1. No category

U
S
E
F
U
L
T
E
L
E
P
H
O
N
E
N
U
M
B
E
R
S
WF C E School
01691 610388
Corbet School www.corbetschool.net
01939 260296
St Michael’s Church:
Reverend Tony Sparham
01691 610586
Church Wardens: Mr Kenneth Gull
01691 653200
Dr Michael Davie
01691 610612
St. Chad’s: Chapel Warden: Col F E Hewitt
01691 622454
Deputy Chapel Warden: Mrs A Hampson
01691 610845
Pradoe Church: Chairman: Andrew Kenyon
01691 610218
Methodist Chapel: Rev Heather Wilson
01691 679164
Weirbrook United Reformed Church:
Rev Jeff Hancocks
01743 884040
Village Hall (Bookings)
01691 610629
Methodist Hall (Bookings)
01691 610348
Round and About Magazine – Pat Mabe
01691 610400
Email: [email protected]
WI Dorothy Barnes
01691 610348
Post Office/West Felton Stores Tom
01691 610863
Feltonians
01691 611846
The Royal British Legion
01691 659987
Parish Council contact David Curtis - Chair
01691 610665
Email: [email protected]
Parish Council website http://shrop.net/westfeltonprishcouncil
Your Shrops Councillor: Steve Charmley
01691 6504888
Email: [email protected]
Local GP out of hours service (18.30 pm - 08.00 am
Monday to Friday and all day weekends and Bank Hols)
08444 06 8888
MANWEB
0845 2722424
Severn Trent Water Authority
0800 7834444
Citizens Advice Bureau, Old Rates Office, Castle View
08444 991100
Samaritans
01743 369696
Orthopaedic Hospital
01691 404000
Oswestry Police Station : PC 3078 Pete Dale
0300 3333000
E-mail [email protected]
Mob 07951 540065
Knockin Medical Practice
01691 682203
Oswestry Community Action to include
Dial-A-Ride, Volunteer Bureau and
Qube Arts Centre (main switchboard number)
01691 656882
Gobowen Rail Station
01691 681010
R.S.P.C.A
0300 1234999
Wasp Problems Emergency number
01691 831 251 / 07779 811025
The Punch Bowl
01691 611616
The Queens Head
01691 610255
Roman Catholic Church Fr Philip
01691 652248
Holy Mass: SATURDAY 6:30 pm, SUNDAY at 9:00 am and 11:00 am
Shropshire Council
0345 6789000
BINS-Waste Management [email protected] 0345 678 9007
48
Year 23
January 2015
ROUND
AND
ABOUT
WEST FELTON
http://www.shrop.net/westfeltonmagazine
HOLD THE DATE
25th April, 2015 in West Felton Village Hall
Another fantastic evening featuring
The Very Nice Production Company
Look out for further details from the Methodist Chapel
1
What’s On
West Felton Methodist Church
Badminton
Tuesday evenings Village Hall. Phone: Glynnis 610336
Ballet
3.45 pm Thursdays term time in Village Hall
Brownies
5.30-6.30 pm Mondays term time in the Methodist Hall
Felton Flexors Club
Wednesdays 9:30 am to 10:30am - Village Hall
Feltonians
2 pm Tuesdays - Methodist Hall
Gardening Club
4th Wednesday March - November Methodist Chapel
Martial Arts (Junior)
Tuesdays 5.30 pm in Village Hall
Parents & Toddlers
Tuesdays 10am -11.30am - Methodist Hall
4th
Covernant Service at Oswestry - 10.45 am
Parish Council
2nd Tues of month 7.30 pm Methodist Hall
11th
Songs of Praise
Pilates Class
Tuesday mornings 9.30 -10.30 am in Village Hall
Rainbows
Wednesdays 6-7 in Methodist Hall
18th
Mr R Walker
School Clubs
Wednesday after school (term time)
25th
Songs of Praise
Short Mat Bowls
Fridays 2-4 pm, Village Hall (Sept-April)
Table Tennis
Thursdays 7.30 pm Village Hall - not 2nd Thursday
RBL Bingo
Fortnightly Friday evening 7.30 pm see advert in mag
Walking for Health
From Village Shop weekly 10.00 am
WI
7 pm 2nd Thursday of each month - Village Hall
Minister:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Deacon T Martin
Mrs. Dorothy Barnes
Mrs. Doreen Catchpole
01939 262486
01691 610348
01691 610569
January 2015
All services at 11 am unless stated
A warm welcome is given to all who join us in worship
Weirbrook United Reformed Church
January What’s On
West Felton Walkers - meet Monday mornings
at 10 am opposite the Punch Bowl - short walks around the local area of
between one and three miles
Minister
Rev Jeff Hancocks
01743 884040
Secretary
Mrs Dorothy Davies 01691 610282
Organist
Mrs Wena Lloyd
01691 671384
Whist - in Village Hall - Friday 23rd January 2015 - 7 for 7.30 pm
Happy New Year to all in West Felton
2
Services are held on the Third Sunday
each month at 2.30 pm
A very warm invitation is extended to you
to join with us in Worship
47
WEST FELTON
VILLAGE HALL
David Davies & Sons
"Serving the community for over 170 years"
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
An independent family business
offering a complete service
including pre-paid funeral plans
1 Upper Church Street, Oswestry SY11 2AA
01691 653116
REGISTERED Charity No. 702175
Can be hired
for Social events, Concerts, Weddings, Clubs, Sales, Children's parties
CHARGES
Hourly rate
Discos/parties
£7.50 :
£60 :
Childrens Parties max 3 hrs £25 :
Christenings
£40 :
Morning/afternoon sessions £45
Concerts
£50
Weddings £60 + preparation time
Hire of Tables & chairs
£30
Commercial rates by arrangement
Phone Eileen Hanmer
01691 610629
METHODIST HALL
WF Methodist Church School Room (opp. playing field)
is available for hire
Suitable for Meetings, Children’s Parties, etc. £5.00 per hour
W. E. PRICE
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
‘A long established independent family run business’
West Felton - 01691 611746 or
Oswestry - 01691 652995
Oakwood, Salop Road
Oswestry, SY11 2RN
Day & Night Service
Website:- www.weprice-funerals.co.uk
E-Mail:- [email protected]
46
To book contact Mrs D Barnes 01691 610348
Round and About West Felton
http://www.shrop.net/westfeltonmagazine
Articles/advertisement amendments for
inclusion in next edition to me
15th of each month latest, please. Ed.
