It's Beautiful Spring 2024

Shropshire. We’ve got you covered.

Selling and Renting for you 7 days a week – even on a Sunday!

Available 8.00am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday

Professional and qualified team with over 180 years of collective experience

Prominent offices in Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Wem

A free, no-obligation valuation and marketing appraisal

And most importantly competitive no sale –no charge commission

You know it’s spring when the lambs are out in the fields and bunnies are hopping around your garden in the early morning. So hop over to page 8 for fresh hairstyle ideas from our resident expert. If you love art and your pet, visit page 19 for heartwarming portraits and find sprightly kids fashion in Family Voice (p.48).

If you’re having a spring clean and need bits and bobs, don’t forget –shop local!

Feel amazing, inside and out.

At Elite Skin Studio we combine our 40+ years knowledge of skin, advanced treatment technology and carefully selected product offerings to create your personalised journey towards improving your skin confidence.

Specialists in skincare, permanent hair removal and blemish removal

ENDYMED Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

IPL IllumiFacial

SkinPen Microneedling

CACI Non Surgical Facelift

Cynosure Laser Hair Removal

Spring offer

Receive a complimentary Skin Analysis Consultation worth £30 when you book a Bespoke Clinical Facial this season.

Quote: 'It's Beautiful' when booking.

Dress the trenD

Momentarily, it’s all about the mules. But how do you incorporate these into your wardrobe? They are a comfy trend to say the least and can actually add a nice clean tone about your outfit. Here are some ideas we would happily wear during the day.

Maya Tweed Crop Jacket Green £110, www.monsoon.co.uk

Below left to right: Cream Wide Leg Joggers £17, www.matalan.co.uk; White Stripe Stitch Knit Button Front Cardigan £29.99, www.newlook.com; Black Mules £25.99, www.newlook.com; Khaki Leather-Look Borg Collared Crop Aviator Jacket £59.99, www.newlook.com

Below clockwise from left: Tu White Longline Lace Shirt £25, www.sainsburys.co.uk; Tan Biker Jacket £32, www.matalan.co.uk; Sutton Straight Denim Jeans £55, www.fatface.com; Canvas Tote Bag £17, www.matalan.co.uk; Tan Mules £25.99, www.newlook.com

Styles to put a Spring in your Step Hair

As we step into spring, it’s time to freshen up our hair. Spring feels like a breath of fresh air, and what better way to welcome the new season than with a fresh new look. Here are spring 2024 styles that will have you feeling fabulous!

Remember, always wear your hair with confidence after all, nothing makes a statement like a fabulous new hair style!

Buttercream Blonde:

Get ready to add a touch of warmth and brightness to your hair with buttercream blonde! This creamy shade of blonde is all about softness and radiance, perfect for those sunny spring days. Whether you go for subtle highlights or a full-on colour change, this warm blonde hue will elevate your complexion, leaving you with a fresh and radiant glow.

Heavy Bobs:

Say goodbye to flat hair and hello to voluminous bobs! The heavy bob is making a comeback with its blunt ends and thick, full layers that add bounce and movement to your hair. It’s the perfect style for achieving that effortlessly chic look that’s so on-trend this season.

Sunlit Balayage:

Bring a touch of sunshine to your dark winter hair by opting for sunlit balayage! This natural-looking highlighting technique mimics the gentle sun kissed tones, giving your hair a soft and radiant glow. With seamless transitions between shades, sunlit balayage adds depth and dimension to your hair, making it look healthy and vibrant.

FaceFraming

Layers:

Add volume and dimension to your hair with soft and flattering layers - easy to style and can be worn sleek or tousled, depending on your mood. Plus, they give your hair a playful vibe that’s perfect for this spring season.

The hottest hair trends for spring 2024 are all about embracing your natural beauty and having fun with your hair. Whether you’re rocking buttercream blonde or embracing face-framing layers, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your hair.

After all, spring is the perfect time for a fresh new look!

We pride ourselves on the level of care we provide for each and every guest. With a team of truly pooch loving people and secure facilities, we’re able to o er a very safe and positive environment to give you complete peace of mind during their stay while you’re away.

The wellbeing and happiness of our guests is our upmost priority and with training in dog first aid and level 2 and 3 qualifications in dog behaviour and animal management, we are trained and highly tuned to recognise the individual needs of each guest and how to best cater for them and provide the best care.

Since starting in 2018 we are very proud to have been awarded a 5 star rating from Shropshire Council and in 2021 ranked one of the top 6 kennels in the UK as a Pet awards finalist

Luxury Accommodation

For our boarding guests we have a fantastic range of luxury suites all with their own unique theme so there’s something for every Pooch. All suites are complete with 24 hour CCTV, underfloor heating and large flatscreen TV’s to keep your pooch company all day long.

Woodlands and Agility Area

Our 5 acres of secure grounds is home to some stunning woodlands which is perfect for scenic daily walks and a paddock area for your pooch to roam safely as they please. For our more active guests we also have a dedicated large so sand agility area for all your pooch’s favourite games. Both our daycare and boarding guests can take advantage of our outdoor facilities.

Indoor Play and Chill Areas

We have multiple indoor areas with luxury so furnishings designed to o er those important home comforts, perfect for downtime and cuddles with our boarding and daycare guests. O each of our lounges we have secure garden areas where your pooch can come and go at their own pleasure.

Littlehales Place, Chetwynd Aston Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9AW

01952 263298

enquiries@poochpalacevip.co.uk

poochpalacevip.co.uk

Spring has sprung…or has it?

By Sian Brennan-Todd

With the huge amount of rainfall, it’s hard to think summer is around the corner, BUT it is.

Spring brings a renewal of ideas for me. After a long winter and a cold start to the year, spring has suddenly crept up on me and yet I am so ready!

Does the excitement of what’s to come your way during spring make you excited for a new version of you? Like the flowers suddenly coming to life – do you feel something might be stirring within? New beginnings, like the seasons changing, make me excited for a change.

I know I am ready for a change, ready for a lift and ready for the happiness that summer oozes.

Having lived in Australia for six years I miss the sun we used to see in the mornings rather than a cloudy sky. However, I am a firm believer the weather DOES NOT make our mood. Yes, obviously a lovely warm start to the day is comforting and enjoyable but we, as individuals have the true power over our mindset and the shifts we want to make.

When you look up the definition of “spring” and “springtime” this does refer to the season, and to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth

How do you enjoy the feeling of renewal? Sometimes it might make you uncomfortable. If we are in a safe happy space, we might not want to grow and feel a change is coming. But for some, the change is needed. Which one are you?

Change is necessary for growth but let’s be honest, it can be scary too. Let’s try and embrace the new beginnings happening around us and perhaps look within ourselves to grow and evolve with this season. I saw a quote the other day that

said, “Most of us live our lives by accident – we live it as it happens. Fulfillment comes when we love our life on purpose.”

I planted daffodils with my youngest child when we first moved to Shropshire and last week when they sprung up it gave me joy and a real lift in seeing the empty ground start to fill up and exude colour and life. It reminded me of how the little bulbs that were small and bland have turned into a vibrant colourful area of our garden.

If we are in the right spot, with good food and light, we too will grow and flourish this new season – just like my pretty daffodils in the garden. Spring has sprung – are you ready?

“I

planted daffodils with my youngest child when we first moved to Shropshire and last week when they sprung up it gave me joy and a real lift in seeing the empty ground start to fill up and exude colour and life.”

Sian Brennan-Todd: Presenter and Host. For info visit www.sianbrennantodd.com, Instagram @sianbrennantodd or LinkedIn @sianbrennantodd

How to work your job around your family

Working to earn money whilst giving time to your family is a tricky recipe to get right. But some local companies are able to accommodate family life in to work schedules and Tanat Valley Coaches is one of them.

One driver, Emily Davies, has found a new passion in her career and has been able to work it comfortably around her young family.

Emily grew up in Chirk and now lives with her partner and two children in Maengwynedd and is no stranger to wanting to work in the transport industry because she had intended to follow that path during her college days.

“I went to Walford College, where I took a vehicle technician course but didn’t finish due to being pregnant with my son. So, I ended up working in the care industry but later on, had a change in career and became a PA/Driver for my father-in-law who is a rehabilitation officer for visual impairment at Powys County Council. I still do this job twice a week in between the school runs for Tanat Valley Coaches.”

At Tanat Valley Coaches, there are five female coach/bus drivers, two 16-seat female drivers and four 8-seat minibus/taxi drivers. Emily’s younger sister also drives one of the minibuses. So, you can see how this appeals to both men and women, the proof is in the numbers.

