Please Note
The Deadline for items for inclusion in the
April Kerry News is Wednesday, 29th March

Women's Institute
President Margaret Griffiths 670270

What a lovely relaxing evening we had, thanks to Thelma Watkin of the Red Cross who gave us an interesting talk on the origins, aims and work of this marvellous organisation. Then came the best bit "THERAPEUTIC CARE": a gentle form of back and shoulder massage. After a demonstration by Thelma we split into pairs and Therapeutically Cared for each other, it was wonderful, thank you Thelma.

Margaret Hamnet gave the vote of thanks.

Back to business: Our team are through to the Finals of the Pub Quiz (thanks to Hilary), having come in third at the last leg. So wish us luck on the 21^st February, and Hilary please do not take any risks between now and then, your WI needs you.

Myra Henery won Flower of the Month and Margaret Griffiths won the Quiz (fluke).

Many thanks to Sue Farrington and Joy Morgan for the refreshments, Phyllis Jones for bringing a Hall Key so that we could get in, and apologies to May Smith and others who were kept waiting in the cold. Also thanks to Hilda for helping me with Welsh pronunciation.

Finally Laugh of the Month:

Three men were sitting together in a bar bragging about how they had given their new wives their duties.

The first man had married a woman from Albania and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning that needed to be done. He said that it took a couple of days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes all washed and put away.

The second man had married a woman from Korea. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and cooking. He told them that the first day he did not see any results but the next day it was better. By the third day his house was clean, the dishes were done and he had a huge dinner on the table.

The third man had married a Welsh girl. He boasted that he had told her she was to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry done and that he wanted hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye.

Margaret Griffiths

P.S. The Red Cross are always in need of people to train as volunteers or Therapeutic Carers and more information is available at the Red Cross Office or Charity Shop in Newtown.

Cornel Cymraeg Ceri

Mawrth Cyntaf - Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant
March the First - St David's Day

Y Ddraig Goch
The Welsh Dragon

Cenhinen
Leek

Cenhinen Bedr
Daffodil

Mae'r Gwanwyn yn dod o'r diwedd
Spring is coming at last

Mae wyn bach yn chwarae yn y cae
There are little lambs playing in the field

Mae'r tywydd yn gwella
The weather is getting better

Highcliffe Choir

by Mary Denniss

When I decided to enter Highcliffe Junior Choir for the International Eisteddfod at Llangollen in 1973, a colleague on the staff, Joy Knight, who had taught with Dorothy Kenwrick in Germany, suggested we approach Dorothy’s mother, Mrs Pryce, to discuss the possibility of the choir members staying in the homes of the people of Kerry.  Thus began one very precious friendship with Kerry and my introduction to a very special lady, Mrs Pryce.

Throughout the years, the name, Kerry, symbolises warmth, kindness, friendship and a strong sense of community, for every choir member.

Mrs Pryce, 68 at that time, and still involved in our visits in her 95^th year, would never be defeated by a challenge that meant helping someone.  It is thanks to her and to the selflessness and caring hospitality of the people of Kerry, that over a thousand different children have visited Kerry over the years.  Many friendships have been forged, some of you knowing more about the lives of past choir members than I do!

There are so many memories and I’m sure you could add to them.  One year our coach broke down and we had an incredibly comfortable journey back to the Severn Bridge in two petrol driven coaches – with not a single child travel-sick.

Another year, the Welsh hills defeated our urban coaches and I have memories of a long crocodile of children toiling up the hill from Newtown behind a struggling coach.

Clothing lists in the early days included old trousers for sliding down the hill and members were conspicuous by dirty seats on their trousers as they walked back to their hostesses.

As our coach arrived at Kerry Village in those early days, it was met, not only by the hostesses, but by the Kerry children.  Friendships were formed and, the litigation cult not having arrived, the children played together on the school playing field.

However, now confined to your homes, choir members get enormous pleasure from talking to you, having meals with you and some even singing for you.  As for the concert, the excitement of having you there far exceeds any concerts with Mum and Dad present.  Even the older girls will say “Mrs ---- is in the audience, we stayed with her when we were younger”.

The most moving experience ever, in the life of the choir, was the unveiling of the Millennium picture and finding the choir had been included.  Robyn Davies visited us quite unexpectedly later that year.  When I told him I had found the choir all hugging each other and sobbing after the unveiling – because this was so unexpected and meant so much – he replied that the choir was part of the village life.  Certainly Kerry is very much part of the choir’s life.  At our recruitment evenings, members are asked to tell the audience what they most enjoy about choir life.  “Our visit to Kerry” certainly heads the list.

