Shropshire
C
Issue 13 - 2015
Historic Houses | Festivals Gardens | Museums | Tourist Attractions
www.countysignpost.co.uk
The Ultimate Annual County Guide
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ContentS Historic Buildings Gardens & Outdoors Festivals & Shows Attractions & Museums
Many of Sh Museu ropshire’s ms ne e VOLU NTEE d RS... Welcome to the 2015 edition of Shropshire Signpost, your indispensable guide to the best tourist attractions and days out the county has to offer. We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure to read, both interesting and informative, and that you will take it away with you, to use again and again.
We offer a taster of the visitor attractions and events within the County, for both locals and those who wish to visit from afar. We are always interested to receive your comments and suggestions for future features - please contact the editor
For a free download please visit our new map-driven, online magazine website
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Click the QR code for local bus times.
Cover image Š Ludlow Food Festival
Published by: County Signpost Ltd Editor: Adam Davison All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd does not accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies which slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd 2014. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
Please mention
Shropshire Signpost
when visiting any of the attractions. County Signpost Ltd 01743 874098 info@countysignpost.co.uk
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nationaL tRuSt
attingham Park, © national trust images/ John Millar
With fascinating history and breathtaking countryside, National Trust properties in Shropshire offer something for everyone.
As well as delighting in country house splendour and beautiful scenery, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and events in 2015.
For even more great value days out, ask the reception teams about annual National Trust membership which gives free entry and parking at more than 300 historic houses and gardens.
attingham Park, near Shrewsbury
Attingham Park is one of Shropshire’s most popular attractions and is a favourite with visitors of all ages. The striking Regency mansion, tranquil walled garden, deer park and adventure playfield offer a fantastic day out for all the family. Open daily throughout the year, Attingham has a wide range of events and seasonal highlights for all to enjoy.
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Owned by one family for more than 160 years, Attingham has a history of rising and falling fortunes. Designed by George Steuart, it was built in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick, with parkland landscaped by Humphry Repton in 1797. The mansion was completed and furnished by the 2nd Lord Berwick but the extravagant tastes of the lord and his wife led to bankruptcy and almost the entire contents of the house being sold. The house was then leased to the 3rd Lord Berwick, who turned Attingham’s fortunes around.
Whether you are a family looking for activities both inside and out or someone in search of a traditional inspirational visit to a historic house and parkland stroll, you’ll find it here. Attingham, Shropshire’s leading year-round place to visit, has something to inspire and intrigue all visitors.
There are four catering outlets and two shops offering a variety of experiences and styles,
including the Carriage House Café (open daily) Lady Berwick’s tea-room, the Mansion tearoom, Greedy Pig Catering and the Stables shop and the Grooms’ Room second-hand bookshop.
Seasonal spectacles include displays of spring bluebells, summer blossom, autumn tree colour and winter snowdrops. Event highlights include Easter, Hallowe’en, Christmas in the mansion and themed tours and walks. Daily family trails and activities are held during all school holidays.
Visitors can also find out about one of our most important conservation projects to date, to install a state-of-the-art secondary roof to protect the magnificent John Nash roof over the picture gallery. With the new roof now in place, restoration work has moved on to focus on the staircase and picture gallery. Why not visit the temporary conservation studio to see the painting conservation up close? Attingham’s parkland is open every day except Christmas Day, and until 7pm during July and August. During the mansion’s open season, Wednesdays are costume days, with house guides and volunteers dressed in period Regency
costume. Dogs are welcome within the grounds in designated on- and off-lead areas.
For admission prices, opening times and a full list of events, contact Attingham Park on 01743 708162 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Benthall Hall, near Broseley
Located on a plateau above the River Severn gorge, Benthall Hall is a fine stone house with a stunning interior, carved oak staircase, decorated plaster ceilings and oak paneling. There’s even an Elizabethan skittle alley in the garden.
A family home for more than 500 years, the current house was built in 1535. However, the Benthall family can trace their lineage back to the Saxon period on this site. Throughout its existence, Benthall Hall has been a part of many interesting events, from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution.
In the early 18th century, the Benthall’s lost ownership of the estate, until 1934. As a result of the hall’s proximity to Ironbridge leading to the availability of coal and clay, new tenant
Benthall Hall © national trust images / tony Houghton
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George Maw and his brother established their tile business at Benthall. They even used Benthall Hall as a show home for their work, laying tiled floors throughout the house.
George Maw was also a distinguished botanist; he assembled a collection of rare plants from around the world in the garden, including a large collection of crocuses, which can still be seen today in the spring and autumn. The garden also boasts a beautiful Restoration church which is open to visitors, a rose garden and an old kitchen garden. Dogs are welcome in the park and woodland only.
For admission prices, opening times and a full list of events please call 01952 882159 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/benthall
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd
Comprising of almost 5,000 acres of heathercovered hills, Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd offer stunning views of the Shropshire Hills. This ancient landscape, created when rocks along the Church Stretton fault line where pushed to the surface, has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years, with scattered archaeological remains from the
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Neolithic to the Victorian period. An important place for wildlife, geology and archaeology, the area has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it contains a number of habitats supporting wildlife and plants. Heather, bilberry and gorse cover much of the hilltop and the streams and bogs of the sheltered valleys are home to birds of prey, plants and insects.
In Carding Mill Valley you can play in the stream, watch birds from the hide, pond dip and relax with a picnic. There are excellent visitor facilities including a car park, tea-room serving local food including hot lunches and shop selling gifts, souvenirs and pond nets. We’re also designated as a Dark Skies site; a great place for stargazing away from light pollution.
Alternatively, use the valley as your base for the day and head on up the hill for an adventure, where you’ll find miles of paths for walking, cycling and horse riding. You don't have to venture far out of the valley to find your own piece of solitude on the Long Mynd. You can enjoy exploring the heathland at Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd 365 days a year. For information, call 01694 725000 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill
Carding Mill Valley Š national trust images
the Dudmaston estate, © national trust images / Michael Caldwell
Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth Built in the 17th century, Dudmaston Hall has been a thriving family home for over 875 years and offers enchanted wooded parkland, sweeping gardens and a house with an unexpected surprise, its art collections. It is a true house of contrasts, from the intriguing Modern Art Movement galleries assembled by diplomat Sir George Labouchere, to the classical collections of botanical drawings and watercolours put together by his wife Rachel, Lady Labouchere.
The nine acres of gardens provide amazing vistas and the orchard is the perfect place to relax. The woodland playground and free trails are a great way for the children to let off steam. For tranquillity and stunning views, head to the Big Pool and Dingle, while the wider estate provides extensive walking routes ranging from 1.5 to 5 miles.
Visitor facilities include the Orchard tea-room, serving lunches and afternoon teas, .the Apple Store serving snacks, the ice cream parlour and the Stable Courtyard shop.
For admission prices, opening times and a full list of events please call 01746 780866 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston
Sunnycroft, near Wellington This rare suburban villa and mini-estate, tucked away in Wellington, is an Edwardian time capsule. Its original contents and features will transport you back to the pre-First World War ‘country house’ lifestyle. Given to the National Trust in 1997, Sunnycroft tells the story of a brewer, a widow and three generations of a local industrialist family.
Typical of houses that were built for prosperous professionals on the fringes of Victorian towns and cities, this red-brick villa is furnished with original wallpaper, Maw’s tiles and award winning fireplaces. Packed full of everyday items belonging to the families who lived here, you are sure to feel the familiarity and comfort of this home despite all the features of a grander house, such as the Billiard Room,Drawing Room and impressive Staircase Hall.
The five acres of garden reflect the early Edwardian period, complete with a magnificent avenue of Wellingtonia, glass houses, a conservatory, kennels, pigsties and stables and is perfect for a wander, a game of croquet or a picnic. For admission prices, opening times and a full list of events please call 01952 242884 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sunnycroft
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WHittington CaStLe Visit these strikingly picturesque and romantic ruins which are steeped in much history, tales of bitter border warfare, romance and legend.
Tearoom serving snacks and cakes, gift shop and second hand bookshop. The Castle has a license for Civil Ceremonies, birthday parties, meetings, group tours; school visits, Paranormal Ghost Vigils can all be arranged.
opening times
Open Wed to Sun 10am-4pm Summer Open Thurs to Sun 10am-4pm Winter Free entrance Whittington Castle, Castle Street Whittington Oswestry SY11 4DF Telephone 01691 662500 E-Mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk Website www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk
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events 2015
28th-29th March - Living History Weekend with Napoleonic Riflemen 5th/6th April - Easter Egg Hunt 2/3/4th May - Norman Invasion of the Castle by Norman Re-enactment Group - Historia Normannis Sunday 17th May - The House of Blackstar Living History 27th May - 7th June - Wrexham Art Society Exhibition 31st May - Outdoor Shakespeare Production of "As You Like It" 2nd June - SHAAC Car Club Meeting Sunday 7th June - The House of Blackstar Living History 21st June - Planthunters Fair 25th/26th July - Multi Period Living History Weekend Sunday 20th September - The House of the Blackstar - Living History 25th October - Halloween Afternoon Event 28th/29th October - Ghost Tours of the Castle 31st October - Halloween Evening Event 15th November - Christmas Craft Event 13th/20th December - Christmas Grotto plus Craft stalls
tHe PontCySyLLte aQueDuCt anD CanaL
Chirk aqueduct
the Stream in the Sky Spanning the borders of Shropshire and Wales is one of the UK’s most unusual and spectacular World Heritage Sites., the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal. This eleven mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal is officially recognised by UNESCO as one of the most outstanding heritage sites in the whole world. It encompasses not one but two amazing aqueducts which carry the canal high above the Ceiriog and Dee valleys.
To walk across the 126 foot high aqueduct of Pontcysyllte or the only slightly lower Chirk aqueduct, four miles away, is to put your faith in the genius of Thomas Telford and the skill of eighteenth century engineers and workmen. At Pontcysyllte, crossing the stream in the sky is a unique experience as birds fly beneath you and boats glide beside you. At Chirk the canal and towpath cross high above the River Ceiriog and alongside the nineteenth century railway viaduct before plunging both walkers and boats into the 400 metre long tunnel, ‘The Darkie’.
