Shropshire Derbyshire
The Ultimate Annual County Guide
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tr y o iPho ur free ne A n d an d ro ap p i d s
GUIDE
Issue 11 - 2013
Historic Houses | Festivals Gardens | Museums | Tourist Attractions
www.countysignpost.co.uk
CONTENTS Historic Buildings Gardens & Outdoors Festivals & Shows Attractions & Museums Look out for the public transport information boxes throughout the magazine, for details of bus routes and nearest train stations to the attractions. Click the QR code below for local bus times.
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 2012. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
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Welcome to the 2013 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
Please mention
Shropshire Signpost
when visiting any of the attractions. County Signpost Ltd 01743 874098 info@countysignpost.co.uk
Signpost - page 1
A wonderful way to spend a day! Take an atmospheric steam train journey along the beautiful Severn Valley.
BRIDGNORTH • BEWDLEY • KIDDERMINSTER Please check our website for operating dates and times.
Advance tickets, usually at reduced prices, available at:
www.svr.co.uk
or call: 01299 403816 Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm The Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 1BG
IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS 01952 433424 www www.ironbridge.org.uk .ironbridge.org.uk email tic@i ironbridge.org.uk ronbridg tic@ironbridge.org.uk ronbridge.org.uk
UK’s most recommended World Heritage Site
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NATIONAL TRUST In 2013, from May to the end of September, the Park will be open from 8am until 7pm which is ideal for an early morning stroll through the deer park and for locals to appreciate the summer evenings. Attingham is a great place for local people to have a pleasant day out, a meeting place for friends, regular walks and visits to witness detailed conservation work in progress.
Attingham Park, © 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 2013.
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 greatest treasures and a fantastic family attraction. With acres of stunning parkland to explore and a striking mansion at its heart, it is the perfect day out. Attingham is open daily throughout the year where you can enjoy seasonal highlights and a diverse events programme.
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Attingham Re-discovered is a major project of conservation and restoration of the Regency interiors. This year the focus is reaching new heights and will literally be going through the roof as the work starts in earnest. Plans are underway to replace a complex secondary roof above the picture gallery and grand circular staircase, both designed by famed Regency architect John Nash in 1805. You will be able to watch the work unfold when visiting the mansion, and special tours will be available throughout the year.
Attingham Hall was built in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick to the design of George Steuart. The magnificent Regency interiors contain collections of ambassadorial silver, Italian furniture and Grand Tour paintings. Attingham was completed and furnished by the 2nd Lord Berwick, but the extravagant taste of the lord and his wife led to bankruptcy and in 1827 and 1829 there were sales of almost the entire contents. The house was then leased to the 3rd Lord Berwick, who had been a diplomat in Italy for 25 years, and who turned Attingham’s fortunes around. Spectacular parkland, landscaped by Humphry Repton in 1797, surrounds the house offering miles of walks.
For admission prices, opening times and a full events list contact the property on 01743 708162.
Bus Service : 81 + 96 - SHREWSBURY - TELFORD Nearest Railway Station : Shrewsbury
There is also an Attingham Park You Tube channel and the chance to follow the estate’s goings-on via Twitter and Facebook.
Event Highlights for 2013 Family Trails: Every day in the school holidays Trusty’s Tuesday Activity Club: Tuesdays in the School Holidays Walled Garden Spring Fair: 5 and 6 May Food Fair: 7 and 8 September Frost Fair: 29 November to Sunday 1 December Attingham Christmas: 7 & 8 and 14 to 23 December
Sunnycroft, near Wellington
One of Shropshire’s hidden gems is Sunnycroft, a Victorian Gentleman’s villa which provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse of the past.
Sunnycroft is typical of houses that were built for prosperous professionals on the fringes of Victorian towns and cities. It is a remarkable survival of a vanished way of life – both inside and out.
Its design reflects the patterns and concerns of small town life and key rooms include the imposing Staircase Hall, Dining Room and Billiard Room.
Sunnycroft was given to the National Trust by
Sunnycroft, © National Trust
Joan Lander in 1997. Miss Lander, who inherited the house from her father, was a highly accomplished embroiderer and examples of her talent for needlework are on display in the house.
For 2013, there will be a new exhibition from March displaying parts of the collection at Sunnycroft relating to the Commonwealth, to mark the 60th year since the Queen’s Coronation. The display will include not only pieces of needlework embroidered by Miss Lander but also crafted soft furnishings from other parts of the collection. Later in the year there will be a series of themed events from embroidery workshops to displays of handbags and gladrags.
The gardens reflect the early Edwardian period complete with a magnificent Wellingtonia Avenue - and the mini-estate recalls an era when self-sufficiency was part of the prosperous lifestyle. The paddock, stables, pigsties, chicken run and kitchen garden are all still intact and for 2013 the stables will be open for visitors to see inside.
For admission prices or any further information please call 01952 242884.
Event Highlights for 2013 29, 30, 31 March & 1 April, 10.30am to 4pm Easter Egg Trails 17, 18, 19, 20 May, 10.30am to 5pm Handicraft Weekend 29 & 30 June, 10.30am to 5pm Summer Fete 14 – 22 December inclusive, 10.30am – 4pm Edwardian Christmas
Bus Service : 66 - TELFORDWELLINGTON
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The Dudmaston Estate, © National Trust / Richard Bifield
Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth
Dudmaston is a fine example of a traditional working Shropshire estate with a mansion at its heart.
Built in the 17th century, the classic setting of Dudmaston Hall provides a stunning contrast to its unique collection of modern and contemporary art. 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. 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 beautiful Big Pool provides a striking view from the garden and library, whilst the Dingle offers a wooded glen to explore.
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Dudmaston hosts a varied programme of events for its visitors, from guided walks of the estate to children’s craft activities and trails. This year there is an artist in residence based at the property so look out for lots of events linked to this.
There are two estate walks of 5.5 and 4 miles both starting from the Hampton Loade car park, which is another 1.5 miles towards Kidderminster off the A442. For more details and event information call Dudmaston Hall on 01746 780866.
Event Highlights for 2013 Father’s Day – Gamekeepers of the Past, Sun 16 June 12.30pm – 5.30pm Geoffrey’s Gallop from Heath Farm, Sat 20 July 9am – 1pm Celebrate... it's 1908! Sun 25 – Mon 26 Aug, 12pm – 6pm Children’s Activity Days – Wed 24 July – Wed 28 Aug (every Monday and Wednesday) 12pm – 5pm Captain’s Challenge, Sat 9 Nov 11.30am – 3pm Bus Ser vic e : 99/99a TELFORD - BRIDGNORTH (Railway Station - Telford Central)
Benthall Hall, near Broseley Benthall Hall is situated on a plateau above the gorge of the River Severn. It is a fine stone house with a stunning interior, a carved oak staircase, decorated plaster ceilings and oak paneling.
The house and the Benthall family have been involved in many important historical events, from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution. During the Civil War a Parliamentary garrison occupied the house, the Royalists tried to retake the property later in the year but they were unsuccessful.
rediscovered, because an oak floor was constructed on top.
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. There is also an intimate and carefully restored plantsman’s garden, old kitchen garden and a Restoration church. For more details, call 01952 882159.
Benthall Hall, Š National Trust
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
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd offer breathtaking views across Shropshire, Cheshire and the Black Mountains.
