Shropshire
The Ultimate Annual County Guide tr y o iPho ur free ne A n d an d ro ap p i d s
C
GUIDE
Issue 14 - 2016
Historic Buildings | Festivals Gardens | Museums | Tourist Attractions
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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 2016 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 map-driven, online magazine website
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Click the QR code for local bus times.
Cover image Church Stretton & Carding Mill Valley Š Mike Gibson
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 2016. 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
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 kitchen garden, deer park and adventure playfield offer a fantastic day
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attingham Park, © national trust images/ John Millar
out for all the family. Open daily throughout the year, Attingham has a wide range of events and seasonal highlights for all to enjoy.
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. 2016 sees Attingham celebrating 10 years of the Attingham Re-Discovered project, a groundbreaking approach to conservation that includes
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work to restore the Nash picture gallery – take a tour and find out more. Don’t miss the magnificent Regency interiors with their collections of ambassadorial silver, Italian furniture and Grand Tour paintings.
Visitors can relax on a stroll through the woodland, run wild on a family day out in the Shoulder of Mutton playfield, discover the stunning showrooms in the mansion or celebrate a special occasion with a trip to Lady Berwick’s Afternoon Tea Room. Attingham is open every day except Christmas Day, and until 7pm in the summer. 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, call 01743 708162 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Benthall Hall, near Broseley
Sited on a plateau overlooking the River Severn, Benthall Hall was a family home for more than 500 years. Built in 1535, this fine stone house features mullioned and transomed windows and a stunning interior with its carved oak staircase and decorated ceilings.
Between 1710 and 1934 the Benthalls lost ownership of the estate, and one of the new custodians George Maw took full advantage of the close proximity to Ironbridge. George Maw and his brother were able to develop their tile business at Benthall because of the clay and coal available in this area, and they even used the house as part of their sales technique by laying tiled floors in the house. The tiled floor in the entrance hall has only recently been restored.
George Maw was also a distinguished botanist; he assembled a collection of rare plants from around the world in the garden, including a large
Benthall Hall © national trust images / Matthew antrobus
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Don’t miss the Restoration church within the grounds of the estate; it’s open to visitors and well worth a look around.
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 offers breath-taking views across Shropshire, Cheshire and the Black Mountains.
An important place for wildlife, geology and archaeology, the area has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years and has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as a Site of Special Scientific
Interest. It contains a number of different habitats from heather, bilberry and gorse covering much of the hilltops to the streams and bogs of the sheltered valleys which are home to a wide variety of wildlife.
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. The area is also designated as a Dark Skies site; meaning it’s 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 venture far out of the Valley to find your own piece of solitude on the Long Mynd.
For information, call 01694 725000 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill
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collection of crocuses, which can still be seen today in the spring and autumn.
Carding Mill Valley, © national trust images/ John Millar
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the Dudmaston estate, © national trust images / Chris Lacey
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 collections from the intriguing modern art galleries assembled by diplomat Sir George Labouchere, to the classical collections of botanical drawings and watercolours put together by his wife Lady Rachel. Don’t miss the new exhibition in Gallery 2 which unveils items from the collection that have a story to tell, bringing to life the characters from the estate’s past, in a modern and innovative way.
There are nine acres of gardens to explore, which include the Rockery Bank and American Garden, which are a glorious mass of colour in spring and summer and take on the seasonal hues of autumn. 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.
For admission prices, opening times and a full list of events please call 01746 780866 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston
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Tucked away in Wellington, this rare suburban villa and mini-estate is an Edwardian time capsule which provides a fascinating glimpse of the past.
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 at home, despite all the features of a grander house, such as the Billiard Room, Drawing Room and impressive Staircase Hall. With more of the servants quarters opened up for 2016, visitors can also get a taste of life below stairs.
Refreshments including light lunches, ice cream and afternoon tea are available from the Smoking Room tea-room.
For admission prices, opening times and a full list of events please call 01952 242884 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sunnycroft
Wenlock edge
Located on the outskirts of Much Wenlock, Wenlock Edge is a stunning an geologically important 16-mile long escarpement that is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its array of woodland and flowered grassland.
Nearby, is the unspoilt Elizabethan limestone manor house, Wilderhope Manor which dates back to 1586. Although unfurnished, the interior is of interest for its remarkable wooden spiral staircase and fine plaster ceilings. The gabled property is now leased to the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
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conservatory, kennels, pigsties and stables and is perfect for a wander, a game of croquet or a picnic.
Three National Trust car parks (at Much Wenlock, Wilderhope and Presthope)mark the start of miles of trails along this limestone ridge, which is popular for hillwalking, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding.
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Sunnycroft, near Wellington
For more information please call the National Trust on 01694 725000 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill
Sunnycroft, © national trust images/ John Millar
The 5 acres of garden reflect the early Edwardian period, complete with a magnificent avenue of Wellingtonia, glass houses, a
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Historic Medieval Re-enactments, Living History days as well as Plant and Craft Fairs to Outdoor Theatre Productions – visit the website for a full list of events. Costumed Guides are available (if pre-booked) for groups of 8 people or more. The tours offer visitors the chance to see into some of the locked rooms and hear stories of the Castle’s fascinating history.
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The castle is steeped in historical tales of bitter warfare, treachery, death, myths, legends and of course many ghosts and strange happenings. It is said that “The Holy Grail” was once hidden here as well as a cursed chest which is opened would bring death. The Castle is also connected to some very famous historic figures like Dick Whittington once Lord Mayor of London and Shropshire’s very own Robin Hood – Fulk FitzWarine 111. The FitzWarine family acquired Whittington Castle and in the late 12th Century Fulk FitzWarine 111 was outlawed by King John.
A fairy tale Castle, ivy clad ruined walls, medieval moat and a twin towered gatehouse entrance are the iconic features of Whittington Castle near Oswestry in Shropshire. This Castle which was the first community run Castle in the country, was re launched in 2007 after a huge restoration project and it has been drawing visitors from far and wide since.