It’s easy to visit the World Heritage Site from it’s Shropshire end at Chirk, from Trevor for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and from Llangollen for the scenic Horseshoe Falls. Trains from Shrewsbury & Wrexham go to Chirk just minutes from the Chirk Aqueduct and there are bus services connecting all the main parts of the site. For more information visit : www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
Contact Visitor Information at Oswestry Mile End Tel: 01691 662488 email : oswestrytourism@shropshire.gov.uk
Or Visitor Information at The Heritage Centre, Oswestry Tel: 01691 662753 email :obt.ltd@btconnect.com
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SeVeRn VaLLey CountRy PaRk
In the peaceful, scenic valley of the River Severn there awaits a delightful countryside experience. Green Flag award-winning Severn Valley Country Park offers 126 acres of beautiful countryside and wonderful views, spanning both sides of the longest river in the country. The woodlands, ponds and meadows in the park are full of many species of plants and animals, some of them quite rare. The park acts as a gateway to the excellent footpath network through the woodlands & meadows of the Severn Valley, between Bridgnorth and Bewdley.
A fantastic day out for all the family. Enjoy the natural play area with a climbing frame. Take time to follow the waymarked trial to help you discover the hidden corners of the park. Make the most of the Route 45 national cycle route or spend some quiet time in the fully accessible bird hide.
The park boasts a fantastic visitor centre with plenty of information about the history and wildlife of the area. There is also a kids corner with activities for younger people to enjoy while mum and dad relax with a well-earned cup of tea and a slice of delicious homemade cake.
the River Severn The riverside meadows are great places to see invertebrates including the rare club-tailed dragonfly. Wander through the orchard in Autumn and sample some of the local provenance apples that grow here. The bridge over the river was rebuilt in 2006. It is an excellent place to see bats hunting as the sun sets over the valley. The original bridge was built to take coal and miners across the river and was the first concrete cantilever bridge of its kind in the world.
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events 2015 Fri 3rd April & Fri 10th April Geocache Easter Egg Hunt
Thurs 9th April Illustrated talk – The Medieval Bowman with Kevin Goodman June (Date TBC) Severn Valley 5km Trail Race
Fri 19th June Outdoor theatre production Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’
Fri 14th August Outdoor theatre production William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ telephone 01746 781192 WV15 6ng
NABMA Winner of Great British Market Award 2015 & Oswestry Christmas Live winner - Best Small Speciality Market
oSWeStRy
Oswestry Town Council plays a vital role in making Oswestry a vibrant market town for both visitors and residents
Markets in Oswestry date back some 800 years. The Indoor Market is open each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and Outdoor Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday.
The local Farmers’ Market is normally held on the last Friday of each month. Oswestry Markets received a great accolade in being awarded the Best Local Council Market for 2013 by the National Association of British Market Authorities. This acknowledged the huge investment that the Council has made in the Indoor Market in terms of facilities and promotion.
The Town Council supports the town centre with many events throughout the year. Continental, specialist and local community markets appear regularly alongside the weekly traditional market days. The Oswestry Youth Music Festival attracts over a thousand youngsters each March, and Oswestry Christmas Live, on the first Friday in December, gives the town streets a buzz with fairground rides, stalls, live music, ice rink and a stunning firework finale. www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk
Cae Glas Park is widely recognised as the local jewel in the crown. Throughout the year the gardens are a blaze of colour and the Park has been a major factor in Oswestry receiving a 10th consecutive Gold Award from Heart of England in Bloom. In the Park are traditional games such as bowls, tennis and crazy golf and a children’s playground, that has been substantially refurbished.
Through the summer a series of Sunday concerts are held in the bandstand. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy this wonderful open space in the centre of our town?
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SHRoPSHiRe RaFt touRS Thousands of tourists a year will enjoy a new Scenic Float raft tour down the River Severn when a new company launches in Shropshire. Shropshire Raft Tours will be opening their doors for their 12-person specially made, oversized 25ft rafts in late March of this year for families, tour operators, school teachers, youth group leaders, events management owners, sports clubs leaders and business owners from across the UK. The five-kilometer scenic float trip will start from the Abbey Sports & Social Club including a round trip lasting up to two and a half hours, taking in wonderful views as the raft passes under the Iron Bridge, part of the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
Manager and Guide of Shropshire Raft Tours, Nigel Winfield, has been a qualified kayak and white-water raft guide with over 20 years of experience and 3,000 commercial trips on some of the top five white-water rivers across the world. Mr Winfield has worked in France, Mexico, Spain, Costa Rica and Canada. The company plans to invest more than £18,000 into the rafts alone, along with a further £5,000 on safety equipment and accessories.
Shropshire Raft Tours is aiming to provide a “scenic guided float trip along the River Severn and under the Iron Bridge” from the whitewater style raft for people aged from one up to the retired.
Mr Winfield explains: “we provide family fun from toddler to Grandparents. It’s the only rafting trip where the whole family and extended family can go together.” The company motto is “mild not wild” and he is hoping to attract pensioners travelling to Ironbridge on coach trips and local families with young children who want a weekend or school
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holiday adventure and also exclusive trips including school educational trips and special birthday parties. Even businesses don’t miss out with corporate floats and team building exercises.
Mr Winfield, who lives in Ironbridge, said: “Shropshire Raft Tours will be offering mild not wild adventures - the main attraction will obviously be viewing the magnificent historic Ironbridge Gorge from the open raft without any viewing restrictions and going under the Iron Bridge too of course.
“It will be a fully guided trip with a photographer to capture the experience with a great bird’s eye view of the raft and the best bit is that you get the rafting experience whilst the guides do all of the hard work”.
The water enthusiast said he had witnessed a raft trip with a 101-year-old woman in Canada on a similar float tour and has guided a trip on class IV river himself with a 83-year-old passenger on board. (Note: classifications of rivers go from I to VI, I being a mild float and VI being commercially impossible to run) “Retired people aren’t necessarily old these days - they want exciting activities and have a wonderful sense of adventure and fun. Many children miss out on raft trips due to age restrictions but this is milder rather than a wilder adventure so they get to go too.” “Shropshire’s World Heritage Site offers so much and I hope the company will add to the footfall and to the wonderful attractions which are already here. “I will be appointing booking agents in Ironbridge so tourists can book their place there and then. They meet us by the Ironbridge Information Centre (next to Wharfage car park) before boarding the free shuttle bus for a short 5 minute drive to the start of the trip and onto the raft for their mini-adventure,” he said.
Shropshire Raft Tours are looking forward to offering employment opportunities to people who share their passion but they need to be a UKCC Level 1 Raft Guide certified and licensed through the British Canoe Union. There are onthe-job training positions for driver/photographers too.
Anyone who would like to reserve a group booking and receive an early bird rate for 2015 email shropshirerafttours@icloud.com or call T: (01952) 426 100 or M:07580966686. Customers can book online at www.shropshirerafttours.co.uk/reservationform/
Visit www.shropshirerafttours.co.uk to view their promotional video for more details and follow them on Twitter @shropshireraft (ShropshireRaftTours) and Facebook at Shropshire Raft Tours
Mr Winfield said the managing of such a company was his dream job.
“I’m managing this project because I love what I do. Since returning to the UK from working abroad I have literally been like a duck out of water.” “Guiding on the water and sharing my enjoyment is what I love doing - the launch of Shropshire Raft Tours is a dream job come true for me,” he said.
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SHReWSBuRy FooD FeStiVaL
June 27th - 28th
Shrewsbury Food Festival
More than 20,000 people will descend on Shrewsbury's Quarry Park for the town's third annual food festival on June 27 and 28.
The event will generate more than ÂŁ500,000 for local businesses and showcase the best food and drink from the region.
There will be celebrity chef demonstrations, free activities for children, a showcase of the best local music, a hot food court, artisan bars and more besides.
Today festival chair Andy Richardson said: "We're in cracking shape for the third Shrewsbury Food Festival. It's going to be an exceptional weekend of food and family fun."
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Mr Richardson said entry prices were being kept low to make sure that people from across the region could enjoy the fun - and be able to save their money to spend on great food and drink. He said: "It'll be ÂŁ6 for adults and ÂŁ12 for a family of four. We've done our research and our tickets are less than any comparable event. We're committed to building a really big event for the town that everyone can attend. Twelve pounds for a family of four is amazing value - it means visitors will have plenty left over to spend with the exhibitors or at the hot food stands and bars." The food festival was founded in 2012 and proved an instant success. It is run with the help of a team of 100 volunteers, called #TeamOrange. The event has helped Shrewsbury to build a reputation as being a centre of gastronomic excellence. Beth Heath, festival chief executive, said: "People from around the UK are really starting to link Shrewsbury to great food. It's getting a fantastic reputation around the country. There are more restaurants, more producers and there's more fun to be had. "The festival has become a key event in Shrewsbury's calendar and we can't wait to return on the last Saturday and Sunday in June for our third festival. It'll be the biggest and best yet. We've even booked the sunshine." The event is on course to sell out and there will be more than 200 exhibitors on site.
Exhibitors, volunteers and members of the public can find out more at www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk or follow @shrewsfoodfest on Twitter for regular updates.
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LuDLoW SPRing FeStiVaL
May 8th - 10th
Spring Festival gives more, more, more
This year’s Ludlow Spring Festival promises to be a real corker bringing together the very best regional beer, food, music, plus gorgeous classic cars in the form of the Marches Transport Festival. This is a beer festival and so much more, with 200 glorious beers from more than 60 local brewers available to taste over the weekend. For those not so keen on beer, don’t worry there will also be ciders, perry, fruit flavoured liqueurs and local wines.
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There will also be plenty of artisan producers too, so don’t wait till the September Festival to stock up on your favourite products.
The talks and demonstrations area in the inner bailey has been a roaring success over the last couple of years and there will be a full programme throughout the weekend. In this year’s masterclasses you can try your hand at pork pie making, creating gorgeous canapés and the perfect afternoon tea, or what about a great Shropshire brunch on Sunday morning. For details of the workshops check the festival’s website www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk
brewers about their beers and sample the full selection. With prizes handed out early in the weekend, favourites sell out quickly so the Friday preview is an opportunity not to be missed.
