A round-up of Whitchurch news...

Town Twinning

The regular monthly meeting of the Twinning Committee was held at the Dodington Lodge, Whitchurch, on Tuesday, March 12.

There were no Whitchurch Town Council representatives at the meeting and no apologies had been received from them.

The visit to France was discussed. As the Council representative, Councillor Norma Raynes, had decided not to accompany the Association to France after all, there are now 11 participants in the visit to Neufchâtel for the weekend of May 3-6.

In view of the change of date of the Societies Day at the library from the end of March to the May 2-3, it was decided the proximity to the visit precluded our participation, but some posters would be produced to raise our profile.

These could be displayed in the library on those dates.

It was decided to have a stall and to take part in the car boot as part of the Queensway Playing Fields’ 40th anniversary celebrations on August 18.

This would enable us to publicise our Association and raise some funds towards hosting our French visitors.

A decision on participation in the Boat Rally during the weekend of August 31-September 1 was postponed until a later meeting.

Treasurer, Russ Symons had applied to the council, on whose behalf we work, for a grant to help entertain our French guests during their visit, but he had heard nothing

Some discussion took place regarding the gift which the Town Twinning Association would present to the Comité de Jumelage, the French equivalent.

It was felt that a selection of local preserves, such as Shropshire honey, jams and marmalades, would be well received.

It is not known what gift the Town Council will make to the Maire and Conseil Municipal as is customary on these occasions.

In the absence of any council representative, Association chair Andy Allen, would make the speeches and present the gift on behalf of the town.

The next meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, April 9 at the Dodington Lodge, Whitchurch.

All interested parties are welcome to attend. Membership enquiries to Val Webb, 01948 663948.

Sentimental Journey

Masters of matinee entertainment Neil Sands Productions return to the Civic Centre on Friday at 2pm.

The show comprises of a West End cast with a dazzling array of costumes and song to bring you a brand new show for 2019.

Following a successful first visit to the Civic Centre last November for the superb Christmas Memories Show, the Civic Centre hopes to draw a large crowd this time round, as they celebrate the musical highs of the some of the most popular decades.

Town Centre Manager Zoë Dean said: “I am thrilled that Neil Sands Productions are coming back to the venue so soon, the show last Christmas was a huge hit and we received rave reviews from everyone who attended.

“We wish to continually bring, good quality acts to the Civic Centre to suit a range of audiences and appeal to local people.”

The all new Sentimental Journey Tour features music from the Fabulous 40s, the Rockin’ 50s, the Swinging 60s and the Sensational 70s.

Tickets for over 60s are just £10, with adults at £12, available from the Civic Centre via phone Tel: 01948 665761, or pop in to purchase them from the hub desk.

Tickets are also available online via Ticket Source at www.ticketsource.co.uk/whitchurch-civic-centre.

For those purchasing group tickets in multiples of ten, the 11th ticket is free of charge.

Messy Church

Messy Church is a fun time for families held in Bargates Hall, by St Alkmund’s Church, on a Sunday afternoon from 3-4:30pm bi-monthly on March 24.

Crafts, songs, stories, food (usually tea/coffee/juice and biscuits or cakes). Children must be accompanied by an adult but adults can come alone.

For more details, contact Diana Marchand on 01270 781173 – the event is free but a donation box is available.

IT Volunteers

The Beechtree Centre in Claypit Street, Whitchurch, is looking for people to support the community with any technological issues they may have on laptops, smart phones and other devices.

Gilda Nicholson, digital inclusion officer at Beechtree, said: “We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to support the local community with IT issues with their mobile phones, laptops, cameras, tablets and iPads.

“You certainly don’t need to be specialised in the IT field, but have good general knowledge, with a willingness to support and make a difference to the lives of others.”

She added that benefits of being a volunteer include enhancing your CV, meeting new people, feeling valued as part of a team and a free refreshment.

For more information, call Gilda on 01948 258220 or on Gilda@btcc.org.uk

Ploughing match

Whitchurch Young Farmers have been busy organising their eighth ploughing match which takes place on Saturday, March 23 at 10am.

This year it is being held at a new venue by kind permission of R. H. Gregory & Co at Prees Heath, Whitchurch, SY13 4DW. Lots of classes are available to suit a variety of skill levels.

If you would like to enter there is still time (closing date Saturday, March 16) so please contact Stu Vickers 07710 338138 for more details.

Jess Druce the Ploughing Match Secretary said: “This year we are supporting four great charities including Shropshire Mind, Nightingale House Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Whitchurch Young Farmers.

“There will be lots going on throughout the day to keep you entertained from live demonstrations, trade stands and refreshments.”

Entry to watch is £3 for adults and free for children.

Walkers’ AGM

The Whitchurch Walkers will be holding their annual annual general meeting at the Archibald Worthington Club

Anyone wishing to attend, including new and existing members, can meet at the ‘Archie’, Whitchurch at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 26.

The meeting will be followed by buffet and talk, where the speaker will be Anthony Poulton-Smith on the ‘The Origins of Place Names’.

The annual subscription is £5 and for more details call 07977 463049.