Artist - David Bannister

Lines and washes along the towpaths of the Shropshire and Borderland canals

Local artist David Bannister wanders our local waterways

My acquaintance with canals in the rural landscape was embedded at an early age with regular family outings, in all weathers, to the local canals and byways of Warwickshire. As a child, I disliked being dragged out on such expeditions; however, they must have resonated on a deeper, subliminal level as I recently found myself donning walking shoes and setting out from my home near Oswestry to seek out local towpath walks and discover interesting pieces of local history along the way. Thus, an idea began to emerge - I would record my experiences in pen and paint along the towpaths scribed by the waterways that cut through Shropshire and neighbouring Welsh borderland.

My starting point was the section of canal from Llanymynech to Lower Frankton and the junction with the Llangollen Canal. With sketchbook and camera, I therefore set out to record sights and experiences on regular walks along this length of canal. I’d also look for routes where I could leave the towpath to explore tributary footpaths and bridleways leading to other places of interest. The intention is for the project to span all four seasons, beginning last summer. I am also jotting my thoughts and impressions as I continue along my way.

During the long, hot summer I enjoy the reflections of abundant vegetation along the canal banks and deep shade of overhanging trees. In the stillness of the humid air I smell decaying vegetation, sweet blossom, and sun-drenched crops. The air is filled with the excitation of insects and birds, the scattered silvery tufts of dandelion clocks, the fluttering of butterflies.

I catch the smell of diesel fumes from a passing narrowboat chugging along at three or four miles per hour. Once important for the transport of goods and a massive undertaking in their day, today our canals are mainly used for recreation. And the towpaths where horses plodded along pulling the unpowered barges are now dominated by walkers, cyclists, and anglers (while still the occasional horse).

From the level path I approach a gentle rise or fall where the canal needs to step up or down to maintain the level waters for navigation. I observe little hubs of activity as the lock keys are inserted and turned into the lock gate machinery.

Treading carefully over the narrow lock gates at Aston Locks, I explore the nature reserves with woodland and wildflower areas, ponds, hides and viewing platforms. The stillness of a satin-surfaced pond is broken by a swan landing, wings and large webbed feet outstretched, gliding to the water. I observe the love-heart greeting of its mate. The sudden appearance of a man dressed in shorts and floppy sunhat disturbs a heron on the fringes of the pond. With a startled screech and prehistoric silhouette, the bird exerts flight over the reeds

Croft Mill Lifting Bridge

to a more secreted location.

I think about the ingenuity of the engineers, the inventiveness of the locks, sluices, and overflows; of the backbreaking labour of the navvies who built the canals; of the work of the canal heritage volunteers who have energetically revived and made navigable the waterways and provided wonderful habitats for all kinds of flora and fauna. I note the uniqueness of each bridge. In tunnels the darkness blinds, and I take a firm grip of the handrail for support. Best to take a torch!

Throughout the coming months I will continue my exploration of the local waterway structure. Why not follow in my footsteps to enjoy a great mix of wildlife, architecture, and countryside. Better still, create your own artworks, inspired by the natural and manmade wonders of the canal.

Working predominantly in acrylics and oils but also exploring digital technology, David divides his talents between graphic art, representational landscapes, abstract works, and portraiture. He also teaches at all levels. For further information, visit www.davidbannisterart.com or Instagram @davidbannisterart.

Dip FAA

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

merry christmas from all at shropshire mobility solutions ltd.

ServiceS on Mobility productS

Stair lift referralS • Mobility inSurance

Scooter / wheelchair hire

MOBILE DOG GROOMING

Call: 07762 278533

repairS on Mobility productS With lots of products on show, visit our local showroom where our specialist advisers offer a friendly expert service

jayne@daintypaws.info 01691 701 007

www.daintypaws.info

wwwshropshiremobiitysolutions.co.uk shropshire mobility solutions ltD welsh Frankton, oswestry sy11 4nX

Helping you live a rich, independent & full life at home

JAM CARE was born out of a desire to make a difference! In 2018, our founder James Nichols, decided to turn his back on corporate life and his 20+ year career in Finance, so he could do something that would make a difference. Having seen family members and close friends struggle for years to access consistently good complex care at home, James set his sights on building an organisation that would do just that.

At JAM CARE, we do things a little bit differently…so we don’t want to waste this opportunity telling you things you already know…like that our care is person centred, that it’s nurse led, that we offer the full range of complex care support services, and that we truly understand catastrophic injuries and how they impact our clients lives….these are all a given at JAM CARE, as they are for every great complex care provider. So, we want to take this great opportunity to tell you what makes JAM CARE just a little bit different. WE INNOVATE - Every JAM colleague is coached to be an innovator. On a daily basis they “review, assess, and update” how we support each and every client. CARE IN OUR DNA - We only recruit people who genuinely care. Training courses are essential, but if caring is not in your DNA, then JAM isn’t the company for you. WE EMPOWER OUR COLLEAGUES - We

recruit smart people and empower them to do great things! Every JAM colleague is an ambassador for JAM, and they have the mandate to make decisions and improve what we do every single day. WE ARE AGILE - We never let bureaucracy and committees get in the way of great work and great ideas. WE COMMUNICATE BRILLIANTLY - We are

extremely active in communicating with and keeping up to date everybody associated with

a client’s care, including the client, their families, friends and loved ones, the JAM colleagues, as well as our wider JAM CARE health and social care partners (District Nurses, GP’s, Occupational therapists etc), using whatever method works for them…F2F, phone, WhatsApp, FB, Insta, text, email, video call, we even pen the odd letter! WE SUPPORT CHIMNEY POTS - JAM’s support

isn’t just for the client, it’s for everyone under that chimney pot: the families, friends and loved ones - see above. WE ARE AWARD WINNING - JAM CARE won

the Regional Care Newcomer of the year award at the 2021 Great British Care Awards, and then came Runner up in the 2022 National Finals where CEO and Founder James Nichols was HIGHLY COMMENDED, with the judges saying, “We were so impressed with James’ innovation and passion to transform the care offered to his clients, his knowledge and passion is admirable.”

Finally, to get a true sense of JAM, it’s best to hear it from someone we support.

“JAM CARE just makes the impossible possible. They’ve ensured my daughter is cared for by a team of trusted (and consistent) carers, who have all built positive relationships with her, and know and understand her specifi c needs. JAM’s approach just removes the stress and trauma that people with complex needs, like my daughter, go through every day as part of normal life. Finally, the personal sacrifi ces and extra effort I see JAM carers and the management team make every day honestly restores my faith in the Care industry. I feel so lucky that my daughter is cared for by JAM xx.” Mum of a JAM Client

For more information contact JAM CARE at www.jamcare.co.uk/joinjam @FBJAMCARE recruitment@jamcare.co.uk

Oswestry 01691902384

Award winning Care at Home provider

✓ Great Pay Rates ✓ Paid Holidays & Training ✓ Guaranteed Permanent Hours ✓ Full-Time & Part-Time Contracts ✓ We support Your Work-Life Balance ✓ Jobs for Experienced and New to Care ✓ £500 Referral Bonus

Proud supporters of Dogs Trust