Nativity scene blue full - Stretton Focus

Community Voice of the Strettons December 2002 50p

Also inside: Christmas Church Services, Tree of Light, Shaping the Future,

Weather Report, Questions & Answers, Medical Centre Information, Winter Reading, Letters to the Editor.

Unto us a child is born

Nativity scene blue full 15/11/02, 3:09 pm1

December 2002

STRETTON FOCUS(founded 1967)

Average monthly sales: 1,428 copies.(About 65% of households in Church Stretton)

Chairman David Jandrell . . . . . 724531 Editor Peggy Simmonds . . 724117 Assistant Editors Jill Millard. . . . . . . . . 720053 Norma Taylor. . . . . . 723617 Computer Production Barrie Raynor . . . . . 723928 Rowland Jackson . . . 722390 Paul Miller . . . . . . . . 724596 Distribution Jon Cooke . . . . . . . . . 723205 Advertising Len Bolton . . . . . . . . 724579 Treasurer John Wainwright . . 722823 Secretary Janet Peak . . . . . . . . . 722994

Advertisements. Rates for block and occasional advertisements may be obtained (send s.a.e.) from the 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 responsibility for any product or service advertised. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisers are required to comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

Submission of articles. Material on 31⁄2” disks or CDs, and typed or handwritten copy together with good quality glossy colour or monochrome photographs should be handed directly to Stretton Focus 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.

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.

© 2002 Stretton FocusStretton Focus is printed by WPG, Welshpool

Stretton Focus - 2 -

The Official Church Stretton web site is at www.churchstretton.co.uk.

Have you visited it yet?

God - with - us

Visitors 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 laun-dry 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’.

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.

Phot

o: Pa

ul M

iller

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:27 pm1

December 2002Stretton Focus - 3 -

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN THE STRETTONSWarmly invite you to any of these Christmas servicesANGLICAN: St. Laurence All Saints, Little StrettonSunday 22nd December 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd December 2.30pm Carol Service 10.00am Nativity Service Christmas Day 11.00am Holy Communion 6.00pm Carols by CandlelightChristmas Eve 5.30pm Children’s Service St Michael’s, All Stretton Parish Centre Sunday 22nd December 6.00pm Carol Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 9.00am Holy CommunionChristmas Day 10.00am Family Communion

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH METHODIST CHURCHSunday 15th December 10.30am Carol Service Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Morning ServiceSunday 22nd December 10.30am Celebration 4.30pm Family Carol Service ‘The Gift Seller’ Christmas Eve 11.30pm Christmas CommunionChristmas Day 10.00am Short family service Christmas Day 10.00am Family Service

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, St. Milburga RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)Christmas Eve 11.30pm Carols, Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Meeting for Worship followed by Mass at 12 midnightChristmas Day 9.15am Mass

Nowell at Aston on ClunFirst and Last!

Craven 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.

Tickets available from Committee members of the Helping Hand (Enquiries Tel 660 242) or from members of the Chorus. Early booking is advised.

Basil Cullum - 01588 672224

Friends of Hope House present:A Soirée by Candlelight

The 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.

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 722702Jennifer Bridge 722092

Hosanna

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.

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:27 pm2


The Tree of Light in the Square – to shine again

Following 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 growand 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 deadand 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 seaand 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 mea bare limbed oak entangles with the sky.

Greenfinches on the feeders, jostle to get their share,Blue tits about the peanuts flit in anxious eccentricityand robins search the ground for daily fare.

Way beyond the hills the weakening sun slides into nightand 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

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:27 pm3

December 2002

The 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.

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

URC Voice


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!

The 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 despairwords need not be complex, need not be grandeven if you cannot understandknowing you care and will just hold my handmeans I’m not trying to cope on my owncause despair can make people very alone.

Debbie Woods

It 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

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

News from St. Michaels, All Stretton

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:27 pm4


Visit to the Houses of Parliament

In 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

Across6. 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) Downn1. 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)

Round the edge of this crossword a seasonable message may be found, reading clockwise from the top left square

Across6. About (5)7. Regards highly (7)8. Pressing on (7)9. Kind of stage (5)10. Ocular guard (6)

12. Ideal place (6)15. Fall short (5)17. Monster (7) 19. Old torch (7) 20. Airship (5)

Down1. Learned (7)2. Rays of circle (5)3. Alter (6)4. Castle wall (7)5. More certain (5)

11. Thick oil-paint (7)13. Advance showing (7) 14. Kind of duck (6) 16. Perfect (5) 18. Fill with inspiration (5)

Quick crossword cluesSolutions on page 35

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:27 pm5


Bell Ringing in Church Stretton

Bells – 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.

