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I noticed something this week; that on the 12th October the Community Online forum was 3 years old and if you are wondering what the number in the Topic Title is then take a look at the figures below. In the 3 years the forum has been live: 242 members have joined 433 people followed the Twitter page 113 people 'liked' the Facebook page 711 Topics have been posted 10 local businesses advertised in the business section 3,286 posts have been made and a whopping 311,432 views have been made to posts on the forum. I hope that you'll agree thats pretty impressive for a local website. I also have a very exciting project in the pipeline, as things progress I will keep you updated. So thanks for the past 3 years, I'll keep moderating the forums, posting stuff and keeping all the workings up to date and running smoothly. All you need to do is keep posting topics, adding events to the calendar and adding pictures to the gallery, because community forums aren't about me posting things its about the members of our community sharing information with each other, collaborating and hopefully making the place in which we live better for everyone. See you in the forums, Lee

Community Online are proud to annouce that it has won the Media Trust Inspiring Voices Award. Quote from Media Trust’s marketing director, Gavin Sheppard: “We know that there is a wealth of great media work already going on in the community, but we were especially impressed by Community Online. This project provides a valuable communication channel for those living in the villages and is a true example of community reporting in action These awards recognise the achievements of projects like Community Online that have used media to promote a positive change in their local community. Whether it’s creating an online forum to connect local people or making a film to promote awareness of an issue, anyone can use the media for the good of their local community. I hope that the success of Community Online will inspire others in Shropshire to share their story and connect with the local community” To read the full press release download the attached PDF Media Trust Press Release.pdf

Just a quick news update to say to that Community Online will be available at the Weston Rhyn Youthclub Victorian Tea on Saturday 18th February. So if you have any questions or would like some advice this would be a great time to have a catch up. We will have a couple of computers there if people want a demonstration or need any help in signing up. Information about the Victorian Tea is in the calendar here.....

Winners of a personalised Community Online Mug are....... Smithy rachyowen Maggie Matt H Liam Hope Vuyo Madikezela Simple Simon Neo cazzie1dav Justin (Teddy) Cliffe RobGreene Shooting Folk Zoe B Well done!

What about having a go at clearing thecanal embankment slope on the Gledrid side of Avondale? Its a scrubby mess, and sycamores are growing up to hide the view. There is a seat there, but doubt you could see very much at present. Could this then be sowed with wildflower seeds? The brambles are choking out the rosebay willow herb which are very pretty where they flower. It would also be nice to put a planter or 2 alongside the canal in Chirk Bank.

Thank you to everybody at St Martins this afternoon for making us so welcome. We hope to be able to work together much more in the future.

We've recently awarded Community Chest grants to Fusion Arts Oswestry and The New Saints Community Foundation for summer holiday activities for young people in each of the villages of Gobowen, St Martins and Weston Rhyn. Starting from Saturday 18th July and running until the end of August. Full details on our website http://www.big-local.org/youthactivitiessummer2015-327

That's what we're hoping Maggie, however if anyone is struggling and would like to get to this one, get them to give me a shout. it would be a shame to miss out for the sake of coordinating a lift.

I may have some wonderful news for you, Rob: My spies have been out and they tell me that a meeting was held to discuss the old station and the possibility of turning it into a "community hub". I've been informed that representatives from Cambrian Railways, SCURA, Chirk Railway Station, Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council and Shropshire Town & Rural Housing were in attendance. Apparently they discussed the possibility of relocating Gobowen library there, developing a café and waiting room, perhaps a ticket office...maybe even having a bridge to cross the line from one platform to the other. Those present think they can obtain the building without payment.

Saw this objection by Sue Cowley (Whittington Parish Clerk) in the 'Public Comments' section of the Application : Comment submitted date: Tue 11 Nov 2014 Members of Whittington Parish Council feel that this application should be deferred as there is not enough information to make a reasonable judgment on the impact to the quality and character of the countryside. There should have been public consultation meetings held in the parishes that are affected by this application. The meeting for Selattyn and Gobowen, the parish mainly affected by this application, is due on November, this should have been held before in this parish not St Martins. As Whittington is also affected this application should be deferred until a public meeting in the parish is arranged. Unfortunately, Sue has quoted the wrong date for the meeting which is why it is not shown above (to avoid any more confusion!) The Meeting is, of course, on the Thursday 20th November in the Pavilion at 7.00 pm Lets hope that the very least our Parish Councillors will do, is the same as Whittington.

