Berrington Village Pump Edition 134 (Feb - Mar18)

Village Pump
February - March 2018
Edition: No. 134
A newsletter for Atcham, Berrington,
Betton, Brompton, Cantlop, Cross Houses
and Eaton Mascott
Published by Berrington Parish Council on behalf of the parishes of Atcham & Berrington

2
Berrington Parish Council
Berrington Parish Council meets at 7pm on the 1st Thursday of every month (except August
and sometimes December) at the Chapel Community Centre.
Berrington Parish Council consists of nine elected or co-opted Parish Councillors:
Claire Wild (Chair); Richard Purslow (Vice-Chair); Sue Mason; Lezley Picton; Claire Bonsey; Julia
Brayne, Eric Brayne and Steve Hawksworth. More detailed information can be found on our website
www.berringtonpc.org.uk Why not come along to one of our meetings. Guests are always welcome.
If there is a local issue that concerns you then feel free to ask one of the Councillors for help in
representing you in this matter.
VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR
A casual vacancy has occurred in the office of Councillor for Berrington Parish Council following
the resignation of Councillor Mark Howorth. If you would like to be considered for this vacancy
please contact Berrington Parish Council Clerk.
Berrington Parish Council Website www.berringtonparishcouncil.org.uk
Berrington Parish Clerk
Mrs Lorna Pardoe,
Home, Back Lane, Longnor, Nr Shrewsbury SY5 7PP
Tel: 01743 718695 email: berringtonpc@gmail.com
Atcham Parish Council
Atcham Parish Council meet bi-monthly (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sep & Nov) on a Wednesday
evening at the Malthouse, Atcham at 7.30pm.
Atcham Parish Council consists of seven elected or co-opted Parish Councillors:
Colin Wildblood (Chairman), Colin Morris (Vice-Chairman), Jayne Caswell, Alastair Home-Roberts,
Laura Plumridge, Sue Shedden and Helen Trow.
Parish Councillors can be contacted as follows:
Jayne Caswell - jmjcaswell@gmail.com
Colin Morris - colinmorris113@googlemail.com
Helen Trow - helentrowforever@gmail.com
Colin Wildblood - c.j.wildblood@btinternet.com
Alastair Home-Roberts - home.farming@btconnect.com
Sue Shedden - sueshedden52@gmail.com
Laura Plumridge - lauraplumridge@hotmail.co.uk
Atcham Parish Council Website www.atchamparishcouncil.org.uk
Atcham Parish Clerk
Mrs Rebecca Turner
The Old Police House, Nescliffe, Shrewsbury, SY4 1DB
t: 01743 741611
email: atchampc@gmail.com

News from your
Shropshire Councillor
Claire Wild
BERRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY
Thank you to Mark Howarth for his contribution to the Parish Council and local community.
Mark’s resignation means that there is now a vacancy on the Parish Council. If you are
interested in becoming a Berrington Parish Councillor please contact the Berrington Council
Parish Clerk on 01743 718695 or via email berringtonpc@gmail.com. Parish Council meetings
are held on the first Thursday of the month, starting at 7pm in the Chapel Community Centre,
Cross Houses. Everyone is welcome to attend and if you have issue you think the Parish
Council should know about please do come along and tell us or contact one of the Parish
Councillors.
YOUTH CLUB IN CROSS HOUSES
The youth club is going from strength to strength, it’s not too late to join or volunteer to help.
The club caters for children between the ages of 9 - 13. It is open to children from the
parishes of Berrington and Atcham and also the surrounding parishes. Please note that
parental/guardian permission is needed for children to attend. Many thanks to all those who
are working hard to make this a success especially Sue Mason and Eric and Julia Brayne.
436 BUS SERVICE THROUGH CROSS HOUSES
Arriva have now taken over the contract for the 436 bus service. Thanks to everyone who
emailed, phoned or wrote to me regarding the previous contractor EasyBus. If you have any
issues with the new service please do not hesitate to get in touch.
BRICK HISTORY - LEGO EXHIBITION, SHREWSBURY MUSEUM IN THE SQUARE
If you have a Lego lover in your house please look out for the LEGO® enthusiast Warren
Elsmore’s exhibition that is visiting Shrewsbury Museum between the 9th February and 15th
April. Brick History takes you on a journey through pivotal moments in world history,
modelled in LEGO® bricks. This exhibition has something for people of all ages. From tiny
recreations of Concorde and Titanic that would sit in your hand, to a 1.5m square castle
bustling with activity. To find out more about Warren Elsmore and his touring LEGO® bricks
exhibitions, visit http://warrenelsmore.com/brickhistory/
Kind regards ,
Claire
Tel: 07582 002 100 E-mail: claire.wild@shropshire.gov.uk
3

Est. 1999
COMMUNITY PROJECTS, CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
If you are considering starting any clubs or associations in the area or have an idea for a project that would
benefit our community please get in touch with the Community Action Officer team who would very much
like to hear from you. Our Community Action Officer is Mathew Meade. Mathew can be contacted on 07990
088095 or 01743 252534. Email: Mathew.meade@shropshire.gov.uk
COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM
Tel: 01743 253077 Email: communityaction@shropshire.gov.uk
POLICE CONTACT INFORMATION
Our Local Police Team is PC Dave Walton and CSOs Lyn Birch and Jacqui Baldwin Tel: 0300 333 3000 ext.
69008. There is also a team e-mail address: shrewsburyrsw.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
You can always contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.
DJ'S Building Services
. Extensions . Brickwork
. Plastering . Kitchen Fitting
. Carpentry . Bathroom Suites
. Electrical Professional & Reliable
For a FREE QUOTE CALL
Dave on 01743 709 362
07828 148 593
COMMUNITY ENABLEMENT
OFFICER
The Shropshire Council Community Enablement
officer for this area is Mathew Mead, who can
help residents follow up issues with Shropshire
Council; support community and volunteer groups
with funding applications or provide advice on
how to set up new community activities. Contact
details: mathew.mead@shropshire.gov.uk
phone 01743 252534
David Jones
Specialist Bathroom Fitter
T 01743 761 050
M 07712 694 449
E daj2506@aol.co.uk
Floor
Tiling
Wall
Tiling
Plumbing
Lighting
Your Local
Bathroom
Specialist
References
available
upon request
Full Liability
Insurance
4

THE CHAPEL COMMUNITY CENTRE, CROSS HOUSES
Day/Session
Monday to Thursday
Members of the
Parish
Outside of
the Parish
Rate Payable
Morning £35 £45
Afternoon £35 £45
Evening £35 £45
Friday to Sunday
Morning £35 £45
Afternoon £35 £45
Evening £50 £75
To make a booking
ROOM HIRE RATES
2018
A refundable deposit
equal to the rate of hire
or £50
whichever is lower, is
to be paid at the time
of booking.
If paying the deposit by
cheque, it must be
valid for at least one
month after the date
booked.
The deposit will be
returned to you
providing the room/
venue is left as per our
terms and conditions.
please call Sue Mason on 01743 761423 or 07964 120 998
5

