The parents and children of Mini Monty’s playgroup returned to in-person meetings and enjoyed a fantastic first session on Friday.

The group has kept in touch with some online meet ups, and using their Facebook group.

However on Friday the parents were able finally to enjoy a good chat over a cuppa back at the activity centre in Montgomery while children enjoyed their return to activities.

There were some new toys which were an instant hit, and the children had fun.

Given the current circumstances, each child gets their own “busy box” full of toys and craft items which are then cleaned and isolated between sessions.

The group is making careful arrangements with regards to Covid-19 and will respond to any changes in rules.

However the group plans to keep the regular Friday afternoon sessions going for the near future.

Any parents and carers interested in joining the group must book and pay in advance of a session, with booking currently available on the group’s new Mini Monty’s Playgroup Facebook page.

Claire Powell, chair of Mini Monty’s, said: “We had a fantastic first session back. It was a very different set-up, but it worked well.

“We would like to thank the activity centre for their support, regular updates and communication which have been a reassurance for us reopening.”

For more information about Mini Montys, visit their facebook page or contact Claire on 07967 530254 or minimontys@outlook.com.

Book selection available at church

St Nicholas Church members have placed some boxes of books in the church porch to assist those who have run out of things to read.

The selection, which includes fiction and non-fiction, is available for people to browse and help themselves.

A church spokesperson said: “We will be changing the books every week, so do keep dropping by to see if there is something you might like.”

Postcard competition

Earlier in the year, Destination Montgomery ran a competition to develop a set of postcards representing the town and its surrounding countryside.

Entries were welcomed in any medium from local people young and old, all non-professional artists.

Following the difficult task of shortlisting almost 50 submitted entries, 10 very different designs were chosen to be printed to showcase the town.

These designs are now available for sale in the following outlets in Montgomery: Bunners, The Post Office, Eaves & Lord Bookshop, The Dragon Hotel, Castle Kitchen and the Taste shop.

Development officer Sarah Gilder was delighted with the response to the competition.

She said: “Once we are able, an event will be held to celebrate the entries and present the winners with a full set of the cards as a memento.”

School scheme

Do you need a sort out of your old clothes and shoes?

The Friends of Montgomery School are organising a collection through Bag2School which will accept various items of unwanted textiles and clothing and raise funds for equipment for the school and its children.

Bags can be dropped off at Montgomery School between September 21 and 24.

To minimise contact, bags can be left inside the green shed in the playground near the green bins.

For more information or to arrange collection from your home, please contact organiser Rachel Williams on 07813 666437.

For more information on the scheme, and a full list of what items can and cannot be accepted, visit uk.bag2school.com or the Montgomery Wales facebook page.

Diary dates

Thursday - Montgomery Market (outdoors)

Friday - Friday morning prayer online

Saturday - outdoor fruit and veg stall

Sunday morning - St Nicholas Church service - contact Alexis on 01686 641992 or Helen on 01686 668545 to reserve a seat

Sunday afternoon - “Ysbrydoli” Youth and Children’s Church on Zoom. For information or invitations to online Church events, email Rev Alexis on smith.sparrowssong@gmail.com

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

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