the lower part
of Burway road and Sandford Avenue. It emerges from
its tunnel between Central Avenue and the railway line.
This exit can be seen quite clearly from Coffin Lane.
From there the brook flows southwards above ground. It
later flows roughly parallel to the Ludlow Road.
Dennis Nisbet explains that the Town
Brook is one of the sources of the Quinney Brook, whose
main source is Boiling Well, via the stream which flows
down Ashes Hollow. Burway Hill forms the watershed.
All the streams to the south form part of the Quinney
Brook and all those to the north form part of Cound Brook.
Thank you all.
(We should make it clear that the information about
the “castle” on Castle Hill given in November`s Focus
referred to the Castle Hill in All Stretton.)
Questions
T
he first three questions this month are also watery
while the fourth sounds more like a cry from the
heart than a genuine query!
• Presumably the reservoirs in Townbrook valley
originally provided water for the town. When were these
in operation?
• When was the large reservoir in New Pool Hollow built
and are there any known photographs of the dam under
construction?
Derek Askew points out that the conduit was built in the
1800`s and that the original name of Sandford Avenue was
Lake Lane which probably relates to the time when the
stream flowed along it. Mike Morris gives evidence of the
route of the tunnel as he remembers that, in the 1940`s, the
A Bus For Us?
A
sincere thank you to all who wrote or spoke to me
about a bus for the Strettons. In all, there were over
250 responses and they are still coming in. There
was strong support for a regular bus service in Church
Stretton and there was an equally strong response from
neighbouring villages and hamlets for a service into the
town. A further response came from groups interested
in linking a new local transport system with existing or
enhanced bus and rail services to other Shropshire towns
and beyond. Suffice it to say that there is an overwhelming
feeling that present local services are inadequate.
These reactions have been brought to the notice of the
County Council through a local meeting with one of
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
• Why is there a notice near the top car park in Carding
Mill Valley bearing the following cryptic words?
DEPTH
OPPOSITE THIS POINT
3FT 10INS
• Why do drivers coming up Sandford Avenue to the
crossroads by Lloyds Bank think that they have right of way
to turn right in front of traffic crossing from Burway Road?
their Rural Transport Officers, followed by a letter that
included a resumé of your views. The response is positive
with a bid being made in October 2002 for government
support to proposals that include ‘a service to the
surrounding villages and shuttling people between the
edges of Church Stretton and the centre.’ At this stage,
the bid is in outline form and, should it be successful, the
Council would look to consult with local people more
fully on the detailed shape of services to be provided.
The outcome of the bid will be known in the first part of
next year and we are told that even if it is unsuccessful
other funding opportunities may be pursued. There are
no guarantees, but there is a chance of a BUS FOR US.
Derek Griffiths.
- 30 -
20
December 2002
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Hills and more
T
his week I will again be
driving up the A49 to Cheshire
to spend an hour or two with
my brother-in-law in St. Luke’s
Hospice in Winsford. He is dying
from cancer. Aged 49 it seems a
tragic waste of a still relatively young
life. That he is a great guy makes
the pain all the worse. It therefore
came as a huge wake up call for me
to learn from one of the nurses in
the hospice, that one in four of us in
the UK will die from some form of
cancer. Sobering stuff.
The journey south on the A49 from
Cheshire is one of life’s pleasures for
me. From well north of Shrewsbury
I look out for the emerging outlines
of the Long Mynd, Caer Caradoc
and the Lawley and the sense
of anticipation grows to be back
amongst the hills, which I now think
of as home. Prior to my arrival in
Church Stretton, I lived in Moroto,
a small town in northern Uganda.
The backdrop was a wonderful
three-peaked mountain that could
again be seen from miles away. On
the homeward journey after a stay
in the capital, we would look out for
its outline and anticipate arriving
in our little bungalow tucked away
in a small acacia wood and the
opportunity for a cool drink and a
refreshing shower.
Moroto, as a barracks, is also home
for several hundred soldiers. From
early on in my stay, I came to regard
the presence of the soldiers as a
mixed blessing. Certainly there
were some advantages in that the
town was safer, though at times only
marginally, but with the HIV/AIDS
infection rate amongst Uganda’s
soldiers estimated to be above 60%,
the soldiers did pose a threat to the
more general health of the townsfolk.
One of the doctors at the hospital
estimated that one in four of the
20-45 age range of the townsfolk was
HIV positive.