SHROPSHIRE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Tuesday 20th February 2018, 7.15pm
Ian Cripps “A History of Besford House, Shrewsbury”
An illustrated account of its
changing role over time & of
some of the people involved
This talk covers the short life
of Flt. Lt Eric Lock DSO DFC
& Bar. Born in Bayston Hill to
a farming family, he went on
to become Britain’s highest
scoring Battle of Britain Pilot
before being lost on active
service.
Tuesday 20th March 2018, 7.15pm
Chris & Judy Rouse “The Railway Navvies”
Their Finest Hour – Building the Crimea Railway
Chapel Community Centre, Cross Houses, Shrewsbury SY5 6JH
Why not visit our website www.sfhs.org.uk
6

The people that put your care ahead of everything else, always.
SLR Care is the company that
puts care ahead of everything
else. We are always looking for
new ways to help our clients. It
is this that sets us apart from
any other care company. We
constantly strive to make a
difference to everyone who
uses our services.
We are unique in that we constantly aim to
ensure 95% of all calls are made by the same
three carers, ensuring continuity and the
chance to build trust confidence and
routine.
We would love to talk to you about your
requirements and how we could deliver
them for you. Please feel free to call at
any time to chat through what we could
do for you.
We understand the difficulties
associated with maintaining
independence and ensuring your
safety and happiness.
We will do all we can to make sure
every day is a special day for you, even
if it is just to leave you smiling.
Contact Us:
Confluence Cottage
Atcham,
Shrewsbury
SY5 6QJ
Tel: 01743 626116
Email: office@slrcare.co.uk
www.slrcare.co.uk
7

8
BERRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Thursday 4 th January 2018
DRAFT MINUTES
1. Chairman’s welcome: the chairman welcomed all to the meeting.
2. Present: Councillor C Wild- Chairman ;Councillor R Purslow-Vice-chairman; Councillor S Mason ; Councillor S
Hawksworth ;Councillor L Picton ; Councillor E Brayne :Councillor J Brayne ; Apologies were received from Councillor C
Bonsey and Councillor M Howorth. Also present were L Pardoe clerk to the meeting James Healey and members pf the
public (please see signing in sheet).
3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interests: There were none at this point.
4. Confirmation and Acceptance of the minutes from 2 nd November 2017: It was agreed that these were a true and accurate
record of the meeting. Proposed by Councillor R Purslow; seconded by Councillor L Picton and agreed by all members
present.
5. Clerks report. The clerk reported that she had attended a briefing session in November on the new Data Protection Act
regulations coming into force this May. The Parish Council has to appoint a Data Protection Officer to comply with the rules
and regulations. There are two options to date with two offers of becoming the DPO with various costs attached. Telford &
Wrekin will do this for the Parish Council at a significant cost and the clerk had another offer to do the same job for a
fraction of the cost. The members asked the clerk to clarify a few points with the second person and would look at
appointing them in the near future.
6. Public session: Standing Orders were lifted to allow members of the public to speak.
• James Healy had set up a map projected on to the wall to explain to all those present where the land he was looking
at trying access for a cycle path from Crosshouses to Weeping Cross. He asked the Parish Council for a further twelve
months to continue his research into the project. He has spoken to some landowners and Mrs Gibbs is not interested
in allowing any of his land for the project. Longnor Estate is not interested in allowing him access to their land as Mr
Taylor has also declined to be part of the project. There is another alternative to run the cycle path down the side of
the A458.He will keep the parish council informed of his progress regularly. He will also e-mail the map to the clerk
for the council’s records. The Chairman thanked him for his time and presentation and Mr. Healey then left the
meeting.
• A member of the public complained that recently her daughter had been left stranded when a bus had failed to turn
up.
• Another member of the public was very concerned that the diversional traffic particularly that of heavy vehicles was
causing vibrations in their properties. They said that the speed watch team had very little impact and often received
verbal abuse from drivers. They wanted to know if Crosshouses could have speed camera or chicanes to slow the
traffic down. The chairman explained that the Parish Councils main priorities were slowing the traffic in the village
and also to improve the road to Atcham. The clerk was asked to follow up with Jason Hughes to ask when the VAS
would be moved to the new agreed siting. The clerk was asked for the speed data checks to be redone for up to date
speeds. It was explained that when the Fletcher Development Roundabout is put in the 30 mph and VAS will be
moved further out of the village.
• They also asked for some grit bins to be placed just past The Bell and on the Green.
Standing Orders were reinstated and the meeting continued.
7. Police Report: The clerk had received no report from the Police as it was early in the month but this would be forwarded to
members when it was received.
8. Council to review sites of Community Concern within the parish.
It was agreed that these would be as follows: proposed by Councillor S Hawksworth seconded by Councillor C Wild and
agreed by all members present.
• The State of the Allotments wall is of grave concern to residents and members.
• Speeding through the village of Crosshouses remains a grave concern to the residents and members.
• The Atcham road needs a speed reduction and some passing places.
• The disregard of many drivers for the pedestrians using the road crossing is of concern and the members would
request that the crossing is upgraded to a Pelican Crossing