Just seen the reports of the court case online. My take on the subject: If I lived in Gobowen I'd be very, very, wary of neighbours who are taking photos - covertly or otherwise. The reporting in both the publications I saw was somewhat misleading. Mainly in that the dog Little Boy was said in court to have "severe mange." Everyone saw the photos of Little Boy when he was being taken away from the house - does that look like a dog with "Severe Mange?" That dog was killed by the RSPCA. The report in the Daily Mail said the RSPCA inspector said they were barely recognisable as dogs. Well, it looks like a BORDER COLLIE to me. If an RSPCA inspector can't recognise this as a dog - then there is no hope. I know that many people in Gobowen will think the situation reflects badly on them - and it does. Because all it goes to show is that when people get old and when they have been independant and are losing that independance, all people do is criticise, judge, blame and attack. I have been to Gobowen and I kinda liked it. A small, close knit, supportive non-judgemental community. At least it was when I was there which was a long time ago. I'm sorry for all concerned. At every level this situation has highlighted the problems with today's culture and mentallity. What happened to a little bit of help is worth a lot of sympathy? We are getting to be a nation of old people - so remember, next time, it could be you. I wish the residents of Gobowen a peaceful future.

Brilliant archery session this morning - thanks to Nic Pickles and helpers. Sports hall tomorrow and Thursday at 10.00 - 12.00 followed by swimming at 2.00 both sessions £2. CIRCUS SKILLS FRIDAY 10.00 - 12.00. Ages 8+ FREE.

My daughter had a fab time on Wednesday, thank you. She's looking forward to Archery on Tuesday (and bringing a friend :) !!).

....and what about his poor old dog that was snatched away and then put down. How frightening was that! I cannot believe the autocratic way this has been performed. Why didn't anyone talk to the neighbours first about what was maybe needed? Don't RSPCA realise that there is a mutual relationship between owners and pets, usually based on love and respect on both sides. It's all well and good to sweep in with guns blazing when intentional cruelty occurs, but in many cases what is needed is support and help for the owners and animals, not this sort of shocking event. It's all one sided.

Hi Lee, I am a Unltd award winner, just now rolling out practical photography courses for beginners. Im trying to give people who find it hard to get time for themselves (carers) and the older members out there. new hobbies so that they can get out and enjoy new things. First course is being held in St Martins Centre starting Monday April the 8th 10-1pm. everyone welcome, bring your camera along or hire a dslr cmera to use, limited supply. 5 week block course, can guarantee it will be a fun and easy going course.

Well said that man! I know how hard the youth club committee, and Lee in particular, worked over the years to keep the youth club going, despite the lack of support from many in the village. I know how much work goes in to each application for funding, whether or not they are successful. No way is it 'just a couple of 18 year old girls' who are needed. Shropshire council do not give grants out for this sort of thing, other than via the LJC, which has supported the youth club in the past, but nowhere near the levels of funding needed to cover room hire (£1000 from Stute plus various amounts for supposed damage caused by the youth club), Insurances, activities etc etc. It is a bit late in the day for the Quinta to offer use of its facilities to the youth club, maybe this should have been done a few years ago; one costly problem in Weston Rhyn is that transport is needed to get young people to many activities because Weston Rhyn has few local facilities. Mr Bullen seems to have a very naive idea about what is needed to get a youth club running and even more naive idea that there is a plentiful supply of money sitting in 'the council' just waiting to be asked for... I wish! Many of us have supported the fundraising activities in the village over the years, such as a race night, Victorian Fair, etc etc. all of which have taken hours and hours of organizing. The youth club committee were very successful in getting grants too, But in the end it was all too much and the youth club folded this summer. It is my belief that if there had been more support from the village, and the Stute committee in particular, then we would still have a youth club, however, if Mr Bullen manages to get a youth club going again then I will also support his efforts via any fundraising activities etc he plans. Weston Rhyn village should support all its citizens, and that includes the sometimes stroppy teenagers. (I'd be more than stroppy if I was still young and stuck without transport with nothing to do in such an anti-youth village).

Motorcycles have been my passion for almost 40 years, yet I strongly doubt that a motorcross track, somewhere near Gobowen will have any impact on the current group that are using childrens offroad motorbikes illegally, dangerously and antisocially in the village now. They are also, in my opinion , unlikely to use any 'legitimate' track due to the likely restrictions of that kind of venture- not least of which will be the need to transport machines by some other means. One would like to think that it could be their fathers, but their influence is notable by its absence from my observation. However, if there really is sufficient demand, you will receive the support that you are going to need. I wish you well.

speeding through Gobowen past the playing fields and also past the school on the old A5 is a problem. as for parking on the st Martins road out side the Chapel, the gates are left open on the playing field car park with more than ample parking, but having said that parking outside the chapel does slow the traffic down, but is also dangerous.The ball being kicked out of the MUGA on to the the road outside the playing as caused a few near misses.