Treasurer: Kate Gray
Advertising Rates
Editor: Pat Mabe
For articles and
advertising space
contact The Editor
annual subscription of:
Quarter page £35
Half page £55
Full page £90
For further details
01691 610425
[email protected]
Tel 01691 610400
e-mail:
[email protected]
3
Opening Hours for store
WINDOW CLEANER

6.30 am – 9.00 pm Monday – Friday
7.30 am - 9.00 pm Saturday
7.30 am – 7.00 pm Sundays
open All Bank Holidays except Xmas
Telephone - 01691 610863
Opening Hours for Post Office Counter
9.00 –12.30 pm Mondays and Wednesdays
9.00 till 12 midday Saturday
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE - LOTTERY - ATM
PAYPOINT - TOBACCO - OFF LICENCE
NEWSAGENTS - CONFECTIONERY - COLD/
HOT DRINKS - FROZEN FOODS
STATIONERY- GREETINGS CARDS
ICE CREAM
Come down and check out your local store; great local
produce, great offers every month and
a warm welcome from Tom and the Staff.
4
Traditional and pole method, all frames and sills cleaned as standard
 Excellent reputation, local family man, fully CRB checked
References available upon request
 Please call Brent for a free quote
Tel: 01691 610208 Mob: 07732 328188
email:[email protected]
Barncroft Nurseries
& Garden Designers
Need a friendly Taxi Service
why not try
OSWESTRY
CABS
Extensive range of :
 Trees
 Shrubs
 Herbaceous plants
 Climbers and wall shrubs
 Large water garden section
 Rare and unusual plants
 Top soil
Garden design and full landscaping
service from planning to creating
01939 261619
www.barncroftgardendesigners.co.uk
10am-5.30 pm closed Mondays
All calls strictly between these times please
Olden Lane, Ruyton XI Towns
01691 661663
Don’t pay more for
door to door?
West Felton to Oswestry
£6.90 - 6 am till m/night
£11.00 - m/night till 6 am
Oswestry to
Manchester Airport £59.00
8 passenger minibus
available - Oswestry to
Wrexham £56 return
All our reasonable rates
just a ‘phone call away
LET US MANAGE YOUR REPEATS
One phone call is all it takes for your medicines to
arrive at your doorstep or be ready for you to collect
from one or our local independent pharmacies - simple!
CHURCH STREET PHARMACY - OSWESTRY 01691 652160
GOBOWEN PHARMACY - STATION ROAD - 01691 652377
45
Greenways
Specialists in hedge cutting, fencing and tree work.
Fully qualified NPTC Chainsaw/ Lantra Chipper operative
For a FREE QUOTATION please call James on
01691 610637 / 07855 353116 / 01691 239954
Seasoned hardwood logs also for sale
ROBERT BOOTH
MCSP
CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT and ADVICE
PAIN RELIEF
● BACK AND NECK PROBLEMS ● SPORTING INJURIES ● ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS
● MUSCLE AND LIGAMENT STRAINS ● MUSCLE IMBALANCE PROBLEMS
● TENOSYNOVITIS ● REPETITIVE STRAIN SYNDROMES ● BACK CARE
● POST SURGICAL RE-EDUCATION ● EDUCATION TALKS
Treatments available include:
 Joint mobilisations and






manipulations
Exercises
Connective tissue massage
Postural Awareness
Electro-therapy
Ergonomic Advice
Ultrasound
Appointments can be made direct
or through your GP.
Appointments can be arranged at
short notice.
Treatment times can be arranged
out of working hours.
HILLSIDE COTTAGE, HOPTON,
NESSCLIFFE, SHREWSBURY, SY4 1DG
Tel: 01743 741544
Chimes
Cakes
Bespoke cakes and cupcakes
All cakes are unique and handmade to your individual requirements
For enquiries and free quotations please contact: Gillian Sturgess
01691 611811 email: [email protected]
or visit www.chimescakes.co.uk
International Gold Medallist Cup Cake Challenge Winner 2010
and Cake Decorator of the Year Finalist 2011
44
WEST FELTON PARISH COUNCIL
In response to demand from many residents following the Parish Plan
publication the Open Forum focussed on a presentation from Alison Patrick,
Shropshire Council Tourism Officer, on guidance for setting up Bed and
Breakfast and Camping opportunities within the Parish. Tourism is a
promotional feature for the North Shropshire/Borders area and Alison’s
informative talk provided a number of initiatives which can be found in full on
our website. A possible future opportunity would be to take part in “Heritage
Open Days” an annual event which next year will be 10 - 13th September.
Councillors agreed that there were a number of very interesting, but little
known, historical sites within or adjacent to the village which had potential for
inclusion in regional tourism. We also had a presentation from a Queenshead
resident who, on behalf of many of his neighbours, wanted the public phone
box in that area to be maintained and not withdrawn as was the wish of BT. It
was stressed that in that area the mobile phone network was particularly poor
rendering it impossible to make emergency calls in the event of power cuts. In
that same vein it was also noted that the location of the box provided
emergency contact for accidents on the adjacent canal and that local maps
even identified its location. Councillors, whilst acknowledging that use of the
facility had been minimal over recent years, agreed its location had specific
benefits which needed addressing and therefore a suitable report would be
forwarded to BT.
Cllr Marion Hesketh gave a report from the recent Heart Start meeting which
was very well attended and looks to have a positive future. Cllr Steve Haworth
requested information on the Alma Close project as we need to identify the
use of section 106 funds originally allocated at the initiation of the
development. Concentration has now turned to the area of land to the north of
the approach road in the hope that it can be developed for benches and
general landscaping. Under planning further comments, provided by Cllrs
Jones and Haworth, were agreed in respect of the appeal against the Twyford
Lane proposed development. These will be forwarded to the Appeal Inspector
immediately.
Under Parish Matters, Councillors agreed an informal list of priorities following
the publication of the 2014 Parish Plan. These, with all other matters related
to the Parish Council, will be periodically reviewed. Tourism, as can be seen
above, has been addressed, and full support was given to a project
re-establishing a West Felton Youth Club (led by Tracey Roberts) which was
one of several youth-related items in the Parish Plan. Street Lights seem to be
a focus at this time of year and a request has been received to install an
additional light at a current “dark spot” near the School. It would seem at first
inspection that this might be for Shropshire Council to consider but we would
(Continued on page 7)
5
DG & HA SMITH
St Michael’s West Felton
St Chad’s Haughton
Oil Fired Boiler Servicing
Service and repair to all makes of oil fired boilers
01691 657634
11 Artillery Road, Park Hall, Oswestry SY11 4AJ
Email [email protected]
CHURCH SERVICES
Duncan Galliers
TKF SERVICES
Sundays
10.15 am
Holy Communion
(Common Worship)
Sundays
9.00 am
Holy Communion
(Book of Common Prayer)
Family Service
1st Sundays
each month
With Morning Prayer
2nd Sundays
each month
Upholstery
Master Upholsterer
and Furniture Restorer
Garden Services and
Paddock maintenance
Specialist in traditional
techniques for antique and
modern furniture.