Talking about her journey so far with the bus company, Emily said, “I started working for Tanat Valley Coaches in April 2021 as a school minibus driver. After seeing all the bigger vehicles leaving the yard and my partner Anthony, also having his PSV and Class1HGV licences, it encouraged me to go for the PSV and get it myself.

“I approached managing director, Chris Chadd and operations manager, Nick Williams and asked if I could go for my PSV and they agreed to put me through. Chris, Nick and Anthony have been very encouraging and supportive. All of the drivers are very supportive and give good advice when needed. I passed my PSV licence with Tanat Valley Coaches in August 2023.”

Is it possible to work childcare around a career? This question hits families everywhere for mums and dads. So how has Emily worked this out for her family and how has Tanat Valley Coaches helped her?

“I am very lucky to have people helping me with childcare - my children are 14 and 6. I leave the yard at 7:50am every morning (school term) and another female minibus driver drops my daughter off at breakfast club before starting her run. I am very lucky to have my younger sister living close by who picks up my daughter from school and takes care of her until I finish work. If I work weekends (which isn’t very often) either my partner Anthony or my mother-in-law will have my children for me. My son is picked up by minibus and dropped off in the village of Llanrhaeadr to meet the school coach that takes him to school and is brought back home after school.

“Initially, I was worried about childcare mainly for my 6-year-old and how I could work driving a PSV but I’m lucky that Tanat Valley’s operations controller, Nick, gives me work that fits around my family and my other job.

“I was also worried about joining a mostly male workspace and that I wouldn’t fit into the company because of this. But everyone is approachable and have been so kind to me and helped me along the way.

“I highly recommend working for Tanat Valley Coaches, it fits around my family very well and I’m very lucky to have such a supportive family.

If you are interested in a career driving, Tanat Valley Coaches can be contacted via  01691 780 212 or visit www.tanat.co.uk

Helping You Find Your Menopausal Makeup Mojo

As women go through perimenopause and menopause, their skin and body go through a variety of changes that can impact their skincare and makeup routines.

During perimenopause, which can begin as early as a woman’s 30s or 40s, the body gradually starts producing less oestrogen. In addition to the well-known symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, itchy skin, irregular periods, mood changes, sleep problems, weight gain, low libido and brain fog (to name but a few), this hormonal change of lower oestrogen can lead to a decrease in collagen and elastin, which can cause dryness, thinning, and sagging of the skin. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can cause acne flare-ups, dark circles, and puffiness. I turned 40 last summer and have definitely found some of these things creeping in over the last couple of years.

To combat these changes, it is important for women to adjust their skincare routine. What worked in your twenties and early thirties won’t give the same results during perimenopause/menopause.

A gentle cleanser, toner and moisturiser are essential, as well as a daily SPF to prevent additional damage from the sun. Products with retinoids will help boost collagen production and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Women experiencing dry skin would also benefit from using a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid or massaging in a facial oil at bedtime to combat dryness.

It’s really important to start taking care of your skin at

this stage in life if you’ve not really paid it much attention up until now, so ditch the soap and baby wipes and invest in a good set of products.

When it comes to makeup, simpler is often better during perimenopause and menopause. Heavy liquid foundations and powders can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable. Instead, a tinted moisturiser, tinted spf or BB cream can provide light coverage while also hydrating the skin. Cream blushes and highlighters can add a youthful glow to the skin, while avoiding powdery finishes that can accentuate dryness. If you are a huge fan of matte makeup and don’t want to ditch the powder, then switch to mineral foundation powders instead, which have microsphere pigments and are designed not to cake or sit in fine lines.

Overall, it’s important for women to listen to their bodies and adjust their skincare and makeup routines as they go through perimenopause and menopause. With a few simple changes, women can feel confident and beautiful at any age. This is an area I am particularly passionate about, and I specialise in one-to-one skincare and makeup advice to help peri/menopausal women find their perfect routine, to look good and feel great. For more information, please get in touch.

For more information visit www.carolinecamber.com or call 07814 442041

Simply StyliSh

There are some lovely, muted styles for spring, especially if you prefer paler shades or simple patterns. But pale doesn’t mean uninteresting. In fact, we love this style and it exudes a level of understated glamour that suits all ages.

Everyday ErrandS

Sandgate Knitted Cardigan £89.95, www.barbour.com

Blue Scallop Pocket Denim Jacket £70, www.oliverbonas.com

Textured Knitted Midi Skirt Coord - Camel £22, www.very.co.uk

Lovely LAYERS

Blue Mid Rise Baggy Jeans

Brown Knit Ribbed Stripe Waistcoat £30, www.riverisland.com

Textured

The Extras

Frayed Edge Boucle Check Jacket £65, Cotton Textured Button Shirt £28, Cotton Blend Wide Leg Stretch Jeans £42, www.roman.co.uk

Left, clockwise: Blue Linen Blend Stripe Shirt £35, www.riverisland.com

£55, www.riverisland.com

Jersey Unlined Blazer Ivory £45, www.cottontraders.com

Above: Boxy Grab White Leather £89, www.johnlewis.com

Below: Stewart in Clear Crystal £85, www.iolla.com

M&S Collection Loafer £55, www.marksandspencer.com

Capture your pet’s personality in a beautiful portrait

A commissioned artwork is a deeply personal and lasting memento of a pet that can be treasured for a lifetime. Pets are a huge part of family life and capturing their true essence whilst they are with us will give you a most wonderful image that can only be created when the artist meets the animal.

Local artist, Clare Roberts has had a love of drawing since childhood and being an animal lover, they have always formed the subject of her artwork. Growing up, Clare spent many happy hours drawing dogs, horses and birds which later evolved into creating artworks of pets for friends and family.

After being self-taught for many years, Clare took

the opportunity during lockdown to undertake training with a classical artist who specialises in dogs and horses. Having always been drawn to classical realism and the classical method of drawing taught in the nineteenth century ateliers of Europe and with the modern possibilities of online learning, she was able to begin her journey in classical art training.

Speaking about her expertise in the area, Clare says, “I specialise in creating pet portraits and undertake realistic portraits in a classical style encompassing elements such as anatomy and light and shade to create a physical likeness and portray the unique essence of the subject. I create most of my artwork in the medium of charcoal because I’m drawn to the simplicity of using charcoal on paper and how such a timeless medium has endless possibilities.

“I offer a bespoke service locally where I can travel to meet clients and their pets so that I can discuss their commission idea in more depth to ensure that I can offer something personal and unique to them. It may be a certain way their pet holds their head or looks that the client wants to capture in the moment of the drawing. Meeting the pet in person is really helpful for me to take observations from life and get to know the pet’s character and nuances that may not be noticed in a photographic reference. It’s a really lovely part of what I do when I get the response from a client that I’ve captured ‘their’ pet and not just a pet of that type or breed.”

To discuss a commission idea visit www.clarerobertsfineart.com/commissions and complete the contact form. Clare will then contact you to discuss and offer a no-obligation quotation for consideration.

Open from March 22nd Every Friday Saturday & Sunday and daily throughout all school holidays and bank holdays

Immerse Yourself in Classical Music at Whittington Festival

A top-flight music festival with international artists in Whittington? Yes, and it’s happening in May and here is what the celebrated cellist, Steven Isserlis CBE, says about the programme:

“As always, the festival offers a wonderfully fresh and enticing blend of the familiar and the unfamiliar, presented by a very special group of (mostly young) musicians who will give the music their all. It promises to be a marvellous and memorable festival - enjoy it; I know you will.”

This year we are thrilled to welcome star violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason who appeared twice on TV at Christmas along with the rest of his super-talented siblings. The festival kicks off on Thursday 16 May with Vivaldi’s ever-popular Four Seasons and ends on Sunday 19 May with Mendelssohn’s Octet, a lyrical masterpiece written when he was just 16 years old. And between those favourites, you can enjoy music by Handel, Brahms, Schumann, his wife Clara, Mendelssohn’s sister

Fanny, Arvo Pärt and Elgar. Classical music doesn’t have to be stuffy – the concerts are informal, and the enthusiasm of the musicians is infectious.

Braimah will be playing in the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday concerts, and taking part in the workshops on Saturday morning. At 3pm on Saturday 18 May the Family concert showcases local young talent followed by music from jazz duo, pianist Zoe Rahman and flautist Rowland Sutherland. Full details can be found on the festival website www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk where you can book tickets and read what audience members thought of last year’s festival.

But don’t take their word for it – come and experience the music for yourself. As Steven Isserlis says, ‘you will enjoy it!’

