Shire Magazine March-April 2022 by Superstar Publishing

EE FR Y H W

The best of NORTH and MID WALES, CHESHIRE, WIRRAL AND SHROPSHIRE

Y U B

MARCH/APRIL 2022

www.shiremagazine.co.uk

Gooodnest h fun We talk to funny man Ed Byrne about life back on the road

AT ’S

MA K E

How to make the change and grab the career of your dreams

JOIN THE Jobs REVOLUTION

N UT MI

50-PAGE GUIDE

Our top 10 fabulous and fully accessible days out for everyone

s s e c Ac l areas 50 al E

ST OF EVE R MO

ON THIS

Art on the town A new festival in Shropshire celebrates a local illustration legend Caldecott Festival The Whitchurch artist who inspired Beatrix Potter Turbot boost Welsh superchef Tomos Parry shares his St David’s Day menu Heroes of Henllan Street Volunteers honour the brave men of Denbigh

WIN

Tickets to our pick of the best local events this summer… Turn to page 135 Tap the App!

New What’s On App, free for all. Just turn to page 48 and scan the code

HEALTH & BEAUTY | GARDENS | PHOTOGRAPHY | FASHION | BOOKS & POETRY

WELCOME, DEAR READER…

Publisher Dan Bromage Editor Kate Speedie Chief Subeditor Wendy Reed Staff Writers Juliet Davies Helen Gordon Lynda Kenny Sarah Waterfall Designers Ella Knight Meryl McIntosh Advertising Design Sarah Norman Sales & Marketing Pauline Jones William Bushell Distribution Manager Paul Howard Finance & Accounts David Kynaston Nicky Kynaston Jane Osman Contributors Holly Johnson, John Hargreaves, Gloria Mans, P Parker, Helen Cooke, Bob Hickman, Lisa Whelan, Adam Gaunt-Evans, Eryl Jones, Adele Barry, Catherine Buckley, Alice Leetham

ell, I don’t know about you, but the lighter nights and slightly milder weather has been welcome among the team here at Shire and we’re looking forward to a great spring season ahead. This time of year is a busy one across our patch as new life springs forth – and local food producers are busy creating all the delicacies we enjoy this season, so as you would expect we have a packed food and drink section for you in this issue. Our celebrity chef shares his dinner choice for St David’s Day, our wine expert takes a meander down memory lane with some tipples that time forgot – and we celebrate the mighty sausage with our award-winning producer! Our in-depth features provide some longer reads for you as usual – in this issue we’re having a look at career changes and the ‘resignation revolution’ that is being predicted for 2022. Whether you’re stuck in a rut at work and looking for something new, or have decided now’s the time to branch out on your own, we have expert advice on how to make sure you’re best placed to secure the job of your dreams. Our second big read takes a look at accessibility and how local businesses and venues are ensuring everyone can enjoy what they have to offer, as well as talking to those with direct experience of what a difference it makes when people take the effort to get it right. As it’s spring we’ve also got a bumper homes and interiors section – perfect for anyone looking to freshen up their style for the season – and all your favourites in art, books, shopping, fashion and holidays. Enjoy! IN THIS ISSUE

Email Shire magazine editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk advertising@shiremagazine.co.uk

NEW HORIZONS Where do you see yourself six months from now…? Read more on page 100

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OUT & ABOUT An info-packed pick of brilliant disability-friendly adventures page 52

www.shiremagazine.co.uk Print ISSN 2514-3913 Online ISSN 2514-3921

SHIRE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly by Superstar Publishing Ltd. Every effort is made to ensure that the information and advice contained in these articles is correct and appropriate, but no liability or responsibility for loss or damage to any person acting or refraining from action in reliance on or as a result of anything omitted from such articles can be, or is accepted by, the authors, the publishers, their employees or any other persons connected with Superstar Publishing Ltd. Views expressed by contributors to Shire magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine or of Superstar Publishing Ltd and should be attributed to the authors concerned. Save as expressively permitted by law no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written authority of the Publisher, acting for Shire magazine. Privacy Policy published online at shiremagazine.co.uk © 2022 Superstar Publishing Ltd, all rights reserved. Registered Number: 10604188.

BACK ON! Live music, live theatre, live events and live action – can you tell we’re excited!

GET IN TOUCH! We want to hear from you…

Tell us about your upcoming events. Just remember that we work in advance, so 14th April is the deadline for events you’d like to feature in our May/June issue.

Reader poems Do you like penning the odd line? So do we! Send us your poems – we’d love to include them on our poetry page. See page 133 for more.

Share your reader stories. Have you got an exciting or extraordinary story to tell? We’d like to feature it in the next issue. Send us an email – and don’t forget to include a picture or two as well.

We have lots of regulars readers can contribute to:

Reader photos Taken a great shot recently? Email your best effort and you might get picked! See page 108.

Your pets Is your pet the love of your life? Send a snap, along

A free copy of Shire delivered to your door! If you’re having trouble getting to the supermarket and would prefer your copy delivered to you at home, just send us an A4 sae with £2 postage to Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. We’ll send you the latest issue by return.

with their name and anything else you want to tell us. See page 92 for further details. Get social Follow, like and friend us on Facebook and Instagram to be first in line for event updates, competitions and more. Visit our website online at www.shiremagazine.co.uk and send submissions and information by email to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk.

TURN TO PAGE 50 for our fantastic subscription offer March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 3

IN N O RTH WALES 2022 IMELDA MAY PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

JAMES

THE VACCINES FEEDER

THE LIGHTNING SEEDS THE K’S

02/04/2022 RHYL PAVILION THEATRE

18/06/2022 STADIWM EIRIAS COLWYN BAY

08/07/2022 RHYL EVENTS ARENA

JACK SAVORETTI BEVERLEY KNIGHT

TOM GRENNAN

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

THE ALOUD CHARITY

09/07/2022 RHYL EVENTS ARENA

10/07/2022 RHYL EVENTS ARENA

17/07/2022 RHYL PAVILION THEATRE

JOOLS HOLLAND

OLLY MURS

& HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS

AND THE HERITAGE ORCHESTRA

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12/08/2022 STADIWM EIRIAS COLWYN BAY

13/08/2022 STADIWM EIRIAS COLWYN BAY

WITH ONLY BOYS ALOUD, ONLY KIDS ALOUD, ONLY BOYS ALOUD ACADEMI

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Contents M A R C H /A P R I L 2 02 2 6 What’s On Our packed listings have it all covered, from North and Mid Wales to Cheshire and the Wirral, and the whole of Shropshire – check out Easter events near you before you make any plans.

PAG E 9 4 Garden buys

PAG E 1 1

PAG E 5 1 Ed Byrne

Gary Meikle

24 Barmouth The seaside town that “can hold its own against any rival”. You can’t argue with William Wordsworth! 34 Lymm This Cheshire village frequently turns up in lists of ‘top places to live’ and it’s easy to see why. 35 20 Questions Jemma Stubbs is Britain’s Strongest Woman, but was she brave enough to face our Q&A? 49 Reviews This month, Toyah Willcox and Ed Byrne – next month, it could be your show or gig! The Shire team are out and about again, to find the hottest tickets in town

PAG E 7 7 Spring shopping

51 Ed Byrne He’s been sharing the laughs with audiences for 25 years and is a regular on our TV screens, but Ed loves nothing more than giving out giggles live. We met up for a chat.

PAG E 1 0 0

52 Accessibility A fun day out is something we should all be able to look forward to, without worrying about steps, narrow spaces or finding a toilet with handrails. We’ve found 10 local attractions that are getting it right.

PAG E 1 1 0

Time for a change

Men’s style

61 Homes & Interiors Spring cleaning? Thinking about a refurb? Our home pages are full of ideas to help you fulfil your interior design dreams – and our design expert is back to honour Heal’s, that legend of the interiors world.

PAG E 7 8 Best producer

PAG E 1 1 3 Activewear

Top days out

94 Get set, grow! Best buys for your garden or plot 96 Health & Beauty Read this before you pour that morning coffee… 97 Gardens As visitor gates swing open for the new season, we take you to two wonderful locations worth a visit this spring. 100 Time for a change It’s the Great Revolution of 2022. We take a deep-dive into the rapidly shifting world of work and ask careers experts and entrepreneurs the best ways to land that dream job. 106 Arts & Crafts The Whitchurch son behind the town’s new Caldecott Arts Festival, plus craft news, local exhibitions, and your fabulous Winter Wonderland photos! 110 Men’s Style Be seen in green 111 Motoring This time Bob’s behind the wheel of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake 113 And… action! The season’s new gym gear 118 Schools News from colleges and schools across the area, including a visit from the Welsh Cavalry 127 Finance Advice Personal finance advice from local experts 128 Retirement Living What April’s pension changes mean in practice (and it’s not all bad news).

77 Spring florals Pretty things for your home…

130 Charities & Volunteering Fundraising triumphs and your chance to give back locally.

78 Food & Drink The best of the new season’s offerings from our area’s top producers, fabulous eateries and world-class experts

132 Books & Poetry We talk to the authors honouring the war heroes of Denbigh, plus local writers, new releases, and some of your best poetry too.

83 Holidays Now’s the time to plan a summer break – or a sneaky weekend without the kids!. And if you’re thinking of investing in a holiday lodge, read all about it here.

134 What’s in Your Stars? Horoscopes by Gloria Mans

89 Active With a whole page of great suggestions for walks and longer hikes, there’s no excuse not to get out in the fresh air. Go!

PAG E 5 2

horses (we love a Shire – well, we would!), plus coming soon to a river near you…

90 Pets & Wildlife As always, we’ve plenty for the animal lovers out there, with a visit to some very special

135 Competitions WIN! tickets to see Jack Savoretti, a family day out at BeWILDerwood, car show, craft show and dance show passes, and more besides! 136 Puzzle Time 137 Letters to the Editor Your chance to see yourself in print! We love receiving your letters and emails about life on the Shire patch. Write soon!

NORTH WALES WHAT’S ON

Songs and laughter at Rhyl Pavilion Oh What A Night!, 19th March Celebrating the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, this glorious show combines great vocals, slick harmonies and even slicker dance moves. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.

DID YOU KNOW? Rob’s ad credits include being the voice of both Pot Noodle and Toilet Duck!

multi-instrumentalist performs tracks from her new album. 7.30pm. Tickets from £31.50. Basil Brush Returns as The Wizard of Oz, 16th & 17th April Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they journey on a panto adventure. 2pm & 6pm. Tickets from £14.50.

Imelda May: Made to Love, 2nd April Following her hits ‘Just One Kiss’ and ‘Made to Love’ the Irish singer and

Back in town

Rob Brydon: A Night of Songs & Laughter, 27th & 28th April Enjoy Rob’s musical

Let music fill the air… Rhyl Music Club presents two classical concerts at Rhyl Town Hall: Bethan Griffiths (harp), 9th March Hailing from North Wales, this award-winning harpist will perform pieces by Fauré, Hindemith, Mared Emlyn and Henriette Renié.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2004, Aled starred in the 2nd series of Strictly, making it to the semi-final!

Erin Rossington (soprano) and Cole Knutson (piano), 23rd March This emerging singer is no stranger to Wagner, and will perform the Wesendonck Lieder song cycle. Shows start at 7.30pm. Tickets £15. www.rhylmusic.com

A grand day out

Forty years since Aled Jones was a choirboy at Bangor Cathedral he is returning with a special concert of music and stories. The show on 25th March is part of

Art in Anglesey

journey from South Wales to Hollywood and back, with hilarious tales from his past. 7.30pm. Tickets £39.50. www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

a tour of cathedrals across the UK, which continues on 26th March at St Asaph. Both shows start at 7pm. Tickets from £33.60 via premier. ticketek.co.uk Oriel Môn in Llangefni is hosting two stunning exhibitions this spring. From 12th March to 24th April see Lou Moore’s ‘Battle for the Trees’, inspired by Taliesin and depicting the amazing variety of trees. Until 8th May, ‘Charles Tunnicliffe: a Creative Legacy’ celebrates the artist’s bird art and marks the 40th anniversary of the acquisition of the Tunnicliffe Collection. www.orielmon.org

6 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse’s Sunday fixture on 13th March makes for an exciting day out for the family in the stunning North Wales countryside. Can’t make it to the Grand National on 9th April? Enjoy the thrill of the big race alongside more live racing at Bangor. The event will be shown on the big screen so you’ll not miss a minute of the action. www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk

Fields of gold

Bodnant Garden, near Conwy provides an extra-special spectacle in spring, when the Old Park Meadow and Glades are transformed into a carpet of buttercup-bright Narcissus pseudonarcissus and other daffodil varieties. Later, pockets of white-flowered pheasant’s eye will open, blending beautifully into the emerging swathes of bluebells. 10am-4pm. £14 adult, £7 child. See www.national trust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 1ST-9TH MARCH

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Show stoppers at Venue Cymru Diversity: Connected, 17th March The streetdance troupe’s biggest UK tour to date interprets the world of social media and how it connects us all. 7.45pm. Tickets from £31.50. Katherine Ryan: Missus, 18th March Serial singleton Katherine has since married her first love – accidentally. Hear

her fearless, witty take on life, love and marriage. 8pm. Tickets from £26.50.

Johannes Radebe: Freedom, 24th April Strictly’s Johannes performs with his signature flair and energy – elegant ballroom to fiery Latin to scorching South African rhythms. 7.30pm. Tickets from £28.

DID YOU KNOW? The longest an opera audience has applauded is 1hr 20mins*

Don Giovanni, 27th & 28th April Mozart’s ultimate seducer is back and he’s behaving very badly! Welsh National Opera’s glittering production is set during the Spanish Golden Age. 7pm. Tickets from £8. www.venuecymru.co.uk

* For Plácido Domingo’s Otello

Go down to the Wood today…

Voted the Best Family Attraction in North Wales, GreenWood Family Park is re-opening in 2022! A forest adventure for everyone from toddlers to grown-ups, you’ll never run out of things to do at GreenWood. Whizz along the world’s only people-powered rollercoaster, splash down the UK’s first solar-powered water slide, swoop along North Wales’s longest sledge run, plus giant-jumping, tower-climbing, trailblazing, maze-mazing… Save 15% when booking in advance at www. greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk New for 2022, stay over in a luxury tipi!

Now that’s what I call cake!

Brush up your culinary skills at Bodnant Welsh Food’s Cookery School in the heart of the Conwy Valley. On 2nd April Get Ready for Easter covers savoury dishes; on 9th April it’s sweet treats – including glorious cakes! bodnant-welshfood.co.uk

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2nd March & 6th April, Little Hands, Ruthin Craft Centre A funfilled morning of sensory and play activities for you and your little ones to enjoy! 10-11.30am. £2.50 per child. ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

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6th March, Llangollen Canal Walk A 10-mile walk along the canal in aid of Hope House Children’s Hospice, taking in the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage site. 10am-4pm. From £5. www.hopehouse.org.uk

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6th March, Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of jokes with the Live at the Apollo star. 8pm. £23. www.venuecymru.co.uk

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6th March, Denbighshire 10k & Kids’ Fun Run, Denbigh This 10k route will take you on a road journey through outstanding scenery. From 8.15am. £16, kids free. bespokefitnessandevents.co.uk

Heavenly harp Wales Harp Festival takes place on 12th & 13th April at various locations around Caernarfon. A celebration of young talent, it comprises concerts, classes and workshops based on the theme ‘Inspire, Heal, Renew!’ The finale is the Festival Concert at Galeri Caernarfon, featuring brilliant young harpist Gwenllian Llyr. www.walesharpfestival.co.uk

1st March, 10th, 17th & 23rd April, Climb Snowdon, Llanberis Join a trek with this local guiding service. From £39. climb-snowdon.co.uk

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Many happy returns

Enjoy the Easter fun at Bala Lake Railway from 15th to 18th April. Find all the Easter eggs hidden along the line and win a chocolate prize! On 23rd April watch paddleboarders and boats race the train from the lake Special events on 30th April-2nd May celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first train journey here – raise a glass of commemorative ale! See bala-lake-railway.co.uk

6th March, Welsh Wrestling, Theatr Derek Williams, Bala Get ready to rumble! 5-7pm. Follow on Facebook @theatrderekwilliams

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8th-12th March, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Theatr Clwyd, Mold Corrie legends Wendi Peters and Bill Ward star in this thrilling take on Irving’s gothic tale. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. From £10. www.theatrclwyd.com

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9th & 23rd March and 6th & 20th April, Open Garden, Aberclwyd Manor, Corwen Enjoy the abundance of spring flowers in this four-acre hill garden. 10am-4pm. £4. ngs.org.uk

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 7

NORTH WALES WHAT’S ON

Variety at Theatr Clwyd

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 10TH-20TH MARCH

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10th March, Caoilinn Hughes: On Embracing Uncertainty, Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden The author presents a funny, thoughtful, sometimes painful look at the art of writing in uncertain times. Also online. 7pm. From £8. www.gladstones library.org From 12th March, ‘Tales •from Terracottapolis’,

Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham An exhibition celebrating the town’s mighty heritage of brick, tile and terracotta manufacture. Free. typawb.wales

Cats, 16th-19th March Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical phenomenon based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from £12. Catch Me If You Can, 28th March – 2nd April Patrick Duffy (Dallas, The Man from Atlantis) heads this new production of the Broadway comedy-thriller, in which nothing is as it seems. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from £16. Milky Peaks, 1st–22nd April A ferocious musical comedy set in the cold bosom of Snowdonia. Under the gleaming pebble-dash, strange forces

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18th & 19th March, Walking to Jerusalem, Theatr Clwyd, Mold In 2017 pilgrims walked from London, calling for equal rights for everyone in the Holy Land. This is their story. 7.45pm. From £10. www.theatrclwyd.com 18th-20th March, •Dubtrail 2022, The Ring,

Rhosgoch, Anglesey A weekend for VW Campervan owners, with entertainment, trekking to some of Anglesey’s hidden gems and the chance to show off your van! Tickets £22.15 via www.eventbrite.ie

•19th March, Introduction to Coastal Foraging, Conwy Morfa

Beach A 3-hour workshop and walk with Forager Jim, including a guide to identifying, finding and tasting wild ingredients. 10am. £30 adult, £10 child. www.eventbrite.co.uk

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20th March, Wales U20s v. Italy U20s, Eirias Stadium, Colwyn Bay Gates 12:30pm, kick-off 2pm. From £11. www.venuecymru.co.uk

8 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

As You Like It, 12th-16th April Shakespeare’s joyful comedy comes to life in this bold, accessible new show featuring 12 fabulous Northern actors. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from £10. www.theatrclwyd.com

Transports of delight

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18th March, An Evening with Shaun Ryder, The Parish, Wrexham The Happy Mondays frontman chats about his life, career and the music industry. 7pm. From £25. theparishindie bar.co.uk

are rising, both political and supernatural… 2.45pm & 7.45pm. Tickets from £10.

DID YOU KNOW? Duffy wrote his own sci-fi novel expanding on The Man from Atlantis

To mindfully go… Way of Mindfulness is hosting a half-day walk at Llandecwyn on 19th March: enjoy meditation training, connecting with nature and great conversation. Or try a full day’s walking in beautiful Cyffylliog on 1st April, exploring valleys and hilltops with panoramic views over Denbighshire. From £29.70. See wayofmindfulness.co.uk

Now in its 30th year, Llandudno’s Transport Festival attracts fans of vintage and preserved vehicles from far and wide. It takes place on the seafront showground from 30th April-2nd May, running alongside the Victorian Extravaganza (see below). Four fields of exhibits include vintage buses and coaches, steam engines, vintage cars and period caravans, commercial vehicles and over 90 lorries and heavy haulage, plus a large autojumble. A highlight is the evening road runs: on Saturday the cavalcade visits the medieval town of Conwy; on Sunday it tours Llandudno and makes a circuit of the Great Orme. Gates open 9am. A bus service runs between the two festivals from 10am daily. For a list of exhibitors see llantransfest.co.uk

Living in the past

Choral celebration

North Wales Choir Festival returns to Venue Cymru, Llandudno on 5th-6th March for a packed weekend that any choral lover will not want to miss. On Saturday there’ll be competitions and the Celebration Concert, offering a wonderful variety of choirs, while Sunday’s performances include ladies’ choirs, barbershop and Just for Fun. Full programme at www.venuecymru.co.uk

Experience the No Man’s Land living history weekend at Bodrhyddan Hall near Rhyl from 23rd-24th April. Over 350 re-enactors wearing authentic uniforms will carry original equipment and weapons from the two World Wars and other conflicts. There will be firing displays and military vehicles, and even a replica WW2 V1 rocket! 10am-4pm. £14 for two-day pass. See www. facebook.com/bodrhyddan

Join the parade!

Between 30th April and 2nd May Llandudno goes back in time with its Victorian Extravaganza, featuring old-time fair rides, fun stalls, steam engines and Victorian finery. At noon each day there will be a street parade of vintage vehicles, marching bands and street entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Dress up and join in! See victorian-extravaganza.com

A trio of contemporary dance that takes you from a wild fantasy playground to Welsh mining communities.

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WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES DID YOU KNOW? The Little Theatre was the UK’s first purpose-built theatre for children

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 25TH MARCH - 7TH APRIL

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Riotous Rhyl Little Theatre!

Doing Shakespeare, 12th March This hilarious Shakespearean mash-up will have you rolling in the aisles – and the Bard turning in his grave! 7.30pm. Tickets from £10. Gary Meikle: Surreal, 18th March Playfully dark, comedian Gary talks about evolution, social media, how to deal with burglars and much more. 8pm. Tickets £22.50

Aladdin, 13th-18th April All the traditional mayhem that pantomime audiences expect, with hilarious comedy and plenty of boos and hisses. Times vary. Tickets from £10. www.rhyllittle theatre.co.uk

Storm round the Orme Lots to learn

There’s always something new to discover in nature. Workshops for 2022 from Nature’s Work include ‘Mountain Environments’ on 9th April at Siabod Cafe, Capel Curig on understanding upland plants, animals and geology, and ‘Snowdonia: a Glacial Legacy’ on 10th April at Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve, Bethesda. 10am-4pm. £50. natureswork.co.uk

Challenge yourself to a 10- or 20-mile walk around Llandudno’s Great Orme on 26th March. The route snakes around the Orme to the West Shore beach (twice for the 20-milers) and finishes with a well-earned glass of fizz and cake! 10am. From £25. www. breeseadventures.co.uk

Landmarks in Lego

Did you know the world’s most famous bricks were once manufactured in Wrexham? Initially produced in a factory on Hugmore Lane, later the company built a distribution centre on Ruthin Road. Until 7th May, Wrexham Museum is hosting ‘Brick Built’, an exhibition by Warren Elsmore of famous landmarks in miniature, plus models and products from the earliest years of Lego to the present. A highlight of the exhibition is a model of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, made specifically for the show – not forgetting the construction area to build your own creations! See www.wrexhamheritage.wales

Craft excellence in Ruthin Exhibiting at Ruthin Craft Centre until 3rd April, Chris Bird-Jones works primarily, though not exclusively, with glass. ‘We Are All Fragile’ focuses on her fascination with colour and reflection. Running alongside, ‘Weaver’ is a retrospective celebrating the memory of Alison Morton, widely regarded as one of the finest linen-weavers. Entry is free. ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

Now showing… snooker!

25th March, Conwy Seed Fair A 700-yearold Royal Charter fair offering seed and specialist plant stalls, farmers’ market, local honey and craft stalls. Free. www. conwybeekeepers.org.uk

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25th March, An Evening with Gareth Thomas, Stadiwm Zip World, Colwyn Bay The former Wales captain, the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps, talks about his life and career. 7pm. Tickets from £16.50. www.ents24.com

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25th March, Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Strictly’s 2021 champion performs to a fabulous soundtrack. 7.30pm. From £25. www. venuecymru. co.uk

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26th March, World’s Steepest Street Run, Harlech In this extraordinary run presented by Always Aim High, participants will be climbing Guinness World Records’ ‘Steepest Street’. Test yourself – or just watch! 5pm. Entry from £20. www.letsdothis.com

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26th & 27th March, 23rd & 24th April, North Wales Auto Jumble, Rhuddlan Purchase all your used and vintage auto needs and even camp overnight! 8am-4pm. Free, but register via www.eventbrite.co.uk March •26th & 16th April,

Snooker’s biggest names return to Llandudno’s Venue Cymru between 28th March and 3rd April in the Cazoo Tour Championship. The final event in the series will feature an elite field of the top eight players, including previous winner Neil Robertson as well as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and John Higgins. 1pm. Tickets £17. See www.venuecymru.co.uk

Afternoon Tea with Prosecco, Llangollen Wharf Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Llangollen Canal taking in the beauty of the Dee Valley. Noon-4pm. £29.95. www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk

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7th April, Opto Nano, Pontio, Bangor Dance, science and digital art collide in this vivid show powered by an electronic score from R.Seiliog. 7.30pm. From £10. www.pontio.co.uk

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 11

NORTH WALES WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 9TH-21ST APRIL 9th & 10th April, •Cut & Shuffle

Patchwork Quilt, Abakhan, Mostyn Learn the art of cutting up fabrics to make a beautiful quilt to treasure. 10.30am3pm. £85. www. abakhan.co.uk/classes.html

•

10th April, Justin Live: The ‘BIG’ Tour, Venue Cymru, Llandudno See CBeebies favourite Justin in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. 11am & 2.30pm. From £18. www.venuecymru.co.uk

Spring at Galeri Caernarfon

Noson yng Nghwmni Gruffydd Wyn, 18th March A bilingual musical evening showcasing Britain’s Got Talent star Gruffydd, a talented classical crossover artist from Amlwch. 7.30pm .Tickets £18.

Dean Friedman, 21st April. Thank your lucky stars and join Friedman for an evening of powerful, poignant, often hilarious songs about being a human. 8pm. Tickets from £20.

Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory, 16th April A classic blues rock performance from the Grammy award-winning ‘musicians’ musician’. 7.30pm. Tickets from £14.

Joel Dommett: Unapologetic, 23rd April The comedian and The Masked Singer presenter brings you bang up to date on his life! 8pm. Tickets £18. www.galericaernarfon.com

Keep your beach looking beautiful

•

14th April, Graeme Hall – The Dogfather, Venue Cymru, Llandudno A show full of tricks, memories, heart-warming surprises and a Q&A. 7.30pm. £35. www.venuecymru.co.uk

Join North Wales Wildlife Trust searching for seals and seabirds at Breakwater Country Park, near Holyhead on 25th March. Do your bit on a Beach Clean at Dinas Dinlle (27th March) or Prestatyn (12th April). Find hidden clues at Cors Goch Reserve on 17th April for an Easter treat! www.north waleswildlifetrust.org.uk

•

15th-16th April, Virtual Flower Show, Dibleys Nurseries, Ruthin Join Dibleys online for virtual interactive floral halls, nursery tours, Q&A and more! 6-9pm. Free. See Facebook @Dibleys

•

16th April, Llandudno Easter 5k Promenade Dash This flat race is ideal for beginners and experienced runners chasing a fast time. There’s also a 1km children’s race. 10am. £15, fun run £4. www.letsdothis.com

•

16th-18th April, Easter Egg Hunt, Llanberis Lake Railway The White Rabbit has again hidden his eggs along the route. Find them all and you will receive a prize! £26 for up to six people. www.lake-railway.co.uk

•

18th April, Pond Dipping, Big Pool Wood Nature Reserve, Holywell Dip your net to find fascinating creatures! 10am, 11.30am, 1pm. £1. www. northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

•

19th-21st April, Lord of the Dance: 25 Years of Standing Ovations, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Forty outstanding young dancers will be directed by Michael Flatley. 8pm. From £33. www. venuecymru. co.uk

Food for free

Explore the woods of Erddig Hall in search of edibles with Woodland Classroom Wrexham on their Wild Food, Foraging & Wilderness Cookery days on 9th & 10th April. After hunting and identifying your wild menu on a guided walk, you’ll prepare your free food back at the classroom. On 23rd April at Chirk Castle the team will show you how to identify trees in spring by looking at young leaves, flowers, catkins and other clues. See woodlandclassroom.com

Calling all runners and walkers

Art and literature

Aspiring writers will enjoy ‘The Inconvenient Facts of Writing Fiction’, an evening with novelist Glen James Brown at Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden on 12th April (also online). Glen follows this with a masterclass on 23rd April exploring how to get started on that book! For art lovers, a residential with Dr Deborah Lewer on 22nd-24th April explores art and faith over the centuries. www.gladstoneslibrary.org

12 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Llandudno’s St David’s Hospice invites you to take part in their Snowdonia Trail Series, a threepart challenge on 11th-13th March set in stunning locations. The separate events begin with a 10km night run around Llanberis’ Llyn Padarn, followed by 10km in Betws-y-Coed by day, ending with 7km to Aber Falls on the North Wales coast path. £16 for one event, £39/£49 all three. See stdavidshospice.org.uk

Sew your own!

Have a go at making your own clothes at Abakhan Mostyn, starting with Make Your Own Leggings on 20th March and moving on to Sew Your Own Box Jacket on 15th April – a piece that can transform any outfit. You can even learn how to make your own knickers on 24th April! Full programme at www.abakhan.co.uk

Family fun

Squidge is a fun, interactive musical performance based on touch, for ages 3-8 years and their grown-ups. You sit in your own special seating area where you can explore magical light-up boxes full of exciting textures for little hands to touch. It’s coming to Pontio in Bangor on 23rd April. 11.30am. From £6. For younger children, Caffi Babis on 4th March & 1st April is a creative hour to bring parents together. 10am. £3. See www.pontio.co.uk

2022

FIXTURES 13/01

NEW YEAR MEETING

11/02

THE WINTER MEETING

13/03

SUNDAY RACEDAY

09/04

GRAND NATIONAL CELEBRATION

14/05

FAMILY FUNDAY

24/05

THE SPRING MEETING

29/07

LADIES DAY

15/08

FAMILY FUN EVENING

23/08

THE SUMMER MEETING

28/09

THE CLYWD SPECIAL RIDING CENTRE CHARITY DAY

25/10

HALLOWEEN DAY

09/11

EARLY NOVEMBER MEETING

26/11

LATE NOVEMBER MEETING

09/12

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

TICKETS & HOSPITALITY NOW ON SALE AT BANGORONDEERACES.CO.UK

Ruthin Craft Centre offering unique, hand-crafted gifts Please view our website for current visitor information www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk Enquiries: call 01824 704774 or email: ruthincraftcentre@denbighshireleisure.co.uk 10am – 5.30pm Tuesday – Sunday

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

Variety in Bangor Mid Wales Opera: La Bohème, 12th March From a student garret to the bustling streets of Montmartre, Puccini’s masterpiece celebrates the power of love and friendship. 7.30pm. Tickets from £18. Sweeny Todd, 16th & 17th March. This student production tells the tale of the demon barber of Fleet Street and his gruesome taste in pies! 8pm. Tickets from £6.

Space to explore your inner artist

Spring workshops at Bodnant Art Studio include Pastels with Paul Pigram (5th March, 23rd April), Andrew Jenkin’s Watercolours (19th March) and Acrylics with Jennifer Rye (9th April). The cost is £70 including materials, and beginners are welcome. More details at www.bodnantart.com

DID YOU KNOW? Kiri’s ‘Covid Arms’ is officially the world’s largest online pub

Nish Kumar: Your Power, Your Control, 13th April. A new show from the host of the Mash Report, one of the Guardian’s top 50 comedians of the 21st century. 7.30pm. Tickets £20.

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Home Truths, 27th April Her edgy new show has something for everyone: expect jokes about skinny jeans, learning Welsh and rescue chickens! 8pm. Tickets from £13. www.pontio.co.uk

Wrexham Carnival of Words Popular comic writer Gervase Phinn and ex-Minister Alan Johnson are among the best-selling authors at the town’s litfest on 23rd-30th April. There will be storytelling, poetry, comics and graphic novels, and a Writers’ Carousel including open mic readings and interactive panels with Welsh writers, poets, songwriters, bloggers and journalists. Full programme at wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com

Bangin’ beats at Bethesda!

