Month: <span>November 2016</span>

Hodnet Compassionate Communities now operational

Co CoCompassionate Communities is a scheme developed by Severn Hospice as part of their community support strategy, but run and delivered by local volunteers. It aims to provide a befriending service for those people who may be in danger of becoming socially isolated from the community they have been part of due to becoming frail, housebound or living with a long term illness. Such contact has been shown to have beneficial effects upon health and well-being.

Severn Hospice at HomeSevern Hospice at Home have already helped over 15 Shropshire communities to implement their own projects, often in conjunction with their local medical practices. Readers may recall a report on this website earlier in the year, when Paul Cronin from the Hospice spoke at the Lyon Hall. He cited two of the most frequent answers to the question, “What would make the most difference to your quality of life?” as being “It would be nice if someone called in to see me,” and “There is no public transport, so I can’t get out to see people any longer.” He went on to show how social isolation can lead to chronic loneliness, then spoke of trained Co Co volunteers becoming involved in a person’s life, visiting or phoning them regularly, sharing their interests and generally helping them to keep in touch with their community.

Several local volunteers signed up around that time, and after some months of preparation to complete the necessary DBS checks, training sessions and other administrative requirements, we are pleased to inform you that Hodnet Compassionate Communities (Co Co) is now “open for business”. We hope to be able to cover Hodnet and surrounding areas depending on uptake and availability of volunteers, and are currently trying to raise our profile to that end.

For more information, including our contact number, do have a look at our web page.

Peplow Community Walk – December 2016

Boy & Girl WalkingWinter Wrekin Special

Join us for a morning ascent of one of Shropshire’s ionic hills.
Friday 9th December
Meet at 10:00am in the car park between The Wrekin and the Ercall – Grid. Ref. SJ638092
All ages welcome.
In case of forecasted bad weather please check here (or phone Randall on 01952-540970) after 7.00pm the previous evening.
See our page for more information about the Peplow Community Group.

An Enjoyable Autumn Walk

Peplow Walk 11/16 GroupOn a mild, still autumn afternoon eight people from the Peplow Community Group met at the Four Alls, Woodseaves for a leisurely walk.
The route followed Tyrley Road down to the locks, then turned northwards along the Shropshire Union Canal, where the autumn colours were still striking. Once in Market Drayton the walkers went down the steps by the bridge onto Berrisford Road and Great Hales Street, before descending Phoenix Bank to the swimming baths.
They negotiated the roadworks on Newtown, to reach Walkmill Road. Then the route turned left and left again after the bridge into Sandy Lane – though the recent rain had made it more muddy than sandy! This leads back to the Four Alls, where the group enjoyed a refreshing drink and a chat.
The group’s next walk is on Friday 9th December and, weather permitting, will see those who come along enjoying the view from the top of the Wrekin. More details.
Click on an image to view the whole gallery:

Marchamley Mysteries Revealed – Photographic Exhibition

The photographic exhibition held in Marchamley on the afternoon of Sunday 6th of November was a resounding success. At least 80 people were seen to attend the event which brought together a variety of photographs relating to Marchamley and the former Hawkstone Estate.

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John Ruscoe, local archivist, exhibited a selection of historic maps, photographs, postcards, posters and other particulars from the 1915 sales catalogue when the estate was broken up. The exhibition included numerous photographs of the area showing how it has changed over time. Images of local people were plentiful as well as a beautiful display of local gardens.

There was an exceptional collection of local wildlife photographs, and a competition to reveal the mysteries of Marchamley. Alice Turner compiled a movie of aerial and other recent photographs of the area all set to music. Gemima Bretell was in attendance with her horse box booth, showcasing cutting edge photographic technology. People perused the displays and chatted over tea and home made cake.

The event was possible thanks to the contributions of photographs from local people gathered and mounted by Vicki Hamblin and Alice Turner. Cakes were supplied by  Zena Brookshaw with contributions from Karen Powell, Lynn Griffiths, Maureen Howell, Yola Gray, and Valerie Smither, flowers from Mulberry Bush Studios in Hodnet and Vicki Hamblin, and china on loan from The Character Jug Company. Maureen Howell organised the publicity and refreshments and  Helen Charnock and Judi Fox volunteered their assistance.

Ann Mitchell, who is the lynchpin of Marchamley club, wall papered the main room of the club prior to the event, and was even working with Brian and a couple of volunteers to clad the roof in bitter weather conditions the day before. Ann delivered the publicity materials, cleaned, made tea, washed and cleared up after the festivities.

We plan various social events at the club over the coming months, and look forward to more get togethers.

 

Wanted: Helper for Brownies

BrowniesFirst Hodnet Brownies are looking for a helper at some of their meetings.
They meet on a Wednesday evening in term time from 5.30pm – 7.00pm, the Hodnet Scout & Guide HQ.
Please contact Emma Noden: 01948840323 or email