ADULTS £23

CHILDREN £8.50

Family tickets available, see website for details

To sign up visit the website below or scan the QR code

As part of your registration you’ll receive (12 and under)

T-shirt Sunglasses

www.lingendavies.co.uk/event/colourrun2024

Watercolour Masters

This May 15-24, the International Watercolour Masters 2024 is set to be a breath-taking showcase of artistic talent, taking place from 10am to 4pm daily, at the historic Lilleshall Hall. This prestigious event promises to bring together some of the most renowned watercolour artists from around the world, creating a unique and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Lilleshall Hall, a stunning country house, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of watercolour mastery. The event not only celebrates the versatility and beauty of watercolour as a medium but also pays homage to the rich tradition of this art form while pushing its boundaries to new heights.

The festival has been organised and curated by David Poxon, a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. Poxon, a distinguished watercolour artist himself, is widely recognized for his contributions to the art world. His passion for watercolour and commitment to promoting its significance have made him a driving force behind this event.

attendees. From traditional landscapes to contemporary abstracts, the exhibition will showcase the versatility of watercolour as a medium and the boundless creativity of the artists involved.

Beyond the stunning artworks on display, the International Watercolour Masters 2024 will offer a platform for art enthusiasts to engage with the artists themselves. Workshops, demonstrations, and interactive sessions will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to learn the art of watercolour directly from the masters.

As Lilleshall Hall opens its doors to the International Watercolour Masters 2024, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where artistic mastery and innovation converge. Under the guidance of David Poxon, this event not only celebrates the brilliance of individual artists but also fosters a shared passion for watercolour art. As patrons explore the halls filled with the mesmerizing creations of international watercolour, they are sure to be inspired and captivated by the beauty and diversity that this medium has to offer.

The list of participating artists reads like a who’s who in the world of watercolour. Among the artists set to showcase their masterpieces at Lilleshall Hall are Fabio Cembranelli from Brazil – the worlds foremost floral painter and Mexican Maestro Patricia Guzman whose portraits share the soul and spirit of her people are amongst the 50 or more world famous names on display. The diverse styles and techniques of these artists, along with many others, promise to transform Lilleshall Hall into a visual feast for

Craft Event

Fabulous Festival takes Flight

One of the star attractions at this year’s Wonderwool Wales, the award-winning show that celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, will be an engaging display of felted birds.

The Flock2Flight display, which measures 10 metres by three metres, is the creation of fibre artist Janna Turner and two friends, Alex Johnstone and Deborah Taylor Dyer.

Wonderwool Wales is being held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on 27 and 28 April, with 220 exhibitors.

Both Shepton Mallet based Janna, who runs Flocks2Felts, and Alex are no strangers to Wonderwool Wales. Janna was project lead and felting advisor to a special, eightmetre long exhibition entitled Alice in Wonderwool in 2022.

The eye-catching, hand crafted interpretation of Alice in Wonderland installation featured an array of captivating characters, all crafted from felt and fibre.

This year, Janna will be featuring colourful birds in the display, some of which include wooden mechanics to make them fly. For example, there’s a small flock of swallows that fly in circles, a zipwire bird, a diving kingfisher, bird marionettes and hand puppets.

Janna has received help from her farmer husband, Dave, in putting together the wooden mechanics for the birds.

Largest of the static birds is a

two metre pelican and there’s also a flying phoenix with specially made clay talons, flamingos, a peregrine falcon and many more.

“There are about 20 different types of bird and I have designed the display to be interactive,” said Janna, who worked in a bird sanctuary in Cape Town before moving to England in 2003.

“When we did the Alice in Wonderwool display in 2022, people were not allowed to touch the exhibits. This time, I will be encouraging people to engage with the birds and have a play as they walk around. I just love seeing their reactions. There are also hand puppets for people to take selfies with.

purchased online in advance at https:// wonderwoolwales.ticketsrv.co.uk. There will also be tickets for sale at the gate costing £12 per day or £22 for the weekend. Young people aged 16 years and under have free admission.

This year’s event will see nine Woolschool afternoon workshops each day, which has required the organisers to book extra space on the showground. The Woolschools, which give visitors the chance to learn or perfect their skills with help from an expert, can be booked online by the Wonderwool Wales website.

Another popular feature, the Sheep Walk fashion show, will keep the audience entertained on both days.

This year, all Wonderwool Wales visitors are being encouraged to knit, crochet or make and wear their own beanie or hat to add colour to the event. Stewards will be awarding vouchers to the best hats on both days.

“The display made its debut at Bath and West Showground last November and it took a couple of months for us to make all the birds. I am looking forward to taking it to Wonderwool Wales, as it will be nice to see familiar faces again.”

Money raised by the display will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance, Wonderwool Wales’ adopted charity.

Tickets for the award-winning, twoday show, which traditionally attracts more than 6,000 visitors, can be

Wonderwool Wales was first held in 2006 to promote the market for Welsh wool and to add value to products made by small wool and fibre producers in Wales. The festival celebrates the green credentials of Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more. Wonderwool Wales covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process. Exhibits of sheep, raw and hand dyed fibres, yarn for knitting and crochet, embellishments, equipment, dyes and books can be found alongside superb examples of finished textile art, craft, clothing and home furnishings.

Find out more about the 2024 show at www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk, like and follow Wonderwool Wales Ltd on Facebook on Twitter @wonderwoolwales

Top: Janna Turner (centre) with Alex Johnstone (left) and Deborah Taylor Dyer with the Flock2Flight display. Inset: Janna with one of the bird marionettes.

Charitable giving and tax incentives

Tax incentives for charitable giving have long played a crucial role in encouraging individuals and businesses to support charitable causes and also can ensure more money goes to charities.

Gift Aid

Gift Aid is a scheme available to UK charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) which means that they can claim back basic rate income tax from HMRC on donations: an extra 25p for every £1 donated under Gift Aid.

A charity can claim Gift Aid when you make a monetary donation from your own funds and have paid UK income and/or capital gains tax during that tax year. The amount of tax you pay needs to be at least equal to the value of Gift Aid that the charity or CASC will claim on your donation(s).

Tax relief at a higher and additional rate must be claimed by the donor, usually on the self-assessment tax return.

Non-cash donations

In the UK, you can donate cash, shares or property to charity and all three have different tax implications. For example, donating shares might be most tax-effective for

you, but the charity won’t be able to claim the Gift Aid and could ultimately receive less money.

Executors or trustees of a will sometimes transfer property to a charity where there is a built-in capital gain arising in the holding period after the death. The charity then sells the property and uses the proceeds for its charitable purposes.

Legacy giving

Tax advantages can make a significant difference to the beneficiaries of an estate. A gift to a UK charity in a will is free from inheritance tax, meaning that the money is ‘removed’ from the value of a donor’s estate before tax is calculated. In addition to the donation being tax free, charitable gifts can reduce the amount of inheritance tax paid on the rest of the estate. If 10% or more of the estate is gifted to charity, then the rate of inheritance tax paid on the rest of the estate is reduced from 40% to 36%.

Aaron Powis BSc (Hons) B.F.P., F.C.A., C.T.A - Partner

How one young SH ropSH ire woman iS raiSing awarene SS of H idden diSabilitie S

A 21-year-old woman who lives life to the full, despite suffering a brain injury at birth, is raising awareness of the challenges of living with a hidden disability.

Anna Redding, who went to Derwen College near Oswestry, says she wants to be an advocate for people with disabilities and has ambitions to become a TV actor.

Anna tells her story to clinical negligence solicitor, Lucy Small, in the latest episode of Lanyon Bowdler’s Legal Lounge podcast, explaining how she has not allowed her brain injury to hold her back.

She says, “I found it hard to make friends as I was growing up because people would think of me as the odd one out because I had a disability, and they thought I wouldn’t understand what they were talking about.

“I found secondary school hard but going to Derwen College changed everything. I studied Performing Arts, so I did singing, drama, dance, and made loads of friends.”

Anna now takes part in a wide range of hobbies, including street dance with Identity School of Dance

in Shrewsbury, as well as singing and acting in a variety of performances.

She says, “My favourite character to play has been Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, because I made people laugh which I really enjoyed. I am hoping to do more singing roles in the future, as I absolutely love singing.”

Our People, Your Team Here to Help

One of the main outcomes of Anna’s brain injury is shortterm memory loss, which makes processes like learning lines more

difficult - but Anna has adapted to rise to the challenge.

Another of Anna’s talents is drawing portraits using a lightbox, which has led to some special guests visiting Derwen College in recent times.

Anna says, “I drew a portrait of Jayshree Patel, who is a writer on Hollyoaks and Eastenders. I asked whether she would like to come and talk to some performing arts students about how to get into scriptwriting, and she visited us at Derwen which was great.

“Sam Retford, who has been on Ackley Bridge and Coronation Street, has also been in a few times to talk about acting too.”