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

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.

photos: Paul Miller

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:27 pm6


Impact Alcohol Advisory Services

Are 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.

Cancer Research UK

The 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

On 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.

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.

Remembrance 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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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)

Remembrance Day Letters

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm7


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.

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

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,

Longmynd Hike 2002

This 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.

Andy Davies - Overall winner/record holder and winner of Longmynd Scout staff

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.

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm8


A Place Like No Other

Every 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

Roman Catholic VoiceChristmas is Coming

The 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 cast-offs. 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

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm9


An 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

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

Shaping the Future of Church Stretton Area

Rail Users’ Association

There 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 CollectionsChristmas and New Year

Normal Collection Day Revised Collection DayThursday 26th December Friday 27th DecemberFriday 27th December Saturday 28th DecemberMonday 30th December As normalTuesday 31st December As normalWednesday 1st January Thursday 2nd JanuaryThursday 2nd January Friday 3rd JanuaryFriday 3rd January Saturday 4th January

All collections return to normal from 6th January 2003

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm10


Anglican Voice

What do you do when you get a Christmas present you don’t really like or want?

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?

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

Jesus was God wrapped in a human body he couldn’t be discarded so easily as a present. Even death couldn’t hold him.

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.’

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?

Jonathan Millard

Weather October 2002We 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 1st 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

Mayfair Community CentreChristmas 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

Exercise Referral Scheme

Mayfair 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.

Winners for October411 - £100 79 - £50 367 - £20 501 - £10.

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm11

December 2002

EVENTS DIARY: what’s on in December


January dates by 12 noon on THURSDAY 12 Dec to Focus Diary, 1 Central Ave, CS SY6 6EE Tel. 724304

EVERY WEEK

Mondays Scottish Dancing. All Stretton Village Hall. Party on 16th . No meeting 23rd and 30th. . . . . . . 7.15 for 7.30Tuesdays Carpet Bowls at the Methodist Hall £1. Slippers please. Not 24th and 31st.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 to 4.00Wednesdays Disability & Benefits information and advice. Mayfair. Not 25th Dec or 1 Jan. . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 to 12.00Thursdays 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 . . . . . 7.30Thu & Fri Good Neighbours’ Bereavement & Loss Befriender. Mayfair. Not 26th and 27th . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 to 12.00Fridays 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 ONESun 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30Tue 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30Wed 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 1.00Fri 6 Prayers for Peace. Suggestions by URCs. Drop in at Emmaus Chapel, St Laurence. . . . . . . . 10.00 to 4.00Sat 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 . . . . . . . . 6.00Tue 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00Wed 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 . . . . . . . . 8.00Thur 12 Stretton Cancer Care. Christmas lunch at The Plough, Wall-u-HeywoodFri 13 Senior Citizens. Beetle Drive with Derek and Janet Mountford. Silvester Horne Institute . . . . . . . . . 2.30Sat 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 THREETue 17 Countrywomen’s Guild. Dorothy Nichole, “The Truth about Christmas”. Parish Centre . . . . . . . . . 2.15Fri 20 Arthritis Care. Every third Friday at Mayfair Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00

WEEK FOURTue 24 Hope Bowdler St Andrew’s Church. Carol Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30 Carols in the Square. Proceeds to Rotary charities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30Sun 29 Acton Scott Church. Lessons and Carols with the Ashbrook Singers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm12

December 2002

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 ServicesHoly 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 SundayWeek 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 Weekday ActivitiesMorning Service 10.30 am. Mondays: Prayer Group (weekly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.45 - 7.15 pm.Junior Church & Crèche 10.30 am. Mondays: Bible Study (as announced) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30 pm.Evening Service 6.00 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 Priest: Rev’d. Fr. Patrick Shivnen (Tel: 722897)

St Milburga’s, Church StrettonSunday Mass 9.15 am. Monday - Thursday Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 am. Friday Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00 am. Saturday Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.30 pm.

