Rolling out the barrel for cash

Charity competitors will be rolling out the barrel - or rather carrying the barrel - to raise cash for the Shropshire Star's Flying Doctor Appeal in May.

The Wrekin Barrel Race involves teams of four battling to take a nine gallon beer barrel to the top of The Wrekin in the fastest time.

Graham Webster, organiser, said: "I think it's in its ninth year now and this year we would like to make the beneficiary the Flying Doctor Appeal.

"It's on the third Sunday in May - May 20 - and we're looking for teams of four strong young lads to compete against each other.

"The best we've had is 15 teams. It's been won by a team from the Cock Hotel in Wellington for the last six years, and the best time we have had from bottom to top is 22 minutes and six seconds.

"That's from the start at the rifle range and coming up the back road to Halfway House and up to Heaven Gate, which is the finish," he said.

Water

"The barrels are loaned to us by Hobson's Brewery. They're filled with water, unfortunately.

"The women's race is with an empty barrel. That's not sexism - a full barrel weighs 50kg."

Mr Webster said the race was an idea he came up with years ago when he was a member of Telford Lions and they were looking at different ways of raising money.

However, the Lions no longer run the event.

He said the qualifications for entering were "you have to be over 18, really strong and fairly fit, and committed to raising some money for charity".

Cash came through sponsorship and a £5-a-head entry fee.

Anyone interested in entering can contact Mr Webster for details on (01952) 254949.

Prize

A karaoke and disco is being held at Knighton next month in aid of the appeal.

Mike "Sugar" Stasiw, organiser, said: "I have Gavin Blake doing the karaoke, and there is a prize draw as well.

"It is at the Knighton Hotel, Knighton, and will be on April 27, from 9pm to 1.30am.

"I did a run for the air ambulance about 10 years ago, from Presteigne to Bucknell, and have also done a bungee jump."

As for the importance of the appeal, Mike, who lives in Knighton, said: "It's terrible for getting a doctor round here. It's out of the way and out in the country on the Shropshire and Powys border."

l Have you got something planned to support our Flying Doctor Appeal? Then don't forget to let us know about it so we can highlight your effort.

Drop a line to Toby Neal, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire TF1 5HU, call (01952) 241458, or e-mail tneal@shrop shirestar.co.uk

Events lined up to boost funds:March 15: Sportsmen's charity dinner, hosted by the Rotary Club of Wellington. Guest speaker, Bath and England rugby union star Gareth "Cooch" Chilcott. Telford Whitehouse, 7pm for 7.30pm, black tie event, tickets £30. To reserve tables and tickets, e-mail David Lovatt, club president 2006/7, at pres06@wellingtonrotary.org.uk

March 18: Concert by top Irish entertainer Brendan Shine at The Place, Oakengates, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £11 and are available from the box office on (01952) 382382.

March 24: Annual expo, and primary schools football and netball tournament, Moor Park School, near Ludlow. Cash raised from a food stand at the event will go towards the appeal.

March 30: This is the provisional date for a massive "mufti-day" which, it is hoped, will involve all primary and secondary schools in Shropshire. The non-uniform day is being organised by Shropshire Ambulance First Emergency Response.

March 31: Easter Fair, Barclay Gardens residential home, Donnington, 2pm.

April 1: Concert of country and Irish music, with singer Jimmy Buckley, at Whitchurch Civic Centre, 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50. For details, call (01948) 664577.

April 9 (Easter Monday): Whist drive at Westhope Village Hall, near Craven Arms. £1.50 admission, 8pm start.

April 21: Coffee morning at Leebotwood Village Hall, 10am-noon.

April 27: Karaoke, disco and prize draw, Knighton Hotel, Knighton, 9pm -1.30am.

May 20: Wrekin Barrel Race - teams of four in a race carrying a beer barrel to the top of The Wrekin. For entry details, contact Graham Webster, organiser, on (01952) 254949.