• Speeding on the Acton Burnell road Cantlop to the A458 is of concern to residents and members of the Parish
Council
9. Council members to review list of Place plan priorities within the parish. It was agreed that these would be as follows:
Critical Strategic
Improvements to Road from Cross Houses to Atcham.
Extension of 30 and 40moh speed limits
Additional classroom for Condover School. Subject to a review of school catchment areas
Priority – Local Strategic
Upgrade the Zebra Crossing to a Pelican Crossing at Crosshouses.
Additional Vehicle Activated Speed Signs
Footpath/cycle path to Shrewsbury
Gateway entrance to the village
Allotment Education Project and Wall renewal
Key- Community
Extension to Community Centre Kitchen
Renewal of fencing around the Open Space
Improving parking in Noel Hill Road in conjunction with garage are improvements with Severnside
Improvements on the Allotments
Improvements to Brompton Playing Fields drainage
New Street Lights
Improvements to Brompton Playing Fields drainage
New village benches
10. Council to consider and adopt Councillors/ Clerks Protocol. It was agreed to adopt this and the Chairman signed the protocol
at the meeting.
11. Highway Matters
i. Councillor E Brayne reported that there was a large pothole on Fox Farm Bank
ii. Councillor R Purslow reported there was a large pothole on the zebra crossing on the A458 Shrewsbury bound.
iii. Councillor S Mason reported that there is a tree in the dip of the road to Fox Farm causing concern. Clerk asked to
contact Steven Shields the tree officer to ask him to look at it for safety.
iv. Councillor S Mason asked if we could have the recycling sign at The Bell removed as there is no recycling there now.
12. Planning
Previously considered applications:
Reference: 17/03554/FUL;
Address: Royal Oak, Pitchford Road, Condover
Proposal. Demolition of existing outbuildings; conversion of existing pair of dwellings into one dwelling with garage
extension; erection of detached dwelling with garage and formation of new relocated site access. Granted October 2017
Reference;17/04112/PMBPA
Address: Grove Barn, the Grove, Pitchford Road, Condover
Proposal: Application for prior approval under part3, class MB of the Town * Country Planning (General permitted
Development)( Amendment & Consequential provisions) (England) Order 2014 for the change of use from agricultural to
residential use. Refused 19 October 2017
Reference: 17/04868/MAW (validated: 05/10/2017)
Address: Bayston Hill Quarry, Sharpstones Lane, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 0QE
Proposal: Extraction of sand and gravel, construction of screen bank, diversion of access to Bomere Farm and related
engineering operations
Reference:17/05122/AGR
Address: Cantlop Farm, Condover, Shrewsbury
Proposal: Replacement Steel Framed Agricultural Building Prior approval not required.
9

This is a scoping opinion and not for consultation at this point.
Reference:17/05036/SCR
Address: Proposed Poultry Unit at Bettonfield Farm, Betton Strange, Shrewsbury
Proposal; Screening opinion for the erection of a free range egg production unit, including silos, formation of a vehicular access and associated
works
Council to consider new planning applications received after the Agenda has been published. There were no planning applications.
13. Finance
i. Bank Reconciliation for the month end December 2017; it was agreed to accept the Bank reconciliation as presented
by the clerk.
ii. Accounts for payment; It was agreed to pay the accounts as presented by the clerk; proposed by Councillor E Brayne
seconded by Councillor S Hawksworth and agreed by all members present.
1129 E-On Maintenance Contract 345.29
1130 HMRC PAYE 69.00
Standing Order L Pardoe Salary 358.21
131 L Pardoe Expenses 136.21
1127 SJF Printing Pump Printing 372.00
1128 S L Bott Grass cutting 1,976.00
£3,256.71
iii. Council to agree precept for 2018/2019. After discussion it was agreed to set the precept at £10,871 which would
have a 0% increase in the council tax on a band D property. This would be £27.00 per Band D property. ; proposed by
Councillor E Brayne seconded by Councillor S Hawksworth and agreed by all members present.
iv. It was agreed to pay the balance owing to Mr. L Smith for the repairs to the fence of £1,750.00.Proposed by
Councillor S Mason; seconded by Councillor R Purslow and agree by all members present.
v. Council to look at renewing the grounds Maintenance Contract for three or five years at the same cost. It was agreed
to give the contract to Shaun for five years at the same price of £900 for cut, strim, weed spray and hedge cutting
both sides and top, £45 per cut. ; proposed by Councillor C Wild seconded by Councillor S Hawksworth and agreed by
all members present.
vi. Council to agree to register with the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) for Data Protection at a cost of £35.00.It
was agreed that the Parish Council should register with the ICO at a cost of £35.00; proposed by Councillor J Brayne
seconded by Councillor L Picton and agreed by all members present.
vii. Council to agree to apply for additional Transparency Funding for the website. It was agreed that the clerk should
reapply for transparency funding. ; proposed by Councillor R Purslow seconded by Councillor S Hawksworth and
agreed by all members present.
viii. Council to consider purchase of new litter bins for the Play Area. It was agreed to purchase a steel litter bin and ask
Shaun Bott to put it in place for the Parish Council. ; proposed by Councillor C Wild seconded by Councillor E Brayne
and agreed by all members present
14. Youth Club Matters:
• Councillor J Brayne reported that there have been three meetings to date. The first meeting was attended by 18
children and 18 attended the Christmas party evening. The next meeting would be held on 17 th January 2018.
• Councillor E Brayne reported that he had visited a site in Berrington and was impressed by the facilities there for day
events. He was wondering if there was any possibility of holding Wide games there for the Youth Club. The clerk
raised concerns over the insurance and said we would need to see a copy of their Public Liability Insurance.
15. Correspondence: This was noted. The clerk reported that she had received a resignation from Councillor M Howorth and
that she would get a Notice of a Casual Vacancy up for the Vacancy. She was asked to notify James Healey of the vacancy as
he had expressed an interest incoming on to the Parish Council.
10

16. Parish Matters:
i. Councillor E Brayne reported that Bob Thurston from The National Trust wanted to attend the next Parish Council
meeting to speak to members on public footpaths. Councillor Brayne reported that B Thurston would put the gate
into the filed at a cost of no more than £150.
ii. Councillor S Hawksworth reported that the concrete bollard that was broken off had been taped back together. The
clerk to contact Bromford Carinthia and ask them to remove the broken bollard as it was dangerous.
iii. Councillor R Purslow asked if the clerk would be available to clerk the management committee meeting of the
Community Centre in March.
iv. Clerk to contact C Blower again about the King Street crossroads. The drain head is too high and the water cannot
get into it to get away.
17. Date and time of next meeting: It was agreed that this should be held on Thursday 1 st February 2018
18. The Chairman thanked all for attending and closed the meeting at 9.50pm.
Atcham & Cross Houses Mobile Library
Will be in
CROSS HOUSES
Every other Friday morning by the phone box
10.15am - 10.40am
That’s the
9th & 23rd February &
9th & 23rd March
Will be in
ATCHAM
Every other Thursday morning by “The Glebe”
2.55pm - 3.20pm
That’s the
8th & 22nd February &
8th & 22nd March
The Station
Cattery
Berrington
Prop. Brenda Graham
Heated Chalets with outside covered runs
overlooking fields . Personal attention at all
times. Inspection very welcome
01743 761513
HELP WANTED
2 days a week, 2 hours per
morning and holiday cover
Call Brenda on above number for more info
11

Much Wenlock & Cressage Medical Practice
February 2017
HCA REDUCED APPOINTMENTS
Between the 5 February and 19 th February the Practice will have reduced
capacity to undertake blood tests. For patients who require routine blood
tests during this period there are alternative community services available
as listed below:-
Elizabeth House
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Mytton Oak Road
Shrewsbury
SY3 8XQ
Telephone: 01743 492265, or 01743 261000 x3522
Opening hours: Accessible for hospital patients and GP patients who have
fasted from 8.45am. There is a drop-in service for non-fasting GP
patients, including warfarin patients from 1pm – 4.45pm.
Outpatients Department
Princess Royal Hospital
Apley Castle
Telford
TF1 6TF
Telephone: 01952 641222 x4550
Opening hours: Accessible for hospital patients and GP patients who have
fasted from 8am. There is a drop-in service for non-fasting GP patients,
including warfarin patients from 9am – 4.15pm.
Bridgnorth Community Hospital
Northgate
Bridgnorth
WV16 4EU
Telephone: 01746 762641
Opening hours: Drop in service 8.30 – 11.00 Monday to Friday.
12