Arrested Development, 20th April The progressive

The Snowdon Sunrise weekend on 8th-10th April, organised by Large Outdoors. offers guided hiking partly under cover of darkness, reaching the summit in time to experience the spectacular dawn break. Or join them for a night walk on 19th March or 16th April and light your way by the moon! www.largeoutdoors.com

•

21st April, Calan, Pontio, Bangor Voted Best Band at the inaugural Wales Folk Awards– hear them live. 2019. 7.30pm. Tickets from £15.50. www.pontio.co.uk

•

22nd April, Sean Taylor, Blue Sky Cafe, Bangor His unique songwriting fuses blues, Americana, folk, roots and spoken word. 8pm. £12. blueskybangor.co.uk

•

24th April, One Night In Dublin, Rhyl Pavilion The Wild Murphys bring a tuneful mix of traditional and contemporary Irish tunes. 7.30pm. £24. www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

•

24th April, Sea 2 Summit: The Offa’s Dyke Half, Full & Ultra Marathon, Prestatyn Starting on the seafront the only way is up in these races along the Offa’s Dyke footpath! Times and prices vary. See out-fit.co.uk

•

Day at the Bay

26th-30th April, WNO: Madam Butterfly, Venue Cymru, Llandudno A modern updating of Puccini’s tale of unrequited love, human pain and suffering. 7.15pm. From £18. www.venuecymru.co.uk

•

rap collective is back with their fusion of soul, blues, hip-hop and funk. 8pm. Tickets £20.

Gong, 20th March Gong’s musically diverse world includes shades of psychedelia, space rock and jazz. 7.30pm. Tickets £15.

The WOW! factor

21ST-30TH APRIL

Elephant Sessions, 29th April Award-winning Scottish indie-folk band combining the best of traditional, funk and electronica. 7pm. Tickets £15. neuaddogwen.com

What better way to spend a Saturday than browsing the finest on offer from local stallholders, pausing to enjoy some delicious street food? At Colwyn Bay Artisan Market, every 3rd Saturday of the month, you can hunt vintage treasures and sample produce from local makers. Station Road, 10am-4pm. www.theartisanmarket company.co.uk

29th April, Jonny & The Baptists: Dance Like It Never Happened, Theatr Clwyd, Mold The duo are sure to lift your spirits through their trademark blend of joyful songs and riotous storytelling. 7.45pm. From £10. www.theatrclwyd.com

•

30th April, Spring Foraging Walk, Erddig, Wrexham Gain confidence in foraging and learn how to use springtime’s wild plants in your own cooking. 10am-1pm. £30. woodlandclassroom.com

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 15

MID WALES WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 4TH-12TH MARCH

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4th March, Hymns & Pimm’s, Clarence Hall, Crickhowell Come and sing to commemorate the Royal Jubilee, with hymns from the Coronation, Welsh tunes, Sankey and many other favourites. 7pm. Tickets £5. To book, call 07541 121838.

•6th March, Wedding

Fayre, The Globe at Hay, Hayon-Wye An opportunity to meet with local wedding suppliers – all you need to plan your perfect day. 11am-3pm. Entry is free, or £5 including a glass of prosecco and a gift bag. www.globeathay.org

Music and drama at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

•

12th & 26th March, 9th & 23rd April, Lampeter Market Winner of the UK Slow Food Best Market in Wales 2021, this locally sourced market offers quality produce and artisan crafts. 10am-1pm. www.facebook. com/lampeter market

Kate Rusby, 6th April Angelic folk. 7.30pm. Tickets from £20. The Shires, 22nd April The UK’s best-selling country act. 8pm. Tickets from £29.50. www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

Like to understand more about the stars? Dark Sky Wales is running Stargazing Weekends in the Cambrian Mountains on 4th-6th March and 1st-3rd April: two days of astronomical tuition and observation based in Staylittle, glamping in deluxe wigwams. See darkskywales trainingservices.co.uk

10th March, ROH: Rigoletto, Mwldan, Cardigan Verdi’s thrilling opera pits power against innocence, beauty against ugliness. 7.15pm. Tickets from £16. mwldan.co.uk

12th March, The Fureys, The Hafren, Newtown Legends of Irish music return in this re-scheduled gig. 8pm. Tickets £25. www.thehafren.co.uk

Cable Street, 18th & 19th March Part of Youth Theatre’s Home Performance. 7.30pm. Tickets £5.

SECRET UNIVERSE

•

From 10th March, Have-a-Go Shakespeare, Willow Globe, Llandrindod Wells These fortnightly workshops are for all-comers to perform in a fun, supportive environment, with discussion of the plays’ themes. 10.30am & 1.30pm.Free. www.shakespearelink.org.uk

11th March, The Hawkmen, Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells R&B, soul and rock influences in a rootsy blend. 8pm. Tickets £8. www. pavilionmidwales.org.uk

Fascinating Aida, 10th March Hilarious topical songs. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.50.

Pop and rock at Crickhowell

Wolfgang Flür, 5th March The former Kraftwerk percussionist presents a solo electronica show. 7pm. Tickets £20 via woodfiredsummit.bigcartel.com Whiskey River Band, 12th March Lively country and good ol’ rock ’n’ roll. 7.30pm. Tickets £10. www.crickhowellfestival.com

16 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

DID YOU KNOW? ‘My Universe’ by the Shires was the UK’s fastestselling country album

FOREST RUN

On 23rd April the 8.5-mile GoldRush Trail takes in some of the best routes the Coed y Brenin running centre has to offer. There is also a ‘canicross’ for runners and their dogs together. Your efforts will make a huge difference to local charities as at least £2 from every entry will be donated to South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team. Entry is £18, book via www. runcoedybrenin.com

Building back greener The Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth offers short courses on renovating and eco refurbishing your home, among all sorts of other planet-friendly options, and some are online too. Renewables for Households: Insulation on 26th March focuses on spotting draughts and air leakage and various insulation options, and there’s a session on Wind Turbines on 2nd April. Learn all about about Bees and Beekeeping on 30th April. Visit cat.org.uk

WHAT’S ON MID WALES

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 12TH-25TH MARCH

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12th March, Very Santana, The Globe at Hay, Hay-on-Wye Virtuoso tribute act covering hits from ‘Black Magic Woman’ to ‘Maria Maria’. 8pm. Tickets from £10. www.globeathay.org

THE JOYS OF WALKING

Choose from an exciting programme of 86 guided walks during Crickhowell Walking Festival from 5th to 13th March. Explore the Beacons and Black Mountains, discovering churches, canals and viewpoints such as Sugar Loaf. There’s plenty of history too, walking in the steps of the

FOLK AT HAYON-WYE’S GLOBE

Saturday Shenanigans: Roving Crows, 26th March This awardwinning band has cultivated a singular sound that pushes the boundaries of

Family shows at Easter

StrongWomen Science, 13th April Ever wanted to know how circus performers eat fire? Aoife and Maria reveal the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks. 11.30am & 2.30pm. Tickets from £5. Jurassic Earth, 20th April Animatronic dinosaurs roam in an exciting storytelling show – a unique, immersive experience for all ages! 11.30am & 2.30pm. Tickets from £20.

Little Grimm Tales, 24th April A wonderful new adaptation of the magical fairy tales, with puppets and spellbinding music. 2pm. Tickets from £6. www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Crickhowell won Best British High Street over Altrincham in 2018

saints, Romans and King Offa. Walks are graded according to difficulty and booking is essential. A complementary series of workshops covers outdoors skills. See www.crickhowellfestival.com

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12th-27th March, Lambcam 2022, National Museums of Wales digital Follow all the action live from the lambing shed at St Fagan’s. museum.wales/lambcam

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17th March, Bronze Casting for 16-25 year olds, Elan Village, Rhayader Join experimental archaeologist Vic Pardoe and Tir Coed to learn some ancient techniques. 10am-3pm. Free. Book via www.eventbrite.co.uk

Celtic folk, playing with passion, energy and soul. 8pm. Tickets from £10. The Brothers Gillespie, 2nd April The duo from Northumbria sing songs of great lyrical power, animated by soaring harmonies and inspired guitar. 8pm. Tickets from £10. www.globeathay.org

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17th March, Live at The Royal, Barmouth Celebrate St Patrick’s with Twenty on Black frontman Gav Rasmussen. 7pm. Free. See Facebook @RoyalBarmouth

Barley Saturday

Traditionally the day when Cardigan’s farmers came to hire workers and inspect beautiful Welsh Cobs, on 30th April horses still parade, followed by vintage vehicles. www.cardigan-bay.com

NASTY BUT NICE!

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24th March, Make Your Own Macramé Plant Hanger, Radiate Arts, Clywedog Creative Hub, Llanidloes 11am-2.30pm. £35 via www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Bryngwyn Hall, near Llanfyllin hosts an NGS Open Day on 3rd April including access to its intriguing Poison Garden with ricin, aconitum and hemlock. The nine-acre garden also boasts a woodland garden carpeted with thousands of daffodils. 1.30-5.30pm. £7.50. ngs.org.uk

24th March, Your Wild Food Year: Best of Spring, Woodland Classroom online Learn about seasonal edible plants and gain foraging tips from John Wright, author of the River Cottage Handbooks. 7-8.30pm. £11. woodlandclassroom.com

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25th March, Every Little Hope You Ever Dreamed, Aberystwyth Arts Centre Sam Freeman presents his take on life armed only with a notebook, PowerPoint and an inexplicable love of Excel. 7.45pm. From £8. www. aberystwyth artscentre.co.uk

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 17

MID WALES WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 25TH MARCH-3RD APRIL

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25th March, Uproar: Scenes from a Street, Aberystwyth Arts Centre An evening of immersive sound experiences for those interested in the new frontiers of classical music. 8pm. From £13. www.aberystwytharts centre.co.uk

WILDERNESS SKILLS

Delve into the world of bushcraft at Rhayader in the Wye Valley on 16th March, or 9th & 26th April. Join Learn Outdoors on their one-day Introduction to Bushcraft and learn skills such as safe knife-handling, fire-lighting, navigating using the sun, making rustic bread and shelter-building. They also offer two-day courses. Tickets £65 adult, £40 under-18 via www.eventbrite.co.uk

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25th March, Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems, Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells DJ Jo spins the best tracks from a great decade. The biggest night out you’ll have all year! 8pm. From £23.50. www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

TRAGEDY & COMEDY AT NEWTOWN’S HAFREN Mid Wales Opera: La Bohème, 5th March From a student garret to the streets of Montmartre, Puccini’s masterpiece celebrates the power of love and friendship. 7.30pm. Tickets from £16.

•

26th March, Welsh Beekeepers’ Association Spring Convention, Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground, Builth Wells A day of lectures and workshops on all things bee-related, plus a trade hall. 8am-3pm. From £7. wbka.com

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27th March, Woodland Tales with Granddad, Aberystwyth Uproarious puppet show with an environmental message. 2pm & 4pm. From £6.50. www. aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

•

2nd April, Watercolour Portraits, Chapel Cottage Studio, Abergavenny Learn key points in capturing a likeness and how to make your subject ‘come alive’. 10am-4pm. £85. chapelcottage studio.co.uk

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Until 2nd April, Beibl i Bawb (A Bible for All), National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth An exciting exhibition to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of the 1620 Bible in Welsh. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm. Free. www.library.wales

•3rd April, Easter Craft Fayre, Hay-on-Wye Support some

amazing local small businesses and enjoy delicious food. From 11am. Free. www.globeathay.org

Revenge, 19th March Renowned TV director Louise Jameson presents this taut political thriller. 7:45pm. Tickets £15.

Jasper Carrott: Stand Up & Rock, 8th April Jasper is joined by ELO’s Bev Bevan for a night of laughter and music. 7.30pm. Tickets £31.50. Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest, 23rd April Mock the Week’s Ed Byrne presents his brand-new masterclass in observational comedy. 8pm. Tickets £27. www.thehafren.co.uk

Laughter in the hills

Enjoy cutting-edge laughs in bijou venues at Machynlleth Comedy Festival from 29th April to 1st May. Expect headliners such as Mock the Week’s Nish Kumar, Ed Gamble and Angela Barnes, along with up-andcoming performers such as The Delightful Sausage. ‘The comedy fans’ comedy festival!’ Full programme at machcomedyfest.co.uk

ANTIQUES CENTRAL Collectors’ haven Builth DID YOU Wells hosts the International KNOW? Antique Home & Vintage ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody Fair of Wales on 30th visited Builth – four April-1st May. Set in the sequoias in Groe Royal Welsh Agricultural Park honour Showground, him it is one of the largest fairs in the country, with up to 1,000 stands offering a wide selection of antiques, retro and vintage items. Saturday 8.30am-2.30pm £10, 2.30-5pm £5, Sunday 10am5pm £5. www. continuityfairs. co.uk

18 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

All runners welcome

Beautiful Powis Castle marks the start and finish of the Welshpool 10k on 27th March. The undulating route is suitable for runners of all levels. Come along to brush off the cobwebs or to try your hand at a new distance. The £19.50 fee includes a bespoke medal and free entry to the castle. Booking via www.letsdothis.com

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SHIRE MAGAZINE

2022

WHAT’S ON MID WALES

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 7TH-16TH APRIL

DID YOU KNOW? (not many people do…) ‘Billy’ was bodyguard to Michael Caine

•

LIVE IN LLANDRINDOD WELLS

Joe Lycett: Work in Progress, 4th March Join The Great British Sewing Bee’s funnyman – the artist formerly known as Hugo Boss – as he tries out new material. Age 15-plus, under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. 8pm. Tickets £22. The Trials of Cato, 12th March Hailed as ‘The Sex Pistols of folk’, the award-winning band will perform songs from their hotly anticipated new album Gog Magog. 8pm. Tickets from £12.50.

Make it in 3

An Audience with Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, 26th March TV’s highest ranking and most jhjhj SAS leader shares inspirational stories with host Mark Llewhellin.7.30pm. Tickets from £22.

The Undercover Hippy, 15th April Experience the electric atmosphere of festival hit Billy Rowan and band. Intelligent, provocative lyrics combine with catchy hooks and a feel-good groove. 8pm. Tickets £15. www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

Spring has sprung

…which means it’s time for a stroll in the glorious Daffodil Paddock at Powis Castle! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ powis-castle-and-garden

Try a new craft at Cardigan’s Stiwdio 3. Learn how to marble (19th March) or bind a luxury portfolio (26th March). Needle felt a picture (23rd April) or collage a unique star book (30th April). For a full programme visit www.makeitinwales.co.uk

The Marches in March Printmakers Pushing the Boundaries brings together the work of six artists inspired by the Welsh Marches. The exhibition is at Mid Wales Arts in Caersws from 27th March. On 9th April, there’s a chance to try your hand at enamelling on steel in Jill Leventon’s workshop. See midwalesarts. org.uk

Boundless heart, limitless mind How do we build resilience? A capacity for compassion? Join West Wales Buddhist Group at Aberystwyth Quaker Meeting House on 12th March & 9th April to explore how to train our minds in unconditional well-wishing and equanimity. Sessions are free and are open to all, 10.30am-1pm. www.west wales buddhist group.co.uk

RALLYING AROUND

Motorsport UK Pirelli’s Welsh Rally Championship presents an exciting eightround programme. Rally North Wales takes place on 26th March at Dolgellau, with stages in the Dyfi and Gartheiniog forests. Round 2, the Rallynuts stages, are based at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd on 9th April. Details at wnrc.wamc.org.uk

7th April, Soul Sisters, The Hafren, Newtown The uplifting story of self-discovery and friendship set during a riotous, toe-tapping Soul Weekender. 7.30pm. Tickets £29. www.thehafren.co.uk

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9th April, Drypoint Print-making Workshop, Clywedog Creative Hub, Llanidloes Explore drypoint techniques to create your own artworks. 10am-4pm. £55. radiatearts.co.uk

•

9th April, Foraging Workshop, Nant y Bedd Garden, Crickhowell Learn how to find food in the countryside with Liz Knight. 10:30am-3pm. £95. www.foragefinefoods.com

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From 15th April, Easter Egg Hunt, Llanerchaeron A familyfriendly trail in beautiful grounds with fun activities along the way. 10am-4pm. Trail free, admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/llanerchaeron

•

From 15th April, Bruce Cardwell: Calon Wlân, Aberystwyth Arts Centre A visual homage to the world of the Welsh shepherd. Free exhibition. www. aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

•

16th April, Welsh Wrestling, Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells The premier brand of pro wrestling in Wales provides fun-packed entertainment for all the family! 7pm. From £7.50. www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 21

MID WALES WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 17TH-30TH APRIL

April, ROH: La Traviata •live17th screening, Mwldan, Cardigan Verdi’s opera is set in 19thcentury Paris, a city of contrasts – glamour and superficiality, love and lust, life and death. 2pm. From £16. mwldan.co.uk

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21st April, I Spy With My Little Eye, Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells A fantastic family musical that celebrates everything great about being a kid. 2.30pm. From £9. wyeside. ticketsolve. com

•21st April, An Evening with Nick Butter, The Hafren,

Newtown In 2019 Nick became the first person to run a marathon in every country in the world. 7.30pm. From £15. www.thehafren.co.uk

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Until 22nd April, Nick Treharne: A Portrait of Wales, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth An exhibition of photographs from Nick’s ongoing project to document the people and places of contemporary Wales. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm. Free. www.ffoton.wales

•26th April, The Smartest Giant in

Town, The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells Julia Donaldson’s heartwarming tale about helping those in need is brought to life in a puppet-filled adventure. 2.30pm & 4.30pm. £13.50. thealberthall.co.uk

PILGRIM PATH

Guided Pilgrimage is leading a journey to Strata Florida on 12th March & 30th April. The 12th-century monastery DID YOU is an important Welsh heritage site. KNOW? From Pontrhydfendigaid, walk five Iconic sculpture miles through inspiring landscape ‘The Pilgrim’ fell to in the footsteps of the monks who winds in 2019: it’s made this remote corner a thriving hoped to replace community. Tickets £25, or £40 it soon for two. guidedpilgrimage.co.uk

MAGIC AND MUSIC Wyeside Arts Centre in Builth Wells has a spellbinding line-up: The Greatest Magician, 11th March Dazzling new show from James Phelan, who jammed BBC switchboards as he correctly predicted the Lottery. 7.30pm. Tickets from £10. Hidden Voices, 18th March Interactive community chat, storytelling and dance. 7pm. Tickets £2. Mal Pope, 25th March From Amazing Grace to recording with Elton at Abbey Road, Mal shares stories and songs. 7.30pm. Tickets from £13. Gigspanner Big Band, 23rd April Folk supergroup winning acclaim for their high-energy virtuosity. 7.30pm. Tickets £20. www.wyeside.co.uk

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28th April, NT Live: Henry V, Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells Live from the Donmar Warehouse, Kit Harington stars in Shakespeare’s thrilling study of war and power. 7pm. From £12. wyeside.ticketsolve.com

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30th April, Going Abstract, Chapel Cottage Studio, Abergavenny Explore abstract painting using acrylics and inks. 10am-4pm. £65. chapelcottage studio.co.uk

22 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

The wonder of wool Wonderwool Wales celebrates all things wool and natural fibre at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on 23rd and 24th April. The festival covers all aspects of the creative process, including sheep exhibits, an amazing selection of yarns, tools and books, demonstrations and textile art and crafts. Tickets from £12. wonderwoolwales.co.uk

Going potty in Powys Join an afternoon Family Pottery Workshop at Mid Wales Arts Centre near Newtown on 5th & 19th March or 16th April, or a weekly club session throughout March and April. All workshops provide an opportunity to learn, experiment and create sculptures, forms and vessels. midwalesarts.org.uk

Run for the hills…

The Red Kite Challenge on 30th April is a series of running and walking events setting off from Woodlands Caravan Site, Devil’s Bridge. Challenging off-road walks of six and 13 miles visit the forests and slopes of the Cambrian Mountains and there’s a 10k run and a halfmarathon. Senior and Junior Welsh & West Wales Trail Championships are also taking place. Entry fees vary. redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk

Cymdeithas Amaethyddol Frenhinol Cymru

Royal Welsh Agricultural Society

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A top spot for coves and coast Barmouth is something of a hidden gem compared to other seaside resorts of North and Mid Wales, but the town is well worth a visit – for a day, a week or longer

DID YOU KNOW? Until 2013 you had to pay a toll to cross the bridge Boats wait for the tide in the harbour

t’s strange we don’t hear more about Barmouth, given that it occupies a prime position on the Gwynned coast and offers easy access to both the peaks of Snowdonia and the sweeping bays of the area’s shoreline. It lies on the estuary of the Afon Mawddach, where the river enters Cardigan Bay, creating the ‘mouth’ of its title and giving it a location to be envied. The town grew up around the shipbuilding and slate industries and has retained many notable buildings, such as the medieval Ty Gwyn tower house, 19th-century Ty Crwn roundhouse prison and St John’s Church. Now a thriving seaside town, it has attracted artists, writers and poets over the centuries. Wordsworth fell in love with the area, saying: “With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day’s walk, it can hold its own against any rival.”

Well connected

The aspects that make Barmouth such an appealing destination don’t prevent it being 24 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

linked to the wider world, however, and a complex infrastructure makes sure it is easy to get to. The town has its own railway station, and services run north to Pwllheli via Harlech, Porthmadog and Criccieth, and east to Birmingham International via Tywyn, Machynlleth, Shrewsbury, Telford and Wolverhampton. Further extensions to the tracks have now become part of the Mawddach Trail, a cycle path and walkway. For those enjoying heritage transport, a ferry sails to Penrhyn Point, where it connects with the narrow-gauge Fairbourne Railway for the village of the same name. The town also has a RNLI lifeboat station and visitors’ centre, with a shop and viewing gallery that makes the most of the sweeping views.

can be spent browsing, dipping in and out of stores, with regular coffee stops and maybe an ice cream on the harbour watching the boats and seagulls. The old town is well worth a visit with its steep steps and slate-roofed cottages on the side of a mountain. The harbour is beautiful and you can walk across the spectacular Barmouth Bridge spanning the river. For those seeking more extreme exertion there is an annual challenge that starts in the town: the Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks race. This involves sailing from Wales via England to Scotland (389 miles), then climbing the three highest mountains in the UK – Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis – a total of 11,000ft of climbing and 72 miles running.

Paddling and peaks

Barmouth has been welcoming visitors for over 150 years and it’s easy to see why. There is a lot to take in locally, and the sunsets are amazing as the town is on the west coast, in the southern part of Snowdonia. Those keen on making the most of the outdoors can enjoy walking, cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking, paddling or building sandcastles, and the area’s rich history can also be appreciated via the Heritage Trail (see right) and by visiting the two museums. There is a wide range of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, so a day

The bridge over the estuary is a stunning walk THINGS TO SEE AND DO Barmouth Heritage Trail www.barmouth-wales.co.uk/heritage-trail Barmouth Sailors’ Institute (museum) The Quay, Barmouth LL42 1ET The Dragon Theatre Jubilee Road, Barmouth LL42 1EF

Please visit our website for timetable & bookings Photos Courtesy John R Jones, Geoff Griffiths and Gareth Griffiths

STUNNING SCENERY FROM THE COAST TO THE CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS

RHEILFFORDD CWM RHEIDOL VALE OF RHEIDOL RAILWAY info@rheidolrailway.co.uk

01970 625 819

www.rheidolrailway.co.uk

Llanuwchllyn, Bala, Gwynedd GwyneddLL23 LL237DD 7DD Llanuwchllyn, near Bala, Llanuwchllyn, near Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7DD

Steam trains trains in in southern Steam southern Snowdonia Snowdonia Beautiful lake lake and mountain views Beautiful mountain views Steam trains in and southern Snowdonia

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540666 For further 01678 information and to book your tickets

Open Easter to October Daily in School Holidays Closed Monday & Friday at other times

CHESHIRE WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE

Woodland wonders this Easter

Run wild this Easter at BeWILDerwood Cheshire. Make your very own bunny ears in the Big Hat craft tent, then complete the look with a bunny nose and whiskers at the FacePainting Pavilion – all activities are included in your ticket. Head to the Storytelling Stage for a brand-new tale of the Pesky Bunnies of BeWILDerwood, and be sure to complete the Puzzling Park Trail too. BeWILDerwood is open 10am-5pm every weekend in

WE ARE SAILING… Dozens of boats from across the North West will travel to Ellesmere Port for the annual Easter Boat Gathering on 15th-18th April, marking the start of the cruising season. Colourful narrowboats and barges will take centre stage by the National Waterways Museum, while the site comes alive with music and activities for the whole family. For details or to register a boat, call 0151 355 5017 or email nationalwaterwaysmuseum@ canalrivertrust.org.uk

CHEERS TO THAT

After two years without being able to share their love of the mighty hop, Tarporley Beer Festival is back on 22nd & 23rd April with a spectacular array of lights, ambers and darks, not to mention cask and keg beers too. And, for the more fruity and juniper-berried guests, there’s also a range of ciders and gins. Held at Tarporley and District Community Centre, with music from The Warning Flower and some fantastic food, the festival is so much more than what’s in your half-pint glass. It’s where folk from near and far meet to drink, dance and be merry, while providing much-needed funds for Tarporley CE Primary School and local community clubs and organisations. 6pm-midnight. Entry £10. Find out more at facebook.com/TarporleyBeerFestival

26 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

March, and every day from 2nd April. Entry is free if you’re under 92cm, or £19.50 or £21.50 dependent on height. Book in advance at bewilderwood.co.uk

THE HOT TICKET

Circus Funtasia is a modern, fast-paced family show with talented performers from around the world – and no animals. At Tipkinder Park, Crewe from 31st March to 10th April, this incredible live show proves that circus isn’t just for the kids. Bear witness to amazing feats. Hear the roar of motorbikes, feel the heat of the fire-breathers’ flames, see stunning aerialists and powerful performances on the Wheel of Death, laugh out loud at awardwinning comedian the Geek, and much more – in a heated Big Top! All the talent of a West End show, with that irresistible circus magic. Times vary. Tickets from £8. Book now at circusfuntasia.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 5TH-13TH MARCH

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Live at the Lyceum

DID YOU KNOW? Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million albums – that’s a tough act to follow!

Cruising Through Menopause, 8th March Musical sequel set on the high seas. 7.30pm. Tickets £34.

attention-seeking! 7.30pm. Tickets £24.

Herman’s Hermits’ 55th Anniversary Tour, 16th March With 23 hit singles, 10 hit albums, expect a night of song and laughter. 7.30pm. Tickets £28.

Sheila’s Island, 12th-16th April A team-building weekend goes horribly wrong. Tickets from £19.75. The Bon Jovi Experience, 28th April Tony Pearce’s tribute is the only band to have performed with the man himself. 7.30pm. £25. crewelyceum.co.uk

Ed Gamble: Electric, 10th April Comedian Ed’s ready to flick the switch on another night of

Launch into Congleton

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5th March, Glenn Tilbrook, Live Rooms, Chester Earning a place as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters, the ex-Squeeze star has created a stellar solo career. 7pm. £20 (£23 on the door). theliverooms.com

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10th March, The Circus of Horrors: The Witch, Ellesmere Port Civic Hall This sensational new phantasmagoria combines amazing and bizarre circus acts with an original rock score and a sinister story of witchcraft. 7.30pm. From £21. brioentertainment.org

Part of the town’s 750th anniversary celebrations, Congleton Unplugged runs from 2nd March to 12th March. And for the weekend 4th-6th March entry to all events is free! In all, there are more than 45 gigs at over 20 venues, including the cricket club, the library and the town hall, where you can join John Dhali’s album launch party! Bring on the Swing and John Lindley perform, and favourites old and new: Acoustic Anarchy, Robin Pierce Band, Heidi Browne, Elvis Fontenot and the Sugarbees, Purpletones, Jubilee Stompers, Demi Marriner, Charlie Sinclair, Cry Baby and The Hoochie Coochie Boys, The Scoundrels, The House Devils, Murphys Marbles, Don’t Call Me Ishmael and the Tracey Taylor Band to name a few Find out more at congletonjazzandblues.co.uk

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CHURCHES UNITE FOR PASSION PLAY Good Friday, 15th April, brings the Chester City Passion Play back onto the streets of Chester for the first time in five years. The story of Christ’s last days on Earth, it tells of his arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey, the Last Supper, his arrest and crucifixion. We see Jesus arriving through the Eastgate and tearing down stalls, sharing supper with his disciples on The Rows, being arrested by the Romans at The Cross, facing trial on the Town Hall steps and carrying his own cross to Chester Cathedral. Chester City Passion is delivered as a partnership between Theatre in the Quarter, Chester Mystery Plays, Link Up and Churches Together in Chester. This free event starts at 10.30am. Find out more at facebook.com/ChesterCityPassion

Every Saturday, Parkrun 5k, Delamere Forest Join others of all abilities for a weekly 5k challenge to run or walk your best time in a friendly and supportive setting. Register online to find out more about the course and get a barcode. 9am start. parkrun.org.uk/delamere/

12th March & 23rd April, Party Nights Afloat: Motown, Chester Boat Miracles and wonders on the Dee as we pay our tribute to the Motor City and the best dance music ever made! 7.15-10.30pm. £33.50. Book online at chesterboat.co.uk

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13th March, Cheshire & Chester Wedding Fayre, Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel, Ledsham Chat with up to 30 friendly and creative wedding businesses about your wedding plans and ideas in this elegant venue. The stunning Craxton Suite is bathed in natural light thanks to its high ceilings and full-length windows. Midday-3pm. Free entry. See redeventweddingfayres.com

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 27

CHESHIRE WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 17TH MARCH - 1ST APRIL

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17th-19th March, Comeback Cabaret, Daneside Theatre, Congleton If you’re after a night at the theatre filled with singing, dancing, comedy and speciality acts, look no further than Trinity Amateur Operatic Society’s Comeback Cabaret. 7.30pm. £12. danesidetheatre.co.uk

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22nd-26th March, Whistle Down the Wind, Christleton High School, Chester On The Mark Youth Theatre, along with an adult cast and a 14-piece live band perform Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive musical, with lyrics by Jim Steinman. Times vary. Tickets from £9.50. otmyt.co.uk

Make some noise, Nantwich! Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival rolls in on Easter weekend, 14th-18th April, with shows at the Civic Hall, Crown Hotel and other venues around town. Big Country (above), FM, Demon and Sari Schorr have remained with the twice-postponed event and King King, Rebecca Downes and Tony Christie (above right) join the revised line-up. The festival will also

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Reaseheath College in Nantwich invites you to its lambing weekends on 5th-6th and 12th-13th March, where the whole family can enjoy this unique springtime experience. Children will always remember seeing lambs being born! This year’s event will be held in new, more spacious facilities on the main campus and will include a Farmers Market and lots of fun activities including farm competitions and colouring. 10am-4pm. Tickets (prepaid only) are £8 for adults, £5 for children, under-3s free, and include entrance to the mini zoo. reaseheath.ac.uk/lambing

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April 1st, Queen by Candlelight, Chester Cathedral Featuring a live cast of West End singers accompanied by an incredible live rock band, experience Queen as you have never heard them before. 7.30pm. From £15. chestercathedral.com

feature superb homages to Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Allman Brothers, as well as up and coming blues guitarist Miguel Montalban, plus the popular ‘Round the Town’ sessions. Ticket prices vary, and all-access wristbands will be announced soon. For full programme see nantwichjazz.com

OH, BABY

26th March, Macclesfield Singers and Symphony Orchestra, St Michael’s Church A live performance of Haydn’s Creation, conducted by Ian Chesworth, with soloists from Royal Northern College of Music. 7.30pm. £12 adults, £2.50 under18s. kems.yapsody.com 27th March, Bunbury Mill is re-opening! Guided tours of the historic watermill start from 1pm and last about 40 minutes, and cost £4 for adults, £2.50 for children aged 5-11. Access to the grounds, ponds, visitor centre and tea room is free during opening hours. For times and dates visit bunburymill.com

DID YOU KNOW? “One of the best opening bands we ever had” Mick Jagger on Big Country

Tickle your tastebuds

DID YOU KNOW? In Roman times, the going here would’ve been heavy. It was a harbour!

