300th free bike handed over

Montgomery’s free bike recycling scheme, run by Montgomery Energy Group, has been exceptionally busy over the last few weeks.

It was less than nine months ago that the 200th bike went out at Montgomery Show, but now the 300th bike has been delivered to its new owner.

The particular bike that went to Brenda Blakesley is a Coventry Eagle made by British Eagle when they were based at the Lion Works in Newtown.

Scheme co-ordinator Brett Kibble was delighted at how well the bike responded to restoration.

He said: “This is a particularly nice bike and runs beautifully. I have modified the gear-shifter to make it easier to use and fitted a pair of sturdy tyres so Brenda can use this lovely light bike along the Montgomery Canal.

“I was really pleased to have a bike to suit Brenda who has been such an invaluable supporter of the scheme.

“It has also been pleasing that several bikes have gone to key workers in the NHS in recent weeks.”

There are still a few bikes in stock and ready to go to new owners, but any donations of bikes suitable for teenagers or adults would be especially welcome. If you have a bike that is no longer used that you could donate, or if you would like a bike from the scheme, please contact Brett on 01686 669730 to arrange this safely.

Guiding girls are busy bees

Montgomery guide Marianne, is producing lovely quizzes for children featuring Bobby the Bee’s Montgomery (Bobby is a little mascot designed by a Montgomery Ranger, Leela).

Marianne, who will be moving on to Rangers in July, plans to make these quizzes regularly for the next few months, and she has already created an English and a Welsh word search, a very locally-themed spot the difference, and some number puzzles.

Marianne’s fun quizzes are being posted on the temporary Walkers are Welcome website at www.montgomery-waw.org.uk and shared on the Montgomery Wales facebook page, and they are proving very popular.

County Times:

Another Ranger, Rosa, has been working hard on the new Walkers are Welcome website in the background.

Because of the crisis, she has constructed a temporary site with useful information on walking at this time of coronavirus.

The comprehensive site, with a wealth of information and links, will be launched later, in better times.

Montgomery Walkers are Welcome are hugely grateful to Cath Wilkins and her team of virtual Rangers and wish the girls well with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Fish back on the market menu

Montgomery Market customers were pleased to see Simon Phillips the fishmonger back in Broad Street following a few weeks’ break while stock was unavailable.

Simon returned fully stocked and fully on form in what is his 37th year of being a regular fixture at Montgomery’s Charter Market, having taken on the running of the family fish stall from his father.

Simon said: “I’m glad to be back in Montgomery. Clearly people have missed eating fish from the stall. The queue was more than halfway along Broad Street at times, and I was sold out before lunchtime.”

Simon can also provide advice and suggestions on how to cook the different fish, as well as preparing fish ready for cooking if required.

County Times:

Weekly food and drink stalls at Montgomery’s Thursday market include: fruit and veg; cheese, milk and fresh made deli items; local meats; sweet and savoury baked goods; free range eggs and honey.

Local alcoholic beverages are now stocked at The Castle Kitchen, which is open as a deli with freshly baked items for collection.

The market enables people to purchase quality local produce whilst maintaining their safe distances, or to collect pre-ordered supplies.

Montgomery Post Office hours

Current Montgomery Post Office opening times are: Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm; Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 2pm. Please use Denice’s mobile number, 07971 435157, if you have any queries.

Diary Dates

  • Thursday, May 28 - Montgomery Market (outdoor food stalls)
  • Thursday, May 28 - Montgomery Town Council meeting (online - contact townclerk@montgomery-wales.uk)
  • Friday, May 29 - Friday morning prayer online
  • Sunday, May 31 - 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
  • Thursday, June 4 - Montgomery Market (outdoor food stalls)