St Walburga’s, Plowden. Sunday Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.45 am.

ST MICHAEL’S & ALL ANGELS, ALL STRETTON (Local Ecumenical Partnership with URC) Contact: 724224

Sunday ServicesWeek 1 Morning Prayer (ASB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am.Week 2 Holy Communion (URC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00 pm.Week 3 Family Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am.Week 4 Holy Communion (BCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00 am,Week 5 Holy Communion (ASB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.00 am. UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Minister : Rev. Norman Smith (Tel: 724903)

Sunday Services Worship and Activity Group (On the 1st Sunday in month includes Holy Communion) . . . . . . 10.30 am. followed by refreshments in the church hallWeekday ActivitiesMondays (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.

CHURCH SERVICES in the Strettons


Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm13


Methodist VoiceCongratulations Kitty

We 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

Two Sad FarewellsIn 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

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 ChurchMembers 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 DiarySunday 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 ValeAfter 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.

Quaker VoiceWas 9/11 really the day that changed the world?

One 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

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

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm14

December 2002

Just to prove that I am not anti red meat here is a lovely occasional dish. Forget your cholesterolcount for one day. Give yourself a treat!

Fillet Steak With Mushrooms & PâtéIngredients: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”


Remembering Sue Tye (24th December 1948 - 12th October 2002)

Stretton 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.

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.

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.

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.

M. Joyce Davies (Focus co-editor 1984-1994)

The Rev. Emrys Davies

Emrys 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.

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.

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.

Joyce Davies (in collaboration with Eric Stephenson)

Farewell from Focus

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm15


The Mystery Lady

The 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.

For 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

(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)

Long Mynd Adventure Camp

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm16


The Unitarian way

At 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.

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.)

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.

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.

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

Are you a Collector?

Do 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.

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

Please 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.

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.

How Can We Help You?

Do 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.

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm17


“A hunting we will goTo catch a fox

Put him in a box And never let him go.”

This 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.

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.

HuntingThe most usual venue for the Meet in All Stretton, was at the top of Hollywell Bank, affording a colourful

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

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm18


Church Stretton Town CouncilExtract from minutes of meeting held on 21st October 2002.

PLANNING MATTERSDistrict Decision – Refused• Erection of a dwelling, etc. land adjacent to Arden House, Madeira Walk, Church Stretton.

District Decisions – ApprovedChurch 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.

Town Council recommendations –ApprovalChurch 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 StrettonThe 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 PlasticSSDC 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 CourtConcern 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.

Waste Collection in Town CentreA letter will be written to Biffa asking that they re-arrange their schedule so that the whole of the Town Centre, including High Street, has its rubbish collected early, either on a Monday or Wednesday.

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.

“Or in the night, imagining some fear,How easy is a bush suppos’d a bear!”

Shakespeare 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 supposedThat he would come on such a night. So hardThough, to believe, when waiting for soft sleep,Instead the rumble of his linearApproach - a scattering of plaster inThe roof, and now he sets a shoulder to One whitewashed corner of the house. Oh dear,The wardrobe door pops free and all the hangersJangle on the rod. “Did I put…? I shouldHave put more nuts out” Confounding sense, theThoughts of one surprised at night; clearlyA creature of his size cannot surviveOn nuts alone. What more, then, might he want?Switch on the lamp and in the hubbub ofYour heart draw back the curtain on the East –But miss the silvered shakedown of his pelt.He slips away, and not a shadow movingOn the thrumming lawn, this brillig night.

Joanna Moffatt

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm19


Answers

We 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.

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.

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

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.

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

The 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?

• Why is there a notice near the top car park in Carding Mill Valley bearing the following cryptic words?

DEPTHOPPOSITE 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?

Any Questions – (and Answers) 3

Q and A

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.

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm20


Hills and more

This 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

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.

What 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 CullisGlobal Justice Forum

Windsor Place Sale

We, 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

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm21


Dear Editor

In 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

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

Percy 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

STRETTON FOCUS WISHES ALL READERS AND

ADVERTISERSA HAPPY AND PEACEFUL

CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Further to “Green Issues”, in November Focus.

