-
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 12-09-2022
A new dedicated website for Montgomery Town Hall has now been launched by the Montgomery Community Buildings Preservation Trust which manages the building. This website is where bookings for the Town Hall will be made from now on, and anyone wishing to hire the hall should please visit montgomerytownhall.uk The Montgomery Wales website’s Town Hall links will work by automatically taking you to this new dedicated site. Over the coming weeks, the Montgomery Town Hall website will evolve further. In the future, it will keep you abreast of what is going on in the Town Hall and give notice of any upcoming events.
-
0 Community organisations receive grants from MCCP charity
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 10-09-2022
After over 20 years operating in the Montgomery community, the Montgomery Community Care Project (MCCP) passed a closure motion at an EGM earlier this year and its Trustees have worked hard over the last few months to return its remaining funds to the community in the form of grants to local groups for projects whose aims and objectives are close to those of the MCCP charity and company. The MCCP has provided various long-running and much appreciated support and services to the community over two decades, including “Chatterbox” for the older generation, Luncheon Club catering for up to 60 over 60s, subsidised outings, assisting in the organisation of Meals on Wheels (a service no longer available in Montgomery following PCC cutbacks), and an extremely well attended IT facility and Computer Club. On two occasions MCCP were granted planning permission for a care home and reached the point of digging the foundations, but finance matters affecting partners brought both attempts to an end. The Trustees were saddened and frustrated by this for themselves and the whole community. The planned home would have brought care facilities and additional services to the town, in an outstanding example of community integration and group therapy. In 2022 the Trustees decided that with no prospect of building a care home, and no suitable applicants to take over the charity being found, it was time to cease operation. The remaining funds held by the registered charity and company were distributed by application to Montgomery groups broadly meeting MCCP’s aims and objectives. MCCP secretary Paulene Jones said, “We would like to thank the very many people in Montgomery and the surrounding area who have over a very long period supported our project, and who were as disappointed as us that we were unable to bring a much-needed Care Facility to the town. We are delighted to report that grants have now been awarded towards 10 projects in the Town which broadly meet our aims and ambitions.” Grants were awarded to: - Montgomery Dementia Friends, to help and support people with dementia in the Montgomery area; - Monty on Board, to help with the running of friendly, light-hearted board games afternoons; - Friends of Montgomery Play Park, for the provision of a play facility specifically for disabled children; - the Montgomery Crier magazine/newsletter, to help with publishing costs and providing news and information to residents of all ages; - Montgomery Welfare Fund, to help with providing assistance where needed; - Montgomery Education Foundation, towards help with educational needs not normally provided by the education authority; - Montgomery Community Buildings Preservation Trust, to purchase hearing loop equipment for the Town Hall; - Montgomery Bowling Club, towards coaching for juniors school and members; - Montgomery Pre-School, to help with an “adopt a Granny/Grandad” project, with children visiting sometimes lonely elderly residents and giving them comfort whilst at the same time able to to learn about the past; - St. Nicholas Church, to help with the “Tea and Talk” project, providing social contact for elderly or isolated residents, often in poor health. Alex Boyd-Jones from the Friends of Montgomery Play Park said, “We were over the moon to be awarded a grant from MCCP towards an inclusive piece of equipment.” Wendy Beaven from Montgomery Dementia Friends said, “Thanks to a generous grant from MCCP, we plan to introduce a varied programme of activities, to encourage our members to talk about their condition, discuss ways in which they may be helped, providing stimulation and an afternoon of interesting activities, as well as the much-loved music therapies already offered.” Helen Hayes from Montgomery Church said, “The Tea and Talk group are very grateful to the MCCP for their support. This generous grant will go towards making a comfortable space for the group in the north transept.” She added, “We are very sorry to hear that MCCP are winding down their charity after 20 years of service to the Montgomery community.” Paulene from MCCP said, “We wish to say a very big thank you to all our volunteers, members, and the people who have supported us through the years, they have made it all worthwhile.” Photo: Phil Jones of MCCP presents a grant to Helen Hayes of Montgomery Church for the Tea and Talk project
