2022 has begun on a high for the Friends of Montgomery Play Park with an award of £2,000 from Postcode Community Trust.

This funding will go towards the development of a bespoke, imaginative and inclusive play park in Montgomery that offers much-needed enhanced physical play opportunities for all ages and abilities.

Alex Boyd Jones, Chair of the Friends Group, said: “We have all been working hard to raise funds to get this project off the ground and this grant will help to make those plans a reality.

“The town desperately needs to have a new play area to replace the old and inadequate facilities.

“We are hugely grateful to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery for this boost for our community.”

The Friends have launched a new website at https://playpark.montgomery-wales.uk, which gives a comprehensive overview of the project to date and a chance to see the proposed plans and how people might be able to support the new park.

The group is indebted to Adam Cusack from G17 IT Solutions, who has supported the project by designing and implementing the website, and to Montgomery Town Council who have given support to hosting and integrating it within its website.

Meanwhile, contributions can still be made to the Localgiving online fundraiser, where donations will help raise £2,000 towards a cantilever basket swing, an all inclusive and dynamic piece of equipment voted as one of the favourite items in the proposed plans.

Night hike fun

Members of 1st Montgomery Rangers recently took part in a night hike, walking 25km along the Kerry Ridgeway.

They started just above Bishops Castle at 11pm and came into Newtown for breakfast at 7am.

This was a joint event with the Newtown Explorer Scout Unit, and the hikers had to cope with very cold weather and some slippery conditions.

They detoured at one stage to view the Botfield Cross and the Cantlin Stone.

Leader Cath Wilkins said: “The young people did exceptionally well under very challenging conditions, walking a long way by the light of the almost full moon.

“One of my own most abiding memories is the night hikes I did as a Ranger and a Venture Scout in the past, and it’s wonderful to be able to provide these experiences for our members.”

1st Montgomery Rangers have continued their weekly meetings throughout the ups and downs of the pandemic.

They are very grateful to Neil and Karen Oughton for giving them permission to use one of their fields in Lymore Park.

This term, the oldest Rangers are starting their Gold DofE awards. Two of the group, along with Leader Cath Wilkins, have been chosen to represent Wales at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in 2023.

Auctioneers set for return to hall

Halls Fine Art Auctioneers are delighted to be returning to Montgomery Market Hall to hold a free valuation event in February.

Taking place on Thursday, February 3 between 10am and 2pm, this will be the first of six valuation days that the fine art team will be hosting at the hall every other month throughout 2022, having previously held two valuation days in 2021.

Attending will be Gerry Berwyn-Jones, head of the department, and jewellery and silver specialist, Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, offering free valuations of clocks, works of art, furniture, ceramics, paintings, watches, jewellery and silver.

To bring an item for a free valuation, please contact Halls Fine Art to book a time slot on 01743 450700 or email fineart@hallsgb.com.

If you are unable to attend or require a house visit then please also contact the team.

Homeless funds

The After School Club at Montgomery School raised some funds for equipment through a quiz hosted by the Dragon Hotel and the children spent some time deciding how best to spend the money.

They spent half the money on equipment for sports, games and activities, and chose to spend half on sleeping bags for the homeless.

Keeping it local, these will be delivered to the Shrewsbury Ark.

One of the ASC supervisors, Caryl Davies, said: “It is so pleasing to be part of such a caring community. Well done children, I am really proud of you.”

“Headteacher Anna Griggs said: “What a thoughtful idea. Thank you to the Dragon Hotel Montgomery for hosting our quiz too.”

Fayre postponed

The Montgomery Community Fayre event that was originally planned for January 29 has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 12 when it will take place from 9.30am to 12.30 pm in the town hall.

Community members are invited to come along and find out what is going on in Montgomery and how you can join clubs and societies or become more involved.

For information please contact Graham Evans graham.evans@pavo.org.uk or Jill Kibble jill.kibble@montgomery-wales.uk