At 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

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm22


Do 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 CurseArabella Edge: The CompanyWinston Graham: Bella PoldarkMaureen Peters: The Child of FireCrime fiction –Clare Curzon: Body of a WomanMichael Jecks: The Devil’s AcolyteIan Rankin: Beggar’s BanquetKate Sedley: The Lammas Feast

Winter Reading

Occasional Advertisements

Season’s Greetings to Friends andCustomers both old and new

from Peter Tipton - Peter Tip’s TipperLongville 01694 - 771461

PETER CARROL BSc(Hons) MRICSCHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYOR

Architectural Services Building & Planning ApplicationsProject Management All types of Building Surveys

Tel: 01694 722895 Mob: 07966 034061

DECORATINGALL YOUR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECOR

& TILING EXPERTLY UNDERTAKEN BY HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM

FOR FREE ESTIMATE & LOCAL REFERENCES PHONE CHRIS & JULIA

01743 - 761545 OR MOBILE 07985 217552

M & M DESIGNERSMEMBER OF BRITISH DECORATORS ASSOCIATION

SNOOTY FOXProfessional Hand Engravers

Jewellery Repairs, Polishing & CleaningPewter Giftware Specialists

New Range of Hand Painted Glassware Just ArrivedWatch Batteries And, Much, Much, More

Pop In & See UsSnooty Fox, 29 The Parade Shops, St Mary’s Place

Shrewsbury SY1 1DLOr Contact Us On:

01743 242420 or 07720 431829E-mail: [email protected]

THE FITNESS & NUTRITION CLINICLittle Stretton T. 01694 720196 M. 07971 400545

IMPROVE YOUR FLEXIBILITY, MOBILITY, POSTURE AND FITNESS LEVEL GET THE BALANCE BACK IN YOUR LIFE AND ACHIEVE TOTAL SUCCESS

07.00 - 21.00 Weekdays, 07.00 - 16.00 Saturday£6 for a one hour training session - booking necessary

‘State of the art’ equipment within beautiful buildingFitness professionals to monitor progress/offer motivation

Healthy eating plans to assist you reach targetsFree health and fitness appraisal

Personal training available

Costa del SolTO LET Superb, New, Ground Floor, Holiday Apartment

Favoured quiet location in select urbanizationNear Nerja and Torrox

Sleeps 4/6, Lovely open views, Communal pool and tennis. Good amenities nearby.

Details/prices Christopher & Helen Morris, 724492

Looking for Xmas Presents? Try

Full of BeansChurch Stretton 0800 652 8200

www.full-of-beans.comUnique Floor Cushions and Bean Bags for Children

(& Adults too!)

Quality repairs and new things made in English leathersTynalt, Leebotwood, Church Stretton,

Shropshire SY6 6NL Tel: 01694 751356

General fiction –Elizabeth Adler: Summer in TuscanyWilliam Deihl: EurekaHarry Ritchie: Friday Night ClubSally Stewart: A Rare Beauty

Our local Church Stretton Library has lists of recent additions to their stock – check them out and have a good read.

Solutions to CrosswordAcross6. Round 7. Admires 8. Driving 9. Apron 10. Eyelid 12. Utopia 15. Skimp 17. Chimera 19. Cresset 20. Blimp Down1. Erudite 2. Radii 3. Change 4. Rampart 5. Surer 11. Impasto 13. Preview 14. Scoter 16. Ideal 18. Imbue

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm23


Occasional AdvertisementsPHILIP HOOPER

PIANOS AND HARPSICHORDSTUNED AND REPAIREDTELEPHONE 01694 724461

Minerva Interiors8 High Street, Church stretton

Tel/Fax: 01694 724748 Mob: 07931 155820Complete 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 OWNTRACKS/POLES/BLINDS

J&M Home & Garden ServicesProperty Repairs Handyman Service

House Clearance Garden Design & Maintenance No Job Too Small Tel: 01694 781 403 07950 853 669

Merlin-Darcy Computer And Network SupportFree 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 07759 409 269

Registered ChildminderFlexible Hours

Drop off and Pick up from Schools/NurseryStimulating, Fun, Relaxed Outdoor Play area