Period Houses in Miniature
EASTER WHIST DRIVE
The Malthouse, Atcham
Saturday 7th April, 7pm
£4 including refreshments
All proceeds to St Eata’s Church, Atcham
For more information please contact
Mrs Roberts on 01743 761006
All Welcome
Come along and join your local
group, a very warm welcome awaits!
CROSS HOUSES
Chapel Community Centre
The Chestnuts
Cross Houses SY5 6JH
Tuesdays, 9.30am
Contact Vicky on:
07758 987345
Speciality Dolls Houses, furniture,
wallpaper, carpets, figures, lighting
and accessories
Wood strips & mouldings, Styrene, fixings,
tools, scenics, scatters, paints and adhesives
Think
Tank
Military Model kits and accessories
Tamiya, Airfix, Trumpeter, Masterbox, MiniArt
Hat Figures, Emhar and many more
14 Parade Shopping Centre
St Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury SY1 1DL
01743 360298
Established 1987
BE YOUR OWN BOSS!
Lifestyle changing opportunity for
self-motivated individuals/couples.
Part time/full time, no start up fee.
For more information contact:
Daphne 07951 787873
Independent Distributor of Forever Living
Products: aloe vera drinking gels,
supplements, Skincare & personal care
products.
Forever Living
Products, Longbridge
Manor, Warwick CV34
6RB, members of the
Direct Selling
Association
13

Cross Houses
Knit and natter nutter’s
We are a small group of very friendly ladies who meet once a month for a chat and to make items for charity
events which we run twice a year for local causes - everyone is welcome and you don't have to worry about
ability - we are all different and learn from each other whilst having a laugh.
WE NEED NEW MEMBERS TO HELP KEEP US GOING –
PLEASE COME AND JOIN US - for more information please
contact sue on 01743 761355 or
email sueshedden52@gmail.com
KNIT AND NATTER NUTTERS
Will be hosting a 'Nibble and Natter' on
Saturday 2nd June 2018, 11am - 3.30pm
Full Afternoon Tea to include sandwich selection,
cakes and scones with jam and cream
plus tea/coffee. Ticket Price £5.00
All proceeds will go to the
British Heart Foundation.
COUND & DISTRICT
CRAFTERS
Meetings are held on the first Monday of each
month at Cound Guildhall 10am - 12 noon. £5 per
session, different crafts each meeting.
Everyone is most welcome - new ideas can be
incorporated and tried so please come along and
join us. Please contact Sue on 01743 761355 or
email sueshedden52@gmail.com for more
information.
Cross Houses Book Club
Do you enjoy reading and would like to discuss your
ideas and thoughts with like minded people - then
please come and join our small, free, friendly and
local book club.
December Meeting will be held on Thursday 14th
December. As from January meetings will be held on
the third Thursday of every month (except August) at
The Bell Inn at 7pm - please come along and join us.
Everyone is welcome, for more
information please call Sue on 01743
761355
2018 Reading List
February
‘Past Imperfect” – Julian Fellows
March
‘The Moon is Down” – John Steinbeck
April
‘Old Filth’ – Jane Gardam
May
‘Shirley’ – Charlotte Bronte
June
‘Our Hidden Lives’ – Simon Garfield
14

News from Christ Church C.E. Primary School
Learning, Listening, Living
“A child’s play is a child’s work” is a well-known quote amongst teachers
and child development specialists. What does it mean in a school setting?
If you are a parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent is play something children
do at break times and lunchtimes or is it part of lessons? You might have
seen that the Government recently published a report about how children
learn in Nursery and Reception which emphasised the importance of play
alongside more formal learning for young children such as learning how to
hold a pencil properly.
At Christ Church we believe that play is important whatever the
age of the child. Recently Red Class visited RAF Museum at
Cosford and through role play and using their imaginations were
able to experience life at an airport, on an airline and in a
cockpit! Their understanding was deepened through play. Green
Class enjoyed using role play on their recent Egyptian day. They
are also studying Shakespeare’s The Tempest and we will be
using play to think about life on an island with monsters, wizards
and sprites; and using music and drama to enter into the
meaning of the rich language of Shakespeare. Our oldest
children enjoyed learning about the formation of Roman
battalions through acting out formations and using role play. We certainly have many opportunities
throughout the school day for formal learning but also value play as a child’s work.
Red Class: Year R and Year 1
Red Class have a transport theme.
Green Class: Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
Do you have a child who will be 4 between 1 st September 2017
and 31 st August 2018? Our Wednesday Stay and Play sessions
are an excellent way of seeing our school in action and we are
always happy to show prospective parents round at any time if
you feel a village school might be the right environment for
your child to flourish. Remember we are the catchment school
for many villages: Cressage, Cross Houses, Harley, Cound,
Coundmoor and Sheinton but we also have children attending
from further afield. We work closely with Childrensworld UK
who are onsite and offer an “Outstanding” (Ofsted) nursery
and wrap-around childcare for before/after school and the
holidays. Ring the office for more details on 01952 510383.
Green Class are studying the Egyptians. We are also working on a joint Primary Stars programme with Shrewsbury
Town Football Club for a day a week.
Yellow Class: Year 4, Year 5 and Y6
Yellow Class are learning about the Romans.
@ChristChurchsy5
Tracey Cansdale, Headteacher
15

TWO COURSE
SPECIAL
12 - 3pm MON - SAT
£6.95
CROSS HOUSES
To book a table or for more
information please call 01743 761264
P PPP P P P P CHOOSE FROM P P P P P P P
P BAKED HAM, FREE RANGE EGG & CHIPS P
P BREADED SCAMPI, CHIPS & GARDEN PEAS P
P CHILLI CON CARNE WITH RICE OR CHIPS P
P CUMBERLAND SAUSAGE, FREE RANGE EGG,
CHIPS & PEAS P
P VEGETABLE CURRY WITH RICE OR CHIPS P
P CHICKEN & VEGETABLE CASSEROLE P
P PENNE CABONARA TOPPED WITH PARMESAN P
P FOLLOWED BY ANY SWEET FROM THE “TODAY” BOARD P
The Bell Inn, an 18th century traditional country Inn, 4 miles south of Shrewsbury
town centre on the A458 Bridgnorth road. Offering local, seasonal freshly prepared
food, Bed & Breakfast - all ensuite rooms & of course a very warm welcome.
16