For further details, opening times and ticket prices see the festivals website at :
www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk Telephone 01584 873957
As always the beer and food are accompanied by a wealth of great music from jazz and blues to Latin and folk, as well as The Marches Transport Festival. You’ll be able to peruse pre war gems right through to modern days classics of the 70’s and 80’s.
This year’s Ludlow Spring Festival runs 9-10 May, however; there is a special preview evening on Friday 8 May when visitors can ‘Meet the Brewer’. It’s a unique opportunity to talk to
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nationaL FaLConRy & RaPtoR FaiR
May 3rd - 4th
The 2015 British Falconry & Raptor Fair - that organisers call the UK's Premier Falconry and Hawking Event - is being held at Chetwynd Park, Newport, Shropshire on the Bank Holiday Weekend of Sunday 3rd May and Monday 4th May. The event is being held in beautiful Shropshire countryside, and promises to be a fantastic two-day family-fun weekend which will showcase some great entertainment that will include some fabulous flying displays; the 2015 International Society of Arboriculture Tree Climbing Competition, and by popular demand the return of Ian Griffiths, Professional Dog Trainer.
An eagle display titled ‘The World of Eagles’ will be co-ordinated by members of the British Falconers Club Eagles Group giving visitors the opportunity to experience the majesty of the eagle close-up. There will also be an extensive programme of stunning flying demonstrations and displays by the best falconers, including the internationally-renowned Jemima Parry Jones, MBE, and famous falconer Bob Dalton. Informative exhibitions by the Hawk Board, Raptor Rescue and the Campaign for Falconry, and major national countryside organisations will add to the ingredients for a fantastic weekend... all part of the world’s premier falconry event for 2015.
This year’s Falconry Fair is sponsored by Kiezebrink, and will host many specialist exhibitors from across the UK; Europe and North America. Visitors can find out everything they need to know about falconry, from the art of flying; rearing, breeding, management, conservation, art, equipment, telemetry and of course see some premier falcons and raptors. They will also be able to take part in some
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hands-on falconry workshops. In addition to a superb static display of trained hawks and falcons there will also be several trained hunting eagles on static display.
Country Fair. The two-day family-fun weekend is also host to a popular Country Fair which highlights a highly-entertaining range of country leisure pursuits including an Invitation Beagle Show (on Sunday), and Stickdressing and Ferret shows (on Monday). Rolls Royce enthusiasts will be providing a splendid display when they bring their superb vintage vehicles to the showground on the Sunday. ticket/admission information: Additional information about the event and show day facilities (Licensed Bars & Catering) are available from www.countryfairs.info Enquiries: (01588) 672708. Show starts 10am Closes 6pm. Arena events start 11am. Dogs on leads welcome. Free Car Parking. Satnav Postcode: tF10 8aa Photographs © Philip Davies 2014
Competition - Win a family day ticket !
Q - What year was the Eisteddfod founded ? A- email to - info@countysignpost.co.uk - by the 15th June
LLangoLLen inteRnationaL MuSiCaL eiSteDDFoD July 6th - 12th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is more than a renowned choral music festival. It is a celebration of music, dance, costume and culture from nations around the world.
Every summer since 1947 Llangollen has staged one of the world’s most inspirational cultural festivals. Each year around 4,000 performers and as many as 50,000 visitors converge on this beautiful small Welsh town and its International Pavilion; to sing and dance in a unique combination of competition, performance, and international peace and friendship.
but of course no-one knew who Pavarotti was then. “I do have a limited edition picture of Pavarotti when he came back to the Eisteddfod in 1995 and I’m happy to loan that to the Pavarotti exhibition being staged at this year’s event in July.”
Superstar tenor Alife Boe is heading back to North Wales. The classical heart-throb, has sold one and a half million records, been at number one in the classical charts many times and performed on Broadway, will be taking centre stage at this year's Llangollen International
Its competitions climax with the prestigious ‘Choir of the World’, which determines the best overall choir of the event.
In 2005 Luciano Pavarotti added his name to the competition in recognition of his appreciation of the festival and its influence on his career. Organisers of an exhibition to celebrate the links of superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti to a top festival have been delighted with the ‘fantastic’ response. Among those who got in touch was retired nurse Hafwen Ryder who has vivid memories of Pavarotti at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. She was still a teenager and a volunteer usher in the marquee where the Chorus Rossini from Modena in Italy performed to win the Male Voice Choir competition in 1955. Hafwen, 75,who now lives in Chirk, said: “I remember the choir performing and that they were very good
Musical Eisteddfod. Boe, dubbed Britain's Favourite Tenor, will be performing songs from musical theatre and movies at the glitzy evening concert on Thursday, July 9. To book tickets and for more details on the 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
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PReSteigne FeStiVaL
27th august - 1st September 2015 2015 looks to be another amazing year for the Presteigne Festival. With a particularly strong Nordic flavour and, as ever, a number of exciting aspects to the music programme.
The Festival marks the 150th birth anniversaries of both Nielsen and Sibelius with performances of orchestral, chamber and vocal works, complimenting their music with contemporary pieces by Nordic composers Einojuhani Rautavaara and Pēteris Vasks.
Two concerts from violinist Fenella Humphreys’ ‘Bach to the Future’ project are featured, where each programme includes one of Bach’s solo violin pieces presented alongside specially commissioned contemporary works.
Matthew Taylor (a great admirer of all things Sibelian) is composer-in-residence, being represented by a wide range of music including Pastorals – a new work for violin and string orchestra.
Other commissions number a concerto for piano and chamber orchestra from David Knotts, a string quartet from Joseph Phibbs, a set of three songs from Cecilia McDowall and a solo violin piece from Michael Small (the 2014 Royal Philharmonic Society/Presteigne Festival Alan Horne memorial commission). A further highlight will be the premiere of David Matthews’ Three Housman Songs in a new version with string orchestra accompaniment.
The Festival continues its successful relationship with Nova Music Opera, who bring together contemporary chamber operas from Charlotte Bray and Thomas Hyde about a pair of misunderstood individuals caught up in the grubby London glamour of the 1950s and
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1960s. Staged in the sixtieth anniversary year of her execution, the end of Ruth Ellis’ life is examined in Charlotte Bray’s work Entanglement, while Thomas Hyde’s That Man Stephen Ward, first performed to great acclaim in 2008, charts the demise of one of the more tragic characters involved in the Profumo scandal.
The contemporary element of the programme is carefully balanced with twentieth century classics and a wide variety of music from the standard repertoire – which this year includes pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Dvořák, Haydn, Poulenc and Ravel.
As always a fabulous array of complementary events will include exhibitions, literary and music-based talks, poetry and a great deal more. To complete the recipe, the artist list is particularly stellar:
Navarra Quartet, Nova Music Opera, Fenella Humphreys violin, Tom Poster piano, Gillian Keith soprano, Kathryn Thomas flute, Timothy End piano, Joseph Tong and Waka Hasegawa piano duet, the Choir of Royal Holloway under director Rupert Gough and the ever-popular Presteigne Festival Orchestra conducted by Artistic Director, George Vass. Brochures will be available at the end of April 2015 from:
P O Box 30, Presteigne, Powys LD8 2WF
www.presteignefestival.com www.facebook.com/presteignefestival twitter: @PresteigneFest 01544 267800
navarra Quartet
Fenella Humphreys
gillian keith tom Poster
kathryn thomas
Choir of Royal Holloway
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CHuRCH StRetton aRtS FeStiVaL
July 25th - august 8th This year’s Festival opens with world-famous cellist Guy Johnston, accompanied by Katya Apekisheva; Guy has been an international star since becoming the BBC Young Musician of the Year, and Katya is one of Europe’s foremost pianists, so this should be a night to remember. Our closing night features the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra, who will provide a toetapping climax to the fortnight’s entertainment.
Regular Festival-goers will remember the stunning recital given by Huw Wiggin (saxophone) and James Sherlock a couple of years ago, and they make a return visit by popular demand. Their virtuosity and musicality were astonishing!
In 2013 there was a guitar duo, and this year the Festival features the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, who have received wonderful reviews in The Gramophone for their recent CD.
guy Johnston
In addition there is Retorica Violin Duo, two young virtuosi who are increasingly in demand around the world, the Aurora Wind Quintet with Joanna Smith (piano), and an evening of piano duets given by local pianist Susie Allan with Ros Jones. Our teatime concert is devoted to ‘The Glorious Violin’ and will be given by Michael Bochmann with some of his pupils. In lighter mood, Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band will provide an evening of great entertainment for lovers of Elton’s music.
Huw Wiggin
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Brochures:
Church Stretton Visitor Information Centre. Tickets available from Gloria Carter, 49 Ludlow Road, Church Stretton SY6 7AD (01694) 724106, John R Thomas (florist) 3 Sandford Avenue and Church Stretton VIC. Ring and Ride Transport available free for all events; telephone (01694) 720025. Art Exhibition information from Joan Arnfield 01694 724170.
www.strettonfestival.org.uk twitter - @StrettonFest
Retorica
Shannon Donovan and Andrew Eastwood will be guest artists at the annual Art & Crafts Exhibition. They are master ceramicists with quite different approaches to their medium. It will be fascinating to compare their work, and, of course, to enjoy the huge range of contributions by local artists and photographers.
Lovers of drama will enjoy Fernhill – the poetry of Dylan Thomas brought to life by Guy Masterson, ‘My dearest girls: the letter book’, which tells the story of 6 women based on their letters written between 1917 and 1920 and a dramatisation of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ by Heartbreak productions.
art exhibition - eastwood icarus
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May 2nd - 3rd
LionStoCk
Music festival in the gardens of the Lion, Leintwardine - headlining top local bands:
Whilst visiting Lionstock be sure to have a look around the Lion Hotel and its restaurant - the Chef and his team have spent a lot of time and effort sourcing local producers of quality, fresh ingredients.
You can enjoy a meal in the stylish lounge bar or dine more formally in the restaurant or private dining room all year round and in the summer dine in the gardens where the lawn gently slopes down to the river, with picturesque views of the Welsh Marches beyond.
Head down to the Lion Hotel in Leintwardine, near Ludlow and Craven Arms, for their annual Lionstock music festival in May.