On 16th-18th April, around 30,000 food and drink lovers will take over Chester Racecourse for the Taste Cheshire festival, the biggest event of its kind in the UK. Over 150 exhibitors will highlight the best the county and beyond has to offer, with quality local and celebrity chefs who are sure to inspire with their knowledge, skills and creativity. The festival is open 10am-6pm (5pm Monday), tickets £12 a day (£10 in advance), £24 for three days (£20 advance), under-12s free. VIP tickets also available. With the ever-popular Easter CamperFest right next door, why not make a long weekend of it? chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk; camperfest.co.uk

28 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

2022 FIXTURES MAY Boodles May Festival City Day Ladies Day Chester Cup Day Roman Day

W E D N E S D AY 4 T H U R S D AY 5 F R I D AY 6 S AT U R D AY 2 8 JUNE

Summer Saturday Ladies Evening Summer Festival

S AT U R D AY 1 1 F R I D AY 2 4 S AT U R D AY 2 5 JULY

Ladies & Gents Evening City Plate Day Midsummer Meeting Family Funday

F R I D AY 8 S AT U R D AY 9 S AT U R D AY 1 6 S U N D AY 3 1 AUGUST

Ladies Day

S AT U R D AY 2 0 SEPTEMBER

Autumn Festival Season Finale

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WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 2ND-29TH APRIL

JOIN THE PARTY

Winsford Creates on 19th March is an adventure through the arts – a free festival to delight and excite families, young people and the community with dance performances, live bands, percussion parades, creative workshops, a Cine Window takeover, great food and drink – and a fantastic vibe! Featuring hip-hop from DMPC, a raucous drumming riot from Juba & Jubacana, Movema’s

STAR-STRUCK

Bette & Joan is set in the adjoining Hollywood dressing rooms of rivals Bette Davies and Joan Crawford during the filming of cult horror What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Anton Burge’s play, at Chester Little Theatre on 12 March, is both funny and poignant, as it emerges that the fading icons of the silver screen have more in common than they think. 7.30pm. Tickets £10. chesterlittletheatre.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Movema’s cyborg creations are part aircraft, part bird, part human

parading mythical birds and storytelling from Kindred Folk Dance Theatre, as well as brilliant beats from some of the best local bands around, it’s a celebration of the arts, the future and the town. Come along to Winsford Cross from 11am to 7pm, then the Delamere St Dog from 7.30pm to late. facebook.com/winsfordcreates

Live the high life

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2nd April, Mithras Piano Trio, Clonter Opera Theatre, Congleton Ionel Manciu (violin), Leo Popplewell (cello) and Dominic Degavino (piano) perform works by Mozart, Iván Erőd and Brahms. 3pm. Tickets £23, members £15, students and concessions £2. Details from themusicsociety.org.uk

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10th April, Plant Hunters’ Fair, Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield Book a timed arrival slot between 10am and 2pm, with entry to the plant fair and gardens at the half-price rate of just £3.50. Closes 4pm. Free parking. See capesthorne.com

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Vertigo is the new aerial trek course at Carden, with amazing views over Cheshire and north Wales. Brave a variety of challenges, dodging mid-air obstacles and ending with the option of leaping into a giant stunt pillow or gliding down a 210m zip line! £40 adult, £30 child. cardenpark.co.uk/pursuits/vertigo-at-carden

FORAGING FUN

Are you looking to reconnect with nature? Rethinking your impact on the world around you? Or are you just a food-lover who wants to try new and unique flavours? This is your chance! Find out what delicious wild food grows in the countryside and how to cook with it on a Forage Box workshop. The six-hour course includes guidance on identifying and picking wild ingredients plus a cookery session, and runs on 29th March and 21st April, and costs £70. A four-hour introductory workshop and walk on 20th April is £30 (child £20). Find out more at arleyhallandgardens.com

18th April, Easter Character Fun Day, Little Sutton Community Centre, Ellesmere Port Bring the kids to meet the Easter Bunny and let off steam on the bouncy castle and activity zone. There’ll be live music and stalls. Midday-5pm. Adults £1, kids £2, or £5 with activity pack and bouncy castle session. portfestevents.co.uk

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24th April, South Cheshire Woof Walkies, The Greenway, Crewe Business Park Help your dog raise funds for lifesaving research on a sponsored walk with optional fancy dress. Meet 10am, Duke of Gloucester. £8 (with two humans) or £15 (with family). cancerresearchuk.org

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29th April, One Night of Adele, Northwich Memorial Court Welsh singer Christina Rogers brings you a tribute to multi-award winning Adele. 7pm. From £19. brioentertainment.org

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 31

CHESHIRE WHAT’S ON

Everyone’s telling tales at the Storyhouse Chester Animation Festival, 6th March Finalists in this year’s international contest present films from across the genre, from hand drawn to the latest CGI. The audience will select a winner. 3pm. £6. An Evening with Andrew Cotter, Olive and Mabel, 10th March The familiar voice of sports broadcasting has become slightly eclipsed by his canine companions, now internet superstars. 7.30pm. £28. BBC Big Band: James Bond… and Beyond!, 27th March World-class

WHAT, NO CAGE?!

Fancy coming face to face – or should that be tooth to tooth – with a shark? If you’ve always wanted to get up close and personal with these underwater giants, this is the experience for you! The Blue Planet Aquarium at Cheshire Oaks offers a range of shark encounters, with packages to suit everyone from complete beginners to experienced divers. Highly qualified instructors will teach you the basic scuba techniques, enabling you to enter the water alongside their 10ft sand tiger sharks. There is no cage – just an awesome, unforgettable experience! You can find further details and prices at blueplanetaquarium.com/divingwith-sharks/shark-encounter-dive 32 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

jazz, with guest vocalists Emer McParland and Iain Mackenzie. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.50. Fireman Sam, 2nd April Join Sam, Penny and friends in an all-singing, all-dancing, actionpacked show. 10.30am. Tickets from £16.50.

DID YOU KNOW? Fireman Sam first appeared on our screens in 1987, making him 35 this year

Gangsta Granny, 14th-17th April Award-winning West End production of the hit story. From £16.50. storyhouse.com

Calling budding Attenboroughs Chester Zoo’s Junior Ranger Camp is a chance to look at how to prevent extinction and discover the amazing work the zoo’s field teams do to help species in the wild. It runs every Sunday for five weeks, from 6th March to 3rd April, with a choice of morning or afternoon sessions, and is for Junior Members of Chester Zoo in school years 4-6. The cost is £60 per child. Book at chesterzoo.org/ events/junior-ranger-camppreventing-extinction/

Come into the garden…

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Malpas reopen for the season on 27th March, Mother’s Day. Set in 70 acres of historic parkland, you can enjoy the romantic Temple and Folly Water Gardens, Rose Garden, Glade, Arboretum and ornamental woodland on Tower Hill, and there’s a cafe for refreshments. Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 10am5pm. Adults £8.50, children £4. See cholmondeleycastle. com

‘Dam’ fine place to live The pretty village of Lymm is one of Cheshire’s many appealing destinations, often appearing in top ten lists and attracting both visitors and those hoping to relocate

woodpecker, heron and even kingfisher. More glorious walking takes in the towpaths of the Bridgewater and Manchester Ship Canals and a particularly pretty stretch of the Trans Pennine Trail along the old railway line. The station closed in 1983.

Fun and games

beautiful buildings. These range The people of Lymm are close-knit and DID YOU active committees protect and promote the from the French-style terracotta KNOW? village. Annual events include the May of the former town hall to Lymm is home Queen festival (this year on 21st May) and to an active RAF large manor houses such as an infamous duck race, where bath toys are Oughtrington Hall (now a squadron, based frenetically raced from the dam, and must school) and Lymm Hall, once at Broomedge navigate a weir before reaching the finishing the Domville family residence. line – handily located between several pubs The village boasts some stunning for the ensuing celebrations. One of the churches too, with the parish church of St most popular of these, the Church Green, is Peter providing a fine example of Gothic owned by TV chef Aiden Byrne. Revivalism. St Mary’s, opposite the dam, was in such disrepair by the mid-1800s that the Leigh family (of Oughtrington Hall) commissioned Newcastle architect John Dobson to rebuild it. It now features as one of the The village centre is a conservation area village’s many listed buildings – in fact, the ymm is nestled in the Cheshire entire village centre countryside between Warrington and has been designated a Altrincham and enjoys a pretty location due conservation area. to the woodland around it and the rivers and canals that converge at its centre. It is Water, water small enough to be quaint and beautiful but everywhere popular enough to support a thriving, and The creation of Lymm The Bridgewater Canal flows right through the village very proud, population of around 12,500. Dam back in 1824 produced what is today THINGS TO SEE AND DO Its name is thought to derive from the the area’s most popular attraction. The dam watercourses that make it so picturesque, as was constructed to make way for a road Lymm Dam its Celtic origins translate Lymm as ‘place (now the A56) and is a focal point of the Car park in Crouchley Lane WA13 0AP www.warrington.gov.uk/lymm-dam of running water’, and there are records of village, with countless footpaths providing ancient streams running through the village stunning walks. The surrounding woods Lymm Heritage Centre even before the manmade canals arrived. are carpeted with wildflowers in spring, Bridgewater Street, Lymm WA13 0LS while the dam itself is a SINC – a Site of Oughtrington Centre Attractive architecture Importance for Nature Conservation. Bats Oughtrington Crescent, Oughtrington, As well as the landscape, the other factor are often spotted here, along with an array Lymm WA13 9JD that makes Lymm so pretty is its stock of of birds: nuthatch, treecreeper, lesser spotted

34 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

O 2 s n o i t Ques

We put our probing Q&A to Llangollen gym owner Jemma Stubbs who, having been crowned Wales’ Strongest Woman, recently went on to win Britain’s Strongest Woman – the first Welsh woman to take the title

Full (real) name – including any embarrassing middle names Jemma Stubbington. I go by Stubbs simply because my maiden name was Tunnington and Stubbington is just too ridiculously similar.

14 15

What do you do? I'm a personal trainer. I own Stubbs Fitness, a private studio gym in Llangollen, where I do one-to-one coaching, classes and personal training. Who shares your life? I live with my husband, my daughter Willow, who’s 13, and son Dylan, 10, a spaniel, two Frenchies and four cats.

The highlight of the last 12 months? After a surprise first place at Wales’ Strongest Woman, I went straight into preparations for Britain’s Strongest Woman. A Welsh woman had never podiumed before. When they called my name and I knew I’d won, and I looked up and saw my kids crying in the crowd – that was the best! And the worst moment? Definitely the nerves I experienced before Wales’ Strongest Woman. I had to lock myself in the toilet to cry so no one would see me. It’s a hard job trying to be big and tough!

If you could come back as any animal, what would you be and why? An eagle. They symbolise strength and a connection with creation. Plus, they can fly high in the mountains and they live in beautiful, remote places. Your desert island single and what it means to you? I have a strange relationship with music. I have to be in the mood. Give me a podcast instead.

If you were representing your country in the Olympics which sport would you choose? I suppose I should say Olympic lifting, but I don’t enjoy Olympic lifting. So I'll choose equestrian eventing. What is your favourite drink? Coconut water.

If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you have the best chance of winning? The thought of any is amusing. I’d like to say Strictly, but my clients who have to endure my dancing while they’re training may disagree. I’ll go for the jungle.

What is your guilty pleasure? The first thing that springs to mind is new socks. I struggle to walk past the shop by the gym without buying new stance socks. It’s a real issue. When did you last laugh uncontrollably and why? Probably watching my training partner learn to split-jerk with a dumbbell. It was comedy gold. You’re hosting a celebrity dinner party for four guests – who’s on the list? Off the top of my head: Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Lomu, Barrack Obama and Kathrine Switzer.

If you could have one superpower what would it be? OK, this is a hard one. I'd like to possess the power to influence all forms of peace.

Where is your favourite place in the world? Chapel Porth, Cornwall. Some of my very best memories are of family trips in the van to the beach.

Who is your all-time hero? I find inspiration and heroism in an awful lot of people in my life. I've never put one single person on a pedestal.

Any fears or phobias? I’m very claustrophobic, to the point where I struggle to go to the cinema if the exit isn’t clear.

What would be the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery? A huge gym full of top-notch equipment!

What would be your dream job (other than your own)? I love what I do now! But if I could be a full-time athlete, I would. At the moment, in the main, that’s reserved for men. But the WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) just awarded 12 female players paid contracts, so watch this space. Other sports may follow.

What’s your proudest achievement? Honestly? Every time I see how cool my kids are, I feel proud. I know I didn’t do that – they are cool all by themselves – but it still makes me beam with pride. It isn’t easy bringing up kids, but seeing them develop into young adults, how amazing they are as people, that’s pretty special. March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 35

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WHAT’S ON WIRRAL

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF MARCH & APRIL

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THE STAGE IS SET…

Sailors and Whalers, 5th March Port Sunlight Sea Dogs sing rollicking shanties and mellow ballads of river and sea. 7.30pm. Tickets £12.75. A Murder is Announced, 15th-19th March Middle Ground Theatre Company present a classic Miss Marple mystery. Times vary. Tickets from £24.75.

Curtis Stigers, 27th March The platinum-selling singer, songwriter and saxophonist has one of the most distinctive voices in music, and pushes the boundaries of modern jazz. 7.30pm. Tickets £29.75.

Write up your street

Three Up is an exciting international collaboration between Action Transport Theatre and young people’s theatre groups in Canada and Australia. It’s a fun way to write, make new friends and work with playwrights and theatre facilitators. Sessions run on Saturdays in March and April and are free! See actiontransporttheatre.org/youngwriters

DID YOU KNOW? Basil Brush won £10,900 on The Weakest Link

Heather Small, 6th April The former M People singer has an infectious sense of humour that wins hearts. 7.30pm. £31.25.

A ‘Brush’ with the Classics, 17th April Basil Brush is joined by a full orchestra in this fun-packed family extravaganza. Expect a sparkling mix of popular classics plus music from everyone’s favourite TV shows and blockbuster movies. 3pm. Tickets £29.25 adult, £21.75 child, £60 family. floralpavilion.com

2nd-23rd March, 30th March20th April (Wednesdays), Nordic Walking for Beginners, Ness Gardens Learn the technique and have some fun while improving your fitness. 10.30am-midday, £40 for fourweek course. www.liverpool. ac.uk/ness-gardens/whats-on/

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Every Thursday, Country Line Dancing, Prenton Park Recreation Centre All ages and abilities are welcome, including beginners. 10-11am. £4 per session. To book your place please email FrankieW@ tranmererovers.co.uk or call 07453 295473.

Raise some smiles

Love to cook? Then take part in the Butterfly Bake fundraiser for Claire House. The Bebington hospice helps terminally ill children by creating wonderful experiences and bringing a sense of normality to family life, while its Butterfly Suites provide much-needed bereavement care. Get your fundraising pack from clairehouse.org. uk/events/butterflybake-2022/

RURAL REVIVAL

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Opens 6th March, ‘Around the Lake in 365 Days’, West Kirby Arts Centre A photographic memoir of Jim Pearson’s challenge to run, jog, walk or crawl around West Kirby Marine Lake once a day for one year. 7pm. Free. westkirbyartscentre. org.uk/events/jim-pearson

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From 12th March (Saturdays & Sundays), Seal Watching Experience, Hilbre Island A chance to see Merseyside’s only resident colony of seals, led by qualified guides. Be prepared for up to a three-hour (7km) walk, and be aware it can be slippery and uneven underfoot on the island. From £13.50. Book at www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/wirralforest-wellbeing-32986410777

Tam O’Shanter Farm on Bidston Hill is open every day, offering fun, educational and volunteering opportunities for all ages. Engaging with nature can help if you’re suffering anxiety, isolation or recovering from trauma, and you’ll receive a warm welcome from experienced practitioners. It’s free to visit, so check it out on Facebook @TamOShanterUrbanFarm

QUICK ON THE DRAW

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Entry is now open for submissions to the Williamson Open Art and Photography Exhibition 2022, which run from 30th March to 30th April. Entrants must have a connection with Wirral through birth, education, residency or occupation. Submit up to two artworks in each category for £5 per entry, on 4th, 5th, 11th or 12th March. Forms are available from the Birkenhead gallery or to download at williamsonartgallery.org

St Saviour’s Church, Oxton If you are still avoiding crowded places but miss your church, you can join in with services, prayers, Bible readings and podcasts at various times on www. facebook.com/oxtonstsaviour

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 37

WIRRAL WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF MARCH & APRIL

•Thurs-Tues, Vintage Emporium Wirral, Birkenhead Love browsing antiques? Housed in a lovely Victorian building, this store has a great selection of furniture and finishing touches for every home, whether traditional or contemporary. Check opening times at vintage-emporiumwirral.com

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11th March, Silverback Events Friday Party, Bloom Building, Birkenhead A night of underground tech house vibes with some of Liverpool’s best upcoming talent. 8pm-2am, tickets £6 from bloombuilding.co.uk

Fun, films and something forbidden Celebrate St Patrick’s Day, 13th March Join comedy legend Jimmy Cricket with May Marion and Ellesmere Port’s Chriska Performing Arts School. 7.30pm. Tickets £13.50, £9.50 concessions.

the most amazing day ever! Pop songs, magic and puppets. 2.30pm. Tickets from £11.50.

DID YOU KNOW? Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife ) rewrote Little Women for TV

Forbidden Nights, 31st March Sexy circus routines and a ‘Forbidden’ tease. 7.30pm. Tickets from £22.

Little Women (U), 28th April Gladstone Cinema Club presents the 2019 version of the coming-ofage drama. 2.30pm. Prices vary.

Rapunzel – A Tangled Tale, 16th April Rapunzel escapes the tower and evil Witch Gothel to have

Funhouse Comedy Club, 29th April With Steve Royle. 7.30pm. £12. gladstonetheatre.org.uk

•17th March, Bronze Wine Tasting Event, Hillbark Hotel,

Frankby Discover the art of wine-tasting in the candlelit cellar restaurant of the Hillbark Hotel, which boasts over 600 authentic artisan wines. The evening includes a banquet and piano accompaniment. 7-10pm. Tickets £80 from hillbarkhotel.co.uk

3-2-1 GO!

The inaugural Clatterbridge 3-2-1 Run Green in 2019 was a massive hit – in more ways than one! It’s back on 24th April, raising funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. With obstacles around the route to mix things up, you can run up to four laps of the 2.5km course, getting covered in green powder paint from head to toe. See clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk/charity/home

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26th March & 23rd April, West Kirby Farmers Market, St Andrews Church Hall Over 20 local producers grow, rear, cook, ferment, make and bake to bring the best quality, freshest and most interesting local produce to the West Kirby community. 9am-midday. westkirbyfarmersmarket.co.uk

38 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Take your pick from 200 beers at Wirral Beer Festival on 24th-27th March, including 80 real ales and 80 craft beers, as well as lagers, ciders and a gin bar. There’s food, live music and, did we say, lots of beer! Session times and prices vary. See theshipandmitre.com/ festivals for updates

OFFER HELP, GIVE HOPE

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22nd-26th March, The Ghost Train, The Little Theatre, Birkenhead A group of train passengers are stranded at a small Cornish station and decide to stay the night, despite the stationmaster’s stories about a ghost train… 7.30pm. Tickets £10. carltonlittletheatre.co.uk

I’ll drink to that…

A LEAP OF FAITH

Ready to take the plunge? Wirral Hospice St John’s is looking for volunteers for a fundraising skydive on 26th March. The hospice provides specialist care and support for people with a range of life-limiting conditions, so you’ll be supporting a great cause. Call 0151 343 0778 or email events@wirralhospice.org for details.

Wirral Mind in Birkenhead has a range of volunteering opportunities, including befriender, counsellor, receptionist and cafe assistant. It doesn’t have to be a major commitment, just a couple of hours a week, and you’ll receive support, training and supervision. Call 0151 678 5111 or email volunteering@wirralmind. org.uk to chat.

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SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 1ST-8TH MARCH

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From 1st March, Guided Tours, The Mansion at Attingham Park Find out more about the history of the family who lived here, as well as the interior and collections of this imposing Regency house. For dates and times see website. £15 adults, £7.50 children, family tickets available. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/attingham-park

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2nd March, The Godfather (15), Kinokulture, Oswestry It’s the 50th anniversary of one of the alltime classics of cinema. Re-discover the power of this awardwinning film in a brand-new restoration. 6.30pm. Tickets from £8. www.kinokulture.org.uk

A NIGHT BEHIND BARS

For a sleepover with a difference, spend a night behind bars at Shrewsbury Prison on 15th April. As well as staying in a traditional Victorian cell, you will get a guided tour and time to explore independently. Shrewsbury Prison is one of the

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7th March, Movie Matinee Mamma Mia!, Wem Town Hall Catch this feelgood favourite as part of the dementiafriendly matinee season. Screenings are designed to be relaxed, with low lighting during the film, tea and coffee served midway and specially trained ushers on hand. Tickets £5 including refreshments, carers free. www.wemtownhall.co.uk

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8th March, Liz Hyder, Booka Bookshop, Oswestry Join local novelist Liz Hyder as she discusses her book The Gifts, which is set in 1840 and begins in a Shropshire forest. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £7, or £15 to include a signed copy. www.bookabookshop.co.uk

top Dark Tourism sites in the world, perfect for those with an interest in the paranormal as well as those just wanting a bit of fun. Over-18s only. Tickets £54. Booking required. www.shrewsburyprison.com

Bikers saddle up for festival fundraiser

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3rd March, Shropshire Barn Owl Group Talk, Ellesmere Town Hall The group has been working in collaboration with farmers and landowners since 2002 to increase the breeding population of these beautiful birds through conservation of their habitat. Find out more at this fascinating talk as the group celebrates its 20-year anniversary. Tickets £3 for members, £4 for non-members, no need to book. 8pm. www. shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW? A ghostly Shadow Man is said to haunt ‘A’ Wing

Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival returns on 24th April. Thousands of bikers will follow the 23-mile route from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford. As well as raising awareness of biker safety, the event is an important fundraiser for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity – the service responds to an average of two emergencies involving motorcyclists every week. Tickets for the ride out and festival cost £10. www.bike4lifefest.com

The Hive’s a-buzzin’

One of the UK’s top saxophonists, Brandon Allen performs at The Hive in Shrewsbury on 12th March. His ‘Stanley Turrentine Project’ presents soulful interpretations of original tracks by the American jazz tenor, plus hits of the ’60s, with superb keyboard and rhythm section. 8pm. Tickets £23, under-22s £12. www.hiveonline.org.uk

A day and a night at the races

Bitterley Races (Ludlow Hunt Point-to-Point) take place at Ludlow Racecourse on 2nd April. As well as seven races, there’s a fun fair, shopping and a late disco for those wanting to make an evening of it. The first race is at 1.30pm, with admission to the course from 11am. Tickets are £15 (under-15s free), early-bird discount available online until 19th March. Disco £10. Course-side parking £25. www.bitterleyraces.com

40 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Enjoy a daffodil walk with Mum

For a tranquil Mother’s Day treat, book ahead for the Daffodil Walk at Acton Scott Hall on 26th-27th March. Explore the woodland rock garden and hornbeam avenue, then enjoy tea in the Victorian conservatory or on the lawn overlooking Wenlock Edge. 2.30-5pm. £6.50. www.actonscott.com

WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE

A TRUE TOWN 10K

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 10TH-13TH MARCH

The Hatfields Shrewsbury 10k takes place on 13th March. This is a true town 10k, with closed roads and a grand DID YOU start in the Quarry Park. The route takes KNOW? in residential areas, hills and beautiful Jamie Lambie riverside tracks and the run is suitable won 2020’s for all levels of ability, with professional chip-timing, bespoke medals and technical race in 31:24 T-shirts for all competitors. UKA rules and regulations with a AUKCM measured minutes course apply. Entry is £27. www. ultimatefitnessevents.uk/events/shrewsbury-10k

FAMILIES CAMP OUT

Camp Severn is a brand-new festival event for 2022, designed with kids and families in mind. Running from 29th April-2nd May at the West Mid Showground, it offers a relaxed and fun-filled festival experience, with plenty to keep young ones entertained. Activities include a monster truck show, circus entertainment, disco, donkey rides, an inflatables zone and more! Festival passes for two adults and two children start from £180 and camping options from £150. The first three days of the festival are for campers only, but day tickets for 2nd May are available for those who do not want the full weekend with camping, and cost £45 for a family of four. Advance ticket purchases preferred. www.campsevernkidsfestival.co.uk

Roll up, roll up!

Step inside the Big Top tent and enjoy all the spectacle of Circus Funtasia! At Telford Broadoaks 3rd-13th March and Oswestry Showground 17th-27th March, expect circus classics such as fireeating and aerial gymnastics along with bike stunts and comedy in this brand-new live-action show. Tickets from £8 plus fee, times vary. www.circusfuntasia.co.uk

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10th March, Ludlow Walkers Anyone is welcome to join this guided walk starting from the Ragleth Inn, Little Stretton at 10am. The five to six mile route is over moderate terrain with stiles, so walking shoes or boots are needed. Finish with an optional pub lunch. www.ludlow.org.uk/walking

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Leaders of the alpaca

Around 650 alpacas will compete for top spot at the National Halter and Fleece Show on 25th-27th March at Telford International Centre. Categories include best breed, fleece and junior handler. There will also be trade stands offering yarn, clothing, homeware, toys and crafts. Entry is £2, or £5 for a family, proceeds to Severn Hospice. www.basnationalshow.co.uk

ON HOLIDAY WITH DOM JOLY

Dom Joly – best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV – is on tour for the first time since 2011, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him perform live. On 26th March he will be at Festival Drayton Centre, talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots, and signing copies of his book, The Hezbollah Hiking Club. From North Korea through the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he’s visited some of the most unusual places on the planet. Armed with a trusty Powerpoint, his holiday snaps can’t fail to provide comedy and a sense of danger. 7.30pm. Tickets £20. www.festivaldraytoncentre.com

11th March, Lunchtime Lecture, Cosford Air Museum RAF Museum curator Ewen Cameron will discuss Bomber Command’s use of radio navigations aids during World War Two. Attend in person or via livestream. 12.30pm. Free, but advance booking required. www.rafmuseum.org.uk www.crowdcast.io/e/ finding-the-way/register

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From 12th March, ‘Boundaries’ by Sarah Purvey, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow Sarah Purvey is a UK-based ceramic artist, represented by galleries nationally and internationally and this is a first solo show of new work. Open WednesdaySaturday, 10.30am-4pm. www.twenty-twenty.co.uk

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12th & 13th March, Shrewsbury Flea, West Mid Showground Over 100 stalls will be selling a fabulous mixture of antiques and collectables including furniture, clothing, fabrics and architectural salvage. 8.30am-3.30pm. Entry £3.50, under-16s free. Free parking. www.jos-events.co.uk

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12th & 13th March, Wenlock Olympian Live Arts Festival, William Brookes School The Wenlock Olympian is held in March each year. In the tradition of the original Olympic contests in the arts, there are competitive classes in dance, music, and speech and drama for young people aged 18 and under. Details at www.wenlockolympiansociety.org.uk

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 41

SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 19TH MARCH-2ND APRIL

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19th March, Grand Book Sale, Ludlow Assembly Rooms Browse thousands of pre-loved books, CDs and DVDs at bargain prices and help raise money for the historic Assembly Rooms. A modest entrance fee of £1 is payable. Entry from 10am. www. ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

•20th March, AGBO Stages Rally, Weston Park The rally

returns to its traditional date in the rallying calendar. Some 75 cars are expected to take part over 10 stages, covering more than 30 stage miles, all within the confines of Weston Park, near Shifnal. Gates open at 7am. Standard admission is £8 online, £12 at the gate. www.weston-park.com

Famous faces at Theatre Severn

Our pick of spring shows at the Shrewsbury venue: This is Me, 7th March Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice pays homage to the music and styles that have accompanied his rise from competitive dancer to household name. 2.30pm. Tickets from £34.

An Evening with Kate Humble, 6th April Farmer, activist, author and wildlife presenter, Kate shares

Spectacular steampunk

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24th March, Comedy Club, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury Resident host Dan Nightingale introduces 1930s throwback Troy Hawke (above), along with hip-hop improv artist MC Hammersmith. Three different performers, one very funny night. 8pm. Tickets £14. www. henrytudorhouse.com

•26th March, Craft Beading Workshop, Beadazzled,

Oswestry This full-day beading workshop offers tuition on wire work, bead stitching and crochet beadwork. Sessions can be tailored to meet individual needs. 10.30am4pm. www.beadazzledoswestry.co.uk

Shrewsbury Steampunk Spectacular takes place at St Mary’s Church on 2nd April. The event will focus around a steampunk market, with lots of exciting attractions throughout the day and evening. A parade will give all those dressed in their finery the chance to show off their creativity. Whether you’re a fan, a newbie or just steampunk curious, everyone’s welcome. www.chantillygrey.com

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2nd April, Ironbridge Early Birds, Enginuity Once a month, Enginuity opens early for families who would benefit from visiting at a quieter time when noise levels on activities will be adjusted. Visitor numbers are limited and are charged at £2 per child, with one adult free of charge per paying child; additional adults and children £2. Pre-booking essential. 8.30am-10am. www.ironbridge.org.uk

42 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

her passion for the natural world. 7.30pm. Tickets £26.

DID YOU KNOW? Giovanni holds Strictly’s record for perfect 10s: 98

Julian Clary: Born to Mince, 21st April Postponed from 2020, Clary’s outrageously camp show features some singing, an extract from his memoir A Night at the Lubricant, and probably a little fun poked at the front row. 7.30pm. Tickets £27. www.theatresevern.co.uk

Plants at Dorothy’s

When Dorothy Clive developed Parkinson’s disease, her husband created a wonderful garden for her to walk in. Now run by a charitable trust, the garden at Market Drayton is holding its annual Plant Hunters Fair on 17th and 18th April to raise funds. Browse the many stalls provided by award-winning specialist nurseries, with thousands of plants to choose from. Refreshments will be available in the tearoom. Admission is £5 per adult, £2 per child. Tickets from www.planthuntersfair.co.uk

COLOUR RUN RAISES FUNDS FOR CANCER

The fabulously fun Shrewsbury Colour Run takes place at the Sansaw Estate on 2nd April, with all proceeds going to the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. The route is 5k, non-competitive, and participants can walk, skip, hop, jump or complete the course however they choose. Marshals along the route will douse runners with as much coloured powder as possible – finishing clean is not an option! Entry is £20 (£7 for under-12s) plus service fee. Additional fundraising is welcome. Advance booking essential. www.lingendavies.co.uk

Award-winning Markets

MAR & APR 22

The Indoor Market is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and the outdoor market every Wednesday and Saturday. Plus we hold the Artisan Market on the last Friday of every month. The new weekly street market has gone from strength to strength attracting some fantastic bespoke stalls.

SHIRE FARME P O R E R S M A R K RS SH M A K ET &

Oswestry Youth Music Festival Wednesday 2nd to 6th March 2022

Whitchurch Friday Market

is open both indoors and at the front of Whitchurch Civic Centre, every Friday 7.30am – 12.30pm.

Over 300 talented young performers compete in this respected competition aimed at encouraging musical development. There are a huge number of classes using various instruments. The performances are free to watch and are held in local venues concluding with the Sunday final at Christchurch. For more details visit www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk or call 01691 680222

Easter Fun Day Saturday 5 March 2022 & Saturday April 2nd Quality makers & farmers market with 20 stalls. Contact Civic Centre directly on 01948 665761 #ShopWhitchurch

For further information call 01691 680222 or visit: www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk

Honorary Patron Steven Isserlis CBE Artistic Director Sophia Rahman

Whittington Music Festival 10th Anniversary “I’m proud to be associated with this event; 2022 is going to be a good Whittington vintage!” - Steven Isserlis CBE

19 to 22 May 2022 15 International Artists

including Mark Padmore, tenor

7 concerts in 4 days

of Chamber Music, Jazz & Song Zoe Rahman

All seats bookable. Tickets available online and on the door. For prices & programme visit the website

www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk

Und e

26 FRE s E

St John the Baptist Church Whittington, SY11 4DF Fidelio Charitable Trust

Friday 15 April 2022, 9am until 3pm Lots of family activities on the Bailey Head with games, rides, entertainment, face painting and Easter Hunt etc. Free prizes.