The Long Mynd is an area of historic upland heath, created when some of Britain’s oldest rocks were pushed to the surface along the
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between May and July. 10am -2pm Pond Dipping: Every Wed from 24 July – 28 Aug. 11am – 12.30pm & 2pm -3.30pm
Wenlock Edge
Wenlock Edge is a stunning, geologically important wooded escarpment near the village of Much Wenlock.
Carding Mill Valley © National Trust
Church Stretton fault. The ancient landscape has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years, and there are scattered archaeological remains from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Medieval times.
The area is 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.
There are miles of paths for walkers and a network of bridleways, which are ideal for both horse riders and cyclists. Whether you take a short stroll through Carding Mill Valley or a more rugged route to the Burway, there are breathtaking views of beautiful countryside. A busy programme of events and activities is held at Carding Mill Valley throughout the year.
Walkers can enjoy exploring the heathland at Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd 365 days a year. For information, call 01694 725000.
Event Highlights for 2013 Orienteering Trails: Mon 8 Apr – Fri 12 Apr, 11am – 3pm Wildflower Course: 6 dates between April and September. 10am – 3pm Dragonfly Identification Course: 3 dates
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The limestone of Wenlock Edge is of international repute as an example of old coral reef deposits. It supports an array of flowered grassland and ancient woodland, making the area an important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Wenlock Edge © National Trust
Three National Trust car parks at Much Wenlock, Wilderhope and Presthope, mark the start of miles of walks to enjoy offering dapple shaded paths and dramatic views across the Shropshire countryside. 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).
For general details about opening times and events please call the National Trust on 01743 708100 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Event highlights 2013
Over the Edge Marathon and Half Marathon, Sun 7 July 7.30am – 5pm Bu s Service : 435 - LUDLOW - SHREWSBURY Near est Railway Station : Church Stretton
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www.rafmuseum.org Tel: 01902 376 200 Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8UP
FREE ADMISSION
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WHITTINGTON CASTLE Opening Times
1st March -31st October Wednesday to Sunday 10-4pm 1st November - 28th February Thursday to Sunday 10-4pm
Events 2013
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. Visit our website for further details.
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4-6th May "Historia Normannis" - Norman Invasion of the Castle 27th May Green Fair 1st June Outdoor Production "A Midsummer Night's Dream" 1st-2nd June Fairy and Dragon Festival 23rd June Planthunters Fair This is just a sample of 2013 - please see the website for more details. Free entrance Car Park ÂŁ1 via Pay & Display machine
Whittington Castle, Castle Street Whittington Oswestry SY11 4DF
Telephone 01691 662500 E-Mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.u Website www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk
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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SMALL WOODS
THE GREEN WOOD CENTRE
“Bringing woodlands to life.” The Green Wood Centre is part of the national woodland charity, Small Woods, and is based in Coalbrookdale just a short way from historic Ironbridge.
Small Woods supports the sustainable management of woodlands and the production and marketing of wood products for local markets.
Small Woods, through its Green Wood Centre promotes sustainable living through a wood based economy by running courses in woodland management and related activities and making landscape furniture from local FSC timber.
They deliver courses accredited by the Open College Network in Coppicing, Hedge Laying, Coppice Products, Sustainable Woodland Management, Introduction to Small Woodland Management and Woodland Monitoring and Evaluation. A social forestry programme is also
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offered, providing courses for youngsters at Forest School, those Not in Employment Education or Training, and also to the probation service. The programme uses the woodland as an environment to promote self-reliance and problem-solving in a healthy environment. The Centre also offers various craft courses, including : basket weaving, coracle making, longbow making and willow weaving.
Come and try one of the two circular walks from the Centre, Strethill Walk and Ropewalk Meadow and Loamhole Dingle (each of about two miles). As you set out on the walks, you will pass the ‘ecopod’ – a ‘wooden sleeping hut’ which is available for overnight hire (see the website)! Cherry’s Real Food Café @ The Green Wood Centre is open Wednesdays to Sundays 11.00am – 3.00pm. Specialising in good rustic food with a good range of vegetarian dishes, which is home-made on site or sourced from local suppliers.
Ecopod - wooden sleeping hut
Woodland Hall
Is an award winning environmentally friendly building, with a striking and unique architectural look, offering a tranquil yet at the same time vibrant atmosphere. It is a prime example of how green wood can be used to create modern ecologically sound architecture.
It is an ideal cost effective venue for conferences, meetings and events for up to 70 delegates where cost is not compromised by facilities or service.
of service will ensure your special event will be one to remember. Small Woods holds a Gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme for its’ Green Wood Centre. Contact Small Woods for details of how to become a volunteer to maintain the site buildings and woodland.
Telephone 01952 432769 www.smallwoods.org.uk
The Woodland Hall has the “WOW” factor and combined with the delicious food and high level
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BURWARTONSHO W
THURSDAY 1 AUGUST 2013 Burwarton Show on the B4364 between Ludlow & Bridgnorth Tel: 01746 787535
KANGAROO KIDS QUAD BIKE STUNT TEAM
HAWKEYE FALCONRY DISPLAY • Trade Stands • Shopping Arcade • Food Hall • Handicrafts • Horticulture • WI • YFC Displays • Craft Demonstrations • Sheep Shearing • Inter-Hunt Relay • Cookery Demonstrations
www.burwartonshow.co.uk Discounted tickets available on line and at pre-show outlets from 1 May: Adults £11, Concessions £10, Family £28.00
8.15 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. - A great day out for all the family
Small Woods
Green Wood Centre nr Ironbridge
•Cherry’s
Café
•Hall for hire -
meetings/celebrations
•Basic Accommodation •Professional Courses
www.smallwoods.org.uk
Tel. 01952 432769 Signpost - page 14
Cafe 01952 435857
SHREWSBURY FOOD FESTIVAL
June 29th - 30th
at Baschurch, who is a regular on ITV This Morning.
Event organisers need help from around 80 volunteers, who will work as stewards throughout the weekend. Bosses will also work with local schools and Shrewsbury’s food bank, to provide community benefit.
Event chief executive Beth Heath said: “It’s all systems go for June 29 and 30 in The Quarry Park, in Shrewsbury, for the town’s first food and drink festival.
Around 5,000 people are expected to descend on Shrewsbury’s Quarry park when the town launches its first food festival in 2013.
The event, which will take place on June 29 and 30, will feature 70 artisan producers of fine food and drink. There will also be at least 10 hot food vendors.
The event will also showcase the best of Shropshire craft, with local craftspeople invited to exhibit during the weekend.
There will be a spotlight on the best of unsigned Shropshire bands, with local musicians busking acoustic sets throughout the weekend and a showcase taking place on the evening of June 30 at the Walker Theatre, in Theatre Severn.
“We’ve got a really tasty line-up and we’re hoping to attract around 5,000 people in our first year. There’ll be chef demonstrations, live music, craft, family activities and lots of lovely food and drink from Shropshire’s best producers and cooks.” Mrs Heath added that the town was crying out for a food festival because it had a number of exceptional producers and restaurants.
She said: “We’re hoping to get people out of the Quarry and into the town, by staging a restaurant safari and series of tasting trails.” Exhibitors, volunteers and members of the public can find out more at www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk or follow @shrewsfoodfest on Twitter for regular updates.