Like cancer in the UK, living with
HIV/AIDS in Moroto is a day-to-day
reality. I recall visiting members of
my staff who were no longer able
to continue working. These visits
were often rather sombre affairs, but
sometimes too the exuberance of the
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
children gave cause for laughter.
Sadly though these young children
were often unaware of the difficulties
facing them when mum or dad died
and they joined the thirteen million
Africa children who have lost one
or more parent to AIDS. The sister
project to the one I was working with
included a child-headed households
initiative, to try to help 13 and 14
year olds generate income to help
maintain their younger siblings.
In the build up to, during and
after the recent Earth Summit
in Johannesburg, South Africa,
column inches in the newspapers
were devoted to the cost; Bush’s
absence; the failure to drive through
the anticipated agreements; and
the disparity of the two worlds
- that of the visiting world leaders
on the one hand and the poor of
Johannesburg’s townships on the
other. For myself, I felt that many
of these column inches served only
to reinforce my sense of inadequacy
and impotence that world events
are out of hands. Well of course to
some extent this is true.
W
hat few columnists
chose to focus on was
that the main problem
at Johannesburg was that world
leaders didn’t feel under enough
pressure from ordinary people at
home to have to sort it out or face
the consequences. It was safe for
Bush to boycott South Africa. It was
okay too for our own Prime Minister
to pass through Mozambique for a
photo opportunity on the way to the
Earth Summit and to declare on the
world stage that he has a ‘passion for
Africa’, because he knows we will forget.
December 1st is World AIDS Day. By
the time the Stretton Focus lands on
your mat and you read this article, it
will probably have come and gone.
Well, don’t let this be a cause of
concern, because World AIDS Day
will come around again next year
and the year after. More important
by far is to be aware that in South
Africa alone more people die of
AIDS each week than were killed
in the World Trade Centre disaster
in September 2001. The American
response to September 11th is a
massive increase in arms spending,
raising the total spend of world
governments every 21 days to $50
billion. This amount could provide
primary health care for everyone on
earth for one entire year.
Action Aid (Tel: 01460 238 000) is
one of a number of UK charities
calling on the UK government to
play its part in the global AIDS
crisis. Give them a phone call and
ask to be added to their HIV/AIDS
mailing list or find out from your
own favoured charity what they
are doing about HIV/AIDS. Better
still, perhaps you could write to
our MP and ask him to write to the
Prime Minister on your behalf (this
way you will get a proper reply) to
ask him about his plans to help the
children of Mozambique who have
lost one or more parent to AIDS
build themselves a future.
Adrian Cullis
Global Justice Forum
Windsor Place
Sale
W
e, the residents of
Windsor Place, held our
third annual sale in aid
of Hope House Hospice in late
October. Very successful it was too,
with attractive stalls, competitions
and teas. Eight hundred pounds
were raised. Together with
donations from the weekly Friday
teas, also run by the residents, a
grand total of one thousand, eight
hundred and ten pounds was
realised. Not bad for those who
have passed their three-score years
and ten! We feel like recycled
teenagers and are very proud of one
another.
We would recommend that other
groups also undertake a similarly
rewarding experience. It gave
us a good feeling – something to
work for, as well as making a really
worthwhile contribution to a very
good cause.
Mollie Davidson
- 32 -
21
December 2002
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Dear Editor
I
n the October issue, John Wardale
bemoaned the shortage of priests, the
closure of churches and the alienation
of teenagers in the Catholic Church. This
could be explained by the very structure of
the Catholic Church and by the failure of
parents to give their children an example of
Christianity in action. In 380AD, Christianity
underwent a radical change – which very few
people seem to know. It became the official
religion of the Roman Empire. Although its
teaching remained the same, its style and methods were
radically altered.
Before 380, the Christian Church was an assembly of poor
and persecuted people who met once a week to help and
encourage each other, in order to remain in God’s love.
After that date it became an institution, a department of
the Roman Empire. The weekly meeting of Christians
was no longer an informal coming together to listen to
the teaching of an Apostle, to distribute their possessions
among the poor and to remember the presence of Christ
among them in the sharing of bread and wine. It was
now a compulsory ritual and the pagan notion of a priest
offering a sacrifice and mediating between God and man
was revived. I do not deny the real presence of Christ
in the Eucharist, but the theatrical way in which it is
presented makes young people sceptical. They do not
understand the need for a ritual nor the merit of blind
obedience.
