Arts and crafts

To celebrate the relaxing of some of the lockdown rules, a group of Montgomery artists and crafters are getting together and hiring The Old Bell Gallery on Arthur Street.

It will open on Saturday, May 29 and throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, from 10am until 4 pm.

After that, the ‘shop’ will continue to be open throughout June, weekly from Mondays through to Saturdays inclusive.

There will be a wide range of handcrafted work on sale and the group is hoping that visitors will get a ‘shop-like’ experience with the different things on offer.

With an array of paintings, prints and greeting cards, beautifully crafted macrame, exciting up-cycled objects, small, individual fused glass pieces, and even one-of-a-kind hand woven scarves and much more, there will be plenty to suit all interests.

Josette Gresty, who will be displaying her own artwork, said, “We hope to see you at The Old Bell gallery at some point.

“Throughout June, new things will pop up for sale in our display along with a 48 hour artist’s/crafter’s spotlight when you can drop in to see work not displayed at any other time during the month.

“It may be of importance to the artist or crafter and not for sale, or it may be for sale only during that 48 hour slot.” She added, “Those sessions will be well worth popping in for.”

The spotlight sessions and any additional information will be promoted both at the gallery and on social media. Covid restrictions will apply in the gallery, in order to ensure visitors’ safety.

Let the bells ring

Montgomery bellringers, like those across the country, have been restricted during the lockdown period, in order to keep those ringing safe.

The rules have now been relaxed and, subject to certain conditions, the full six historic bells, most cast in the middle of the 18th century, can be heard together once more.

The team were able to ring for the church service at the beginning of May, and Monday night practice sessions have been resumed.

Many people on social media posted about how pleased they were to hear the bells ring.

Virginia Whinyates, herself a former ringer at the tower, saying: “It was an absolute delight to hear our bells ringing out once more yesterday morning. That for me signifies the first indication of a return to ‘normal’ . Thank you ringers.”

New ringers are not able to join the team just yet, due to ongoing rules about social distancing, but if anyone is keen to learn, they should contact the tower captain on cethomas51@btinternet.com and as soon as the rules are relaxed further they will be able to come along to a session.

Fitness classes

As lockdown restrictions begin to lift, fitness instructor and personal trainer Steph Bates is bringing back fitness classes to Montgomery Town Hall.

Steph has enjoyed delivering online recorded classes during lockdown, and working with personal training clients.

The “Sunday Sessions” full body pump classes will begin again from Sunday, May 23 from 10-11am and there will be “StepHiit” workout classes using step boxes (but no dancing) from Wednesday, May, 26 from 6-7pm.

Because numbers are limited it is essential to book in advance and this can be done via https://bookwhen.com/stephbatesfitness

Gardening club

Montgomery Gardening Club held their popular annual plant stall in Arthur Street on May 8.

The persistent rain, and cold weather, although very inconvenient, did nothing to quench the spirits of their eager customers.

Anthea Wilson, who helped organise the stall, said: “The stall was as much a social event as a fundraiser.

“To their delight, many people were meeting each other in person for the first time since the lockdown, although it could be challenging to identify who was who when wrapped up in raincoats and face coverings.”

Money raised will help to boost the club’s funds and support its activities when they can continue.

Anthea said: “I am delighted to say we raised over £200, which will help to keep membership costs low and generally support our activities. Thanks to everyone who so generously supported the plant stall by donating plants to sell and for buying them too.”

Annual meeting

The annual meeting of Montgomery Town Council will take place on Thursday, May 27 and will be held virtually using Zoom.

Members of the public who would have attended are invited to view this meeting and should contact townclerk@montgomery-wales.uk for an invitation link before 10am on the day of the meeting.