There will also be a series of chef demonstrations, featuring Shropshire’s celebrity chefs Will Holland, of La Becasse, in Ludlow, who is a regular on James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen; and Marcus Bean, from the New Inn,
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LUDLOW SPRING FOOD FESTIVAL
May 11th - 12th
Spring Festival bursting with flavour
Preparations for the Ludlow Spring Festival are well underway with the best beers, artisan foods and culinary experts lining up for the weekend of 11-12th May 2013, plus on the evening of Friday 10th May there will be a special 'Meet the Brewer' preview.
More than 160+ glorious beers, from more than 50 local brewers are anticipated within the castle walls. For those not so keen on beer, don’t worry there will also be ciders, perries, fruit flavoured liqueurs, local wines and a selection of soft drinks too. And you won’t go hungry with an abundance of food stalls and vendors, each manned by producers passionate about their products.
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The talks and demonstrations area is always a draw so keep your eyes on the website for details of the 2013 line-up www.foodfestival.co.uk while the soundtrack to your weekend will come courtesy of a wealth of great local music from rock, jazz and blues to Latin and folk.
Visitors can also get up close to some gorgeous bodywork too with The Marches Transport Festival, classic cars and vintage vehicles from pre-war rarities to 1980’s gems. For further details, opening times and ticket prices see the festivals new website at Telephone 01584 873957 www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk
Even fresher & tastier than ever! • 180 handpicked independent local food and drink producers
The UK’s original Food Festival
• Free Talks and Demos from top chefs and experts using their freshest food ideas • Children’s Entertainment.
Tickets available - call us on 01584 873957 or go online:
foodfestival.co.uk
• Sausage, Ale & Bread Trails around Ludlow
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LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD July 9th - 14th
Pavarotti inspires new generation of singers at Llangollen festival
The Pavarotti Trophy was first awarded in 2005, 50 years after the Italian maestro’s first appearance at Llangolen and this year the titanic struggle for the coveted prize will climax at the International Musical Eisteddfod on the evening of Saturday, July 13, when the top choirs singoff.
And the standing of the festival has been endorsed by the Pavarotti Foundation, set up in honour of the incomparable Pavarotti, who died aged 71 in 2007.
Luciano Pavarotti first sang outside his native Italy when he competed at Llangollen in 1955 aged 19 as part of the Chorus Rossini, from Modena, alongside his father, Fernando.
Luciano Pavarotti at Llangollen in 1995
The success of opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti is inspiring a new generation of choirs at an international music festival that was his springboard to global fame.
Nearly six years after he died, 34 choirs from 15 countries will sing their hearts out for the coveted Choir of the World competition which commemorates the great Italian tenor at Llangollen this summer.
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A spokesperson for the Pavarotti Foundation, based in his hometown of Modena, said: “Winning at Llangollen was the most important musical experience of Pavarotti’s life and inspired him to become a professional singer.” The spokesperson added that the Maestro always referred back to it as the most important experience in his life and what inspired him to turn professional. Pavarotti said if he could win the first prize with a small choir from Modena then he could do anything.
Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths said: “To have the Pavarotti name on the trophy puts it right up there as one of the top choral competitions in the world and where better to hold it than in Wales in the place where it all began for Pavarotti
himself. I’m delighted with the entries. To have 34 choirs across five categories and from five different continents makes me very happy. My big thing as Musical Director is that we have a proper international spread and just to look at the mixed choir competition in particular, we have eight choirs from seven different countries. It’s a similar story right across the Eisteddfod this year, not just in the Choir of the World but in the other competitions as well.” The prestigious choir competition won’t be the only big prize up for grabs on Saturday night as for the first time it shares top billing with a new dance event. The winners of the two major dance competitions, choreographed and traditional, will go head to head in front of the packed Royal International Pavilion for the Dance Champions International Trophy and £1,000.
Eilir Griffiths said: “The Choir of the World competition is internationally recognised and we want to elevate dance to the same level by giving it a place on the stage on the big night. Dance plays a really important part in the Eisteddfod and brings huge colour, spectacle and atmosphere to the event with dancers from all over the world in their different costumes. We want it to really light up the weekend and have a real impact not just on
Luciano Pavarotti with the Pavarotti Trophy for the Choir of the World competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
the Saturday night but throughout the week and especially the weekend.” As well as the new dance event there will also be a new Children’s Choir of the World competition; with the winning choirs from the Junior Children’s, Senior Children’s and Children’s Folk Choir competitions competing against each other,
There will also be a Conductors Prize for the most inspiring conductor from these competitions as well as a Music Directors Award given by the festival’s Music Director himself, Eilir Owen Griffiths.
Another first, aimed at solo performers, will be the Voice of the Future competition, open to under-35s and with a whopping £2,000 prize. A stunning lineup of top acts for the week’s concerts will be announced shortly and Eilir Griffiths added: “I think I can guarantee a very impressive lineup from across the music and dance sprectrums For more information or to book tickets for the concerts, visit the bilingual website, www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or www.facebook.com/llangollen or contact the Box Office on 01978 862001.
Luciano Pavarotti, aged 19, circled with the Chorus Rossini from Modena at Llangollen in 1955
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PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL
21st - 27th August 2013
Situated in a small, intimate town on the Herefordshire/Powys border, the Presteigne Festival has become a mecca for those seeking artistic nourishment and musical discovery in idyllic surroundings. With a truly forward looking commissioning policy, the organisation works closely with composers and artists to create and curate inspiring programmes and events for an ever-widening Festival community. Having greatly extended the artistic reach of the Festival over the last three years, to be seen clearly in the development of both our performance programme and outreach activity, the 2013 Presteigne Festival will continue to forge ahead with a wide range of exciting new ventures.
To celebrate the centenary of the birth of Benjamin Britten, and thanks to a new partnership with Nova Music Opera, the 2013 Festival programme includes opera for the first time. There are to be double-bill performances of Britten’s church opera masterpiece Curlew River, and a new chamber opera Hagar in the Wilderness, based on the biblical tale of Hagar and Abraham, specially commissioned from Scottish-based composer and librettist team
Garbiel Jackson
Sally Beamish and Clara Glynn.
Britten forms the centre-pin around which much of next year’s programme is based – not just a celebration of his music, but exploring Britten’s musical influences, the music of those British composers who were influenced by him and those whom he considered his musical friends. Gabriel Jackson, a longtime favourite at the Presteigne Festival, will be composer-inresidence; he will be represented by a number of chamber and choral works, a new string orchestra piece and a repeat of his hugely successful Piano C o n c e r t o commissioned by the
Festival in 2009. We’ll also celebrate the seventieth birthday of David Matthews, with his Double Concerto for violin, viola and string orchestra, commissioned in association with the Cheltenham Music Festival and Amsterdam Sinfonietta. Other premieres include a new work for soprano and ensemble from Thomas Hyde and a group of songs for tenor and piano from David Matthews. The Festival is particularly pleased to announce a new association with the Royal Philharmonic Society; the first result of this initiative is a solo piano piece from Robert Peate, one of the winners of the 2012 RPS Composition Prize.