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WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 2ND-15TH APRIL

STEAM INTO SPRING

Severn Valley Railway’s first steam event of the year takes place on 21st-24th April. The Spring Steam Gala will showcase the best engines across the home fleet plus special guests. Visitors are free to swap trains as they like, travelling through

DID YOU KNOW? Severn Valley Railway is 160 years old this year

the scenic Shropshire and Worcestershire countryside. The Engine House will be open, exhibiting a variety of ages and classes of locomotives. Tickets and times at www.svr.co.uk

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7th April, Bandaoke Karaoke, Albert’s Shed, Telford A regular night at the popular live music venue, it’s karaoke with an added twist – you get to sing along to a live band, who can offer a back catalogue of hundreds of songs. Grab the mic and join in! 8pm. www.albertsshed.co.uk

Starry starry night

Meet with members of the Shropshire Astrological Society on 12th March at Comer Woods, Dudmaston Hall, for an evening of stargazing. The darkness of the location makes it ideal for observing the night sky – a selection of telescopes will be provided to allow you the best view of nature’s light show. The evening starts at 7pm, and if wet an alternative presentation will be held in the barn. Adult tickets are £10 plus standard admission fee. Pre-booking essential, warm clothing and torch advisable. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dudmaston/whats-on

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April 2nd and 3rd, Coleham Pumping Station Open Days, Shrewsbury Historic Coleham Pumping Station is a steam and vintage machinery museum maintained and operated by the Shrewsbury Steam Trust. Visitors will get to see the engines in operation along with other exhibits. 10am-4pm. £5 adults, under-16s free. www. shrewsburysteamtrust.co.uk

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9th and 10th April, Petcetera Easter Extravaganza, Bradeley Green, Whitchurch Bring along your fourlegged pals for some Easter fun, including a pet Easter bonnet parade, Easter hunt, guided dog walk, refreshments and more! Entry online in advance or on the day. www.petcetera.co.uk

CARTOON CAPERS

How many of us get to watch professional cartoonists drawing up-close? Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival offers that chance when it returns to the Square on 11th-30th April, providing interactive and informative events and exhibitions on this year’s theme of ‘Watch and Learn’. The central weekend of festival cartooning is 22nd-24th April and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to see and buy quality cartoon artwork and maybe even have your caricature drawn for posterity. www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.co.uk

IT TAKES TWO

Over an evening, a bickering landlord and landlady welcome colourful customers to their northern pub. Jim Cartwright’s play Two, presented by Skimming Stones at the Holroyd Theatre, Weston Rhyn on 7-9th April, is skilfully written for just two actors and takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster of comedy and pathos. 7.30pm. Tickets £15. www.theholroydtheatre.co.uk

Making music in Oswestry

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Oswestry Youth Music Festival returns 2nd-6th March. There are 81 competitive classes for young musicians up to the age of 21, including individual, group and school opportunities, with entrants coming from Shropshire and surrounding counties. The programme also features celebrity concerts. See www. owsestry-tc.gov.uk/ council-services/ oswestry-youth-musicfestival or the Facebook page. Pictured is 2020 winner Harry Fradley.

14th April, Holmes to the Last, Hermon Arts Centre, Oswestry Crowd of 2 Theatre Company presents Dr Watson’s true account of two of the adventures of Conan Doyle’s super sleuth: ‘The Dying Detective’ and ‘His Last Bow’. 7.15pm. Tickets £8 plus 20p service fee. www.hermon-arts.org.uk

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15th April, Easter Fun Day, Bailey Head, Oswestry Join in the fun family activities at Bailey Head with games, rides, entertainment, face painting, an egg hunt and prizes to be won. 9am3pm. www. oswestry-tc. gov.uk

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 45

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 17TH-30TH APRIL

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17th April, Hank Marvin Street Food, Severn Social Warehouse, Shrewsbury Expect some incredible food offerings in fantastic surroundings at the first Hank Marvin Street Food event of 2022. All information announced on social media or www.skiddle.com

Music for every taste at The Place

With plenty of performances in March and April, there’s bound to be something to get your feet tapping!

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22nd April, Whisky Tasting, Wrekin Whiskies at the Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury This smallgroup tasting session will focus specifically on whiskies from Speyside, from a little off the beaten track. Tickets cost £25 per person and must be booked in advance either directly in the shop or by phone. 7.30-9.30pm. www.wrekinwhiskies.com

Lipstick on Your Collar, 11th March Back-to-back hits from the 1950s and ’60s performed by a full live band. Bring your dancing shoes and let the good times roll! 7.30pm. Tickets £21.50.

Friends! The Musical Parody, 7th April Following a successful run on Broadway and in Las Vegas, this light-hearted show celebrates the greatest moments from the hit TV show. A must for fans. 7.30pm. Tickets £31.50. The Ladyboys of Bangkok, 19th April The long-running cabaret show has sold out Edinburgh Festival for over 21 years. This new production for 2022 brings more outrageous cheekiness and 400 fabulous costumes! 7.30pm. Tickets £24. www.theplacetelford.com

SEE ONE OF FOLK’S FINEST

On 31st March Sparc Theatre is proud to welcome one of folk music’s best loved figures, Martin Carthy. Highlights of his 50-year career include 10 solo and over 40 collaborative albums and a BBC Radio Two Lifetime Achievement Award. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene but far beyond it. Tickets from £10. www.sparctheatre.co.uk

•30th April, North Shropshire Artisan Fair, Ellesmere Town Hall A great opportunity to experience the best north Shropshire has to offer, from local makers, bakers, creators and artists. 10-4pm. www.chantillygrey.com

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Daily, Wild Swimming, Alderford Lake Open-water swimming is a perfect way to boost those endorphins and improve your circulation. Please ensure you acclimatise to cold water and seek guidance if necessary – open-water swim coaching is available. 9am-4.30pm. From £5.50. www.alderford.com

•Weekly, Paws Café, Shrewsbury Animal lovers can

enjoy a coffee in the company of 11 cats at Shropshire’s first cat café. Time slots must be booked in advance, and non-alcoholic drinks are included in session price. Dedicated slots available for families with children under 10. From £6 for 30 minutes. www.paws cafe.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? There’s 236 episodes (85 hours’ worth!) of Friends

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY…

Kick off festival season with Shrewsbury Fake Festival on 23rd April at The Quarry Park. Enjoy some of the best professional tribute acts in the giant marquee, including Oasish, Really Hot Chili Peppers, Duran and more. Whilst the event is mainly about the music, if weather allows there will be a selection of stalls and children’s entertainment. Early-bird tickets are on sale online for £32.50 until 12 March (£47.50 on the gate, although likely to sell out in advance). www.fakefestivals.co.uk

46 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

80k in a day the Shropshire way

From ultrarunners to leisure walkers, everyone is welcome at this friendly event on 2nd April, raising funds for the Grow, Cook, Learn charity. Choose from three routes: 50 miles in 24 hours, full marathon in 12 or half marathon in six. facebook. com/shropshireway80k

HOP ABOARD

Shropshire Real Ale Trail takes place on 23rd April, delivering you off the beaten track to some of the best pubs around the county. The ticket offers unlimited travel, and the bus calls at every destination approximately every 45 mins. Over 24s only. £20. www. realaletrail. co.uk

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Cambria Costume House offers theatrical costume hire, covering all the historical eras, and also a bespoke costume making service. We can provide costumes for theatrical productions, private individuals, education and heritage services, video and photo-shoots, TV & film productions, themed events, masquerade balls and Murder Mystery evenings.

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SHIRE MAGAZINE

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an actor, songwriter and 42 years as a professional singer. The tone mellowed for songs from her latest album, Posh Pop. ‘Zoom Zoom’ was playful, Toyah often punches the ‘Levitate’ a way to lift people’s air at the end of a song. spirits in lockdown. The triumph was ‘Take Me Home’ It’s sometimes aspirational, sometimes rebellious, (“We’re not alone often triumphal. on our rock among “We’re She punched her not alone the stars”) where way with energy and voice and guitars on our charm through past gave an ethereal rock…” hits, from ‘Thunder quality to the twin in the Mountain’ to messages: Planet ‘It’s a Mystery’, linking them Earth is in danger, but there with tales from her career as is a power in unity. HHHH

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After a global pandemic, we were all in need of a giggle. Ed ran around, exclaiming: “And finally… we are here! “The first lockdown was all gardening and sourdough, but the second – with home “My kids just wanted me to say ‘yes’ to Strictly – they schooling – was the toughest. didn’t care that I’d won a It led to lots of break-ups. Richard Osman fondue set.” My wife and I almost ended He loves the quirky it when I dropped a mug…” town that can’t decide The audience what to call itself. “And “Where I come from raised the roof. It finally… we say, ‘It’s Dublin, felt great to be here we are not Doooblin.’ at last for the twicehere!” What’s wrong with rescheduled show. The Edinburgh you, Shrewsbury – or should I say Fringe veteran’s ‘Shroowsbury’?” Come back observations as a father facing soon, Ed! HHHHH a mid-life crisis were hilarious:

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March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 49

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50 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Date

d o o G honest fun

CELEBRITY

Favourite funnyman Ed Byrne is back on the road with his hilarious new stand-up show If I’m Honest. He talks to Shire ahead of visits to the patch in April and June.

self-deprecation to unexpected extremes. ward-winning comedian Ed Byrne “I do genuinely annoy myself,” he has 25 years of stand-up and television concedes. “That thing about your children experience under his belt, on stage and screen being a reflection of you – it gives you the and as a regular on Mock the Week and The opportunity to build something out of Graham Norton Show. He has also presented the best of yourself, only for you to then see his own shows such as Dara & Ed’s Great Big Adventure and its follow-up, Dara & Ed’s flashes of the worst of yourself in them. It’s Road to Mandalay, and as a semi-professional a wake-up call about your own behaviour.” hill-walker he brought a refreshing warmth Mid-life crises to BBC2’s recent hit The Pilgrimage. But the Irishman is still best-known and If I’m Honest brilliantly elucidates the appreciated for his stand-up performances. frustrations of middle age – and the show His new show If I’m Honest uses his own lives up to its title. “I’m bored looking for life experience to dig ever deeper into a things,” Ed says. “I’m bored of trying to find father’s sense of responsibility, what it stuff, because I can never find it and it is means to be a man in 2022, and whether entirely my fault. Nobody’s hiding my stuff he possesses any qualities whatsoever that from me. Although my wife did actually are worth passing on to his two sons. move my passport on one occasion.” Ed litters his laughs with commentary on He insists that, while the show might have politics, rights and hot topics – but never mordant and occasionally morbid aspects, it’s too much to put also not without its people off coming quietly triumphant along for a giggle. “I’m bored looking for things, moments. “I thought He says: “I did stuff I was being quite I’m bored of trying to find about Trump and the upbeat talking about Pizzagate right-wing stuff, because I can never find the small victories,” conspiracy and a he says. “You know, it and it is entirely my fault” finding positivity couple of reviewers said, ‘Oh, I would in being able to have liked to watch spot when a cramp is about to happen in your leg and dealing a whole show of this.’ And I think, ‘Well, with it before it does. I was happy with you might have, but the average person who myself about that. You see comics who are comes to see me would not like to see that.” my age and older but are still retaining a I like to make a point or get something level of ‘cool’ and drawing a young crowd. off my chest, or perhaps I’m talking about I can’t deny I’m quite envious of that. But something that’s been on my mind, but there’s also something very satisfying about the majority of stuff is just to get laughs.” your audience growing old with you.” Making a point Since the pandemic hit and live comedy “People who come to see me are not political as we know it temporarily ceased, Ed has activists necessarily, they’re regular folk. If done a few socially-distanced gigs as well as you can make a point to them, in between some on Zoom, but he cannot wait to get talking about your struggles with ageing back on the road properly. It will have been or discussing your hernia operation or 18 months since he last performed on tour. whatever, you can toss in something that “I’ll have to see what still works and what does give people pause as regards to how doesn’t. I’ve missed doing stand-up the most men should share the household chores.” during lockdown. No one told me: ‘You’re Ed, who broke through to fame in the not going to be touring for 18 months,’ mid-1990s when ‘New Lad’ became a or I would have planned it better.” genuine cultural phenomenon, reckons Ed will be at Newtown’s Theatr Hafren on that if the times have changed, he has 23rd April, Crewe Lyceum on 16th June, changed with them. The new material Bangor’s Theatr Bryn Terfel on 17th June also takes his natural tendency towards and Oakengates, Telford on 23rd June.

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 51

s s e c c A areas? all Days out in the UK usually mean keeping your fingers crossed the weather will be on your side, or that when you get to where you’re going you’ll be able to park. But what if you also have to factor in accessibility… Can your whole party enjoy the place you’re planning to visit?

52 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

ver 13 million people in the UK are classed as disabled, 1.2 million of whom use a wheelchair, and there are around 350,000 people on the registers of blind and partially sighted. So it is essential that leisure providers and tourist attractions give consideration to these figures unless huge parts of our country are to become no-go zones to a sizeable part of the population.

A visit to a new place if you have specific requirements can be daunting Knowing where you can go to the loo is essential for everyone, but a visit to a new place if you have specific requirements can be daunting. Some of the places we feature here have a Changing Places toilet. These are so much more than a standard accessible toilet, which in some cases can be just a slightly wider cubicle! In a Changing Places toilet you will find space for an electric wheelchair to move, room for the user and a carer to operate, and facilities that can include adult-sized changing benches, hoists and other equipment to make a bathroom experience easier and more hygienic. Search changing-places.org/find to find their locations in the Shire region. Across the following pages we’re taking a look at some great attractions you may have yet to discover…

DID YOU KNOW? Since the zoo began its project to help save the endangered black rhino, 10 baby rhinos have been born here

With lots of viewing points you’re sure of good photos

Talk with the animals

with ease. There is plenty of space to manouevre and move around easily should assistance by carers be required.

Because of its indoor and outdoor attractions, Chester Zoo is a year-round, all-weather destination, offering fun and plenty of opportunities to learn whilst being highly accessible, so visitors with wheelchairs, mobility scooters and limited mobility can relax and enjoy their day. There is free disabled parking at the main entrance – just let a car park attendant know when you arrive and they will direct you to one of the disabled spaces – and carers have free entry. Free wheelchair and electric scooter hire is also on offer, subject to a £25 refundable deposit. Accessible toilet facilities are available across the zoo site, including a Changing Places facility inside the Jubilee toilet block, with a powered adjustable bench with shower washing facility, a heightadjustable sink with soap dispenser, plus an automatic paper-towel dispenser and a warm-air handdryer. The toilet has easy-access hand rails and the room also features a hoist from which all the units in the room can be accessed

Multiple viewing points All of the pathways are accessible, with a wheelchair lift available at the Realm of the Red Ape for those who may struggle to use the ramp. The Elephant Bridge and Wooden Bats Bridge have a steep gradient, so just ask if you need assistance in these areas Many animal habitats have multiple viewing points so let staff know if you need advice about the best places to view their amazing animals. The Lazy River Boat Trip has wheelchair access, but electric scooters are not allowed; however, they can offer the use of a wheelchair for your boat trip at the jetty. Full accessibility details can be seen at chesterzoo.org. Left: all paths are wheelchair accessible

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 53

DID YOU KNOW? On a clear day you can see 24 counties and 17 islands from the top!

Above the clouds

DID YOU KNOW? In Hangar 1 you can see the 1:1 scale Airfix Spitfire shown on James May’s Toy Stories

It’s a nice flat site

Nature’s thrill ride

Military precision

North Wales has some spectacular views, and there’s few better places to enjoy them than from the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

If WW2 planes, heavy artillery or Cold War history are your thing, you need to head to the RAF Museum Cosford, near Telford. As well as planes, tanks, cars and engines there are displays on the military engagements, and some of the pilots’ personal possessions. The whole site is flat, with ramps where needed and wide doors, and the National Cold War Exhibition has an accessible platform lift for access to all levels. There are accessible toilets in all hangars, and a new Changing Places facility in the Visitor Centre, which includes a ceiling track hoist for full room coverage, an adult-`size height-adjustable changing table and adjustable-height sink along with other essential equipment and extra space. “As a national museum, we recognise how important it is that each one of our visitors is able to enjoy their day with us in comfort and dignity,” said Paula Kovacs, the museum’s community engagement manager, at the launch.

Ramped access Trains depart from Llanberis Station which can be accessed via two steps or a ramp, and staff can give assistance if required. All of the contemporary carriages have ramped access, but it is advisable to pre-book to guarantee a wheelchair space. At the moment the summit stop itself is closed until 2023 due to essential works on the upper part of the track, so trains halt at Clogwyn. It’s still worth the trip though; this is three-quarters of the way to the top of Snowdon, so you’ll have amazing views on the journey and at Clogwyn. Please note there are no toilet facilities at Clogwyn, but an accessible toilet is located at Llanberis. Clogwyn Station stands on an exposed ridge, overlooking Llanberis Pass and Clogwyn Du’r Arddu cliffs. Nearby lies a group of huge boulders that once tumbled from cliffs above and are rumoured to be the home of a witch named Canthrig Bwt, who would try to catch children climbing on the rocks! Passengers using wheelchairs are able to exit the train onto the platform to enjoy the views, although the terrain off the platform is mountainous and may not be suitable. For timetables and booking information check out snowdonrailway.co.uk

“Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world”

54 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Inclusive play area Braille is used on some of the displays, and assistants have been trained to explain exhibits for blind or partially sighted visitors. Hangar 3 (Battle of Britain) has audio. Scooters and wheelchairs are available free of charge. Outside there is an inclusive play area with ramps onto some of the equipment, which includes cockpits and plane fuselage! rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford

DID YOU KNOW? Three Welsh lakes – Llydaw, Dinas and Ogwen – lay claim to hold King Arthur’s sword Excalibur

Learn new skills

Love individual design and crafting? Corris Craft Centre near Machynllech is for you!

DID YOU KNOW? Most Shire horses are bay (reddish-brown with black mane and tail), grey or Moments of wonder black

Adorable foals

The talented craftspeople at Corris Craft Centre produce pottery (the famous smoking dragons), candles, jewellery, chocolate, artisan gin (Dyfi Distillery), glass sculptures, furniture and woollen gifts. Some offer the chance to have a go yourself. An artwork studio is opening soon. The nine studios are a short distance apart and wheelchair accessible over flat paving. The centre has a Changing Places toilet with height-adjustable adult-sized bench, a loop and mobile hoist, and a peninsular toilet.

Now to horses so amazing you’d almost think they were mythical… Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre and Stud Farm, near Tarporley, is set in 50 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside, with up to 30 horses at any time for you to meet. As well as the fabulous Shires there’s a selection of British animals and birdlife both wild and domesticated, including rare breeds. You will never forget watching the otters feed!

Stuff of legend An outdoor storytelling maze starts from the centre: Lost Legends of the Stone Circle hides eight mythical tales, a host of intriguing characters and the stones. Complete the quiz and win a medal! The gravel pathways are accessible to most wheelchair users, although larger mobility scooters may not be able to access a small section. Call 01654 761437 to discuss your requirements before making a special journey. corriscraftcentre.co.uk.

Around the farm There are four designated parking bays, ramped access from the car park and wheelchair access to a fair amount of the site.The stables and exhibition centre are hard surfaced and mainly level, and the area around the yard is easily accessible, with ramps and gentle slopes. The Easier Access walk to visit the horses further afield is a cinder track and suitable for most wheelchairs, pushchairs and scooters; other trails around the farm are grassed and may be hard-going in wet weather. The centre has level access to the gift shop with sufficient room between displays, and the Lakeside Café is spacious. Seating on the balcony overlooking the lake is also easily accessed. The toilets have good wheelchair turning space, with ample room for a carer. Visit cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk for details – and to see photos of their adorable foals!

“The nine craft studios are only a short distance apart, and all wheelchair accessible over flat paving”

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 55

Hire a Tramper

DID YOU KNOW? Another accessible picnic spot is the half-mile Afon Crafnant Amble at Gwydir Forest

An off-roader has no trouble with the slopes

A magnificent mansion

Riverside picnic site

Attingham Park is a beautiful estate in Atcham, near Shrewsbury, which includes a magnificent mansion built in 1782 and 4,000 acres of parkland and gardens. It has a tea room and cafe, a shop and a bookshop. There are several accessible toilets, one of which is a Changing Places facility. The car park is stone-chipped and tarmacked throughout. The park has recently reintroduced a shuttle buggy service which can take visitors to the walled garden and mansion from the back of the Stables Courtyard. There is mainly level ground throughout the visitor reception and courtyard and around the Pleasure Grounds. Outside the cafe the surfaces are blue brick or resin-bonded gravel; there are areas of cobbles at both entryways to the courtyard. Inside there is level flooring or ramps.

The Afon Eden Trail at Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau has several pieces of tactile sculpture and is accessible using an adaptive bike. Follow the trail through woods to the picnic site where the Eden rushes over rocks. Off-road mobility scooters are available for hire. The blue accessible trail (1 mile/1.6km) is a wide, well-surfaced route with a gradient of no more than 1:10 and rest points every 100m. The yellow loop climbs to the visitor centre on a 1:6 slope through young oak, rowan, birch and beech. This section is suitable for pushchairs and off-road scooters. The centre has a lift, a hearing loop in the cafe, Braille signage and accessible toilets.

“The see-saw type apparatus is an inclusive design that meets the needs of many children, particularly wheelchair users”

No steps, stairs or gates To enjoy the parkland, the Mile Walk starts from the Stables Courtyard. It is a 2km circular route, with iron benches at intervals, and has no steps, stairs or gates. There are, however, slopes on grass and stone paths through the Deer Park. Trampers and wheelchairs can be hired (subject to availability) in advance. Most of the rooms in the mansion are accessible, and there is a lift to upper floors, although this may not be large enough for some electric wheelchairs. You can check dimensions on the accessibility statement at nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park, or for specific queries email attingham@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01743 708170. 56 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

A natural play opportunity Outside, the accessible play area is covered by a softpore surface. The rotating rock is stimulating and requires minimal arm strength. The bird’s nest swing is safe for children who find it difficult to sit up, while the see-saw type apparatus is an inclusive design that meets the needs of many children, particularly wheelchair users, as it has a ramped entrance and exit and offers the thrill of the changing surface. See naturalresources.wales and search ‘Days Out’.

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Enjoying the countryside is popular with people of all ages, and Wales has some of the most spectacular! There’s a good selection of locations at naturalresources.wales/ accessible-visits All the routes are graded to help you decide if they’ll be suitable, and the website lists accessible walking trails, inclusive walking and cycling trails for users of adaptive equipment, and visitor centres with accessible play areas, cafes and toilets.

DID YOU KNOW? Until 2nd April the gallery is showing paintings by George Cockram, former resident artist on Anglesey

The countryside is for everyone

Outdoors or in?

A specially built boat There’s nothing like messing about on the water, and the Overwater Wheelyboat Service offers a specially built boat that can be accessed by wheelchair, walking frame and walking stick. It is moored at Overwater Marina, between Nantwich and Audlem. The boat can carry eight passengers, with up to four using a wheelchair. A standard booked trip will last from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the weather and passengers’ wishes, and takes in a length of the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal. The marina cafe is accessible and open every day, and there’s an accessible toilet at the reception building. You can book by calling 01270 812677 or emailing info@overwatermarina.co.uk, or see overwaterwheelyboat.co.uk for more details.

Internationally important paintings Staying indoors takes the weather out of the equation, so consider a trip to the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead, where the displays include ceramics, sculpture and maritime history, along with internationally important paintings. It is also home to the largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK. Facilities include disabled parking, an access ramp and push/pull double doors, with a single door wide enough for a wheelchair. The entire gallery is single floor. There are induction loops, and largeprint guides for some of the permanent galleries. The Changing Places toilet has a height-adjustable, adult-sized bench, ceiling and loop hoist and height-adjustable washbasin. Staff are happy to help and are trained in disability awareness, dementia awareness, equality and diversity. williamsonartgallery.org 58 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

The owner of accessiblecountryside.org.uk believes that the countryside is for everyone but has found that, whilst there are thousands of miles of public footpaths, bridleways, green lanes, trails and tracks, very few are accessible to those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, parents with buggies or people with mobility impairment who find stiles tricky to negotiate. The website lists walks and countryside locations that are accessible, but information is provided by contributors, so it’s recommended to check locally (the links are on there) before travelling. Finally, AccessAble (previously DisabledGo) also has a website accessable.co.uk and an app that offer accessibility information. They’ve surveyed tens of thousands of shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, stations, leisure centres, parks and gardens, and hotels, so they are well worth checking out. As with everything, accessibility is very individual, and what suits one person may not suit another. We’d always recommend calling ahead if you have specific queries. Let us know about your days out and how accessibility issues were addressed (or not) – we’d be really interested to hear from you! Email us at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk

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Homes&Interiors

HEAL’S APPEALS Our homes and interiors expert Holly Johnson, of Holly Johnson Antiques in Knutsford talks to Shire about the furniture favourite Heal’s

tai l

eal’s is a well-established name in the UK furniture market. and often have it in their own homes,” Its heritage dates all the way back to 1810, when John Harris says Holly. “Designers very often Heal and his son set up the business. Originally, they made and choose Heal’s for their clients’ sold French-style feather-filled mattresses, and later expanded homes as well, as its simplicity into a wider range of furniture, including beds, dressers and tables. complements many different styles.” Ambrose Heal, great-grandson of John Harris Heal, joined the The classic materials of aged family company in 1893, and the business really started to boom. oak and limed oak provide a light Holly says: “Ambrose was not the most popular member of the and natural look in the home, and Heal’s team – he was seen as a bit of a tyrant by other members are signature styles of Heal’s. of the staff. However, he was a great marketeer and an ambitious A salesman, which was very good for the growth of the business.” RARE FINDS se al o f dis It was around this time that Heal’s became a ‘destination’ shop, At Holly Johnson’s showroom, Heal’s tinction renowned for its modern furniture designs. Ambrose Heal was pieces always sell quickly, and Holly says that ahead of his time and loved the Arts and Crafts the brand continues to grow in popularity. “The aged style. His designs appeared at shows run by oak pieces from Heal’s are very popular and are still reasonably priced, although prices do seem to be on the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, and “Aged oak soon became so successful that the previous the rise. There are plenty of chances to find lovely pieces are very antipathy towards him started to shift. mid-century Heal’s furniture, although the painted popular and Ambrose was a founding member of the furniture is rare and harder to come across.” Design and Industries Association (DIA), set During the Second World War, the Heal’s factory still reasonably up in 1914-15 to bring some of the values of turned to producing parachutes, the new skills mastered priced, although the Arts and Crafts movement to industrial by the workforce later helping in launching the fabric prices are on production. In 1910, to mark the centenary of arm of the business. the rise” Heal’s, commemorative postage stamps were In 1983 the produced, bearing the company was sold emblem of a fourto Terence Conran’s poster bed – after the store’s sign. The Storehouse company, but despite Tottenham Court Road location had investment of money and talent become such a popular meeting it never fully regained the status place that it was deemed iconic it had held in earlier decades as the leading retailer of wellenough to be put on envelopes designed products for the home. and posted all over the country. Holly concludes: “In many In 1913 Heal became chairman ways, the history of Heal’s of the firm and the Tottenham mirrors that of British design Court Road store was rebuilt, with reform, with strong influences an gallery on the upper floor. Heal from the Arts and Crafts was knighted in 1933 and appointed movement and the DIA, as a royal designer six years later. and a growing awareness of “Interior designers, both in the Scandinavian design.” UK and abroad, love Heal’s furniture, Classic good looks

from d a 1920s sideboar

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 61

HOMES & INTERIORS

HOUSESELLING HEROES

A prominent North Wales estate agent is celebrating a landmark anniversary as well as record-breaking awards successes

illiams Estates has handed over the keys to thousands of doors across North Wales over the past 21 years. Director Jason Williams launched the company at the turn of the century and has grown it strategically from one employee and one office to 25 staff across seven sites in Denbigh, Mold, Rhyl, Ruthin, Holywell, Rhuddlan Jason Williams and Prestatyn. Having taken on six new Welsh-speaking employees in past months the 51-year-old is laying the foundations for a bright future. “We have grown through the pandemic and expanded our workforce, which is an achievement given the challenges all sectors have faced since the onset of Covid-19,” said Jason, who is married to Emma and has three children, Harry, Rory and Nathan. “But we have done so sustainably, as before, and are now focused on making ourselves even better rather than bigger. That means improving by 10-20 percent, which will make us even more efficient and meet the huge demand we have for our services at present. We have set the bar high, but you can always aim higher.”

Pandemic pivot

He added: “Like many firms we had to pivot quickly in the pandemic, but long term the changes we made – including video tours, online forms for tenants and vendors to complete remotely and virtual

Making a splash

ot tub, sauna and leisure company UK Leisure Living, which has sites in Deeside, Mochdre and St Asaph, has won a major industry award – and celebrated by taking on a new brand ambassador. Managing director Gareth Jones was delighted to be named Best Hot Tub & Leisure Company at the UK Enterprise Awards and has welcomed Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ester Dee to help promote the firm’s products. Gareth said: “We had an Housewife Ester Dee with Gareth Jones incredible 2021 and are now 62 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Homes in Ruthin

conferencing – will only make us more efficient and accessible.” Williams Estates won six titles at the ESTAS – the property Oscars – at the end of 2021, including its ninth Gold for Best Sales Agent in Wales, and another for Best Estate Agency Group in Wales. Having developed the lettings side of the group to management of more than 400 properties, Jason, a former president of the North Wales, South Cheshire and Merseyside branch of the National Association of Estate Agents – says life has never been busier. “When I opened our first office in Denbigh it was just me and a commitment to being a family-orientated business offering that personal touch, and never forgetting that the customer is always number one,” he added. “I’ve never strayed from that ethos and am now joined by a “We have grown fantastic team who share that sustainably, belief. We’ve grown together and are now – as people and as a company – and I am so proud of what focused on Williams Estates has become, making ouselves and our place in the sector. To better rather win awards is a huge honour than bigger” and we are delighted with this recent success, but for me seeing the joy on the faces of a family when they get the keys to their new home is unsurpassable. That’s what has kept us at the forefront of this industry and why we are determined to stay there for another 21 years and beyond.” For more information, visit www.williamsestates.com

moving to position ourselves as the area’s leading outdoor leisure retailer, with products you won’t find anywhere else.” Among the innovative lines to be introduced is a collaboration with Swedish group Tylo, a pioneer in the area of saunas, steam rooms and steam showers, and a new range of barbecue grills and garden furniture. He added: “As we grow, we want to keep raising our profile, so it is great to “She is a have Ester on board. She is a dynamic, dynamic entrepreneurial person and very popular person and on social media channels like Instagram, popular where she has 283,000 followers. She on social also shares our love of hot tubs.” Ester, a former model who also appeared media” on Celebrity Dinner Date, lives in Deganwy with her daughter and is looking forward to working with Gareth and his 15-strong team. She said: “I feel proud to support a growing local company that plays such a big part in the community.”

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HOMES & INTERIORS

BOWLED OVER

One local craftsperson is delighted to have a new outlet for her beautiful ceramics on the Shire patch

n a world where everything happens at the tap of a finger, Sarah believes the rewards in pottery are worth waiting for. She designs and makes stoneware that is simple, practical and to be used every day. It’s mainly wheel-thrown but she also enjoys hand building. Her aim is to create beauty in form, with minimal decoration. Brought up in rural Cheshire, Sarah enrolled at art school after sixth form to study graphic design. After meeting her partner Neil, they settled in Northop, Flintshire, to run a design and editorial business. Sarah has always had a passion for ceramics, be it fine, antique or modern studio pottery. Visiting the Potteries with her mum at an early age introduced her to the skills of the potter. When

“I believe pottery that is a joy to make will be a joy to hold”

Sarah creates bud vases in a variety of sizes

Reason to be cheerful Lifestyle emporium MOOand BOOM launched in Whitchurch in April 2021. Owner Maddie Ashbrook looks back over… well, quite a year!

a M

e are delighted that our refurbished store on the high street has been embraced locally as well as becoming a little ‘destination’. We stock sustainable lifestyle and interiors products, including beauty, well-being and ladies’ clothing. Our clothing range has really taken off. The dd ie, BCI cottons and b.young ak a Mo o jeans all have a story behind them. People feel comfortable wearing them knowing they haven’t bought into fast fashion. Part of our journey with MOOand BOOM was embracing the holistic lifestyle. We work with fabulous suppliers for our crystals, who guarantee their quality, and this in itself Those colours!

Sarah’s designs are simple, practical and unique

she got a chance to have a go herself, she instantly fell in love. The jugs, mugs and bowls she creates from her home in Northop are the ideal pieces to add creative charm to your kitchen. Bud vases and candle holders in all manner of sizes also form part of the range. The practical pottery is suitable for everyday use but as it is handmade, each piece is unique.