Anna has written her own script and has ambitions to act professionally in the future. In the meantime, she is continuing to highlight how many people live with hidden disabilities and how important it is for us all to have more patience and be less judgemental.

Listen to the podcast by searching for The Legal Lounge on your favourite podcast provider, or visit www.lblaw.co.uk/podcast

Anna Redding (above) chats to Lucy Small (below).

Spring-flowering plants – choose wisely

The sap is flowing! Peer closely at a few twigs and you will find buds galore. You can’t fail to have noticed beautiful bulbs are already brightening up the borders. There are wonderful hellebores that never fail to enchant, ravishing rhododendrons and azaleas, elegant camellias, and marvellous magnolias, bergenias and a host of other early spring beauties.

Don’t assume that you can grow anything, anywhere, however. Plants are like people in that they have their own particular needs and dislikes.

Rhododendrons and azaleas were once categorised as separate species but they are now grouped together. There are subtle differences. Azaleas are always evergreen, whereas some rhododendrons are deciduous. They all need slightly acidic, moist soils and prefer dappled shade and sheltered conditions The leaves of a rhododendron are thick and leathery, but azalea leaves are generally smaller, often with fine hairs covering the surface. Rhododendrons produce large trusses of multiple flowers whereas azalea flowers appear at the end of the stem, in smaller numbers. The range of colours within this genus is impressive, from the purest white flower, through to yellows, oranges, reds, lilacs and purples. These shrubs were introduced to the UK way back in the sixteenth century and are currently enjoying a revival in popularity.

Camellias are newer arrivals, having been brought here early in the eighteenth century. These evergreen shrubs also need an acidic soil and they like dappled shade, sheltered from wind. Avoid an

east-facing position where morning sun can scorch the winter and spring flowers. It is important to keep these flowering shrubs well-watered in summer when they are forming next year’s flower buds. Use rainwater, where possible, because tap water is generally too alkaline.

Magnolias are shrubs with shapely forms and wonderful creamy-white and pink spring flowers. Some of these are giants but they are often shoehorned into spaces that are too small. The resulting pruning tends to spoil their shape and often promotes a wild growing frenzy that makes matters worse. Many magnolias produce gobletshaped flowers, whilst others delight the season with glorious star-shaped blooms. It’s important to appreciate that their ancestors inhabited primitive, ancient forests. This tells you that they like a little shelter, even though the modern cultivars can tolerate city living and even bright sun.

Hellebores are woodland-edge plants that like dappled shade and moist (but not boggy) soils. They can thrive in most types of soil, provided it is nutrient-rich. Give them the right conditions and they need very little care, save a mulch to help retain moisture within the growing position.

Bergenias are brilliant ground-cover evergreens that can grow almost anywhere, even though they prefer slight shade and moist soil. Elephant’s ears, as they are commonly known, are great perennials for the beginner as they also help to supress weeds. The early spring flowers are generally pink but can also be red, lilac or white. These are held on stalks and they create a truly uplifting scene at a time when colour is scarce.

Bergenias and daffodils

What better season is there than Spring to makeover your bedroom?! A good spring clean is the perfect way to refresh not only your home but your mind and lifestyle too. The bedroom is a good place to start as it’s where we spend a good proportion of our life. More people hit the sack earlier these days as the need to get better sleep calls, and relaxing in a calm quiet space creates good health habits to set us up for a great night’s sleep. If it’s time to replace your bed and mattress or any of your bedroom furniture then pop by the Newport Beds showroom to see what’s in store

Interiors

by Stephanie Dhillon

Mood Century

Combining functionality with effortless style has been the overriding appeal of a mid-century style. This Moody take focuses on the dark side of the aesthetic. Think that 70’s basement with Mad Men sophistication, somewhere a James Bond villain would retreat to after a full day of scheming. Dark teak woods, leathers, velvets, cut glass, vintage table lamps and rich deep colours in the accessories create a sultry haven for anyone who loves dark and dramatic interior spaces.

▲ Elodie Rug - Black £248 from Lime Lace www.limelace.co.uk

▼ Manhattan Marble Drinks Trolley £349 from Atkin and Thyme www.atkinandthyme.co.uk

Berry Desk Lamp £89 from Idyll Home idyllhome.co.uk

Enzo Large 4 Seater Sofa, Sage Green, Crushed Velvet £3279 from Pepper Square Ltd www.peppersq.com Cane Glass Vase £49.95 from Cuckooland www.cukooland.com

▲ Contemporary

Wickham Wooden

1

▲ Acacia Brooklyn Coffee Table £395 from Ella James  www.ellajames.co.uk

Yellow Cordless Swirl Table Lamps £27.95 from Sparkle Lighting http://sparkle.lighting

HKliving Striped Velvet Cushion Speakeasy £35 from Cult Furniture www.cultfurniture.com

Study

Framed Canvas £470 from Abstract House www.abstracthouse.com

Armchair £249 from Cult Furniture www.cultfurniture.com

Providing Quality Tree Work in your area

Our services

• Tree removal

• sTorm damaged Trees

• Tree felling

• Tree pruning

• sTump grinding

• garden clearance

• hedge Trimming

ContaCt us now for a free quote

07530551245 based in newporT shropshire

Interiors

by Stephanie Dhillon

Vibrant Spring

Spring doesn’t always have to be about bunnies, eggs and pastel colours. The days are longer and brighter and vibrant colours are popping up everywhere. So don’t be scared to embrace the colourful hues of summer already. Aim as you mean to go on. Look at saturated colours for your homewares. Layering up table settings with a drench of bright colours, from table runners to candles, baskets to crockery, will mean you will enjoy all that colour in your home right to the end of the summer.

Lilac and Green Raffia Placemats £20 from Talking Tables  www.talkingtables.co.uk

La Jardin Floral Print £13.50 from Ink & Drop  www.inkanddrop.com

Yellow and Green Splatter Mug

from The Nook Retail Ltd www.thenookhome.co.uk

Sur la Table Blue Fruit Bowl £28 from Pure Table Top www.puretabletop.com

The Arch Vase in Dark Green £50.00 from The Happy Blossoms www.thehappyblossoms.com

£14.99

Above: ‘At my table’ Plate £15 from Reimagined by Anna Stark wwwreimaginedbyannastark.com

Right : Flower Cushion no2 £49 by Valinea www. valinea.co.uk

Below, right: Pink Scalloped Dinner Candle Holder £10 from Talking Tables www.talkingtables.co.uk

Below : Green Gingham Table Runner £12 from Talking Tables www.talkingtables.co.uk

Ombre Dinner Candles £14 from Talking Tables www.talkingtables.co.uk

Shropshire Good Food Partnership

The innovative food trail which put Shropshire’s top quality food producers firmly on the map is to be rolled out again in 2024 to feature even more locations.

The Shropshire Good Food Trail was launched last year by the Shropshire Good Food Partnership. The fun and informative map and guide featured more than 50 venues growing, making, selling or serving the county’s finest and most sustainably produced food.

Now the SGFP is expanding the tasty trail to showcase more members as well as looking for new sponsors. It is promoting the theme of Shropshire’s Abundance and has extended the event to take in the entire summer holiday.

Daphne Du Cros of the Shropshire Good Food Partnership said the first food trail had been very successful with excellent feedback from those involved.

“We’re planning to make the 2024 food trail even bigger and better. We want the public to know and celebrate what is produced just on their doorstep and give them longer to visit every one of our special producers.

We want the public to know and celebrate what is produced just on their doorstep and give them longer to visit every one of our special producers.

“This year’s trail will run from 20 July to 31 August so that we can connect as many people as possible to the beauty and bounty of our landscape,” she said.

The partnership is now looking for new producers as well as sponsors to support the trail and highlight Shropshire’s Good Food Movement.

New members will be featured on the 2024 trail map and guide as well as being included on the growing Shropshire Good Food Partnership directory

which signposts the public to the leading good food producers in the county.

They will be included in the county-wide promotion of the Shropshire Good Food Trail as well as working with SGFP’s regional co-ordinators and nearby members to collaborate on and highlight events and activities.

New producers interested in registering for the 2024 Shropshire Good Food Trail can fill in the registration form at www.shropshiregoodfoodtrail.org or email hello@shropshiregoodfood.org

The partnership is also looking for new sponsors to join the team of businesses that support the Good Food message via the food trail.

“We’re looking for businesses who can help us celebrate the growers, makers, sellers and servers across the county producing food that is good for people, place and planet. If you have a business that believes in a better food system and want to sponsor the Shropshire Good Food Trail, please get in touch at hello@shropshiregoodfood.org,” said Daphne.