The 2013 Festival takes place over a seven-day period, with twenty-seven events of which seventeen are concerts or opera performances. The musical fare is wide and exciting from Purcell, Handel and J S Bach; via Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert; Shostakovich, Sibelius and Stravinsky; Berkeley, Britten and Tippett; to the composers of today – an amazing and allembracing journey through music. Our artist list for 2013 includes several young performers and a number of popular artists who once again return to Presteigne by popular request:
Sara Trickey
Scott (clarinet), Presteigne Festival Soloists, Chris Hopkins (piano/conductor), Sine Nomine International Touring Choir under Susan Hollingworth (director) and the Presteigne Festival Orchestra under George Vass, who this year celebrates twenty-one years as Artistic Director of the Festival.
The Badke Quartet, Nova Music Opera, Sara Trickey (violin), Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola), Clare Hammond (piano), Helen-Jane Howells (soprano), Andrew Tortise (tenor), Tim Lowe (cello), Sophie Yates (harpsichord), Catriona Sarah-Jane Bradley
Tim Lowe
Free brochures available at the end of April 2013 01544 267800 | www.presteignefestival.com | www.facebook.com/presteignefestival
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CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL
July 27th - August 11th
The Cardinall’s Musick
The Church Stretton Arts Festival celebrates 47 years with a kaleidoscope of events.
The Festival, a key part of Shropshire’s artistic calendar, includes concerts by professionals and local amateurs.
Season Highlights include:
Opening night, Saturday July 27 at 7.30pm Concord College The Cardinall’s Musick Internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, specialising in the music of the 16th century
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Mon July 29 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School Opening reception of the Art & Crafts Exhibition which is open daily hereafter.
Tue July 30 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School Hull Buddy - a tribute act to Buddy Holly
Wed July 31 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School Alison Neil: The Shakespeare Ladies Club - tales of Georgian London. Life, as lived in the highest and the lowest places in Georgian London is
revealed by Mrs Cowper de Grey and her guest, in this entertaining and lively one-woman show.
Thu Aug 1 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School The Marylebone Trio Music for oboe, clarinet and bassoon by a talented young trio
Fri Aug 2 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School Music for Saxophone by the winner of the Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition, Anthony Brown Once again we feature a recital by one of the most brilliant young soloists, who has been judged the best of a sparking array of talent by an international panel of judges. He will be accompanied by Leo Nicolson. Mon Aug 5 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School The Katona Twins Music for two guitars, by this acclaimed duo
Tue Aug 6 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School The Frith Piano Quintet Leading players from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra come to Church Stretton for a concert which will include Schubert’s much-loved Trout Quintet.
Wed Aug 6 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School Michael McEvoy: The Last man in Europe - a one man show written and performed by Michael McEvoy which portrays the extraordinary life of author George Orwell. The opening scene is set in Ticklerton, where George Orwell spent holidays.
Thu Aug 8 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School School’s out Now in its fourth year, school’s out has become an integral part of the programme. Last year 69 local youngsters took part in a very active four day musical theatre workshop.
Katona Twins
Sat Aug 10 at 7.30pm Church Stretton School The Dave Rees-Williams Trio This wonderful trio, with sounds reminiscent of Jacques Loussier, returns by popular request
Closing night, Sun Aug 11 at 7.30pm Concord College London Festival Opera This highly-successful format of a staged highlight performance of an opera followed by operatic selections will close 2013 for us, with an evening based on La Traviata
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
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LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE
23rd - 24 November 2013
This year’s Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre on the 23rd and 24th November will bring the sights and sounds of a traditional Christmas to life in the stunning Medieval setting of Ludlow Castle. Visitors will be treated to full day and evening opening on Saturday and will join 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. Why not join in traditional carols led by Stanchester Quire to round off the evening? On Sunday visitors will be able to enjoy a day filled with Medieval festivities from 10am to 4pm.
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On both days there will be stalls selling food and drink, crafts and historical goods, and 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, and its own entertainmentfilled, local beer tent, visitors can enjoy music, carols, puppet shows and a whole range of Medieval performers, whilst nursing a mulled wine or locally-brewed mulled cider.
From St. Nicholas in his magical den to knights in combat, from have-a-go archery to 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, beer and sausages and roast chestnuts. Don't miss our walkabout jesters and giants, and on Saturday only see if you can spot Bishop’s Castle’s Men From Off wassail group singing in odd corners of the Castle!
Tickets will be available from our website www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk from September, or follow us on Facebook for updates throughout the year.
Pictures © Abigail Dakin
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BURWARTON SHOW
1st August 2013
A great day out in the Shropshire Countryside
If you have never been before, Burwarton Show is the show to visit – and if you know the show, tell your friends. Voted the Best Local One Day Show in the country by Farmers Guardian readers in 2012, the show attracts over 20,000 visitors on the first Thursday in August each year to the showground at Cleobury North on the B4364 between Bridgnorth and Ludlow. At the heart of the show is the desire to be a first-rate agricultural show connecting town and country in a competitive display of livestock, pigs and horses with over 150 trade stands showing the best and latest agricultural
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machinery as well as conservation, local enterprises and entertainment for all ages. Trade stand space is already fully booked and you can be sure that the traders recognise a good show when they meet one.
This year’s Main Ring entertainment is the Kangaroo Kids Quad Bike Stunt Display making a return as a duo after a gap of several years and supported by the Hawkeye Falconry Display. The Village Green offers entertainment throughout the day including music, dancing, Punch and Judy and a magician. There is something to see and do from 8.15 a.m. until 7.00 p.m. with a Concours d’elegance, private driving, show-jumping and vintage tractors and stationary engines.
The Food Hall has been expanded to include greater numbers of local food producers and there are cookery demonstrations by locally renowned chefs and Easy-Peasy hands on cookery for children.
Classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horse and pony and heavy horses are judged throughout the day plus a shearing competition and classes for the Young Farmers who are our show men of the future. Handicraft and horticulture classes display the skill and ingenuity of all ages and the Conservation area includes National Trust craftwork demonstrations and fly-casting on the Mill Pond.
Ticket prices on Show day are: Adult £13, Children £4, Concessions £12 or a Family ticket for £30. Free parking. Discounted tickets are available either on-line, from pre-show ticket outlets or via the Show Office from 1 May. Further details from the Show Manager, The Show Office, Burwarton, Bridgnorth WV16 6QJ. Tel. 01746 787535, e-mail: info@burwartonshow.co.uk or visit www.burwartonshow.co.uk
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LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL
13th - 15th September
The unforgettable festival - it’s like no other... The UK's longest running food festival will be tempting your taste buds again in 2013 with amazing local food and drink producers, top chefs, FREE talks and demonstrations and much more. www.foodfestival.co.uk
The Ludlow Food Festival is renowned for the calibre of its exhibitors and 2013 will be no exception with more than 160 handpicked local artisans selling their products and sharing their skills and enthusiasm.
Across the weekend the finest chefs and experts will be taking to the two stages to delight audiences with a range of talks and demonstrations; some of them interactive so that visitors can get involved. A full line up of talks and demonstrations will be released closer
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to the event so make sure you keep checking the food festival’s website www.foodfestival.co.uk
Friday at the Ludlow Food Festival sees the cream of the restaurant profession descend on the castle to share their talent and passion with visitors. Chefs at previous festivals have included Alan Murchison, Will Holland, Tom Kerridge and Richard Bainbridge and this year promises to include just as many well-known faces from the culinary world. • •
• • • • • • •
In the Castle
Demonstrations and talks Outside Food Vendors - a wide variety of quality hot and cold meals, Childrens entertainment Over 150 local food and drink producers Hands on demonstrations Knife Skills with Eckington Manor, Slow Food Taste Workshops Live music 'Pop Up' Restaurant featuring top chefs,
Of course the ever-popular sausage, ale and bread trails will also be taking place around Ludlow along with the pudding tasting and Sunday producers market.