Pottering on

Sarah said: “I make my work in small batches to ensure it isn’t rushed and each process is enjoyable. I believe pottery that is a joy to make will be a joy to hold. “I had a stall at the Christmas market at Rhug Farm Estate, and I’m pleased to now have a range of my Hy gg ceramics for sale in their shop. I hope em ug, customers enjoy the uniqueness of the items.” £25 Amy Coleman, managing director of Rhug Ltd, said: “We are delighted with the beautiful range of ceramics Sarah has produced for us. Each item is a truly individual piece of art as well as being a practical item for the home. We are lucky to have such amazingly talented artists and producers on our doorstep here in North Wales.” Visit sarahbartlem.wixsite.com/ceramics

is good energy. We hold workshops and events in our studio as well as tai chi, yoga and creative hours. It’s all on our website. We’re proud to be working with some new stockists this year. Kind Bag, London supply shopping bags and rucksacks made from recycled plastic bottles, in collaboration with designers like Maggie Stephenson. And we have some gorgeous hand-glazed Portuguese pottery. Antiques and upholstered items are sourced by my mum. She has a way of using colour that Mum sources the furniture makes a piece really pop. Our little cafe specialises in gluten-free and vegan bakes. Come and say hi – there’ll always be positive vibes and a smile to welcome you. Follow us @mooandboom or www.mooandboom.com March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 65

HOMES & INTERIORS

Kitchen dreams

Local craftsmen from Calon Kitchens have opened a new workshop where they continue to design and build bespoke and beautiful kitchens

alon Kitchens is Tony Jones’s family business with over 30 years of experience in the industry. The team of local craftsmen build individually designed furniture, made to measure and finished to the highest standards. They offer unbeatable craftsmanship, quality and style, together with a truly personal service that ensures that no detail is overlooked. The team create luxury kitchens and furniture that are unique. Calon Kitchens previously worked out of both Cerrigydrudion and Llangollen but Tony has moved all elements of the business to Corwen. His new workshop is now up and running in the Old Forge on the Rhug Estate, where there is also a showroom. He said: “Rhug Estate is the perfect location for us. The Old

“It’s well worth a trip to appreciate the workmanship of Tony and his team”

Watch your project coming together

Forge lends itself well to being a workshop and it also provides us with a shop window. Visitors can see the Calon Kitchens’ team building kitchens and watch the detail that goes into every single piece of furniture that we produce.”

DID YOU KNOW? The can opener wasn’t invented until 45 years after tin cans!

The attention to detail is fantastic 66 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Forging ahead

Emma Story, Rhug Estate’s estate manager said: “Last year’s lockdowns gave our estates team time to concentrate on one of our longer-term projects, which is to develop the commercial units we have available to let. The first unit to get some attention was the Old Forge, at the far end of our farm shop car park. “We’ve taken our time to find the right people for it – we’ve been letting the space out to pop-up shops in the interim. We’re very pleased to welcome Calon Kitchens here as our new tenant. “It’s well worth a trip to appreciate the workmanship of Tony and his team, and we love that you can ask to watch your kitchen or furniture items being made in the workshop. We’d like to encourage more of this type of offering at Rhug, where local businesses showcase their work and customers can come and view the whole process.” The Old Forge building is situated at the far end of the car park, near the entrance to the Drive Thru, and has been re-roofed and refurbished to create a perfect working space. The estate is always keen to hear from local businesses looking for rental space. If you are interested in finding out more, email Emma at contact@rhug.co.uk or call 01490 413000. For more on Calon Kitchens, see www.calonfurniture.co.uk

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HOMES & INTERIORS

LOWFIELD TIMBER FRAMES INVESTS IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Mid Wales-based timber frame manufacturer Lowfield Timber Frames reports a rapid increase in demand for Passivhaus builds

aving completed the first Passivhaus social housing scheme in Powys, a new-build primary school in Welshpool and a social housing development in Shropshire, Lowfield Timber Frames (LFT) has secured more Passivhaus projects for the future, including several schools and council-led residential schemes. The term ‘Passivhaus’ refers to buildings created to rigorous, energy-efficient design standards so that they maintain an almost constant temperature. In response to the climate emergency and increased demand for low-carbon installations for government buildings, LTF has invested in its own Warmcel insulation system, meaning that insulation can now be installed in roof cassettes off-site, during the manufacturing process, thus reducing the time working at height on site and avoiding possible site defects from insulating after installation. Warmcel is a high-performance insulation for timberframed buildings, sustainably manufactured from recycled newspaper. LTF is an approved installer and its team have undertaken technical training to ensure they are expert in the techniques and standards. There is a natural fluctuation of moisture levels within a building that begins at the “Clients are construction stage and continues throughout starting to its lifetime. The hygroscopic properties understand of Warmcel help this moisture to migrate the need naturally to the outside of the building fabric for a without building up on structural elements. Darren Jarman, managing director of breathable,

airtight building envelope”

Passivhaus is the peak of energy efficiency

LTF commented: ‘Our clients are really starting to understand the importance of a breathable, airtight building envelope as well as thermal performance, and Warmcel ticks all the boxes.’ “As main contractors start putting greater emphasis on embodied carbon and the need for EPDs (environmetal product declarations), Warmcel will become mainstream and we are excited to be able to provide this offering in a factorycontrolled environment.” lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk

Roof cassettes can now be insulated off-site, before being installed

Lowfield Timber Frames is pleased to announce we will be attending this year’s Homebuilding & Renovating Show on 24th-27st March at NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT. Go to www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk/news to register for your pair of tickets – and visit us on Stand D156! The first Passivhaus social housing for Powys March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 69

New Homes

ENTERTAINING SPACE

It’s always great to have somewhere to entertain at home and a good social space is a big part of any house design – whether it’s outside or in

ow that mixing and mingling is back on, we’re all happy to welcome friends and family into our homes. But maybe it’s time to look at the areas you use for entertaining? Having the perfect social space to host your friends and family is invaluable, whether that be a basement conversion for sumptuous late-night parties, or a chic home bar stocked with fine wines for a sophisticated soirée. There are, however, several key considerations when curating the ideal setting to enjoy with your guests and it might be worth adding a bespoke social spot to your plot – away from the main house. Edward Medd, co-founder of modular buildings specialist Vita Modular, gave Shire his insights on contemporary design options. Garden rooms, he said, have come a “Create long way from the draughty wooden atmosphere summerhouses of old – and yes, it with a really is possible to create the luxurious sound and entertaining area you have always dreamed of in your own back yard. lighting

A space for all seasons

system”

“In the past, homeowners looking to extend their living or leisure space with a garden building were generally faced with very little choice but to opt for timber shed-style structures, which are simply not practical for use in colder months,” said Medd. “Modular buildings, which are rising in popularity, provide an innovative solution for those seeking more solidity and durability and can be used even in the depths of winter. He continued: “When selecting your garden building, it is important you not only have complete peace of mind knowing that you have a room that is built to last, but also that it can be enjoyed with friends and family comfortably all year round. Vita Modular garden rooms are designed to meet current UK building regulations, meaning they benefit from the same energy Edward Medd, co-founder 70 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

performance criteria as any modern new-build home. “Connection to an existing power supply is essential, allowing you to create the ideal atmosphere with a sound and lighting system. With the right set-up, a garden room can be self-contained; you can install a wine cooler or even a fully fledged bar.”

An intimate escape from the family hubbub

Keeping the peace

“Extravagant celebrations with friends that go on into the early hours are likely to fracture relations with the neighbours,” warned Medd. “It is wise to consider additional sound-proofing features, keeping the noise outside of your garden room to a minimum. And for optimal temperature control in the colder months, I would suggest considering electric underfloor heating solutions before your installation gets underway.”

Extending your home

“What people don’t always realise is that Modular doesn’t have to mean a stand-alone garden room,” he added. “At Vita Modular, our offering also includes unique, modular home extensions which can be manufactured to almost any shape and configuration and connect with buildings of any type or age – ideal for those wishing to keep the party even closer to home. “There is a growing understanding of the many advantages of modular buildings, which in my view provide the perfect bespoke solution for homeowners seeking additional living and leisure space.” For further information, visit www.vita-modular.co.uk

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While the government strives to reduce carbon emissions, home eco efficiency has been under scrutiny – revealing one local city that is leading the way

t comes as no surprise that property energy ratings across British homes are being heavily scrutinised – ‘sustainability’ and ‘emissions’ are two words that are never far from the conversation within the wider media in the UK. Despite recent price hikes for consumers, home energy is still one area where we are being asked to improve our efforts, and the government has committed to a net-zero target domestically and signed into a number of global-warming prevention acts on a worldwide scale. Whether they are going to meet these ambitious goals remains to be seen; however, they are certainly introducing measures at a rate that suggests intent. Two areas that have been placed under the microscope are “A simple housing and communities, and energy.

Great rates

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boiler repair can make a difference”

homes. Where is best equipped for our sustainable future? England’s thirdsmallest town, Ripon, ranks as the most energy efficient, but hot on its heels is the Shire superhero of eco-friendly homes, the Welsh city of St Asaph. It St Asaph, we’re proud of you came in a clear second, scoring 97 percent. At the very bottom of the pile, with fewest environmentally friendly homes, is Wolverhampton. If you’re looking to make your house more eco-friendly, you may not need to look far. A simple boiler repair, if your boiler is less efficient than it once was, can really make the difference – not only keeping you safe but reducing your environmental impact.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

A new construction and education alliance in North Wales aims to improve quality and help meet demand for skilled workers in the housebuilding sector

oleg Cambria has be integrating the importance of the organisation and the entered into a value of a career in the sector training partnership with “We will into course modules, with a the Chartered Institute be well of Building (CIOB), focus on continuing academic placed the world’s largest and learning and work experience. to help “As a training partner of the most influential body for CIOB, Coleg Cambria plans to management and leadership meet the develop the qualifications and in the construction arena. demand” The CIOB has been skills of the existing workforce working with Cambria through the appropriate routes to Chartered Membership, to to raise the profile of the Karl Jackson of the Institute of Technology, and Gemma Booth promote a qualifications culture institute among students throughout the construction and built environment sectors and and employers, and will be holding CPD (Continuing Professional encourage lifelong learning,” said Gemma. Development) events at its Bersham Road site in the future. The college has also applied to become a CIOB Accredited Karl Jackson, assistant principal of the Institute of Technology Centre for its Level 6 degree programme – the BSc (Hons) and site lead at Bersham Road, added: “More and more skilled and trained construction workers are going to be needed across the Construction Management in Housebuilding – with the first cohort set to graduate next summer. Gemma Booth, a member country in the years ahead and we will be well-placed to help meet that demand.” For more college news, visit www.cambria.ac.uk of the CIOB, recently moved into education at Cambria. She will March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 73

Call 01743 588087 or 07815 616481 and arrange a free no - obligation quote.

Visit our Showroom on Vanguard Way, Battefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury SY1 3TG (opposite The Household Recycling centre)

Email: sales@kitchen-revivals.co.uk Visit our website at www.kitchen-revivals.co.uk

THINKING about having a new kitchen? THINK it will be too expensive? THINK again! THINK Kitchen Revivals It couldn’t be easier to have your dream kitchen... n

Simply replace your existing doors and drawer fronts whilst keeping your existing cabinets. We also replace all existing trims, cornice, pelmets, and plinths - So the kitchen will look completely new. Choose from our extensive range of colours and styles – everything is made to measure so there are no problems if they are unusual sizes. We can also replace worktops with a choice of laminate, quartz, or quartz overlay. We can also supply made to measure units in any colour provide sinks, taps and appliances etc. If a revival is not for you, we can offer a complete new kitchen installation with made to measure units. Pop along to our showroom on Battlefield Enterprise to see how we can help you transform your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a complete new kitchen installation.

WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE “Just bring in a competitors quote and we will guarantee to beat it!” SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday: 10am to 4.30pm, Saturday: 10am to 1.30pm

OUR DENTAL TREATMENTS

At Butterfly Dental Practice we use the latest technological advances in the field of equipment and materials to provide our Patients with the highest standards of dental care. While the treatment plan is being prepared, we provide the Patient with opportunity to discuss the available treatment options with qualified Staff – the Patient makes the final decision about the amount he wants to invest in his healthy smile.

• Conservative treatment • Dental care for children • Cosmetic dentistry • Oral surgery • Endodontics • Periodontics • Implants • Crown and bridge • Dentures • Orthodontics

Your temporary financial shortage is not an obstacle to follow the treatment at all – we offer our Clients the interest-free loan that allows spreading the payment for the planned dental services across the convenient and easy-to-pay instalments at no additional cost (0% APR finance). We invite you to take an advantage of our offer – private quality at the affordable price. OPENING HOURS Monday – Thursday: 9am to 8pm Friday: 9am to 6pm Butterfly Dental Practice, Victoria Road, Oswestry, SY11 2PQ Telephone: 01691 656 360 Email: dentist@bdlab.co.uk

HOME VISIT

Lighter and brighter We spoke to Mr and Mrs Cox in Dorrington about their recent kitchen makeover, carried out by Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals in Shrewsbury The old kitchen before the makeover…

“We realised refurbishing would involved less disruption, and the cost benefits appealed”

Above: replacement doors transformed the dark wood cabinets Left: the black cooker is a stylish contrast to the white cupboards

he makeover completed four weeks ago now,” said Mr Cox. “The original kitchen badly needed updating – the layout was fine, but the decor looked tired and dated. It must have been about 30 years old, from a time when everything was dark brown. The units had dark wooden doors that were recessed and awkward to clean. “Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals in Shrewsbury were recommended by a friend, and they have done a particularly fine job. It looks like a brand-new kitchen. This was a refubishment – we retained

the old cabinets and just replaced the doors, and we also chose a new quartz overlay for the worktops and replaced the sink, the cooker and the extractor fan. “The cupboards have remained in their original positions, including the standalone cupboard at the end, which is what we wanted. “We visited the Revivals showroom in Battlefield Enterprise Park and we were impressed by the friendly reception we received. We were interested in the concept of refurbishing as we realised it would involve less disruption, and the cost benefits appealed too. Sharon and Darren were very helpful with advice and we found ourselves spoilt for choice. “We saw the black sink in a showroom display and both liked it, so we chose the cooker to match. We wanted to lighten the kitchen up but at the same time we didn’t want anything glaring white. We’re pleased with the way it has turned out. “After the showroom, Darren visited the house, outlining all the options and

getting a clear picture of our requirements. We discussed new appliances, and he suggested some minor technical changes. “We didn’t finalise the colour scheme until we had visited the showroom again – in fact, we visited a few times to look at the kitchens on display, and to choose taps and cabinet handles. They have a good selection, plus plenty of design books to look through. “Sharon arranged a start date for the work, and it only took about a week to finish the refurbishment. The fitters were excellent, and we think that shows in the finished result. They really took pride in their work. “We are particularly pleased with the freestanding unit, which is very much in keeping with the rest of the kitchen. “The work ran smoothly and we felt refurbishing was a good decision, avoiding the expense and mess of having the whole kitchen replaced. “We are extremely pleased with the final result, and without hesitation would recommend Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals, Shrewsbury. Kitchen and Bedroom Revivals 30c Vanguard Way, Shrewsbury SY1 3TG 01743 588087 www.kitchen-revivals.co.uk March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 75

GreenLiving Grant for farm tech projects Low-carbon projects at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi have been given the go-ahead after securing over £500,000 support

hree new schemes based at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi will pioneer new technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector. Funded by the Welsh Government via its Whole System Business Research Innovation for Decarbonisation Challenge (WBRID) and backed by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the projects are: • A collaboration between M-SParc on Anglesey, the college and businesses to explore the potential for drones to identify issues such as weed growth and communicate with a rover on the ground. • A bilingual online resource for farmers in North Wales, being developed by Promar International, to calculate carbon footprint from meat and milk production, tree planting etc, to encourage best practice and for use regionally to support the industry. • Development by BioFactory Energy of a low-cost, modular anaerobic digestion (AD) system for dairy farms to reduce emissions from slurry management. Deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters visited Llysfasi to see the innovative solutions in development. He said: “We’ve all got to quickly adapt to the challenge of understanding what net zero emissions means for the way we Tom Gill of Promar International go about things. The work being done at Llysfasi shows that the action we need to take to tackle carbon can also bring about much wider benefits. I’m pleased our

Smart Living initiative is trialling new ways of doing things that Coleg Cambria Llysfasi farm manager Dewi Jones with BioFactory engineers Hamza Naeem and Liam Ridley and CEO Eoin Sharkey

can be used right across Wales.” “We want Project manager George Fisher to take says it marks an exciting time for farmers agriculture in North Wales; he on this believes there is a real appetite for education and growth among the journey farming community. “We want with us” to take farmers on this journey with us, as we look to embrace advances in technology to become more sustainable as a sector,” he said. “These ideas will play a big part in that. I’m delighted to see them receive such significant support from WBRID.” Lois Shaw, M-SParc’s business support officer, says collaboration will be a huge positive for the area, adding: “It’s great to see businesses from the region benefit from the emerging agri-tech sector.” Jon Blake, BioFactory’s chief commercial officer agreed. “Collaboration with Coleg Cambia Llysfasi has been instrumental in enabling development of our micro-AD technology, much needed in the sector.” Tom Gill, head of sustainability at Promar International, said they too are excited at the prospect of leading a revolution in the way agriculture operates. “Promar is pleased to continue to support Coleg Cambria Llysfasi to devise and implement its net zero ambitions.” Visit www.cambria.ac.uk and www.northwaleseab.co.uk Photo: Vic Smith

Monty wins green award As restoration work on the Montgomery Canal picks up pace, there’s welcome news for the project’s many supporters

he Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust has welcomed a Green Flag for the Montgomery Canal in Shropshire. The quality mark was first granted for the eight-mile navigable section of the waterway from Maesbury in 2018 and has now been renewed. Michael Limbrey, chairman of the trust said: “The award again recognises the value of the Maesbury section of the canal as a green space of the highest standard, a credit to the staff and volunteers of the Canal & River Trust. “The rest of the canal brings great opportunities for recreation and well-being too. The towpath is open all the way to Newtown apart The towpath offers fine walks 76 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

The lower lock at Belan

from temporary closure at Crickheath, and canoes and kayaks can use some stretches of the water. In addition, the canal has abundant wildlife and a valuable collection of locks, bridges and aqueducts. He added: “The next few years can see more of the canal brought up to standard. The reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, Crickheath, is the biggest volunteer-led project in all the years of restoration. Work parties are also continuing on the section down to Crickheath, which will open up over a mile of new canal later this year. In Wales, nearly £16 million of UK Government grant will go a long way to opening the canal from Welshpool to Llanymynech.”

HOME SHOPPING 1 5

4 3

7 8

Welcome spring into your home with these pretty pastels

10 12 9

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Daro scatter cushions from £19 each for 35cm sq, Hafren Furnishers, Llanidloes, Powys www.hafrenfurnishers.co.uk Everhot 120 range cooker in green £10,300, RN Williams, St Asaph, Denbighshire www.rnwilliams.co.uk Young at Heart lavender-filled hearts, Liberty print £19.95 for two, Love Roobarb, Bridgnorth www.loveroobarb.co.uk Birdhouse doorstop £13, Make Your House A Home, Whitchurch www.makeyourhouseahomewhitchurch.com Le Creuset Petite round casserole in chiffon pink £21, The Silver Pear, Ludlow silverpear.co.uk Dorma Florian reversible 100% cotton duvet set, from £90, Dunelm www.dunelm.com Pink hand-painted bucket £29.99, Moo and Boom, Whitchurch www.mooandboom.com Handmade ‘Doug’ mug £35 each, Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno www.mostyn.org Boutique velvet beanbag in mustard £65, Number8Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury www.number8shrewsbury.com Harlow floral curtains made to measure from £140, Lewis & Holmes, Oswestry www.rollerblinds.co.uk Bulb recycled glass vase £28, The Silver Pear, as above Tweedmill Ripple throw £54.99, Meirion Mill, Machynlleth, Powys www.meirionmill.co.uk Bee key cabinet £19, Make Your House A Home, as above Heaven Sends A-Z coasters £3.95 each, Bodenhams of Ludlow www.bodenhams.co.uk Bunch of candles £5.50 for seven, Listers Interiors, Chester www.listersinteriors.com

March/April 2021 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 77

FOOD & DRINK

B est B u tc h er's Sh op in W a l es

Pick of theProducers Wales’ best-known butcher, Edwards of Conwy, is celebrating huge growth – and selling enough sausages to stretch in one long, juicy string all the way around the world!

ales of Edwards’ ever-popular pork bangers have surpassed the 340 million mark – strung together, that's enough to stretch 24,000 miles around the equator. In celebration, they’ve released new packaging for their range of premium products. It’s in supermarkets all over the UK as well as village and corner shops across Wales, and the silhouette of Conwy Castle stands proudly looking out from the wrapper. The firm’s founder, Ieuan Edwards, began his business in 1984 on Conwy High Street, and the firm still has a shop there, in addition to its production headquarters just outside the town. Ieuan said: “We’re very proud of our roots here in Conwy, and of our heritage, but we feel that ours is a brand for the whole of Wales and beyond, as well as our home town.”

A unique landscape

“Wales is synonymous with high-quality food. We know that the Welsh landscape with its lush green pastures is an important part of that and that’s why we’ve featured it on the new packaging. “For example, all of our beef has PGI status – protected geographical indication – meaning it has benefited from the unique countryside and climate we have here in Wales, giving it a truly unique taste. We are Edwards the 78 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

“Our bacon is still dry-cured by hand… I still have the final say” Welsh Butcher and that’s about moving the brand forward and emphasising the exceptional quality of our products and our passion for Wales as much as the Barbecue season is nearly here! food it produces. Although we’re growing rapidly, quality is still at the heart of everything we do.”

Award-winning produce

Nothing beats a banger

“We still make these sausages with a similar machine to the one in our high-street shop, although that one is hand-powered. We are still using Red Tractor-approved premium pork shoulder to give the meaty bite and juicy taste our customers love. Our bacon is still dry-cured by hand and I still have the final say on the quality of every new product. We are just selling to a wider customer base.” There are 26 products in the Edwards range, from sausages, beef and chicken burgers to award-winning bacon and gammon, with seasonal variations for Christmas and summer barbecues. Since 2004 they’ve been stocked by all the major supermarkets in Wales and increasingly into England as well, while the original butcher’s shop was crowned Best Butcher’s Shop in the UK in 2014, and has since been named Best Butcher’s Shop in Wales three times.

Food&Drink Celebrate St David’s Day

D id you kn ow? old

“Brat” is an Northumbrian name for the turbot

the Michelin way Tomos Parry, owner of Michelin-starred Brat in Shoreditch, London, draws on his Welsh foodie roots every day in his busy kitchen – but never more so than on St David’s Day

Tomos on Brat: “I am so proud of the team”

INGREDIENTS One whole wild turbot A light vinaigrette, made from fish stock, light wine vinegar, rapeseed oil and lemon juice in the ratio 5:2:2:1 – combine in a spray bottle (many of these elements are to taste) Fine salt EQUIPMENT Charcoal Turbot cage (designed to clamp a large fish) Grill with burning embers Kitchen scissors

The majestic turbot

s we head into the spring food season, and all the goodies that brings to our tables, we’ve not forgotten St David’s Day, so we’re catching up with Welsh superchef Tomos Parry. Tomos was recently crowned as the talent behind one of the top 100 restaurants in the world by prestigious group The World’s Best. He is the first Welsh chef to make the cut, and is also the highest new UK entry. Brat, his open-fired grill restaurant in London’s Shoreditch, was awarded a Michelin star not long after its launch in 2018, as well as being voted one of the city’s best restaurants by the National Restaurant Awards in 2019. Speaking on the inclusion in World’s 50 Best, he said: “I am so proud of the team for achieving this recognition. We could not have done it without our incredible suppliers and their continued integrity, passion and hard work.” Brat draws on Tomos’ Welsh heritage as well as influences from northern Spain. Signature dishes cooked on the wood grill include whole turbot, spider crab, breads and the iconic burnt cheesecake, alongside ever-changing seasonal dishes. For Shire’s food pages he has chosen to share the recipe for his whole turbot, as the fish is in season from spring and can be caught along the North Welsh coast. He said: “The key to this dish is to develop and celebrate each unique texture of the majestic turbot. We have developed a vinaigrette to spritz over the fish as it cooks gently and slowly over the fire. This is the basis for the pil-pil style sauce that happens when the gelatin from the fish combines with the oil and vinegar.”

METHOD Burn down your charcoal to embers, making sure they are giving a gentle glowing and even heat. Remove the gills from the turbot and season inside the head only with salt, Place the turbot in the cage, generously spritz with the vinaigrette, and place over the grill. Keep turning every 8-10 minutes for 30-40 minutes, constantly basting with the spray. Keep the fire and heat gentle. In order to develop the natural collagen in the fish into a delicious, gelatinous sauce, the ideal temperature to maintain the fish at for the duration of cooking is 55°C. Once the fish is cooked, cut out the spine, season with more salt and place on a large white plate, adding more vinaigrette. Gently move the plate to release the gelatin from the fish. This will combine to make the sauce that you serve with it.

Tomos in the kitchen: the focus

is intense

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 79

FOOD & DRINK

The tipples that

time forgot

eco-friendly ales score first for wales Welsh brewery Drop Bear Beer Co joins an elite group of UK food and drink businesses focusing on the environment

rop Bear has been awarded official status as part of B Corporation, becoming the first brewery in Wales to do so. B Corps are for-profit companies that use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. They range from multinational corporations to wholly owned subsidiaries and small businesses.

A force for good

Gary Carter of The Shropshire Wine School takes us back in time to an era of sweet sophistication – our first encounter with wine

hose of a certain age will vaguely recall when wine culture arrived in the UK. Due to our climate, most Brits drank beer rather than wine, and in the 1970s wine-producing countries started to promote their wares to the unsuspecting British public. Today’s choice of styles and quality is light-years away from that ‘first wave’ to wash up on our shores. When venturing to a Berni Inn to enjoy your prawn cocktail, steak and Black Forest gateau, the wine list might have offered a few wines from behind the Iron Curtain, probably Bulgaria or Romania, a semi-sweet Mateus Rosé, and semi-sweeter German wines with labels such as Blue Nun and Black Tower.

Back in fashion?

Many German wines are indeed off-dry or medium-dry, but the great wines of Germany made with the Riesling grape have a beautiful floral and fruit nose, and combine racy acidity with the sweetness to create a beautiful balance. German Riesling is a unique style of wine, made nowhere else in the world. Because of the history of German wine in the UK, it is a very difficult sell and many retailers have either given up or stock only a very small range. The good news is that because it’s a hard sell, its amazingly good value. Seek out In 1973 a bottle of those long-tapered bottles, but make Beaujolais Baron sure the word ‘Riesling’ is on the cost just 67p label to avoid revisiting the 1980s! Black Tower’s 2020 revamp

Drop Bear Beer Co founders Joelle Drummond (left) and Sarah McNena

The growing B Corp community utilises the power of business as a force for good, using profits and growth for the betterment of society and the environment – which also puts Drop Bear in sync with the Welsh Government’s vision for the food and drink industry and the aim of creating one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world. Founded in 2019 by Joelle “We all Drummond and Sarah McNena, have a its inception the Welsh responsibility from brewery has placed sustainability to take at the heart of its operation. action” Joelle said: “Our mission is to brew the best alcohol-free craft beer and help build a better world in which to drink it, so as you can imagine, achieving B Corp status is incredibly important to us. “We all have a responsibility to take action and do so now. Our customers want to shop more sustainably and we want to be able to reassure them that we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. B Corp status helps us do just that.” 80 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Did yo u kn ow?

Flashback favourites – three to try

Doctor L Riesling This wine embodies the elegant and racy style of the steep, slate-soil vineyards in the Mosel Valley. It is fruity and low in alcohol, with a crisp taste that cools the palate. £7 from Asda. Château Pigoudet 'La Chapelle' Rosé 2020 Superlight and the colour of rose petals, the nose boasts red apples and ripe cherries. £12.99 from Majestic. Chateau Des Jacques, Moulin-a-Vent AC The release of the year’s Beaujolais Nouveau attracted huge hype but the wine was invariably undrinkable. Beaujolais suffers from association to this day. This is a very different style, barrel-aged to create a wine with rich Gamay fruit, as well as the structure to develop in bottle. £16 from Sainsburys.

A new look for the Nun

Warm, friendly & welcoming

Jamie’s Butchers and Deli offer a wide range of delicious local produce! A traditional, family-run inn with home-cooked food, real ales and roaring fires • Set in stunning rural countryside • • Ideally suited for Snowdonia • Free wi-fi • • Function room available • Dogs welcome •

Hot and Cold Sandwich Bar Call & Collect or Home Delivery Service Available

OPEN ALL DAY FOOD SERVED from 12 noon to 3pm & 6pm to 9pm, and all day Sundays LLANDDERFEL, BALA, GWYNEDD, LL23 7RA Tel: 01678 530 205 www.bryntirioninn.co.uk

Unit 1, St Mary’s Precinct, Church Street, Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5HX T: 01691 772602 www.jamiewardsbutchers.co.uk

Recently refurbished Hotel, Restaurant and Bar! Brand New Glyn Valley Lounge, Large TV, Outdoor Seating Area, New Menu, Pool Tables, Sky and BT Sport.

Looking for somewhere to have a celebration?

All rooms are ensuite.

Birthday, Engagement, New Baby, Wedding, or Wake. Talk to us about having it at the Glyn Valley Hotel.

Sunday Carvery every week Kids Menu Vegetarian & Gluten Free options available

We’ll take care of all the catering & any other arrangements you need. All you need to do is invite the guests.

www.glynvalleyhotel.com Llanarmon Road, Glyn Ceriog, Llangollen, LL20 7EU

01691 718 896

Northfield Holiday Park ...GET ON A CANAL BOAT

7 nights self-catering from £150 Visit www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk Tel 07867 790195 anytime

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Robin and Jane welcome you to Newnes Touring Caravan Park, where they have created a wonderful haven for visitors to escape from their busy lives and get back to the wonders of nature. For adults only.

