Seren stars in fundraiser

Seren Serjeant, age 9, from Montgomery, took part in the Children in Need challenge to ‘Act your age’.

Seren said: “I added up the ages of my family which totals 101 to take part in the challenge, and I set a challenge to run, walk and bike 101km during the month of November.”

“In total I ran 20km, walked 25.5km and cycled 56km making a total of 101.5km. I did my runs after school in the dark with my dad and dog Bruce and did my walks and bike rides at the weekends.”

Seren would like to thank everyone who sponsored her, and is thrilled to announce that she has raised a total of over £250 for Children in Need.

New Year celebrations

The usual gathering on Broad Street, which attracts hundreds of participants each year, was not able to go ahead this year.

Instead, a video was prepared for residents, which had a goodwill message from the mayor, Haydn Andrew, together with a countdown to midnight and a message pre-recorded by the Town Crier, Sue Blower.

The video, which was edited by Claire and Mark Weston, was enhanced by photographs contributed by local people, showing them linking arms as though they were coming together at midnight, with a soundtrack of Auld Lang Syne from local singers and musicians.

Cyndy Humphreys said:“It’s great to see people giving up their time and doing positive stuff to cheer up this brilliant community in these tricky Covid times.”

Paul Inns said: “Well done everyone involved in the production.” And town postmistress Denice Jaunzens added: “What a lovely way to end the year.”

The video was viewed from as far as USA, South Africa, and New Zealand, from where Michelle Logan wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Mayor Haydn Andrew said: “Thank you everyone involved in this uplifting video for their contributions and hard work in putting it together.”

The video is available at fb.me/montgomerypowys and YouTube channel via tinyurl.com/MontyCCC

New store looks ahead to 2021

The Taste shop in Broad Street, which began as a pop up shop during the 2020 lockdown, will be remaining in Montgomery’s main street longer term.

Manager Katrina Collins said: “It’s been a fabulous six months and it couldn’t have happened had it not have been for great producers and fantastic local support.

“Moving forward I am happy to say we will be continuing into 2021 and will be becoming a permanent fixture.

“Through this year I have seen our community pull together, take down barriers and warm to one another knowing we are in this together.

“Thank you all for your cheery smiles and good mornings; thank you for keeping on coming back and thank you for showing patience and understanding whilst having to queue in bad weather, it really is appreciated.”

Amelia donates her locks

Amelia Taylor has donated her hair to be made into a wig for a child or young person who has lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

The caring 13 year old from Hemdomen first donated her locks to Little Princess Trust in 2017 and then began to grow her hair again to make another donation before Christmas after being cut at Vanity Hair & Beauty in Welshpool.

Amelia also raised some money through sponsorship for another Amelia, one of her sister Zoe’s best friends, who is currently receiving cancer treatment.

The additional £45 she raised will go towards an electric bike for Amelia Spalding to help get her mobile again.

Amelia Spalding’s fundraising page can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/fngxcb-3000.

Stalls return

The Offa’s Veg fruit and veg stall will return to Montgomery Market on January 7, and Simon’s fish stall and Amanda’s Bread on January 14.

Church dates

Fridays - morning prayer online 9am

Sundays - online church service including children’s church, 9.30am

In church Sunday services are approximately two per month at 10.45am.

Please check the noticeboard for further details.

For information or invitations to online Church events, email Rev Alexis on smith.sparrowssong@gmail.com Contact Helen on 01686 668545 to reserve a socially-distanced seat at church services.