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.
There will be lots more going on besides the details listed; last year included wine tasting, a food photography exhibition and book festival. 2013 promises to be just as exciting with activities for all the family. For tickets and more details about the festival please visit the website at www.foodfestival.co.uk Telephone 01584 873957
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BRIDGNORTH CLIFF RAILWAY
For over a century 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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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 newlyrefurbished Stoneway Guest house offers a unique B&B experience.
Do visit England’s only remaining inland electric funicular railway !
Telephone 01746 762052 www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk
21–27 August 2013 21–27 Awst 2013
Musical discovery, artistic innovation and outstanding performances in the beauty of the Welsh Marches Badke Quartet, Quar tet, Nova Nova Music Music Opera Opera Clare Clar e Hammond, Hammond, Sara Sara TTrickey rickey Bradley, Tim Tim Lowe SSarah-Jane arah-Jane Bradley, Lowe Helen-Jane Andrew TTortise or tise HelenJane Howells, Howells, Andrew Catriona C atriona Scott, Scott, FFestival estival Soloists Soloists FFestival estival Orchestra Orchestra and a great great deal more more ffor or free free br brochure ochure and full pr programme ogramme call or view 01544 267800 w w.presteignefestival.com 267800 | w www.presteignefestival.com
Rocke Cottage Tearoom
Come and take a proper ‘afternoon tea’ enjoy a wide range of fresh leaf tea and genuine home baking. Light lunches available & local chutneys, pickles and honeys to buy. All in a 400 year old charming tearoom set amidst beautiful gardens. Open 10 - 5 Wednesdays - Sundays including Bank Holdays
Telephone 01588 660631
Abcott, Clungunford, Craven Arms SY7 0PX
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THE JUDGE’S LODGING
‘One of the world’s most appealing small mu seums’ Dr John Davies, historian.
What do smoky bewigged Stuarts, nuns with pickaxes, musical POWs, hippies and motorcycle heroes all have in common? They are all part of the amazing history of the tiny Welsh border town of Presteigne, which is explored in a fabulous new local history gallery opening late Spring at The Judge’s Lodging.
With its huge cartoon timeline, interactives, photos and objects from life in the town, this is a whole new experience for visitors to this Victorian courthouse. There will be heaps of fascinating info to get stuck into, with games and books to keep all ages occupied. Or if you just fancy relaxing with a coffee, simply chatting or playing a quiet game of chess, you can do that too!
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.
A visit to this award-winning historic judge’s accommodation and court offers a most unusual
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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.
‘These days it’s common enough to find well-preserved period buildings tagged with such clichés as ‘frozen in time’ or ‘a real time capsule’. These places may please the eye but too often they don’t convince. The Judge’s Lodging is different for one simple reason: it smells right. One step through the baize-covered entrance door, and the odour of World Superbike rider, Chaz Davies and his mechanics explore 2012’s Sporting Life exhibition
paraffin lamps fills your nostrils. The power of scent evokes domestic life in the 19th century more vividly than any stage-setting could.’ Alex Ramsay, World of Interiors, 2012.
There is also a temporary exhibition gallery which will house a series of displays throughout the year. In the Spring you can discover The Newells of Presteigne – Ironmongers Extraordinaire, to be followed by a lovely exhibition of the children of the town’s feelings for their home. The big summer exhibition will see a focus on farming, whilst the fading year will turn into panto season with a celebration of that favourite seasonal theatrical event. If you have a group looking for a really different visit, there are all sorts of pre-bookable tours available, including the yummy ‘Ice-Cream & Jelly for Grown Ups’ and festive Victorian Christmas experience. Just call to book. For further information on the museum and any of its activities, visit the website or just call the staff who are always happy to chat. Images © Alex Ramsay
Telephone 01544 260650 www.judgeslodging.org.uk
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IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS
Blists Hill Victorian Town Celebrates 40th Anniversary Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of Shropshire’s ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums where townsfolk recreate life over 100 years ago, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013 with some special events and activities. On the actual Anniversary Day, Monday 1st April, a new exhibition in the Goods Shed will showcase how the Museum has evolved with panels looking at developments over each
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decade from 1973 to the present day, such as the opening of new exhibits and building of Canal Street. There will also be special tours looking at different aspects of the town.
In a novel celebration of its 40th Anniversary, Blists Hill is also planning for one evening to travel some 40 years into the 20th century – to the 1940s of World War II. On Saturday, 22nd June families are invited to arrive in 1940s civilian outfits and join in with the town’s, keep calm and carry on Blitz Hill evening, when the residents will be raising morale on the Home Front with entertainment, music and activities.
Blists Hill
Tickets to the Blitz Hill event, which will take place between 6pm and 9pm, must be purchased in advance from the entrance shop at Blists Hill or the Ironbridge Visitor Information Centre priced at £8.50 adults, £5.50 children aged 3 - 15 years and £25 family (two adults and two children). All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, tickets will not be available on the gate and Ironbridge Gorge Museum Passports are not valid for this evening.
Ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums
At other times visitors to Blists Hill can chat to the costumed townsfolk in their homes, shops and places of work; exchange decimal currency at the Bank into token pounds, shillings and pence to spend in the town’s shops, pub and Post Office and explore the magnificent Canal Street, which is lined both sides with a wonderful parade of shops.
Elsewhere in The Gorge, you can marvel at magnificent china and see crafts people at work in Coalport China Museum and walk through the galleries and period room settings adorned with beautiful tiles at Jackfield Tile Museum. The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron celebrates the early iron industry, while the Museum of The Gorge explains the area’s importance; finally walk across the world’s first Iron Bridge and imagine what the area was like around 300 years ago at the beginning of industrial development.
A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing entry into all ten museums, valid for twelve months and unlimited return visits, costs £24 per adult, £19 for the 60 plus, £15.25 for students and children and £65 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. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the admission fee. Individual museum entry tickets are also available. For further information 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).
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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.
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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).
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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. You can visit at any time and walk around following many paths.
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)
Visits for schools and groups available, surface & underground, please contact :
http://shropshiremines.org.uk/snai lbeach/index.htm Snailbeach Lead Mine Snailbeach, Nr Minsterley Shropshire. SY5 0NS All parking at the Village Hall please More information & dates on the and The Shropshire Hills Shuttle website which has links to their bus stops in the village. Facebook & Twitter pages.
On some planned weekends there is a more extensive trip into larger workings where you can see two areas which were mined. (£5-00)
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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
Open 2013: Tuesday 26 March – Sunday 3 November Closed Mondays except Bank Holiday Mondays Weekday open times 10:00-4:30 Weekend open times 10:30-5:00
www.actonscottmuseum.com SY6 6QN Telephone 01694 781 306
Acton Scott Working Farm Museum
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is one of Britain's leading working farm museums. The Museum specialises in bringing nineteenth century farming practices to life through practical demonstrations using traditional skills and period horse-drawn machines. See farm life unfold on the land, around the farm yard and in the cottage.