The second Vatican Council has done much to bring the
faith back to the simplicity and enthusiasm of the first
Christians. But too many old Catholics are attached to
the old ways; they see doctrine and rituals as the pillars
of the Catholic Church; they do not realise that, by doing
so, they are helping to destroy it. The other reason for
the indifference of teenagers to religion is their parents’
lack of commitment. Their parents try to compromise
with the world. St John’s stated unequivocally that ‘the
friends of the world are the enemies of God’. Jesus said
that we cannot serve two gods, and that those who are
not with him are against him.
‘The World’ today is the media, public opinion and the
spirit of the age. They encourage us to be self-centred,
greedy, arrogant, to judge, hate and fear; to ridicule
humility, chastity and detachment from money and
possessions. They are diametrically opposed to Christian
ethics, but we fail to realise it and to warn our children
against it. The influence of the media is insidious. I
heard recently of a convert from Indonesia who came to
Britain, switched on the television and exclaimed: “This
is Christian TV”!
Hypnotised by our material progress, we cling to
money and science for our comfort, self-esteem and
sense of security, forgetting that we cannot trust both in
man’s inventions and in God. Solzhenitsyn wrote that
a material gain always entails a spiritual loss. Many
have gained the world but lost their souls. We teach our
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
children to equate reality with the material
world, and we are surprised when they do not
believe in a spiritual dimension. But there
is no need for pessimism. When Catholics
understand the need for their Church to be
less ritualistic and formal and when parents
entrust their problems to God rather than to
money and human knowledge – and teach
their children to do the same – only then will
there be a future for Christianity and a niche
in it for the Catholic Church.
Simone Crawley
P
ercy Tarbuck’s reminiscences about St. Michael’s
centenary prompted me to look out this snapshot
of myself after my christening at St. Michael’s 82
years ago. I do not have any clear recollection of the
occasion(!), but I do know it was taken at the bottom
of Castle Hill outside my grandparent’s cottage. My
grandparents, Thomas and Martha Medlicott, and my
Mother as a schoolgirl, attended the inaugural Service
and, like Percy, I was privileged to follow in their
footsteps 100 years later.
Tom Humphreys
Further to “Green Issues”, in November Focus.
A
t the recent public “Healthcheck” meeting there
was almost unanimous agreement amongst the
150 or so people attending that we need facilities
for recycling plastics in Church Stretton. Since Craven
Arms and Bishops Castle have this facility, why don`t
we? There is obviously the demand for it.
Derek Askew
STRETTON FOCUS WISHES
ALL READERS AND
ADVERTISERS
A HAPPY AND PEACEFUL
CHRISTMAS AND A
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
December 2002
- 34 -
22
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Occasional Advertisements
Looking for Xmas Presents? Try
Full of Beans
Church Stretton 0800 652 8200
www.full-of-beans.com
Unique Floor Cushions and Bean Bags for Children
(& Adults too!)
SNOOTY FOX
PETER CARROL BSc(Hons) MRICS
Professional Hand Engravers
Jewellery Repairs, Polishing & Cleaning
Pewter Giftware Specialists
New Range of Hand Painted Glassware Just Arrived
Watch Batteries
And, Much, Much, More
CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYOR
Architectural Services Building & Planning Applications
Project Management All types of Building Surveys
Tel: 01694 722895 Mob: 07966 034061
Pop In & See Us
Snooty Fox, 29 The Parade Shops, St Mary’s Place
Shrewsbury SY1 1DL
Or Contact Us On:
01743 242420 or 07720 431829
E-mail: [email protected]
Quality repairs and new things made in English leathers
Tynalt, Leebotwood, Church Stretton,
Shropshire SY6 6NL Tel: 01694 751356
DECORATING
THE FITNESS & NUTRITION CLINIC
Little Stretton T. 01694 720196
M. 07971 400545
IMPROVE YOUR FLEXIBILITY, MOBILITY, POSTURE AND FITNESS LEVEL
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07.00 - 21.00 Weekdays, 07.00 - 16.00 Saturday
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Fitness professionals to monitor progress/offer motivation
Healthy eating plans to assist you reach targets
Free health and fitness appraisal
Personal training available
ALL YOUR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECOR
& TILING EXPERTLY UNDERTAKEN BY
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FOR FREE ESTIMATE & LOCAL
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Season’s Greetings to Friends and
Customers both old and new
from Peter Tipton - Peter Tip’s Tipper
Longville 01694 - 771461
Winter Reading
General fiction –
Elizabeth Adler: Summer in Tuscany
William Deihl: Eureka
Harry Ritchie: Friday Night Club
Sally Stewart: A Rare Beauty
D
o you like sitting in a comfy chair and picking
up a book of an evening? Would you like a few
suggestions of books to try? (Make a nice change
from the T.V.)
