The unique cards are available from a number of shops in Montgomery, and the Okami Makes Facebook page, which her parents help run.

From the beginning of her venture the nine year old was determined to donate some of the proceeds from her cards to charity and has now been able to hand a cheque for £100 to her favourite charity, Havenmore Hedgehog Rescue.

Rose Lambert from the charity said: “Thank you so much Jenny, we’ve bought three boxes of puppy milk for the hoglets so far.”

Jenny is planning to donate the proceeds from her Fathers’ Day cards to the Twin a Tap charity, which works with Tearfund in Africa, and which Montgomery Children’s Church have chosen as their charity to support during lockdown.

A welcome return for town signs

Simon Bedford has been working hard to ensure those travelling towards Montgomery are greeted with bright and welcoming signs as they approach the town.

The five signs, which had been established by Bob Jones over 20 years ago, had become a little tired, so Simon set about raising money for them to be sent away to the original makers for refurbishment.

Through a combination of crowdfunding and support from the Town Council, his efforts were successful and the signs have now returned to their rightful places.

Simon said, “I would like to thank all those who contributed, and who have been patiently awaiting the signs’ return.”

He added, “The refurbishment is superb and the signs now look brand new - they should last well into the future.”

Simon was helped by Montgomery resident and colleague Jim Wilkinson to erect the signs, and local resident Dave Perry said: “It’s great to see the signs back in place, they look wonderful, and provide a real welcome to the town.”

Open Book goes online

THROUGHOUT lockdown a team from Montgomery Chapel and Church has been visiting Montgomery Church in Wales Primary school since September 2019, to take assemblies using the Open the Book stories and curriculum.

The team has continued to prepare and present assemblies virtually, practising and recording the stories on Zoom.

The children have responded enthusiastically. “I loved the online Open Book assembly. It was fun to see them. I would enjoy this every day,” said six year old Rhiannon..

One story, recorded in May, was about the Holy Spirit arriving at Pentecost, and the children were invited to think about who helps and guides them.

Following this, the assemblies have been about the life of Jesus, including some of the stories that he told. “I really like it and I am happy they still did it through lockdown. It put a smile on my face,” said April in Year Five.

Team coordinator Helen Hayes said that members of the team feel privileged that they can continue to have input into the life and education of the children at the school.

“Presenting the assemblies has been a lot of fun for the team and we hope and pray that they will help the children during the stresses of lockdown and give them the tools to manage difficult times in the future,” she said.

Mayor starts second term

Councillor Haydn Andrew, who was first elected mayor in 2019, has been elected unopposed by his fellow councillors to serve a second term.

He will be supported once more in his work by the mayoress, Jane Lloyd.

Mayor Andrew said: “I am proud and honoured to be invited to serve for a second year, though it has been disappointing not to be able to hold the traditional mayor making, which is enjoyed by many townspeople in Montgomery and surrounding area.”

He added: “I will be working hard once again to serve the community and my mayor’s charities for the forthcoming year will be Cancer Research and the Wales Air Ambulance.

“Our biggest challenge and focus for the year will be to to support local businesses and tourism once the lockdown is over, while still ensuring local people, especially those who are vulnerable, remain safe and well.”

Recycling for Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Society is processing items such as jewellery and coins for recycling to raise funds.

Deb Wildsmith is coordinating a collection in Montgomery and has ordered the envelopes to recycle these with the society.

If you have any unwanted jewellery or other items which you would like to donate, then please drop them off at Hurdley House, Castle Street, Montgomery.

Lockdown Reads

Monty Lit Fest didn’t let a little thing like a pandemic get in the way of celebrating what would have been their Festival weekend on June 12-13 and went virtual instead.

For the online launch party of Burning Issue on Friday 12, author Myfanwy Alexander was joined by panel host and chair of Monty Lit Fest, Sarah Morris, and the award winning comedian Tudur Owen.

In addition to entertaining discussions, centred loosely around Myfanwy’s new book with questions from the online audience, there was also a quiz with the prize of a bottle of Montgomery Vineyard sparkling wine for the winner with the runners up receiving signed copies of Burning Issue.

On Saturday June 13, Monty Lit Fest hosted the online discussion “Monty Lockdown Reads”.

The fantastic panel – comedy producer Steve Doherty and local authors Julia Forster, Alix Nathan, and Mike Parker, chaired by Sarah Morris, created the ultimate lockdown reading and listening list, based on their own recommendations combined with suggestions from a very engaged and active audience. The full list is posted on the Monty Lit Fest website to help you find your next great read or audio entertainment.

Keep an eye on Monty Lit Fest’s social media as they will be offering a chance to vote for your favourites from this list, resulting in a Top Ten Lockdown Reads to be revisited at Monty Lit Fest 2021 in Montgomery.

Diary Dates

Thursday, June 25 - Montgomery Market (outdoor food stalls)

Thursday June 25 - Montgomery Town Council Meeting. NB this meeting is held online, for details of how to join, please contact the clerk at townclerk@montgomery-wales.uk

Friday, June 26 - Friday morning prayer online

Saturday 27 - Offa Veg and Taste Montgomery outdoor stalls (morning only)

Sunday, June 28 - Church services online

For details and joining information for online Church meetings, contact Rev Alexis at smith.sparrowssong@gmail.com

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday - Yoga and somatic movement classes online see www.creativeyogamotion.uk/www for details

Tuesday, June 30 - Clwb Eiddew, Welsh language book and chat group online (contact: julie.pearce5@btinternet.com)

Thursday, July 2 - Montgomery Market (outdoor food stalls)