Lionstock is held over the May Bank Holiday weekend in the stunning riverside grounds of the Lion Hotel in the picturesque village of Leintwardine. The festival is a a couple of days of family fun and music on the banks of the River Teme in the gardens of the Lion. Lionstock is a charity fund raising events and over the last couple of years Lionstock has raised £1000s for local charities
•Children’s entertainment •al fresco food and drinks. •Battle of the Bands competition Saturday 2nd May – 4pm – 11pm – local bands, al fresco food and drink. ticket price: £5.00 Sunday 3rd May – 2pm – 10.30pm Battle of the Bands - a competition of local bands, al fresco food and drink. ticket Price £2.50. telephone 01547 540203 www.thelionleintwardine.co.uk
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tHe Lion at LeintWaRDine
SHRoPSHiRe SteaM RaLLy
30th - 31st august
The County of Salop Steam Engine Society’s 2015 Rally, taking place at Onslow Park, Shrewsbury on the August Bank Holiday, Sunday 30th August and Monday 31st August will be celebrating and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Sentinel factory being established in Shrewsbury.
edward goddard, Chairman & Sentinel
Edward Goddard, Society Chairman said: “As a born and bred Salopian I am extremely passionate about Sentinel engines, so the Society is planning a special Sentinel Spectacular, where the return of these magnificent steam waggons will be a great delight for people attending the Rally. Sentinels are a typical example of the exhibits that we are privileged to see and enjoy at the Shrewsbury Steam Rally, and it is a tribute to the skill and hard work of their owners that we are still able to see and enjoy them still today”.
Static tractor display
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new for the 2015 Rally - The Welsh Horse Yeomanry will be presenting spectacular arena displays - THE WELSH HORSE MUSICAL RIDE and CADFARCH (Welsh War Horse) each performed by eight troop horses. Troop Leader Gareth Blyth TD, a former Major in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, said: "We are most proud and pleased to be able to demonstrate the considerable heritage and history of the Welsh Horse Yeomanry, and we will be paying tribute to their significant role in the First World War. We will present the 'Welsh Horse Musical Ride’ and ‘Cadfarch’ (Welsh War Horse) each with eight Troop Horses. Cadfarch is a re-enactment showing the initial commandeering of civilian horses by the Army in the early days of the First World War, and then training them for their new military duties. In addition, the Living History Camp will be open all day”. The Working Field will take a nostalgic look at the farming of 'days gone by' and demonstrate an exciting mix of impressive working machines and shire horses that capture the history and heritage of farming in the Victorian era.
The diverse range of attractions includes the wonderful spectacle of working steam engines, and beautifully preserved classic vehicles from yesteryear, all to delight visitors to the highlypopular annual event.
The Rally covers 45 acres of beautiful parkland, with 6 acres of Trade Stands. The Rally hosts a variety of preserved commercial vehicles, that includes lorries, buses, fire engines and a large display of military vehicles. The Olde Time Fair offers lots of fun, with steam-powered rides for all - accompanied by vintage fairground music. Finally we have some excellent miniature steam engines, and a Craft Marquee - which gets bigger each year!"
The family-friendly event provides some enjoyable entertainment with a full Arena Programme on both days, including the highlypopular and majestic cavalcade of Showman’s engines, traction engines, steam rollers and steam cars. Spectators can enjoy the annual highly-popular interactive display of birds of prey.
Full information from www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk Adult: £12, Pensioner: £11, Child: £1. Under 5's -Free. Enquiries: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk (01743) 792731 Postal address: COSSES, PO Box 4706, Shrewsbury. SY5 0WT. Photographs © Philip Davies 2014
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BuRWaRton SHoW 6th august 2015
a great Day out in glorious Shropshire countryside Something for all the family will take place on the first Thursday in August – Burwarton Show – one of the best one-day agricultural shows in the country.
Come early – the first classes start in the Main Ring at 8.15am with horse classes including the hallmark heavy horse classes leading up to the Foxhunter Show Jumping class at midday. That is only a taster – there are seven – yes, seven – other rings in the Horse Field each offering something different in equine interest including show jumping, carriage driving, dressage and mounted fancy dress. Not to be outdone, in the Livestock Field you will find displays of sheep, cattle, pigs and goats in competitive classes with entries from far and near, the quality of which will be unequalled anywhere.
Entertainment in the Main Ring is headlined by the White Helmets, the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team offering all the thrills, and none of the spills (we hope), of the skilled riders. They are supported by Bob Hogg and his Sheepdogs. If you think herding cats is difficult,
watch the fun as Bob, his helpers and his dogs attempt to get a gaggle of geese moving in the desired direction.
This is only a taste of what is on offer. The sheep shearing displays have been growing in popularity and there is a regular crowd of onlookers throughout the day. You can also enjoy the fly fishing demonstrations, the conservation area, grab an alpaca and marvel at the TLC lavished on vintage tractors and stationary engines. For the younger visitors there is the Village Green with entertainment throughout the day.
But also don’t forget the trade stands. Each year the range of stands grows and the competition to be allocated a stand becomes more of a competition in itself. Space is usually all allocated by April with emphasis on things agricultural, but you can find anything from a tee-shirt to a tractor, plus a range of stands to tempt young and old – most of the twenty thousand or so visitors who will come to enjoy a day in the country at the Burwarton Show.
The Showground is at Cleobury North WV16 6RP on the B4364 between Bridgnorth and Ludlow and parking is free. Tickets are £15 adults, Concessions £14, Children 5-16 years £5 or a Family tickets for two adults plus up to three children £35. Tickets are available pre-show at discounted prices from outlets throughout the county, on-line at www.burwartonshow.co.uk or direct from the Show Office on 01746 787535. Email at info@burwartonshow.co.uk
You can find out more about the show and follow the news for 2015 on twitter@burwarton_show
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images Š Mark Sissons & Barrie Wilson FRPS
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LuDLoW FooD FeStiVaL
11th - 13th September
a feast for all the senses ... The Ludlow Food Festival was first run in 1994 and was the result of a pub table conversation amongst likeminded friends looking to preserve and promote the independent shops and producers of the town and surrounding area. These principles still guide everything the festival continues to do today.
The event has grown from an initial 500 visitors to the current 20,000 plus and is renowned across the globe for with visitors from across the UK as well as the United States, Japan and Australia having attended.
Organisers of the Ludlow Food Festival are hard at work bringing together a host of new and favourite attractions for visitors from 11-13 September.
This will be the 21st Ludlow Food Festival and there will be more than 160 of the very best
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local food and drink producers sharing their skills, enthusiasm and of course amazing products across the weekend.
The line up of chefs, food experts and enthusiasts across Ludlow’s two main stages, promises to be full of exceptional talent and variety with some new faces promised this year. In the past we have welcomed great chefs such as Tom Kerridge, Will Holland and a host of Great British Menu and Great British Bake-off winners. Keep an eye on the festival’s website www.foodfestival.co.uk for details in the coming months.
Masterclasses have been incredibly popular the last two years and this area is expanding this year with more classes to try your hand at. Little ones won’t miss out either with a special kids cookery school.
Of course the ever-popular sausage, ale and bread trails will also be taking place around Ludlow along with the pudding tasting and the Sunday producers market.
For more details about the festival please visit the website www.foodfestival.co.uk www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzfRupZrJ9o
telephone 01584 873957
For those who want to learn more about particular ingredients or methods of cooking the Taste Workshops are a must. Led by expert producers or chefs, they will guide you through a tutored tasting. Previous talks have included ‘snout to tail’, sherry tasting and the art of fruit distillation.
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LuDLoW MeDieVaL CHRiStMaS FayRe
28th - 29th november 2015
At Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre on the 28th & 29th November, in the stunning Medieval setting of Ludlow Castle, visitors will be treated to a full day and evening opening on Saturday from 10am – 9pm, joining Medieval knights, maidens, entertainers and stall holders as the sun sets across South Shropshire and the castle comes alive for an evening of fiery Medieval Revelry. On Sunday visitors will be able
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to enjoy a day filled with Medieval festivities from 10am – 4pm.
On both days explore over 100 stalls selling seasonal wares, food and drink, crafts, historical goods and more; it’s the ideal chance to find the perfect, original gift or indulge in a unique treat. With a wide range of food and drink stalls to tickle your taste buds, grab a mulled wine, a spiced cider or head over to our local Beer Tent to whet your appetite for our full programme of entertainment. With the bone-crunching Plantagenet Society knights, medieval music and fire juggling, there’s entertainment throughout the castle all weekend. And keep an eye open for our 10’ giants! image © Richard Shakespeare
From St. Nicholas in his magical den to try-on armour, have-a-go archery and cross bow and birds of prey, there is something for all the family to enjoy. Head to the Inner Bailey across the flambeau-lit moat for hands-on-history, storytelling, demonstrations and activities, and enjoy beer, sausages and roast chestnuts.
For the latest information and updates, head over to www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Pictures Š abigail Dakin
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BRiDgnoRtH CLiFF RaiLWay
Next to the Top Station are The Winding House Tearooms viewing panels through to the Engine Room, and a Terrace area with wonderful views across the River Severn.
Directly above the Bottom Station, the Stoneway Guest house offers a unique B&B experience.
Do visit England’s only remaining inland electric funicular railway !
For over a 120 years Bridgnorth Cliff Railway has been transporting the people of Bridgnorth up and down the 111 ft sandstone cliffs that separate High Town from Low Town and the River Severn. It is first and foremost a working railway; its importance to both the townspeople of Bridgnorth and to visitors to the town is undiminished by age.
The railway operates two carriages on parallel tracks. Connected by steel cables, the carriages serve to counterbalance each other - as one rises to the top station, the other runs to the bottom station.
The cars are now powered by an electric winding engine, but were originally driven by a system of water balance, each carriage carrying water ballast in a tank beneath the passenger compartment.
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ÂŁ1.20 return fare Telephone 01746 762052 www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk
Every journey ends with a memory. A day on the Severn Valley Railway is a day to remember. Enjoy a day out on a heritage steam train and make some memories that will last forever. Severn Valley Railway Families
www.svr.co.uk
BRIDGNORTH · BEWDLEY · KIDDERMINSTER
S HREWSBURY S TEAM R ALLY ONSLOW PARK
Sun 30th - Mon 31st AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY ~ 2015 Special Celebration ~
Set in the village of Leintwardine, this country restaurant with rooms is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, dinner, or stay the night in an excellent location for exploration of Herefordshire, South Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.