Thank you so much for producing the excellent magazine depicting life in what must be one of the most caring, friendly communities anywhere.  It has given me a chance to tell you all how deeply grateful we are for the love, practical help and encouragement you have given us every year.

It started with a very special lady indeed, and is carried on so willingly by her daughter, Dorothy, Shirley Davies and everyone else in the equally special village of Kerry.

The Litter Louts' Lament

(To be sung to the tune of “We plough the fields and scatter”, SCATTER being the operative word).

We walk the streets and scatter our rubbish far and wide
We're not a bit ashamed of it, we do it with great pride.
Our cans and bottles hit the ground; the glass ones make a noise
We don't care if the fragments cut pets or girls or boys.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

We're generous with our litter; we never use the bin.
Except to push it over and scatter what's put in.
We hate to see streets tidy, with not much on the ground.
We do our best on Fridays to show we've been around.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

Sweet wrappers and our fag ends they decorate the town;
While packets from all products we happily throw down
We do not use our pockets to take our trash away
"Why should we take the bother", That's what we litterers say.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

We like our Happy Meals and eat what we like best.
The rats enjoy the bits we dump; they're really not a pest.
Though other people grumble about the state we leave;
They moan and groan and carry on - you never would believe!
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee,
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me

We don't know what the fuss is, we're only out for fun,
Why should we not enjoy ourselves as much as anyone?
We leave our mess for others to pick up on their rounds,
And those who pay the Council Tax - Millions of hard earned pounds.
All the rubbish round me, I've scattered with great glee.
And leave the bill, for good or ill, to anyone but me.

PLEASE LEAVE OUR VILLAGE CLEAN AND TIDY

Submitted by Betty Richards

Design and Technology

Year 5 pupils from St. Michael's Primary School designed and made Fairground Rides, in a Design and Technology project. Mr. John Pryce, Managing Director of Prymec Limited (Engineering Design and Development Consultants), helped evaluate the complete designs.

Brynllywarch Hall School

upils have taken part in fund raising for UNICEF by holding a non uniform day and running a stall for pupils to buy fruit.  The staff also held a raffle.  A total of £151.43p was raised.  This money will help with vaccination projects in Niger and Madagascar.  Our sixth form have been busy getting the new poly tunnel operational and hope to reach the standard of the renowned Kerry Gardeners!  They would be glad to receive any unwanted flower pots.  These can be left at the school during school hours.  Our younger classes recently enjoyed a visit to 'Machinations' at Llanbrynmair and were fascinated by the exhibition of automata.  All the school will be taking part in a St David's Day Assembly on Wednesday 1st March.

D.C. Williams, 670276

On a recent visit to see our daughter and her family who live in Jersey we spotted this article in the local Jersey Evening Post:

HEADLINE:
`Wales has pristine scenery to which Jersey does not bear comparison'

It turned out to be a letter (from a Mr. Michael Green - resident of Jersey), in reply to a comment made by a member of the Jersey States, lamenting the drop in Jersey Tourism, and went as follows:

"I am amazed by the comments attributed to the chief officer of the Economic Development department where it is stated and I quote`that compared with Wales Jersey was a pristine environment'.  Is he really attempting to suggest that the majestic scenery of West Wales with its rolling hills and the world renowned mountains of North Wales can be described as anything else but world-class pristine scenery on top of which the Welsh coastal scenery is unsurpassed?

Then there are many castles, abbeys and the like, all of which are recognised as outstanding heritage sites and protected as such from commercial vandalism. Not so in Jersey. Therefore to compare Jersey with magnificent Wales is out of the question.

Might I suggest that this new civil servant takes time out to explore Wales in all its glory before uttering comments which are clearly without substance."

The letter went on to suggest that the decline in Jersey tourism was caused by the exorbitant cost of reaching the island, on top of the emphasis on the finance industry. It went on:

"When I came to Jersey in the early 1960's the island was considered by many UK residents as a cheap and cheerful holiday destination with its magnificent beaches and unlimited night-time entertainment, and at that time visitors came in their droves not only from the UK but also from the continent, particularly on a weekend, where Jersey was considered an inexpensive shopping destination.

The island was buzzing with excitement every summer from March to September. But not any more, with local prices rocketing in recent years, thus killing the UK and continental golden goose that laid the golden egg, to the detriment of the local economy".

Having made a number of visits to the lovely island of Jersey visiting our daughter Sally and her family, although there are now cheaper airfares available, we have to agree with Mr Green's comments.