FEBRUARY/MARCH DATES
Wednesdays
14th & 28th Feb & 14th & 28th Mar
@ Cross Houses
A brand new youth club for young people aged 9 - 13 takes place every other Wednesday evening, 6.30pm
- 8.30pm at the Chapel Community Centre, The Chestnuts, Cross Houses SY5 6JH. The Youth Club is open
to young people from all the surrounding parishes.
The Youth Club is run by a fully trained Youth Worker from Shropshire Youth Association along with (fully
checked and trained) volunteers.
The cost per child, per week is £1. This money will go towards paying for the cost of trips that will be run
throughout the year. **Please note parent/guardian permission will be required.
Any donations of boxes of biscuits would be gratefully received, the ones Richard Purslow
donated went down very well!! Big thank you to Richard Pryce for making a set of Bar
Skittles, they are much loved ☺
For more information regarding the Youth Club please contact Richard Parkes on 01743 730005 or
by email richard@sya.org.uk
EARLSDALE GARDEN SERVICES
Professional Reliable Local Service
Tree Work / Hedge Work
* Lopping * Pruning * Tall Trees Reduced / Felled * Hedges shaped and reduced
Garden Work
Fencing erected/repaired * Slabbing * Paving/Paths * Shed Bases * Patios *
Patio Cleaning * Gravelling * Turfing * Stone Walls * Garden Walls * Garden
Clearance / Make over * Registered Waste Carrier * Decking * Storm Damage
Repairs
All Work Fully Insured
Shropshire, Mid Wales and surrounding areas covered
• Advertise in Yell / Thompson Local * References
For a free quotation Tel: 01743 792924
or 07702 373856 / 07772 294633
17

The Reverend Sarah Hare writes
Dear Friends
Since Christmas I have had several phone calls from excited couples who
got engaged at Christmas and they want to get married in our churches in
2018. It is a pleasure and a privilege to take weddings across our team and I have already taken
my first wedding this year of a lovely couple in Sheinton which was a real joy.
I think as soon as the Christmas merchandise was off the shelves it was replaced with either
Valentines Day items or Easter Eggs! Perhaps I will get some more phone calls after Valentine’s
Day when engagement rings have been given and maybe some diamonds! Henry Kissinger said –
“A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure.” At the base of these beautiful
stones is carbon – ash in another form and Valentine’s Day this year is the same day as Ash
Wednesday which is the start of Lent. On Ash Wednesday we offer people in our services the
opportunity to have the sign of the cross on their head in ash. This reminds them of the love
shown to each one of us when Jesus died on the cross and is a sign of our recognition of this.
Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday are days about love, love for one another and love for each
one of us from and for a God who wanted to be in a relationship with us. Lent for Christians is
about preparing for the amazing revelations of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday when
Jesus died and Easter Sunday when Jesus overcame death and came back to life.
During Lent 2018 we will be holding a Lent Group to which everyone is welcome.
We will be using the York Course ‘On the Third Day’ by Bishop John Pritchard The resurrection is
the Big Story that turned a little Jewish protest movement into a world-transforming religion.
And yet by Easter Monday we’ve almost forgotten about it and are planning our summer
holidays.
How can we re-capture the explosive power of the resurrection that ricocheted around the
world? How can we live in the glow of resurrection and be an Easter people? How can ‘there and
then’ become ‘here and now’?
Come and join us as we follow this course in Lent 2018.
The Lent Group will be held at The Guildhall in Cound on the 15 th , 22 nd Feb, 1 st , 8 th , 15 th and 22 nd
March. Refreshments will be available from 7pm and we will start at 7.30pm.
With every blessing as we enter this season.
Rev Sarah
Team Vicar in Wenlock Team of Parishes, Contact Details: 3 Grenville Drive, Much Wenlock,
Shropshire, TF13 6HB Tel - 01952 728045 E-mail – wenlockteamvicar@aol.co.uk
18

The Parish of
All Saints, Berrington
MESSY
CHURCH
FEBRUARY and
MARCH
Christ Church C of E Primary School, Cressage.
Sunday 18 th February 2018 at 4pm
Sunday 18 th March 2018 at 4pm
CHURCH SERVICES IN THE
PARISH OF BERRINGTON WITH
BETTON STRANGE
FEBRUARY
Sunday 4th February, 9.45am
Betton Strange
Sunday 11th February, 11am
Berrington
MARCH
Sunday 4th March, 9.45am
Betton Strange
Sunday 11th March, 11am
Berrington
Berrington Church Lottery Winners
1st £15, 2nd Prize £10, 3rd Prize £5
DECEMBER
1st F Donnolly, 2nd L Rowlands,
3rd L Jones
JANUARY
1st M Davis, 2nd L Picton, 3rd B Nesbitt
Join us for fun, food, Bible story and
crafts.
Messy Church is an All-Age event where
anybody is welcome to attend. However,
children must be accompanied by a
responsible adult at all times.
For further information, please contact Revd
Sarah Hare (Team Vicar in The Wenlock Team
of Parishes) on 01952 728045 or
wenlockteamvicar@aol.co.uk
CHURCH
CLEANING
FEBRUARY - Sue Purcell
MARCH - Amy Holcroft
Berrington Church
ALTAR FLOWERS
February
Wk 1 & 2 Wk 3 & 4
Barbara Maund
March
Lent - No Flowers
Lent - No Flowers
19

BERRINGTON VILLAGE HALL
Incorporating Grindalls of Wem
covering Shropshire and Mid Wales
The only totally independent four generation
family funeral directors of Shrewsbury
PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS
PRIVATE CHAPELS OF REST
FLORIST AND MEMORIALS
The Village Hall in Berrington is
available for hire (at very
competitive rates). Prices available
on application. To make a booking
or an enquiry.
Please contact Penny Walker on
01743 761522
Telephone
Shrewsbury
01743 362024
(day or night)
Visit our website at
www.frankpainterandsons.co.uk
20

