Category: Uncategorized

Author Talk

Thursday 7th November 2024 , 7pm in the library

You will hear from Meredith about his latest novel. “Gorgeous and Adorable”, a 1970s-set roller-coaster ride of a thriller about a young couple in way over their heads. The novel features some of the most loveable (and most despicable) characters imaginable – but who will come out on top?

Local author Meredith Vivian will talk about his experience as a novelist, plus read extracts from his latest book  to whet our appetites .

Author Meredith Vivian is blind. According to him:

“The 1970s were my formative time, when I was a teenager – when life seemed full of promise and possibility. However, it was also the time when I began to lose my sight. Thus, “Gorgeous and Adorable” is a book full of hopes and fears, highs and lows, rather like my own life back then.”

MEREDITH VIVIAN, OBE, grew up in London and worked for the Department of Health for many years before leaving to become a clinical hypnotherapist and author and settle in Church Stretton. He has taken on many voluntary roles and is the current Chair of Mayfair. He is also a non-executive director of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin NHS Integrated Care Board.

Please come along to support this event to help raise funds for the library.

The talk will be followed by drinks and nibbles.

All welcome!

Tickets £7.50 on the door.

Who would miss the library if it closed?

Shropshire Council is asking Church Stretton Town council to help pay for the library. Before you complete the Town Council Survey please think about all the people in the community who would miss the library if it were to close.

Early years – First reading books; Rhyme Time colouring (all free)

School children – books they enjoy to develop reading skills and to help with school projects; holiday reading scheme and activities; Lego Club; school visits

Teenagers – books for teenagers; quiet and warm place to do homework with friends; free wifi and computer access; volunteer opportunities

Students -online reference materials; ability to reserve text books and save the cost of purchase

Job seekers – free computer and internet access is essential to those without their own computer, so they can claim benefits and seek jobs

Work/businesses – IT facilities such as scanner, printer, computers in case of problems at home/workplace

Retired – books on hobbies; reading and creative writing clubs; educational talks; Knit & Natter

And those needing Citizens Advice; internet access; large print books; audio books; home bound service; Memory Café; Warm Place in Winter

Town Council Consultation

Library, Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool ALL at Risk

Shropshire Council has to make enormous savings in their budget to remain solvent. They are asking Town Councils to assist them financially next year to keep libraries, leisure centres and swimming pools open.

All these services are at risk of closure next year, unless this financial assistance is provided.

Church Stretton Town Council is consulting with local residents to find out if they would support an increase in next year’s precept to help save these services in Church Stretton.

We have produced background information about this consultation which you might find useful to read.

Friends can – and will – try to increase the amount of money we raise each year. However, we cannot raise all the money that is likely to be required by Shropshire Council on our own. We need the Town Council to also contribute.

Please bear this in mind when completing the Town Council Consultation.

Copies of the survey are being delivered to households by the Town Council over the next few days. Completed surveys can be left in the library, leisure centre, town council offices & Vines.

You can also complete the survey online on the Town Council website here.

Closing date of the consultation is 7th October

If you have any further questions about this please contact us

High Leasowes Illustrated Talk

Photo of High Leasowes in June showing wild flowers

Speaker: Sandra Whitlock

Wednesday 17th January at 2.30 pm in the Library

In September 2022, Sandra and Peter Whitlock managed to raise £400,000 through crowd funding to  purchase these  fields. The High Leasowes Management Committee now manage the three fields to improve habitat and increase biodiversity, whilst providing space for people to quietly appreciate the area. On a cold January day, we hope that you will join us to hear this inspirational story and enjoy photos of the fields at their best.

Admission £5.00, pay on the door. All proceeds going to support the library

Illustrated Talk

Glyn’s Garden

Speaker: Hily Clarke

Date 24th November, 2.30pm in the URC Hall

The illustrated talk will provide a potted history of gardening as a therapy.

Hily will also talk about the Church Stretton project and how it will be available to help a number of different groups locally.

Proceeds from the talk will be shared by Glyn’s Garden and the Friends of Church Stretton Library.

Help support these two local projects that are part of our rich local culture.

Admission £5.00, payable on the door.

Our 2024 Calendar now on sale

Calendars are £8.00 and can be purchased in Church Stretton, Library, The Outdoor Depot, Peppers, and Stretton Print and Supplies. (cash only please)

This year photos have been kindly donated by eight local photographers: Yvonne Beaumont, Richard Childs, Penny Hayward, Ron Parnell, Andrew Fusek Peters, James Russell, Geoff Taylor and  Simon Whaley.

This calendar will make a wonderful present for friends and family, as well as a treat for yourself.

Each photograph is A4 in size and and comes with an envelope suitable for sending the calendar through the post

All profits go to the library

If you cannot get into town we can arrange local delivery but postage would have to be added if delivered outside the Strettons area.

For further information email churchstrettonlibrary@outlook.com

More photos can be seen below.

If you would like to purchase a print from one of the photos in the calendar please contact the photographers direct.

Richard Childswww.richardchildsphotography.uk
Andrew Fusek Peterswww.fusekphotos.com
Ron ParnellEmail ronparnell77@gmail.com
James Russellwww.theoutdoordepot.co.uk
Geoff Taylorwww.geofftaylorphotography.com
Simon Whaleywww.simonwhaley.co.uk
Yvonne Beaumontprints not for sale
Penny Haywardprints not for sale

Summer Bike Safety Session

Bikeability is the national cycle training programme supported and funded by the Department for Transport. 

Level 1 is the first step in the Bikeability training scheme and prepares pupils for when they are in older year groups.  So, whether your child cycles regularly or not, the course will prove beneficial.  Shropshire’s Bikeability Scheme is delivered by Learn Cycling, a national training company who employ qualified, professional, DBS checked National Standard Instructors.

To take part, pupils will need:

A roadworthy cycle and a cycle helmet that fits securely.  A roadworthy cycle has:

●             inflated tyres, as hard as an apple

●             two working brakes

●             a well-oiled chain

●             a saddle and handlebars which are fixed on tight

We train in all weather conditions!  On cold or wet days please make sure pupils have coats and gloves.

This course develops the cycling skills and confidence of children who can already cycle (no stabilisers please)

Attendance is free but places are limited, and BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.  Please call Church Stretton Library to book on 01694 722 535.