The Castle makes the ideal group outing it has a tearoom serving sandwiches, cakes and refreshments and the speciality The Castle Cream Tea. The Castle has a well-stocked second hand bookshop area and sells souvenirs and gifts. A new bridge gives access to the inner bailey area and tower and the moat has been extended and the pavilion replaced to give view of the landscape which was once a medieval garden. Disabled toilets are available. Throughout the year there are many events from
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The Castle is available for Civil Ceremonies, Knight and Princess Birthday Parties as well as Paranormal Investigations, Group tours and School groups. The Castle has a Membership scheme and welcomes new members and those who wish to help at the Castle as volunteers. The Castle is now completely self funded. tel 01691 662500 info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk Castle Grounds open All Year Free Entrance £1 to park via Pay and Display machine Tearoom/gift shop and second hand book shop open Wednesday to Sunday 10-4pm summer & Thursday to Sunday 10-4pm winter
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events 2016
26th-27th March - Napoleonic Living History 27th-28th March - Easter Egg Hunt Trail 17th April - House of Blackstar – Living History Day 30th April-2nd May - Norman Invasion of the Castle – large 3 day event 15th May - House of Blackstar – Living History Day 29th May - Outdoor Shakespeare – Festival Players present “Hamlet” 12th June - House of Blackstar – Living History Day 26th June - Planthunters Fair
napoleonic Living History Day - © Huw Davies
30th-31st July – Multi Period Living History Weekend 21st August – Teddy Fun Day 10th-11th September – Claymore Living History Weekend (Jacobite Re-enactors) 18th September - House of the Blackstar – Living History Day 6th-16th October – Wrexham Art Group Exhibition 25th-29th October – Ghost Tours of the Castle 30th October – Halloween Day time event 31st October – Halloween Evening Event 11th & 18th December - Father Christmas Grotto at the Castle
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oSWeStRy
Oswestry Town Council plays a vital role in making Oswestry a vibrant market town for both visitors and residents
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NABMA Winner of Great British Market Award 2015 & Oswestry Christmas Live winner - Best Small Speciality Market
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.
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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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
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WHittinGton CaStLe The Ideal family Day out - Nr Oswestry
Tel 01691 662500 E-Mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk
Castle Grounds open All Year Free Entrance
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www.ShrewsburySteamRally.co.uk Email: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk Tel: 01743 792731
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May 14th - 15th
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LuDLoW SPRinG FeStiVaL
Spring Festival gives more, more, more
The 2016 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 180 plus 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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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.
There will also be plenty of artisan producers too, so don’t wait till the September Festival to stock up on your favourite products.
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 14-15 May, however; there is a special preview evening on Friday 13 May when visitors can ‘Meet the Brewer’. It’s a unique opportunity to talk to
Classic Gems
Great music all weekend
More attractions can be found on the festival’s website where you can also buy advance tickets, visit www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk 2016 oPeninG tiMeS: Friday 13th May - Meet the Brewer Preview night - 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm Saturday 14th May - 10.00 am to 9.00 pm Sunday 15th May - 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
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Music festival in the gardens of the Lion, Leintwardine
april 30th & May 1st
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LionStoCk
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
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.
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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. •Children’s entertainment •al fresco food and drinks. •Battle of the Bands competition Saturday 30th april – noon – 11pm – local bands, al fresco food and drink. ticket price: £5.00
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Sunday 1st May – noon – 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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May 1st and 2nd
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nationaL FaLConRy & RaPtoR FaiR
The 2016 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 1st May and Monday 2nd 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 family entertainment that will include some fabulous flying displays.
The Falconry and Raptor Fair will feature all aspects of the falconry world with a variety of birds of prey demonstrations in the main arena, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls will delight visitors. The birds may also be viewed at close range to appreciate their magnificence on special static displays. The weekend is a special occasion in the falconry calendar. The link
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between mankind and birds of prey has, for centuries, held a romantic association. This will be something that visitors will find fascinating when they experience the close encounter of seeing the grace, beauty and power of the most spectacular birds in the world.
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). ‘Have a Go’ activities!: Dog Agility, Novelty Dog Show, Airgun Target Shooting; Shotgun Coaching; Black Powder Shooting, and free fly-casting tuition by an AAAPGAI Instructor; Children’s amusements, Funfair and Pony Rides, plus quality Trade Stands! ticket/admission information: Additional information about the event and show day facilities (Licensed Bars & Catering) are available from www.countryfairs.info Enquiries: (01588) 672708.
Ticket/admission information: Admission: Adults £13.00; Admission for Children aged 13
years and under is Free, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Show starts 10am Closes 6pm. Arena events start 11am. Dogs on leads welcome. Free Car Parking. Satnav Postcode: tF10 8aa
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June 26th - 28th
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SHReWSBuRy FooD FeStiVaL
More than 25,000 are expected to descend on Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park for the town’s fourth annual food festival. It will take place on June 25 and 26.
The event has become a popular fixture on Shrewsbury’s annual events calendar and visitors from across the region are expected. They will be able to sample the best artisanal foods from Shropshire, Herefordshire, Staffordshire and surrounding counties.
There will also be celebrity chef demonstrations, a huge marquee offering free entertainment for children, farmyard animals and much more besides.
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Event chief executive Beth Heath said: “We started the festival because Shrewsbury is an incredible town with great producers, retailers and restaurants. We wanted to show people how much there is on offer.
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“In our first year, we attracted 13,000 people and we doubled that in the space of three years. It’s been amazing to see how popular the festival has become in a few years.” The event is run with the help of 100 volunteers, who are called Team Orange, and new recruits are being invited to take part in this year’s festival.
Event chair, Andy Richardson, added: “We’re always on the lookout for new people and they will be welcomed into the fold. The food festival is a very sociable event and we’re happy to speak to those who’d like to become a part of it.”
