Bishop's Castle

WELL DONE: Four pupils of Philippa Whitaker recently took Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations.

The results were: Teresa Fawcett, Grade II Piano - Pass; Chlo Fawcett, Grade IV Piano - Distinction; Emma Gwilliam, Grade II Flute - Merit and Rhiannon Seabury, Grade V Flute - Pass.

Teresa and Chlo Fawcett are private pupils of Mrs Whitaker while Emma Gwilliam and Rhiannon Seabury are taught at Bishop's Castle Community College by Mrs Whitaker.

Shropshire Music Service provides instrumental lessons in primary and secondary schools and organises a variety of instrumental ensembles for players once they have reached a certain stage of proficiency.

Anyone interested in the scheme should ask at their child's school or the Music and Art Service, on 01743 874145.

NEW FILM PROGRAMME OUT SOON: Bishop's Castle Film Society starts its new season on Wednesday, September 22, at 8pm, in the Three Tuns.

The programme includes 15 titles from all over the world and opens with Lost in Translation.

Next comes Roman Polanski's The Pianist, on Wednesday, October 6, followed by Belleville Rendezvous, a quirky French animated film, on Wednesday, October 20.

Other films on offer include Bread & Roses, Withnail & I, Touching the Void, Donnie Darko and Talk to Her.

"We had a brilliant season last year," said society publicity officer Julia Parker. "People have started coming regularly from miles around and the atmosphere is very positive and lively.

"The new owner of the Three Tuns is keen to support the film society and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone on September 22."

For more information call, 01588 680445.

TOP 'EM WASH 'EM AND CRUSH 'EM: The Wasteless Society reminds Bishop's Castle recyclers to take the tops off their plastic bottles, wash them and then crush them, before putting them in the plastics hut at Crowgate Recycling Centre.

LUKE COOKS UP A PRIZE TREAT: Community college student Luke Waddington will be a VIP guest at Ludlow Food Festival, on Saturday, when he picks up his share of a £100 cookery prize from Shaun Hill, owner of the Merchant House restaurant.

Luke is one of three young chefs who have won this year's Ludlow junior cooking competition.

The other two winners are Ella Saunders of Moor Park School and Simon Ingram of Ludlow School.

Luke, aged 13, lives near Chirbury and comes from a family of keen cooks and vegetable gardeners.

His father Paul bakes all the family bread and, since going to the community college, Luke has enjoyed being taught by food technology teacher Linda Martin.

His winning recipe was for a rhubarb dish, devised by Luke to tickle the taste buds of the food festival judges.

FREE TICKETS FOR STEWARDS: A few more willing helpers are still needed to steward the Michaelmas Fair on Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19.

Anyone who volunteers will be given a free ticket and a commemorative brass plaque to mark the event.

"We are looking, in particular, for stewards to man the gates at the playing fields and car park," said Michaelmas Fair committee member Simon Barber.

"It will make so much difference to have plenty of volunteers on the day and I hope they will call me on 01588 630413. Just a couple of hours' help will be greatly appreciated."

TOP BANDS BOOKED: Contraband and 4Play have been booked to play at the Michaelmas Fair dance, in the Three Tuns Assembly Room, on Saturday, September 18.

"We have just confirmed they are coming and tickets cost £5," said Becky Pritchard, one of the organisers.

SHIRLEY'S ROAST BEEF: There's no need to cook Sunday lunch on September 26, if you live in the Lydham area - Shirley Rowson and her team of ladies will do it for you.

A three-course harvest lunch will be served in the village hall at 1.30pm and on the menu will be roast beef, with all the trimmings.

Tickets cost £9 and are half price for small children.

Call 01588 650244 to book. Earlier in the day harvest festival will be celebrated in Lydham Church, at 11.15am.

SPARE GREEN SACKS: Keen composters who don't use the green plastic sacks, given to them by South Shropshire District Council, can hand them over to Bishop's Castle charity shop Dogs Bodies.

The stores says it will resell unwanted green sacks at a reduced price, so if you have green sacks to spare, take them to the shop, next to the post office.

EYES DOWN AT THE POWIS: It's eyes down for a prize bingo evening at the Powis Arms, Lydbury North, next Monday. Be there at 8pm.

MAINSTONE CHARITY GIG: Six local rock bands played at a charity gig in Mainstone, on Saturday, August 28.

Robin and Jane Sidebottom hosted the evening at Hillend Farm, which raised £1,200 for Survival International, MIND and Tree Spirit.

Thanks to everyone who came and the other entertainers, who ranged in age from 15 to 50.

Methodist News: The preacher at the Methodist Church last Sunday morning was Mrs Rachael Powell and Dr John Wilson was organist.

WEDNESDAY SERVICE: Drop in at 11am, next Wednesday morning, to the Methodist Church for prayer (communion some weeks) followed by refreshments. You can chat with the minister if you wish.

COFFEE MORNING: The next coffee morning will be at 10.30am, on Thursday, September 16.

RBL - WOMEN'S SECTION: The Royal British Legion Women's Section members entertained the Ludlow Group to a get-together in the Methodist Hall last Tuesday. The Exhortation was spoken by the county president, Mrs Flossie Jarvis, and members stood in silence remembering any who had passed on since the last time they had met.

Mrs Joan Grant, branch chairman, welcomed everyone and invited the country chairman, Mrs W Roberts to address the meeting and tell of all the forthcoming events.

A competition for a favourite bracelet was won by Mrs Phillpot, from Bishop's Castle.

The bring and buy stall, in the charge of Mrs Hafren Morris and Mrs Jarvis, was well supported. Mrs Anslow collected the entrance money and Mrs Burgwin organised a raffle.

After refreshments Mrs Jayne Ryan entertained with humorous songs and community singing and 90th birthday best wishes were given to a member from Cleobury Mortimer.

It was decided to have one, not two get-togethers next year.