Much Wenlock Museum
Much Wenlock seems an unlikely place to find the origins of the Modern Olympic Games but here in 1850 William Penny Brookes staged the first Wenlock Olympian Games. Described by the Independent newspaper as "...one of the world's great little museums" the displays tell many other stories about the town and surrounding area.
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Shrewsbury Museums
Much Wenlock – Free Admission. Open throughout the year (reduced opening hours November to March). Visit the website for full details: www.muchwenlockmuseum.co.uk TF13 6HR Telephone 01952 727679
Ludlow Museum and Resource Centre
Ludlow Museum is one of the oldest in the UK and celebrates its 180th birthday this year. 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 our Museum Resource Centre which runs a full and varied programme of exhibitions and courses.
www.ludlowmuseum.co.uk SY8 2PG Telephone 01584 813665
Rowley’s House will open its doors as Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery for the last time in 2013. The new Museum is taking shape in the town’s Square. When work is completed in late 2013 it will provide an exciting new museum and exhibition gallery, together with a cafe bar, shop and Visitor Information Centre.
Coleham Pumping Station
In the meantime, why not visit some of our other Shrewsbury sites. Shrewsbury Castle houses the spectacular collections of the Shropshire Regimental Museum. It is also a popular venue for licensed civil ceremonies, with the grounds providing a lovely backdrop. Coleham Pumping Station was built in 1900 to house two steam-driven beam engines. These will be ‘steamed up’ for visitors on 7th April, 19th May, 8th June, 9th June, 21st July, 14th September and 15th September.
www.shrewsburymuseums.com SY1 1QH Telephone 01743 258888
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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.
Visit the Secret Hills exhibition, which dips into the stories of the local area and will give you endless ideas for other places to visit and explore. You’ll meet a Mammoth; see Iron Age life; have a chance to become a landscape detective; and take off as you watch the extraordinary panoramic balloon flight film. When you head out into the hills at the end of your visit you should be able to spot some of their stories yourself. Summer opening hours (18 March to 9 September) Monday and Tuesday: 10am to 5pm Wednesday: 10am to 7pm Thursday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm During the summer, last entry to the Secret Hills exhibition is at 4pm.
Events 2013 • Easter Egg-stravaganza - 29 March • Digging Archaeology - 1-12 April • Rogation Ramble - 5 May • Felt Making - 27-31 May • Toddle Time - Pond Dipping - 28 May • Identifying Invertebrates 22 June • Dragonflies for Beginners - 21 July • Witches, Stick Men and Monkeys - 29 July2 Aug & 26-30 Aug • Hogweed's School of Magic - 28 Oct-1 Nov Telephone 01588-676000 www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk
Pond dipping at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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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. Newly re-opened for 2012 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
£4.00 Adults, £3.00 Concessions
Open Times
6th April - 31st 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 762207 or the Curator on 01746 711486
Opening times: from April to October Saturdays 1.30 pm to 4 pm Sundays 11.00 am to 4 pm Bank Holidays 11.00 am to 4 pm School Holidays (every day) 11.00 am to 4 pm
Postcode : WV16 5AE
Bridgnorth Historical Society visit to Bletchley Park
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WHITCHURCH HERITAGE CENTRE 2013 Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Whitchurch is Shropshire's only town to be continually inhabited on the same site since being built in Roman times. The current displays, exhibits, and activities in the Heritage Centre reflect the town's historic roots.
Many of the exhibits are geared towards children and are very much hands on with a Roman Archaeology sand pit where coins and a skull can be uncovered and a brass rubbing table where budding artists can create their own masterpieces to take home. There is also a giant puzzle depicting a typical nursery rhyme theme created from an illustration by the famous Victorian Illustrator Randolph Caldecott. The Caldecott Gallery houses a fine collection of artwork, books, photographs & memorabilia relating to the composer Edward German and artist Randolph Caldecott.
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10.00 10.00
closed 10.00 10.00 10.00 -
4.00 4.00
4.00 4.00 1.00
FREE ENTRY All areas wheelchair accessible Disabled parking adjacent to Heritage Centre, Visitor Information, Customer Service Point, and a selection of gift items for sale.
Contact Details : 12 St Mary's Street Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 1QY
Telephone : 01948 664577
heritage@whitchurch-shropshire-tc.gov.uk
www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk www.facebook.com/whitchurchheritagecentre 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 ot@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
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Town of Oswestry the group behind the project 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.
OSWESTRY MARKETS Outdoor Market - Wednesdays & Saturdays Indoor Market - Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
retailers by offering something different whilst continuing to meet existing customer requirements.”
Markets have been a major part of the trading and historical importance of Oswestry for many centuries.
The Wednesday and Saturday outdoor markets still create a wide ranging balance of traders with hustle and bustle, colour and excitement to interest visitors and shoppers alike.
There’s also an excellent Farmers' Market held on the last Friday of every month selling the best in local produce such as pies and pastries, meat and fish - all at the highest quality.
Oswestry Markets boast specialist retailers from cake supplies, sewing repairs, home brew, welsh goods and partywares and a host of other things. If you like collectables and antiques there are four great shops to rummage through at your leisure and when you feel like you need refreshing there’s an excellent cafe and coffee bar.
There’s also a fantastic quality butcher and fishmonger and an excellent delicatessen which sells a huge variety of cheeses.
“To continue to remain viable and relevant our markets need to keep pace with changes within the town, its demographics and the expectations of shoppers,” said David Clough, Oswestry Town Council markets manager.
“The market traders need to compete with other
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Following a major refurbishment programme Oswestry’s Powis Market Hall was formally reopened for business in May when the then mayor Cllr Cynthia Hawksley introduced the 8th Earl of Powis John George Herbert who ‘cut the ribbon’ and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
The hall underwent a £125,000 transformation, overseen by top designers Sir Terence Conran and Tara Bernerd, after Oswestry Town Council won a competition organised by The Times and Mydeco website design experts.
The YourSpace competition aimed to highlight the impact design can have on community life. Passions for the hall run high in Oswestry and it won by public demand, receiving more votes than any of the other nine shortlisted causes. Markets are part of the history and heritage of Oswestry and the Council has fiercely protected the market tradition extending back some 800 years.
The Town Council currently provides the management, administrative support and support services in respect of all retail market activities within the town.
Look out for exciting market events which can be found on the town council’s website www.oswestrymarket.co.uk.
SHROPSHIRE 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 •The Shropshire Artillery Volunteers 1860 1908 •The Shropshire Royal Horse Artillery 1908 1967
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 : £2-50 for adults; £1-50 concessions. Note : All children, students and regimental veterans are admitted free of charge.
Postcode : SY1 2AT Telephone : 01743-358516 or 262292 shropshireregiments@btconnect.com www.shropshireregimentalmuseum.co.uk
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
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FLAXMILL MALTINGS SHREWSBURY
Unique opportunities to visit the world's first iron framed building.
Built in 1797, the Flaxmill in north Shrewsbury, is the world’s first cast-iron framed building and is the forerunner of the modern skyscraper. The Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings, Shropshire Council and English Heritage have secured a first round pass from HLF to redevelop the site. From January 2013 to July 2013 the Friends will be organising tours and events of the buildings including the annual open weekend on 11th and 12th May.
