Portrait of Pembridge Blog - October 2024
Portrait of Pembridge Blog 12
October 2024
October’s Dates for Your Diary is packed with events with something for everyone.
River Pollution
Concerns about the state of our waterways are the focus of a film “ Rivercide” being shown at the Parish Hall, followed by an expert panel discussion. Local farmers and environmentalists will debate both the causes of river pollution and solutions. We will be providing updates on the state of our rivers from time to time.
In our Farming section, poultry farmer, Iain Turner outlines how diversity in agriculture in our area helps to support biodiversity in the wild.
Gardener’s Delight
The Allotment Society coffee morning was a great success with fresh produce on sale. If this has inspired you to grow your own, there are two allotments available for rent. See our News section for details.
Gardeners may gain inspiration from the gardens of Shobdon Court which open in aid of St Michael’s Hospice on 9th October. In early November the Hardy Plant Society will hear how to reinvigorate your garden. Non members are welcome.
The Camino Way
Also raising money for St Michael’s Hospice is Sarah Steer who will walk 116 km of the Camino Way in Northern Spain to raise funds for the charity. See News.
By coincidence “ The Way” (12) a moving story of a father’s attempt to cope with grief, starring Martin Sheen, and shot on the Camino Way, is showing at the New Inn in the Pembridge Film Nights series. You can see a trailer in News and Community Groups.
Service to the Community
Our D Day 80 series, focussing on those who fought in World War II, continues. Tony Norman tells us about his late father-in-law, Frank Smith, who took part in Operation Market Garden. He gave over 50 years public service as a councillor, school governor, and JP. As a leading breeder of Hereford cattle, he met many members of the Royal family including Queen Elizabeth II.
We’d love to hear the stories of others from Pembridge who served in the War. If you have family members who served do let us know.
Last month we reported on two parish councillor vacancies. These have now been filled with Richard Jenkins of Pembridge and John Mallet of Broxwood appointed. A full list of councillors is on the Parish Council website via our Community Groups page
Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls
Judith Rogers has delved into the history of The Bell Tower and discovered that bell ringing is a potentially hazardous pastime. Find out more in our History section.
Poppy Appeal
The Poppy Appeal will get underway at this month’s Coffee Morning and collectors will be calling door to door. As usual, there will be a service at the War Memorial followed by a parade to St Mary’s Church. All are welcome to join this.
The school will hold its own service of Remembrance on 11th November. This year a former pupil of Pembridge School, Niall Roberts, will achieve 50 consecutive appearances at the Memorial as bugler. The RBL believe this may be a record and Niall is due to receive recognition for his dedication to remembrance.
Recycling Opportunities
If you’re having a pre-Christmas clear out the Tabletop sale in the Parish Hall may be an opportunity to turn your unwanted items into cash, or to pick up a bargain. Pembridge School PTFA are taking the Kington charity shop from 13th November. They are looking for volunteers to man the shop and donations. Contact Nancy if you can help nancy.bancroft@outlook.com
Picture Perfect Pembridge
We believe our village is special and deserves to be showcased for generations to come, so we’re launching a photographic and art competition which will culminate with an exhibition and prize giving in January. See our News section on how you can take part.
Pride in Pembridge ( PIPs) have been hard at work clearing the Moat. Its outline is now very clear. See the PIPs report in Community Groups.
Some members of the History Society are seeking more information on the Manor House which is believed to have stood there adjacent to the churchyard.
Fitness Fun
Pembridge Parish Hall is enjoying a new lease of life, and the trustees must be congratulated on launching so many events. Our dates for your Diary details these. Amongst the new events taking place is Austen’s Forever Fun Fitness classes with sessions for beginners and intermediate on Wednesdays and Fridays. Thursdays it’s the turn of Village Art Clubs providing tuition for beginners and more advanced creative spirits. New members welcome.
Culture Vultures
Pembridge Footlights are putting on a wide range of opera, ballet, theatre and musicals and an Elvis inspired Christmas Cabaret with impersonator J D King. For details see Dates for your Diary and the Parish Hall page in Community Groups.
A piano recital in the Bishop’s Palace by Paul Errington and a Christmas Concert by This Girl Loves to Sing and the Love to Sing Community Choir are two events being organised by St Mary’s Church, along with the Harvest Festival and Autumn Supper and Talk. Sue Adams- Wheeler will relate her time as an instructor for Riding for the Disabled.
Two Faced
We now have two Facebook Pages. The new addition: A Portrait of Pembridge Community Board allows members to post their own material, subject to admin approval. Please follow us on both or either page.
We Need You
Portrait of Pembridge website is looking for someone to help with website design and maintenance. If you are familiar with this and can spare a couple of hours a week we would love to hear from you. Please email portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk or call Kay 07342 625796 or Barry 07711 406306 for a chat about what’s involved.
We are keen to reach as many parishioners as possible. If you know someone who doesn’t yet receive our blog and “Dates for your Diary” straight to their inbox, please encourage them to sign up for this free service on www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk
For updates follow us on Facebook or log on to our website: www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk
If you’d like to join our team of historians, researchers, writers, photographers, and website designers you would be most welcome. Please email us portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
Kay Ingram
The Love to Sing Community Choir performing in Ludlow.