Left to right Daphne Du Cros, Ruth Martin and Janine Potter at the launch of the 2023 Shropshire Good Food trail at Shrewsbury Food and Drink Festival

TAP HOUSE | DINING | ROOMS

Just 4 minutes from Newport town centre, the Swan is a beautifully refurbished Georgian building with a selection of ensuite rooms perfect for weddings, events, or just a weekend away with the family.

We Pride ourselves on using as much locally sourced produce as possible by using local suppliers. Our meat comes from Buttercross farm in Market Drayton, pies from Shropshire and of course Joules ales and lager from Market Drayton.

MIDWEEK DEAL

served Monday to Friday 12 till 8pm 2 Courses £18 3 Courses £22

SUNDAY LUNCH

from £16.00 adult £8 child

Served from 12 until its gone

BREAKFAST AVAILABLE

Saturday and Sunday 10 till 12pm

BEER CLUB FRIDAY

Come down from 5 till 7pm.

All pints £3.50 with a fabulous range of homemade sausage rolls too

A versatile ingredient, known for their flaky skins, nutty flavour and creamy consistency, Jersey Royals are available from now until July each year.

Serves 2 | Preparation time 30 minutes | Cooking time 12-15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tsp olive oil

• 225g Jersey Royal potatoes, sliced or cubed

• 2 spring onions, cut diagonally

• 25g chorizo, chopped

• 8 scallops

• Salt and black pepper

• 25g butter

• ½ tsp lemon zest

• 2 sprigs of lemon thyme

• A handful of rocket

Spud Stars For more Jersey Royal recipe inspiration, visit www.jerseyroyals.co.uk.

METHOD

1. Heat 2 tsp of the oil in a small frying pan, add the potatoes and fry, turning regularly, for 7-8 minutes until just tender and golden. Add the spring onions and chorizo and cook for a couple of minutes more until the chorizo has released its oil and the spring onions are wilted. Remove from the pan, set aside and keep warm. Wipe out the pan with kitchen paper.

2. Dry the scallops with kitchen paper and season with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining oil in the pan until hot, add the scallops and sear them for a minute until just beginning to brown, then turn them and cook for a further 30 seconds. Remove from the heat, add the butter, lemon zest and thyme, allowing the butter to melt and coat the scallops. Spear the scallops onto skewers (allowing 2 per skewer).

3. Spoon the potato mixture onto 2 warm plates, add 2 scallop skewers per portion, drizzle over the buttery juices before serving and scatter around the rocket.

Nestling in beautiful woodland, Henlle Heights has been especially designed and built with passion to provide a beautiful area for our guests to relax, unwind and enjoy our freshly cooked food.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE HEAD CHEF WHO MADE MUMBAI FOOD SO POPULAR IN LONDON AND LOCALLY HAS NOW JOINED US AT HENLLE HEIGHTS.

Mixed Berry Bake with Coconut Macadamia Crumble

Ingred I ents

Serves 4-6 | Preparation time: 10minutes | Cooking time: 25minutes

• 700g mixed fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries

• 100g caster sugar

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

For the topping

• 150g plain flour

• 100g salted butter, cubed

• 50g desiccated coconut or large flakes

• 50g soft brown sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 50g macadamia nuts, roughly chopped

Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are a tasty way to get your five-a-day – and they make a wonderful addition to this scrumptious dessert sweet.

Method

• Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6.

• In a medium bowl, mix together the fruit with the sugar, cornflour and vanilla paste. Pour into a baking dish (approximately 20 x 30cm).

• For the topping, mix together the flour, butter, coconut, sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it has a rough gravel consistency. Mix in the chopped nuts, then scatter it over the fruit. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Your Wedding Your Way at Barnutopia

Your wedding dreams really come true at Barnutopia Wedding Venuea picturesque location licensed for ceremonies and set in the breathtaking Shropshire countryside on the border with Powys.

Established in 2015 as a luxury glamping site, Barnutopia has evolved into a stunning venue boasting ten glamping yurts and cabins, an indooroutdoor Dutch barn, an event barn, three camp kitchens, and a bathroom block with unlimited hot water. Outdoor ceremony areas include the yurt field and the Dell.

Barnutopia’s journey to becoming a wedding venue featured on the primetime ITV show, Give It A Year. Hosted by Baroness Karren Brady, the show followed owner Katrina Boydon’s transformation of Barnutopia into a wedding venue. Filmed in 2016 and 2017, the story was televised in May 2018, with Barnutopia as one of Britain’s business success stories. Today, the venue hosts approximately fifteen weddings annually, along with hen and stag weekends, birthday celebrations, and family gatherings. With hundreds of five-star reviews, Barnutopia has become synonymous with couple and guest satisfaction.

Couples planning to tie the knot at Barnutopia usually enjoy a leisurely viewing to discuss their vision for the wedding. Donna Jones, the manager, works closely with couples to create the wedding of their dreams. The venue offers a no-obligation quote and provides a Build Your

Own Wedding or Event widget on its website, allowing couples to explore costs and options. Barnutopia makes a point of thinking through the details, so you don’t have to.

Barnutopia’s catering services.

Barnutopia’s practical ex-farm setup delivers a rustic yet refined wedding experience, with sitewide power, free Wi-Fi, beautifully furnished yurts and cabins, and fully equipped kitchens to ensure guest comfort. Adding a unique touch to

exclusive hire for three days and two

A typical Barnutopia wedding includes exclusive hire for three days and two nights accommodation in a yurt or cabin for the couple, event staff, a wedding arch, a private dressing area in the farmhouse, and complimentary welcome drinks. With no corkage for alcohol, couples can tailor costeffective packages for fifteen to one hundred and twenty guests, with the flexibility to add yurts, cabins, and the camping field for a festival vibe.

The Long Barn’s permanent features, such as a dance floor, fairy lights, and up-lighters, serve as a blank canvas for your theme and vision. The Dutch barn, a versatile indoor-outdoor space, offers outdoor seating, fire pits, and logs for cosy campfire evenings. Couples enjoy access to the décor den, a treasure trove of decorations, and are also welcome to bring their own. The venue accommodates self-catering, mobile caterer hire, or the use of

the experience, the farm’s adorable animals contribute to the venue’s distinctive charm.

Meet Ben and Jerry, miniature Hereford cattle; Gavin, Stacy, Nessa, and Neil the baby, black-with-whiteface Zwartbles sheep; Felix and Fiona, Kunekune pigs; Andi and Sassy, donkeys; and Pinky and Tabasco, superfriendly barn cats. These delightful creatures are much-loved characters contributing to the Barnutopia experience, adding a unique element to your wedding festivities.

Barnutopia invites you to attend the annual wedding showcase on Sunday 7 April 2024. Attendees enjoy a 20% discount on venue hire if dates are reserved and the deposit is paid within a week of the event. From the gorgeous countryside location to the excellent facilities and the charming animals, every aspect of Barnutopia contributes to creating a wedding experience that transcends the ordinary. Explore the magic of Barnutopia, where your dream wedding becomes an unforgettable reality.

To find out more, visit  www.barnutopia.com, or follow @barnutopia on Facebook and Instagram.

KIDSZONE

Now we’re hitting spring, there are more opportunities for the kids to play outside. Jackets are lighter and the odd warm day means a t-shirt is enough. We like the pastels hitting the shops and bring you some of the casual options.

Above, clockwise from left: Loose Fit Denim Jeans £10, www.primark.com; Green Zip Overshirt £10, www.primark.com; 2-in-1 Brown Parka Gilet £56, www.monsoon.co.uk; Blue & Grey Trainers £19.99, www.tkmaxx.com; 2 Pack Yellow & Grey T-shirts £3.50, www.primark.com

Below, clockwise from left: 915 - Girls Off White Crop Bomber Jacket £17.99, www.newlook.com; Belted Jeans £10, www.primark.com; Glitter Rainbow Boots £34, www.monsoon.co.uk; 2 Pack Lilac & Blue Frill T-shirts £3.50, www.primark.com

Health

Harry’s willow tree moment!

Harry always thought feet were a bit strange –why five toes? Why not four or six? He’d read that some animals in the past had eight! But it was his big toe that bothered him now – it had a flat, sore bit with a few black dots in it that was getting slowly bigger. Time to call in the big guns?

“Mum,” he started, “can you have a look at my foot?” Five minutes later they had both decided he probably had a “verruca”, whatever that was thought Harry. “It’s a sore on your foot, like a wart only flat and I think it’s caused by a virus, so you’ve picked one up from somewhere when you were barefooted – perhaps the swimming baths,” Mum told him. “I think we’ll have a trip to the pharmacist next week –let’s take a picture of it to show them. Harry thought this was a good idea, if a bit weird, but less weird than taking his shoe and sock off at the chemist, so he agreed.

That night Harry googled verruca. The name, no surprise, came from those Romans again and sort of meant hillock! He had a hillock on his foot!