Tel: Hilary 01694 724270

Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine - Fully Licensed

15% Discounton take-away meals

Collection only

Reservations forChristmas now being

taken

Orders & Reservations: 01694 724667Advance booking advisable

Weekdays 5.30pm to 11.30pm : Weekends 5.30pm to 12pm

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

S. C. RICKARDS. C. RICKARD

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 STRETTONThe 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 LIMITED EDITION PRINTSCards are now “time-limited” - sales of some will cease as

the book from which they are taken has sold out. So buy now! All works by Peter Andrew Jones are available as prints

- 150 copies only.

see also page 35

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm24

December 2002

Paul Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12P C Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Sara Matthews . . . . . . . . . . . 12

ConfectioneryButtermilk Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Newsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Disability AidsMarches Mobility Services . . 4

DIYB Tipton & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 15Sandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15

Domestic AppliancesB R Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Dry CleaningCounty Interiors . . . . . . . . . . 15

Driving InstructorDave Richards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Electrical Services, LightingB R Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19CMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39C W Ephraim . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Church Stretton Electrics . . . 15Light & Shade . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Estate Agent, SurveyorBurtons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Chamberlains & Stephens . . 16Wrights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Financial & Mortgage ServicesAsset Assured . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Brian Radford Investments . 40

FloristJohn R Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Food, DelicatessenCo-op . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Buttermilk Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Entertaining Elephants . . . . . 8van Doesburg’s . . . . . . . . . . . 39

FuelAqua Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Funeral DirectorA J Morris & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Furniture Making & SalesDowsett Design . . . . . . . . . . 31Robert Machin . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Garage ServicesBurway Garage . . . . . . . . . . . 40Central Garage . . . . . . . . . . . 40G H Gough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40HMJ Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Newington Garage . . . . . . . . 40

Garage DoorsShropshire Garage Doors . . 28

Garden Design, LandscapingCharles Meredith . . . . . . . . . 33Geoff Jarrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33John Stephens . . . . . . . . . . . 33Keith Warrington . . . . . . . . . 33Oak Garden Services . . . . . . 33

R S Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . 33The Wright Way . . . . . . . . . . 39

Gardening, EquipmentNewington Garage . . . . . . . . 40Oak Garden Services . . . . . . 33Peter Tip’s Tipper . . . . . . . . . . 4Sandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15

Graphic DesignChristopher Niblock . . . . . . 12Craven Design & Print . . . . 12

Hairdresser, Health, BeautyAnthony’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Central Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37RLM (Madelaine) . . . . . . . . . 37Slim Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Shampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

HardwareSandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15

Heating, FiresAqua Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Continental Fires . . . . . . . . . 15

Hotels & Guest HousesBelvedere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Brookfields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Dalesford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Longmynd Hotel . . . . . . . . . 11Old Rectory House . . . . . . . . 11Stretton Hall Hotel . . . . . . . . 11

IroningHard Pressed - (County Interiors) . . . 15

KnittingSandford Hardware . . . . . . . 15

LiveryBow House Farm . . . . . . . . . 33

Medical, TherapiesHelen Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Jacqueline Abbott . . . . . . . . . 23Strettons Physiotherapy Cl. 23Virginia Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Metal and IronworkKMS Ornamental Ironcraft . 31Roy Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28SF Vehicle Builders . . . . . . . . 40

Music TuitionGinette L Thompson . . . . . . 39

NewsagentNewsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

OpticianSuzanne Floyd . . . . . . . . . . . 23

OsteopathMrs E Keeling-Howard . . . . 23

Painter & DecoratorDecor-Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15G H Jones & Son . . . . . . . . . . 28George Bullock . . . . . . . . . . . . 4R Lucas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pet FoodJohn R Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . 23

PharmacistHillside Pharmacy . . . . . . . . 37

Plumber & HeatingIan Davies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28John V Dovaston . . . . . . . . . 28R Howells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PhotographerChristopher Niblock . . . . . . 12

Printing & CopyingCraven Design & Print . . . . 12Stretton Print & Supplies . . 40

Residential & Nursing HomeCaradoc House . . . . . . . . . . . 23Sandford Nursing Home . . 23

Restaurants, CafésBerry’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Buttermilk Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Longmynd Hotel . . . . . . . . . 11Stretton Hall Hotel . . . . . . . . 11The Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11The White House . . . . . . . . . 11