-
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 16-08-2022
Montgomery Show emerged from its pandemic hibernation with a fantastic 2022 Show with all the features Montgomery residents and visitors have come to expect: a carnival procession through the town, a classic and vintage vehicle rally with a wonderful commentary, children's races, tug of war, potato in a bucket and dog show, as well as a marquee full of horticulture, cookery and craft. The fantastic Sally Gartell Academy of Dance wowed the Show with their fluid dancing even in the extreme heat. On top of all the 'usuals' this year were a full "bellow" of Town Criers from around the UK. Mya commented, “Loved every second. Good job to everyone involved and all the organisers. Look forward to next year.” Samantha added, “I loved the vintage rally. Fair play to those taking part in that heat. It was a great event.” Phil said, “These shows matter a lot to the local community. A year in the planning then over in a few hours. Well done to everyone associated with the Montgomery Show. A Herculean effort and it paid off, judging by all the smiles and lovely comments.” All the hard work is worth it when you see the community pull together and everyone has a wonderful day. The Show Committee would like to thank all those involved including the exhibitors, the 30+ stall holders, the fire brigade, St. John's Ambulance and the recycling team (Montgomery Energy Group, Guides and Rainbows). Visit the Show’s Facebook page at fb.me/MontgomeryShow Photo: Carnival Queen Samara Taylor with 2022 Show Presidents Judith and Dave Poulter
-
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 12-08-2022
A community orchard in Montgomery has been named for one of its founders who passed away earlier this year. The orchard on the corner of Forden Road and Station Road is now “Clinton’s Community Orchard”. In May this year, Clinton Small, resident of Montgomery for 20 years, passed away. One of the projects that had been close to his heart over the last few years was the creation of a community orchard for Montgomery. Clinton identified a suitable location in 2017: a triangle of land at the bottom of town that lay in the junction between the roads to Forden and to Caerhowel. This land belonged to Powys Council, but had lain neglected for many years, reserved by the council as perhaps necessary one day to improve that junction, but unlikely to happen soon. Clinton persuaded the council that until they did need it for the junction, it would be ideal as a community orchard, and he and the MEG (Montgomery Energy Group) community gardeners were given formal permission to use it for this until they want it back. Clinton managed to get a small grant from Social Farms and Gardens, an organisation dedicated to supporting community food growing, and with this, and some additional fundraising, private donations and a group of volunteers, the first trees were planted and the area kept mown and tidy. Over the 5 years since, soft fruit trees have been added, and a picnic bench, and some generously donated raised beds. Finally, early this year, another 6 fruit trees were planted. The original trees are now bearing generous quantities of fruit, as are the soft fruit bushes. In view of Clinton's contribution to starting up the orchard and making it happen, and maintaining it almost single-handedly during covid when working groups could not convene, his friends agreed that the orchard should be named Clinton's Community Orchard in his memory. Jenny Brignell created an oak name board for the orchard that was put in place on the occasion of scattering Clinton’s ashes at the orchard. Clinton’s Community Orchard is there for everyone to enjoy and to help themselves to the produce that grows there.
-
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 06-08-2022
On Friday July 29, a bellringing team from North Wales and Hereford successfully rang a full peal to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. This followed an unsuccessful attempt back in early June, and was the first full peal rung in the St Nicholas’ tower since 2006. Congratulations to Geoffrey Parting, Nicola Galton, Neil Bennett, Christopher Pickford, Peter Furniss and Andrew Gordon who rang 5,040 changes of Kent, Cambridge and Plain Bob in two hours and forty-eight minutes. Geoff rang at short notice as another team member had covid, and Neil stepped in at the last minute to replace a team member stuck on the M6. The peal was also a farewell compliment to Cathy and Rev Geoffrey Spencer with thanks for all they have done for North Wales ringing over the years. A short video clip was posted on the Montgomery Wales facebook page fb.me/montgomerypowys (search “peal”).