The Lion, High Street, Leintwardine, Shropshire, SY7 0JZ T: 01547 540203
www.thelionleintwardine.co.uk
ut t D a yF aOm i l y a e r G A The For All Enjoy the Sights, Sounds & Smell of Steam Over 1,000 Exhibits and Something for Everyone Adults: £12.00 ~ Senior Citizens: £11.00 ~ Children: £1.00
www.ShrewsburySteamRally.co.uk Email: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk Tel: 01743 792731
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tHe JuDge’S LoDging
‘One of the world’s most appealing small mu seums’ Dr John Davies, historian.
‘Truly inspirational’ is how HRH Prince of Wales described The Judge’s Lodging on his visit last year to this stunningly restored Victorian courthouse. 2014 was also the year this fascinating museum won ‘Britain’s Best Hidden Gem’ in the Hudson’s Heritage Awards and Historic Royal Palaces Curator & historian, Lucy Worsley exclaimed ‘WHAT a stunning place!’ after filming for the BBC in the building.
You really do need to see for yourself what all the fuss is over this exceptional courthouse in the tiny Welsh border town of Presteigne. The Judge’s Lodging has long had a reputation for liking the quirkier side of history, so a visit to the museum will treat you to all sorts of fascinating insights into Victorian living, from jelly-making and napkin folding to toilet habits and household maintenance hints. This awardwinning historic judge’s accommodation and court offers a most unusual journey back in time. Wander through the judge’s private apartments and make yourself at home, for The Judge’s Lodging an historic house with a difference – you can touch!
You can lie on the beds, read the judge’s books and even pump water in the kitchen. Below stairs there is the full range of servants’ rooms to explore, with kitchens, sleeping quarters and workrooms; a whole gaslit world to discover. The tour is finished by a trip to the vast echoing courtroom, where you are haunted by the echoes of trials long since concluded. You are guided through this Victorian world by an eavesdropping audiotour featuring the voice of actor Robert Hardy.
This year you will find a host of special events and exhibitions to add to your entertainment. Kicking off the season in the spring, you can explore the local farming community over the
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last century in Farming Memories of east Radnorshire. This exhibition combines wonderfully entertaining audio clips of farm workers talking of their lives, photos galore, farming implements and more. Find out about the piglet who needed a teddy bear, the labourers’ hiring fairs, driving the sheep to markets and how a man’s word was his bond, all from the voices of those who lived through them.
Throughout the summer, you will have a chance to see objects from throughout the county in napoleon & Powys, an exhibition looking at the local effects of the Napoleonic Wars, on the 200th anniversary of the decisive Battle of Waterloo. There will be regular mini- exhibitions on the Great War, plus talks, activity trails and more. Look out for special events and news throughout the year on the website, or follow on facebook.com/theJudgesLodging
The Judge’s Lodging has also teamed up with the owner of Stapleton Castle, whose ruins occupy a commanding position over the town, to offer guided walks throughout the year. Tours last about an hour, taking in the 12th century castle site, ruins of the later house, the mill site and a stroll through the gardens. There is no general public access to the site and tours are only by prior arrangement, but bookings can easily be made by calling the owner on 01544 267327, preferably giving 24 hours notice. They will endeavour to suit your requirements. Your personal tours are £5 per person, with a minimum charge of £25. All proceeds from the tours will be donated equally to The Judge’s Lodging and the National Garden Scheme.
If you want more information on the castle walks, the museum and any of its activities, visit the website or just call the staff who are always happy to chat. Telephone 01544 260650 www.judgeslodging.org.uk
Judge’s Procession in the 1950s
Farming Memories of east Radnorshire
guillotine made by French napoleonic PoWs
Stapleton Castle Š alex Ramsay
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iRonBRiDge goRge MuSeuMS
Visit the ten ironbridge gorge Museums A fun and informative day out is ensured at the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums, which are set either side of the stunning River Severn valley, Telford.
Step back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town and chat to the Victorians in their homes, shops and places of work as they go about their daily life. Marvel at magnificent china in Coalport China Museum and walk through period room settings adorned with decorative tiles at Jackfield Tile Museum, also home to the world class John Scott collection of magnificent tiles and panels.
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Blists Hill Victorian town
Visit the Darby Houses, once home to the old ironmasters, and see Abraham Darby’s original furnace where the Industrial Revolution began. The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron celebrates the early iron industry while the Museum of The Gorge explains the area’s importance.
Then let your imagination go wild as you play with the huge interactive exhibits at Enginuity; test your reaction against the speed of a robot, generate power from water or pull a 10 ton locomotive by hand. More unusual attractions are the 900-metre Tar Tunnel, where you can don a hard hat and see the tar seeping slowly from the rock, and Broseley Pipeworks; a wonderfully preserved time capsule which has changed little since the workers left in the 1950s.
Finally cross the world’s first Iron Bridge and imagine what life was like around 300 years ago when industrial development began.
Jackfield Tile Museum runs hands-on workshops during school holidays when families can try activities such as tile decorating. Enginuity also runs interactive sessions looking at how things are made and ‘work’. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the admission fee.
A great value Annual Passport Ticket allows entry into all ten museums, valid for twelve months and unlimited return visits, it costs £27.95 per adult, £21.50 for the 60 plus, £16.95 for students and children and £68 for a family of two adults and all their children aged up to 18 years in full time education (terms and conditions apply); under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available. For more details including opening times contact Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.
Blists Hill Victorian town - Squatter’s Cottage
Blists Hill Victorian town - tin Smiths
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SHRoPSHiRe MuSeuMS
Shropshire Museums runs seven museums across the county. The museums offer a fascinating glimpse into Shropshire’s rich heritage and are the perfect place to start your exploration of the surrounding area. Staff are happy to help you with your enquiries about local attractions, events, days out and places to stay. For further visitor information please visit: www.shropshire.gov.uk/museums.nsf
acton Scott Historic Working Farm Museum
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is one of the country's leading working farm museums. We specialise in bringing nineteenth century farming to life through practical demonstrations using traditional skills and period horse-drawn machines. See farm life unfold before you on the land, around the farm and in the cottage.
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is open weekends and school holidays from April 7th to the 2nd November. To find out about our opening times and events call us on (01694) 781306, visit www.actonscottmuseum.com or follow on Facebook.
For stop press news from all Shropshire Museums’ venues follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/ShropsMuseums Open daily 10am - 4.30pm Weekends and Shropshire School holidays for general admission, & Shropshire Schools term time weekdays for pre-booked schools, coaches and groups only.
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www.actonscottmuseum.com nr Church Stretton, SY6 6QN Telephone 01694 781 306
Snailbeach Mine
Set in the beautiful Shropshire hills Snailbeach mine has one of the best collection of original lead mine buildings and artefacts in the country.
Snailbeach was the biggest lead mine in Shropshire and it is reputed to have yielded the greatest volume of lead per acre of any mine in Europe. Underground mining ceased here in 1955 but it is reputed to date from Roman times and the surface buildings are the most complete set in the district and probably the country. Although the miners mainly extracted lead ore (galena), smaller quantities of Barite, Calcite, Fluorspar, Silver and Zinc were also obtained.
The Shropshire County Council, using government grants, did extensive work in the early 1990s to make some of the shallow workings safe for the villagers. At the same time, they acquired many of the surface buildings and preserved these. The Shropshire Mines Trust now manages the site for the Council.
The free visitor centre will be open on Sundays during the summer. Here can see a short video which explains the mine and it’s place in local history. You can also see displays which explain the mining history and social conditions and talk to our guides. There is a short underground trip into a tunnel next to the visitor centre. (£2-00)
www.shropshiremines.org.uk/snailbeach/ index.htm Snailbeach Lead Mine Snailbeach, Nr Minsterley Shropshire. SY5 0NS
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Much Wenlock Museum Much Wenlock seems an unlikely place to look for the origins of the Modern Olympic Games but it was here in 1850 that local doctor and philanthropist William Penny Brookes staged the first Wenlock Olympian Games. This annual event was inspired by the ideals of the ancient Greek games and is still held every year.
However, the museum’s displays tell many other important stories about the town and surrounding area. You can discover how the town developed around the fine medieval priory to serve visiting pilgrims, much as it welcomes visitors today. You can also explore the rich geology of Wenlock Edge and study its rocks and fossils as the early geologists did around 150 years ago.
This child friendly museum has a range of activities for all ages from stamping your own Roman coin to researching your family history in our Local History Centre.
Described by Mark Rowe of the Independent newspaper as "...one of the world's great little museums." Much Wenlock Museum and Visitor Information Centre is the perfect place to start your exploration the town and the surrounding countryside. The staff are happy to help you with your enquiries about attractions and events, days out and places to stay. Much Wenlock Museum is open throughout the year (reduced opening hours over the winter). To find out about our opening times and events call us on (01952) 727679,
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visit www.muchwenlockmuseum.co.uk or follow us on Facebook. For stop press news from all Shropshire Museums’ venues follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/ShropsMuseums
Ludlow Museum and Resource Centre
Ludlow Museum is one of the oldest in the UK and 2014 will see it move to the Buttercross at the heart of Ludlow. The museum’s collections tell the town’s history and explain how Victorian geologists unravelled the meaning of Ludlow's rocks, making them internationally famous. Ludlow is also home to the Museum Resource Centre which runs a full and varied programme of exhibitions and courses. For details of opening times please see www.ludlowmuseum.co.uk or telephone on 01584 813665
Shrewsbury Museums
Shrewsbury Museum & art gallery at the Music Hall The new Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is located in the 19th Century Music Hall and 13th Century Vaughan’s Mansion on The Square in the town centre.
Coleham Pumping Station
It uses a ‘variety show’ of different ways to inspire you to think about Shrewsbury and Shropshire’s heritage. Throughout the four main galleries – Pre-history and Roman, Medieval and Tudor, Stuart and the Shropshire Gallery we have included fine art from our collections that reflect the periods and themes explored. The hundreds of museum artefacts and pictures from Shropshire’s collections will suggest many opportunities to get out and explore the county’s heritage.