Lawn mowing, hedgecutting,
strimming, grass harrowing,
rolling, fertilising, topping ,
wood chipping
Leather and spring repair,
foam cut to size and sundries!
Fully insured, reliable,
friendly service and
Call 01743 353981 or
email
[email protected]
advice given
Call 07850194933
evenings 01743 742158
6
For special Services, please see Magazine or Notice Boards
Baptisms - within Family Service
1st Sundays or at 11.45am other Sundays
Marriages and Funerals - as arranged
Please contact the Church Wardens
or the Associate Priest Tony
(details on back of this magazine)
Anyone who cannot easily get to St Michael’s,
but would like to receive Communion at home,
please contact Tony
43
O
(Continued from page 5) (West Felton Parish Council)
TM
OSWESTRY
TOWN MARKET
definitely keep this in mind if progress in that direction becomes difficult. One
of the Parish Council’s lights (opposite 8 The Avenue) needs more specific
attention and whilst being quoted for a replacement it was felt that a full wiring
test should be undertaken as the fault may be with the connection rather than
the light itself. It was reported that the street light damaged in Tedsmore Road
had been replaced at a cost of £992.40 and reimbursement will be provided
through the car owners insurance. The matter of the extension of the 30mph
zone to the south of the village and installation of agreed VAS speed signs
were now well overdue and it was agreed to follow these up as a matter of
urgency.
Administration focussed on the forthcoming precept for 2015. After much
debate it was agreed to maintain the figure at 2014 levels (£19,219 including
grants). There were suggestions that it should be slightly increased to ensure
the ability of the Council to address specific items raised in the Parish Plan
and to overcome the funding gap left by the withdrawal of grants through the
LJC concept; however Council is confident that the current financial position is
appropriately sound. The meetings schedule for 2015 was agreed, in that we
will keep to the current schedule of holding meetings on the second
Tuesday of every month. It was however agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting
will be diarised for a separate date in April 2015 due to popular demand and
that we will switch the venue to the Village Hall. More details on this will follow
shortly.
As an early reminder one topic of that meeting will be the decision of Parishioners to distribute the remaining funds currently held in the historic trusts
“West Felton Parish Charities”. Council approved the related mandates/
resolutions to allow interim ownership and responsibility to be passed to Cllrs
Dianne Barnes and David Curtis and the Parish Clerk, Ian Hutchinson, on
behalf of the Parish Council. The aim is for a short list of local charities to be
formatted by Councillors and for members of the Parish to add to that list if
they so wish. More details will be published as soon as possible.
COME AND ENJOY
THE WARM and FRIENDLY
ATMOSPHERE
INDOOR
MARKET:
Wednesday,
Friday &
Saturday
OVER
30
STALLS
42
STREET
MARKET:
Wednesday
&
Saturday
Following the usual accounting items, Cllr Steve Haworth presented a draft
report to be included in the “Regional Place Plan” much of which was in direct
response to the outcome of the WF Parish Plan. In essence this is how we
feel our Parish will link into the aims and aspirations of Shropshire Council in
particular within the Oswestry area. The draft was accepted unanimously.
Reports were provided on the recent LJC meeting held in the village which
focussed on current Highways priorities and a presentation given by Steve
Brown, SC Roads Officer. All those who attended were frankly dismayed at
the explanations given even to the point that it appears “flow maintenance”
seems to have a priority over “road safety”. Clear inconsistencies were identified to which we still await a promised response. The LJC will hopefully
(Continued on page 11)
7
Parents are welcome to
come along and visit us
TONY CARTWRIGHT
CHIMNEY SWEEP
of
Twyford Farm
Vacuum and Brush
APICS and HETAS APPROVED
All types of Flues swept
Fully Insured
Chimney pots, cowls and Bird
guards supplied and fitted
For all your carpentry
and joinery needs
Quality purpose made joinery
Over 30 years experience
Hardwood and Softwood timber
The cleanest service guaranteed
Windows
Doors
Porches
Cut roofs
Stairs
HAVE YOUR FLUE SWEPT
IN THE SUMMER MONTHS
AND AVOID THE WINTER
WAITING LIST
01691 682418
01743 341010
07802 655145
Repairs to
existing frames
Complete maintenance
STEPHEN MORRIS
Master Chimney Sweep Ltd
Mob: 07833 515 858
Tel: 01691 610 334
LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE?
OFSTED registered CHILDMINDER in West Felton
Homely environment - Fully insured - Competitive Rates
Cache Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice
‘pacey’ member
Please call Sharon 610767
8







Quality Day Care for Children
Owned and managed by Mums
Full day care from 12 weeks / All inclusive fees
15 hours weekly FREE for 3 & 4 year olds
Open daily 51 weeks from 0730 - 1830
Set in acres of farmland with large outdoor garden
Fresh home cooked food using locally sourced products
Platinum food award
01743 741554 - www.littlepixiesnursery.co.uk
Kinton Business Park, Kinton, Nr Nesscliffe, SY4 1AZ
Business Support Programme
Management Accounts
Tax Planning
SAGE software sales & support
Business Start Ups
Offices
at:
Accounts Preparation
Financial Services
Payroll Services
Auditing
Ellesmere, Oswestry, Llangollen and Telford:
Telephone: 01691 622098
e-mail: [email protected]
www.morriscook.co.uk
Chartered
Accountants and
Business Advisers
Ace Carpets
Specialists in Domestic and
Commercial Carpets and Vinyls
Also Specialists in Safety Flooring
Altro, Polyflor, Tarkett, Gerflor, etc
For wet rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and saunas
FREE ESTIMATES
01691 610003 or 07710 595221
We will bring the samples to you
or we can arrange a time to meet at our showroom
41
Friendly , Reliable, Local Service
Free no obligation estimates
High standard of work
No mess left behind!
[email protected]
Installation Repairs
Maintenance
Tel
07969 833 610
SJM Groundworks
Block Paving / Drives / Patios
Slab Laying / Kerbing / Concrete Work
Drainage / Fencing
Turfing/Seeding
Prompt Local and Reliable
Steve on 01691 610479 or 07794010904
Email: [email protected]
Happy New Year from your Shropshire Councillor
It has been too long since I placed an article in the Parish Magazine, a
reflection on the increasing workload for everyone remaining in the Public
Sector at present.
The financial pressure on Shropshire Council has not gone away, a savings target of £80 Million to be saved, £40M by April then £20M in each following year,
so far the impact on front line services has been kept to a minimum, however my
Cabinet colleagues and I have some really hard decisions to make in the next
few months, these decisions will not be taken lightly, but it’s a stark choice, either
redesign services for the future, shaped by local information and intelligence, or
have central government come to Shropshire and impose a Westminster
solution which would devastate our local communities.