-
0 Trust grant successes support Town Hall
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 25-07-2022
Since Montgomery Community Buildings Preservation Trust (MCBPT) formally took on running of the Town Hall, the Trust, as a charitable body, with Mike Mills taking the lead on applications, has already achieved success with three grant applications. These will all go towards improving the Town Hall’s facilities for sound, lighting and audiovisual presentations in the upper floor. The Town Hall has received £1946 from Montgomery Community Care Project (MCCP) towards the cost of a hearing loop to improve sound quality for the hard of hearing; £10000 from the National Lottery Community fund towards sound and lighting equipment; and £4000 from the Arwain/Leader programme in Powys towards a digital projector, an electronic projector screen and wall mountings. In addition to this, the “Shenanigans” night put on in April by local bands raised a further £1500 or so towards the overall project costs of improving sound and lighting equipment in the Town Hall. The MCBPT trustees are very grateful to these organisations and individuals for their support. Trustees will be coordinating the whole project over the next few months, consulting experienced professional suppliers as required to ensure everything links together as needed. They hope to have everything in place during the autumn. Trust Chair, Mark Cadwallader, explained, “Having improved equipment for events, community activities and conferences will lead to more use of the Town Hall, which will in turn provide funds towards future Town Hall property costs to ensure this important building remains a sustainable part of the community for the longer term.” He added, “The Trust will keep the community updated and advise on future plans in the months ahead. The Trust will continue to liaise and work closely with the Town Council, who have been very supportive, on an ongoing basis.”
-
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 22-07-2022
On July 9th, Montgomery welcomed back the eminent concert pianist Marc Corbett-Weaver. The concert at St Nicholas’ was organised by The Friends of Montgomery Church, who raise funds towards the repair and upkeep of this beautiful and historic building. Marc has family connections to Montgomery and loves to return to visit family and friends. His performances take in key venues both home and abroad to rave reviews. He runs a busy teaching practice and is also artistic director of the London Firebird Orchestra. On the morning of the concert, Marc held a masterclass workshop for five talented local young piano pupils. Each performed a piece or two that they had prepared and Marc was on hand to improve their performances. All of them greatly benefited from the occasion. Two pupils reflected on the event, saying, “Performing for Marc was nerve-wracking but fascinating,” and, “His comments were helpful and thought-provoking, and made me look at the music I performed in a different light.” The evening concert was well-attended and Marc kept the audience captivated throughout with his amazing performance skills. It was a wonderful occasion with a truly varied programme which included music by Debussy, Mozart and Rachmaninov and two stunning encores. It was fitting that at the end Marc was given a standing ovation. Julie Lock, joint Chair of the Friends, said, “We cannot thank Marc enough for performing for us and we hope to welcome him back soon. A huge thank you to all involved including Montgomery Church, the Miss Davies foundation and Stuart Jones piano sales.”