Don't you think that hobbits probably live down in the little nooks and crannies in Glyn Morlas? Bugger otters, I'm always on the look out for hairy feet when I'm along the Ceiriog. (after all Morda is only the other side of Oswestry)

3PYA are running a FREE sports/activity day at Rhyn Park Sports Hall on Saturday 10th March from 1pm until 4pm. It is aimed at all youth aged 10 and above within the parishes of Weston Rhyn, St.Martins, Gobowen and Selattyn. There will be a wide range of activities for all abilities and should be lots of fun. Refreshments will be available. The event will be run by Jamie Stafford and supported by youth leaders from Weston Rhyn, St.Martins and Gobowen. If you need assistance with transport please contact your youth leaders or call 07582002023

A huge thanks to everyone who came to the Racenight, sponsored races or donated raffle prizes. It was a huge success and hopefully everyone had a great time. We raised an amazing £1100 for the Youthclub, as well as £120 for Cancer Research UK from the raffle. :D

craigemery...... maybe, just maybe, this forum will get like minded people together to organise some of the events you mention. It appears to me that there are a lot of people who say, I miss or I wish we had... and if they got together then we could put all these events back on.

It's really good to be the first on to post a message on this part of the Community Chat site. I want to say to my fellow residents in St Martins what a wonderful place to live and can I ask anyone who loves living here, join this topic and post their views on what it is they find particualy good about living in this village. You could also share the thing that you think might improve the village. Come on, have your say, you never know you might make a difference!

It is regrettable that the 5MW application, approved last December, does not also include an agricultural plan. One of the reasons in the statement made by the Secretary of State,made when dismissing an appeal against the refusal of planning permission at Parkham Old Hall reads : The Secretary of State also found the 25 years’ loss of agricultural land (there were no definitive plans for agricultural use alongside the development) “counts against the proposal”.

Agreed, but surely Parish Councils can make suggestions? S C C (Shropshire County Council) can make justifiable design demands without any difficulties! Read an article yesterday - worth considering : Imagine if you were thinking of buying a new house, and found it didn't have a shower and wash basins in the bathroom. And they hadn't bothered to put electricity plugs and light sockets in the spare bedrooms. If you wanted these items you would have to fit them yourself. When you asked the salesman about this skimping on essentials, he said it saved you £3000, so you should be grateful. This wasn't so far from the state of things as recently as the 1960s. Many homes did not have central heating. It had to be messily added on a few years later, and at considerable cost. Today we expect new homes to be finished with those details throughout. So why are most new homebuyers deprived of an additional, and very useful, feature, a source of free energy that will continue to deliver, with little or no maintenance for many years to come? I think making volume builders fit solar panels to all new homes is such a blindingly obvious, and simple, green initiative by the government that I struggle to fathom why they don't do it. It's even more puzzling when you consider those panels could help the UK meet legally-binding Co2 reduction targets. In the village where I live, I've noted the outbreak of shiny panels on roofs, from old to newish, over the past four years. They are on former council houses, 19th century cottages, and all sorts of postwar properties and some shops and industrial buildings. The only place you don't see panels is on historic, often listed properties (understandable), and on the roofs of those several hundred brand-new homes built over the past four years or so. Quite baffling. The builder, I'm sure, will have done whatever building regulations dictate to achieve energy efficiency. There will be double glazing, hot tank lagging, attic insulation and draught proofing. But not a single solar panel, unless the buyers fitted them themselves afterwards. And retrofitting is actually less likely because the last thing new owners want to do is shell out on an add-on to a new house, particularly one they could have had in the first place, after they have arranged the mortgage and started the repayments.

I have had the following letters printed in The Advertizer in recent weeks: 1. It is excellent to read that the new B & M store on Salop Road has created 80 'new' jobs. BUT: How many are full time? How many are part-time? How many jobs (full and part-time) were lost when Homebase closed? It is difficult to celebrate these 80 new jobs without knowing the full facts about the previous redundancies. Published 20 / 10 / 15 2. It is some time ago that you briefly reported that Cllr Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, was 'under investigation'. Since then, we have been told nothing. This has resulted in wild accusations and many unsubstantiated rumours. Cllr Barrow has written in the Advertizer about 'openness and transparency'. Surely now is the time to put this into practice and for him to tell us all exactly what is going on. Remember that he is Oswestry South's Shropshire Councillor. Published 27 / 10 / 15 3. Oswestry Equality Group is a non party political group which believes that everybody has the right to free speech. The following is NOT a party political question. At our meeting reported in last week’s Advertizer, one question remained unanswered. Why don’t the politics of the majority of Oswestry Town Council and our local Shropshire Councillors reflect the economic situation of this area, where we have low incomes and relatively high unemployment? Published 03/11/15 These are not rhetorical questions, and I would really value some feedback. So- what do you think about them?