Spend a day exploring the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal aboard our 10 seater, self-drive Day Boat • Ideal for family celebrations and team-building days • All-weather accommodation • Easy to steer – no experience necessary • From just £110

Call us anytime 01691 624464 or 07972 066291 Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9HH

Tel: 07867 790195 • www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk

www.thenewnes.co.uk

Holidays NORTH WALES GLAMPING RETREAT IS THE STAR OF A NEW BBC SHOW

rook Cottage Shepherd Huts, a glamping retreat near Pwllheli, is featured in the new series of the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, hosted by comedian and Chattyman, Alan Carr. Located on the glorious Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, on the edge of Snowdonia, the Each hut is different but all offer a luxury stay retreat offers rural peace and quiet in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with far-reaching views to Yr Eifl (The Rivals) mountains. With all the luxury commented Mark. “We of a five-star experience, at the same time guests can really have five shepherds huts and it was down to five switch off, relax and connect with nature. designers by episode 5, The award-winning retreat, which is nestled within a wildflower meadow overlooking a private lake, offers boutique so they each got a hut. One design glamping for didn’t work adults only. The out – you’ll five-traditional “It gave have to shepherd style us the Choose whether to dine in or out… watch the huts have opportunity programme to been lovingly find out which! – but that gave us the opportunity hand-crafted to create to create something unique from scratch.” by co-owners something Named after the wife and daughters of Llywelyn Mark Barrow unique” the Great, who once ruled Wales, each hut features and Jonathan en-suite shower room, fitted kitchen, indoor and Gooders, both outdoor dining tables for quiet, intimate suppers of whom have a and a wood-burning stove to make those evenings extra cosy. background in fine art. Interior Design Masters returns to BBC1 on 9 March. The Brook “The TV series was Cottage episode airs on 6 April. www.luxuryglampingwales.co.uk a great opportunity,” The huts look onto a private lake

JOLLY HOLLY DAYS

en & Holly’s Hideaways offer a luxurious escape on the beautiful island of Anglesey, right on the shores of the Menai Strait in Beaumaris. There are four properties to rent, each with its own character and charm, offering the perfect location for small families or larger groups. Ty Stabl was originally the stables to the 16th-century manor house that forms the main part of the property, and has been converted into an ‘upside-down’ house to take advantage of the views. It sleeps nine, with two extra beds in the annexe. The Pink House, Ty Pinc, is Grade II listed and part of the original hall, Tros Yr Afon, It sleeps up to 12 in six bedrooms. High Tide is a truly beautiful, individually designed apartment. Part of The Tides house, it occupies the whole first floor and sleeps six people. Low Tide, which occupies the Relax at High Tide! Ty Stabl: a minute from the beach ground floor, is an equally lovely apartment and sleeps four. It is double aspect, the front windows giving a pretty outlook over the front garden and amazing views over the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia beyond. The two ‘Tides’ are often booked together for larger groups and all four properties can be combined for an exclusive and decadent holiday. The site is in a beautiful corner of the island, set in stunning landscaped grounds and just a five-minute walk into Beaumaris town – and one minute to the pebble beach across the road. Visit benandhollyshideaways.com

Strawberry gothic: Ty Pinc

A minute from the beach

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 83

HOLIDAYS

HAPPY VALLEY

f you’re looking for a cosy retreat nestled in a picturesque valley just outside Llangollen, look no further than the Glyn Valley Hotel. This historic inn offers idyllic views across the Ceiriog Valley, while the restaurant serves a variety of hearty, homecooked dishes created with locally sourced produce – ideal after a day’s walking or exploring the area. On Sundays there’s a fabulous carvery with vegetarian options. Continental breakfast is served, but a full Welsh breakfast is available for a supplement. The hotel’s double rooms feature an en-suite shower room with toiletries, TV, drinks-making and wi-fi. The Superior suite boasts a king-size bed, double sofa bed, deluxe coffee machine and complimentary water in addition. Dogs are allowed for a small charge. There is also a family room with a king-size bed, bunk beds, en-suite shower room etc, and single rooms as well. Sky Sports is shown in the new Glyn Valley Lounge. The bar and lounge offer a range of local real ales as well as a simple menu with daily specials. Free parking is available, and there are dozens of great escapes on the doorstep, including Ceffyl Gwyn Stables, offering pony and quad treks. www.glynvalleyhotel.com

A fantastic base for exploring

TIME TO RETREAT

s we’ve all learnt, holiday planning can be complicated! So keep it simple for 2022 and head to a peaceful haven in a beautiful location off the beaten track. Goetre Retreat Caravan Park is a small, quiet family-run park in the heart of beautiful Mid Wales, with plenty to do and see all around. The site is located on the banks of the River Mule, halfway between the pretty villages of Abermule and Kerry, whilst Newtown and Welshpool

are both just a short drive away. For walkers, there’s easy access to lots of popular routes including Offa’s Dyke and the Kerry Ridgeway. Nearby are the reservoirs and dams of Lake Vyrnwy, Clywedog and the Elan Valley, which offer breathtaking views and are of special interest to birdwatchers Fishing, golfing, cycling and horse riding are all available locally, or simply sit back and relax as you enjoy a breath of country air. www.goetreretreat caravanpark.co.uk

You’re close to the Shropshire border

HOT SPOT S H AW K S T O N E PA R K

f you’re enjoying a break in the Shropshire countyside, make a point of visiting Hawkstone Park Follies, a historic woodland fantasy with cliffs, crags, caves, deep woods and a series of extraordinary monuments built over 200 years ago. The Follies is a mix of natural and artificial landscape, developed by generations of the Hill family who lived at Hawkstone Hall. After more than a century of decline and decay, the follies were restored and re-opened in 1993 and today the park consists of 100 acres (40ha) of follies, landscaping and rocky outcrops, based around the authentic Norman castle of Red Castle.It is now scheduled (Grade I) on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and to explore in its entirety takes around three hours. The park was used as a setting for the battle scenes in Narnia in the BBC’s adaptation of CS Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1988.

PEACEFUL PARK IN A TOP SPOT

spacious timber chalets, both with beautiful views of Cardigan Bay. Set in landscaped gardens with lots of tropical plants, Northfield is a hive of activity for wildlife. Owners Andrew and Caroline, who live on site, go out of their way to give you an enjoyable stay, and a recent Visit Wales inspection awarded the park 100 percent for cleanliness, service and welcome. Borth is six miles north of Aberystwyth, and has a long ost holidaymakers come sandy beach. The south end, beneath the cliffs, has plenty of to the Welsh coast for rock pools where children can find small fish and shellfish. The its stunning shores. If you cliffs continue south to Wallog and are home to nesting birds including gulls, chuffs, ravens and peregrine falcons. From want a break with quiet coves and sandy beaches nearby, Wallog, the causeway extends out to the legendary sunken check out what’s on offer city of Cantre’r Gwaelod. at Northfield You can fish for Holiday Park. This mackerel and skate from the beach at small, peaceful “100% for certain times of caravan and chalet park on cleanliness, year, or boats from the edge of the will service and Aberystwyth seaside village take you deep-sea welcome” – fishing or to watch of Borth boasts 13 comfortable, Visit Wales for dolphins or seals. fully equipped See northfield caravans and two holidays.co.uk

Chalet rooms with a view

84 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

The gardens are a delight

2 stunning holiday parks with so much to offer! Luxury holiday home lodges with beautiful views and fantastic facilities

your very own slice

of the countryside

7 night stay from

£1458

We always have a wide selection of high quality holiday homes for sale. Call today on 01286 830205 to find your perfect home away from home.

4 star rating

12 sleeps

bedrooms

4 bathrooms

The Farm House is a luxury self catering holiday house set in the quiet hamlet of Glan Yr Afon, an ideal base for exploring North/Mid Wales. We can accommodate smaller numbers, please get in touch for more information.

NEW AND SECOND CARAVANS ALSO FOR SALE VISIT OUR WEBSITE info@llawrbetws.co.uk www.llawrbetws.co.uk 01490 460224

Locomotive

Luxury

Self Catering Accommodation in our Bespoke Glamping Wagons Both with a Wood-Fired Hot Tub

Hard-standing Touring Pitches at our Award Winning Waterways Marina

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

All enquiries please call us on 01270 812677

HOLIDAYS

NEW BUSINESS MAKES A SPLASH

HOT SPOT S P O N T C Y S Y L LT E AQ U A D U C T

N The tranquil setting on the River Perry

have already been recognised in the here can’t be many more relaxing Guardian’s Top 30 Cottages & Campsites. ways to spend the day than sitting The little collection of individually beside a river, watching the water flow gently past, listening to the birds in styled luxury cabins and lodges sleep between two and six. The the woodland around you larger lodges have their own – and not much else. It’s private hot tub, and for smaller exactly the kind of idyllic “There cabins there are two secluded holiday experience you can are two expect with a visit to the woodland hot tubs available secluded to hire. All cabins and lodges Riverside Cabins, on the are well spaced out for that banks of the River Perry, woodland ‘away from it all’ feeling. just outside Shrewsbury. hot tubs The location is perfect for A selection of cosy holiday exploring the great outdoors, and glamping lodges offer to hire” the perfect escape with wonderful walks for families and and wildlife on the couples alike. doorstep. And with lots Opened just as the of nearby historic sites pandemic began, and attractions, plus it has not been an lovely country pubs and easy start for the restaurants to enjoy, holiday business, there’s plenty to keep all but the boutique ages entertained during self-catering a weekend, short break cabins and lodges or longer getaway. See www.riversidein the heart of scenic Shropshire cabins.co.uk Plenty of space between cabins

o break in the Llangollen area is complete without a detour, either by car or – if you’re lucky enough – by boat, to see the world-famous Pontcysllte Aquaduct at Trevor, near Wrexham. Designed and built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, Pontcysyllte means ‘the bridge that connects’ and the aquaduct and its surrounds are now designated a World Heritage Site, one of the most remarkable achievements of the Industrial Revolution. The 18-arch stone and castiron structure took ten years to design and build and was completed in 1805. It carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee and is now the oldest and longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world.You can walk across if you dare, or take a leisurely boat ride. Why not hire a boat from one of the businesses at Trevor Basin. The views are something else…

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY HOME YOUR OWN

s we settle into spring, many people are looking forward to a holiday this year – and for lots of us, returning to the same spot time after time offers the ultimate reassurance and comfort. So, if knowing what to expect when you go away is important to you, why not make 2022 the year you invest in your own holiday home escape? Finding the perfect property isn’t always easy, but one option made simple by local experts at Lowfield Leisure is to create your own bespoke lodge and leave it to the professionals to bring your dream to life. Lowfield Leisure Lodges provide high-quality, luxury accommodation options for both private and commercial use. All lodges are built using the same concepts used to build homes, ensuring your lodge is durable and built to last for many generations to enjoy. Utilising years of timber-frame building expertise, Lowfield Your lodge can be moved

86 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Leisure lodges and pods are made to last, with the highest quality finish. A robust steel frame means they can be easily relocated, reconfigured and repositioned without structural damage, giving you flexibility as well as quality. With a range of holiday The finish is superb accommodation options available, from two-berth pods to six-berth lodges, and a number of bespoke finishing options, you really can make it your own. “Know All the lodges are built completely offsite and all internal finishes are what to completed prior to delivery. Your lodge expect is then simply delivered to your desired when you site in one or two parts (depending on size) ready to be connected to the go away” services. It couldn’t be simpler. If you’ve been dreaming about having your own holiday home, now’s the time to make that dream a reality. Find out more at lowfieldleisure.co.uk or call 01743 891922.

L K A K E HACW N A PARK ARAV 30 T: 016

6 8 5 2 0 9 M : 0 78 6 0 8 4 3 3

www.haw klake. co.uk

We have 5 touring pitches each with a hook up and on hard standing, as well as 45 static caravan pitches.

Set beside Hawk Lake in the grounds of Hawkstone Park, this Caravan Park is great for a peaceful getaway. Close to the historic town of Shrewsbury, and in the heart of Shropshire, we are ideally located for exploring Shropshire and Mid Wales. We offer both Day and Season Fishing on Hawk Lake. The lake has a selection of fish, from big Carp up to 30lb, to Roach, Perch, Bream, Tench, Rudd and Pike. If it’s the Shropshire wildlife that you like, the lake is home to Kingfishers, Herons, Water Voles and Woodpeckers. Much of the lakeside is perfectly walkable, and there are places to sit and enjoy your surroundings in peace.

Contact Hawk Lake now to join the waiting list. ALL VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT Hawk Lake Caravan Park, North Lodge, Hawkstone Park, Marchamley, Nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 5GE

Making Trax In the middle of a global pandemic, a young couple from Llangollen had the dream of opening their own shop that would focus on outdoor lifestyle and mountain biking. They even had a name – Bear Trax

hen Nathan and Steph Wood met in Whistler, Canada, more. E-bikes Nathan was working as a ski and bike technician and Steph are available to as a ski and snowboard instructor. Both outdoor enthusiasts, it wasn’t hire by the day long before they had hatched a plan for their return to Wales. Their or half-day, and idea was a shop, but one with a difference. They would focus not within easy reach only on retail but also working with and promoting the local area. are Pontcysyllte And they’d do this by hiring out electric bikes, e-bikes, to visitors. Aquaduct, It seemed the perfect plan. They’d be encouraging people to Horseshoe Falls, get out in the fresh air, which was something close to their hearts, Valle Crucis and they would run social rides for Abbey and fun, too. The couple moved back to Plas Newydd, Bear Trax The Bear Trax way uses Llangollen in 2018 where they decided to name a few. social med ia to prom offers, attr ote to settle. Then came lockdown… The couple knew starting a business actions an d events as well as When they both ended up on in 2021 meant they needed to focus details of the social rides they furlough, they on sustainability. This run. If you ’d like to receive updates – finally had time is why Bear Trax stocks or just want to jo in th e communit on their hands products from companies mountain y of biker to work on their such as Picture, which uses and surrou s in Llangollen nds – follo idea “The w on dream. They recycled bottles and sugar Instagram or Facebo ok was a shop, brought Nathan’s cane to produce its clothing @beartraxl langollen sister Sam on board and accessories ranges. but one with to help with the The team also want to a difference” project, and the encourage active travel and fitness Sam and Nathan Steph, three spent endless at community level. During the summer, days researching, sending emails to brands and the shop offers organised evening rides, ladies nights building a business plan. Retail start-ups are and e-bike socials. As the biking community is growing, notoriously unpredictable and tricky, but in March 2021, once they locally and nationally, they had no doubt the shop would be an asset found the retail space on Market Street in Llangollen, it was time to the town – and they’ve more than proved they were right. to make the dream a reality. The idea behind Bear Trax Five reasons why you should hire an e-bike to was not to compete with explore Llangollen – from the team at Bear Trax: other bike and outdoor shops • They eat hills for breakfast! Leaving you to enjoy but to create a modern retail those amazing views from the top experience, where people could • They’re green. By leaving your car behind, you’ll seek out alternative products be doing your bit for nature and keeping active and ideas. Brands you can • No sitting in traffic or looking for a parking space! find include Picture organic • You can go further on an e-bike than a standard clothing, Bro! clothing, 100%, pedal bike. See all the sights in just one day Unite, OneUp Components, • They are FUN! – with friends or on your own. Stance, Bark + Ride and many Life is an open road… 88 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

TO P

S FOR

SU P

ER SCENERY

Outdoor experts at Blacks compiled their list of the country’s top walking routes – and Snowdonia’s Glyderau range made it into the top five

f you’re looking for somewhere new to hike, check out this recommendation from the walking and outdoor gear shop Blacks. Their experts are flagging up the Glyderau mountain range in Snowdonia as a fantastic location for walkers. Smaller than the Carneddau, with only 11 peaks over 600m, the rocky range has multiple access points along the Ogwen Valley and also from the Llanberis Pass. Phil, from Blacks, said: “My favourite place in the UK for a hike has to be the Snowdonia National Park. In particular, my go-to area is the Ogwen Valley in the north. This area is full of some of the best circular walks the UK has to offer, and also some fantastic ridge routes and scrambles. “One of my favourites is a circular route of the Glyderau, an iconic mountain range featuring Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Castell y Gwynt and Glyder Fach. This circular trail offers so much variation and unreal views across Snowdonia, in particular from Y Garn, where on a clear day you’re treated to 360-degree views.”

Be prepared

how many daylight hours you have. Make sure you arrive early enough and with a good idea of how long the route you’re planning is likely to take. “Another aspect of hiking, important particularly during winter but in spring as well, is the layering system. First we have our base layer, which ideally will be a material that wicks away moisture – my favourite is a long-sleeve merino wool top. Then we have our mid layer, usually a warm and comfortable fleece, and finally,

Glyderau and atmostpheric Llyn Idwal

our outer layer, usually a hard shell jacket to protect from the elements. The weather can be surprisingly changeable at this time of year. “Then you should consider your accessories – hat, gloves, spare socks and so on – even an insulated down coat in your bag in case you have to be stationary for a while in harsh conditions. “The mountains are a stunning place all year round, so don’t just wait until summer to get the boots out. Get the kills and info you need, get out there and enjoy the stunning scenery that the UK has to offer.”

“Don’t just wait until summer to get the boots out”

If you’re new to hiking and keen on adventuring in Snowdonia, Phil had a few practical tips. “Always have a plan B,” he advised. “If conditions have taken a turn once you arrive at the start, then a more manageable route should always be considered – perhaps a low-level walk of Llyn Idwal, a huge and atmospheric lake in the Ogwen Valley, or check out the forests around Betws-y-Coed. “Next big thing I’d say is remember

STAPELEY COMMON AND CORNDON HILL

CLIVE’KS WAL

he sacred saddleback of Stapeley Hill rises from the moorland of Stapeley Common in south-west Shropshire. The nearest villages are Priest Weston in Powys and White Grit, which is part in England and part in Wales, so we are truly in Border country. It’s is a place of myth and mysteries, with an abundance of standing stones, stone circles and Bronze Age burial cairns, including two near the summit of Stapeley Hill. The England/Wales border cuts across the top of Corndon Hill – the steep climb to the summit rewards the effort, and there is a welcoming seat to take in the spectacular views. Both hills are accessible from the Priest Weston/White Grit road – look for a track signposted ‘Stone circle’ at the top of a hill. There is a parking area at the end. To the south of Stapeley Hill you’ll find Mitchell’s Fold stone circle, Legend holds that during a period of famine, a giant provided the villagers with milk from a cow with an endless supply. When a witch cast a spell on the cow, the giant turned her to stone, and built a stone circle around her to ensure she never escaped. The website shropshires greatoutdoors. co.uk has some interesting trail guides to download. The view from

Corndon Hill

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 89

Pets&Wildlife

Solo enjoys some pampering from Roxan a

HAPPY EVER AFTER

n Director Kelly Larki

Two decades of caring for ponies and people are at the heart of this Cheshire sanctuary, where there’s no such thing as too much pampering or relaxation

f you’ve spent any time in Cheshire you’ll have noticed it’s a pretty horsey place. There are reputedly more equine vets here than anywhere else in Britain. But to the west, tucked behind Helsby Hill in the village of Alvanley, is somewhere extraordinary even for these parts, a haven for horses and horse-lovers alike. Spirit of the Herd is a sanctuary with a difference. As Kelly Larkin, one of its three directors explains: “It’s about ponies helping people helping ponies.” The not-for-profit organisation was founded 20 years ago by Valerie Kear and has been in its present location for the past six. Its four-legged residents are all rescues from situations of neglect or abuse, or simply from owners who could no longer look after them.

From fearful to friendly

Along with her colleagues, all of whom give their time voluntarily, Kelly helps to rehabilitate the animals they rehome. Through patiently building up trust they’ve transformed previously fearful ponies such as Romeo, who had issues with his legs being touched, to the point where they’re totally relaxed at being handled, even by visitors. The handsome piebald is now a firm favourite at the sanctuary’s wellness sessions, which can be booked by anyone who’d like to relax in the calming company of the ponies, grooming, stroking or just chatting to them. According to Kelly, these hour-long sessions are particularly beneficial for adults and children with complex needs, Birthday girl Roxana lacking in confidence or suffering 90 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Romeo h a

s overco

me his fe

ars

from stress and anxiety. The funds raised from these regular events help towards the considerable expense of caring for the sanctuary’s 23 charges, which are comprised of three separate herds: the retirements, the heavy-set cobs and the miniature Shetlands.

Little legends

Due to their size and sociable nature, the Shetlands are often the stars of the sanctuary’s pony pamper sessions. Young visitors can groom, plait and decorate the manes and tails of the ponies, who far from minding, sometimes relax so much they fall asleep! It “Shetlands makes for the perfect family are the stars outing or, in eight-yearold Roxana’s case, a special of the pamper birthday treat. “It was so much sessions. Far fun meeting Solo and the from minding, other ponies. I can’t wait to they sometimes come back again,” she said. relax so much The sanctuary has big plans for the future and they fall asleep!” hopes in time to become a community hub, where people can drop in throughout the day. Set amid wonderful countryside and just a stone’s throw from the 34-mile Sandstone Trail, it’s certainly ideally placed to offer an equine oasis away from everyday life. Spirit of the Herd is at The Ridgeway, Alvanley WA6 6XQ. To book a pony pamper, wellness session or enquire about volunteering opportunities, drop a Facebook message to @spiritoftheherd or email spiritoftheherd53@gmail.com

BEAVERS ON BOARD TO HELP RESTORE NATURE

Following on from our reports of beavers being successfully reintroduced to parts of the Shire patch, Wildlife Trust experts explain why the animals are so important

he Wildlife Trusts in Wales are leading a project to help restore habitat, they also slow down waterflow through river catchment nature on the River Dyfi, including delivering a managed areas, which can help to alleviate downstream flooding, stabilise reintroduction of beavers, as previously reported in Shire. water tables, reduce erosion and improve water quality. The Dyfi Catchment Natural Restoration Project aims to help The Welsh Beaver Project, led by North Wales Wildlife Trust on restore nature and improve water management using behalf of all five trusts in Wales, has been investigating “They sustainable solutions – one of which is the humble reintroducing the creatures for many years. Thanks to beaver. Beavers (Castor fiber) were once widespread funding from the Welsh Government’s Enabling Natural can help across the Welsh countryside, but due to being hunted Resources and Well-being (ENRaW) scheme, it is alleviate by man for their fur, meat and scent glands, they became now hoping to undertake a managed reintroduction. flooding extinct around the Middle Ages. The Wildlife Trusts The project also aims to plant trees near to water courses and reduce throughout the area to improve wildlife corridors, stabilise are working to bring them back to Wales because of the erosion” important role they can play in enriching biodiversity riverbanks and slow the flow of water through the landscape. and helping to restore and manage rivers and wetlands. It is keen to hear from landholders wishing to get involved. The Dyfi catchment has been proposed as the first pilot release site. Alicia Leow-Dyke, Welsh Beaver Project officer, said “Beavers are a sustainable, nature-based solution to help tackle the problems our Beaver benefits rivers and wetlands face. With this support from the Government we’ll be engaging with local communities to explain everything they Beavers are known as a ‘keystone species’ because their activities need to know about beavers and our plans for the future.” benefit a wide range of other animals and plants that also live in rivers and wetlands. By dam-building and otherwise shaping their Read more at northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/welshbeaverproject

PUPPY POINTERS

elen Edwards had always dreamt of owning a dog. But when she arrived home with eight-week-old Zuchon pup Archie, excitement gave way to panic. “Nothing I’d read prepared me for how overwhelmed I’d feel,” says Helen, who is originally from North Wales but now lives in Shropshire. “I hadn’t rushed into things. I researched breeds. I read up on life with a dog and what I’d need for my puppy during the early days. But no matter how prepared you think you are, you’re in for “Nothing the shock of your life. It’s very hard work.” I’d read When Archie was two, Helen decided prepared to write a book about her experiences. “I thought that if I could help even one me” new puppy parent, my job would be done. The book seemed to resonate with people

so I wrote a sequel, focusing on life with a young adult dog. Archie didn’t want to be left out, of course, so he got a book of his own: The Secret Diary of Archie the Zuchon.” Archie is five now. “There have been plenty of ups and downs but I can’t imagine life without him,” says Helen. “So, if you’ve just brought home your furry friend and are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just plain exhausted, you’re not alone. Your new best friend is going to be cute, funny, loveable – and hard work!”

All titles available from Amazon

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 91

s t e P e t Cu

PETS & WILDLIFE

WIN

Bradeley Green, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4HD www.petcetera.co.uk

a £25 voucher for Bradeley Green pet store in Whitchurch, to spend in-store or online at petcetera.co.uk

Duckie

Puddles and Tiddles

Happy Harry

Fluffy

e Schnauzer Ziggy the miniatur

Eric

Indie

She Ra

Bobby and Teddy

Muffin the labrador pup Pancake Charlie

Bengi

Merlin with his red

bow

Alfie and Millie

Tommy Martha as a pup Jasper

n corgi

Penny the Cardiga

s tulation Congra owner er, to Eszt a who R e h S of ’s is issue h t s in w s t Cute Pe ! ion it t e p m co

Marley the chinchilla

Win some pet treats! To enter, email a photograph of your pet and their name to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk and the Shire team will pick the winner!

Mabli the Parson Russell

92 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Little Grey Hen

Terms: The winner will be chosen by Shire and be given the option of receiving a voucher to spend in-store or a digital code to redeem online at www.petcetera.co.uk. The voucher will be valid for six months and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

The Old Union Workhouse

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA FUN WEEKEND at

BRADELEY GREEN Y OUR L O C A L P E T S T O R E

l Guided Dog walk* l Easter Bonnet Competition

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l Children Easter Egg Hunt l Canine Treat Trail (Sniff Out Those Goodies) l See Our Newborn Lambs l As well as In-store offers & so much more…

In aid of Dog Aid

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 5pm • Sun: 11am 5pm•• Closed Wed Mon,Tues,Thurs, Sat:10am 10am to ~ 5pm 11am to ~ 5pm

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T h e O l d U n i o n Wo r k h o u s e

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8 London Rd, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 0DR

OUR 2022 SUMMER BROCHURE IS AVAILABLE NOW – CALL FOR YOUR FREE COPY

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9th – 10th April SEE FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES & MORE DETAILS

*Weather dependent.

In-Store and Online petcetera.co.uk Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm I Sunday 10am-4pm 01948 668 100 Bradeley Green, Whitchurch, SY13 4HD

JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF OUR UPCOMING 2022 COACH HOLIDAYS...

CUMBRIAN ADVENTURE 4th – 8th APRIL 5 Days from £410.00

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Most tours are inclusive of Door to Door pick-ups, dinner, bed & breakfast accommodation, excursions and entrances.

EASTER GETAWAYS 15th-18th April, 4 Days Beautiful South West Wales from £299.00 Great Yarmouth from £315.00

Fancy a day out? Ask for details of our 2022 Day Excursions or check our website

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Get set, gr w! Make the most of the longer days by getting your garden organised for the growing season

2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10.

11.

8 11

94 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Elho 1.7 litre B.For Soft green watering can £11.99, The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Brecon www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk Stewart 30cm garden patio planter in lavender £4.49, Charlie’s, Shrewsbury www.charlies.co.uk Compact cascade planter £109.99, Bents Garden & Home, Warrington www.bents.co.uk Smart Gardeners Fleurette gloves £9.99, Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, St Asaph, Denbighshire www.tweedmill.store Joules Wellibobs in gold floral £49.95, www.joules.com Slingsby Evergreen hand trowel £9.99, www.therange.co.uk Tubtrug 38 litre yellow trug £8.78, TFM Superstore, Stableford, Shropshire www.tfmsuperstore.co.uk Medium Kensington planter £57.50 (sale price) Jacksons Boutique Garden Centre, Trelawnyd, Flintshire www.jacksonsgardencentre.com Gardman soil pH test kit £12.99, Minshulls Garden Centre, Crewe www.minshulls.co.uk AFK 34in classic wooden trough in sage £59.99, Charlies, as above Shire 90 litre wheelbarrow From £50, www.wynnstay.co.uk

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Health&Beauty Wake up and smell the coffee With millions of us starting the day with our favourite brew or bean, we take a look at the invisible addiction we have to our beloved cuppa and its caffeine boost

ith over 400 billion cups of coffee consumed each year in the UK alone, this natural stimulant is one of the most popular ingredients in the world. Eighty percent of the world’s population consumes a caffeinated product each day – often without being aware, as it’s in many foods and drinks you wouldn’t associate with it. Caffeine is often referred to as a psychoactive drug, affecting our mental processes. The side effects of consuming too much are well publicised and include anxiety, tremors, irregular heartbeat and trouble sleeping. Too “The side much caffeine may also promote headaches, effects of migraine and high blood pressure.

synthetic caffeine can be much greater”

Natural stimulant

Aside from tea and coffee, caffeine is also found in the seeds, nuts or leaves of certain plants. Due to the increase in demand for caffeinated products, many companies are beginning to produce synthetic caffeine. Although this is more sustainable (and chemically almost identical), the side effects can be much greater. Natural caffeine will provide a longer, more sustainable energy boost and is far less likely to

Making your heart beat faster?

Myth buster

be contaminated with chemical by-products. Chemical-based products may have a faster and stronger effect, but the come-down is going to be even worse.

Health kick

It’s not all bad news. Reports show that caffeine can have massive physical and mental benefits. One study linked drinking 2-3 cups of caffeinated beverages per day to a 45% lower risk of suicide Moderation is the key and 13% lower risk of depression. Having 3-5 cups daily may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by between 28% and 60%. Evidence also shows a 16%-18% lower risk of heart disease with 1-4 cups of coffee daily. When it comes to exercise, caffeine may increase the use of fat as fuel. This can help the glucose stored in muscles last longer, potentially delaying the time it takes your muscles to reach exhaustion. Sports drinks are often high in caffeine as it activates areas of your brain and nervous system to improve focus while reducing tiredness. Overall, caffeine consumed in moderate amounts can be a positive addition to your lifestyle. It’s certainly a healthier option over sugary fizzy drinks.

This time: quashing those rumours around the body’s natural process of sweating

Men sweat more than women This is actually true. While women have just as many active sweat glands, men produce more sweat per gland than women do. This may be because testosterone enhances the body’s sweat response, as well as the fact that in general men have a higher muscle mass.

Sweat always smells unpleasant Sorry, but you can’t blame an unpleasant whiff on the body’s natural reaction to hot

96 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

weather or a long session at the gym, since sweat itself does not smell. Body odour occurs when bacteria on the skin break down acids in the oily fluid produced by your apocrine glands. The bacteria’s waste products are what produce the smell. Blame the bacteria!

People sweat when they’re nervous This is entirely true: your sweat glands are activated by nerves, which can be sensitive to emotions, hormones and other stressors. When you feel under pressure, your body temperature rises, prompting your sweat glands to kick in. Some people experience this in the form of clammy hands, sweaty foreheads or all-over anxious dampness.

Plants&Gardens Gardens MAKE A SPLASH THIS SPRING

What is a water garden?

According to the National Trust, it’s “any garden that makes use of water for ornamental effect, be that a series of cascades or a decorative canal”.

As gardens across the Shire patch open their gates for the 2022 season, we know many of you will be heading out to explore. For inspiration, here’s an inside peek at two of our favourite water gardens.

pring has sprung and local landscapes are bursting with new life and colour. Keen gardeners will be excited to get out and about and see what our open spaces have to offer – especially as many gardens were unable to welcome the public in the usual way last year or the year before. There’s a wealth of opportunities on the doorstep, everything “A from world-class designer gardens to fountain National Trust treasures and beautifully bubbles tended hidden gems. We always like to recommend places you may not have come from the across yet, so here’s two ideas to dip into… cairn at

Conwy Water Gardens, Glyn Isa

the centre”

Set within Snowdonia National Park in the picturesque Conwy Valley, Conwy Water Gardens offer the most tranquil of surroundings, with ponds, waterfalls and woodlands to

Conwy’s lakes are a perfect spot for fishing. Left: a curious capybara

discover. A new Nature Trail meanders through the valley, and visitors will enjoy spotting pheasants and maybe even an otter or two. At the new feeding station you can watch and listen to countless species of birds. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a lead. When it comes to refreshments, the Dutch Pancake House and Restaurant is fully licensed. Anglers will be delighted to discover three well-stocked coarse fishing lakes, and for younger visitors there’s a play area and some adorable capybaras to visit, as well as the ubiquitous ducks and chickens to feed. There is also a dedicated tortoise and turtle area. The aquatic centre has over 100 species of fish, and an

impressive array of fish and pond supplies. Admission is free, so whether you just want to browse the retail opportunities, feed the animals or spend a whole day walking and relaxing, come and visit this beautiful part of North Wales. Satnav: LL32 8TP www.conwywatergardens.co.uk

Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, Pembridge, Leominster

This beautiful garden has new owners, who are working hard to reflect the decades of love and care that have gone into its stunning grounds while also looking forward to the future. Visitors will enjoy exploring its distinct areas: you enter by a bridge over the Curl Brook to find a stone tower, home to a flight of white doves. Water raised from the stream by an antique waterwheel spouts from the gargoyles overhead. Next is the Bog Garden, rich in water-loving plants – you get a good view of them from the paths that criss-cross the bog. From the Bog Garden you may wander in several directions. Behind the giant cornus hedge at the back is the Big Pond, flanked by groups of moisture-loving plants both tall and small: giant irises and rushes on one side, on the other colourful primulas, hemerocallis, ligularia and other water-lovers. Rose A blaze of colour at the Big Pond ‘Rambling Rector’ and wisteria festoon a pergola that separates the pond from the Cairn Garden. Here, boardwalks take you over a maze of small channels through luxuriant growth. A fountain bubbles from the cairn at the centre. Bridges cross the new planting of the Cut and reach the canal at the edge of the Wild Flower Meadow. Follow a streamside walk bordered by young trees and shrubs and cross the meadow to climb the Spiral Mound. You’ll feel like the king of your own castle! Satnav: HR6 9HZ. www.westonburymillwatergardens.com March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 97

PLANTS & GARDENS

TIME TO PRUNE, DIG AND MULCH! Spring has fully arrived by mid-March and the extra daylight hours provide the perfect opportunity for completing essential gardening tasks. So, gloves on and let’s get busy digging, feeding, mulching, pruning and generally tidying up

ow is an ideal time to prune shrubs such as roses, buddleia, cornus and hydrangea, and to tidy perennials such as sedum and ornamental grasses,” advises Lis Morris, lecturer in Horticulture and Sustainable Technologies at Univrsity Centre Reaseheath, in Cheshire. “Removing winter foliage and TOP TIP cutting out old stems is best done while plants Cuts must be are still dormant as it avoids damaging new clean, so keep your growth. Also, a plant stores energy in its roots secateurs sharp. while it’s dormant. Later the resources move For larger stems, to the leaves, so if you prune these away use loppers or a regrowth will be weaker.” pruning saw

• Prune vigorous cornus (dogwood) and salix (willow) back to 7.5cm above ground so they produce new, colourful stems for next winter. Leave new plants for a year or two before hard pruning. Less vigorous Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ can be pruned every couple of years.