The festival features the best local music on a large stage in The Quarry Park and new acts are lined up for 2016.
The event also donates money to good causes and has helped four local schools to build vegetable gardens as well as being at the forefront of a campaign to reduce food waste among residents in the town.
Mrs Heath added: “We love great food and we’re all about being responsible and sustainable. We’ve got some cracking ideas up our sleeve to make the fourth festival the best yet. We’ve even booked the sunshine.” Further details are available www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk
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Exhibitors, volunteers and members of the public can find out more at www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk or follow @shrewsfoodfest on Twitter
Marcus Bean (left) and host Colin young on the chef demonstration stage
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CoSFoRD FooD FeStiVaL
Fine food and flying machines! Following on from the success of previous festivals which have seen in excess of 20,000 people attend, over 75 local producers from across Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands will be tempting visitors with some of the region’s finest artisan produce, tastiest treats and best cooked dishes at this year’s event.
Taking place outdoors with the VC10 and Hercules aircraft acting as a backdrop for the bustling food market, there will be a wide range of exquisite local, fresh and handmade produce not available from your average supermarket store. With everything from organic produce to handmade indulgences and thirst quenching beverages on offer, there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s taste buds.
Visitors will learn from top chefs during our cooking demonstrations courtesy of the Wot’s Cooking team and our amazing local Chef ’s. Plus, visitors can sit back and enjoy live musical performances, sample some of the culinary delights available and take part in some of the children’s food and craft activities. With plenty of entertainment for the entire family taking place over the weekend, it is sure to be a great day out.
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admission Prices: Adult £5.00, Senior Citizen £4.00 Child (5-15 years) £2.00 Family (2 adults, up to 4 children) £12.00 Children under 5 - FREE
Contact Details: W: www.rafmuseum.org/cosford T: 01902 376200 Follow the event on @CosfordFoodFestival
tHe Lion at LeintWaRDine
July 30th - august 14th
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CHuRCH StRetton GoLDen JuBiLee aRtS FeStiVaL
Phoenix Singers of Shrewsbury
The 50th consecutive Festival opens with a performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Phoenix Singers of Shrewsbury with orchestra and nationally-known soloists. What better way to begin our celebration of 50 years? We return to opera for our closing night, with the 3rd visit by London Festival Opera, presenting a costumed highlight performance of Madam Butterfly followed by a programme of popular operatic encores.
Many of our Jubilee artistes have performed at Church Stretton before: Classico Latino with their charismatic arrangements of LatinAmerican music, Emma Johnson (former BBC Young Musician of the Year and now one of the world’s foremost clarinetists), the virtuoso baroque group Red Priest presenting Pirates of the Baroque, The London Mozart Trio with music by Brahms and Dvorak, and after their sell-out performance in 2014, The Tim Kliphuis Trio return with their Grapelli-style jazz.
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Emma Johnson © John Batten Photgraphy
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kensington Brass
Lovers of drama will be pleased that Heartbreak are returning with The Tempest. The Revd Richard Coles entitles his Festival debut From Pop Star to Pulpit – an evening not to be missed! And Patricia Hartshorne returns with a show specially devised: Hats off to Fifty Years of Festival. Finally, for those with an interest in historic churches in the area, Richard Byfield will present Shropshire’s most interesting churches and their treasures, drawing on his extensive knowledge and huge collection of photographs.
Performing for the first time are the flagship of London chamber groups, The London Mozart Players with music for strings and trumpets, and Kensington Brass – a ten-piece brass ensemble of recent graduates from the London music colleges, which will sound fantastic in the generous acoustic of St Laurence’s Church. The usual teatime concert this year is presented by flautist Emma Lindsay (another one that usually sells out) and we have a tribute band in the shape of The Topten Beatles.
The Art, Crafts and Photography Exhibition attracts a wide range of exhibitors from around Shropshire and beyond. The guest artist for 2016 will be Catherine Downes from Much Wenlock. Her paintings demonstrate her deep love of the countryside, the sea and the local industrial heritage. During the Festival fortnight, Catherine will host a Meet the Artist session and local textile artist Stevie Walker will lead two creative workshops.
Patricia Hartshorne
And there are the usual free coffee concerts and organ recitals. 26 events in a fortnight, plus a huge exhibition!
Brochures:
Church Stretton Visitor Iinformation Centre. Tickets available online & from Gloria Carter, 49 Ludlow Road, Church Stretton SY6 7AD (01694) 724106, John R Thomas (florist) 3 Sandford Avenue. Ring and Ride Transport available free for all events; telephone (01694) 720025. Art Exhibition information from Catherine Macartney 01694 723072.
www.strettonfestival.org.uk twitter - @StrettonFest
Catherine Downes
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BuRWaRton SHoW
4th august
a Great Day out in glorious Shropshire countryside
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g tin ce a r leb sin Ce ears how ts 5y 12 e firs 891 th in 1
This year we celebrate 125 years since the first Burwarton Show in 1891. Not quite 125 shows allowing breaks for two world wars, inclement weather, disease and a break for revitalisation in 1970. A proud record indeed and each year growing in strength and reputation as one of the foremost one-day agricultural shows in the country.
out for young and those a little over twenty-one in the glorious Shropshire countryside.
The Show puts great importance on being a traditional agricultural show. As well as competitive classes to show off the best cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, heavy horses and horses led,
Twenty thousand visitors to the Show cannot be wrong. Some have been coming for a lifetime and others for a much shorter spell – but always with the parting comment – we’ll be back again next year!
The emphasis for the organising committee – all volunteers, by the way - is on providing visitors with the best possible experience and a great day
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images © Mike ashton
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ridden and driving, our wide range of trade stands will provide you with everything from a tractor to a tee-shirt, a cake to a cup of tea and will also show you how to shear a sheep or become a proficient fly-caster.
