News

A53 Roadworks 29 August – 7 September 2023

The A53 between Battlefield and the Muller Roundabout will be subject to night closures for carriageway repairs. Closures will be from 20:00 – 06:00. The work will be carried out in 4 phases:

Phase 1 – Battlefield to Shawbury – 29/08/2023-30/08/2023 (1 night)

Phase 2 – Shawbury to Hodnet – 30/08/2023-01/09/2023 (2 nights)

Phase 3 – Hodnet to Tern Hill roundabout – 04/09/2023-05/09/2023 (1 night)

Phase 4 – Tern Hill roundabout to Muller roundabout – 05/09/2023-07/09/2023 (2 nights)

Annual Glow Worm Spotting Walk

Hodnet Footpath Group are again running a ‘Glow Worm Walk’ on the evening of 27th June – weather permitting*.

This is a night time walk when we try to spot some of Hodnet’s rare glow worms, these rare beetles being found locally only in the vegetation alongside the old railway line running from Hodnet to Wollerton. During their brief breeding season the females can be spotted glowing to attract a mate. Ideally a warm, dark and dry night is the best time to spot them from mid June to mid July.

This year we are meeting at The Bear in Hodnet from 9 pm, for those who would like to have a drink/socialise beforehand, and then making our way to the old Railway Line bridge on Station Road, Hodnet, for a 10.30PM departure. If you prefer you can meet up at the railway bridge on Station Road at 10.30. There is roadside parking nearby.

Children and dogs (on leads) welcome. Sensible shoes and clothing and a torch advised.

*In case of rain the event will be be cancelled and take place at the same times/venues the following Tuesday, July 4th.

Are you eligible for a COVID-19 spring booster vaccination?

The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination campaign is ongoing, and eligible Shropshire residents have been invited to boost their immunity.

The vaccine is available to:

  • People aged 75 or over
  • Anybody who lives in a residential care home for older people
  • Those aged 5 or over, who have a weakened immune system.

Those living in care homes have been prioritised, and local care homes have been receiving visits from roving NHS teams since the programme launched in April 2023.

COVID-19 vaccination clinics offering bookable and walk-in appointments are being organised and delivered by Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust.  The latest dates and venues are available to view on the website here.

You can also sign up to Shropshire Council’s coronavirus updates mailing list for a weekly timetable of upcoming clinics across the county.  Join the mailing list here.

The last date for eligible people to receive a COVID-19 spring booster vaccination is Friday 30 June 2023.

DATE CHANGE – December’s Walk – HFG

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the date of our December walk has had to be changed from the Tues 6th to Tues 13th December. All other details unchanged, as below.

This months public walk, led by Hodnet Footpath Group, will follow the route of our walk 3 leaflet, the ‘Permissive Path’ walk from Hodnet to Marchamley – but then go onwards to Hawkestone Hall where we will stop for the purchase of a coffee/tea or seasonal drink, plus take a walk around their gardens. Afterwards you can return to Hodnet directly, or continue the walk via the second part of the published route down Long Lane and over The Hearne to Hodnet.

This is an easy walk over largely dry terrain – so, hopefully its nearly weather proof !

Meet at the Lyon Hall’s car park in Hodnet ready for a 10.00 departure.

If you intend to come, please let David Wilson know (07970304169 email: david.wilson65@icloud.com)- so we can alert you to late changes &/or advise Hawkeston Hall of likely numbers to expect.

Accompanied children and dogs [on leads] also welcome. Sensible footwear advised.

Expected duration of this walk – around 2.5 – 3 hrs.

Note. To assist with planning, we aim to do these walks on a regular day each month, usually the first Tuesday of the month. Future walks – January 2023 – none; February 7th (Hodnet to Wollerton and back via Espley) March 7th (Around Fauls); April 4th (TBA); May 2nd (TBA).

All walks will start at 10.00 AM and last around 2 – 3 hours.