Its excellent news that the fencing and goal posts are actually being replaced... The news on the grapevine around the village was that they were coming down simply because of "Noise Complaints" from people who actually moved into their homes after the Mugga was built. The kids who regularly use this facility, mine included, came home distraught that the Mugga has been demolished (Their words not mine). They were really concerned that their needs were of secondary importance to those who obviously have no patience where kids are concerned. They had knowledge that the Mugga was there and surely knew of any noise implications before they moved into their new homes... Both I, and my children, hope the council gets contractors to complete the works prior to the summer holidays.

The project is actually a material that has PV fibres in weft and battery fibres in warp. It generates and stores its own power. In answer to your question you could have PV windows and greenhouses.

Usually, now, once a development is completed, a developer will pay something towards Shropshire Council, who, once they have checked that the road is up to standard, will then 'adopt' that road. There are quite a few older roads around here which have never been adopted for one reason or another. The first point of call is your Councillor, who can take this up with Shropshire Council officers on your behalf. It must feel very unfair when you pay council tax to find out that you are responsible for the upkeep of a road.

Grow It,Make It,S how It At St Martins Centre - Saturday September 28th 2013 Gardeners, bakers, crafters, photograthers and childrens can enter there prize vegatables, flowers, photos cakes, kniting, garden on a plate, painted stones etc. Follow this topic for more information and schedule, coming soon. :rolleyes:

I only post what I get sent...... Is July or August their month off?

The Bryn y Castell Coppice Conservation Group have put on a display of their work in the back room (meeting room) in Gobowen Library. The exhibition will be on throughout the rest of August 2014. All are welcome to view this local initiative.

The Graham Edward Memorial Season is now into its final week. They have lots of equipment in the pavilion. They also had a match on the evening of the same day (kick off at 6.30pm). Although I was aware that the National Play Day happens around now I know the council didn't receive a booking form prior to the event. The first I knew of it was seeing a banner on the fence on Monday morning (although I had received an email on the Sunday asking if the building was available). In addition, following recent matches and the GE guys doing sterling work clearing up litter after all matches, all the litter bins are full. Although there was a collection on Monday morning, the collector (Ringway) refused to empty the pavilion bins. As it's a brown bin collection week, the pavilion bin will remain full until next weeks' collection. I hope that sheds clearer light on the situation.

I think we all need to be aware that Lee pays for the site out of his own pocket, (server, domain, licenses) and also spends time making sure no nasty stuff gets onto the site. We all appreciate what he does as a valuable service to the villages but business advertising on the site doesn't go near what it costs). It looks like a professionally run thing from an organisation, but there is no financial or other support. It's won prizes too!

Can I put my vote in for a seperate section for BL, so that we can all get involved as things progress?

Fantastic evening. Well done Keith Allum and Sue Schofield for all your hard work.

Thanks for the update Sue. Very best wishes to Nick, hoping for a speedy recovery and back home soon.

...I've heard that there may be someone supplying not just cold refreshments but hot drinks, cakes and puddings!

"Betty's Coffee Shop" is, I think, a chain whereas the one in Gobowen is just a name. I think they have been "advised" to rename the cafe. I think "Twmpath Tearoom" would suit it.

Welcome to the Forum Robin and welcome to our part of the world :)