The special exhibition programme begins with a selection of contemporary art from the collection of Frank Cohen until 30th June. Check the website for details of our temporary exhibitions. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is home to the town’s Visitor Information Centre, which will help you to plan your days out in Shropshire. Enjoy a coffee and snack in our Café Bar and visit the shop on the ground floor.
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery opened in March 2014. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm until the end of October and closed on Mondays from November to Easter. Winter opening hours are on the website.
www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk The Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LH Tel: 01743 258885 Visitor Information Centre Tel: 01743 258888 Email: visitorinfo@shropshire.gov.uk
Coleham Pumping Station
Coleham Pumping Station was built in 1900 to house two steam-driven beam engines as part of a major upgrading of Shrewsbury's sewerage system. Two massive steam-driven beam engines were built by Renshaw's of Stoke-on-Trent during 1897-1898; and a brick building, resembling a Victorian chapel in style, was constructed in 1900 to house them. The pumping station was opened by the mayoress of Shrewsbury in 1901. The Shrewsbury Steam Trust was founded in 1992 with the aim of restoring the steam engines
and the two coal-fired Cornish boilers that provided the steam.
Both steam engines may be seen running together on the several Open Days that are held at the museum each year.
In 2015, the dates will be
Sunday 12th April Sunday 17th May Sunday 14th June Saturday 12th September Sunday 13th September Sunday 25th October
enquiries@colehampumpingstation.co.uk www.colehampumpingstation.co.uk
the Regimental Museum
The Regimental Museum was established in Shrewsbury’s mediaeval Castle in 1985 combining regimental collections from various locations in the county.
It now forms one of The Rifles heritage museums and houses the collections of:
•The 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment 1755 – 1881 •The 85th (King’s) Light Infantry 1759 – 1881 •The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry 1881 1968 •The Militia, Volunteers and Territorials of Shropshire •The Shropshire Yeomanry 1795 – 1970
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•The Shropshire Artillery Volunteers 1860 -1908 •The Shropshire Royal Horse Artillery 1908 1967 There are also displays on the county Lord Lieutenancy, the Modern British Army and the history of the castle.
With over 30,000 artefacts and a related archival material, it covers the service of the county regiments over 250 years.
With much of its material being donated by local families, it perpetuates the service of the men of Shropshire since 1755. It has comprehensive collections of uniforms, decorations and medals, silverware, china and many other colourful and interesting items of local and even national importance. Admission: £3.00 for adults; £2.00 concessions. £1.00 child 5-17
Many of Shropshire’s Museums need VOLUNTEERS... Signpost - page 42
SPRing oPening HouRS 16th February 2015 to 24th May 2015 Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 4pm NOTE: open Easter Sunday 3rd April 2015
SuMMeR oPening HouRS 25th May 2015 to 13th September 2015 Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 5pm Sunday 10.30am to 4pm
autuMn oPening HouRS 14th September 2015 to 19th December 2015 Mon, Tue Weds, Fri, Sat: 10.30am to 4pm
WinteR CLoSuRe The Castle will be closed during the winter period from December 20th to February 14th to allow for essential maintenance work. Note: Four and under, students and regimental veterans are admitted free of charge.
Postcode: SY1 2AT Telephone : 01743-358516 www.shropshireregimentalmuseum.co.uk
LLanyMyneCH LiMeWoRkS Heritage area Follow the path taken by the limestone quarried from Llanymynech Rocks down the inclined planes to the lime kilns and thence to the canal or railway. Visit one of only 3 remaining Hoffman Kilns in the country (the only one complete with chimney) and explore it both inside and out! You can also wander and picnic in the woodland and meadows. The site is always open. There is car parking adjacent to the canal or behind the Dolphin pub in the village. Visit the website www.llanymynech.org.uk to download a map and other information. Telephone 01691 839147, or email llanymynech@hotmail.co.uk
Location: on the A483 next to the canal in Llanymynech. Grid Ref: SJ266211. Post Code SY22 6EA
Wharf Visitor Centre
Open 1.30 - 4.30 Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to end of September
Boat Trips, Exhibition, Gifts and Light Refreshments www.llanymynech.org.uk www.duchess-countess.org.uk
tanat VaLLey LigHt RaiLWay
Tanat Valley Light Railway Company, Nant Mawr Visitor Centre, Nant Mawr, Near Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 9DW
Telephone 01948 - 781079
website www.tvlr.co.uk e-mail admin@tvlr.co.uk
Just off the A495 at Porthywaen near Oswestry
opening times from Easter to September open 10 - 5 every day, other times open most Tuesdays and Weekends, group visits or tours by prior arrangement, phone for details
Facilities include Toilet, woodland walks, nature trail, picnic area, car parking, small museum, wildlife pond, all free to visit (donations very welcome).
SHRoPSHiRe HiLLS DiSCoVeRy CentRe
The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is the perfect place to start your exploration of the Shropshire Hills.
The award winning visitor attraction, voted as 'Best Family Day Out (small venue)' by the general public.
The ‘grow Cook Learn’ organisation recently took over as tenants of the Discovery Centre and their aim is to create a training centre for food-related employment. The Ludlow Food Festival has recently given £11,000 to install a training kitchen at the Discover Centre. The plan is ‘to build on the excellent facilities already available at the Centre while working towards a refurbishment that develops their “eat the view” theme’ If you are looking for a Shropshire day out with a difference over the winter months there is something to do inside or out. Take a stroll in our meadows, relax in our cafe with lovely views over a delicious home-cooked meal, a frothy coffee or a Shropshire cream tea. We are open daily throughout the year 10am - 5pm. Get up close and personal to Shropshire’s larger than life mammoth and step back into the Iron Age.
Take a virtual balloon ride over the Shropshire Hills - You can see all the best bits and get the finest views without leaving the ground or climbing a single hill!
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Discover a unique range of gifts, cards, books, home ware, local artisan crafts and local food products in the shop much of it made in Shropshire and reflecting the beauty of the natural landscape. There is also a wide range of locally made cards, postcards and calendars. Every 4-6 weeks the gallery features amazing works of art by local artists and craft people inspired by the Shropshire Hills. You are guaranteed to take home a little bit of Shropshire.
Just outside there’s the 30 acre Onny Meadows, well signposted for gentle strolls along riverside paths, through wild flowers and woodland. Well behaved dogs are welcome so everyone can stretch their legs. On the first Saturday of every month you will find the Craven arms Farmers’ Market (from 9.00am - 1pm) - for a wide range of local produce as well as artisan products.
opening Hours
Open 7 days a week 10am – 5pm The last entry to the Secret Hills exhibition is 4.30pm. Telephone 01588 676060 Craven Arms www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk
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DanieLS MiLL
A picturesque working water mill with 38ft. cast iron waterwheel producing wholemeal flour traditionally. Family owned for 250 years. Personal guided tours for all visitors, by millers Alan & Peter George.
Daniels Mill is set in the idyllic Shropshire countryside, deep in a wooded valley crossed by a 19th Century viaduct carrying the Severn Valley Railway to Bridgnorth. Visitors are taken back in time when the mill wheel turns and a steam train crosses the viaduct at the same time. Heavy French Burr millstones turn locally grown wheat into flour in the traditional way used for centuries. There are conducted tours for all visitors to the mill. A small gift shop is open and 100% wholemeal flour is available for sale. The tea room offers scones made from our own flour.
Organised parties and schools are welcome by prior appointment throughout the year. Evening parties accepted throughout the year. Please
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allow up to 2 hours to visit. Reductions for parties numbering 20 and over. Light refreshments available by arrangment - see the website for more details. The Stables Tearoom, serving light bites and drinks.
Directions
Daniels Mill is brown sign posted from Bridgnorth. From the Severn Valley Railway in Bridgnorth (Holybush Road) turn onto B4363 Cleobury Mortimer road. After ¼ mile turn right on to the B455 towards Eardington. Daniels Mill is situated approx ¾ mile on right.
Prices
£5.00 Adults, £4.00 Concessions
open times
Easter - end of October, 11am-4pm
Telephone 01746 762753 www.danielsmill.co.uk
BRiDgnoRtH’S noRtHgate MuSeuM
The Museum has a varied collection of objects to show the history of Bridgnorth from the stone and bronze ages through the civil war period to it's industry influence on many other industries. The Town was a very busy market town with it's cattle market and supporting shops, printers, theater and public houses and one time race course. The displays have a number of clay pipes and coins and information on the first high pressure steam engine in the form of a model of Trevethic engine that pulled the first fare paying passengers, before Stevensons' Rocket.
The Museum was created by the Historic Society in 1951 for the Festival of Britain and is housed in the old Burghes room over the Northgate, hence the name and was part of the Norman Castle, and Moat Street is near by. It's website is www.bridgnorthmuseum.org.uk which shows the collection and opening times during the period from Easter to the end of October each year. The website also shows the winter lectures
each month until April and new members are always welcome either by attending one of the lectures or contacting the membership secretary on 01746 762206 or the Curator on 01746 711486
The Museum now has Accreditation by the Arts Council, England which means it is nationally recognised as one that has well displayed and protected artefacts to the national standard and leading to TV companies contacting and loaning an item to be televised. Opening times: from Easter to October Saturdays 1.30 pm to 4 pm Sundays 11.00 am to 4 pm In school holidays during this opening period: Monday-Friday 11.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday 1:30 pm - 4.00 pm Sunday 11 am - 4.00 pm Postcode : WV16 5AE
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WHitCHuRCH HeRitage CentRe 2015 opening Hours Tuesday 11.00 - 16.00 Thursday 11.00 - 16.00 Friday 11.00 - 16.00 Groups by arrangement
FRee entRy Whitchurch is renowned for being the only town in Shropshire to have been continually inhabited on the same site since being built in Roman Times.
The Heritage Centre is home to Whitchurch Museum and Archives and contains displays and exhibits that reflect the town’s historic roots. It forms part of the town’s Local History Centre where the public can carry out research.
Permanent displays include ● Sir Edward German - Whitchurch-born composer and musician ● Randolph Caldecott - Artist and illustrator who worked in Whitchurch ● History of Joyce’s Clocks - a Whitchurchbased company famous for its tower clocks ● Themed interactive displays geared towards younger children There are also numerous temporary displays which tell stories connected to Whitchurch and the local area. The Gallery contains a selection of original works, in both oil and watercolour, by Randolph Caldecott and other local artists.
