The new Reception class children at Montgomery Church in Wales School are approaching the end of their first term in the school.

Headteacher Anna Griggs was amazed by the youngsters’ confidence as they learnt and performed the Talk for Writing story ‘Little Red Hen’ during the autumn.

The children have recently featured in the town’s online advent calendar, for which they made a special recording of a favourite Welsh Christmas carol, ‘Ser y Nos yn Gwenu’ along with their friends in years one to three.

Castle closure

Montgomery Castle is currently closed until further notice.

Pizza sale raises £600 for charity

Kate and Stu Richards, of Nomadic Appetite, decided to donate all their pizza profits from the first week in December to Self Help Africa, a charity which they have supported for some time.

The pair bring their delicious wood-fired pizzas to the Cottage car park in Montgomery every Friday, as well as providing them from The Talbot in Berriew on a Thursday.

The total raised came to an amazing £600, which Kate said included “donations from many of our customers, and a very generous donation from Russ and Pam from Monty’s Brewery.”

The fund will be further be boosted by the Gift Aid scheme and will help to improve the lives of those in Africa.

Kate said: “We have already handed over the donation and the charity are eternally grateful.

“A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of you our dear customers – you are amazing.”

Self Help Africa, a Shrewsbury-based charity, supports people who are living in poverty in rural communities across six countries in Africa. Their work can be seen at https://selfhelpafrica.org/uk/our-work-in-africa/

Businesses step up for Christmas

Having stepped up to support the local community and producers throughout the lockdowns this year, businesses in Montgomery are again offering a range of special services to help shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

They are hoping residents will embrace the ‘Shop Local’ promotion this year.

A range of hampers are available from Castle Kitchen and Taste in Broad Street. Offa Farm Fruit and Veg are also offering a Christmas Hamper service, as are several Taste Montgomery members including Amanda’s Bread and Morwen’s Montgomery Meats. Montgomery Spar is offering a free delivery service (minimum order £10) for all its customers.

Monty’s Brewery has a range of gift packs to suit all pockets and tastes.

The Taste Shop is staying open late between 4pm and 8pm on Tuesday to Friday, with a personal shopping offer, which will give pre-booked customers the chance to browse upstairs and down, with complimentary drinks and nibbles, without having to worry about the pressure of a queue waiting outside.

Upstairs will be open for gifts, yarn and more, with downstairs hosting its usual fabulous food fayre and foodie gifts.

Katrina Collins from the Taste shop said: “This just gives a little seasonal feeling while someone enjoys the shop safely with a friend or family member.”

Bunners, with its newly extended sales floor, is holding a late night opening on December 21 until 8pm.

Shoppers not able to visit the store can place orders over the phone, and local deliveries are available, and for those who cannot make their minds up, Bunners own gift vouchers can be purchased.

Checkers Kitchen is offering those feeling pressured at this time, or those who want a special treat, the opportunity to buy in a delicious meal, cooked by their award winning chefs, for delivery or collection on Friday.

Business information can be found by visiting the Montgomery Wales website and opening the “Can Do” document from https://www.montgomery-wales.co.uk/council/covid.html or finding contact details in the Directory under the Information menu.

Diary dates

Friday December 18 - Friday morning prayer online, 9am

Saturday December 19 - fruit and veg stall, 8.30am - 1pm

Sunday December 20 - St Nicholas Church service, 10.45am

Monday, December 21 - late night shopping at Bunners till 8pm

Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 December - fruit and veg stall extra days for Christmas - orders welcome and free local delivery

Wednesday 23 - St Nicholas Church service, 7.30pm