Pat & Dennis Greenwood

Quotes from films

Pop Singers and Groups

1

The Terminator

1

Genesis

2

Moulin Rouge

2

Britney Spears

3

The Wizard of Oz

3

Spandau Ballet

4

The Life of Brian

4

Melanie C

5

Four Weddings and a Funeral

5

Justin Timberlake

6

Back to the Future

6

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

7

My Fair Lady

7

Gareth Gates

8

Fight Club

8

Westlife

9

Taxi Driver

9

So Solid Crew

10

Love Story

10

Dexys Midnight Runners

11

Dirty Dancing

12

Top Gun

13

Jaws

14

The Shining

15

The Godfather II

KERRY FOOTBALL CLUB

Kerry have had a very good month, starting with an away game at UWA.

An excellent result.  This is a hard ground to go to.  Both teams having good spells of play, chances were very few and far between.  Kerry’s best chance came on 88 minutes, when Darren Holloway put Martin Morgan through, only for UWA goalkeeper to make an outstanding save.

This again was an excellent game, with Kerry going one up, scored by Rob Bayliss, but Llanfyllin came back to make it 1-1.  The game was decided by an excellent strike by Carl Danson.

Again, a mid-week game.  These have not been the best for us this season.  Rhayader were very quick on the break, and early on in the second half went ahead 1-0.  Kerry fought back, hitting the bar, and having one cleared off the line, but pressure told, and Kerry were awarded a penalty with ten minutes to go, Steve Pryce scoring from the spot.

11^th February  Caersws cancelled because their ground was unfit.

This was always going to be a hard match.  Aber, being a very good side, running out winners at 4-2.  Kerry goals were an own goal, and Mark Morgan getting the second.  The result was to put Aber 3^rd and Kerry dropped to 4^th in the league.

FIXTURES  2.30pm Kick off

KERRY RESERVES

A very hard fought game, Kerry doing very well and were very unlucky to lose at the end of extra time.

- - - - - - - -

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Kerry Football Club are running a casino night on Saturday, March 25^th.  A Disco and Finger Buffet will also be provided.  Come and have a flutter.  Tickets on sale soon.

Mike Morgan

Players' Profiles

Martyn Morgan (left) is 28 years old and plays winger/forward position.  He lives in Newtown with his girlfriend Tina.  He currently works in Elliotts.

Martyn came up through the ranks at Newtown playing for teams from the Youths, right through to the Reserve Team.  However, he found chances to progress to the first team limited, due to the influx of players from away.

This prompted his decision to leave the club at the start of last season and he went to try his luck at Rhayader, where he enjoyed a good season.

Jonathan Reynolds (right) lives at Oakwood, Kerry with his parents Chris and Llinos.  He currently works at Maldwyn Leisure Centre.

Jaffa, as he likes to be known, started playing football in the junior team at Kerry, moving on to Newtown.

It was clear at an early age that he was a talented footballer and this was proven when Everton Football Club signed him on schoolboy terms.  Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out for him as a pro footballer and he eventually came back to Newtown, where he played, and scored several goals in the League of Wales.

He too, was finally persuaded to come back to play for Kerry, and has been a great asset to the club in the last couple of seasons, scoring some spectacular goals.

INFORMATION DAY IN KERRY

Age Concern Montgomeryshire are continuing to host a series of Information Days throughout Montgomeryshire.  On March 16^th they will be visiting Kerry Village Hall.  We will be there from 10:30 until 2pm.  Free refreshments will be provided.

Joining Age Concern will be representatives from the Police, Fire Department, Care and Repair, Greenfields and others.  Each group will have a display of information and someone there to answer any of your questions, or just to have a chat with you.  Age Concern Montgomeryshire will be on hand to answer any questions about pensions, benefits and allowances.  We will also be available to answer other questions or direct you to the best help possible.

Come along and find out more about us!

For more information call Pam on 01686 623707

Why Worry?

There are two things to worry about:
Either you are well or you are sick.
If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about,
But if you are sick, there are two things to worry about:
Either you will get well, or die.
If you get well then there is nothing to worry about,
But if you die, there are two things to worry about:
Either you go to heaven or to hell.
If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.
If you go to hell, you'll be so darn busy shaking hands with old friends and colleagues.
You won't have time to worry!

Age Concern Montgomeryshire newsletter, Winter 2005/06

Where Are They Now?

Perhaps I had better introduce myself.  My name is Mike Turner.  I moved to Kerry in 1957, aged 7, having been born in Clun and arriving in the village via Clunbury and Mellington.