The show starts at 8.15am and there is a continuous programme of competitions and events in the Main Ring, the seven horse rings below the railway line and displays and demonstrations throughout the day in the craft marquee, food hall, conservation area, the W.I.
and Horticulture marquee, and if all this is not enough then try a little retail therapy in the Shopping Arcade and browse the trade stands. This year's main ring entertainment is the Diggerland Dancing Diggers Stunt Team plus Joseph with his Amazing Camels racing fast and furious and playing polo. Other parts of the showground offer plenty of entertainment for our younger visitors including the Panic Family Circus offering non-animal clowns and the Village Green with music, magic and Punch & Judy.
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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 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 us at :
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info@burwartonshow.co.uk
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You can find out more about the show and follow the news for 2016 on twitter@burwarton_show
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4 - 12 June Meet the Shropshire Mammoth! Local lunches, frothy coffees & Shropshire cream teas Gallery & Exhibition Family Friendly Events & Activities Explore the 30 acre Meadow beside the River Onny Training courses & workshops
www.ShropshireHillsartWeek.co.uk
School Road, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9RS Tel: 01588 676060 @SH_DiscoveryCen Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk the home of Grow Cook Learn Registered Charity Number: 1158795
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28th - 29th august
The County of Salop Steam Engine Society’s 2016 Rally, is taking place at Onslow Park, Shrewsbury on the August Bank Holiday, Sunday 28th August and Monday 29th August. There will be a special ‘year of the Horse’ celebration.
Edward Goddard, Society Chairman said: “We have received many positive comments over the years about the wonderful horses at the Rally, so this year we are creating a special celebration that will delight visitors – with the focus on horses and their related transport (carts and waggons) as we realise they are one of the most popular attractions!” Shrewsbury Steam Rally will showcase over 1000 exciting exhibits and the diverse range of attractions will include the wonderful spectacle of working steam engines, and beautifully preserved classic vehicles from yesteryear, all to delight visitors to the highly-popular annual event. edward Goddard, Chairman
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SHReWSBuRy SteaM RaLLy
In the main arena, spectators can enjoy moving convoys of historic commercial vehicles, including buses and fire engines; vintage cycles; working horses; vintage tractors; pre-and post World War II cars; classic motorcycles; and perambulators... with all entrants invited to be in period costume. 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. There's also Tractor Pulling to excite! Full Arena Programme on both days. trevor Lloyd
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Visitors can buy tickets www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk
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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!"
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.
The family-friendly event provides some enjoyable entertainment with a full Arena Programme on both days, including the highly-popular 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.
Photographs © Philip Davies Static tractor display
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LuDLoW FooD FeStiVaL
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9th - 11th 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 around 20,000 and is renowned across the globe 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 9-11 September.
This will be the 22nd 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, tasting sessions and specialist talks are always incredibly popular. 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.
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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.
For more details about the festival please visit the website www.foodfestival.co.uk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzfRupZrJ9o Telephone 01584 873957
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26th - 27th november
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LuDLoW MeDieVaL CHRiStMaS FayRe
Join us in the stunning setting of Ludlow’s very own Medieval Castle for this fantastic fun weekend with entertainment galore and a huge range of food, drink and shopping.
On Saturday, visitors will be treated to a full day and evening opening from 10am – 9pm, joining 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 can 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; the ideal chance to find the perfect original gift or indulge in a unique treat!
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There’s a wide range of food and drink stalls to tickle your taste buds, from mulled wine and cider, to roast chestnuts and pies or head over to our local Beer Tent for carol singing and traditional wassails to whet your appetite for our big entertainment programme. With everything from bone-crunching fighting knights, medieval music, jesters and juggling to our giant ten foot puppets, there’s entertainment all weekend!
For the latest information and updates, visit www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
Head across the moat to the Inner Bailey for storytelling, hands-on-history, demonstrations and activities as well as more food and drink! From St. Nicholas in his magical den to try-on armour, have-a-go archery and crossbow and birds of prey, there really is something for all the family to enjoy.
Pictures Š ashleigh Cadet
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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.
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Directly above the Bottom Station, the Stoneway Guest house offers a unique B&B experience.
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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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£1.20 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 28th - Mon 29th AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY Year
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
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ut t Day O A Grea The Family 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
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Lodging an historic house with a difference – you can touch!
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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.
One of the world’s most appealin g small mu seums’ Dr John Davies, historian.
‘Truly inspirational’ is how HRH Prince of Wales described The Judge’s Lodging on a visit to this stunningly restored Victorian courthouse. Historic Royal Palaces Curator & historian, Lucy Worsley exclaimed ‘WHAT a stunning place!’ after filming for the BBC in the building and the Hudson's Heritage Awards hailed it as ‘Britain’s Best Hidden Gem’. 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
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There’s a host of special events and exhibitions to add to your entertainment. Every school holiday will come with exciting trails and activities to entertain the young, along with their own guidebook, full of facts about toilets, pants and things odd. Look out for special events and news throughout the year on the website, or follow on facebook.com/theJudgesLodging
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our Favourite things, the exhibition which runs to September 2016, brings together items from throughout the local history collections, exploring why people are drawn to certain objects and pictures. Star of the show will be an Ethiopian Emperor’s shield, whose recent conservation won the young student who worked on it, the Student Conservator of the Year Award. This once forgotten and mislabelled object, hidden away in the storeroom, turned out to be really rather important in the Anglo-Ethiopian Treaty negotiations of 1897 – a small local object with a big world connection.
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
Lucy Worsley Stapleton Castle © alex Ramsay
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iRonBRiDGe GoRGe MuSeuMS
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WoRLD HeRitaGe Site CeLeBRateS 30tH anniVeRSaRy
Discover the Birthplace of the industrial Revolution A fun and informative day out is ensured at the ten award winning Ironbridge Gorge Museums, which are set in an exciting, inspirational and beautiful landscape. 2016 marks 30 years since the Ironbridge Gorge was added to UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage Site list.