Saga and historical novels –
Helen Cannam: The Courtier’s Curse
Arabella Edge: The Company
Winston Graham: Bella Poldark
Maureen Peters: The Child of Fire
Crime fiction –
Clare Curzon: Body of a Woman
Michael Jecks: The Devil’s Acolyte
Ian Rankin: Beggar’s Banquet
Kate Sedley: The Lammas Feast
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
Our local Church Stretton Library has lists of recent
additions to their stock – check them out and have a good
read.
Solutions to Crossword
Across
6. Round 7. Admires 8. Driving 9. Apron 10. Eyelid
12. Utopia 15. Skimp 17. Chimera 19. Cresset 20. Blimp
Down
1. Erudite
2. Radii 3. Change 4. Rampart 5. Surer
11. Impasto 13. Preview 14. Scoter 16. Ideal 18. Imbue
December 2002
- 35 -
23
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Occasional Advertisements
see also page 35
Minerva Interiors
8 High Street, Church stretton
Tel/Fax: 01694 724748 Mob: 07931 155820
Complete Interior design & Decorating Service
CURTAINS, DRAPERIES, SOFT FURNISHINGS,
CURTAIN TRACK & POLES
BLINDS: ROMAN, ROLLER, VERTICAL, VENETIAN,
FABRICS, WALLCOVERINGS, PAINTS
PLUS AN ATTRACTIVE RANGE OF LIGHTING, GIFTWARE &
ACCESSORIES
FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR OWN
TRACKS/POLES/BLINDS
Registered Childminder
Flexible Hours
Drop off and Pick up from Schools/Nursery
Stimulating, Fun, Relaxed Outdoor Play area
Tel: Hilary 01694 724270
PHILIP HOOPER
PIANOS AND HARPSICHORDS
TUNED AND REPAIRED
TELEPHONE 01694 724461
S.
S. C.
C. RICKARD
RICKARD
Painter & Decorator
• Interior & Exterior
• Artexing - Paper Hanging - Coving
• All Work to a High Standard
• Special Rates for Senior Citizens
• References can be provided
• 19 Years Experience
• Free Estimates
Tel 01743 245766 Mobile 07974 126672
Merlin-Darcy Computer And Network Support
Free initial consultation and fixed price quotations for the business
or home user
Upgrades, system design, installation & configuration.
All work completed by a “Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer”
01694 771 376
Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine - Fully Licensed
15% Discount
on take-away meals
Collection only
Reservations for
Christmas now being
taken
07759 409 269
J&M Home & Garden Services
Property Repairs Handyman Service
House Clearance Garden Design & Maintenance
No Job Too Small Tel: 01694 781 403
07950 853 669
Orders & Reservations: 01694 724667
Advance booking advisable
Weekdays 5.30pm to 11.30pm : Weekends 5.30pm to 12pm
Beautiful Handmade Books for
Christmas
by Peter Andrew Jones
from Acorn Cafe
Entertaining Elephants
Minerva Designs
APPLE FAYRE
- a Limited edition 6-inch square book of recipes from Chris Bland’s Acorn Cafe. Illustrations by Peter Andrew Jones.
250 copies only standard edition . Also 10 Author’s presentation copies, 10 Artist’s presentation copies, 10 remarqued copies.
PAINTINGS OF CHURCH STRETTON
The very first in this collector’s series - now low inventory!
- a Limited edition 6-inch square book. 250 copies only standard edition - also 5 Artist’s personal presentation copies,
15 publisher’s presentation copies and 5 publisher’s special proof copies.
PAINTINGS OF SOUTH SHROPSHIRE
- a Limited edition 6-inch square book. 250 copies only standard edition. Also 15 remarqued copies, 10 Artist’s
personal presentation copies, 15 publisher’s presentation copies and 10 special proof copies.
PAINTINGS OF LUDLOW
- a Limited edition 6-inch square book. 250 copies only. Also 10 publisher’s presentation copies,
10 Artist’s personal presentation copies and 10 Artist’s remarqued copies.
A SHROPSHIRE TRILOGY
- VERY rare boxed-trilogy containing “Paintings of Church Stretton”, “Paintings of South Shropshire” and “Paintings of Ludlow”
titles - Limited edition of three 6-inch square books in a special paint-encrusted artist’s mini presentation portfolio
- handmade excellence at its best. 50 (remarqued) copies only with original drawing on title page.