Planning is a great example of how Central Government ideas do not work in
rural Shropshire. We are all well aware of the huge number of planning
applications being submitted in the last 6 months. Shropshire Council was
unable to prove that it had identified enough development land to build the
required number of new homes for the next 5 years, and as a result of this a
Westminster solution was applied called “National Planning Policy Framework”; the catchy title tells you that it’s not going to be good news!
This basically took away most of the powers from Shropshire’s Planning
Committees and encouraged development just about anywhere. Applications
that had been turned down recently, suddenly reapplied and got approval
under the new rules. I am pleased to report that although things are far from
perfect, they are improving, as Shropshire now has its 5 year land supply,
although this is currently being challenged by some developers, who missed
their opportunity.
It’s not all doom and gloom at The Shirehall though, having a Cabinet role for
the economy has allowed me to set priorities for what little funding we can
access. Broadband and the establishment of University Centre Shrewsbury,
are Shropshire’s two big ticket items for external funding.
Broadband roll out is continuing at pace, the main population centres of
Whittington and Park Hall now have a fibre connection available, Queens
Head and West Felton should be going live in January if not before. It is a
common assumption that when a green Cabinet has been enabled with
Superfast Broadband, residents will receive it automatically, this is a myth.
You must contact your Internet service provider and order an upgrade. There
are some great deals available at present especially for bundles of TV, Phone
and Broadband, by signing up it may even save you money. (depending on
your package) If you are in any doubt if your area has been enabled yet,
check the website postcode checker
http://connectingshropshire.co.uk/when-and-where/
(Continued on page 11)
40
9
J H Cleaning
HARVEY WALTERS Building & Interiors
now trading as
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Natural Stone and Tile Cleaning
Sealing and Restoration
Grout cleaning and re-colour
Tel: 01691 777412 Mob: 07510 399202
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.CarpetCleaningChirk.co.uk
Henlle Park
Golf Club
Henlle Lane Gobowen Oswestry
Shropshire SY10 7AX
Golf Club Membership Available
on our Award Winning
Georgian Parkland Course










All aspects of building work
Complete refurbishments
Kitchen design and installation
Plastering and rendering
Joinery
Plumbing
Patios, decking and fencing
Decorating, wallpapering
Door hanging






Extensions, conversions and garage
conversions
Project management
Bathroom design and installation
Floor and wall tiling
Electrics
Roof repairs and roof lights, Velux
windows and sun pipes
Planned and general maintenance
We offer a complete package for home improvements in the form of a local, reliable and
trustworthy company. We are fully insured, with references available. Previous projects
can be viewed by arrangement. Reasonable rates and free, no obligations quotations
Contact Harvey on 01691 688 966 or 07813 918 944
Or email us at [email protected]
RECEPTIONS, PARTIES
and CELEBRATIONS
in our new clubhouse
GREEN HOLLOW
VETERINARY SURGERY
Roast Carvery
every Sunday for
members and visitors
from October 1st till Easter
D. W. THURSTON BVetMed MRCVS
School Road, Ruyton-X1-Towns, Nr. Shrewsbury
01939 261216
Email [email protected]
or visit our website
DOMESTIC PET, HORSE AND FARM ANIMAL PRACTICE
www.henllegolf.co.uk
24-hour Emergency Service - Consultation by appointment
Morning, afternoon and evening surgeries
SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING SERVICE
Registered Waste Carrier
Local Operator
For a prompt and efficient service
Contact Edward Scott
on 01691 656256 or 07989881870
10
ALL NEW CLIENTS WELCOME
FARM ANIMAL SERVICES :




Routine Fertility work
Herd Health plans
Sheep and Goats…
Alpaca work
SMALL ANIMAL SERVICES :





Microchip Identity
Diagnostic X-ray & Ultrasound
In-house lab testing
Pet food & accessories
Free Pet Health advice
HORSE WORK : ● Wormers (discounts on large quantity)
● ‘Vetting’ pre-purchase/insurance
39
(Continued from page 9) Councillor’s Corner
THE QUEENS HEAD @ QUEENS HEAD
Visit our Website at www.the-queens-head-oswestry.co.uk
Where You Will Find Our New Range of Daily Deals Such as
Buy 1 Pizza Get 1 Free every Monday
Wednesday Steak Night - Steak Dinner and a Glass of Wine £9.95
Plus a Huge Range of Gluten Free Meals
Takeaway Available on All Our Menus 10% Discount
01691 610255
Due to the geographical challenges of the area, outlying properties, located
over 2Km from a green Cabinet will get little benefit at this time, properties in
this situation are in an area known as an intervention area. Bespoke solutions
are needed for these areas; my team is working hard to create these solutions
and it is hoped that much improved speeds can be supplied in the next 12-24
months.
The development of University Centre Shrewsbury is the first step to
Shropshire having its very own fully fledged University. There are already a
small number of students based in Rowley’s House, and in September we
hope to attract up to 400 new students to study in the transformed Guildhall
building next to Theatre Severn. There are a range of courses available for
students to sign up to at http://www.ucshrewsbury.co.uk/
The intention is to give aspiring Shropshire students an alternative to travelling
away and running up a large student debt. At Shrewsbury you can live, learn
and work locally. Courses have been designed to allow students to learn and
earn, by working with Shropshire Business’ -you will be able to gain paid work
experience while studying for a degree, so upon graduation you should have
at least 2 years of workplace experience, little or no debt, plus a degree in
your chosen subject area. I hope that by creating a unique and innovative
University experience, Shropshire may retain some of its home grown talent,
which will in turn continue to drive Shropshire's economic growth.
Despite local media attempts to create a gloomy picture for Shropshire
Council, I am confident that those charged with plotting a course through the
financial minefield, myself included, have a plan that will work in the long term
and create money to reinvest in our County and its services. We have a plan
for the future and I thank you all for your continued support.
May I wish you all a Prosperous New Year Cllr Steve Charmley
(Continued from page 7) West Felton Parish Council
become the mechanism to challenge this and other important issues under
the management of Shropshire Council.
Other Parish reports included the recent SNAP meeting which highlighted that
the £140,000 “fighting fund” had almost been raised and that it remained very
unlikely that any decision on the Public Enquiry will be available until after the
National Election! Reports on the latest National Grid presentations reflected
on their lack of specific information and certainly public opinion and assistance
with access for surveying etc, was extremely negative.
Finally please refer to any of the above and many other issues on the Parish
Council website – www.2shrop.net/westfeltonparishcouncil.