IMPORTANT
Deadline for
the APR/MAY
issue is Fri
16th March
2018
THE PUMP - ADVERTISING
Advertising rates are:
Full Page: £25 per edition or £110 per annum
1/2 Page (Landscape): £12.50 per edition or £55 per annum
1/4 Page (Portrait): £10 per edition or £45 per annum
1/4 Page (Landscape): £10 per edition or £45 per annum
1/8 Page (Landscape): £7.50 per edition or £30 per annum
The Village Pump is a bi-monthly publication of 700 copies.
Advertisements need to be paid for in advance. If you would like to place
an advert in the Village Pump then please contact the Editor:
Lezley Picton, Newmans Hall, Eaton Mascott, Shrewsbury SY5 6HE
e: lezley.bpc@btinternet.com t: 01743 761619
Cheques should be made payable to Berrington Parish Council and sent
to Berrington Parish Clerk, Home, Back Lane, Longnor, Nr Shrewsbury
SY5 7PP.
Magazine Editor:
Lezley Picton, Newmans Hall, Eaton Mascott, Shrewsbury, SY5 6HE
t: 01743 761619 e: lezley.bpc@btinternet.com
The Village Pump
The Village Pump is delivered on a bi-monthly basis to houses throughout the Parishes of Berrington and
Atcham.
If you feel you could help your community by delivering the Pump in your area please contact Lezley
Picton on 01743 761619. The more volunteer deliverers we have the smaller the area to deliver. We
look forward to hearing from you.
ADVERTISEMENT DISCLAIMER
Please note ACCEPTANCE OF ADVERTISEMENTS DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. THE EDITORS
RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ARTICLES IF SPACE IS LIMITED.
THE BELL PUBLIC HOUSE CROSS HOUSES
PENSIONERS LUNCHEON CLUB
WEDNESDAYS 14th FEBRUARY & 14th MARCH
Please telephone 01743 761264 to book your place and
select your meal choice.
21

CRESSAGE
The Half Moon at Jackfield was the venue for CGC’s Christmas Meal. Despite the very cold
and icy weather 26 members ventured out and their efforts were more than rewarded with
attentive staff, delicious Christmas Fare and of course good company! Thanks to Annette,
Nigel and all the intrepid drivers who braved the icy conditions to ensure everyone arrived
safely including the 4x4 drivers who offered lifts down the very steep icy slope to the front
door!
CGC’s Committee is putting the final touches to a varied agenda for 2018 beginning with
Mark Hall from Harper Adams, the award winning vegetable grower, making a welcome
return on February 15 taking ‘Greenhouse Management’ as his subject this time.
New members welcome. Contact Jan on 01952 510594 for further information. Meetings 3 rd
Thursday of every month in Cressage Village Hall at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Missed Rubbish or
Recycling
Collections
If your recycling, rubbish or garden waste is not
collected as expected you must report your
missed collection to Shropshire Council within two
working days by calling 0345 678 9007. Before you report a missed collection please wait
until 5pm (because the collection crews may still be out working). Also check:
• that your containers were out on the right day.
• that your containers were out by 7am
• that your containers were out in the correct place
• that your lid was closed and no extra waste was next to your bin
• that the correct waste was in the containers
Shropshire Council will investigate the incident and if your collection has genuinely been
missed they will come back and collect it within two working days.
22

PAUL CASWELL CARS
ATCHAM GARAGE
Supplying quality used cars since 1985
We have a great range of low mileage used cars available.
We also service and repair most makes and models of cars and have the latest diagnostic equipment for
engine fault codes and warning lights including ABS, Airbags, Power steering etc.
We also carry out Air Con re gassing and servicing.
www.paulcaswellcars.co.uk 01743 761226 Find us on
Support your local shop, try…….
THE STORES
CROSS HOUSES
Petrol Station
Convenience Store Off Licence Post Office
Post Office Opening Hours:
Mon—Fri 9am—5.30pm
Sat—9am—12 noon
Open Daily 7am—9pm
TEL: 01743 761577
FAX: 01743 761663
23

WELCOME
ATCHAM PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
JANUARY 2018
Welcome to the New Year edition of Atcham Parish Council’s newsletter.
HIGHWAYS & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Following the intervention of the MP, a response has been received from Highways England stating
that they consider the directional signage to be safe. The council is not satisfied with this response
and will continue to pursue the matter.
The parish council is also liaising with the dog warden to put up signage to deter dog fouling. We
also are aware that a sign to St Eata’s Lane is missing and are trying to get it re-erected.
POLICE REPORT
Assault: 0 Theft: 0 Burglary Other: 0
Vehicle Crime: 0 Criminal Damage: 0 Burglary Dwelling: 0
Other: 0 Road Traffic Incident: 6 Road Collision: 4
ASB Personal: 0 ASB Environmental: 0 ASB Nuisance: 0
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Due to the anticipated loss of funding for environmental maintenance grant from Shropshire Council,
amounting to £1169 of the council’s income, it has been necessary to increase the precept for
2018/19. Currently, the precept is £5261 and it will increase to £6,124. This is equivalent to a total
parish council precept of £61.87 per band D household for 2018/19. The parish council are sorry to
have had to do this but there are currently no other confirmed sources of funding available to ensure
the services in the parish are still provided. The council has endeavoured to keep the precept
increase to less than the loss in grant, in an attempt to minimise the impact on parishioners. A full
copy of the budget is available on the council’s website or on request from the clerk.
BROADBAND IN THE PARISH
Some properties in the parish now have access to high-speed internet through infrastructure
installed by BT Openreach. However, some properties cannot access high-speed broadband, in
particular those in more rural locations. The Connecting Shropshire programme has now announced
that such properties will be given access to high-speed broadband via a wireless provider, Airband.
COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH - VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We are still looking for volunteers for Community Speedwatch – please contact the Clerk if you may
be interested.
MEETING DATES
The meeting dates for forthcoming council year as follows: 14 th March, 9 th May. All meetings are at
The Malthouse and start at 7.30pm, with the exception of the Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting will be on 14 th March and will start at 7pm
24

CHURCH SERVICES and NEWS from ST.EATA'S, ATCHAM
There will be a Eucharist [BCP] every Sunday at 11 a.m.
apart from those listed below.
Ash Wednesday - February 14th - a Eucharist at 11am
with the Imposition of Ashes.
Mothering Sunday March 11th Family Service at 11.15
am
No Communion. Posies of Spring Flowers will be
presented to all Mums and candles will be lit for those
no longer with us. Refreshments served afterwards. A
warm welcome to all.
Palm Sunday March 25th - Eucharist 11 a.m. with the
distribution of Palm Crosses.
Summer time begins Saturday 24th
Maundy Thursday March 29th - Eucharist 6. p.m.
Good Friday March 30th - Family Service 11 a.m.
Saturday March 31st - The Church will be decorated for Easter and any help or donations of flowers would be
welcome from around 9.30 a.m.
Easter Day - Sunday 1st April - Eucharist at 11a.m. Easter eggs for all children.
THE LORD HAS RISEN - HE IS RISEN INDEED .
CHURCH NEWS
Christmas Services saw large numbers of people attending to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Christmas crib
has a new family of knitted figures which are very colourful.
The full PCC met on Monday 15th to discuss the life and work of the Church. The AGM will be held on
Monday 30th April. Anyone interested can come along to The Mytton Hotel at 7.30 p.m. Thanks to all the
staff at The Mytton for their help and support.
A Whist Drive will be held at The Malthouse on Saturday 7th April at 7 p.m. Details elsewhere in this
Magazine.
Dog Fouling - this is now a serious problem all around the Village and The Atcham Parish Council have asked
the Dog Warden to put up more notices.
ATCHAM
FLOWER
CLUB
The Malthouse, Atcham, Shrewsbury, SY5 6QE
Wednesday 21st February, 7.30pm
DONALD MORGAN (Aberystwyth)
“A land of Song”
Wednesday 21st March, 7.30pm
ANNE RUSSELL (Middlewich)
“From Dogs to Dogwood”
New Members and Guests very welcome. For further information please contact Mrs Lewis on 01743 860342
25

