Bishop's Castle

A total of 54 people sat down to a meal cooked by Wendy Podmore and her helpers and which raised £341 for Christian Aid.

Wendy, the retiring chairman, reported on a varied programme of activities during 2004, with more emphasis on awareness raising.

She thanked the committee for their work, in particular Maurice Thorne, a long-serving member and Margaret Savage.

The treasurer, Peter Hutton, presented the accounts and said £4,465. 69 had been raised during the year, while Hazel Cribb, secretary and local organiser thanked everyone for their support and highlighted the need for more collectors for Christian Aid week.

Volunteers are needed for Grange Rd, Old Brick Meadow and The Wintles.

The committee was re-elected, with Naomi Price the new chairman. Future events include Lent lunches and a Global Week of Action, from April 10-16. ECHOES walks will be co-ordinated by Robin Howard, and the 2005 Christian Aid Week is from May 15-21.

PRIMARY SCHOOL:The term ends on Friday, December 17, but before then there are concerts, a school party, disco and Christmas dinner.

Each Key Stage will give two performances of their concert, starting today (Thursday )and tickets are in very short supply. The party is on Thursday, December, 16, with a disco for the older children, and is followed by the Christmas dinner.

The Friends of the School were delighted at the success of the Christmas fair which raised £1,157.29.

SURROUND SOUND: Bishop's Castle Film Society has installed a new sound system at the Three Tuns, using grant money from the UK Film Council, supported by the National Lottery. The group received 80% of the £950 needed to pay for the improvements.

A few years ago, the society had an Awards for All Lottery grant of almost £5,000 to buy digital equipment with a six- channel loudspeaker facility, which replaced the outdated 16mm projectors which could not show video or DVDs.

A new screen was bought in the summer, using the last of the Lottery cash, and the introduction of the latest speakers has brought all the equipment up to date.

"The new speakers are permanently wired in at the Three Tuns and the quality has been greatly improved," said the film society chairman Nick Bucknell.

"The soundtrack is much clearer and we are looking forward to showing films like Strictly Ballroom and Withnail & I which have a lot of music in them."

CHRISTMAS MUSIC: The Marches Community Choir presents its Christmas concert in Bishop's Castle Parish Church on Saturday, at 7.30pm. Music from Messiah makes up the first half of the programme and the second half will be carols for the choir and audience.

Guest conductor is Michael Turner, who lives at Bushmoor, near Wistanstow, and who also conducts the Bloomsbury Orchestra in London.

The soloists are soprano Emma Pierce, contralto Rebecca Kelly, tenor John Bowen, and bass Ian Ward. Mr Turner has also turned composer for the occasion, penning a carol entitled Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.

Wine and mince-pies will be served at the end of the concert. Tickets cost £6 on the door, with children free.

RECORD TOTAL: This year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal raised a record amount in Bishop's Castle, reports the honorary Poppy Appeal organiser Peter Hughes.

"With other events added on, we have made up a figure of £3,979, even more than last year's total of £3,907 and, with other events planned, it is hoped that the full figure will exceed £4,000, a tremendous effort," he said. "Thanks to everyone for their support." The street collection raised £106.62, house to house collections £982.18, static tins £1,183 and church collections £400.10.

YOUNG PIANISTS: Three pupils of Bishop's Castle piano teacher Sarah Dixon have passed exams with the Associated Board of Music. They are Alice Fairbanks grade one; Rhiannon Seabury grade three and Esme Hicks grade five with distinction.

PLENTY FOR CHILDREN TO DO: The Onny Valley Camlad parishes had a Children's weekend at the end of November, with a number of activities for all age groups. Norbury Youth Club, otherwise known as the Mynd or Miniature Heroes, met in Norbury Village Hall last month. A group of 10 to 12 year-olds is doing a pre-Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and has nearly finished the first year, when members will be given the Bronze award.

As well as enjoying club activities, the young people presented their views on the proposed Parish Plan questionnaire for the area. The next Mynd Heroes club night will be January 21, in Norbury Village Hall, at 6.30pm.

Children had their own activity day recently when over 30 five to 11 year-olds made lanterns, cards and Christmas displays.

Snead Church has also held its first family service to be held there for five years and children put on a play prepared the day before.

NATIVITY PLAY ON THE MOVE: Norbury villagers will come together on Sunday to celebrate their own nativity play. The community event will move between a number of venues, starting at 5pm in Nazareth, (the village hall).

After carols, readings and drama, the action will move to Bethlehem (the stables at Lea Farm) by way of the Sun Inn.

"The adults, children, sheep and a donkey have all been busily rehearsing," said the Rev Norman Morris.

"Everyone is welcome to share the experience. Please wear flowing biblical robes if you can and park in the field next to the village hall.

"After the play there will be refreshments at Lea Farm, with a bucket collection for Hope House and Bible Lands children's projects in Palestine."

Methodist News: The Methodist Christmas fair was held last Saturday.

A large crowd gathered to hear the Mayor of Bishop's Castle, Councillor Jane Carrol, open the event. There were stalls of every description, teas and Mr Harold Jones with his carved articles, was welcomed. More than £1,316.50 was raised for Circuit funds. The next effort will be lunch on Sunday, following a family service. Mrs Margaret Macreath was thanked for her organisation.

SUNDAY SERVICE: The preacher last Sunday morning was Mrs Rachael Powell. Miss Hilary Morgan acted as steward and Dr John Wilson was organist.

RBL - WOMEN'S SECTION: After the exhortation, a full house heard Mrs Joan Grant tell of her six-week holiday in Australia, illustrated with many photographs.During the social half-hour, Mrs Barbara Pickford read numerous Christmas cards with funny and amusing messages.

Mrs Chelmick won two games of bingo and the competition winners were Mrs N Harrison, Mrs Anslow and Mrs Higgins. After tea, Mrs Burgwin held her raffle when prizes were won by Mrs H Morris, Mrs Chelmick, Mrs Netta Griffiths, Mrs Higgins, Mrs Anslow.