From all at the Parish Council may we wish everyone a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS and of course a PROPEROUS NEW YEAR.
DAVID CURTIS
38
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12
37
Pradoe Church News
from Rev Anne Netherwood
I’ve been down to London for a day of talks on old buildings put on by the
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). It was interesting to
hear how SPAB’s founders viewed the architecture of their day – the
nineteenth century.
Many Victorians had a romantic view of the past, and particularly of the early
middle ages. Their church buildings reflected this, and nearly all the churches
built in the nineteenth century – including Pradoe Church – were built in the
Early English Gothic style of medieval architecture. The founders of SPAB –
William Morris and others – would have none of this. They thought that
buildings should be honest to their own times, not try to reproduce styles from
the past.
I thought of this when I thought about our Plough Sunday service on the first
Sunday in January at Pradoe. Plough Sunday started in Victorian times, and
probably also reflected Victorian romanticism about rural life, at a time when
more and more people were living in industrial cities. And it’s quite easy for us
to join in with the same kind of romanticism. The plough that is brought into
church to be blessed on Plough Sunday isn’t a plough that’s actually used
today – we’d never get one into church! It’s a lovely old‐fashioned plough that
only comes out on Plough Sunday and goes back into store for the rest of the
year.
So how can we be honest to our own times? At Pradoe it’s not so difficult,
because the people who bring the plough into church are all hard‐working
farmers who know very well what modern agricultural life is like. So we’ll be
praying for them and for their work, and for all who work to bring us our daily
bread, as well as for those who don’t have enough to eat. Plough Sunday
needn’t be a bit of religious romanticism – it can be a real celebration of
modern agricultural work and prayers for the real needs of our world today.
Pradoe services in January
January 4th - 10.30 am Plough Sunday Service
January 11th - 10.30 am Holy Communion
January 18th - 10.30 am Family Service
January 25th - no service
February 1st - 10.30 am Family Service
Looking at Older Houses -
Dec/
Jan 14/15
The New Year is a good time to take stock of your
old property in its entirety, not only the house but the
garden and boundaries too.
Ask yourself the
question – is the house delivering what you want and what you need, whether
you’re on your own, a couple or a family? Think back to when you first acquired the property and what your plans were then – your immediate reactions
are valuable reference, even allowing for the passage of time influencing
changes in what you need and would like. If you really need more space, it is
possible to just extend a room by the minimum amount allowed without planning permission, and yet make quite a difference to your use of space. This
particularly applies to utility rooms beyond the kitchen, extra bedroom storage
or a useful porch. Check out websites such as: (www.planningportal.gov.uk/
permission/commonprojects/extensions/miniguide).
Some years ago I was viewing houses for my mother and went to see a 1980s
semi. We knocked at the front door to no avail, but then the owner called from
the back door to come in there. The reason she couldn’t open the front door
was that all her laundry (folded, clean and yet to be washed) was stored
against it. Why put it there? No room in the small kitchen, no utility room, the
airing cupboard upstairs being used as a store for bed linen and towels. So
three problems here, waiting for a solution – somewhere for the laundry to be
done, somewhere for it to be temporarily stored, and somewhere for the bed
linen to go. It makes sense, if you have a small house, to ensure that all areas
are used effectively and efficiently. Had we bought it, we would have added a
small utility room next to the kitchen, just enough for the machines and a
surface for a basket or two. Then we would move the bed linen to drawers
under the beds, and finally free up the airing cupboard to allow it to function
normally.
Another option for more space is to extend into the loft to add another bedroom
or make an en suite bedroom. This is a much bigger, more serious undertaking, but may save you having to move to a larger property as children grow. I
would only say make sure there really is enough headroom and floor-space to
start with. Many ill-planned loft extensions produce instant claustrophobia by
having sloping ceilings far too low, light fittings that scrape the top of your head,
and an irritating impossible-to-use space going under the eaves.
With regard to gardens, we do love our lawns and borders, but maintaining
them can become a chore as the years go by. Don’t think you’re selling out if
you go for a hard surface right across the back of the house instead of having a
lawn so close, or for a small garden, even go the whole hog and pave the lot.
Just take care over arranging drainage, the rain has to go somewhere. Most of
us only think about boundaries when a storm flattens the fence panels or the
hedge needs a drastic cut, or worse, someone decides to argue about where it
Continued on page 25
36
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WEST FELTON GARDEN CLUB
NOVEMBER 2014
The subject for November’s meeting of the Garden Club was ornamental trees,
in particular those suited to an ordinary domestic garden. Jane gave a talk
illustrated with photos of trees mainly from Sorbus (Mountain Ash), Malus
(Crab Apple) and Acer (Japanese Maple etc), but with many other suggestions
too. There is a huge choice available but a sensible selection will provide
pleasure for many years with minimal maintenance. Before getting carried
away with blossom or autumn colour it was essential to consider how tall and
how wide the tree would get and therefore how big a space it would need, also
its preferred soil type and how much maintenance it should be given. As with
many purchases, a bit of time spent researching facts and figures before a
deciding was very worthwhile.
After tea Dianne commenced the AGM. Pat, the treasurer, gave a summary of
the year’s accounts. Votes were taken on recently discussed issues and for
2015 the Club decided that:
Meetings would be reduced to seven in one year, starting in March.
Correspondingly, fees would be reduced to £15.00 per annum,
or £25 for couples.
All meetings would feature a speaker, although trips out on
other days could be organised at any time.
Subjects for talks had already been decided and Jane would
endeavour to find and book speakers.
Promotion and advertising for the Club would be increased.
A post-Christmas meal out was to be organised by Dianne for January, so all
that remained was to wish all members a Happy New Year and hopefully a
good growing season for gardening in 2015.
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MEETS BETWEEN MARCH AND NOVEMBER
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34
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16
Disclaimer
Round and About West Felton Magazine is not responsible for any
advertiser’s products, services or company nor any of the claims made
by the advertisers.
The information, statements and opinions expressed in reports or
articles published in Round and About West Felton Magazine are
solely those of the authors and do not in any way reflect those of the
magazine committee.
33
(Continued from page 30) St Michael’s
what the shepherds heard as they sat in the hills outside Bethlehem). Rosh Hashanah is 10 days before Yom Kippur , the day of Atonement, so New Year is a
time for self-examination and repentance, and the shofar ( a ram’s horn) is
blown every morning to wake people from slumber and alert them to ‘be ready’.
Families stand by flowing water and throw in stones or bread to symbolise their
casting off of sins. They eat circular bread for the cycle of the year, and apples
and honey to hope for a sweet new year.