Spend a day in Victorian England at Blists Hill Victorian Town and explore atmospheric shops, homes and businesses. Admire magnificent ceramics in Coalport China Museum and savor the best of British tile design at Jackfield Tile Museum - now showcasing the world-class John Scott collection.
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Blists Hill Victorian town , Canal St
Enjoy a fun-filled day out that fuels the imagination at Enginuity and get involved with exciting, interactive exhibits. Work as a family to pull a steam locomotive by hand or generate electricity from flowing water.
Walk in the footsteps of ironmasters and visit their former homes, the Darby Houses. See where they pioneered new iron smelting techniques in Abraham Darby’s original furnace and explore the industrial heart of the Gorge. Find out how the iron made here changed the world at Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and learn how industry flourished at the newly redisplayed Museum of The Gorge.
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enginuity
More unusual attractions include the eerie 900metre Tar Tunnel, where you can don a hard hat and see the bitumen seeping slowly from the rock, and Broseley Pipeworks; a wonderfully preserved time capsule which has changed little since the workers left in the 1950s.
Discover the great symbol of the Industrial Revolution as you walk across the world’s first cast Iron Bridge. The perfect place to imagine what life was like around 300 years ago when industrial development began.
For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).
Ironbridge was one of the UK's first World Heritage Sites added to the list in 1986 and we will be celebrating throughout the year, in partnership with the other sites across the UK.
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SHRoPSHiRe MuSeuMS 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, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/museums
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Ludlow Museum and Resource Centre
Ludlow Museum is one of the oldest in the UK now located at 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.shropshire.gov.uk/museums or telephone on 01584 813665
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. open Days for 2016
Beam engines will be operating and extra attractions present on all open days. Doors open at 10.00 and the building closes at 16.00. Adults £2.50, Child £1.00, OAP £1.50, Family £5.00.
Sunday 10th april. Sunday 15th May. Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June. Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September. Sunday 23rd october. enquiries@colehampumpingstation.co.uk www.colehampumpingstation.co.uk
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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.
It is open (with free entry) from May to October on the mornings of Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Other times can be arranged by contacting the phone number above, recommended for those wishing to undertake research.
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
re’s i h ps hro eed S of ... sn ny eum ERS a s M Mu UNTE L VO
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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 07812 733223 www.danielsmill.co.uk
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tHe HouSe on CRutCHeS MuSeuM
to you to make arrangements. A small charge is made for such tours (£5 – £10) depending on numbers.
Over the Easter weekend, 25th to 28th March inclusive the museum will open from 2pm - 5pm on Good Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday
After Easter the museum will open from 30th April until 17th September, from 2pm - 5pm every Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday admission FRee
Note there are steps and stairs throughout this ancient building
If you can’t make our set opening hours we offer guided tours at a time to suit you – just contact the staff at the nearby Town Hall – email info@bishopscastletownhall.co.uk or telephone 01588 630 023, Monday - Saturday. Leave your contact and request details and we will get back
Find out about many aspects of community life and agriculture in Bishop's Castle and South West Shropshire, through displays of local artefacts and memorabilia mostly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside displays about the distinctive economic and political history of this unique border town. The museum trust is planning to add a special new artefact this year. We hope you’ll have time to seek it out.....
At Bishop's Castle Heritage Resource Centre (BCHRC) in Chapel Yard we hold a regular Local History Centre open session on Saturday mornings from 10.30am - 1pm, when volunteers are on hand to help with family, local history and research enquiries. As at the museum, admission is free though donations are vital to these independent and volunteer run facilities.
To contact us direct use our email address mail@bchrc.co.uk or ring 01588 630 556
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2016 opening Hours Tuesday 11.00 - 16.00 Thursday 11.00 - 16.00 Friday 11.00 - 16.00 Groups by arrangement
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WHitCHuRCH HeRitaGe CentRe 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.
FRienDS oF tHe FLaxMiLL MaLtinGS ViSitoR CentRe - SHReWSBuRy
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and interactive white board, and a study and research space.
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In addition the funding has provided for the demolition of the South Silo and the creation of valuable public open space for use by the Friends along with landscaping and much improved parking facilities.
In November 2015 the Friends opened the doors to their new state-of-the-art Visitor Centre for the first time. Housed in the renovated Office and Stables thanks to grants from Historic England and the ERDF the facility brings together for the first time interpretations of the mill’s role in the industrial revolution and the pioneers who made it happen, including:
• details on how flax was processed, from the field to the end product, which include a myriad of items from ship sails to playing cards. • the impact of the building’s revolutionary iron frame on the world of architecture • details of the mill’s machinery and technology • working conditions at the mill, including child labour • the change of use from flax mill to Maltings • details of the malting process • the other long gone flax mill in Castlefields • the role of the old canal and the importance of Shropshire pioneers in the industrial revolution
There is also a short animated film that visitors can watch which charts the history of the building and its people, as well as well as oral history recollections of people who worked at the Maltings and who were barracked there during the last war. Apart from the displays and interpretation there is also a meeting/learning room, with projector
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Entry is free and opening times for the centre are: • 9th January 2016 – 26th March 2016, Saturdays only, 10 am to 4 pm • 1st April 2016 – 29th October 2016, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
Bookable Guided tours will be available at weekends in the Summer - please refer to www.flaxmill-maltings .co.uk for details. Group tours are possible at other times by arrangement as are illustrated tours off-site – please email.
The Friends are also recruiting volunteers to help with the manning of the Visitor Centre. They are asking for people who are able to commit to at least a half day each month. If you’re interested in helping please contact them on info@flaxmill-maltings.co.uk .
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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 with the curator..
access for all A portable wheelchair ramp is available at the Entrance and a stairlift is installed for easy access to first floor. Our visually impaired visitors are catered for by Audio, Braille, large print guides and pictures together with an illuminated tactile map of Clun Town. We also have a scale tactile model of Clun Castle as it was circa 1300.