I attended the consultation last night. This is what it was all about: Oswestry Town had applied for support from the Mary Portas review of town centres but was unsuccessful, however, they have managed to get £10,000 to improve the town centre. The idea was to put in place a "Town Team" to identify "what suits Oswestry". The scheme was a joint economic venture between Shropshire Council (they were in suits), Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry Chamber of Commerce. However, funding streams are more available to community bodies rather than local authorities, so part of the consultation concentrated on how to get different groups talking to each other, forming connections and generating ideas. I might have mentioned Community Online as an example of a forum linking up three villages that share ideas and get individuals and groups talking to each other, and it was taken on board as an option. Someone did mention that "not everyone is online" and another said any new forum should be part of the Oswestry Town Council website (did I mention there were a lot of town councillors present?). "Project North" was presented by Stewart Thomas, Planning Manager of Shropshire Council. He mention trying to get groups communicating with each other, talking to the owners of unused shops but not trying to impose development. Kate Garner of Shropshire Council set a number of quetions for attendees to answer that would give them some pointers as to how the £10,000 should be spent: How can we improve communication (between individuals and groups - should it be virtual or hardcopy?) and be inclusive? How do we promote and develop the town as a whole place (what is its USP)? What do we need as far as street scape (pedestrian/car/cycle) is concerned? How will it be managed? I heard someone mention that street furniture should be cleaned or removed. I must say I couldn't help mentioning the traffic free route a couple of times. The results of the Oswestry2020 consultation won't be made available until April. It was a good opportunity to do some networking, but I do feel that £10,000 isn't going to make a big difference to the town, and I do get frustrated with people who talk down the internet as a tool for consultation (and even actual physical change)...sheesh! The new Centre in Oak Street (replacing the old North West Centre) is very impressive, but there is a design fault: The building is one of these fashionable glass structures letting in plenty of natural light from street level windows, and during some presentations some kids outside thought it would be fun to tap on the windows constantly. Notes to architect: FUNCTION FIRST, design second.

I assume that is because Gobowen is on the Oswestry exchange and they are being upgraded to BT infinity. We over in Weston Rhyn are coming off the Chirk exchange and I think they still have women plugging in wires to connect calls. I used to find in Weston Rhyn the broadband speeds were very hit and miss, I was getting as low as 120k when the street not 50m away were getting 8mb at exactly the same time.

Thanks lee as when i was younger i was lucky as u helped alot of us in gobowen youth club and weston rhyn i used to be one of these youths and iv changed alot since then and grown up to see how u helped us and thats why i want to show the younger people there is other way of having fun without being stupid and getting arrested.

I think it is a great idea Sophsmiler. You need to find some suitable plot of land, which has an owner who will support this, (isn't there any waste railway land around this area?) and then look for wider support in the villages, and then look for some funding. I agree, try Andy at Unltd, who maybe could give you some money to allow you to develop the idea. It's a lot of work, which is why you need a lot of support from other people. It might also be worth approaching BigLocal via the members part of this site, as a possible project for young people from the £1million. grant.

The Green Room Youth Project has Awards For All Funding to support sports sessions on the playingfield and also media sessions. We need volunteers to help with the project and energise the sessions with young people. Ideally we need a local artist to help with an art project. We also have a fine tuck shop and would welcome ideas of how we could look at opening the pavilion during the summer holidays to give young people access to snacks and sport equipment loan. Please contact Julie by email greenroomgobowen@live.co.uk or phone 01691 677301

Lets hope the nice weather comes back for the Play Day. We have a list of all the other activities for youth over the summer here

Got it in hand for council assisted volunteer force to clear the bank at Avondale,but have had to pull plug on it now until after ducks finish nesting under the brambles. Have had to get permission from British Waterways (Health and Safety) and that has taken absolutely ages so have been overtaken by randy ducks! Once the scrub and brambles are cleared off then volunteers would be handy to keep it down. Don't think anyone wants pristine tidiness, there are things struggling to exist under the brambles, some beautiful snowdrops for example, and I think the Rosebay Willowherb is glorious on that bank; but there is an awful lot of dead stuff, scrub and rubbish underneath it all that needs to come out. Somewhere I would like to see wildflowers or 'special' tree is at the top end of what will be the new car park in Gledrid. The new sculpture will be set on a plinth of polished steel so a wildflower meadow around it would make it look as if it was floating on flowers in the summer. I have a bag of acorns from the Fairy Tree Old Oak which need to be planted up, They would truly be Jubilee Oaks. I am hoping that we can get into the allotments soon so I can plant them and see what comes up. A wildlife group in Chirk Bank would be brilliant, there's lots to do.

Valentines day..... how romantic. :wub: Maybe because its a old flame?

Don't forget it's the Racenight this Friday 3rd February. Your last chance to get tickets is Wednesday so that we know final numbers. If you want to come along, have some great fun and support Weston Rhyn Youth Club and Cancer Research UK then get your tickets from Angela Bright, Lee Barnfield or Anthony Whyton (at The Last). More information here

Brief Update: I have applied to LJC for some funding to get this off the ground, so I now need anyone who is interested to get in touch. I am thinking to physically start meetings after Easter, which gives time to put something in the Wren and to get a group of people together, and to get some ideas about what people want to do. I am wonderring what sort of time and days suit the most people?