Latest Montgomery news

A round-up of community news from Montgomery over the past week.

Winter Tea

Winter Tea is fast becoming a post-Christmas tradition in Montgomery. Senior citizens are invited to join the Town Council and tuck into plates of delicious savouries, cakes and pastries - some baked by town councillors - whilst being entertained by local musicians.

This year was no exception and, despite chilly winds and icy pavements, it saw a good crowd welcomed to the Town Hall.

The savoury selection was provided by Katrina Collins at SHED38, who has recently opened a coffee shop, eatery and vintage shop in Marton at The Old Stores.

Councillors set to and served, washed up and chatted to residents whilst a variety of music was provided by the Mike Blakesley Trio, Monty Folk and Côr Trefaldwyn. Provision of the tea was kindly supported by the Freemen of Montgomery.

PICTURE: Adam at G17 captures the entertainment

Montgomery dancers stand up to cancer

Students from the Sally Gartell Academy of Dance joined a host of performers on stage at The Hafren Theatre Newtown to Stand up to Cancer in a Showcase evening. 

Sally accepted an invitation from Melanie Jayne of MA Stage School to get involved with the SUTC fundraiser and help raise funds for such an important cause, as well as having the privilege of sharing the stage alongside other performers such as Dai Robs, Newtown and District Male Voice Choir, and MA Stage School, to name just a few.

Sally said: “The evening was absolutely fabulous. Melanie Jayne, the organiser, had created such a wonderful event bringing together a brilliant mix of performers. My students were so excited to be performing to a sold-out audience - for most, the first time being on such a grand stage! Their excitement was a joy to see, and the atmosphere in our changing room whilst I did their hair and make-up, was electric.”

Sally’s Performance Workshop students performed four pieces - two in a lyrical style and two which were more upbeat. 

Sally added: “The students all danced with such passion and enthusiasm. I stood watching from the wings, with such pride and delight at their emotive and inspiring performances.”

Marianne Després-Davies, 16, said, “It was such an amazing opportunity to dance on the The Hafren stage with my friends, supporting Stand Up To Cancer! We had the most incredible time - so proud of everybody and I can't wait to perform like this again! Thank-you everyone, especially Sally!”
The Sally Gartell Academy of Dance offers classes in ballet, tap and modern dance, following the ISTD syllabus.

Students can be entered into examinations which are Ofqual recognised and in the higher grades students gain UCAS points. For those students who enjoy learning dances to perform, there are Performance Workshop classes which work on routines to be performed at events throughout the year, for example the upcoming Montgomery Street Fair 2023.

Quiz helps Shrewsbury Ark

Caryl Davies, with help from Jodie Bocking, Peter Davies and Finn Watkin-Jones, hosted the monthly quiz at the Dragon Hotel in aid of The Shrewsbury Ark for the homeless. 

“Jay’s Boys” were the winning team this month as participants especially enjoyed Caryl’s challenge to make dancing dolls from a sheet of newspaper which caused a laugh, especially when it came to counting them.

With the funds raised, the group were able to deliver four waterproof sleeping bags, 24 jars of pasta sauce, 48 tubs of porridge, 24 snack noodles and five packets of sweet biscuits to The Shrewsbury Ark. 

Caryl said: “No one was born to sleep out in the rain and cold so this will mean a lot to those who have to. Thanks to those who participated and put up with my quizmaster nonsense!”

The Dragon quiz night is hosted in the bar, and includes a variety of rounds including pictures and challenges; there is also a prize raffle. The next quiz night date will be Thursday February 16, when the quizmaster will be Mark Cadwallader and the cause will be Montgomery Warm Space. Call 01686 668359 to book your team a table.