The new Bishop of Ludlow, Alistair Magowan is continuing his tour of his new Diocese with a trip to Clun and the Upper Clun Valley, Bishop’s Castle, and Churchstoke. The visit is being co-ordinated by Richard Shaw, the vicar of Clun and Rural Dean for that area of Shropshire. It will take place on 16th October.

“I am looking forward particularly to this trip as it includes meeting lots of people,” said Bishop Alistair. “I love the idea of going to one of our primary schools and the visit to meet students at Bishop’s Castle Community College.”

The Bishop is starting his day Clun Primary school, meeting the Head teacher, Heather Smith. From there he is heading up the Clun Valley to Three Birches Farm to have coffee with a group of local farmers, at the home of Sandra Davies, Churchwarden at Newcastle Church and a member of the Local Ministry Team in that area of the Deanery. From there he will head for Bishop’s Castle Community College.

“It’s going to be a very busy day, but I think it is very important to start immediately trying to understand local farming needs and issues and chatting to young people who live in one of the most rural parts of a very rural Diocese!” said Bishop Alistair. “I shall certainly be ready for that pub lunch.”

In the afternoon, the new Bishop will be driven around the Deanery which covers the South West Corner of Shropshire from and over the Welsh border to just west of the A49 at Craven Arms. He will have afternoon tea at Harry Tuffins in Churchstoke. He will return to Bishop’s Castle for an evening meeting with members of all the Local Ministry Groups (groups that comprise ordained clergy and lay people from the parishes) at the Church barn, behind the parish church.

Note to editors: There are numerous photo opportunities during the visit. Please contact Rev Richard Shaw  01588 640809 who is co-ordinating the visit to Clun Forest Deanery