26

RECYCLING AND RUBBISH
Battlefield Household Recycling Centre
Vanguard Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TG
01743 452150
Opening Hours:
9am to 5pm Mon to Sunday
Open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Household Recycling Centres (HRCs)
If you have any items that are too big for the kerbside collection service, you can drop them off at your local
HRC. We recycle over 30 different types of materials – everything from kettles and toasters, to car batteries,
paint and cooking oil! Don’t forget, if you’re in a van – you may need a permit.
Bulky waste
Another way to recycle large, bulky items is to donate them to a local re-use shop or scheme. Or if you’d like
us to pick it up, you can pay to use our bulky waste collection service. Simply call: 0345 678 9007
Mixed recycling boxes
✓
✓
✓
Aerosols
Drink cans
Foil
✓ Food tins
✓ Sweet tins
✓ Bottle tops
✓ Metal tops
✓ Plastic packaging
✓ Glass bottles and jars
Your blue bag for recycling
✓
✓
✓
Magazines
Junk Mail
Envelopes
✓ Catalogues
✓ Ready meal boxes
✓ Egg boxes
✓ Newspapers
✓ Cardboard packaging
✓ Cereal packets
Garden and food waste
✓ Grass cuttings, leaves
and weeds
✓ Tree, shrub and any rose
prunings
✓ A small amount of shredded
paper
Your kitchen caddy
✓ Fruit and veg peel ✓ Coffee grounds and tea bags
✓ Meat, fish and cheese
Batteries
Please place in a clear, plastic bag and put out on recycling day.
General waste
For anything that can’t be recycled, you can still use your general waste bin. We send this waste to an Energy Recovery
Facility where it is used to generate electricity.
So before you bin it, ask yourself, can it be recycled?
Remember, we don’t collect waste from the side of your bin. Make sure everything fits inside and the lid is closed.
27

‘Reliable Window Cleaning
at an Affordable Price’
• Domestic and Commercial Properties
• Windows, Frames and Sills
• Conservatory Roof Cleaning
• Gutter and Fascia Cleaning
• Gutter Emptying
We use our own purified water via a water fed
high reaching pole to clean your windows,
frames and sills leaving them to dry smear and
spot free.
Call today on 01952 503727 / 0775 2385 333 or
visit our website www.ag-window-cleaning.co.uk
Email info@ag-window-cleaning.co.uk.
Find us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/agwinclean
Hardwood
LOGS
TWO LOAD SIZES AVAILABLE
*NO DELIVERY CHARGE*
Lengths cut to suit your needs
m: 07860 419025
t: 01694 731621 (after 7pm)
28

Why not try?
Severndale Nurseries
For a good selection of
*Quality bedding plants* *Pot Plants*
*Perennials* *Shrubs*
Personal Service
Weekdays 9am - 6pm
Sundays 10am - 5pm
Cross Houses 761212
Netley Boarding Kennels
& Cattery
New fully heated and insulated kennels now open
Full inspection and bookings
Phone Den or Barb on 01743 718264 / 07803 240207
Collection and delivery service available
Enquire for discounts
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9am-10am and 4pm-5pm
Sat & Sun 9am-10am only
Please call now to
• Windows Cleaned
• Gutters Emptied and Cleaned
• Fascia Cleaning
• Lawns Mowed
• General Maintenance and Repairs
book in or for a free quote.
Handyman Home Services
t: 07800 537789 (Condover) e: andybithell@yahoo.co.uk
www.handymanhomeservices.co.uk
Ben Carter
Landscaping, Grounds,
Property Maintenance
Hedge Cutting
Chemical Application (lawns, drives etc)
Shed, Fence Maintenance
Tree, Shrub Planting
Woodland Management
Please call me on
07891 376638 or 01743 718802
for a quote or further information
Attention All Dog
Owners
Window Cleaning Rates from:
Small House / Bungalow £7.50
Medium House/Bungalow £10.00
Large House / Bungalow £12.50
Please clean up after your dog,
particularly around the Atcham
Bridge area, on the playing
field in Cross Houses and
around the play areas in The
Chestnuts where children may pick up
harmful bacteria! Place the dog waste in the
bin provided. Thank you.
* Lawn mowing
* Hedge cutting
* Pruning
* Weeding
* Planting
* Brushcutting / strimming
Tel: 01743 761418
Mobile: 07580536112
Email: clive.s.gardiner@gmail.com
GRASS
CUTTING
SERVICES
Local, reliable grass cutting service
No job to big
No job to small
From one off cuts
To a regular service
For a free quote call
Gary on
07837293778 or 01743 761821
C. S. Gardiner
Garden services
29

30

Crown Podiatry Ltd
NEW chiropody/podiatry service now open in CRESSAGE
Modern, newly furbished clinic providing full range of services including:
• nail cutting/nail deformities
• corns/callus and verruca’s
• ingrowing toenails
• biomechanical assessments
• customised insoles
• neurovascular assessments
• diabetic foot care
Fully qualified (3 years training) & fully insured
HCPC Registration No: CH33162 (health insurance claims)
Member of The Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
Mr Pius Karena (BSc MChS)
Tel: 01952 510865 Mobile 07790038367
Email: crownpodiatry@gmail.com www.crownpodiatry.co.uk
POTENTIAL
ADVERTISERS
If you think the Village Pump is only a
magazine that circulates to 700+ readers
over two parishes, think again…..
This magazine also appears online at
www.berringtonparishcouncil.org.uk
& www.atchamparishcouncil.org.uk
Buy local, use
local services
and tradesman
and support
the local
economy
COST OF FOOD ROCKETING?
Ever thought of
GYO
Growing Your Own?
You could be growing your own fruit and
vegetables at a fraction of the cost in the shops.
Interested in having your own allotment?
Even if you are a beginner, there are plenty of
other allotment holders willing to give advice.
To book your plot at the Cross Houses Allotment
contact Cameron
Moffett on 01743
761443
31