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Museum is wheelchair accessible Disabled parking adjacent to Heritage Centre Gift shop selling souvenirs and local history publications
Contact Details 12 St Mary’s Street Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1QY Tel 01948 664577
Collection & Research enquiries info@whitchurch-heritage.co.uk
Websites www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk www.thegreatwar.whitchurch-shropshire.co.uk www.allourstories.whitchurch-shropshire.co.uk
Social Media www.facebook.com/whitchurch-heritagecentre twitter.com/WHSHC
oSWeStRy
Visitor & exhibition Centre The Centre is set within Oswestry Parish Churchyard formerly called Holbache House it was the second oldest grammar school founded in 1407. It now houses Oswestry Tourist Information centre, a coffee shop and art exhibitions which change monthly.
Opening times; Every day except Sunday 10am4pm. Longer opening in summer. Entry is free
Postcode SY11 2TE Telephone 01691 662753 www.oswestry-welshborders.org.uk escape@oswestry-welshborders.org.uk
oswestry town Museum
Housed on the 3rd floor of the Guildhall, Lift Access available, in the former Oswestry Magistrates Court rooms.
As part of their plans to make Oswestry Town Museum a true reflection of the History of the Town of Oswestry the group behind the project
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have announced that the Museum will include a Timeline stretching from the formation of the rocks that Oswestry sits on right up to the present day and with space to update it in the future on an annual basis. Mark Hignett for the group said “We have to remember that what happens this year is next years history” adding “in particular visitors to the town next year could be interested in what happened the previous year as being part of the history of the town.” For more information: www.oswestrymuseum.org.uk E-Mail: info@oswestrymuseum.org.uk Telephone : Mark on 01948 781079
Open on market days Wednesday 10 – 4 Friday 10 – 4 Saturday 10 – 3.30
Other times and group visits by prior arrangement.
FLax MiLL MaLtingS SHReWSBuRy
conservation and redevelopment. This will transform the heritage site into a visitor attraction as well as a place for learning, workspaces and community use. The Flax Mill Maltings is a unique and internationally important site, containing seven listed buildings including the world’s first iron framed building.
Despite it’s extraordinary historic importance that changed the way we live and work today, the buildings have stood derelict for over thirty years. That is all about to change as due to a unique public partnership, of Shropshire Council, English Heritage and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings. In July 2013 the Flax Mill Maltings Partnership received a confirmed grant of £12.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to support the first phase of its
Shropshire archives
Do want to trace the history of your house or local area?
Are you interested in family history?
·Do you have a local history project for school?
·Do you need to research historic documents for a legal enquiry?
This is the archives and local studies service for the historic county of Shropshire, which includes the Borough of Telford and Wrekin.
The Archives preserve and make accessible documents, books, maps, photographs, plans and drawings relating to Shropshire past and present.
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The Friends have made these important historic buildings accessible so that organisations, groups and individuals can explore, learn, participate in and enjoy the unique and varied heritage. Community access in the form of guided tours and open weekends in May and September will continue during the construction phase coordinated by the Friends.
To find out how you can visit or get more involved with the project
visit www.flaxmill-maltings.co.uk or call 01743 360213.
To find out more check the www.shropshirearchives.org.uk
website
opening times Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10am-5pm Thursday: 10am-8pm (advance orders for original items after 5.30pm) Friday: 10am-5pm Saturday: 10am-4pm (advance orders for original items) Sunday: Closed
You can also discover the heritage of Shropshire by visiting a Library Local History Centre. It may be the starting point for inspiration and encouragement for you to go further with your own learning and research. There are Local History Centres in libraries at Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Ludlow and Oswestry.
CLun MuSeuM
Based on a private collection of a local shopkeeper, Mr. Tom Hamar, which in 1932, due to its popularity, was re- housed in part of the ground floor of the Town Hall, built in 1780 by the Earl of Powys.
Since those days, under the auspices of the Clun Town Trust (Registered Charity 208408) the Museum has grown to fill both floors of the Town Hall and houses a multitude of local historical and agricultural artefacts from the Clun Forest area.
ground Floor The items on display reflect the diversity of Trades in this once self contained market town - the centre of a large Farming community; Smithy, Wheelwright, Clog maker, Saddler, Tailor, Baker,∙ Brewer, to name but a few. It also houses a nationally recognized collection of Flints which were traded along the Clun/Clee Ridgeway.
First Floor Here the main theme is local memorabilia of both the First (1914 –1918) and Second (1939 –1945) World Wars, including uniforms of all three Armed Forces, Nursing and Women’s Land Army, together with our photographic collection and a Digital Photo frame.
Schools, Historical Societies and Clubs are very welcome and special opening times can be arranged. We are active members of the Shropshire Heritage Forum and validated providers for The Shropshire Children’s University.
access for all We have audio, Braille and two large print guides together with an illuminated tactile map of Clun and pictures for the use of visually impaired visitors. A stairlift is installed for easy access and a portable ramp available at Main Entrance.
opening times
Easter - 31st October tueSDayS: 2.00pm - 5.00pm SatuRDayS & Bank HoLiDayS: (Mondays & tuesdays) 11.00am- 1.00pm 2.00pm - 5.00pm
For special openings at other times Contact Curator: Email: clunmuseum@gmail.com Websites: www.clunmuseum.org.uk www.shropshirehistory.org.uk
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BiSHoP'S CaStLe HeRitage ReSouRCe CentRe
documents held at Shropshire Archives. These are too bulky and precious to leave Shrewsbury and have therefore been digitally photographed, and can now be viewed on-screen at BCHRC, and selected pages printed. This means that researchers can view an image of the original document, with no risk of transcription errors, and of a much higher quality than existing microfiche images.
Bishop's Castle's geographical remoteness has served to protect its heritage, and the town has kept much of its historic character. Bishop's Castle Heritage Resource Centre is a volunteerrun activity centre which opened in 2004 to celebrate local history and keep it within the community for people to use and share. It is owned and run by the House on Crutches Museum Collection Trust, which also manages the House on Crutches Museum.
BCHRC has a secure museum standard store, in which the Museum's reserve collection is kept in safety, as well as other artefacts, documents and ephemera. You can view some of the collection online at www.bchrc.co.uk. Individuals and organisations can deposit their archives in the store for a small fee. More information on depositing can be found on the website.
An index of these resources is available at BCHRC or to download from the website www.bchrc.co.uk. BHRC is open to visitors from 10.30am to 1.00pm on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays or at other times by arrangement. Please phone 01588 630556 (answerphone) or email mail@bchrc.co.uk. BCHRC is at 5 Chapel yard, just off Bishop's Castle's High Street. Other facilities and services are offered, from photocopying and laminating to specialised services such as the production of displays and digitisation of documents. The small meeting room is ideal for meetings and workshops up to a maximum of 12 people, and there is a small range of equipment for hire, such as display boards. There is a small charge for these.
In 2009 BCHRC secured a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to develop as a Local History Centre, and the volunteers worked closely with staff from Shropshire Archives to identify materials and resources relating to the Bishop’s Castle area that would enable them to help visitors with their family history or social history query. These resources include parish registers, tithe maps, electoral rolls, census returns and other
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Working at BCHRC
tHe HouSe on CRutCHeS MuSeuM
also replica items of period costume, and you can try some of them on! This is also the home for changing temporary displays or exhibits and items for sale exclusive to and representative of the House on Crutches and Bishop's Castle and district.
The House on Crutches Museum in Bishop’s Castle is situated in a remarkable timber framed building dating back to Elizabethan times. It houses an extensive social history collection covering many aspects of community life and agriculture in Bishop's Castle and South West Shropshire. It is tucked away up a cobbled street adjacent to the Town Hall at the top of the High Street.
The story of this unique small town is told through displays of local artefacts and memorabilia, mostly from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Rural life and farming were very important in this area on the remote borders between England and Wales, but the town supported thriving industries such as brewing, shoemaking and tanning. It also provides a glimpse into domestic life at a time when industrial innovations began to find their way into rural homes across the country. The first room you enter is the kitchen. Here you will find a replica cooking range and accessories and a display devoted to wash days. There are
Upstairs, the Town Room displays the history of local businesses. Here you will find displays on the clog and shoe making industries, the story of drovers, also local breweries, chemists, tailors and other trades in the town.
The Agriculture room is devoted to farming and countryside pursuits in Bishop's Castle’s surrounding rural area. Here is the museum’s collection of tools used in and around the home and farm.
The Parlour houses the museum's collection of children’s toys and domestic pastimes from the 19th century. The doll’s house dates from the 1920s and was made locally by an elder brother for his young sister. Much of the furniture inside is original. Visiting children enjoy playing with the toys in the Parlour.
The museum is managed and staffed by volunteers, and opening times are generally weekend afternoons between Easter and Michaelmas. Groups and those requiring tailored educational visits are welcome at any time during the museum's opening season by prior arrangement. Please contact the museum on 01588 630556 (answerphone) or by email via the website www.hocmuseum.org.uk to discuss your requirements.
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MaRket DRayton’S oWn MuSeuM
the story of Drayton
It’s called “The Story of Drayton”, because that’s exactly what it is.
It’s all about the Town. Everything in the Collection was donated by the people of Market Drayton, used by them, and often manufactured by them. So the families, lifestyle, events, and stories emerge from all these bits and pieces.... more than 10,000 of them, collected over the course of nearly thirty years..
In the Shop they sell the Town. That’s to say you will be given a potted history in five quick chapters, from earliest times to the present. There’s also the odd diversion and digression.
Don’t miss the house behind, where a home is on display.... with the trophies on the mantelpiece, china in the dresser, books in the bookcase, medicine in the bathroom, and so on in kitchen, yard and outhouse. Here, as you can imagine, the past often rubs shoulders with the present.