Keep up to date with all our activities via the Hodnet website or, better still, our group’s own Facebook page – search for Hodnet Footpath Group.

Unwanted Tree Dates!

Well, it took about 6 emails and a couple of phone calls but I finally have some dates when the STC Depot will be open to receive donations of unwanted trees. Dates and times are as follows:

Monday 31st October        10am – 3pm
Sat 5th November            8am – 11 am
Wednesday 9th November    9am – 3pm
Sat 12th November        8am – 11.30am

A location plan:

Autumn Public Walks- 2022

Although the response to our earlier season walks was a bit patchy, and rain forced cancellation of one, we’ve decided to persevere and try some more in the Autumn – all in the hope that local residents and friends will join us to explore some of the interesting (possibly ‘hidden’ to many) countryside that exists right on our doorsteps!

Past walks have attracted a diverse bunch of local folk, so why not come along for a pleasant stroll in good company?

To assist with planning, we aim to do these walks on a regular day each month, namely the first Tuesday of the month during September (Stoke on Tern to Peplow), October (Around High Hatton) and November (Hodnet to Fauls). All walks will start at 10.00 AM and last around 2 hours.

Full details will be put on the village website and our Facebook page later in the summer, please look out for them. In the meantime, if you’re interested, please note the dates in your diary.

Free parking is available at all start points. Accompanied children and dogs [on leads] welcome on all walks. Sensible footwear advised, plus a drink/snack. Most walks are between 2 – 3 hrs duration.

Keep up to date with our activities via the Hodnet website or better still our groups own Facebook page – search for Hodnet Footpath Group.

8/7/22 – New Date for Glow Worm Spotting

AMENDMENT: Due to changeable/unsuitable weather this event, planned for 1/7/22, has now been moved to the reserve date of 8/7/22. All other details unchanged. If you registered you will have been sent an advice email, if not and especially if you miss this website notice, please accept our apologies. Hopefully see you next week.

Hodnet Footpath Group are once again running our annual nightime walk to try and spot some of Hodnet’s rare glow worms.

These nationally scarce, and locally rare, insects live in certain parts of the vegetation alongside the old railway line from Hodnet to Wollerton. During their brief breeding season they may be spotted glowing to attract a mate.

Glow Worm taken at Hodnet 2016

A warm dark and moonless dry night is the best time to spot them from mid June to mid July, and our walk this year is being held on Friday 1st July. Although you can turn up on the night, it helps us plan/manage the event better if you register your interest. Please contact David Wilson email david.wilson65@icloud.com or call 07970 304169

Meeting Point: By the old Railway Line bridge on Station Road, Hodnet, for a 10.30PM departure. Alternatively, meet in the reception area of The Bear Inn, Hodnet, at 9.30pm for a pre-walk drink – departing for Station road at 10.15pm.

Children and dogs (on leads) welcome. A torch may be helpful for the walk [but isn’t necessary for spotting Glow Worms!]. Sensible shoes and clothing advised.

Note. If wet, the event will be cancelled and then take place on the following friday. If you let David Wilson know you are coming he can keep an email/phone contact for you and let you know if this becomes necessary.

Heating Oil Thefts

The following is from Market Drayton Police Facebook page. Market Drayton’s PCSO Steve Robinson says:

“Following the recent spike in crude oil prices, the cost of heating oil has also increased. Reports have been received relating to thefts from tanks at residential properties and commercial premises, notably in rural locations.

“Things you might want to consider could be:

Implementation of a fuel management system with a key or code access and alarm features.

Try to ensure the tank is overlooked either with natural views or using physical surveillance such as CCTV or, better still, both.

Install anti-siphoning devices and lockable fuel caps.

Install motion sensor lights.”

In addition, sometimes its a good thing to be a nosey neighbour! If you see strange vehicles about, jot down number plates or take a photograph if it is safe to do so.

Christmas Fayre

Don’t forget! The Christmas Fayre is at the Lyon Hall, Hodnet, tomorrow, Saturday 27th November, between 10 am and 2 pm.