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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© Mike Ashton
For more details call 01743 360213 or visit www.flaxmill-maltings.co.uk
To find out more check www.shropshirearchives.org.uk
the
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
This nationally Accredited Museum houses a multitude of local historical and agricultural artefacts and possesses an important collection of some 6,528 flints. The two silver Maces of the Borough of Clun, dating back to Elizabethan times (1580 & 1680) together with the Town Seal are on display on Bank Holidays. The whole operation is serviced by dedicated volunteer Stewards who give their time freely and willingly. You will be warmly welcomed and any query that you might have will receive their best attention and advice.
Ground Floor - The items on display reflect the diversity of Trades in this once self contained rural town—the centre of a large Farming community: Smithy • Wheelwright • Clog maker •Saddler • Tailor • Baker • Brewer • to name but a few. It also houses the nationally recognised collection of Flints which were traded along the Clun/Clee Ridgeway. . First Floor - where the main theme is local memorabilia from both the First and Second World Wars, including several uniforms and a display devoted to evacuees who came here from Liverpool. There is also plan of the rail-way line, proposed over one hundred years ago from Craven Arms to Clun.
Children, Schools, Historical Societies and Clubs are very welcome with special opening times arranged to suit their needs by contacting the
Curator. There are Children's Activity Sheets available for both floors so that they may discover and identify artefacts and their usage, and the museum is now a member of the Shropshire Children’s University, with a couple of activities awarding a Stamp each.
Access for all is available with ramp and chair lift and for the visually impaired audio and Braille guides, tactile pictures, and an illuminated tactile map of the town.
2013 Heralds additions including •A tactile scale wooden model of Clun Castle as it was in 1300 •A Living History Weekend with a Norman reenactment group. •Scanning the Museum’s fine collection of old photographs and putting them on a digital photo frame,
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: J Kent Tomey • Stapledon Mount Pleasant • Clun • SY7 8JJ Tel/Fax 01588 640681 Email: k.tomey@btinternet.com Nominal charge 50p. Under 16's/students Free
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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
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mention Arthur Phillips’ vertical take-off aircraft of 1908.
Membership fees - £6 per person, £10 for families.
Opening dates Opening days Fridays, Saturdays Opening times
30th April to 27th October Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
10.30 am to 1.00 pm
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
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 April 7th 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
Go on a magical day out abord the Severn Valley Railway. Enjoy the journey from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster Station, stop off at any of the stations en route:
Hampton Loade a great place to picnic, and cross the river on the current powered passenger foot ferry Highley for the Engine House, see below
Arley - take the footbridge over the river to the village and Arley Arboretum
Victoria Bridge © Bob Sweet
It’s a great day out for young and old. Check the Severn Valley website for details of special events, and take your time and enjoy the journey through the Severn Valley !
The Engine House It’s amazing how quickly a new attraction can seem as though it has been there for years. This is clearly the case with The Engine House, the Visitor & Education Centre at Highley on the Severn Valley Railway. Although it actually only
Bewdley, visit this lovely Georgian town which is just a ten minute walk from the station
and then finally arriving at Kidderminster which boasts a lovely period style concourse, with booking office, gift shop and more.
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Up close at The Engine House
opened at Easter 2008, it has already become an essential part of a visit to the Railway.
The building can house up to 10 locomotives which are displayed long with special sound effects and dry ice. You can explore the engines - there is even wheelchair access to one of them - and both from the gallery above, and from ground level (which is actually below the normal platform height) you can really appreciate the size and power of these engines.
Other exhibits inside include an illustration of the restoration work, an explanation of how a steam locomotives works and a re-creation of the founding meeting of the SVR in the Coopers Arms pub in Kidderminster.
It is a very accessible visitor centre with something for the whole family; there are babychanging facilities, an outdoor play area and a very spacious outdoor picnic table area. Don’t
Arley Station
forget to visit Buffers Cafe Restaurant and watch the trains go by as you eat at a table on the spacious outdoor balcony, which has lovely views of the valley, the river and the railway!
Make sure you break your journey there and spend some time at The Engine House at Highley – when it is combined with a relaxing journey along the whole Severn Valley Railway, it makes for a great day out on the line !
© Lewis Maddox
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2013 marks many anniversaries achievements in railway history:
© Lewis Maddox
and
•1863 - 150th anniversary of the opening of the first section of the London Underground •1923 - 90 years since the grouping of the railway companies into the ‘big four.’ •1938 - 75th Anniversary A4 Pacific Mallard set new steam locomtive speed record of 126mph •1963 - 50th Anniversary of both the Great train Robbery and the Beeching Report and the SVR will be marking these occassions with events and activities throughout the year.
Special Events 2013 • Spring Steam Gala - 22-24 March © Jed Bennett
• Members & Shareholders Weekend 20-21 April
• Mechanical Horse Weekend - 17-19 May
• Step back to the 1940s - 29-30 June & 6-7
July
• Peep behind the scenes - 20 July • Ladies Day - 28 July
• Vintage Train & Toy Fair - 17-18 August
• On the Buses - 8 September
• Autumn Steam Gala - 20-22 September
• Classic Vehicle Day - 13 October
• Diesel Enthusiasts Gala - 3-5 October
• Remembrance Day Service - 10 November
Telephone 01299-403816 for the SVR:
or 01746-862387 for The Engine House:
Visit www.svr.co.uk
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Bu s Ser vic e : 125 - BRIDGNORTH - KIDDERMINSTER 436 - BRIDGNORTH - SHREWSBURY
FORDHALL FARM The farm can also host group bookings in their function room. Guided tours can be booked in advance, as can group lunches or functions. And the best bit is that all profits are recycled back into the educational work the community trust delivers on the farm throughout the year.
England's first community owned farm
A small but beautiful organic farm in sunny Shropshire owned by 8000 people! Open 6 days a week with 3 free farm trails, a picnic area, farm shop, tearoom and evening restaurant. This farm is unique, pioneering and inspirational, with everything from cows and pigs, to solar panels and a composting toilet!
You may remember the national battle to save the family farm from development in 2006. A fight to raise £800,000 ensued and over 8000 members of the public now collectively own Fordhall, and that number is growing all the time. This allows Fordhall to claim the accolade of being England’s first community-owned farm as well as being one of the oldest organic farms in the country.
Events for 2013
Lambing day and Spring celebration, Sun 7th April, 10am-4pm Summer Fair, Sun 7th July, 10am-4pm Beer and Music Festival, Sat 7th September
Open Tues to Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sundays 10am4pm, Friday evenings 7pm-11pm Website: www.fordhallfarm.com Email: project@fordhallfarm.com Follow on Twitter: @fordhallfarm Follow on Facebook: Fordhall Organic Farm Tel: 01630 638696
The renovated Old Dairy building breathes the farm's organic ethos, with hemp walls, sheep’s wool insulation, a biodiverse roof, pv generation, an air source heat pump and lime plasters. It is perhaps the most sustainable eatery in Shropshire!
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PARK HALL, OSWESTRY The Countryside Experience Discover the delights of Park Hall Countryside Experience, the national award winning farm attraction near Oswestry. This amazing family farm park is like no other. There’s a day packed with action, fun and adventure waiting for all the family, and with a generous helping of cuddly and friendly animals for everyone to enjoy, there’s not a minute to waste.