SHROPSHIRE IN SEASON - WINTER
- 10’ square anthology of some of Peter’s major rural paintings. Edition limited to 50 copies only with original drawing on title page.
LIMITED EDITION CARDS
Cards are now “time-limited” - sales of some will cease as
the book from which they are taken has sold out. So buy now!
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
LIMITED EDITION PRINTS
All works by Peter Andrew Jones are available as prints
- 150 copies only.
December 2002
- 36 -
24
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
Stretton Directory: Index to Advertisers
Accountant
Andrew & Amy Chapman . 12
Dykes, Ruscoe & Hayes . . . 12
James Holyoak & Parker . . . 12
Tye Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Antique & Furniture
Restoration
Dowsett Design . . . . . . . . . . 31
Phoenix Restoration . . . . . . . 31
R J & A J Semple . . . . . . . . . . 31
Raymond Knight . . . . . . . . . 31
Stretton Fine Art Restor’n . . 31
Antiques
Funnye Olde Worlde . . . . . . 39
Stretton Antiques Market . . . 4
Paul Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
P C Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Sara Matthews . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Confectionery
Buttermilk Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Newsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Disability Aids
Marches Mobility Services . . 4
DIY
B Tipton & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15
Domestic Appliances
B R Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Architect, Surveyor
Fox Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
JWB Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Longmynd Consultants . . . . 28
Roy Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Dry Cleaning
County Interiors . . . . . . . . . . 15
Books
Burway Books . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Newsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Electrical Services, Lighting
B R Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
C W Ephraim . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Church Stretton Electrics . . . 15
Light & Shade . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Builders, Plant & Equipment
Dennis Price & Son . . . . . . . . 4
Farmer Plant Services . . . . . . 4
Joe Drury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Peter Tips Tipper . . . . . . . . . . 4
M J Mellings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
R G Heiron & Son . . . . . . . . . . 4
R Howells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Cards and Gifts
Newsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Stretton Print & Supplies . . 40
Carpenter & Joiner
A R Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
John Butter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
R Howells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Carpets
Abbey Carpets and Rugs . . 31
Crown Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Cattery
Oaklands Cattery . . . . . . . . . 37
Chimney Sweep
Noel Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Shropshire Sweep . . . . . . . . . 33
Chiropodist
Caroline Crump . . . . . . . . . . 23
Mrs O McInnes . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Ruth Brassington . . . . . . . . . 23
South Shrops Chiropody . . . 37
Driving Instructor
Dave Richards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Estate Agent, Surveyor
Burtons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chamberlains & Stephens . . 16
Wrights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Financial & Mortgage Services
Asset Assured . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Brian Radford Investments . 40
Florist
John R Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Food, Delicatessen
Co-op . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Buttermilk Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Entertaining Elephants . . . . . 8
van Doesburg’s . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Fuel
Aqua Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Funeral Director
A J Morris & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Furniture Making & Sales
Dowsett Design . . . . . . . . . . 31
Robert Machin . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Clock Repairs
Phoenix Restorations . . . . . . 31
Garage Services
Burway Garage . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Central Garage . . . . . . . . . . . 40
G H Gough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
HMJ Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Newington Garage . . . . . . . . 40
Coach Hire
Caradoc Coaches . . . . . . . . . . 8
Garage Doors
Shropshire Garage Doors . . 28
Community Care
Mayfair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Stretton Cancer Care . . . . . . . 4
Garden Design, Landscaping
Charles Meredith . . . . . . . . . 33
Geoff Jarrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
John Stephens . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Keith Warrington . . . . . . . . . 33
Oak Garden Services . . . . . . 33
Computing
ComputAssist . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
Occasional Adverts not indexed
R S Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . 33
The Wright Way . . . . . . . . . . 39
Pet Food
John R Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Gardening, Equipment
Newington Garage . . . . . . . . 40
Oak Garden Services . . . . . . 33
Peter Tip’s Tipper . . . . . . . . . . 4
Sandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15
Pharmacist
Hillside Pharmacy . . . . . . . . 37
Graphic Design
Christopher Niblock . . . . . . 12
Craven Design & Print . . . . 12
Hairdresser, Health, Beauty