New Year then, seems rather arbitrary, especially our western dating. Its links
with faith and religion are also tenuous, and purist Christians and Muslims shun
New Year celebration as of pagan origin. Christians have a celebration a week
earlier - the birth of Jesus (Incarnation) - though the authenticity of that date is
rather questionable. Maybe in the end , actual dates don’t matter very much.
What matters is that we value continuing life, through the eyes of God or purely
secular.
New Year for Christians is like baptism - closing down yesterday and opening the
door to tomorrow. Submerged in the river Jordan, then rising up and entering the
Promised Land. Different national customs express that in different ways.
The old year is closed down by Danes breaking all their unused dishes and plates;
Ecuador burn paper-filled scarecrows and old photographs; Peruvians fist-fight each
other to settle differences; Thais throw buckets of water on each other and the Irish
hit walls with bread to drive away evil spirits.
The new year is welcomed by Japanese ringing bells; Romanians throw spare coins
in the river for good luck; Danes jump off chairs and tables for good luck; Chinese
wear new clothes, Spaniards try to stuff 12 grapes into their mouths; South
Americans wear different coloured underwear - red for love; gold for wealth and
white for peace. Scots have ‘first-footing’ - the first person to cross the threshold
should carry a gift for good luck. My most memorable New Year was climbing the
hills near Macclesfield at midnight and seeing all the fireworks going off round the
Cheshire Plain and Manchester. Whatever you do or don’t do, in the name of God
or not, and whatever coloured underwear you have on, I wish you a year of love,
wealth and peace
Tony
CHURCH DIARY
Sundays
28th Dec. 4.00pm St Chad’s, Haughton Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols.
4th Jan. 10.15am St Michael’s, West Felton Family Service for Epiphany (led by
Revd Robin Martin)
11th Jan Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of Jesus
11.45am Baptism of Heath Roy Richards, Little Wootton Cottage
18th Jan Epiphany 2 - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
25th Jan Epiphany 3 - Water into Wine / 1st Feb Candlemas - Family Service
Sat 24th Jan 4.00pm All Saints Wellington : ‘Reaching new generations’ (Bishop
Mark)
32
with Topiarius
Beauty in the eye of the beholder
A perennial pleasure is garden visiting, even for those who don't actually like
gardening themselves. The pleasure is many faceted – the beauty of plants,
attractive and clever design, wonderful vistas and getting ideas for things or
plants to apply at home (and things to avoid).
We did very badly this year as regards visits due to other commitments and
priorities. In fact, I can only remember seeing two gardens all summer, and
one of those was in such torrential rain as to be no joy. Now the weather is no
longer favourable it may seem odd that my mind has turned to looking at gardens. The reason is simply that I have been working in Cape Town, South
Africa for a week where summer was just beginning and gardens were
approaching their prime.
I saw some stunning countryside and very nice garden areas at vineyards but
devoted my day off to visiting the famous national botanical garden at
Kirstenbosch. The developed garden covers 36 ha in a 528 ha estate and,
being on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, viewing it involves some fairly
energetic walking. The land was left to the nation by Cecil Rhodes and
became a botanical garden in 1913. Botanical gardens are a sort of living
museum containing collections of plants that are used for scientific research
and have a role in conservation as well as being for display. As you would
expect, Kirstenbosch holds collections of southern African plants including rare
and endangered species.
Without doubt, the garden presents some wonderful vistas and many exotic
plants. It was also interesting to see some that we are familiar with in their
natural environment. However, in the end it was a bit disappointing. The
variety of planting came over as somewhat restricted such that it became
repetitive, and the general landscaping was rather bland. There was also the
fact that so many of the plants could not be grown in our climate, and hence
had limited interest.
Perhaps botanical gardens with their scientific purpose tend to be less
exciting, but it is also a matter of all of us having different likes, dislikes and
ideas of what we want to see in a garden. I have found this at home when I
have been less than impressed by some highly regarded gardens, whereas I
have met people who did not think much of one I considered outstanding.
Perhaps it is a good job that we are all different with different tastes and that
there is an almost infinite variety of gardens for us to visit.
I won't be getting another trip like that in a hurry so I will have to wait until next
summer and resolve to do much better and make a lot more visits.
Changing topic, I cracked the problem of cleaning lime scale from glass by the
simple and rather obvious approach of using kettle descaler – but do wear
rubber gloves.
17
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31
News from St. Michael's Church
“There is scarcely a people, ancient or modern, savage or civilised, which has not
observed New Year in one form or another. Yet no other festival has been celebrated on so many different dates or in so many different ways.” (T Gaster)
The whist players enjoyed the October meeting with a good
attendance despite the threats of rain and chilly winds. The hall
was warm and we were raring to go. Many thanks to all who
supplied prizes, cash donations and filled the five tables. We
were sorry to miss a few familiar faces – come back soon.
From 2000BC in Babylon, New Year was when the new moon appeared nearest the
spring equinox on 21st March. In Egypt it was when the Nile flooded, the summer
solstice in June. Persians chose the autumn equinox (21st September), Greeks the
winter solstice (21st December). So why is the beginning of our new year in the
middle of a dead winter?
WINNERS: October
In Rome New Year was 1st March until 153BC, when it was moved to 1st January,
the day when high officials began their one-year tenure of office. This was made
official by a decree of Julius Caesar in 46AD
Finally as you will all be aware we lost Des Hughes on 19th October. We were
very sorry to hear that a great player and stalwart of our whist drives sadly
died. We will miss him so much not least as he was the reason Jane, Karl and
I took over running the whist drives in West Felton. It is hard to believe that
one year on from our discussions he is no longer able to provide us with guidance on improving the whist drives and tease me on the quality of my playing.
Then came Christianity. January 1st was rejected as pagan and New Year was
celebrated on 25th December or 1st March (Spring) or 25th March (conception of
Jesus) . This last date was the most common in medieval Christian countries. If
Christ was born on Christmas Day, then his earthly life began when Mary conceived
him on 25th March. So this was the day when everything began, the day of creation
itself. From the 12th century until the Gregorian reforms of 1752, New Year’s Day
was 25th March.
What of other faiths? Buddhists vary - in Burma, the first full moon of April; Vietnam
and China, January or February; Tibet, March. After prayers to Buddha, they light
candles, bathe their Buddha statues and sing songs. They buy new clothes, clean
and decorate their houses and visits relatives with gifts. Some throw water on one
another to ‘purify their souls from all sins and evil energies’ for the coming year.
Hindus salute the new year when nature comes to life in mid-April (spring). Homes
are cleaned and decorated, lit with oil lamps and flowers. Elders give money to
youth and children - the first act of the new year, financial selflessness. Indians
create a display of money, jewels, clothing, plants and flowers, fruits and sweets in
their homes. At dawn, mother wakes up each family member, blindfolds them and
leads them to the display. There she removes the blindfolds - their first sight for the
New Year is this beautiful display.