• Revitalise established roses by aiming for an open-centred shape with well-spaced stems. Remove any stems that are dead, spindly or cross other branches and remove Cut away from the bud so water drains suckers. Prune remaining branches to an outwardfacing bud, sloping your cut down to prevent water collecting on it.

Other jobs

Pointers for pruning

• Prune newly planted roses hard, with the exception of climbing and shrub roses, to encourage vigorous shoots.

TROPICAL PARADISE

No need to travel far to create your own exotic corner – these jungle-style plants are happy to call the UK home Bamboo

Bamboos are the perfect plant for a tropical look: they’re reliably hardy, evergreen and have a small footprint so they don’t take up much room – as long as you avoid the spreading varieties and go for a clump-growing type like Phyllostachys nigra.

Fatsia

Big, glossy evergreen leaves give a perfect tropical backdrop, and fatsia is also shade-tolerant. It’s stunning in a coastal garden or against a sheltered wall inland. Hard frost can injure the leaves but plants will recover if the roots are protected. 98 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Mulch well and apply general-purpose fertiliser at 70g psqm after pruning to support stem and flower growth. Plant summer bulbs such as dahlia and lily, and prepare seed beds in the vegetable plot. Plant onion sets, early potatoes Planting begins and broad beans, but warm up the ground before sowing early peas or carrots by placing a cloche over the soil. Lift and divide clumps of perennials. Top-dress containers with fresh compost, sow new lawns or repair bare patches. Sow hardy seeds and half-hardy annuals under glass – sunflowers, cosmos and Echinacea will feed bees and butterflies and make your borders attractive. For information on horticulture courses see reaseheath.ac.uk/horticulture (diplomas, RHS), ucreaseheath.ac.uk/courses (degrees) and www. reaseheath.ac.uk/horticulture-courses-adult-learners

Hedychium

Hedychium (ginger lily) has it all – architectural, banana-like leaves and big showy flowers. With a narrow footing, these impressively tall plants make a huge impact without taking up too much space.

Canna

A must for any exotic planting scheme, these fastgrowing plants produce a strong stem packed with broad leaves, and flower in a variety of dramatic colours. Some varieties can grow up to 2.5m tall, but you can also get dwarf forms for the patio.

Eucomis

Eucomis, or pineapple lilies, produce beautiful flower spikes from mid to late summer. They’re ideal for the understory, and can be grown outdoors all year in milder locations, with a protective mulch over winter.

We carry and install year round an extensive range of containerised stock covering two acres and are particularly strong in large trees and shrubs. We are available to carry out surveys and advise on your planting requirements.

The Bigger Plant Company Ltd. Orchard Nurseries, Fornalls Green Lane, Meols, Wirral CH47 9RL TEL: 0151 632 3532 EMAIL: info@thebiggerplantcompany.co.uk

www.thebiggerplantcompany.co.uk

Open 9.00am to 4.30pm, five days per week Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Monday and Sunday. ALSO AVAILABLE IN SMALLER SIZES

The BIG shift The way we work and the way we go about both recruiting and job-hunting has changed enormously. As we emerge from a global crisis we need to think differently to succeed.

he past two years have brought about massive change and for many people the area most affected has been their way of working. For some, the sudden shift to working from home was a welcome change and offered a chance to address a long-misaligned work-life balance; for others it created a huge challenge. Being cut off from colleagues and collaborative ways of team working was not easy for everyone, and pretty much every industry and employer was forced to adapt to accommodate the new normal. Though many industries have embraced these opportunities to evolve, let’s not overlook the catastrophic impact the crisis had on others – destroying businesses, bringing hospitality to its knees and crippling the arts and culture sector. The most recent updates to regulations mean that for most people, most industries and most workplaces, life can pretty much go back to how it was pre-Covid. But having had change thrust upon us, not everyone is keen to return to the old ways. Experts predict that 2022 is going to see huge upheaval in employment, which is unlikely to show any sign of stopping for years.

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The times they are a-changing Careers were already moving in a very different direction to where they were a generation ago. The concept of a job for life is almost unheard of, dabbling in multiple industries is encouraged and establishing a portfolio career has become the norm. Even as the pandemic robbed people of wotk or part of their income, it also gave birth to opportunities, creating flexible and remote jobs. Talent pools are no longer restricted to the radius of an office. A combination of Brexit, Covid-19 and the push to achieve net-zero emissions means the pace of change in the jobs market is predicted to pick up over the next decade. For workers, this brings both chances and challenges, with those willing to upskill and make pay-enhancing job moves being the most likely to benefit.

Spot-on advice Jacqueline Baxter, director of Jobspot Recruitment based in Nantwich, which recruits for both permanent and temporary roles across Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Shropshire, said talent shortages are currently putting jobseekers in the driving seat. “This reflects findings by the Institute Jacqueline Baxter of Jobspot of Employment Studies, which estimates there are still 600,000 fewer people in work than before the pandemic. For employers, this means their biggest challenge will be retention as employees dip their toe in the water to see what’s

“There are still 600,000 fewer people in work than before the pandemic” out there, and in some sectors are aggressively headhunted.” The media has named this period ‘The Great Resignation’, with almost a third (29 percent) of UK workers considering moving to a new job this year. The sectors most likely to be affected are legal, IT and telecoms, sales, media and marketing. “For employers, this means they need to look to the future, and invest in talent, technology and training, with policies and practices creating a culture that demonstrates they value their employees. However, remote working also allows employers to recruit the best individuals from a larger pool than is available in any given county or even country. It’s also possible we will see a shift towards more temporary work, with people being hired to deliver specific projects rather than the traditional job-based structure.”

Digital first For Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012), who are digitally aware and don’t know life without a device, this is unlikely to faze them. Being skilled at social media and the digital marketing space, not surprisingly Gen Z are looking for career roles that use these skills. They want to generate, manage and analyse social media for companies; to gather the data and use it to produce new strategies. Jacqueline continued: “As a recruiter this means Gen Z won’t come knocking on your office door to drop in their CV – the entire process has to be able to be done online

Gen Z expect to use their digital skills

DID YOU KNOW? Nearly 1 million new reviews of businesses are posted on Trustpilot every month.

“Your website, your social media channels and reviews by employees of your company in places like Trustpilot will all be under scrutiny” within their digital space. Many Gen Z look to Instagram for potential vacancies, and it is likely that TikTok will increasingly become a place where companies will need to recruit for new talent. As a business your digital presence and reputation matters. Gen Z are adept at researching everything about you within the digital space. Your website, your social media channels and reviews by employees of your company in places like Trustpilot will all be under scrutiny.” However, what appeals to Gen Z when it comes to careers isn’t so different to previous generations: salary is still important. People are dealing with an increased cost of living and rising taxes. Jacqueline added: “As 2022 remains a period of great change within the jobs market, the outlook is most positive for people who are adaptable, creative and willing to learn.” Visit www.jobspotrecruitment.co.uk or call 01270 310203.

Going it alone For many, embracing the workplace revolution has meant ditching their job altogether and taking the plunge by starting their own business As we emerge into a bright new future, it might seem a good time to follow your dreams, shake off the shackles of employment and launch your own venture. But think carefully before you take the leap, and make sure you choose a path that has a good chance of success. Every month, 7,800 Google searches are made in the UK using the phrase ‘how to start a business’. With one in every five start-up businesses failing, Cashfloat researched which industries in the UK have the most successful new ventures. Discover what they found over the page…

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Top tips for jobseekers If you’ve decided it’s time for a change, or been forced to look around after the pandemic’s impact on your career, Shire can help you get it right

e all know that looking for the right job, in the right area, at the right level, for the right pay, on the right contract, with the right hours is a challenge, to say the least. But experts think 2022 is going to be a bumper year for jobseekers and will put them back in control, so there’s no better time to take the plunge. We spoke to Sarah Ellwood at Supertemps, which has bases in North East Wales, Colwyn Bay and Bangor, about the best way to secure your dream job. We also took some advice from Lorna Davison, founder and chief executive of Redwigwam, a recruitment company covering the North West, Cheshire and Liverpool. With these experts on board we think Shire’s top tips to getting your dream position will help you make the move…

Do your research The first step is to check out the industries you’re interested in and make as many contacts as possible. Lorna said: “Networking is key. If you’re still not on LinkedIn, run to your app store fast. Apps like this are a great way to meet relevant people, you can join major conversations and connect with professionals in your desired field. It’s also perfect for showing off your skills. Fill your profile with every certificate you have. List upcoming projects. Brag! It’s a chance to show employers the real you. I’d recommend connecting with companies you’d want to work for, then you can keep checking whether they have any opportunities. Keep yourself in the loop.” Think about broadening your search too. “Finding out what you like – and more importantly, what you don’t like – is essential, and exploring different industries has never been easier,” Lorna 102 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

said. “I recommend using a temp recruitment agency, one where you can take on short-term projects from field marketing to warehousing, to office admin roles. That way, there’s no commitment, and you can ‘try before you buy.’ Working in different industries is brilliant for your resume and gives you a variety of skills that are sure to impress prospective employers.”

New skills Once you’ve a clear idea of the Redwigwam’s Lorna Davison direction you want to head, it’s vital to have the right skills for the role or you’ll fall at the first hurdle. Lorna said: “I’d recommend checking out sites like HubSpot, which has great programmes that offer the course, an exam and a certificate. Look at job ads similar to a role you’d like and see if any skill consistently crops up that you don’t have. Then

“I’d recommend checking out sites like HubSpot, which has great programmes available” look for a course or online seminar and learn more about it. Now when you have an interview, you won’t dread them bringing it up.”

Application, application... Once you’ve singled out jobs you want to apply for, you need to make the right first impression. Sarah said: “Your CV is the most contact you’ll have with many recruiters. Screening and interviewing are becoming more intuitive in our digital age, but many human

Don’t be afraid to say it as it is

DID YOU KNOW? e-learning increases your learning retention rate by between 25% and 60%, says course creator SH!FT

The elephant in the room

resources professionals maintain that a conventional CV holds an important place in securing a job, and there are simple ways to get it right. In your personal profile, lead with attributes that someone reading it will want to see. Citing your communication skills is a big plus, as well as attention to detail, strong work ethic and ability to work efficiently and independently. A recruiter will only have a few minutes to spend on it, so short, bold statements will help them tick their mental checklist. Write a first draft including all the relevant information, then return to it later with the pruning shears, editing the non-essentials.” Once you’ve got the right information together, make sure your CV looks the part too. “Use a template that makes it attractive and easy to read, and stick to one font. Helvetica and Calibri are good; Times New Roman is a little dated. Spellcheck your CV before sending it off and ensure the grammar is correct. Ask someone else to cast an eye over it too, as we often miss things we’ve been staring at Sarah Ellwood of Supertemps ourselves,” Sarah added. Your cover letter is another opportunity to make a good impression. Laura said: “Add a letter to each application, tailored to that specific role. It helps to write a standard one for the industry you’re interested in, so you just have to tweak a few things each time.” But be careful not to set yourself apart in the wrong way, as Sarah explained. “We’re sure you have a glittering personality, but resist the urge to be quirky. In some industries – creative ones maybe – this can be appropriate, but err on the side of caution and maintain a professional tone. No photos, ever, and leave off hobbies. But include personal achievements such as a second language, first-aid training or a UK driving licence.”

For many people, losing your job mid-pandemic or realising you need a new role in order to feel fulfilled will be a major factor in joining the great job hunt of 2022. The pandemic has changed things for all of us – so don’t shy away from saying that in your CV or covering letter. Sarah advised: “If you have been furloughed or made redundant, address this. People who explain a work gap on their resume have a 60 percent increased chance of getting an interview over those who don’t. “If you have a gap, have you learned anything that shows you’re dedicated to upskilling yourself ? Engaged in a webinar series, taken a course, for example? If it’s relevant, include it. It may be that Covid-19 has taught you relevant skills too: if you worked at any time during the pandemic, think about how you may have implemented new services or strategies to adapt, and formulate that into a bullet point that articulates your achievements. It shows readiness to jump into a role where there are likely strict guidelines in place that will require you to be adaptable.”

Start-ups making a splash Cashfloat analysed the survival of more than 3 million new businesses to discover which existed the longest, looking at incorporation date and dissolution date. Start-up companies in the water industry (including water engineering, water and wastewater plant construction) are the most successful, with an average survival rate of 2,718 days. Second are those the gambling industry (2,315 days). Start-ups tend to fail quickest in the food industry, after only 905 days on average. The top 10 industries came out as follows: 1. Water (7 years 4 months) 2. Gambling (6 years 3 months) 3. Research (5 years 6 months) 4. Broadcasting (4 years 7 months) 5. Business & financial services (4 years 2 months) 6. Pulp and paper (4 years 1 month) 7. Transport (4 years) 8. Cultural (4 years) 9. Electronics (3 years 6 months) 10. Telecommunications (3 years and 6 months)

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Smile, you’re on web camera… With video conferencing more important to business than ever, it’s no surprise that virtual interviews are an increasingly popular method of hiring people. Love ’em or hate ’em, your job search is probably going to need you to do at least one.

nce you’ve submitted your CV and the responses start flying back, you need to brace yourself for the new normal of recruitment – the video interview. Even though meeting in person is now an option, firms are increasingly using video calls to screen candidates as a way of shortlisting for physical interviews or further assessments. With remote working positions also growing in popularity, hiring via videolink gives the recruiter a chance to gauge how you are likely to fare as a home-based worker. Sarah Ellwood from Supertemps gave us her top tips for making your online experience a success.

Test your tech While you can’t account for internet drop-outs, doing everything you can to make sure the interview will go smoothly will give you peace of mind. It will be one less thing to worry about! Make sure you know which videoconferencing app you will be using, check it’s installed and test it with a family member or friend. Make sure to check audio and video and that you understand how to screen-share, as a minimum.

Set the scene and minimise distractions Check the background. Your interviewer will notice what’s behind you! Plain is best, and remove things you’d prefer not to be seen. While it’s possible to blur backgrounds with some video apps we recommend not using this setting as sometimes if you move away from your webcam it can blur you too.

Spread the word Make sure that any other members of your household know you’re busy on an interview video call. As well as not interrupting you and keeping the noise down, you don’t want anyone hogging your bandwidth by watching a 4k movie on Netflix.

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DID YOU KNOW? 88% of hirers agree that an informed candidate is a quality candidate, says job site Glassdoor. So read up!

Prepare as you would for any interview Do your homework. Learn about the organisation and its current projects or areas of expansion. Think about your relevant key skills and work successes. If you’re applying for a remote role and have skills or experience of working remotely, make sure you mention this too.

Practise but don’t memorise or script It can be so tempting to prepare answers in advance and have them written out on little key cards. Don’t! When you watch newsreaders on the TV, people who’ve been talking to camera for years and years, you can still see their eyes reading the lines on the autocue. If they can’t hide it, neither can you!

Check your body language Try to imagine the interviewer is in the same room as you. You wouldn’t sit with your arms folded or your feet up on a table. Sit upright, be alert and open to questions.

Try to forget the camera is there and connect with the person behind it

Dress for the occasion We’ve all heard the lockdown jokes about video-conferencing from home in your PJs, only dressed smartly from the waist up. Don’t be tempted. You simply don’t know what might happen, so why take the risk? Dress as you would for an in-person interview. You will also feel much more comfortable and confident. Make a connection Just as you would in a regular face-to-face interview, try to make a personal connection to the interviewer. Perhaps you share a hobby or passion? Sometimes you can connect when talking about personal values. A video interview can put a barrier between people, so making that connection could be the one thing that makes you stand out from the other candidates for the job.

Be yourself Again, coming across well in a face-to-face interview is fairly straightforward – via video it can be more challenging. At first you may feel a little awkward. This is fine, don’t panic! You will find yourself relaxing as it progresses. Be yourself. Don’t put on an act for the camera. Try to forget it’s there, except – Smile for the camera! Remember to smile now and then – it relaxes you and the interviewer. It’s worth remembering they might be out of their comfort zone too. Whether you are successful or not, ask for feedback on your application and in particular your video interview. How did you come across? Does the interviewer have any advice for you? Take constructive criticism in the spirit it is meant and learn from your experience.

A caring career? Inspired by the impressive performance of our medical heroes through the pandemic, you may well be considering a career in nursing, and an innovative training partnership in Wrexham might be just the place to make that happen… When it comes to recruiting the nurses of the future, an innovative partnership between Coleg Cambria and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is leading the way. Sixteen learners from the college’s Yale site in Wrexham are on a two-year placement at the town’s Maelor Hospital. Blending time in the classroom with one day a week on different wards and areas of care, the ‘nurse cadets’ have enjoyed the first few weeks of the pilot initiative and are gaining valuable experience alongside trained medical staff. Claire Williams, Cambria’s curriculum director for Health, Social Care and Childcare, said the union will give the students a flavour of real-time hospital life and working practices. “Over the course of the next 12 months they will work in three areas of the hospital; that rotation allows them to specialise in different fields and expand their skillset while finding out which suits them best – which discipline they might like to pursue as a career. They will then proceed to the second year, where there is the potential to work flexible shifts at the hospital.” Vicky Edwards, the college’s vice principal of Technical Studies, added: “BCUHB has fed into the curriculum and tailored these placements to meet the needs of specific wards and the types of patients they’ll be caring for, so the nurse cadets will be learning the same processes on this course that they would use in their day-to-day jobs. That means together we are training the next generation of nurses and helping to meet demand in the sector at a critical time, given the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and recruitment nationally. ‘This first cohort have already immersed themselves in the programme, showing resilience and an appetite to learn and help people. It’s the beginning of an exciting journey for them.” Gill Harris, BCUHB deputy chief executive and executive director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “As a hospital providing care for local communities, we are delighted to be able to help support and influence the career pathways of the nurse cadets.” For more information, visit www.cambria.ac.uk or email enquiries@cambria.ac.uk. Alternatively, call 0300 30 30 007.

At first you may feel a little awkward. This is fine – don’t panic!

The nurse cadets spend one day a week on the wards in their first year, and four days in the classroom

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Arts&Crafts

Local legend celebrated The Shropshire town of Whitchurch is honouring one of its local heroes this March by launching a new one-day festival in his name

A Frog He Would a-Wooing Go was one of a series of picture books by Caldecott published by F Warne

New York Times book critic and expert on children’s literature, will be flying in from New York to share his thoughts on Caldecott’s

“He inspired us not only to follow our dreams but to understand that giving up is never an option”

From Hey-Diddle-Diddle… the Dish running away with the Spoon

hitchurch is preparing to mark the works of an extraordinary local hero this month at the inaugural Caldecott Arts Festival. The family-friendly festival is set to honour the life and works of Randolph Caldecott, who from humble beginnings in Whitchurch in the mid-1800s went on to become one of the most renowned artists in his field in the world. His work has inspired generations of illustrators, including Beatrix Potter, the much-loved creator of Peter Rabbit. In fact, an original oil painting by Caldecott still hangs in Potter’s house, together with two prints from his picture books, Despite his family’s expectations for him to follow a more traditional career path, Caldecott was determined to become an illustrator and make his dream a reality.

Spreading the word

The celebratory one-day event takes place on Saturday 19th March, at locations across the town. It has even attracted the attention of the international arts community – American author Leonard Marcus, 106 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

works and will be linking live to the US as part of the event. Norma Raynes, chair of the festival committee said: “We are so excited to be bringing this inaugural festival to the people of Whitchurch, Shropshire and the Border counties. So many people aren’t aware of his wonderful work and we want to change that. “Caldecott inspired all of us to not only follow our dreams but to understand that giving up is never an option. His influence goes further than his illustrations and we are so happy to honour his life in this way. “There will be bookable events throughout the day such as illustration

Above: Norma Raynes, festival organiser Left: Froggy charms pretty Miss Mousey

and cartoon workshops, drawing competitions and art activities, as well as an exhibition of Caldecott’s work. It’s a hugely familyfriendly day out and we hope everyone will come along and enjoy all that the festival has to offer.” For details, email info@ caldecottfestival.org.uk or call 07900 051215.

Steeled for success

ARTS & CRAFTS A R T I N YO U R A R E A

A local art student has seen his vision come to life after winning a competition to design a sculpture, now on show in Deeside

‘From Birkenhead to Anglesey: an artist rediscovered’, Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead. Extended until 2nd April, Galleries 4 and 5 This exhibition brings together for the first time George Cockram’s paintings from across his career, from the 1880s to the 1940s. By the early 1890s, Cockram (1861-1950) was a successful artist with an established reputation. He regularly commanded three figure sums for his works, a substantial amount for the period. Presented chronologically, this exhibition recognises Cockram’s accomplishments and begins to redress his recent obscurity. Born at 51 Thomas Street, close to the centre of Birkenhead, Cockram studied at Liverpool School of Art under John Finnie between 1876 and 1884. He regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and Conwy’s Royal Cambrian Academy, as well as in exhibitions in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and as far afield as New Zealand.

Luka with his winning sculpture

oleg Cambria student Luka Mitchell’s prize-winning design was created to celebrate the 125th anniversary of pioneering steel company Tata. The artwork now takes pride of place in the gardens at Tata’s Shotton site, following an unveiling ceremony. Entrants to the competition were tasked with capturing the spirit of the company, its place in the community and its evolution onto the international stage over the past century and more. Luka, currently studying A Levels in Maths, Physics and Product Design at Deeside Sixth Form Centre, was thrilled to win the £1,000 prize, and honoured to have his vision become part of the site for posterity.

Cutting-edge concept

Vicky Barwis, vice principal for work-based learning and employer engagement at Coleg Cambria, congratulated him on emerging victorious ahead of so many talented young learners. She added: “We have a long-standing relationship with Tata Steel and are absolutely delighted to see one of our students come up with such a breathtaking concept. Luka’s design hit the brief and he spoke passionately about what it would mean for him to see his sculpture win the competition. It encapsulates the spirit of Tata Steel and its pivotal role in the North Wales community over the last 125 years – well done, Luka.” The piece was manufactured out of Tata Steel’s own steel products and brought to life by the college’s fabrication and welding team at Deeside. Bill Duckworth, Tata site manager at Shotton, said the “distinctive and compelling” installation shows the true spirit of the company. “In celebrating the part the works have played in the community, and will play in the future, it was important to us to have that brought to life through the vision and talent of those who live and work in the area too.”

‘Tales from Terracottapolis’, featuring Paul Eastwood, Antony Gormley, Lesley James, Lydia Meehan, Renee So and Liam Stokes-Massey, Ty Pawb, Wrexham. Until 11th June Wrexham’s considerable contribution to the story of brick, tile and terracotta manufacture forms the foundation for this absorbing exhibition. From the mid19th century up to as late as 2008, Wrexham was known worldwide for the manufacture and distribution of bricks, tiles and terracotta products. Nicknamed ‘Terracottapolis’, the city produced distinctive red bricks and decorative tiles that have been used extensively in some of the grandest buildings across the British Isles. The exhibition will utilise artefacts from Wrexham Museum’s collection, complemented by contemporary works from local artists. A highlight will be The Brick Man by Antony Gormley, creator of the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. The Brick Man is a 6ft model for a proposed 120ft sculpture that was selected from a competition for an inner-city site near Leeds City Station in the late 1980s. Birmingham Art Circle Exhibition, The Granary Art Gallery, Weston Park, Shropshire. Until 31st March Birmingham Art Circle was founded in 1879 and this exhibition represents the group’s first visit to the Granary. Comprising a number of highly regarded Birmingham artists, the group will be filling the gallery with many (Keith Turley RBSA) different styles and mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and photography. Members’ work will be for sale in this kaleidoscope of artistic talent. 11am-4pm. Entry free.

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 107

AFONWEN CRAFTS 1st March, Angel Wings Lisa will be here with her holistic items and jewellery, some made using her crystals, which she is happy to advise on. 4th March, Weaving with Trevor Blackburn Trevor has some gorgeous scarves and shawls, hand-woven using yarns such as camel, alpaca, wool and silk. He is always happy to pause and chat about his wonderful craft.

PHOTO COMPETITION What a brilliant response we’ve had to our latest competition. We have only been able to fit a few of our favourites in to these pages as we were inundated! You obviously all enjoy snapping the birdlife in your gardens and out and about across the patch, as ‘Winter Wonderland’ proved a popular theme. We hope you are just as inspired by this month’s competition as we’re giving you the challenge of capturing some great action shots. So with the title ‘On The Move’, get out there and snap away! Please send all your entries to us here at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk – good luck!

by Helen Marde

5th & 6th March, Spinning Masterclass with Jenni Frost For those who fancy having a go under Jenni’s expert tuition, please book direct with Jenni at jennifrost@outlook.com. 11th March, Memory Bears by Margaret Sutherland, Stitchwork by Marie Peck Margaret makes mohair bears, which she dresses in little outfits using fabrics from children’s clothes, keeping cherished memories alive. Marie creates appliqué, sewn cards and pictures from seaglass. March 17th & 18th, Eco Jewellery by Sandra Roberts Sandra uses reclaimed silver for her unique designs, which are finished with pretty stones.

by Ken Lawrence

by Khryn Ha

30th March, Crafty Sisters The ladies have some quirky gifts, plus jewellery in stunning colours. 2nd & 3rd April, Thelma Evans Local artist Thelma creates mainly floral scenes in pastels. She is happy to chat, and to take commissions.

by Helen Marde

by Sue Hchings

16th-18th April, Gill Benjamin Stunning artwork by a local artist of places of interest, landscapes and seascapes, plus some cute hand-painted wooden houses. 21st & 22nd April, Elaine at Cherry Bea and Liz Elaine makes jewellery and Liz her stylish bags. Both are happy to chat.

108 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

by Sam Hulse

by Steven Davies

by Khryn Ha

by Kieran Huds

by Kennh Davies

by Amy Murray by Pricia Stanley

by Margar Davies by Ken Lawrence

by Paul Lewis by Sue Deakin

by Pricia Stanley by Steven Davies

by Margar Davies March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 109

MEN’S STYLE

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I Dream of Green

Add a burst of green for a fresh spring look

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Windermere waterproof jacket in cactus £59.95, Cherry Tree Country Clothing, Ruthin, Denbighshire www.cherrytreecountryclothing.com Rambler pure wool sweater with suede patches £87.50, Woods of Shropshire www.woodsofshropshire.co.uk Rab beanie £15, Pro Adventure, Llangollen www.proadventure.co.uk Barbour men’s ridge logo tee £22.99, Charlie’s Outdoor and Garden www.charlies.co.uk Lyle & Scott polo shirt £30 sale price, Smart Ass Menswear, Conwy www.smartassmenswear.co.uk Liberty floral shirt £59.95 sale price, Peppers Menswear and Ladieswear,

110 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Church Stretton www.peppersfashion.co.uk 7. New Balance 880v11 running shoes £120, Up & Running, Shrewsbury www.upandrunning.co.uk 8. Barbour Highland 32 check shirt £65, Vaughan Davies, Mold, Flintshire www.vaughandavies.co.uk 9. Ralph Lauren classic popover hoody £149, Pockets Menswear, Shrewsbury www.pockets.co.uk 10. Joules Jarvis crew neck jumper £40 sale price, Anna Davies, Betws-y-Coed www.annadavies.co.uk 11. Meyer 5548 cotton trouser £115, Peppers, as before

Motoring

JAGUAR XF SPORTBRAKE To you and me it’s an estate car, to Jaguar’s marketeers it’s a Sportbrake. Whatever you choose to call it, it’s an exceptional drive for the price, writes Bob Hickman rom the front, the XF Sportbrake is pretty much identical to the saloon it is based on. The difference is at the rear, where the designers have excelled in creating a shape that befits the sleek, stylish Jaguar brand. Inside, high windows and wrap-around dashboard give the feel of a sporty derivative, yet the cabin seems to cocoon you. Some might find it a little claustrophobic, but for me it the XF provides

Verdict: a sensational driving experience

an extremely pleasant driving environment. The seats offer good support and are easily adjusted. The bulk of the controls are contained either within the steering wheel or the 8in colour touchscreen; the infotainment system is a marked improvement. The rear seat is a 40/20/40 split and drops to give an impressive load capacity. The rear is on the low side, but does make it easier if you’re transporting something awkward like a golf trolley or all-terrain pushchair. The driving dynamics of the Sportbrake are sensational: positive, quick and responsive. As I’ve mentioned before, ex-Jaguar designer Ian Callan once told me the only time you should know you’re in an estate is when you look over your shoulder

at the acres of room, and this was the case with the Sportbrake. The two-litre test car produced a maximum 204bhp, sufficient to give a top speed of 143mph and a 0-60 gallop in 7.5 seconds. The combined mpg was astounding at 49.5mpg, and on a lengthy run to Wales followed by a lot of around town driving I actually eclipsed this, achieving 50.4mpg, exceptional for a vehicle of this size. The Sportbrake comes with all the “The standard features Bob is a devoted car and combined you’d expect for this motorcycle fan. After mpg was market: DAB radio, a 30-year career as a satnav, dual climate astounding police motorcycle patrol control, heated front officer and latterly as a at 49.5… sergeant, patrolling the seats, cruise control, I actually motorways of the Midlands, leather upholstery. eclipsed this” retirement beckoned and The list of extras he embarked on writing is extensive, some about his love of transport. novel and possibly even useful: a lockable cool glove Bob is a member of the box, for example. Keyless entry at £625 I thought Guild of Motor Writers and excessive, and heated memory door mirrors at £400 the Midland Guild of Motor are fun but hardly essential. I can certainly live Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield without the 19in, seven-spoke wheels at £800. Continental GT and drives The basic D200 has an on-the-road price of a 1994 MG RV8. £37,415; a plethora of extras bumped up the price of the test vehicle to £43,320. All in all, it’s • MODEL TESTED: XF SPORTBRAKE D200 phenomenal R-DYNAMIC S AWD value for a vehicle • PRICE: £37,415 that looks the • ENGINE: 1997 CC 4-CYLINDER PETROL part, drives the • MAX SPEED: 143MPH part and would • 0-60MPH: 7.5 SECONDS be a pleasure to display on your drive. FACTS AT A GLANCE

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 111

Beauty

Cosmetic tattooing – your questions answered

ith the beauty industry in full swing offering a magnitude of ‘tweakments’ on your local high street, aesthetic treatments really have become accessible to all. Over the coming months, I will be talking you through the options – from vitamin injections to fillers, a new set of eyebrows, PDO thread lifts and profhilo facials. I look forward to offering you insight on how the industry has advanced and hopefully informing your outlook. I think it is only right to start with my own specialist area of treatment – the Emma Turner cosmetic tattoo, often referred to as SPMU (semi-permanent make-up). Modern cosmetic tattooing is streets ahead of the early incarnations of SPMU. I qualified in the health and beauty industry in 1999 and remember the heavily lined lips and one-size-fits-all solid block brows that were the best that was achievable at the time. Not the most flattering! Fortunately the new wave of advanced artistic practitioners – myself included – have better inks and much improved equipment, while the advancements in needle types and sizes and the advent of microblading allow us to create the most natural, beautiful hairstroke brows and pigmented lips that are bespoke to every client. Cosmetic tattooing is a complete game-changer for somebody wanting to sharpen and freshen their look. Let’s look at the simple but effective art of lip blushing. For those who want a fuller lip with added symmetry and no harsh lines, with

Shire Magazine, the No.1 magazine

for holiday parks throughout Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

“Cosmetic tattooing is a complete game-changer” Lip blushing defines the lip shape

a soft hue of colour, this is your go-to treatment. Lips naturally thin with age, so when blushing we start by framing the lip with a natural youthful outline, before blending and diffusing the colour inwards. Clients have the option of plumper-looking lips without the need for injectable fillers. However, without a doubt, a small amount of well-placed filler prior to lip blushing can have incredible results. Lip blushing is suitable for clients over the age of 18, but as with any beauty procedure, choose a qualified therapist and share any health concerns. A follow-up is recommended after six to eight weeks to secure the longevity of the treatment. Emma Turner is owner of Corser House Cosmetic Studio in Whitchurch www.corsercosmetic.co.uk 112 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Get in touch now

advertising@shiremagazine.co.uk or simply call (01691) 661 270

FASHION 3

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g n i r p s o t n i g Sprin

Get moving in style with our pick of the season’s activewear

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Laura Whitmore Dare2B Sports Bra £11.99, Charlie’s Garden and Outdoors www.charlies.co.uk Seasalt Handyband in Trailing Flowers £10.36 sale price, Outdoor and Country www.outdoorandcountry.co.uk Dare2B Ardency print vest £15, Anna Davies, Betws-y-Coed www.annadavies.co.uk Klean Kanteen insulated bottle £27.95, The Silver Pear, Ludlow silverpear.co.uk Stoney Creek women’s hypercore hoody £59.99, Cherry Tree Country Clothing, Ruthin, Denbighshire www.cherrytreecountryclothing.co.uk Next Active long-sleeve top £16 www.next.co.uk Mias Origin waterproof jacket £30, Pro Adventure

Llangollen www.proadventure.co.uk Domyos 2-in1 fitness shorts £14.99, Decathlon www.decathlon.co.uk 9. Cobalt Tessy jog pants £95, Abi Fisher, Willington, Cheshire www.abifisher.co.uk 10. Venice Beach Sui short-sleeve gym top £39.99, John Lewis www.johnlewis.com 11. Falke Active Breeze socks £13, Bodenhams of Ludlow www.bodenhams.co.uk 12. Pour Moi cross-back jersey yoga top £24, Next www.next.co.uk 13. Adidas Solar Boost 3 running shoes £84 sale price, Up and Running, Shrewsbury www.upandrunning.co.uk 8.