There will be craft stalls, gifts, preserves and refreshments.

Parking and entry are free.

Fix my Street!

Shropshire Council is encouraging residents to report issues of concern via the website www.fixmystreet.com

Reporting anything is a very straightforward process. Typing in a postcode brings up a good map of the area so that the issue of concern can be marked. There is a comprehensive ‘tick box’ list of categories – Abandoned vehicles, Bus stops, Car parking, Dog fouling, … Pavements/footpaths, Potholes, …Other. Users are encouraged to add a photo of the problem – issues with photos are apparently likely to be resolved more quickly. Users are required to put in some personal information but, from my own experience, this doesn’t generate a mass of ‘rubbish’ correspondence, just allows confirmation that the issue has been logged.

The process is simple and quick to do. We all have things we like to grumble about so let’s actually report them! A flood of reports about and photos of the same potholes might get them fixed sooner.

Click on this link to go directly to the website: https://www.fixmystreet.com

Public Walk – HFG: 3rd June 2025

Our next “First Tuesday” walk will take place on Tuesday 3rd June, when we will be walking our ‘Route 7’ around Fauls. This walk is approximately 5 miles, mainly across fields with quite a few stiles and gates. It is dog friendly and takes about 2 hours.

Meeting at Holy Emmanuel Church, Fauls (roadside parking) we’ll walk to Marchamley Wood via Fauls Farm and then head to Mickley via one of 2 possible routes. The route then takes us to Hoarstone Lake where we head back towards Fauls. Everyone is welcome, good footwear is essential and dogs are welcome.

There are some good views of the surrounding area and there is a short version of the walk if you just want to walk part of it, (about 1.5 miles)

Meet at Fauls Church at 10.00 a.m. prompt. We hope to see you there. 

Walk leaflets are available at the usual outlets, or can be downloaded from our webpage www.hodnet.org.uk/fpg

Public Walk – HFG – 1st April 2025

Our next ‘1st Tuesday’ walk is around Stanton upon Hine Heath and is being led by Derek Orton.

Meet for a 10.00 AM start at Stanton’s village hall [on Church Road, Stanton. SY4 4NF].

All are welcome, including dogs and children – with the former on leads, as appropriate.

This is an approx. 6 mile walk along lanes, tracks and footpaths – with a few gates and stiles and is ‘dog friendly’.

Any queries call Derek on 07360631654

Public Walk – 4th March

Hodnet Footpath Group’s ‘First Tuesday’ walk is on Tuesday 4th March, when we’ll be following the route of the ‘Tern Valley Walk’ (leaflet 9 in our series).

Meet for 10.00 am start at Peplow Chapel.

It’s a there and back walk from Peplow to Stoke on Tern, and is about 5 miles long with a fairly flat route and just a few stiles.

As it’s Shrove Tuesday , we’ll be dishing up some outdoor pancakes at the halfway ‘snack point’ (the Picnic Area by Stoke upon Tern Church) – courtesy of Jake who’ll be firing up his camping stove.

NOTE. Parking is limited by Peplow Chapel so car sharing is encouraged, &/or you could leave a car at Stoke on Tern Church and just walk one way?

Everyone is welcome including dogs – this is a dog friendly route. You can find the Walk 9 guide on our webpage https://hodnet.org.uk/main/index.php/tourism/local-walk-leaflets/

As always, we suggest sturdy waterproof footwear and suitable clothing.

Any queries or questions, please contact Jake Williams on 07474 974477.

We hope to see you there.

Shropshire Recycling Centres

This just in from Shropshire Council!

Recycling centre booking system

HRC new

From Monday 17 February:

People visiting one of our five recycling centres by CAR will no longer need to book in advance – but may be asked to show proof that they live in Shropshire.

People visiting with a VAN or TRAILER will still need to book a slot, and must also show proof of residency when they arrive.

This change is being introduced following feedback from residents, and to make it as easy as possible for Shropshire residents to use the centres.