That night Harry googled verruca. The name, no surprise, came from those Romans again and sort of meant hillock! He had a hillock on his foot! Now that was surprising. Apparently almost everyone got either a wart on their hand or a verruca on their foot at some time in their life. There were 150 viruses that caused them and he probably had picked it up at the baths. In a way he was lucky – they tended to get better quicker in kids and were then less likely to happen later in life.

The chemist did not want to see his “hillock” but did confirm from the picture that it was a verruca. That was the easy bit; treatment of it was more complicated. Harry was very relieved to hear cutting it out wasn’t helpful but there were loads of other treatments that could

help. It could be frozen with a thing called liquid nitrogen which was about minus 190 degrees Celsius - now he knew the freezer at home was minus 18 so that sounded very cold! And apparently it hurt – he wasn’t surprised –and might scar – not a great idea he thought –and only worked in four out of 10 cases. It did not sound promising. On a brighter note, half of all verrucae (Romans again so an “e” not an “s” for more than one verruca – I can see why they died out thought Harry) went in one year at his age and two in every three after two years so he could leave it alone and his clever immune system would get rid of it, although it could get bigger in the meantime. Apparently, you could stick some stuff called duct tape on it too. This needed changing every six days for about two months. In fact, all the treatments took months to work – those clever viruses were persistent. He even read somewhere that one doctor said the treatments only gave you something to do while the verruca was going anyway! Finally, there were a number of ointments you could put on as well.

Harry, and his Mum mostly if he was honest, decided to have some salicylic acid topical treatment. The chemist said as the verruca was quite recent and already causing some discomfort then some treatment was probably wise. The chemist told them they could look at the British Skin Foundation website for more information. Harry did not like the sound of acid going on his foot at first but then found out it was the same stuff mum took for her headaches and that it came from the willow tree. They had 1 in the garden – somehow that made it ok.

Adventures in the

MORETON HALL BUSINESS LUNCH

FRIDAY 3RD MAY, 11AM

Join us for the opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, network with other entrepreneurs and business people and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Guest Speakers

Rachel Clacher CBE Moneypenny

Book Now

Dave Allan What If!

Co-founder of Moneypenny, the world’s largest outsourced communication provider and multi-award winning employer of 1300 people in Wrexham, London and Atlanta. Founder of social mobility charity WeMindTheGap, giving new opportunities to young people who deserve better.

Founder of international innovation business What If! that has created over £100 billion of value for clients and twice won ‘Best Place to Work’ in the UK.

www.moretonhall.org/business-lunch

email: parsonsk@moretonhall.com

phone: 01691 773671

Moreton Hall Weston Rhyn Nr Oswestry SY11 3EW

Education with a Broader Perspective

Settled in the Shropshire countryside since 1884, Ellesmere College has retained its focus on individual student success while providing outstanding educational and personal success for all students – whether local, regional or international. An incredibly friendly co-ed boarding school, 580 students from ages 7 to 18, and from all across the globe, are encouraged to explore, engage and evolve to the best of their potential through the College’s innovative and dynamic academic and co-curricular opportunities. The school has recently been accredited as an HPL World Class School – one of only 39 schools worldwide - demonstrating our committment to High Performance Learning in all areas across the curriculum.

At every entry point to the College – from Year 3 to Sixth Form in Year 12 – students are offered a broad choice of academic subjects as well as a vast range of co-curricular activities (DofE, CCF, ESB, EPQ, ILM, Survive & Thrive, expeditions, career conventions, affiliations, etc) that develop essential life skills - leadership, initiative, confidence, teambuilding, and above all a belief in themselves that they can achieve if they try their best – the ethos at the heart of the school – to be ’Life:Ready’.

Academic Excellence

From age 7, students are offered a wide curriculum preparing them for their choice of i/GCSEs as they move up to Middle School at age 13 - providing subjects that appeal to all pupils’ interests and academic strengths, while keeping class sizes small. Our award winning DU Category Support for Learning department supports those students with a range of academic needs including dyslexia and dyscalculia. Cocurricular activities such as the ESB, John Muir Awards, Survive & Thrive and the creative arts ensure that all children are fully engaged, learn and are prepared for the world around them.

In Sixth Form, students choose A Levels, BTEC or International Baccalaureate (IB), and our students regularly gain entrance to their firstchoice university including Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group institutions. We are ranked in the top 20 British schools offering the IB with students regularly attaining >30 points.

Drama, Music and the Arts –Creative Enrichment

The College was the first independent school to be awarded Artsmark Platinum by the Arts Council of Great Britain for its commitment and delivery of the arts the traditional to more modern media. Singing is an area of real excellence with four award winning choirs and a wide range of ensembles with opportunities to perform. Participation at every level is encouraged and supported by ESB, LAMDA, ballet & dance classes, and individual tuition.

Sports – Olympic Aspirations

We are immensely proud of our sporting tradition at Ellesmere College, and physical education is an integral part of the curriculum – playing for ones’ house or school, or at national, international and Olympic level. We are an accredited WAoS (World Academy of Sport) Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC), which provides greater flexibility to students so they can balance their studies with demanding training and competition schedules –there is no need to compromise one for the other. There are seven distinct Sports Academies – rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming, shooting, football and golf – as well as the wide range of sporting teams and clubs available to pupils across the age spectrum at Ellesmere.

We believe very strongly that education is more than just passing exams but developing the breadth of education to allow pupils to grow and flourish in all academic and co-curricular pursuits. At Ellesmere College we empower and enrich our students to become confident, strong and exceptional young adults – truly Life:Ready.

Why Choose North Shropshire College?

Why Choose North Shropshire College?

North Shropshire College (NSC) is a longstanding centre of academic excellence, dedicated to bridge the gap between ambition and success. NSC are committed to providing our student and apprentice community with up-to-date resources, safe and well-equipped workshops, comprehensive support services, and enriching experiences. NSC ensures that every student thrives in an environment conducive to growth and success.

Our courses are developed by highly qualified tutors with industry expertise, providing students and apprentices with the skills and knowledge required to exceed the demands of the modern workforce. Every course is designed and modified to keep pace with the ever-evolving career landscape, bringing traditional trades and professions in to the contemporary environment whilst adopting new and upcoming fields of interest.

North Shropshire College (NSC) is a longstanding centre of academic excellence, dedicated to bridge the gap between ambition and success. NSC are committed to providing our student and apprentice community with up-to-date resources, safe and well-equipped workshops, comprehensive support services, and enriching experiences. NSC ensures that every student thrives in an environment conducive to growth and success.

Our courses are developed by highly qualified tutors with industry expertise, providing students and apprentices with the skills and knowledge required to exceed the demands of the modern workforce. Every course is designed and modified to keep pace with the ever-evolving career landscape, bringing traditional trades and professions in to the contemporary environment whilst adopting new and upcoming fields of interest.

NSC aim to facilitate every student with the opportunity to achieve their goals, offering a wide range of further development courses such as maths and English, which can be studied alongside students’ main chosen qualification. These courses are seamlessly integrated into students’ timetables to allow students to be able to reach their full potential by enhancing their employability skills, in turn improving their career prospects.

NSC recognise that education is just one component to shaping the future of our students. We encourage participation in our extensive range of enrichment activities and welcome enthusiasm to gain new skills and talents throughout the short courses that we have to offer.

Our wellbeing team are always on hand to provide support and accommodate any extra needs or concerns that may arise. With facilities such as our Footsteps Nursery, and services such as travel bursaries, we attempt to provide access to every individual looking to embark on their academic journey to becoming a qualified and highly skilled professional. But don’t just take our word for it, here is what our students had to say in the 23/24 student survey:

97% of students agreed that they are encouraged to think about their future career

Our wellbeing team are always on hand to provide support and accommodate any extra needs or concerns that may arise. With facilities such as our Footsteps Nursery, and services such as travel bursaries, we attempt to provide access to every individual looking to embark on their academic journey to becoming a qualified and highly skilled professional. But don’t just take our word for it, here is what our students had to say in the 23/24 student survey:

97% of students agreed the guidance they were given by the College was good 97% of students agreed that they are developing the skills they need to get a job

NSC aim to facilitate every student with the opportunity to achieve their goals, offering a wide range of further development courses such as maths and English, which can be studied alongside students’ main chosen qualification. These courses are seamlessly integrated into students’ timetables to allow students to be able to reach their full potential by enhancing their employability skills, in turn improving their career prospects.

NSC recognise that education is just one component to shaping the future of our students. We encourage participation in our extensive range of enrichment activities and welcome enthusiasm to gain new skills and talents throughout the short courses that we have to offer.