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 Clun Castle - aerial view
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RoyaL aiR FoRCe MuSeuM CoSFoRD The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is home to over 75 historic aircraft and offers a fun, entertaining day out for the entire family. Aircraft on display include the world’s oldest Spitfire, the unique TSR2 and the mighty Vulcan bomber to name but a few. Plus, visitors can now see the museum’s latest acquisition, the VC10 displayed alongside the Hercules.
Discover a world class collection of aircraft displayed inside three wartime hangars and within the award winning National Cold War Exhibition. This landmark building truly has the ‘wow’ factor with its eye-catching architecture and design. Visitors will discover Cold War stories in immersive Hotspots; explore thrilling displays of aircraft, iconic cars, models, tanks and even life-sized Russian dolls.
Set amongst the museum’s collection of warplanes, three iconic First World War aircraft; the Sopwith Pup, Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter and the Bristol M.1c form the centre piece of the ‘First World War in the Air’ Exhibition. Displayed alongside the aircraft are the personal items of Second Lieutenant Kevin Robert Furniss of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), who lived only a few miles from Cosford in Wolverhampton.
In addition to aircraft, the museum is home to a number of smaller unique exhibitions including the NEW ‘Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus – a
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life of a pioneering aviator’, Lucky Mascots and RAF Boy Entrants. Plus, in Hangar 1 you will find the 1:1 scale Airfix Spitfire model built by TV Presenter James May.
Learn if you have what it takes to be a pilot in Fun ‘n’ Flight which is packed with hands on excitement. Whether you’re learning how to fly a Spitfire, investigating air flow with ‘The Blower’ or guiding a Hercules to a drop zone you will be learning and having fun. Family in national Cold War exhibition - © RaF Museum Cosford
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Let your imagination take flight on board the Museum’s 4D Experience which combines cutting-edge 3D computer animation with the added fourth dimension of special environmental effects, including seat movements, water spray, leg ticklers and smoke effects.
After wondering in the hangars, visitors can relax and enjoy a coffee in the licensed Refuel Restaurant which has a great selection of hot and cold food available and views overlooking the airfield. Or, if it’s light refreshments you are after, head to the classic Citroen H Van in the National Cold War Exhibition and enjoy a snack against a backdrop of aircraft.
RAF Museum Cosford is one day out that everyone will enjoy, whatever the weather and with a wide range of exciting events taking place throughout the year, there is something to suit all ages.
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event highlights in 2016 include:
open Cockpits evening 13-14 May / 16-17 September Lunchtime Lectures 20 May / 19 August / 18 November Large Model aircraft Rally 16-17 July Cosford Food Festival 23-24 July august activities 1-31 August Spitfire 10k 4 September Conservation Centre open Week 14-19 November
Spitfire
To find out more visit the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Keep up to date with the latest news and event information by following them on social media. Shifnal Shropshire tF11 8uP t: 01902 376200 e: cosford@rafmuseum.org W: www.rafmuseum.org/cosford
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Vulcan
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SHReWSBuRy CaStLe anD SHRoPSHiRe ReGiMentaL MuSeuM
The Regimental Museum was established in Shrewsbury’s medieval 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 armour, trophies, uniforms, medals, weapons and much more associated with Shropshire Regiments such as King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, The Shropshire Yeomanry and others.
There are also displays on the county Lord Lieutenancy, the Modern British Army and the history of the castle which dates back to the early Norman era. With over 30,000 artefacts and 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 such as the VC of Harold Whitfield and the baton of Grand Admiral Doenitz, the last leader of the Third Reich.
The Castle and Regimental Museum are open from mid-February to late December but closed on Thursdays and off-peak Sundays. See website for exact times or call. Admission fee to Regimental Museum. Free access to Castle grounds. Note: Children aged four and under and regimental veterans are admitted free of charge. Castle Street, Shrewsbury SY1 2AT Telephone: 01743-358516 www.shropshireregimentalmuseum.co.uk
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SHReWSBuRy MuSeuM & aRt GaLLeRy at tHe MuSiC HaLL
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Victorian Music Hall and 13th century Vaughan’s Mansion on The Square in the town centre.
It uses a ‘variety show’ of different ways to inspire you to think about Shrewsbury and Shropshire’s heritage. Throughout the five main galleries (Pre-history and Roman, Medieval, Tudor, Stuart and the Shropshire Gallery), the museum has included fine art from their 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 in places such as Wroxeter Roman City and Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.
The 2016 special exhibition programme begins with ‘Valhalla – Life an d Death in Viking Britain’ from Jorvik in York from 8th February to 5th June, the Edwardian Seaside from late June to mid-August and an autumn exhibition
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dedicated to the remarkable stained glass artist Margaret Rope. 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 the Stop. Café Bar and visit the shop on the ground floor.
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery opens throughout the year – please phone or check the website for exact times. www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk The Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LH Telephone: 01743 258885
Visitor information Centre Tel: 01743 258888 Email: visitorinfo@shropshire.gov.uk
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2 Finali 015 st of Sh the Spotli ropshire S ght A tar w Famil a y Day rds – Bes t Ou venu t (small e)
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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.
2016 is the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the Shropshire Mammoth - discovered by Mrs Eve Roberts in Sepetmber 1986 near a sand gravel pit in Condover, near Shrewsbury. The Shropshire County Museum service were called, along with the curator of Ludlow Museum and Dr Russell Coope from Birmingham University - and it was confirmed that this was a major find: a mammoth from over 12,000 years ago. It was soon realised that this was the most complete and best preserved mammoth ever found in Britain.
The ‘Grow Cook Learn’ organisation recently took over as tenants of the Discovery Centre and their aim is to connect people to the landscape, history and the food of the Shropshire Hills.
If you are looking for a Shropshire day out with a difference, there is something to do inside or out. Take a stroll in the meadows, relax in thecafe with lovely views over a delicious home-
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cooked meal, a frothy coffee or a Shropshire cream tea.
