RATS murder mystery, just a few ticketsleft

Dear Blogger

Message from Claire Trickett

RATS murder mystery - just a few tickets left - see attached for details

Himalayan Balsam - pull them up before they seed Platt Bridge this friday @3pm

Dear Blogger

Message from Wendy Lowdon

Just to remind you, several people will be gathering to remove Himalayan Balsam upstream from the Platt Bridge on both the Ruyton XI side and the Baschurch side. 

Himalayan Balsam maybe a pretty looking plant but it creates a mono-culture. It out performs native plants therefore insect and small mammal biodiversity dies also with the loss of the wonderful variety of British native plants. As Himalayan Balsam is an annual, the new crop of the plant comes from seed, which it produces prolifically, and not from the root. In winter it dies off and then there is no vegetation to hold the soil of the banks of the river and adds to the likelihood of breakdown of the river banks and erosion. If you have Himalayan Balsam you are urged to remove it before it develops seeds. By doing so you are supporting the growth of local native plants, stabilizing the river bank and your plant is not seeding places down river from you. Remember Himalayan balsam cannot be put into the green bin for disposal but the pulled plant , without seeds, can be left high on the bank to decompose.  

The Baschurch side will meet on the Dairy Pak truck area at 5.00 on Friday afternoon and 3.00 Saturday afternoon.

The Ruyton Side will meet at the Platt Bridge Meadow at 5 on Friday afternoon and 3.00 on Saturday afternoon. 

We will walk to the affected sites. You must wear protective clothing, gloves, long sleeves and thick trousers to protect you from nettles while you tackle the balsam. We will leave the 'pulled balsam' high on the bank as it will not be necessary to remove so long as it has not have a seedhead. We are only aiming to do an hour or so. Where there are bare areas, we will sow some seed obtained from Landlife UK Wildflowers suitable for riverbanks including meadowsweet, loosestrife, vetch, Yellow flag iris and Sedge which are perennials and will hold the bank. 

With best wishes,

Wendy Lowdon

07800658540

Mill House Garden open for the NGS charities - & it`s on your doorstep!

Dear Blogger

Be part of our community and support this garden opening which raises funds for several great charities.  It`s not far - enjoy the walk and a lovely garden with teas.

Message from Debbie & Jeff Sargent, Mill Lane

MILL HOUSE, MILL LANE, Ruyton XI Towns 

will be open under the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 7th June, 2 - 5 pm. 

Riverside garden, woodland, herbaceous borders and unusual shrubs and trees. Next door to the Mayall Arboretum. 
Tea and cakes available, plant sale, books and garden bric-a-brac.
Entrance £5. All proceeds to NGS charities.

Ruyton XI Towns Church Clock appeal

Dear Blogger

Message from Richard Herzog, St. John the Baptist Church

As many of you will have noticed, our village clock in the church tower has been out of action for the last six months. We have obtained an estimate for repair and thanks to some generous donations and a grant, we are hoping to be able to get the work done this summer. If anyone would like any more information or would like to make a donation please contact Richard Herzog on 07929933742. Or at herzog.fish@gmail.com.

4 Alicante Tomato Plants available

Dear Blogger

4 sturdy Alicante tomato plants available.

Email yoland@eleventowns.co.uk

It is HOT and in Ruyton and Shropshire we live near water, Float to live advice

Dear Blogger

FLOAT TO LIVE - advice from the RNLI Royal National Lifeboat Institution

We live near the River Perry and are often in Shrewsbury and next to the River Severn, not to mention Ellesmere and all the other lakes in Shropshire and Wales.  Please pass this safety message round your family and friends. 

Float to Live https://rnli.org/safety/float

Would you know what to do if you got into difficulty in the water? Float by following these five simple steps – it could save your life.

RNLI

This advice is useful to everyone, however you use the water. It has helped save the lives of more than 50 people in all sorts of situations. From children in rip currents to runners falling into canals, from people swept out by waves, to fisherman falling overboard.

The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. Practise floating in a supervised location like a swimming pool.

Linocut at the Orchard on the Cliffe

Dear Blogger

Message from Joanna Gears, Cliffe Crafts.

Next Weekend we are running Linocut sessions on behalf of the Lingen Davies Cancer Support Fund. One on Sunday 31st May and also on Monday 1st June starting at 10 am. A minimum donation will be requested of £5 for the charity and materials will be charged at cost. Learn a new skill and have a great day out in stunning countryside. Assistance will be given in getting to the Shed for those who haven't been before. Email cliffecrafts@gmail.com for further details