SOAP BOX DERBY - Richards Castle is hosting its premiere Soap Box Derby at Hanway Common on Sunday. The first race starts at 10am and the entrance fee for spectators will be £2 (children free).

The course is 550 metres long with a descent of 50 metres. During recent test runs speeds of up to 38mph were achieved. Other attractions include food and bar, bouncy castle, mountain boarding and paragliding demonstrations. All money raised will be donated to the following charities: Marie Curie Cancer; Richards Castle Village Hall; St John's Ambulance and First Responders. For further information go to www.richardscastle.com or phone Chris on 01584 831570 or Shelley on 01584 831651.

Churchyard -There is said to be confusion about who is responsible for the maintenance of the graveyard at the redundant St Bartholomew's church in Richards Castle. At the moment, the cost is shared equally between the Parish Councils and the Parochial Church Council.There is a body of opinion that the parish councils should pay a larger proportion of the cost of what is now the village cemetery since the PCC have the church of All Saints and its surrounds to maintain.Parishioners are currently being canvassed for their views.

Retirement - Two Shobdon stalwarts are retiring at the end of June. Mrs Marion Carmichael has operated the village shop for 31 years and her chief sales assistant Mrs Janet Griffiths has been by her side for 28 of them. The villagers will miss them and thank them for all they have done for the village over the years.