Skills TrainingSTiAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Soft FurnishingsAlison Schlank . . . . . . . . . . . 31Country Blinds . . . . . . . . . . . 31County Interiors . . . . . . . . . . 15Made to Measure . . . . . . . . . 31Neil Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

SolicitorL V Priestley & Son . . . . . . . 12

Stonemason, MemorialsClifford Gough . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Structural EngineerLongmynd Consultant . . . . 28

Taxi, Car HireA S Morris & Son . . . . . . . . . . 8Derek Woodhouse . . . . . . . . . 8Wedding Rolls-Royce . . . . . . 8

Travel Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terry Jones Travel . . . . . . . . . . 8

Tree Surgery & LogsE M Timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33JWB Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

TypingSara Matthews . . . . . . . . . . . 12

TyresHMJ Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40G W Gough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Veterinary SurgeonClive Norrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Waste DisposalPeter Tip’s Tipper . . . . . . . . . . 4

Stretton Directory: Index to AdvertisersAccountantAndrew & Amy Chapman . 12Dykes, Ruscoe & Hayes . . . 12James Holyoak & Parker . . . 12Tye Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Antique & Furniture RestorationDowsett Design . . . . . . . . . . 31Phoenix Restoration . . . . . . . 31R J & A J Semple . . . . . . . . . . 31Raymond Knight . . . . . . . . . 31Stretton Fine Art Restor’n . . 31

AntiquesFunnye Olde Worlde . . . . . . 39Stretton Antiques Market . . . 4

Architect, SurveyorFox Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . 28JWB Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Longmynd Consultants . . . . 28Roy Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

BooksBurway Books . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Newsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Builders, Plant & EquipmentDennis Price & Son . . . . . . . . 4Farmer Plant Services . . . . . . 4Joe Drury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Peter Tips Tipper . . . . . . . . . . 4M J Mellings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19R G Heiron & Son . . . . . . . . . . 4R Howells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cards and GiftsNewsworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Stretton Print & Supplies . . 40

Carpenter & JoinerA R Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28John Butter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4R Howells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CarpetsAbbey Carpets and Rugs . . 31Crown Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CatteryOaklands Cattery . . . . . . . . . 37

Chimney SweepNoel Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Shropshire Sweep . . . . . . . . . 33

ChiropodistCaroline Crump . . . . . . . . . . 23Mrs O McInnes . . . . . . . . . . . 23Ruth Brassington . . . . . . . . . 23South Shrops Chiropody . . . 37

Clock RepairsPhoenix Restorations . . . . . . 31

Coach HireCaradoc Coaches . . . . . . . . . . 8

Community CareMayfair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Stretton Cancer Care . . . . . . . 4

ComputingComputAssist . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Occasional Adverts not indexed


Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm25

December 2002

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 inper 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.

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.

Shoppe: 54 High StreetChurch Stretton

Tel: 01743 244626 07754 084949

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 andfriendly teaching

atmosphere.Visits by arrangement

Telephone:01694 723571

Ginette L.Thompson

B.Ed.mus

C M AELECTRICAL

Installation & MaintenanceFull and part re-wires Extra sockets,lights

Garden sockets,lightsShowers, storage heaters, security lighting, etc.

7 days a week FREE estimates

0800 074 9433

THE ‘WRIGHT’

WAYLandscape and maintenance

Paths, Patios, Paving Stone Walling, Fencing, Turfing, Hedge Cutting,

Tree Surgery

Fully Insured

Steve 01694 724576 or

Asset AssuredIndependent Mortgage Brokers

Call Richard Smith now for a free consultation

Tel: (01588) 638720 Mobile: (07771) 890425

Arranging:-

Mortgages - Re-mortgages - Self buildBuy 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


van doesburg’sg o u r m e t f o o dplats du jour • delicatessen • salads • pâtisserie

charcuterie • cheeses • sandwiches

3 High Street, Church StrettonMonday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30

01694 722867 • www.vandoesburgs.co.uk

Dec 2002 mag InD2 15/11/02, 3:28 pm26

Date post:	28-Feb-2023
Category:	Documents
Upload:	khangminh22
View:	0 times
Download:	0 times

Nativity scene blue full - Stretton Focus

Documents