The Muslim calendar is lunar and has 354 days, so New Year varies each year - the
sighting of the first new moon (crescent-shaped) in their first month Muharam. In
2014 it was 25th October (their year 1436), when Mohammed moved from Mecca to
Medina in 622. The 10th day (Ashura) they remember two events - Noah’s leaving
the ark; and Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea. It is usually a time
not for joyful partying, but for fasting and reflection, commemorating all those who
lives have been given in service.
The Jewish New Year, ‘Rosh Hashanah’, is 163 days after Passover, between 5th
September & 5th October. They keep this as the day Adam and Eve were created,
(accepted by scholars as the day of Jesus’ birth). Summer is over, the harvest gathered and the ‘fall’ begun. Trumpets announce the New Year (some think this is
30
(Continued on page 32)
1st lady: Rene Biggs
2nd lady: Maggie Lokier
3rd lady: Jane Adams
Lowest Score: Olive Hayes
1st gent: Cissie Lokier
2nd gent: Frank Grey
3rd gent: Colin Lawrence
Lowest Score: Joan Williams
Gone but will never be forgotten – Des Hughes.
~~~~
The whist players enjoyed the November meeting with an excellent
attendance giving us 6 full tables. We started with 1 minute silence in memory
of Des Hughes and donated the profits from the session to his chosen charity
West Felton Heart Start. This amounted to £110 presented at the inaugural
training session for Heart Start on 26th November.
Many thanks to all who supplied prizes, donations and filled the tables. We
were pleased to welcome players from Kinnerley as well as members missing
at the previous month. The Christmas whist drive was discussed and food and
drinks provision sorted.
WINNERS: November
1st lady: Olive Hayes
2nd lady: Dorothy Davies
3rd lady: Maggie Lokier
Lowest Score: Doll Jones
1st gent: David Jones
2nd gent: Joan Williams
3rd gent: Colin Lawrence
Lowest Score: Frank Grey
Longest sitter: Pat Mabe
Our next meeting is at:
WEST FELTON VILLAGE HALL
Friday 23rd January 2015 at 7:30pm
All welcome and welcome to all
IN AID OF ST MICHAEL’S & ST CHAD’S CHURCHES
PS yes, a combined report as my October report vanished en route!!
19
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February 20th
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April 17th
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September 18th
October 16th
November 13th to be confirmed
December 11th
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The
Women’s Institute
In November the WI organised the Christmas Fayre held in the village hall. We
had lots of stalls selling cakes, preserves, lucky-bags, gifts, books, and of
course, our artistic hand-made decorations. There were good prizes on the
tombola and raffle, lovely refreshments and the Brownies had lots of goodies
hidden in their bran tub. Attendance was high and the children were delighted
to meet Santa and his elf in the grotto and receive a small gift before he does
his rounds on Christmas Eve. This is our major fund raising event and
proceeds from the day will help to keep our funds buoyant for the next two
years.
On 8th December, West Felton was the host for this year’s Carol Service for the
district. This was held at the Methodist Church and was well attended by our
own members and those from other local WI’s. As well as the traditional carols
there were Nativity stories, poems and readings from our members. The mince
pies, tea and coffee which followed were much appreciated by all who
attended.
At our monthly meeting on 11th we were entertained with songs from the Glyn
Ceiriog Bordermen, who sang lustily and entertained us brilliantly.
Each month during the year we have a competition based on the topic of the
month and a ‘flower of the month’ competition. In December the members with
the greatest number of points gained for entries during the year are presented
with vouchers and the overall winner receives the cup to keep for 12 months.
The overall winners were 1st Jo Lawson, 2nd Eileen Hanmer, 3rd Janet Knight.
Several of our members again took part in the annual Christmas procession
through the streets of Oswestry on Dec 6th. We caused much laughter among
the crowds with our portrayal of the ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ with a very convincing Partridge in a pear tree!
Royal British Legion
To all members of the West Felton Branch Royal British Legion
I am writing this letter as the outgoing Chairman of this branch
having stood down at the last AGM. Despite my many references during the past year to the fact that I was going to step
down nobody has come forward to take my place. Adding to this
the passing of our Secretary’s husband and her immediate resignation as a result of this tragedy in her life we are now without a
Secretary also. Despite asking for someone to step forward and
take her place no one has done so. The Branch cannot carry on
without a Chairman or Secretary. The sole remaining officer is
the Treasurer John Hanmer. Despite an informal meeting prior
to the AGM and AGM itself with all the offers of the branch
present and not having any one come forward we are left with
the unpleasant prospect of closing the branch.
This is a terrible shame - there has been a Legion presence in
the village since the 1920s and the branch came into its own
when in 1947 it was granted the right to be a branch rather than
a satellite of the Oswestry branch.
It has been decided that a breathing space be allowed until the
31st December 2014 and if nobody comes forward by that date
then the branch will formally close with the necessary paperwork
being submitted to Headquarters the Royal British Legion.
Keith Diggens - Retiring chairman
Competition results:
Christmas earrings: 1st Eunice Young 2nd Eileen Hanmer 3rd Dorothy Thomas
Flower of the month: 1st Janet Knight 2nd Jo Lawson 3rd Dorothy Barnes
January’s meeting will be Thursday 8th at 7 pm and the speaker will be Malcolm
Lord – “There is nothing like a dame” The competitions will be to write a “Panto
Poem” and Flower of the Month, Vote of thanks – Eileen Hanmer, and there will
be a Bring and Share Supper.
Seasons Greetings to all from West Felton Women’s Institute.
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Daisy’s page lets talk about
24 HOUR PEST CONTROL
NPTC Qualified
Wasps, Mice, Rats, Squirrels etc
an update and that resolution?
Hello Daisy Greyhound here – I hope you all had a wonderful
Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule and New Year's Eve with the minimum of hangovers and maximum of food and presents.
Telephone Ray
01691 656251 / 07870621985
Fully Insured
Free Quotes
Exterior Cleaning Services
Window Cleaning
Driveways
( 5 stage
treatment for Block Paving
Gutter Cleaning
no more weeds !!
Conservatories
Paths / Patios
Greenhouses
Decking
Soffit & Fascia
Solar Panels
Cladding
Roofs
Stone / Brickwork
High reach & High Pressure Cleaning
01691 610104 / 07734 245086
e-mail : [email protected]
Old cottage, Queens Head, Oswestry, Shropshire.
Well I had a new toy to dismember – missus checks her watch to see how long
it takes for the first stitches to part. Not sure why - isn’t that what toys are for
and don’t they deserve to be treated roughly. Mind you Rocky Raccoon is still
in good condition despite my best efforts over the last year. Perhaps my teeth
need sharpening. What do you mean they are sharp enough? I’m getting old
and you know I lost 3 teeth at the vets last year so I probably do need to get
some edge back. Well, whose fault was it my jaw wrapped round your arm.