Book to visit with a van or trailer

February Walk 4th Feb

Hodnet Footpath Group’s next ‘1st Tuesday’ walk will start off from Hodnet Social Club’s car park on the recreation ground (NOT The Lyon Hall) at 10AM.

It will follow an easy route incorporating the old railway line to Wollerton, returning along lanes via Heathbrook Farm and Webster Lane Farm. The whole route is approximately  4 miles, (1-2 hours), fairly flat and dog friendly – with options to shorten the return route.

As always everyone (including dogs) is welcome, and we recommend sturdy and waterproof foot wear is worn. Any questions or queries,  contact Steve Alden on 07774 969339.

 Walk leaflets are available in the village shop, The Lyon Hall and the doctor’s surgery or download from our webpage https://hodnet.org.uk/main/index.php/tourism/local-walk-leaflets/

We are always looking for new people to help with our work parties and committee work. If you would like to get involved message us on our Facebook page or call the above number.

HFG – January 7th 2025 Walk

Our first group walk of 2025 is based on the ‘Long Lane Walk’ (Hodnet Footpath Group walk leaflet 2).

This is a moderate difficulty walk using fields and lanes with a couple of stiles included. It is approximately 4 miles long and is dog friendly – taking 1-2 hours.

Meet at the Lyon Hall car park for a prompt 10.00 a.m. start. There is additional parking on Hearne Lane if the Lyon Hall car park is full and The Bear is open at lunchtime should you wish for refreshments afterwards.

As always, everyone including dogs are welcome, and we recommend sturdy foot wear is worn.

Any questions or queries, you can contact Jake Williams on 07474 974477. 

A41 at Tern Hill to close for surface repairs

The A41 at Tern Hill will be closed for surface repairs from 9.30am to 4pm on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 December 2024.

During the closures a signed diversion will be place – and access/egress for properties  and businesses within the closure will be maintained when safe to do so. Depending on their vehicle type, road users may be able to choose an alternative diversion route.

People are asked not to park on the road during the day whilst the work is in progress.

All planned roadworks are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be displayed on the yellow advanced warning signs.

During the work, access to the works area will be restricted to:

  • Local residents who live and reside within the road closure
  • Businesses located within the closure (if applicable)
  • Pedestrians, dismounted cyclists and equestrians
  • Emergency vehicles

Nov & Dec ‘1st Tuesday’ Public Walks

In November our walk is on Tuesday 5th.

For this walk we go slightly outside the Parish, starting and finishing at The ‘Tiddly’(The Royal Oak) in Ellerdine (Hazles Road) TF6 6RL. Please note the walk has a later start time of 11 a.m. – to hopefully see the end of the walk coincide with the opening of The Tiddly at 2 p.m. when drinks and snacks will be available – if you so wish. Dogs are allowed in the pub too.

Derek will be leading the walk and has cleared it with the Landlord for us to leave cars on the pub car park.
Meet at the pub ready for a prompt 11 a.m. departure.

This walk is largely flat, circular, and passes through Muckleton and Ellerdine. It is anticipated to take 2.5 – 3 hours.

Note. It is possible to cut out the last section of the walk and take a short cut back to the Tiddly by walking about a third of a mile down a road.

As always everyone is welcome, along with dogs. Sturdy footwear is recommended. 

Derek’s last mystery walk was a real treat and we expect this one to be equally interesting. Any questions or queries, you can contact Derek Orton on 07360 631654.

Our December walk is on Tuesday the 3rd

This will be our seasonal Xmas walk from Hodnet to Hawkstone Hall, where you can explore their gardens and/or buy yourself a coffee/drink.

It will commence at our usual start time of 10 a.m. from the Lyon Hall car park.

The walk will go to/from Marchamely via the permissive path and/or over the Hearne – weather (and time) depending!

As always everyone is welcome, along with dogs. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Any questions or queries, contact Jake Williams on 07474 974477