ROSS HINES
CHIMNEY SWEEPING
Clean Chimneys are
safe chimneys
Brush and Vacuum – Leakage testing –
Nests removed –Cowls, Bird Guards and
caps supplied and fitted. Open fire, multi
fuel stoves, Aga, domestic and commercial.
Fully Insured with NFU, Certificates given.
For a Fast, Friendly and Clean Service or
just help and advice.
Call: 01939 768319
OR 01743 768319
24 The Wheatlands, Baschurch,
Shropshire.
32

Unit 85, Condover Industrial Estate, Condover, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 7NH
• Dog / Cat Food
• Animal Health (inc. Wormers, Flea
Treatment)
• Coal
• Calor Gas Cylinders
• Fencing Materials
• Equine Supplies - Feed, Bedding,
Supplements
• Garden Machinery Service & Repair
• And much, much, more
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
TEL: 01743 718955 FAX: 01743 718966 EMAIL: acefarmsupplies@aol.com
Mon - Fri 8am - 5.30pm Sat 8am - 12 Noon
33

Cross Houses
Community
on FACEBOOK
Thanks to some intrepid local residents
there is now a Facebook page for the Cross
Houses Community. It’s a great way of
sharing information, asking questions,
keeping up with events, lost and found and
generally keeping in touch with what’s
going on in the village. Search for CROSS
HOUSES COMMUNITY and ask to join.
DOG FOULING in CROSS HOUSES
One of the recent topics on the Cross Houses Community
page was a plea from a resident for people to pick after
their dogs. Please be assured that the comments on the
Facebook page and the notices within this magazine are
by no means “anti-dog”. The notices and comments are
simply to persuade residents and visitors to keep our
lovely village clean, safe and tidy. If your children walk the
dog please ensure that they learn from an early age the
importance of collecting and disposing of dog waste.
Thanks. Ed
If Peter Piper can pick a peck
of pickled peppers,
then you can
pick up a poo.
Thank
you
Please!
SUDOKO (Hard)
SUDOKU X (Hard)
3 8 6
1 4
9 2 6
7 2 3 6
3 8
7 1 6 2
5 9 4
6 9
2 7 6
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and
each of the 3 x 3 squares contains all the digits from 1-9.
2 3 4 7
1 7 4 6
8 5
9 2 8
3
4 5 9
2 3 5 7
6 5 1
Complete the grid so that every row, column, diagonal and 3x3
box contains every digit from 1 - 9 inclusive.
34

GARDENING MATTERS
Short of winter interest in your garden?
Is your garden looking dull and colourless at this time of year? Once bare of leaves interesting and attractive
tree trunks come into their own. Plant such a tree as the centre piece of a winter garden or as an out-ofseason
highlight in the main border. Add some colourful stems to your borders amidst some evergreen
shrubs and jazz up your garden for January!
Dogwoods look colourful planted in drifts with their red, yellow or coral coloured stems, they are easy to
care for and they will tolerate a range of soils and locations. It is important that structure in the form of
trees, shrubs, hedges, walls and fences, which provide substance in the garden do not appear flat and lifless
out of season. No only do these provide a back drop to summer planting, they can provide points of interest
all year round. Many evergreens can be clipped into distinctive shapes i.e. yews, buxus or holly.
Imagine the garden filled with deliciously scented flowers throughout the darkest winter months. Such
pleasures are easily realized by growing some of the winter-flowering shrubs. Postioned close to an outside
door, or along a much frequented path where the fragrant flowers can easily and often be appreciated, these
shrubs will be a source of enjoyment for weeks on end.
Top trees and shrubs with winter interest
Top Tips courtesy of Tim Robinson, Manager of Love Plants
1. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (Himalayan birch) – this variable tree with peeling white bark has dark
green leaves that turn yellow in the autumn. In early spring, produces yellow-brown male catkins. As a
single stem tree will grow to 18m, multi-stemmed trees will not grow as tall.
2. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ – a Japanese acer with bright coral-red shoots in winter. The leaves open
yellow-orange, turning soft yellow in the autumn. Maximum height 6m, maximum width 5m.
3. Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Limelight’ – dense, rounded to spreading, evergreen shrubs has silvery young
leaves, which become marked with yellow and pale green in the centre. Maximum height and spread
3m.
4. Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ (corkscrew hazel) – has strongly twisted shoots, which are particularly
effective in winter. Maximum height and spread 5m.
5. Viburnum bodnantense – an upright deciduous shrub with dark green leaves, bronze when young.
Fragrant tubular pure pink flowers, on bare stems from late autumn to spring. Maximum height 3m x
spread 2m.
6. Sarcococca hookeriana – Plant this Christmas box near a path to enjoy the sweetness of its small white
flowers all winter long. 1.5 x 2m (5ft x 6ft).
Tim Robinson, Manager – Love Plants
If you have any top-tips be it gardening, cleaning etc. or have an article that you think the residents of Atcham and
Berrington Parishes would find interesting please get in touch with the Village Pump Editor as we are keen to ensure
that The Pump is an interesting read and not just information and adverts. We look forward to hearing from you.
35

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Cressage Surgery 01952 511166
Samaritans 01743 369696
Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111
Furniture Scheme 01743 246668
Shrewsbury Police Station 0300 333 000
Bromford Housing Association 0330 1234 034
Severnside Housing 01743 285000
01743 360945 (emergencies)
Councillor Claire Wild (New Number) 07582 002 100
UK National Drugs Helpline 0800 77 66 00
Citizens Advice Bureau (Shrewsbury) 0344 499 1100
Age Concern 01743 233123
Gas Emergency Services 0800 111 999
Cruse Bereavement Care Helpline 0808 808 1677
Berrington Parish Council Clerk 01743 718695
Atcham Parish Council Clerk 01743 741611
National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50
Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride 01743 45350
NHS Direct (Emergency Medical Advice) 111
NHS Direct Text Phone (for deaf/hard of hearing) 18001 111
Shropdoc 0333 222 66 55
Severn Trent (Water Problems) 03457 500 500
Shropshire Home Point 0300 303 8595
Chapel Community Centre (Bookings) 01743 761423 / 07964 120 998
Village Pump Editor, Lezley Picton 01743 761619
Shropshire Council 0345 678 9000
Bins & Recycling (Missed Collections) 0345 678 9007.
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital 01743 261000
Princess Royal Hospital, Telford 01952 641222
MANWEB Emergency 0845 272 7999
RSPCA (cruelty hotline) 0300 1234 999
Floodline 0345 988 1188
Dog Fouling (Reporting) - Longden Road Depot 0345 678 9006
Published by Berrington Parish Council, Shropshire. Printed by SJF Design & Print Ltd, Unit 7, Leaton Forest Offices, Leaton Knolls, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 3HX
36