My parents, John and Betty, moved to Kerry to be nearer to Dad’s work with E Thomas and Son, Lime Merchants, based in Newtown.  Along with younger brother, Roger, we were the first occupants of number 3, The Gardens.  Although I can still remember the occupants of the original 14 houses, a young couple called Stan & Sheila soon moved into number 4, and are still there today!

I enjoyed a very happy childhood in Kerry and still see many of the friends I grew up with all those years ago.  My main love was football and in those days kicking a ball around was a rather nomadic existence as there was no official playing area, so we played wherever we could, until we were chased away!

After leaving Kerry School, which was under Dewi Evans’ headmastership, I attended Newtown High School until leaving to join NatWest bank in Newtown in August 1966.  Another Kerry resident, Carole Dimmock, had joined the same branch the previous month.

My parents moved to Park Close, Newtown, in 1967.  However, I still returned to the village regularly to see friends, support Kerry AFC, and indeed had the honour of playing for them for a season or so, regrettably not the club’s best years.

I had spells in Montgomery branch working with Brian Richards, ex mayor of Montgomery, who sadly passed away last year.  In 1969 I was transferred to Llanfyllin, where some of the basic Welsh learnt at High School  helped me out with the local Minister, who was a Plaid Cymru fanatic and would only converse in Welsh.

I subsequently worked in Birmingham, Mold and Prestatyn before moving back to Sheldon, Birmingham, where I met my wife, Steph.  Our wedding, in Marston Green, in 1981, was attended by many friends from Kerry, including the ‘Best Man’, Colin Pugh.  We subsequently moved to Nuneaton, where we still live, albeit we moved to the other side of town 15 years ago.  Both our sons were born here.  Robert is now 20 and is in his final year at Coventry University, and youngest Ian is 16 and takes his GCSEs shortly.  Incidentally, both of the boys were christened at St Michaels and All Angels, thanks to Rev Bryan Jones.

Although I initially worked in Nuneaton, my career took me to Coventry and onto Rugby in 1990, where I was subsequently appointed Senior Manager in 1995.  This summer I will have completed 40 years service with NatWest, so obviously I do not contemplate a change of career!  Banking has been good to me and has enabled me to work in many varied communities and make good friends along the way.

Mum and Dad returned to live in Chestnut Drive in the 80’s until Dad’s death in 1989.  He was determined to return to the village, despite his declining health, as he loved the villagers and in particular being a member of Kerry Church.  Mum moved back to Newtown but often walked to Kerry Church (via Dolfor!) with her friend, Gwen Owen.  Mum moved to Llanymynech 2 years ago to live near brother Roger and his family.

We are very happy living in our adopted home town, as within 1 hour we can be enjoying walks in many beautiful locations, including the Cotswolds, Derbyshire and Rutland.  My love of football remains and I am a season ticket holder at Nuneaton Borough and witnessed their recent FA cup run, which received tremendous media coverage.

I also undertake a treasurership for Nuneaton and District Scout Council and assist with the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby.

Needless to say, I have inherited the Kerry passion for gardening!

I still return to Kerry several times a year to visit life long friends, including Colin Pugh, Gordon Pugh, Mike Farrington and families.  I try to bring Mum to visit Dad’s grave 2 or 3 times a year, and like nothing better than taking a stroll around the village, bumping into ‘old friends’ who will always have the time of day for a chat.

Steph and I celebrate our Silver Wedding anniversary in May and on our last visit to Kerry, just before Christmas, we were told that plans were already being hatched for Nuneaton to be invaded by numerous friends to help us celebrate.  The loyalty of the Kerry folks never ceases to amaze me.

Many thanks to Sue Farrington for sending me a copy of ‘Kerry News,’ and for inviting me to do this article.  I have since read all back copies with great interest, and will now look forward to my monthly read on the internet, a great way for exiles to keep in touch with a very special place.

Michael Turner

Cash & Prize Bingo
at
The Kerry Lamb
on
Friday 10th March
7.30pm for 8.00pm start
in aid of Romanian Orphans
 

Any donations will be greatly appreciated.
For further details contact Amy Jones, 3 The Gardens, Kerry.  670629
Amy will be going to Romania May/June 2006 and is raising funds to help the orphans.
 

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY?

 Who?

Welshpool & District Model Flying club

What?

Flying of radio controlled model aircraft

When?

Every Saturday and Sunday (Weather permitting)

Where?

In a field off the A490 just outside Churchstoke

Why?

To have some fun and meet new friends in a very friendly club.

For further details contact John: 07977 536825 or Mike 01686 670372.

Happy Birthday Hazel Danson on 21 March

KERRY JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

RESULTS - JANUARY TO DATE