Get up close to your farmyard favourites with a regular schedule of interactive events. groom the miniature Shetland pony, or be enchanted by the sheer magnificence of Charm and Rio the heavy horses. Don’t miss your opportunity to hand milk a real cow or cuddle up to the adorable bunnies and guinea pigs in the small animal centre. Just jump on the cart ride to see more animals around the farm.
Pig Racing is probably the most popular activity of the day. it runs twice daily, each pig runs in a ‘colour’ and visitors can choose a colour badge to support their pig, no prizes for winning just the joy of choosing the winner if you are lucky
Pig Racing
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Action packed fun can be found in two massive indoor play barns. The main arena has a large toy tractor circuit and bouncy castles while the Warren Playbarn has the traditional nets, slides and ropes.
Outside the action continues at the Crazy Farm Adventure Course and at the fantastic climbing areas in the woodland. There are also play houses for younger visitors and great walks for all the family.
Don’t miss the Science Ilusion Zone - full of lots of visual illusions.
New for 2013 is the Demon Drop Slide parents have a go if you dare !
Science Ilusion Zone
So treat the kids to a truly memorable family day out and get involved with the farming fun at this national award-winning family attraction.
Details at www.parkhallfarm.co.uk Telephone 01691671123 or email info@parkhallfarm.co.uk
Park Hall Countryside Experience, Burma Road, Oswestry, Shropshire. SY11 9AS.
When you are ready to slow down the pace wander through the Welsh Guards Museum, visit the Victorian School or take a walk to the Iron Age Roundhouse. These fascinating heritage exhibits are well interpreted so there’s lots to learn too.
There are numerous seasonal activities happening throughout the year, these include lamb feeding, pig racing, Easter egg hunts, summer maize maze, Halloween and the wonderful The Santa Experience.
The Iron Age Roundhouse
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ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM, COSFORD
and the world’s oldest Spitfire, the RAF Museum Cosford is home to a number of smaller unique exhibitions such as the Lucky Mascots exhibition and the RAF Boy Entrants permanent exhibition.
Nimrod at RAF Museum Cosford
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford offers a unique experience housing one of the largest aviation collections in the UK. Over 70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition.
This landmark building and unique exhibition contains 18 aircraft, military transport, missiles, memorabilia, and interactive kiosks, reflecting the social, cultural and political history of the Cold War era in a fun and innovative way. A major feature of this unique exhibition is Britain’s three post-war V-Bombers the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant, plus a number of aircraft suspended in flying attitudes. Audio visual hotspots focus on key aspects of the Cold War including the Space Race and Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Museum’s latest acquisition, the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 is now on display for visitors to see. Nimrod R.1 XV249 is one of only four R.1 models from a total Nimrod production of 46 aircraft used by the RAF. It has flown for over 18,000 hours during its time in service, seeing service in both Malta and Libya. As well as the aircraft on display at Cosford which also includes the unique TSR2
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There is also a lot to entertain visitors of all ages at Cosford - experience all the thrills and exhilaration of powered flight by entering the Museum’s new 4D Experience. This purpose built theatre combines cutting-edge stereoscopic 3D computer animation with the added fourth dimension of dynamic seating and special environmental effects including seat movements, water spray, leg ticklers and smoke effects. Visitors will be transported directly into each story as they become a member on board the Apollo 11 space shuttle mission to the moon with a whimsical twist involving three tweenage flies; or a World War One fighter pilot taking part in a thrilling mid-air combat in a tri plane aircraft.
The Visitor Centre is home to the Refuel Restaurant, a fully licenced restaurant which offers a great selection of wholesome nourishing hot and cold meals. The Checkpoint Charlie Café boasting a wide selection of refreshing drinks and light snacks, plus the wellstocked Museum Shop are both located within The National Cold War Exhibition. The Museum also boasts an outdoor picnic area for alfresco dining. RAF Museum Cosford is one day that everyone will enjoy whatever the weather. Throughout the year there is a wide range of exciting events taking place at the Museum. Entry to the Museum is FREE of charge. Open daily from 10am including Bank Holidays.
Directions
By Road From Junction 3 of the M54 take the A41 south towards Wolverhampton. Follow brown tourist signs to Royal Air Force Museum. By Rail Cosford Train Station is located on the Central Trains Birmingham to Shrewsbury line (via Wolverhampton) then a half mile walk. Please check timetable before visiting. By Bus The 892 bus service from Wolverhampton to Wellington runs along the A41. The nearest
stop is the Cosford Garage, approximately a 1 mile walk to the Museum gates. By Cycle The Museum is conveniently located along National Cycle Route 81 which runs from Wellington to Albrighton. Free cycle racks are situated next to the Museum Visitor Centre. By Air Clients can also fly into the Cosford site by prior arrangement with Air Traffic Control. Please call us first for details.
T: 01902 376200 E: cosford@rafmuseum.org W: www.rafmuseum.org
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HAWKSTONE PARK
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.
My son and I picked a glorious summer day to explore this English Heritage designated Grade 1 landscape, but I’m sure it is as enchanting at any time of the year. Paths twist and turn, rise and fall, and reveal something unexpected around every corner: dramatic cliffs, towers, monuments, tunnels, passageways, precipitous rock tracks, rustic ‘sofas’ and romantic secret valleys.
The monument to Sir Rowland Hill bears the inscription “The righteous shall be held in everlasting remembrance” and was restored thanks to the Barclay Borthers in 1992. The
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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 !
We wandered through a grotto where legends were created, and marvelled at the natural wonder of The Cleft from the Swiss Bridge. The rest of our trek was spent along the lower walkways.
We ended our journey in the delightful Caspian Tearoom with a very welcome drink and refreshing ice-cream.
It really was an amazing day out and I would urge anyone who is capable of the full three hour walk to give it a go. If you are not feeling that energetic there are walks of one hour, two, and two-and-a-half hours also. As most of the tracks involve steep climbs and many steps, sensible walking shoes are a must, unless you merely choose to walk the Grand Valley, which is wheelchair accessible. I would also recommend taking a drink and some refreshments with you it’s a long walk ! For those less able-bodied, there are the Silver Safaris on Thursdays - June to September - which includes a complimentary LandRover to the key high points of the park (during normal opening hours, prior booking is requested).
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.
Winner of 2010 Beacon Radio ‘Shropshire’s Best’ - Best Day Time Family Attraction. Hawkstone Park has won many awards including a Civic Trust Award, a Commendation in the Heart of England Visitor Attraction of the Year and a Europa Nostra Diploma for ‘the sensitive and imaginative restoration of a unique landscape’.
Telephone 01948 841777 / 841700 www.hawkstone.co.uk
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Escape to the Country Discover countryside family fun. Meet farmyard friends, walk through fairytale forest and join in special events.
Billingsley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6PF T: 01299 841255 E: info@raysfarm.com
www.raysfarm.com * Valid until 3.11.13. Not valid with any other promotional offer. Valid for one free child only on presentation of this advert.
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IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS 01952 433424 www www.ironbridge.org.uk .ironbridge.org.uk email tic@i ironbridge.org.uk ronbridg tic@ironbridge.org.uk ronbridge.org.uk
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