97% of students agreed that they receive good support from their teacher

97% of students agreed that they are encouraged to think about their future career 97% of students agreed the guidance they were given by the College was good 97% of students agreed that they are developing the skills they need to get a job 97% of students agreed that they receive good support from their teacher

If you would like to find out more about North Shropshire College or want to apply for a course, head over to our website at HLNSC.ac.uk or speak to one of our staff 01691 688 000. Alternatively drop us an email at info@nsc.ac.uk with any queries you may have where a member of our enquiries team will be able to assist.

If you would like to find out more about North Shropshire College or want to apply for a course, head over to our website at HLNSC.ac.uk or speak to one of our staff 01691 688 000. Alternatively drop us an email at info@nsc.ac.uk with any queries you may have where a member of our enquiries team will be able to assist.

North Shropshire College

North Shropshire College

WHY CHOOSE NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE?

SMALL CLASS SIZES

TEACHERS ARE HIGHLY QUALIFIED INDUSTRY EXPERTS

97% OF STUDENTS AGREED THAT THEY RECEIVE GOOD SUPPORT FROM THEIR TEACHER

OUTSTANDING ATTITUDES & BEHAVIOURS £2M INVESTMENT INTO NEW CLASSROOMS & WORKSHOPS

Servicing from just £59.95 Reconditioned stairlifts

Breakdown service Stairlifts rentals

We also purchase 2nd hand stairlifts

For more information visit www.applestairlifts.co.uk, call 07948 234804 or email info@applestairlifts.co.uk

Prestigious Award for Cancer Team at RJAH

The Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service at Oswestry’s specialist orthopaedic hospital is now award winning – after taking home the Team of the Year Award at the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s (BCRT) Bone Idols Awards.

The team – who work on Montgomery Unit and Oswald Ward at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital – were nominated by patients, who praised them for providing outstanding holistic care throughout the patient journey, from diagnosis, surgery, rehabilitation and then ongoing support and monitoring.

The Bone Idols Awards were set up by the BCRT to celebrate those who show exceptional dedication to improving the lives of bone cancer patients.

Miss Gillian Cribb, Consultant Orthopaedic and Oncological Surgeon, said, “I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we are delighted to have been announced as winners in the Team of the Year category at the Bone Idols 2024. Thank you to the patients who nominated us.

“The research, awareness and support carried out by the BCRT complements so much of the clinical work we undertake at RJAH, and we are grateful for their support.

“This award is a fantastic demonstration of how the team provide high quality, dedicated, personalised and holistic care to our patients on a day-to-day basis. The team expands much further than the Montgomery Unit and includes other areas that are involved in the pathway of bone sarcoma patients, including the Oswald Ward, Radiology, Pathology, Theatres, the High Dependency Unit, Pre-Operative Assessment and more.”

Dr Zoe Davison, Head of Research, Information and Support at the BCRT, added, “We are delighted that the Montgomery Unit have been recognised and celebrated in this way for their service to the bone cancer community.

“They have been recognised for consistently going above and beyond, with patients describing how lucky they feel to be treated by such a dedicated team who take time to deliver highly personalised care. It is an honour to provide them with this well-deserved Team of the Year Award.”

Pictured are members of the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Team at RJAH alongside Dr Liz O’Riordan and Professor Alice Roberts.

Photo credit: the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Understanding Bunion Pain:  How Physiotherapy and Orthotics Can Help

By Scott Gormley, Shropshire Physiotherapy

What Are Bunions and Why Do They Cause Pain?

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing it to point inward towards the other toes. This misalignment can lead to pain and discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes. The pressure from shoes rubbing against the bunion can further aggravate the condition, resulting in inflammation and soreness.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Bunion Pain

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing bunion pain by focusing on strengthening the muscles around the affected area and improving flexibility. Through targeted exercises and stretches, physiotherapists can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and correct any muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the bunion deformity. There are a number of mobilisation and bracing options that your physiotherapist may discuss with you as part of your short- and long-term management.

How Orthotics Can Provide Relief

Orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts or custom-

made orthotics, can help alleviate bunion pain by providing support and cushioning to the affected foot. By redistributing pressure and promoting proper foot alignment, orthotics can reduce discomfort and prevent the bunion from worsening.

Combining Physiotherapy and Orthotics for Optimal Results

For many individuals suffering from bunion pain, a combination of physiotherapy and orthotic intervention can offer the best results. Physiotherapy helps address the underlying muscle weaknesses and joint imbalances, while orthotics provide ongoing support and protection to the affected foot.

Benefits of Using Orthotic Insoles for Bunion Pain

1. Pain Relief: Orthotic insoles can provide immediate relief by reducing pressure on the bunion.

2. Improved Comfort: The cushioning and support offered by orthotic insoles can make walking and standing more comfortable.

3. Prevention of Further Damage: By correcting foot alignment, orthotic insoles can prevent worsening of the bunion condition.

Bunion pain can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts daily activities. However, with the right approach, including physiotherapy and orthotic interventions, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. By addressing muscle imbalances, improving flexibility, and providing support to the affected foot, bunion pain can be successfully alleviated, allowing individuals to move more comfortably and confidently.

Remember, seeking professional advice from a physiotherapist is crucial in developing a personalised treatment plan for your bunion pain.

Health screenings: what you need to know

Many serious health conditions can go unnoticed for months – and even years – but health screenings can help us to identify any underlying issues, so we can significantly reduce our risk and improve the prognosis of any illness. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Cervical screening

Cervical screenings, also known as ‘smear tests’ are offered to all women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64. It’s designed to check the health of cells in the cervix, to prevent cervical cancer from developing in the future. It’s offered every three years for those aged 25 to 49, and every five years between the ages of 50 and 64.

Breast screening

If you’re registered as a woman at a GP surgery and aged between 50 and 71, you’ll be offered an NHS breast screening (mammogram) every three years. A mammogram checks your breasts for signs of cancer, and save around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.

Bowel cancer screening

The NHS’s bowel cancer screening (which is a home test) is offered to everyone aged between 60 and 74.

If you fall within this demographic, you’ll receive a screening every two years. However, the programme is currently in the process of expanding to make it available to people aged over 50.

Diabetic eye screening

From the age of 12, all people with diabetes are offered an annual diabetic eye test to check for early signs of diabetic retinopathy – which can lead to sight loss if left untreated.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

AAA screenings are offered to men during the year they turn 65 to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms. This is

a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from your heart down through your stomach, which if left untreated could burst causing dangerous bleeding inside the stomach.

Pregnancy screenings

The first screening is for sickle cell and thalassaemia, offered before 10 weeks, followed by blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis. Mothers will be offered screenings for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome between 11 to 14 weeks, before a final check of the babies’ development between 18 to 21 weeks. As with any screening, you can choose which tests, if any, are right for you.

Newborn screenings

Newborn babies’ tests start with a physical examination straight after birth that covers the eyes, heart, hips and testes (if the baby’s a boy), closely followed by a hearing test.

When a baby is about five days old, they’ll be offered a blood spot test to check for nine rare but serious health conditions.

Private screenings

While the tests outlined above are looking for specific conditions, many private screenings are often more of a preventative nature. A health adviser will review your weight, fitness, mobility, blood pressure and even mental health.

If anything comes up as a result of the test, the service will often work with you to ‘coach’ you for a time through a combination of online tools and follow-up calls.

Anna Williams from Lingen Davies and Jenna of Jenna Blair yoga

Sister Kate specialises in micro suction treatments to help patients remove excessive ear wax that is causing a blockage that has resulted in hearing loss or is causing unpleasant feelings in the ear. The 1st Ear Wax Removal Clinic in Shropshire to become regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Tel: 01691 888192

Email: kate@sister-kate.co.uk www.sister-kate.co.uk

“This is an unbelievable achievement for our team and to be the first to achieve this in the County feels great” The Fort, Artillery Business Park, Oswestry SY11 4AD Alongside our main clinic in Oswestry, we now have monthly clinics available in Shrewsbury, Wem, Whitchurch, Newtown and Aberystwyth too.

For a professional & compassionate service by your local lady Funeral Director Available day & night. You can rest assured that we will take care of all of your wishes with dignity and respect

• On site memorial showroom

• Pre-paid funeral plans with Golden Charter

• Private dedicated Chapel of Rest All areas covered

We are celebrating World Health Day by offering £200 off a pair of the brand new Oticon Intent hearing aids. Benefits include:

We are celebrating World Health Day by offering £200 off a pair of the brand new Oticon Intent hearing aids.

We are celebrating World Health Day by offering £200 off a pair of the brand new Oticon Intent hearing aids.

Benefits include:

Benefits include:

• The world’s first hearing aid with user-intent sensors.

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• Powerful features and functions, now smaller than ever before.

