Latest Montgomery news

A round-up of the latest news from Montgomery.

Tree-mendous start for new play park

The first element of the new Montgomery Play Park has been put in place, an exciting first phase that will eventually deliver a plush new facility for the town.

The initial concept of replacing the life-expired playground at Tan y Mur was followed by detailed and extensive community consultations and a lengthy period of planning and serious fundraising, including the now traditional autumn Scarecrow Trail. 

The Play Park is a partnership initiative between the Town Council and the Friends of Montgomery Play Park, and a number of generous donations have been made by local people and organisations. 

The first donated item to arrive on site was the gift of a fine oak trunk from Powis Estates after Jack Tavernor, Estates Manager, informed the group that the tree needed to be cut as it was becoming dangerous, and they were trying to prolong the life of the tree by reinvigorating the heartwood.

There are many years of play value in the tree, and the group are looking at creating a nearby seating area.

Kate Macdonald, from the Friends group, emphasised how grateful the town was for the donation and all the help given by the Powis Estates team in securing the right shape of log, prompt delivery and ensuring all was well placed. Kate said: “Delivery of this play tree contributes to the first phase of items and equipment that is now underway. It was so nice to have a team of smaller supporters with us this morning who were able to test out its playability for a range of ages.”  

800 years of walking in the footsteps of Kings

This year’s Montgomery Walking Festival (September 30 and October 1) celebrates the 800-year anniversary of the founding of Montgomery Castle with several walks with royal links and a special Dolforwyn Castle Walk on the 1st.

All walks are led by knowledgeable leaders who will add to the enjoyment with local and historic information.

As always, the six walks vary from a gentle and mainly flat four-miler to a full day 18-mile challenge for spectacular views and genuine exercise. There is no charge for any of the walks but numbers are strictly limited and places must be booked.

A few places remain on some of the walks so don’t delay but book your place today via

www.montgomerywalkingfestival.co.uk.
Open gardens and homemade teas

The gardens at Garthmyl Hall (SY15 6RS) will open as part of the National Gardens Scheme from 12 noon-5pm on Sunday, September 10. Admission is £5 and children are free. There is partial wheelchair access.

The beautiful 5-acre estate has walled garden, gazebo, long herbaceous border, specimen trees and a wildflower meadow with pond.

Home-made teas will be available, provided by and raising funds for Friends of Montgomery School. 

New yoga class comes to town

A new yoga class will start at Montgomery Town Hall on Monday, September 11 with instructor Jess Stait, a fully qualified breath-based hatha yoga teacher.

The class will be a 90-minute mixed ability session starting at 9.30am and costing £8, and it will take place every Monday morning.

You can book via email or WhatsApp where Jess’ contact details are staitjess09@gmail.com and 07974 010980.

Jess said: “I’m very excited to share this with the community. These classes are suitable for all ages and abilities, and everyone is welcome.”

Repair Café

Montgomery Energy Group were pleased with the many items saved from landfill at their June Repair Café, and have announced the next one is Sunday, September 17, from 3-6pm, at Montgomery Activity Centre. 

Montgomery Energy Group Repair Cafés are community events where, alongside refreshments, friendly “fixperts” try to mend various types of broken items brought in by local people so they don't need to buy new items and less has to be thrown away.

Depending on the volunteers present, they can normally fix bikes, clothing, crockery, toys, furniture and sharpen tools and sometimes electrical/electronic items. MEG’s free bike and repair scheme is usually there too.

At the September Repair Café, there will be plenty of capacity for clothes/textile and bike repair, as there will be two seamstresses and two or three bike fixperts in attendance.

There will also be PAT testing (which is now obligatory for any mains electrical items brought in) and all the other usuals.

You can check whether a particular fixpert or service will be present by emailing jeremy.brignell-thorp@hotmail.com or contacting MEG through fb.me/MontgomeryEnergyGroup

There will also be a Repair Café in Newtown on Saturday, September 16, and another coming up in Leighton in October.