Arthur-itis was hurting my hip joints and I only bruised you missus. I was very
sorry and a kind person would not keep reminding me of my slip ups.
website: www.h2oclear.com
Having said that I had a new attacker at the end of November who crept up on
me. His name is Simon least ways I think that was what the vet said. Actually
missus has corrected me it was Si-atica which is a very painful trapped nerve
in my rump area. Woo I did yelp and snarl when Lucy manipulated my leg but
she had put a muzzle on and she was very gentle. Actually I am getting fond of
David and Lucy and the girls at Green Hollow they all say kind words and have
gentle hands and that counts for a lot when you are an old and frail dog.
Anyway back to Christmas – I had several bags of treats which missus doles
out somewhat meanly in my opinion. I could have eaten them all straight out of
the bag if she wasn’t on the alert for my sneaky creeping up on her and the
treat box. I haven’t worked out how to get the lid off, yet she makes it look so
easy.
There was a slight annoyance on Boxing Day as I noted that Missus got more
books so I will have to bark loudly to get her attention. You know what it is like
with some people – they get so focused on reading they forget to feed us or
take us out for a walk etc….. Just remember my doggy chums a loud bark is a
great asset as is a cold wet nose in the right place [bare skin is so inviting].
Did you make and keep the New Year Resolution I suggested. Just in case
you forgot it: Please owners pick up our poo and deposit in the bins provided or
take it home and put it in your black bin. It is not a Christmas decoration to
hang the bags on a hedge or to be dumped in other people’s gardens. That is
disgusting as are the piles left on footpaths.
And on that unsavoury note I must love and leave you
Love Daisy xx
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27
27
Stokes Tree Works
NPTC Qualified Tree Surgeons
DIFFICULT TREES OUR SPECIALITY
Lopping * Felling * Pruning * Shaping
to British Standard Specifications
Gardening is addictive
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wallet
01691 870300 or 07980 842804
Email: [email protected] - www.stokestreeworks.co.uk
A&J
CATTERY
Open all year round
Cattery is fully heated
Covered outside runs
Collection and Delivery
“Give your cat a holiday
while you enjoy yours”
Sandstone Holdings,
Dovaston, Kinnerley,
Oswestry SY10 8DS
Tel: 01691 682 606
We are only 5 minutes from
West Felton
The book
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01939 261619
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 For the 1st two people who book
work to be carried out this month
- we will give a free voucher for
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apply , ring for details)
View some of the gardens we have
created on our website
www..barncroftgardendesigners.co.uk
10am–5.30pm closed Mondays
All calls strictly between these times please
OLDEN LANE, RUYTON Xl TOWNS
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Delicious dishes with the finest local produce
Menus planned to suit your tastes and pocket - for any
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26
Available from:
Roger Brown
Brownhill House
Ruyton XI Towns
Shrewsbury SY4 1LR
[email protected]
01939261121
Price £6.99
Postage in UK £1.50
23
West Felton Walkers
”Footnote”
We are told that November this year has been the wettest on record and the
countryside would seem to reflect this. Despite this however, Mondays have
managed to stay dry for the group. Four walks took place during the month
with an average attendance of 6.5 (not sure who was the half person ) with an
average of 3.5 miles per walk covered.
Our first walk on the 10th took us round the Tedsmore Hall, Grimpo route. The
Autumn colours were still quite evident, in particular the many oak trees in the
Tedsmore estate hedgerows which, judging by their symmetry and size were
planted some 100 years ago.
We stopped at the junction near to the Hall and leaning over the five barred
gate admired the magnificent view to the distant South Shropshire hills.
Moving on we were met by a tractor carrying a bale of silage on the front end
loader. I couldn’t help but think of times gone by when, in the early days of
silage making much man-handling of the grass and the resulting silage would
have been necessary to deliver the finished product to the hungry cattle.
Nowadays the whole operation is done from a tractor seat. The avenue of
Sweet Chestnut trees leading down from the Hall are quite magnificent in their
Autumn splendour and if you are quick enough to beat the squirrels the
chestnuts are delicious.
(Continued from page 24)
plank, we continued across the fields to the sound of a large machine
harvesting fodder beet on the other side of the canal. Continuing past Cupids
Ramble And a small flock of inquisitive Welsh sheep we joined the road leading back to the village. Several pheasants were evident in the fields obviously
gun shy and a flock of Meadow Pipits took flight from a stubble field, a lovely
sight with their see saw flight struggling for height. A fitting end to a good
walking month.
(Continued from page 13) Old Property
is precisely. It makes sense at this time of year to have a good inspection and
make sure all is secure, posts not rotting off, panels not splitting, surfaces
treated with preservatives. Hedges that lose their leaves should have been cut
back tidily in a stable ‘A’ shape, cutting the tops straight across to encourage the
shoots to thicken up by growing sideways and not up, but leave a conifer
hedge until late spring. If you are lucky enough to have brick or stone walls,
check them for missing mortar or coping. You can learn to do small repairs
and maintenance yourself, mindful of health and safety of course, otherwise it
will be necessary to search for a professional to help, and personal recommendations are the best way to find good examples of them.
Our group leader joined us for the walk on the 17th. for short walk round the
village of just over a mile and a half. A flock of Fieldfares and Redwings were
spotted at the Motte , a sure sign of Winter heading our way. Our Christmas
walk was arranged to be a town walk meeting in the main car park near M&S
on the 15th at 10.00 am. With coffee and a bite afterwards all being well.
The morning of the 24th was bright and sunny after an overnight frost. We
made our way towards Weirbrook taking care not to slip on the icy pavements
before heading along the lanes towards Pradoe church. Such peace and
tranquillity walking through the woods; the Autumn colours of the deciduous
trees contrasting with the dark of the evergreens. Useful timber of oak and
beech had been harvested from one of the woods and was stacked awaiting
collection. Grey squirrel drays were evident in the tree tops, their occupants
no doubt preparing for Winter. Prado Church looked so peaceful, as though
waiting for Christmas.
Monday 1st December, gray but mild. Our walk took us along the Twyford lane
to Queens Head and the Canal. The Oak trees along the way are at last shedding their leaves, soon all the trees will be bare, but they have a beauty of
their own in the Winter months. Along the canal we spot a pair of shy Jays
and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker. We then startled a good sized covey of
Partridge out of the reeds growing on the far bank. On arriving at the middle
lock we noticed that the Pound below the lock had been partly drained for
some reason. Crossing the ditch opposite taking care not to slip off the greasy
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