Get up close and personal to Shropshire’s larger than life mammoth and step back into the Iron Age.
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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!
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.
2016 events
• Caribbean Cookery Wednesday 23rd March 10am – 3pm £60 per person • Bread Making for Beginners Wednesday 23rd March, 6.00pm – 9.00pm £40 per person
• A Walk on the Wild Garlic Side - Sunday 3rd April. 10.30am – 1.00pm. Tickle your taste buds with this guided walk with a twist. • Mark Sisson – The art and craft of wildlife photography. Tuesday 19th April - 7.30 – 9pm An evening with award winning wildlife photographer Mark Sisson. • Bluebell walk - Sunday 8th May - 10.30am – 12.30pm. Join expert walk leader Keith Pybus who has appeared on TV promoting some of the best walks in Shropshire. • Family Workshop - 25th – 29th July & 15th– 19th August. Native Indians - 1pm – 2.30pm Make a dreamcatcher to hang above your bed. 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 exhibition is 4.30pm. Telephone 01588 676060 Craven Arms www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk
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Historic Working Farm, near Church Stretton
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aCton SCott
Located in a peaceful setting in The Shropshire Hills AONB Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is one of Britain’s leading working farm museums. It specialises 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 and savour the peace of our glorious parkland.
Acton Scott was the setting for BBC TV’s ‘Victorian Farm’ series and is now familiar to television viewers round the World. You can discover some of the locations which were
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used in the series as you tour the Working Farm. In fact the Farm is often a backdrop to TV shows introduced by people like Monty Don, Kate Humble, Ellie Harrison, Alastair McGowan and Tiger Drew-Honey. In 2016 the Farmyard will be a film set for a new version of “Wuthering Heights”.
Step back in time and enjoy a relaxing family day out exploring our 23 acres of glorious fields, animals and historic buildings. Acton Scott is worth a visit on more than one day as demonstrations vary from butter making to bodging and whittling to blacksmithing as well as seeing our magnificent heavy horses working. We have an excellent shop with Shropshire products in addition to the Victorian School Room Café.
There are special events on many weekends often following the Farming seasons. Please check our website for opening times, programme and prices at www.actonscottmuseum.com. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news. To find out more about our opening times and events please call on (01694) 781306. Satnav Sy6 6Qn
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SeVeRn VaLLey RaiLWay
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With six attractive, beautifully-maintained stations along the route as well as the Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, offering interactive exhibits including up to eight steam locomotives, a magnificent royal carriage and a ‘how the SVR works’ exhibition and café, there is a wealth of opportunity for all the family to enjoy.
A range of children’s activities, holiday clubs, interactive exhibitions and exciting events will ensure that visitors want to return time and time again.
a busy 2016 for the SVR
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Following on from its hugely successful Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Severn Valley Railway is well on track for a bumper 2016.
The Severn Valley Railway welcomes more than 200,000 visitors per year, and is among the UK’s most popular and much-loved historical attractions. Run largely by a dedicated body of more than 1,500 volunteers, the full-size, standard-gauge railway line runs regular steamhauled passenger trains along a scenic 16-mile route between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire for visitors and enthusiasts alike to enjoy.
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Hot on the heels of a jam-packed 50th Anniversary year, which featured Royal Visits, celebrated Galas, award wins, star locomotives and a record-breaking Christmas, the SVR is
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preparing to thrill visitors once again with its much-loved mix of heritage steam trains, stunning scenery and fantastic events.
The famous attraction was named the winner of the BBC Countryfile Magazine ‘Heritage Site of the Year’ award as well as the Group Travel Award for Best Preserved Railway for Groups.
Not one to rest on its laurels, the Railway is putting the finishing touches to its busy 2016 events schedule, which features some new additions alongside the perennial favourites.
The famed Spring Steam Gala will be returning from March 18th -20th, while the Diesel Enthusiasts Gala moves from its usual October slot to become the Spring Diesel Festival, from May 19th – 21st.
Two heritage steam superstars will be certain to draw the crowds when they visit from September 22nd – 26th. Flying Scotsman, recently voted the World’s most famous locomotive, and famous engine Tornado will be appearing together for the first time at the SVR to take passengers along the line. Joining children’s favourites Peppa Pig & George, who will be making popular appearances at the SVR on May 8th, will be a certain marmalade sandwich-loving bear, who will be paying a visit on September 11th for a new Meet Paddington Bear event.
Visitor favourite the Step Back to the 1940s Weekends will steam in on June 25th -26th and July 2nd-3rd, while Classic Vehicle Day on July
24th, Peep Behind the Scenes on July 16th,On the Buses on September 4th and the infamous Halloween Ghost Trains are back by popular demand.
The Engine House Visitor Centre will be home to a range of new events, including a Robbie Williams Tribute Night on July 23rd, a Glam Rock Tribute Night on September 10th and Psychic Nights on March 26th and October 15th. It will also host an all-new Home and Garden Fayre on June 4th -5th and Christmas Gift Fayre on November 5th -6th.
Half-term and Easter holidays will be filled with family fun, while the Steam & Whistle Activity Club will keep youngsters entertained on a range of dates throughout August, before the Railway prepares to host its sell-out Santa Steam Specials and festive services once again.
Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “Last year’s Golden Jubilee was absolutely fantastic and our actionpacked schedule of events, Royal visits, famous locomotives and new exhibitions - not to mention our two national awards - firmly cemented our place as one of the UK’s best-loved heritage attractions. “We are now planning for another exciting year, with a busy events schedule, packed with visitor favourites and fresh new additions.” Telephone 01562 757900 for the SVR:
or 01746-862387 for The Engine House:
Visit www.svr.co.uk
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HaWkStone PaRk FoLLieS
“O ft had I heard of Hawkstone Park, It’s much frequ en ted groun d, Bu t all description w as bu t dark, Compar’d with what I foun d”. From a poem entitled “The Beauties of Hawkstone Park” by J W Salmon, published around 1800
The Follies is an historic woodland fantasy with cliffs, crags, caves, deep woods and a series of extraordinary monuments built over 200 years ago, after years of neglect the magical landscape was lovingly restored and reopened in 1993. Parts of the park and the main walking routes contains several flights of steps, some natural ones carved into rock and some man made wooden ones – these can be slippery when wet.