-
0 Street Fair success in the sun
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 08-07-2022
With wonderful weather, a constant flow of visitors and a great atmosphere, committee chair Sue Blower declared that this year’s Montgomery Street Fair was one of the best yet. Broad Street was lined with stalls with local arts and crafts, food and drink, cakes and bakes, plants, and information. A packed-out schedule of talented performances entertained the crowds throughout the day. Music danced across the Fair and mingled with the chitter chatter, coming and goings and exotic smells from the stalls. Sally Gartell and her Dance Academy were out of this world; Monty Folk band excelled themselves with traditional Welsh, Irish and English tunes; Nigel Rowlands from Berriew sang pop and country and western; and The Mike Blakesley Trio entertained with jazz. There were songs from John Brown, Jamie Goodchild and his sister Nicola, and a host of young people demonstrating their own musical prowess. This was all rounded off with a fabulous classical piano performance from Stuart Jones. The Street Fair was officially opened by Montgomery Mayor Jill Kibble and the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester, Tim Young and Nicola Goodchild. Tim commented, “It was really memorable and such an honour to perform the official opening. Thanks for welcoming us to the Fair.” Town Crier Sue Blower was the indefatigable master of ceremonies throughout the day. A surprise visit from Mary Poppins provided a phenomenal show to entertain everyone, and some birthday greetings to children from the practically perfect lady herself. Daphne Morris commented, “Well done to all the people that worked so hard to make the day so good from beginning to end. We really needed a day like this to lift our spirits after a few years away. Bravo. Well worth the entrance donation.” And Ruth Moucharafieh agreed, saying, “It was such a wonderful day! Huge thankyous to all who worked so hard to make it happen, and a great job done by Sue holding the events all together.” At the same time as the Street Fair, another special event was happening in the Town Hall - Sarah Gore and Sam Bird were tying the knot! After the ceremony, the happy couple walked out into Broad Street to be greeted by tremendous applause from the assembled crowd, adding to their very special day. At 5pm, the Show committee sent their “Ping Pong Plunge” down the hill which was tremendous fun. This ping pong ball race with cash prizes is a fundraiser whose ticket proceeds help run the annual Show. The Show have some other fun events planned during the summer, including a quiz at the Dragon Hotel on July 21 and Presidents’ Evening on July 23 - see fb.me/MontgomeryShow for details. Street Fair committee chair, Sue Blower, said, “Thanks to everyone who contributed on the day, in Broad Street and behind the scenes, and those who set up beforehand and cleaned up afterwards; also to the very small and hard-working committee and local volunteers.” Sue concluded, “A truly great event in our lovely Town of Montgomery. Thanks to everyone who attended - and the great weather!”
-
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 02-05-2022
Following closure for covid and a period of refurbishment work, Montgomery Library is now open again in the Institute building on Arthur Street. The library is currently open from 10am to noon, Monday to Saturday, but afternoon sessions may become possible as more volunteers are recruited and trained. The library has copying and printing facilities available currently; a public internet point is not yet set up but will be coming soon. The library is situated through the main Institute front door and to the left, having been relocated to what was the old Reading Room, while retaining a similar amount of shelf space, and receiving new stock for readers to choose from. It has a new telephone number of 01686 669 710 and the email address is library@montgomery-wales.co.uk
-
- Community
- by Montgomery Wales News Team
- 21-03-2022
Residents, visitors and shoppers had a special treat on Saturday morning as St Nicholas’ Church’s six historic bells sounded a quarter peal across the town – the first for nearly three years. A visiting group of ringers from Hereford – Paul, Kris, Lynn, Jason, Adam and Tim – successfully rang a quarter peal of Warkworth Surprise Major. The peal was heard across town, and because friends of Montgomery from further afield had expressed a wish on social media to be able to hear the bells, a short video was posted on the Montgomery Wales facebook page. Cllr Rob Harper was out with the Town Tidy Team weeding the cobbles outside the Old Bell Museum and commented, “The bells are such a magnificent part of Montgomery and lift your spirits. Sounded great - a truly awesome sound that the team certainly enjoyed.” David Thomas from the Montgomery bell ringers said, “Congratulations to the team from Hereford and thanks everyone for the interest and lovely comments.” After lockdown restrictions, bell ringing returned to St Nicholas’ Church Montgomery in May 2021 and community members were delighted to hear the bells ringing out across town during Monday practices and on other occasions. On March 4th, Montgomery bell ringers joined a campaign for bell towers across Europe to ring in support of Ukraine. This occurred simultaneously across Europe at 7pm UK time, 8pm Central European time and 9pm in Kyiv. The next quarter peal attempt will be on 14 May, when the tower will be visited by a group from Oswestry. Local ringers are also hoping to attempt a quarter peal to celebrate the Queen's jubilee in June. New ringers, or those with previous experience, are welcome at Montgomery tower's practice evenings on Monday nights at 6.30pm. The bell ringers are also planning a tower tour in September for those interested in finding out more about the bells and how they are rung.