Anthony’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Central Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
RLM (Madelaine) . . . . . . . . . 37
Slim Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Shampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Hardware
Sandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15
Heating, Fires
Aqua Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Continental Fires . . . . . . . . . 15
Hotels & Guest Houses
Belvedere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Brookfields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dalesford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Longmynd Hotel . . . . . . . . . 11
Old Rectory House . . . . . . . . 11
Stretton Hall Hotel . . . . . . . . 11
Ironing
Hard Pressed (County Interiors) . . . 15
Knitting
Sandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15
Livery
Bow House Farm . . . . . . . . . 33
Medical, Therapies
Helen Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Jacqueline Abbott . . . . . . . . . 23
Strettons Physiotherapy Cl. 23
Virginia Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Metal and Ironwork
KMS Ornamental Ironcraft . 31
Roy Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SF Vehicle Builders . . . . . . . . 40
Music Tuition
Ginette L Thompson . . . . . . 39
Newsagent
Newsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Optician
Suzanne Floyd . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Osteopath
Mrs E Keeling-Howard . . . . 23
Painter & Decorator
Decor-Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
G H Jones & Son . . . . . . . . . . 28
George Bullock . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
R Lucas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Photographer
Christopher Niblock . . . . . . 12
Printing & Copying
Craven Design & Print . . . . 12
Stretton Print & Supplies . . 40
Residential & Nursing Home
Caradoc House . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sandford Nursing Home . . 23
Restaurants, Cafés
Berry’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Buttermilk Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Longmynd Hotel . . . . . . . . . 11
Stretton Hall Hotel . . . . . . . . 11
The Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The White House . . . . . . . . . 11
Skills Training
STiAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Soft Furnishings
Alison Schlank . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Country Blinds . . . . . . . . . . . 31
County Interiors . . . . . . . . . . 15
Made to Measure . . . . . . . . . 31
Neil Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Solicitor
L V Priestley & Son . . . . . . . 12
Stonemason, Memorials
Clifford Gough . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Structural Engineer
Longmynd Consultant . . . . 28
Taxi, Car Hire
A S Morris & Son . . . . . . . . . . 8
Derek Woodhouse . . . . . . . . . 8
Wedding Rolls-Royce . . . . . . 8
Travel Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Terry Jones Travel . . . . . . . . . . 8
Tree Surgery & Logs
E M Timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
JWB Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Typing
Sara Matthews . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Tyres
HMJ Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
G W Gough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Veterinary Surgeon
Clive Norrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Waste Disposal
Peter Tip’s Tipper . . . . . . . . . . 4
December 2002
- 38 -
25
Plumber & Heating
Ian Davies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
John V Dovaston . . . . . . . . . 28
R Howells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
15/11/02, 3:28 pm
van
doesburg’s
g o u r m e t
f o o d
plats du jour • delicatessen • salads • pâtisserie
charcuterie • cheeses • sandwiches
3 High Street, Church Stretton
Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30
01694 722867 • www.vandoesburgs.co.uk
Asset Assured
Independent Mortgage Brokers
Call Richard Smith now for a free consultation
Tel:
(01588) 638720
Mobile:
(07771) 890425
Arranging:Mortgages - Re-mortgages - Self build
Buy to let - Equity Release
YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR
ANY OTHER LOANS SECURED ON IT
CMA
Ginette L.
Thompson
ELECTRICAL
B.Ed.mus
Installation & Maintenance
Full and part re-wires  Extra sockets,lights
Garden sockets,lights
Showers, storage heaters, security lighting, etc.
7 days a week  FREE estimates
0800 074 9433
Telephone:
01694 723571
To place an occasional advertisement please
contact the Advertising Manager, Len Bolton,
‘Oakhurst’, Hazler Road, Church Stretton,
SY6 7AQ, Tel: 01694 724579
Rates for occasional advertisements are
£6 for 1 in x 3 .5 in or £12 for 2 in x 3.5 in
per month. Please send copy or text to the
Advertising Manager with a cheque payable
to ‘Stretton Focus’ by Noon on the first
Monday of the previous month.
Stretton Focus
Dec 2002 mag InD2
offers individual tuition in
Piano, Singing, Flute,
Classical Guitar, Recorder
and Theory of Music to
examination level of any
recognised school.
All ages welcome
in a warm and
friendly teaching
atmosphere.
Visits by arrangement
THE
‘WRIGHT’
WAY
Landscape and
maintenance
Shoppe: 54 High Street
Church Stretton
Tel: 01743 244626
07754 084949
Paths, Patios, Paving
Stone Walling, Fencing,
Turfing, Hedge Cutting,
Tree Surgery
Fully Insured
Steve 01694 724576 or
December 2002
- 39 -
26
Procurers and purveyors of
antiquities, furnishings and
fripperies.
In particular the quaint
and the quirky;
bygones and bibelots.
Evaluation of objects.
Complete clearance
of household items as
required.
We also clear rubbish.
15/11/02, 3:28 pm