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.
It may seem curious to say so, but to describe the scenery of Hawkstone Park as “beautiful” does it less than justice. It is much more than this. It has remarkable capacity to surprise, amaze and grip the imagination and having caught your imagination it leads it on. For example, one
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moment your eye luxuriates at close quarters over the rocks and wild vegetation, then you see a building, the Red Castle for instance, which rouses your curiosity and calls for its story to be told. Then the full drama of the landscape breaks upon you. An extensive plain stretches beguilingly into the distance but at the same time it seems to lap, like a still sea, at the foot of Hawkstone’s abrupt and rocky cliffs. The picturesque details and romantic scenes are now
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replaced by a sense of wonder and awe at the grandeur of the scenery. The high pitch of emotional excitement that is generated by this last state of mind would in the past have been described as “sublime”. It is certainly a landscape in which a sense of the “sublime” predominates.
In 1986 the Park was designated by English Heritage as a Grade 1 Listed Landscape in the recently introduced Register of Historic Gardens and Parks.
The restoration was a massive project undertaken by a team of consultants from the fields of landscape, architecture, historical research and interpretive design. It was completed in 1993 and the Park was finally opened to the public once more.
There are still treasures waiting to be discovered, hidden away in the undergrowth. In 2009, whilst rebuilding the Hermitage following a severe fire, hidden steps in the rock were discovered which had been buried beneath a mound of soil. This lends credence to the old tales about the tour guides who used to lead people around the front path of the Hermitage, then disappear and miraculously re-appear as “the hermit” to entertain the crowds.
Since the period of restoration, successive owners have diligently cared for the Park and its attractions to safeguard its future and to enable generations to come to appreciate this extraordinary place.
Prices:
Adult £8.25 Concession £7.50 Child £5.75 Family 4 £26.00 Family 5 £29.50
opening times: March – Open Weekends and 25th – 31st (Gates close at 14.00 on 26th March) april –Open every day but closed on 19th/20th and 26th/27th May – Open every day but closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Open 31st May) June – Open every day but closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open 1st June) (closed to public 25th and 26th) July – Open every day august – Open every day September – Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 1st and 5th (Closed to public on 3rd and 24th) october – Open weekends and half term week 22nd- 31st november – Closed December – Closed except for pre booked Santa Safaris Further information is available by calling 01948 841777 or visiting : www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk
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online • CountySignPost • apps events at Hawkstone Park Follies in 2016
26th March
Events to Scare
Evening event
23rd - 24th April
Facebook Weekend
23rd April - 2nd May
Spring Fun for the Family
Best Post on FB gets FOC return trip Archery and Den building
21st - 22nd May
Folly The Fox hunt
Treasure Hunt
4th - 5th June
Rhododendron Walk
Including a cream tea
18th - 19th June
Hawks - Saturday Fathers Day Sunday
Birds of Prey on display
2nd - 3rd July 9th - 10th July 23rd - 24th July 30th - 31st July 6th - 7th August
Fur and Feather weekend
Guided walk around the Pinetum
Come and find as many species of birds and animals as you can
Tree Quiz
Archery
Guided walk - both days
Flora and Fauna walk 11.30 leave from Greenhouse
27th - 29th August
Sunday Zoo/Animal Day
Wolfshead Bowmen
Come and see all the animals on display and feed them
3rd - 4th September
Colour Run 3rd
PARK CLOSED
10th - 11th September
Sat - Tree Walk Sun - Welly Walk
Dress up and don your wellies for a walk in the park
Twitter Weekend
Best Tweet gets FOC return trip
24th - 25th September
Mud Run 24th Dog Show 25th
24th - 31st october
Spooky Treasure Hunt
15th - 16 October
Robin Hood returns to Hawkstone
PARK CLOSED SATURDAY
Halloween based fun
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W:: www.burwartonshow.co.uk E:: info@burwartonshow.co.uk W T: T: 01746 787535 E Discounted Tickets available: Adults £13, Concessions £12, Child £4 Show Day: Adults £15, Concessions £14, Child £5 8.15am - 7.00pm
A great day out for all the family
toric ho use. E Explore xplore the fas ffascinating ascina cinatting world udges at at this aawa award-winning ward-winning his historic house. world of of the Victorian Victorian jjudges Stunningly hands on. Damp vastt ccourtroom included! Stunningly rrestored estored aand nd ttotally otally ha nds o n. D amp ccells ells aand nd vas ourtroom incl uded! Tues - Sun (Open Bank Holiday Mondays) Open: 1 March - 31 October, 10am - 5pm Tu 1 - 30 November 10am - 4pm We Wed - Sun, 1 - 22 December 10am - 4pm Sat - Sun The Judge's Lodg dgin ing, Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2AD.
01544 260650 www.judgeslodging.org. w ww.judgeslodging.org. u uk k Signpost - page 64
Blists Hill Town own Victorian T Ironbridge
Explore the Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
Join the V ictorians at Blists Hill Victorians Victorian Town own and discover V ictorian T disco hands-on design & technology at Enginuity all set in a spectacular World pectacular W orld Heritage Site
The IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS Coalbrookdale Telford Shropshire TF8 7DQ Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk, email tic@ironbridge.org.uk or call 01952 433424
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
Time fl Time flies ie es w when hen yyou’re ou’rre h having aving ffun! un!
Just 3 m minutes inute es d drive riv ive ffrom rom Junction Junct c ion 3 on on the the M54 M54 Royal Air Force Museum Cosford Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8UP T: 01902 376 200 cosford@rafmuseum.org
FREE ADMISSION www.rafmuseum.org