Plastic action
Sustainable Bridgnorth’s actions continue, with a push to allow people to fill up their water bottles at locations throughout the town – look out for the blue Refill stickers or download the Refill app. February was designated Plastic Free Feb, with a range of events encouraging people to think about their plastic use. You can find the group on Facebook.
Charity wash
Bridgnorth’s firefighters will be hosting their annual Carwash in aid of the Firefighters’ Charity on Saturday 9 March from 9am until 1pm. All vehicles are welcome with donations going into the collection bucket at the Fire Station.
Hospital changes
Health chiefs announced in January that emergency and some women’s and children’s services will no longer be provided at Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. Following the Future Fit consultation, local Clinical Commissioning Groups took the decision that Shrewsbury Royal Hospital should be the county’s only provider of A&E services. A meeting at Harper Adams in Newport saw protestors hold up banners against the decision.
Mayor named
In January, Cllr Jean Onions, who has been a well-known a trader in the town for over 50 years, was named Bridgnorth’s mayor elect. Cllr Ron Whittle, who currently occupies the position, will take on the role of deputy mayor. The mayor-making ceremony is due to take place in May.
Couple remembered
A tragic Bridgnorth couple were remembered by townspeople at a charity rugby match in January. Popular former local sportsman Jason ‘Franna’ Francis and his partner Alice Robinson both died in December. Jason was killed in a traffic accident near the couple’s home in Western Australia while Alice, who was also a talented hockey player, was found dead two days later. The funds were given to their families.
Lifeboat help
Much Wenlock’s RNLI supporters are seeking new blood as the group’s numbers dwindle. The group has raised thousands of pounds towards the lifeboat and rescue charity over the years and they are looking for people who’d like to help carry on their good work. Call 01952 727587 or 727264 to find out more.
Holly Project
A tender for a project supporting adult survivors of child sexual exploitation in Telford and Wrekin has been won by the YMCA in Wellington, who manage the Holly Project. The new contract will from March. To contact the Holly Project, call 01952 947831 or email hollyproject@ymcawellington.co.uk.
‘Together’ success
Churches in Bridgnorth celebrated another successful ‘Together at Christmas’ lunch at the town’s Castle Hall. The event, which sees volunteers cook for community members from the town and beyond, is now in its sixth year. This year’s lunch was attended by Mayor Ron Whittle and saw over 100 people enjoying a fabulous meal in a friendly atmosphere thanks to over 250 volunteers and with the support of many local businesses and individuals.
Dunne surgeries
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne will host a surgery at Broseley’s Victoria Hall from 12.30 to 2pm on Friday 15 March.
Plan review
Much Wenlock councillor David Turner chaired a meeting to present Shropshire Council’s Local Plan Review ahead of the public consultation closing on Friday 8 February. The Review sets out several sites in the town for development. David explains, “It was clear that, while the community discussion accepted the need to update and adapt the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan in the light of the need for 150 houses by 2036, most of those attending weren’t happy with the preferred option.”
David is hosting an advice surgery on Saturday 6 April at Much Wenlock Museum.
Fordhall fair
Fordhall Farm’s Spring Fair will be taking place on Sunday 28 April at the organic farm near Market Drayton. The family-friendly event celebrates the start of the spring season, with lambs, falconry, pony rides, tractor and trailer rides and welly wanging. Visit fordhallfarm.com for details.
Trail app
The popular Art Trail in Bridgnorth, which features a series of locomotives decorated by local artists and sponsored by businesses, now features an app for fitness fans. The new app features will include time trials for fitness challenges as well as a ‘mini trail’ featuring just five statues for a shorter walk. Visit https://tosto.re/bridgnortharttrail or find the app on Android or iPhone.
History talks
Broseley Local History Society meets on Wednesday 6 March for the annual Wilkinson Lecture delivered by Richard Sells and on Wednesday 3 April, Janet Doody will talk about war memorials. The talks take place at the town’s Social Club at 7.3pm; donations are welcome.
Superfast Telford
At the end of its first phase Superfast Telford, T&W Council’s broadband programme, has delivered fibre broadband at 24 Mbps+ to over 98% of residents and businesses across the borough. Lightmoor was one of the first communities to benefit and now over 60% of people have upgraded in this area alone.
Otter talk
The Bridgnorth branch of Shropshire Wildlife Trust are hosting a talk on otters at St Mary’s Bluecoat School at 7.30pm on Monday 4 March. Shropshire Wildlife Trust ecologist Stuart Edmunds will speak about otter ecology, and on the recovering population in Shropshire of one of our best-loved mammals. Find the group on Facebook for more information.
