history including the extension of the West End, the addition of a second vestry (to the rear) and a bell tower. In 1979, the building was devastated by fire and services continued during that period in the hall next to the Church. It re-opened in 1981 with a newly commissioned stained glass window to the East End, a donated window depicting the nativity in the West End, and various pieces of furniture donated from churches elsewhere. Governance Gobowen is part of the electoral ward called Gobowen, Selattyn and Weston Rhyn. This ward had a population of 6,866 at the 2011 Census. Amenities and attractions Derwen College, which provides residential further education for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, lies in the village. The college also operates a garden centre, Young Farmers' shop (selling produce grown at the college), coffee shop and restaurant. The village has shops, medical facilities and schools. There are three churches — Anglican, Methodist and United Reformed. There are around 20 organisations offering activities in which to participate. Local tourist attractions include Park Hall Countryside Experience, Chirk Castle, Whittington Castle and the Shropshire Union Canal. Orthopaedic hospital The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital is sited nearby. It was established as a convalescent home for disabled children in 1900 at Baschurch by Agnes Hunt. In 1919 funds and premises became available and the hospital transferred to the hospital section of a former army camp at Park Hall. The new site was officially opened on August 5, 1921 by Margaret Cambridge, Marchioness of Cambridge in the presence of its founders Sir Robert Jones and Dame Agnes Hunt. Much progress has been made since that time both with vast new buildings and pioneering medical treatments. Transport Gobowen lies on the A5/A483 roads between London and Holyhead. The village has regular bus links with Oswestry, St Martins, Ellesmere and Wrexham. Gobowen railway station is served by Transport for Wales with regular trains connecting to Wrexham, Chester, Shrewsbury, Holyhead and the North Wales Coast, Cardiff and Birmingham. See also Listed buildings in Selattyn and Gobowen References External links Gobowen is part of the Community Online forum http://www.community-online.co.uk Villages in Shropshire