• The world’s first hearing aid with user-intent sensors.

• Powerful features and functions, now smaller than ever before.

• Discreet hearing technology personalised for you.

• Powerful features and functions, now smaller than ever before.

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• The fastest charging Oticon hearing aid ever.

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• The fastest charging Oticon hearing aid ever.

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Call now to book your FREE hearing health check and demo; we’ll even let you trial them for 60 days so you too can experience clear effortless hearing again!

Call now to book your FREE hearing health check and demo; we’ll even let you trial them for 60 days so you too can experience clear effortless hearing again!

Call now to book your FREE hearing health check and demo; we’ll even let you trial them for 60 days so you too can experience clear effortless hearing again!

Receive £200 off with this advert

Receive £200 off with this advert

Receive £200 off with this advert

Receive £200 off with this advert

Scan the QR code to book an appointment today

Scan the QR code to book an appointment today

Award winning retirement apartments

Enjoy freedom, independence and peace of mind with a move to a new Churchill Retirement Living apartment in Shropshire

Downsizing to a new apartment at one of Churchill’s beautiful Shropshire developments, such as Betjeman Lodge in Ludlow and Mortimer Lodge in Bridgnorth, means you can have a comfortable, secure place to live independently, with the option to socialise with other owners as much or as little as you like. Fewer worries about maintenance means you’ll have more time on your hands for the people and things you love, so you can enjoy freedom to live the life you deserve.

At Betjeman Lodge in Ludlow there is just one remaining new apartment left to buy, which comes fully furnished for a price of £199,950. It’s the ideal opportunity to downsize and enjoy tranquil private living in this picturesque historic town with the benefit of market town life and rolling countryside nearby.

and independent lifestyle. At all Churchill developments, those who move in will have the benefits of a communal Owners’ Lounge, a Guest Suite, a Lodge Manager, and a 24 hour emergency call alarm service.

The ideal opportunity to downsize and enjoy tranquil private living in this picturesque historic town with the benefit of market town life and rolling countryside nearby.

In easily accessible locations close to town centre shops and amenities, Churchill’s apartments are specially designed to give over 60s the freedom to enjoy an active

Churchill is also offering a choice of two great offers available for a limited time only on these two developments, with either up to £10,000 cashback* or a moving package worth thousands of pounds for those purchasing a new apartment. The moving package sees Churchill contribute to estate agents fees, Stamp Duty, legal fees, removals costs and tailored downsizing advice, giving buyers a helping hand every step of the way.

To find out more, call 0800 084 1150 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk.

*On transactions completing before 21st June 2024, see website for full T&Cs.

Residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything we do, enabling each individual to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

If you’re considering a care home, call 01743 598594 or visit careuk.com/oxbow-manor

£165,000

Lighter mornings and longer evenings are starting to entice many of us back out of our winter hibernation. And if you’ve always fancied trying golf, spring is the perfect time to get started…

Why learn golf?

While it might not burn a ton of calories or build muscles, there are still plenty of health benefits to golf. For a start, golf can benefit your cardiovascular system and improve your balance. Plus, you’re on your feet almost the whole time you play (unless you hire a buggy).

Golf is a mindful sport, involving skill and focus, which can offer great stress relief. And you can play alone or with friends.

A key benefit of golf is the fact you’re outside, usually surrounded by nature. According to one study by Exeter University, just two hours spent in nature each week has significant physical and mental-health benefits.

Who can play?

Most people can learn to play golf. It’s becoming a popular sport for wheelchair users, and specially adapted buggies are available. Visit www.handigolf.net to find out more.

How to learn

Most golf centres offer lessons for beginners and people returning to the game. You can have lessons on your own or in a small group. And some centres even offer free taster sessions.

Once you’ve learned the basics, you can book to play at your local club. This will usually cost around £25 for 18 holes, or less if you become a member.

What you’ll need

Clubs and balls will normally be provided if you book a lesson. You’ll want to wear flat, comfortable, non-slip shoes and smart/casual clothing that you can easily move in. If you sign up for a course, you may want to invest in some proper golf shoes, which offer good grip and cushioning. Some golf centres will insist on golf shoes and most have a dress code, so do check before you go.

Once you set out on your own, you’ll need to buy your own golf clubs and balls. Clubs are expensive, but you can often pick them up second-hand or start with a smaller set.

Intensive courses

Fancy fully immersing yourself in the game?

If your budget allows, why not book yourself into a residential golf school? You’ll learn from professional golfers over two to three days and can stay onsite. Class sizes are usually small, so you’ll benefit from plenty of one-to-one support. Sedlescombe Golf & Country Club’s beginner golf courses start from just £169 for eight hours of tuition (accommodation and food are extra, see www.golfschool.co.uk).

Next steps

Tempted but not quite ready to take the plunge? Find out more about the game and how to get started at www.englandgolf.org, www.scottishgolf.org, www.walesgolf.org or www.golfireland.ie.

Anna Williams from Lingen Davies and Jenna of Jenna Blair yoga

Free yoga sessions for people living with cancer

People living locally with cancer can benefit from free classes to maintain flexibility and mobility, no matter what their stage of treatment.

The classes are being provided by qualified yoga teacher Jenna Blair and her team thanks to £1,780 funding from Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. Those taking part will be encouraged to do what they can, while listening to their body, as part of living well, with and beyond cancer.

The charity, which works to raise awareness about cancer throughout Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales, supports a wide range of technology and services for those going through it. It has recently funded six weeks of cancer specific yoga and tai chi classes for anyone living with cancer, which will start this Spring.

The funding has been agreed through the charity’s small grants applications process – available for anyone looking to run services and support to benefit those impacted by cancer.

Jenna, who runs Jenna Blair Yoga in Shrewsbury, has run these kinds of sessions before and said they were a huge benefit to people, in more than just a physical way.

She said: “Some of the sessions we have previously offered have been specifically for people living with cancer, Gentle Yoga and Tai Chi classes that focussed on mindful movement, breath work, finding stillness and peace, and also offered a sense of community.

“What really struck me was that cancer wasn’t spoken about but there was a real understanding that people had a shared experience. I’m often asked about cancer specific sessions, people feel comfortable knowing others understand.

“It can be a little daunting trying something new but I would encourage people to give it a go - the team likes to have a conversation before any class to help build the confidence of those attending.”

Lingen Davies has funded 24 sessions in Shrewsbury to begin with, with a view to rolling them out further across the region. It will be a combination of Gentle Yoga and Tai Chi, open to everyone impacted by cancer, and run by Jenna and her team - who currently offer a full programme including 23 classes a week for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including specific children and mums and baby classes, chair yoga and specialist yoga workshops.

Having practised the discipline herself since 2017, Jenna qualified in 2019 and launched her business in 2021 when she decided to quit her job in the property sector.

“You can see the transformation in people even after just 45 minutes of yoga,” she added.

“Even if that’s the only tiny slice of peace and calm in their lives, it’s fantastic to see. We don’t make people do anything they don’t want to. We’re here to guide but it’s down to the individual to do what feels right and rest when it’s called for - it’s gentle, inclusive, and kind.

“We offer variations on moves, we can accommodate those who might just want to do yoga from a chair and we encourage people to listen to their body. Yoga can provide little sparkles of peace, it has an amazing array of physical benefits and can improve bone density, muscle strength, circulation, lung capacity, mobility, flexibility, balance, and functional movement.

“And on top of that, yoga has enormous holistic benefits: it’s good for the body, the mind and the soul.”

Anna Williams from Lingen Davies, said the charity was very pleased to be able to offer this different kind of support to those living with cancer in the region.

She said: “This can be a huge benefit to anyone affected by cancer and I would encourage anyone who can access them to take up the offer. We are working with a wide range of organisations that deliver physical and mental well-being in the wider community. We want to ensure those impacted by cancer can access a wide variety of services to help them physically, emotionally, and mentally as they go through treatment and live beyond it.

“We are proud to be able to offer these yoga sessions and hope to be able to offer this further afield in the coming year.”

For more information about Lingen Davies and the life-saving work underway, visit www.lingendavies.co.uk.

For more information about Jenna and the sessions on offer call 07812 596609, email enquiries@ Jennablairyoga.co.uk or visit jennablairyoga.co.uk.

Anna Williams from Lingen Davies and Jenna of Jenna Blair yoga

Ironbridge Interiors have been established for 12 years and specialise in bespoke manufactured kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and home office / media rooms.

All our products are manufactured from our Ironbridge Branch to suit your requirements.

We supply our products with a fully managed optional installation service.

With showrooms in , Ironbridge , Newport , Tettenhall and Bridgnorth you will have plenty to view at all our locations and to discuss your ideas with our designers.