Half a century of Offa’s Dyke Path

THE latest Monty Hour featured Rob Dingle who gave a talk on 50 years of the much-loved Offa’s Dyke Path that weaves its 285 challenging kilometres in and out of Wales.

Rob illustrated his talk with a wealth of photographs, giving a flavour of the varied scenery and also looking back to the early days and the opening ceremony at Knighton which was conducted by Lord Hunt and enjoyed by over 2000 people on July, 10 1971 after some 20 years of planning.

On its route from Sedbury to Prestatyn, the path roughly follows the enigmatic Offa’s Dyke.

The reason for construction in the 8th century may never be known – defensive structure, kingdom boundary or merely for stock control.

Rob’s job is to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy this wonderful route and he described some of the improvements: moving the path off the fragile Scheduled Monument; keeping stiles and gates in good order; replacing stiles with gates wherever possible; and adapting to the challenges of river erosion.

When pressed, Rob stated that his favourite section was the dramatic limestone cliffs at Eglwys above Llangollen.

Offa’s Dyke Path is a favourite far and wide and this Monty Hour was even joined by a gentleman in America planning to walk the path when the pandemic allows. There is plenty of on-line information on the Path, including Rob’s ODP Facebook and Twitter providing up to date information.

Walkers are Welcome Montgomery are hoping that their October Walking Festival will go ahead this year and will include a stretch of Offa’s Dyke Path with guest leaders Rob Dingle and walk writer Tom Davies.

The talk was recorded and the link can be found on the Monty Hour page https://montgomery.cloud/hour where you can also find details of upcoming events and the link to join the Monty Hour on Wednesdays, 7-8pm.

In the Monty Hour on March 31, Sue and Mark Michaels will talk about the Passover celebrations including the story, food and traditions.

Couple to open picture gallery

Montgomery couple David and Anthea Wilson, who have been sharing their photographs of Montgomery in a variety of ways over the years, will soon be showcasing these and other products and services in a new shop in Bishops Castle.

David explained that the new shop, the former MMP estate agents, is ideally located in an arts and crafts area of the high street, and plans for it to be open in May.

In the meantime, David is creating window displays for the shop front.

He said: “The window displays will showcase our current offerings and other local crafters’ work while allowing us to refurbish the shop area out of view of the public.

“It’s important the shop front remains nice to look at and I’m keen to avoid the shop looking messy or deserted. I hope people in the town will enjoy the displays as we get to work.”

The couple intend to spend some time taking landscape photography of the Long Mynd and other popular walking spots and local villages once restrictions allow, to add Shropshire and Bishops Castle canvasses to their substantial catalogue of Montgomeryshire images.

He said: “We look forward to welcoming friends to our shop and will keep everyone informed as to our ranges when we have them ready.”

Easter egg trail

THE Friends of Montgomery School have arranged a fundraising Easter egg hunt in an alternative form - as a trail around the town which can be completed by families any time between March 27 and April 10.

Maps can be collected from Bunners for the entry price of £2 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Children will find hidden letters, complete an anagram, and collect a chocolate egg reward. Don’t forget to bring your own pen.

Victoria Tibbott from the Friends of Montgomery School said: “We really hope the children will enjoy this activity over the Easter holidays.

“It will help to raise funds for the school too - including supporting the school’s efforts to improve the outdoor learning environment.”

Nomadic return

After a break since the new year, Kate and Stu will be back at The Cottage, Montgomery serving wood fired pizza from their Nomadic Appetite van from the start of April.

The pair’s visits were much appreciated during the 2020 lockdown, along with their safe collection slot system.

They’ll be popping up on Friday, April 2 for the Easter weekend, then Thursday April 8 and April 22 with a visit each first and third Thursday of the month after that.