The things you can see range from a prehistoric plant stem to a hand-pulled hearse, a bottle collection, panoramic school photographs, a horse-drawn seed drill, lamps, money boxes, and mangles. And you’ll find stories ranging from Clive of India’s pies to gingerbread secrets, the WC War, and death at the theatre, not to mention Arthur Phillips’ vertical take-off aircraft of 1908.
opening dates from 5th May to 31st October
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at the following times:
Tuesday: 10.30am - 1.00pm Wednesday: 10.30am - 1.00pm Friday: 10.30am - 1.00pm Saturday: 10.30am - 1.00pm
Entry is free, but as the Museum is totally run by volunteers without help from 'the rates', we would appreciate a donation. You are assured of a warm welcome, at the same time helping you share the past (and present) of this the largest and most important market town in the area. 53 Shropshire St Market Drayton,Shropshire, TF9 3DA Telephone 01630 654300 e-mail ipictonr@talktalk.net
ire’s hropsh S f o y d Man ms nee . . Museu EERS. T N U L VO
Shifnal Local History exhibition
Shifnal Museum and Archive Centre opened in December 2009 in the former Fire Station in Shrewsbury Road . The exhibition comprises a collection of over 1900 photographs, local artefacts and sources of information for local and family history research. The museum holds lots of useful information on the people in the town’s past, such as births deaths and marriages, and census information right back to 1841.
The Museum is open on Friday afternoons from 2.00 to 4.00, and on Saturday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00. There are also special events throughout the year. Old Fire Station, Shrewsbury Road, Shifnal TF11 8AQ
Admission is FREE and members of the Shifnal Local History Group are always on hand to provide a welcome and answer questions
Ditton Priors Local History Centre
The Centre holds an extensive archive, much of it on a database, on the history of the village. There is a recently researched story of Ditton's wartime Admiralty Armaments Depot, and the next project is on evacuees in the village. The Centre is adjacent to the Oak Farm shop and Tearooms, which are open Wednesday to Saturday throughout the year.
Opening hours are Saturdays 12 -4pm from Easter to end October. Or by appointment Ditton Priors Local History Centre By Oak Farm Tearoom Station Road Ditton Priors WV16 6SS
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SeVeRn VaLLey RaiLWay
the 50th anniversary year The future’s not just bright; it’s golden for the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) as it looks forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015 with a special programme of events alongside its usual schedule of family and enthusiast favourites.
Following on from a successful 2014, staff and volunteers are now preparing for a bumper year of celebrations for the anniversary, marking the first meeting of a group of young railway enthusiasts in a Kidderminster pub on 6th July 1965, who formed the Severn Valley Railway Society.
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The original SVR line closed two years’ earlier under the notorious Beeching Axe; a cost-saving measure introduced by Dr Richard Beeching, the then chairman of the British Transport Commission, which saw more than 2,000 stations shut across the country.
Five years after that initial meeting, the first section of the preserved SVR line, between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade, was opened for public passenger services in May 1970, following a successful period of fund-raising.
Victoria Bridge © Bob Sweet
A series of truly unique events will bring those pioneering days to life throughout 2015, with the founding members joining current staff, volunteers and supporters in celebration.
Pump trolleys – epitomised in films and used extensively by the early SVR volunteers – take to the tracks once again as part of an exciting competition, which will see teams test their endurance travelling a total of 50 miles along the original four-and-a-half mile stretch of line between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade on April 27th.
Founding members will also board a special dining train on July 6th, to mark 50 years to the day of that initial meeting, following presentations at Kidderminster Town Station. A special anniversary programme will be in place for the Spring Steam Gala – one of the line’s favourite events held over the weekend March 20th – 22nd. The Gala will feature the official public opening of a superb new exhibition at The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, which celebrates the first 50 years of the Railway in words and pictures, while visitors can also pick up a copy of a special souvenir Golden Jubilee Commemorative Edition of the Express & Star in the main stations and at The Engine House.
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Special guests during this year’s gala include a former resident, as loco GWR/London Transport pannier tank No. L92, returns to the line, whilst unique WD 2-8-0 No. 90733 'Dub Dee' will make its debut at the SVR, representing a class of freight locomotives used right up to the end of steam in the late 60s.
These special events will join the SVR’s extensive programme of popular events throughout the year including the Family Fun Weekend, Step Back to the 1940s Weekends, Autumn Steam Gala, Ghost Trains and Santa Season Services.
Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “Reaching our 50th year is an incredible milestone for the Railway and just goes to demonstrate the on-going dedication, passion and hard work of the founding members, volunteers and staff who keep the Railway running smoothly throughout each year – each walking in the footsteps of those first supporters who made history in 1965. “Of course, we also wouldn’t be here without the support of all our visitors, both enthusiasts and families, and we are thrilled to be bringing a host of brand new events to the Railway in 2015, alongside our annual schedule.
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“The year is gearing up to be very special and exciting for us and we can’t wait to celebrate this amazing achievement and legacy with all those who mean so much to the Railway’s success.” Telephone 01562 757900 for the SVR:
or 01746-862387 for The Engine House: Visit www.svr.co.uk the engine House
arley
Statio n
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HaWkStone PaRk FoLLieS
“Oft had I heard of Hawkston e Park, It’s mu ch frequented grou nd, But all descri pti on was but dark, Compar’d wi th what I fou nd”. From a poem entitled “The Beauties of Hawkstone Park” by J W Salmon, published around 1800
Constructed around dramatic sandstone cliffs rising abruptly from the Shropshire Plain and with so many attractions to see, it is little wonder that Hawkstone was once one of the most visited landscapes in Britain.
Historic Hawkstone Park, with its hidden pathways, concealed grottos, secret tunnels and remarkable collection of follies, is perhaps the most magical and wondrous tourist attraction Shropshire has to offer.
Created in the 18th Century by Sir Rowland Hill, the woodland fantasy of caves and cliffs has been described as a lost world deep in the heart of Shropshire and is one of the greatest naturalist landscape creations in Britain.
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The monument to Sir Rowland Hill bears the inscription “The righteous shall be held in everlasting remembrance” and was restored in 1992. The view you are afforded after climbing the 153 steps is truly breathtaking; on a clear day you can see thirteen (of the old) counties of England & Wales !
This first class tourist attraction benefits from a Three Star Country House Hotel, the Hawkstone Park Hotel, located within its grounds. The hotel has sixty en-suite bedrooms.
The site also has a picturesque tearoom serving refreshments and snacks throughout the day, a picnic pack service, gift and book shop and free parking. A packed lunch is advisable as you may be some distance from the tearoom when hunger strikes - this also makes Hawkstone Park Follies a very good value day out.
Telephone 01948 841777 / 841700 www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk
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events at Hawkstone Park Follies in 2015 3rd - 6th April
Easter Egg Hunt
Find the clues around the park
2nd - 4th May
Medieval Weekend
Go back to the 12th Century
18th - 21st June 19th July
Remembering Waterloo
Chainsaw sculpting
Re-living our connections with the bicentenary
29th - 31st August
Robin Hood at Hawkstone
Wolfshead Bowmen bring the past to life
10th September 18th October
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Mud Run
Hawk Day
Chainsaw talent display in the park Come and watch people run the Follies covered in mud ! Feather Perfect Hawk interaction
Shropshire’s ancient woodland launches new tree trail Visitors to Hawkstone Park Follies will be looking skywards this summer in the Pinetum Trail. This woodland walk will showcase some of the park’s most spectacular conifers, with species originating from all over the world.
One of the most rare trees is the Giant Redwood, which is native to California and recognisable for its distinctive cinnamoncoloured bark and towering height. The Silver Fir, originating from the mountains of Europe, is another highlight. With its needle-like leaves and strong pine scent, this was the first ever species to be used as a Christmas tree. Other trees to spot include the Western Red Cedar, Coast Redwood, Chilean Pine, Monterey Cypress and Douglas Fir. Visitors will be able to learn more about the different species, their origins and history, going on a sensory journey of colours, smells and textures. Each season will offer a new experience, from the warm oasis and dappled shade of summer to the fiery colours of autumn, when the trail will be dotted with fallen pinecones.
The Pinetum was originally planted by the Hill family, former owners of the Hawkstone estate, in the mid 19th century. Park warden Barry Fewster says, “The trail gives us a fascinating insight into the culture and fashions of the time. There were people known as ‘tree hunters’ who would travel all over the world in search of
exotic species, sending back the seeds to be planted, which is how our rare collection came to be. We’re very proud of it and excited to be sharing our work with visitors as part of the new trail”.
Visitors to the park can also enjoy a picnic in the woods or lunch in Caspian’s Tearooms, before walking through the historic Follies, featuring the magical caves and passages of The Grotto.
Hawkstone Park Follies is open Thursday – Monday in June, 3rd to 31st July, and 7 days a week in August. (last admission 3pm on the gate). Tickets are priced adult £7.95; child £5.50; concession £7.25. Family tickets are £25.00 (2 adults + 2 children) and £28.00 (2 adults + 3 children).
Further information is available by calling 01948 841777 or visiting : www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk
BURWARTONSHO W THURSDAY 6 AUGUST 2015 The Showground, B4364 between Ludlow & Bridgnorth
The ROYAL SIGNALS MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM - THE WHITE HELMETS
and BOB HOGG SHEEPDOGS • Trade Stands • Food Hall • Handicrafts • Horticulture • YFC Displays • Sheep Shearing • Craft Demonstrations
www.burwartonshow.co.uk -7 .00 pm
Ticket prices: Adults £15, Concessions £14, Child £5 Discounted pre-show tickets available
8.1 5am
A great day out for all the family
Explore E xplore the fas ffascinating ascinating w world orld o off the V Victorian ictorian jjudges udges at at this aawa award-winning ward-winning his historic toric ho house. use. Stunningly S tunningly restored restored and and totally totally hands hands o on.Damp n.Damp ccells ells and and vas vastt ccourtroom ourtroom incl included! uded! Open: 1 March - 31 October, 10am - 5pm Tu Tues - Sun (Open Bank Holiday Mondays) 1 - 30 November 10am - 4pm We Wed - Sun, 1 - 22 December 10am - 4pm Sat - Sun The Judge's Lodg dgin ing, Broad Street, Presteig igne ne, Powys, LD8 2AD.
01544 260650 www.judgeslodging.org. w ww.judgeslodging.org. u uk k Signpost - page 64
H A W K S T O N E
P A R K
C A V E S C L I F F S W O O D L A N D
A Powerful and Timeless Landscape
AS SEEN ON COUNTRYFILE