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 113

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Top of the Class

SCHOOL NEWS A FOCUS ON WILDLIFE Pupils at Abberley Hall School, near Worcester have been busy preparing future habitat for wildlife in their grounds. The Woodland Trust has agreed to provide a wild-harvest hedge to go around the school’s veggie patch, which will include native hedgerow species such as crab apple, blackthorn and elder. A working wood of silver birch, wild cherry and grey willow is planned, and in around 7-10 years’ time should provide log-burner fuel. Nothing from the grounds is wasted; fallen branches from recent storms were enthusiastically chopped, and pupils enjoyed food cooked over an open fire.

WILL’S DRAWING IS PUBLISHED AGAIN Cheshire College student Will Hawkes has become a published illustrator for the third time. The Art & Design student teamed up with author Lorna McCann to illustrate her book I Wish I Could Fly, about two canine pals, which ranked high on the bestseller list for kids’ books Artist Will about dogs. Will started the course with no illustration experience, which shows what’s possible if you follow your passion.

A VISIT FROM THE WELSH CAVALRY

Rydal Penrhos cadets proved they’re always ready for action – even when the Army’s top cavalry regiment drops in for lessons

adets at Penrhos School nicknamed ‘The Welsh Cavalry’, in Colwyn Bay were is the senior cavalry regiment of “Penrhos the British Army and recruits excited to receive their first was first official visit from their to wear the from Wales and the bordering sponsor regiment, the 1st English counties of Cheshire, cavalry’s Queens Dragoon Guards. Herefordshire and Shropshire. badge” Rydal Penrhos has a thriving Rydal Penrhos was the first Combined Cadet Force, CCF group to carry the QDG with students from Year 8 right through to badge on their uniforms. During the visit, Year 13 taking part, and it has continued to lessons were taught by troopers and cadets even got a chance to meet the regimental operate despite recent Covid-19 restrictions. The 1st Queens’ Dragoon Guards (QDG), mascot, which is a Welsh mountain pony.

MOLLY IS TOP OF THE CLAAS

arper Adams student Molly Robson has been awarded the prestigious Harper Adams University 2022 CLAAS UK scholarship – the first female student to win the award. The UK division of the agricultual equipment giant has enjoyed close links with the university for many years – both through the CLAAS Foundation and via sponsorship of PhD

thesis and research work at its Newport site, and annually awards the scholarship to a second-year engineering student. As well as assistance towards academic costs, Molly will work at CLAAS HQ Molly will benefit from a work placement at a CLAAS UK dealership, as well as a year-long paid placement at CLAAS headquarters in Germany

PHYSICS OLYMPIAD SUCCESS Eight Year 12 students from Haberdashers Adams in Newport are delighted Displaying the evidence to have placed highly in the national online Physics Olympiad Senior Challenge, including three who achieved gold awards. More than 4,000 students were involved in the challenge, which is designed to encourage confidence in the subject.

ST WINEFRIDES ARE PREMIER LEAGUE St Winefride’s in Shrewsbury has been selected to take part in the Official Premier League 2022 ESFA Panini Pupils received the new sticker album Classroom Challenge. Bringing football stats, facts and figures into schools allows both teachers and pupils to view the sport in a different and more varied way. The Classroom Challenge includes designing a new football boot, with great prizes for the school on offer.

UP CLOSE WITH OWLS Children in Reception at The Kings School, Chester recently enjoyed their very first school trip. They have been learning about birds A chance to hold one of the birds and other hatchlings in their topic work, and were excited for the opportunity to meet some real-life birds of prey at Cheshire Falconry Centre. The trip ended around the campfire, toasting marshmallows.

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 115

EDUCATION

SCHOOL NEWS YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE PANEL, PLEASE… Moreton Hall’s popular annual business lunch takes place on 1st April. This year’s event at the school in Oswestry will follow the Moreton Hall hosts the annual event format of BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions, with the expert panel including Richard Walker, MD of Iceland Foods, and Joanna Swash of Moneypenny, CEO of the Year. Tickets from www.moretonhall.org

LECTURER SUPPORTS MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN This year’s Mind Your Head campaign from The Farm Safety Foundation, an award-winning charity also known as Yellow Wellies, features Harper Adams’ Terry shared his story agriculture placement manager Terry Pickthall. Terry shares a powerful account of how he found his mental health deteriorating and the steps he took to find support. Read more at www.yellowwellies.org

EATING ALL ROUND THE WORLD Students at Wrekin College are being treated to new tastes from caterers Holroyd Howe. They sampled dishes from New on the menu East Asia before moving on to street food from around the world – but they still celebrated Yorkshire Pudding Day!

FUNDED DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP OFFER Wrexham Glyndwr University is offering six fully funded Degree Apprenticeship Programmes for employees of Welsh companies to access, in a Employers: get in touch! bid to boost skills and help companies attract, recruit and retain talent. The apprenticeships on offer include Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Production Engineering and Low Carbon Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability.

NURSE CADET PROGRAMME LAUNCHES Cambria Yale in Wrexham has joined forces with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to launch a new Nurse Cadet programme. Sixteen learners are on a two-year placement at the town’s Maelor Hospital, spending one day per week working alongside qualified staff. Graduating cadets will be awarded WJEC Level 3 Health and Social Care in Principles and Practice, WJEC Medical Science, and the Health and Social Care City & Guilds Level 2 Core Qualification.

116 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Holly has Motocross Championship in sight

oreton Hall student Holly Williams has the British Women’s Motocross Championships (BWMA) firmly in sight following last year’s success, when she finished second against 40 others. It is a tough and highly competitive sport, and Holly has made great inroads considering she only started riding three years ago. Races take place at weekends and Holly has had the opportunity to travel “I love not to France, Belgium, Spain knowing and Germany to compete. what’s going “When I jump on the to happen bike I love the adrenalin next” of such a fast sport and not knowing what is going

Holly in action

to happen next” she says. When not racing, she is often competing in school sports or in the gym as part of her strength training. “It’s a big commitment juggling schoolwork but I always manage to fit it all in.”

EQUESTRIAN TEAM SUCCESS

after three brilliant clear rounds in the 70cm class they managed both a team and an individual first place. Both teams went on to enter the 80cm class, which ended with a very respectable team first and second. In the challenging and competitive 90cm class team members again placed individually. Team Oswestry came away with Hickstead qualification in all classes! The Oswestry team gave their all “It was a classic Oswestry ight students from Oswestry School competition,” was the verdict from recently competed in a National accompanying staff, “with every student helping each other and trying their Schools Equestrian Association eventers challenge, with the hope of gaining best all day. It was obviously made even qualification to the final, to be held in May better by qualification to one of the at famed equestrian ground Hickstead. most famous equestrian grounds of all. The school fielded two teams at Kelsall “We can’t wait to go and compete Hill Equestrian Centre on the day, and there in a couple of months’ time!”

A SWITCH TO SOLAR AT SCG

hrewsbury College Group is in the final stages of an ambitious project to install 731 solar panels at the London Road campus. This follows the planting of over 400 saplings on the sports field, and refitting lights at the campus with more energy-efficient LED units, all part of its carbon-offsetting plans. “…more The college received essential assistance from energy the Marches Renewable efficient” Energy Fund, which provided a grant for 50 percent of the cost of the new installation. The solar panels will make a significant contribution towards reducing the amount of electricity that the campus draws from the national grid.

The last of the 700-plus panels are going in

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EDUCATION

Abbey Gate College boasts Cathedral choristers T

hree students from Abbey Gate College’s Infant and Junior Department have been appointed prestigious places in Chester Cathedral Choir. Abbey Gate has had strong links with the Cathedral since its founding, and the recent recruits join a long line of “The skills choristers from the college, including six previous heads of school. they learn Current director of music, Philip help in all Rushforth, himself an ex-pupil, said: other areas ‘’Being a chorister is more than just of their having the opportunity to be involved with music-making at a professional education” level. Learning to support each other as part of a close-knit team, the Cathedral choristers make friendships with others outside of school in other year groups, and the skills they learn together help in all other areas of their education.’’

The new choristers

LUCIAN GETS WALES CALL-UP Y

ear 9 student Lucian Barnett of Aberconwy School has been invited to represent Wales in U16s hockey. Lucian has been working his way up the national age group pathway since Year 4, and following trials in Cardiff at the end of 2021 was selected as goalkeeper for the U16 Wales group. Lucian is goalkeeper for men’s team Clwb Hoci Eirias, which plays at Eirias Park, and teammates Josh Chan, Adam Thwaite and Alex Starling were also selected for the national side. They will represent Wales against the home nations as well as travelling abroad to internationals.

A visit from soap star Sam

tudents and staff at Derwen College were delighted to get a visit from TV’s Sam Retford. Sam, who has graced our screens in Hollyoaks, Casualty, Ackley Bridge and most recently Coronation Street, shared stories, answered questions and gave a few acting tips. Sam’s brother Max has autism and cerebral palsy, so Sam uses Makatron sign language to communicate with him, and is a big advocate of inclusivity and diversity within the acting industry.

Sam with student Anna Reding

118 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Team mates Josh Chan, Adam Thwaite and Alex Starling were also selected Lucian steps in to stop another goal

BANGOR UNIVERSITY IN THE SUPREME COURT

angor University has been selected as one of only 12 UK law schools to stage a moot court competition final at the Supreme Court in 2022. A moot court simulates a court hearing (usually in the Court of Appeal or above) where students fulfil the role of a barrister or solicitor, advancing their research, problem solving and advocacy skills in the process. Mooting requires students to prepare written submissions and present a reasoned oral argument. The scenarios usually concern a contentious or unsettled area of law, or an area of recent change, or topical legal development. Each year more than 100 law schools apply for the prestigious

“More than 100 law schools apply for the prestigious opportunity” opportunity to stage their moot final at the Supreme Court, before one of the 12 Justices. Bangor University will be the first Welsh law school to do so.

The Supreme Court in central London

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EDUCATION

COLEG COMMITMENT TO ESPORTS

oleg Llandrillo is leading the way in esports, a multi-billion-pound worldwide industry with no physical barriers. Its Games Development department has secured partnerships with some of the world’s most successful electronics and gaming brands, it is registered as a developer with both

Xbox and Nintendo, and is part of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s global academic programme. Learners are taught within the brand-new, £120,000 state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) suite at the college group’s Rhos-on-Sea campus by expert staff from within the industry, including tutor Rob Griffiths, who is a non-executive director for Esports Wales,

“It is registered as a developer with Xbox and Nintendo and is part of Sony’s global programme”

The college’s VR suite is state-of-the-art

the national body for esports in Wales. Esports is a booming global market, and students recently experienced success at World Esports Day, competing and winning against students from the USA.

A VISIT FROM ASIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

ormer Concord College student Ophelia Lu has been named in Tatler’s Asia’s Most Influential. Since appearing on hit BBC show Glow Up, where aspiring make-up artists compete under the guidance of industry professionals, Ophelia has gone on to build a successful social media presence, with more than half a million followers on Instagram. She recently returned to Concord to support a student production of We Will Rock You by designing the make-up looks, as well as offering workshops for students and staff.

CYCLE SAFETY AT THE FIRS Year 6 pupils at The Firs School, Chester recently took part in Level 1 Bikeability training, as part of the government’s cycle education programme. Practising in the playground Two Bikeability instructors visited the school every day for a week, teaching road safety and cycling skills to small groups of students. Practice began on the playground and ended with pupils putting their newly acquired skills and knowledge to the test by riding out on the roads.

STUDENTS LAUNCH CHARITY CAKE TRAIL Three students from University Centre Shrewsbury are organising a charity cake trail on 12th March, taking people on a whistlestop tour of The brains behind the bakes the town’s best bakeries and cafes. Everyone can sample a cake at each stop, and there’ll also be the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Baker of 2022. The Events & Festivals Management students set out to create a fun event while boosting support for local businesses and raising funds for Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. Tickets cost £12.50. www.theshrewsburycaketrail.co.uk

GOLD FOR ST DAVID’S OUTDOOR ED

Ophelia presenting her ideas

Ellesmere students ‘putt’ on a great performance

tudents involved in the highly successful Golf Academy at Ellesmere College have reached the area final of a national matchplay competition. The college is ranked fifth as a team and two players recently The finished in the top five team is in the Independent ranked Schools Golf Association fi fth Team Championships. The Golf Academy nationally is open to students aged

SCHOOL NEWS

Through to the final…

between eight and 18, of all levels of ability, and players can use the school’s nine-hole golf course.

Outdoor learning was embedded in the ethos of St David’s College from the start, and the Llandudno school has now been recognised with a highly prestigious St David’s on a high Gold Standard by the AHOEC, the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres. Only two other schools in the UK have received this accolade.

NEW AT WGU: PARAMEDIC SCIENCE Paramedic Science is a subject in demand following the pandemic, helped by TV shows such as Paramedics: Britain’s Lifesavers. Wrexham Glyndwr University is now offering the degree, the first time it has been available in this part of North Wales. The brand-new programme is one Could you be a life-saver? of the first to be written post-Covid, and course leader Daniel Finnerty said he had been “overwhelmed by how many people seem to have been waiting for this opportunity”. Bursary funding may be available for eligible students who commit to working in Wales following their studies.

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 121

EDUCATION

STAR AUTHOR AT SCHOOL LAUNCH A

ward-winning writer and former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson is visiting Wolverhampton on 15th March for an interactive morning of storytelling, singing and surprises at the Grand Theatre. Over 1,000 children from local infant “Over and primary schools will have the opportunity to 1,000 local meet the author, whose well-loved tales include The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Zog. chidren Julia will then officially open the new Infant will meet School at Wolverhampton Grammar with a session the author” for children in Reception and Year 1. Zoe Rowley, the school’s head librarian, is delighted the visit will promote reading for pleasure to young people across the region.

Julia Donaldson – and Zog, the keenest dragon in school

A new addition to the family…

University support for grass-roots rugby

arches Academy Trust has welcomed Longlands Nursery to its family of schools. The move will strengthen the trust’s nursery expertise and continue the “It will wonderful collaboration in stay with all aspects of learning and them for particularly in continuing to life” develop creative curriculum Making a new friend projects, it said. The nursery is situated at Longlands experiences that will stay with our Primary School so will benefit from the children for the rest of their lives and inspire fantastic facilities the school has to offer. them to become life-long learners,” added “We can support the nursery with learning headteacher Mrs Zillah Cope.

THOMAS ADAMS STUDENTS WIN LIVERY AWARDS 2022

ixth-form students from Thomas Adams are victorious after winning the Livery Academy Awards 2022. The six A-Level Business students presented their business idea to a judging panel at Mansion House in London, in a Dragon’s Den style competition. To reach the final they had already won the 2021 competition, claiming £5,000 for the school and £1,000 for charity. The event was hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London and guests included the four school finalist teams and their parents, as well as members of the Worshipful Companies of Drapers, Haberdashers, Merchant Taylors and Mercers. The awards are designed for City livery companies to foster entrepreneurial, business and presentation skills amongst sixth formers. The brief this year was to create a commercially viable and

122 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

The new strip

berystwyth University has announced a three-year sponsorship deal with Aberystwyth RFC as shirt sponsor for the club’s youth and athletic teams. Established in 1947, Aberystwyth is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and has more than 270 playing members across all ages, from under-7s to first team. Professor Tim Woods, pro vice-chancellor said: “The club has given our students an opportunity to be part of the community, an experience that is so valuable and formative.”

Cutting edge

The Lord Mayor presented the cup

sustainable product or service that will help reduce pollution, protect the environment, and reduce carbon footprint or climate temperature. The winning idea was the O-Pen – a fully recyclable pen made from ocean-recovered plastics. The team received support from two Drapers Company mentors as well as Business Studies teacher Amy Glover.

orticulture students from Reaseheath College lent a few helping hands at Nantwich Community Orchard in readiness for spring. The students ably assisted Nantwich in Bloom volunteers in pruning fruit trees, under the expert guidance of their tutor. The orchard was established in 2008 to help maintain traditional fruit tree varieties and is dedicated to Tony Gentil, whose idea it was. To date it has almost 50 trees.

Careful does it!

A place of possibility

We work with our to support them to they want to and c to do more. Our st exceed what they possible. Your colle can open up a wor opportunities. Com

Delivering exceptional programmes and rich learning environment for young people, aged from 16 to 25 years, with special educational needs and disabilities, including: • Learning and physical disabilities • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Behaviours of concern • PMLD We support our young people to achieve and challenge them to do more. Your college programme can open up a world of exciting opportunities. Come and have a look!

For adults with learning disabilities Short Breaks and Respite Care at Derwen offers adults with learning disabilities and associated needs the opportunity to take a break and enjoy themselves.

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EDUCATION

Expert MEET THE

Dr Jane Furness, Veterinary Nursing programme leader

current equipment including anaesthesia, radiology and lab equipment. My ethos is applying theory to practice, so we do all our sessions within the suite.

What’s required to get on the course?

What do you specialise in?

I am programme leader on the Veterinary Nursing foundation degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University. Before I started teaching, I established my career over 17 years as registered veterinary nurse, lead nurse and practice manager. I completed a PhD in physiology, gained a higher education teaching qualification and became a senior lecturer and programme leader.

How did you get into this career?

From a young age I enjoyed caring for a range of companion animals at home. When I left school at 15, I knew I didn’t want to work in an office, but many of the opportunities open to young women at the time were office-based. I had no idea there was a pathway into veterinary nursing until I saw an advert for training to become an animal nursing auxiliary, as it was called back then. I made the move from Scotland, where I grew up, and worked in Cambridge for six months and then on to London to complete my training in a veterinary hospital. I worked in various locations as a qualified veterinary nurse over the next couple of years, even in a veterinary hospital in the Caribbean. I settled in south London for 15 years before I studied for my degree and PhD and moved into teaching.

What does the course entail?

It’s a three-year programme and has only been running for two years. Students cover two modules each semester and then complete four months of work-based learning in a veterinary training practice. In their first year, they take modules in professional and academic development, anatomy and physiology, foundations of nursing practice and patient care. Then they progress through diagnostics, parasitology, anaesthesia and surgical nursing to nursing in the community and critical care. We have fantastic facilities at our Northop campus. Our clinical suite is set up as a veterinary practice, with all the 124 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

prepare our graduates for lifelong learning and they have the scope to work in a range of sectors. They may have a career in a hospital or referral practice, as shown on the popular TV programme Supervet. There is the opportunity to specialise and gain postgraduate qualifications in anaesthesia and analgesics, exotics or emergency and critical care, or to work in education. There really are no limits where you can go with your degree.

Our academic requirements can be found at glyndwr.ac.uk for applicants to take a look at. On Why should people choose a personal level we’re looking for students with enthusiasm and a Wrexham Glyndwr University? good understanding of what a We have a fantastic new veterinary clinical veterinary nurse does in practice. (The RCVS suite situated on a beautiful rural campus website can help in North Wales. here.) Placements There’s an excellent “We have a fantastic can often be in rural rapport between new veterinary clinical staff and students, locations, so students have to be willing and our students are suite situated in a to travel and work supported in a small, beautiful rural campus long hours. We safe, friendly learning in North Wales” interview all of our environment. applicants. Overall, We are the only we want to see their desire to pursue this as a degree programme for veterinary nursing career, and their passion for animal welfare. in North Wales, and in the 2022 edition of the Times and Sunday Times Good University What practical work do students Guide, Wrexham Glyndwr University has been rated second in the UK for its get involved with? Students need to complete 1,800 placement teaching quality. hours by the time they graduate. They accrue those through their three fourmonth placements. We have a tutor who helps match the students to our approved training practices and supports them throughout. Students gain a wide variety of experience on placement. Tasks include caring for in-patients, laboratory work, administrating medicines, monitoring anaesthesia, post-operative care and radiology. They will also experience working in a multidisciplinary team and communicating with clients.

What opportunities can it lead to?

Once students have graduated with their foundation degree, they are eligible to apply to the RCVS to be put on the list of registered veterinary nurses and obtain their licence to practise. There are many different routes you can take once you are registered. We

Above: a passion for animal welfare is key Right: theory is combined with practical experience

An exciting debut novel by local author, set on the stunning North Wales coast. “When Cassie Jones sets out to find the truth behind a family rift, she finds herself far from her urban lifestyle and drawn into the contrasting world of a Welsh coastal town. A life-changing opportunity catapults her into a strange new career and the dangerous underworld of drug trafficking. Faced with challenges beyond her experience, Cassie has choices to make…”

Mental Health

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YOUR WORK IS YOUR CONTRIBUTION D

oing what we love, I mind makes good decisions. believe, is one of the most Set out a plan of action towards important ways to enhance and your goal, working bit by bit, elevate our mental creating the building wellbeing. When we blocks to your new “Do do what we love, we path. If you want to something completely change flourish and thrive. We sometimes every day your career direction, fear making a career put all of your energy towards change because of passion into making the and the risk to security understanding the change” and stability. But avenue you wish if your mind and to pursue. Where heart tell you it is time to energy flows, everything grows. create the change – listen and When you live what you love, create it. You have the power. you will give the best of you Many of us experienced the because when we forced change of working from love something, Turn to our lead feature home and unexpectedly enjoyed we put our ‘The Big Shift’, the benefits. It is ok to want to heart and soul starting on page change direction as a result: if into it. When 100, for tips and informatio our experiences are different, we give heart about making n a then we change – we cannot not and soul to career change change. It’s a process of evolution. something, it If you aren’t able to take the not only elevates leap, do it gradually step by our own journey, step, but do something every it elevates those around us. day towards making the change. What better gift can you give Take time to calm your mind to yourself and others than living to gain clarity and focus; a clear your true passion and purpose?

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Lisa Whelan has dedicated the past 20 years to creating a first-class wellbeing resource that is simple and fun. The result is ‘Mighty Minds’, a six-week animated, positive resource designed specifically for children, and the ‘Calm Your Mind, Control Your Life’ Mind Flight course for adults. Find out more at www.mindflight.online

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 125

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Tax relief for working from home HOW OFTEN DO YOU ‘WFH’? MAKE SURE YOU’RE NOT MISSING OUT ON EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS

f your employer has requested that you work from home, you can claim tax relief for some of the bills you pay that are related to your work. These tax reliefs have always been available, but as many of us are now being instructed to work from home, a claim for the use of your home, from your employer or HMRC, may be relevant. Employers can reimburse employees for the additional household expenses incurred through regularly working at home – expenses such as business telephone calls or heating and lighting costs for the room “You may you are working in. Expenses that are be able to for both private and business use (such as broadband) cannot be claimed. claim on Employees may also be able to claim tax equipment relief on equipment they have bought, such as a such as a laptop, chair or mobile phone. laptop” Employers can now pay up to £6 per week (or £26 a month for employees paid monthly) to cover an employee’s additional costs if they have had to work from home. These figures increased from the £4 per week (£18 a month) up to 5 April 2020. Employees do not need to keep specific records if they receive this fixed amount. If the expenses or allowances are not paid by the employer, then employees can claim tax relief directly from HMRC. Employees will get tax relief based on their highest tax rate. For example, if they pay the 20% basic rate of tax and claim tax relief on £6 a week, they will get £1.20 per week in tax relief (20% of £6). Employees can claim

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Limited company audits Financial Accounts preparation Corporateservices sales and purchases Self assessment Divorce & separation agreements Tax VATplanning Returns Business planning Accounts preparation Corporate sales and purchases Making Tax Digital Limited company audits Financial services VAT Returns Business planning HMRC enquiry investigations Tax planning Limited company audits Financial services Business & fault reviews Making Tax Digital Tax planning HMRC enquiry investigations Visit our website at www.dre.co.uk Making Tax Digital Business & fault reviews HMRC enquiry investigations Business & fault reviews Visit our website at www.dre.co.uk

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Shrewsbury@dre.co.uk Ludlow@dre.co.uk Newtown@dre.co.uk Wrexham@dre.co.uk Knighton@dre.co.uk Do you have a story to tell our readers? We’d like to know more…

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Shire Magazine, The best of North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, Wirral & Shropshire Get in touch editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk or 01691 661 270

Are you a local artist?

We’d like to share your work with our readers, and tell your story.

You can backdate claims by as much as four years

more than the quoted amount but will need to provide evidence to HMRC. HMRC will accept backdated claims for up to four years. These tax reliefs are available to anyone who has been asked to work from home on a regular basis, for all or part of the week. Note, if you choose to work at home, you cannot claim tax relief on bills. Aaron Powis BSc, BFP, FCA, CTA is a partner at DRE & Co chartered accountants in Oswestry. Call 01691 654353 or see www.dre.co.uk 126 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Shire Magazine, The best of North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, Wirral & Shropshire Get in touch editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk or 01691 661 270

Personal finance

Your “Whole of Market” Financial Advisor.

Are there risks to saving in a bank account? PAUL WILLIAMS IS OWNER AND SENIOR ADVISOR OF COMMODORE FINANCE LIMITED

At Commodore Finance we help all our clients achieve their financial goals, dreams, and independence. We will discuss your current situation and establish your financial objectives and more importantly when you want to achieve them. We can then develop a practical plan designed to help you meet your financial needs. We will never use jargon that you do not understand. TAKING CARE OF YOU - With 37 years’ service, we can say with confidence that you would find it hard to find a situation that we have not dealt with. WE ARE RECOMMENDED - We are a “Top Rated Adviser” Verified by Vouched for 2020 and 2021 as shown in the Times and Telegraph. A 5* Gold Winner in the British Property Awards for Denbighshire. Think carefully before securing debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Commodore Finance Ltd is an appointed representative of Julian Harris Financial Consultants, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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t is a well-known fact that you can build up a nice little nest egg in your bank or building society account. We look on this type of account as being a safe haven for our money. Indeed, providing you hold your savings in a UK bank or building society that is regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority, they will be protected by the financial service compensation scheme (FSCS). Most investments are covered for up to £85,000 per eligible person, per firm. A major consideration, before you invest, is whether this type of account is right for your personal situation. Depending on your financial goals, it may not be the most suited environment. If you are looking to make money on your savings, then a deposit-based savings account may leave you disillusioned with the rate of interest it provides. They are not designed to offer high returns. A major consideration is that inflation will be eating away at the

“The value of your savings will go up but spending power will go down” Have you considered alternative ways of saving?

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value of your savings, effectively reducing their spending power over time. When you look at this in more depth, the annual inflation rate in the UK increased to 5.4% in December 2021, up from 5.1% in November. So, if you are not getting at least 5.4% net interest on your savings, you are suffering from the effect of inflation (assuming inflation of 5.4% applies for the one-year period in question). The national average interest rate for UK savings accounts in 2021 was 0.35%, according to Swanlowpark (www.swanlowpark.co.uk). So, using the current inflation figure of 5.4%, if you are only receiving the average interest rate, the value of your savings will go up but their spending power will go down by 5.05%. There are many alternative savings schemes that may be much more suited to your needs and goals, and an independent financial adviser should be able to offer guidance on these. Some will offer a free initial consultation – check when you make contact. Commodore Finance Ltd is an appointed representative of Julian Harris Financial Consultants, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. www.commodorefinance.co.uk The performance of your investments is subject to risk(s). Performance may fluctuate based on movements in the market and economic conditions. Capital at risk. Currency movements may also affect the value of investments. You may get back less than you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 127

Retirement Living PENSIONS UPDATE 2022: GOOD NEWS & BAD NEWS April means another round of changes to pensions – in fact, some have been in force since January. It means a mixture of things for older readers

State pensions are rising in line with inflation

raft of changes to pensions are being brought in for 2022 – some in response to the impact of the pandemic and some that have been on the cards for a long time. Many will see income for older people drop, some will bring an increase. We’ve had a look at the basic new rules, but how they apply to each individual will depend on circumstances. There will be increases to both the state pension and pension credit in 2022 which means more money coming in for retired people, and for younger savers new rules stop them losing cash on small pension pots worth £100 or less.

Rule change for expats

September’s inflation rate of 3.1 percent. The current full state pension is £179.60 a week, or around £9,339 a year. A rise of 3.1 percent adds an extra £5.56 a week, increasing it to £185.15 a week. The rise comes after the government confirmed it was axing the triple lock. This usually guarantees that the state pension will increase by the highest of three amounts: inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 percent. But it was downgraded to a double lock to avoid a record 8 percent rise after the pandemic pushed earnings growth higher as workers returned from “The 3.1 furlough. percent

Changes are being brought in rise adds from January 2022 that affect Pension credit to £5.56 how state pensions are calculated increase up to £279 a week” for Brits intending to retire Pension credit will go up in abroad. British citizens who 2022 as well – and couples will move to live in, or move between, be able to get up to £278.70 an EU or EEA country or Switzerland a week if they qualify. This is a benefit will no longer be able to count time lived that gives you extra money to help with in Australia, Canada and New Zealand your living costs if you’re over the state toward their state pension. This doesn’t pension age and on a low income. The most affect those who were living in the EU, EEA you can currently get is £177.10 a week or Switzerland by 31st December 2021. if you are single or £270.30 for couples. From April this will go up to £182.60 and State pension to increase by £290 £278.70 – a rise of £5.50 a week for single The full new state pension will increase by people and £8.40 a week for couples. £290 per year from April 2022, in line with

Fees slashed for small pension pots

The changes will help contractors 128 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Flat fees on small pension pots worth £100 or less are to be axed to stop ‘rip-off ’ charges wiping out savers’ funds over time. The changes would help workers who’ve built up many small workplace pensions through auto enrolment schemes during their working life. For example, this could be people who have changed jobs frequently or those who regularly take on short-term contracts of work.

The best medicine…

MAKE FRIENDS AND HAVE FUN

ddfellows is an organisation that has been bringing people together for over 200 years. Its aim is to encourage the development of true friendships, providing members with memories to cherish, helping them to grow and creating a better society. It doesn’t exclusively recruit older or retired people, but many find more time to commit at this stage in their lives. A national network of 113 branches supports 395,700 UK Sharing adventures members, of which 42,250 are helped by Oddfellows’ social, care and financial benefits. It has no political or religious affiliations and operates as a non-profit mutual. If you’re interested in joining to make friends, find support, volunteer help or just enjoy the chance to travel with like-minded people, groups meet regularly in Oswestry, Wem, Knutsford and Saltney. www.oddfellows.co.uk

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Live every day your way at Deewater Grange When you move into a Care UK care home you are supported to live life in the way you choose. The team at Deewater Grange find out all they can about your personality, preferences and wishes and create a care and lifestyle plan that’s tailored to your unique needs. Ensuring you enjoy the very best care and quality of life is at the heart of everything Care UK does. Care UK believes that moving into a care home is just another part of later life, striving to make every day fulfilling and fun. You’ll be supported to continue doing the things you love, from light tasks around the home to enjoying regular outings and entertainment, or hobbies like baking, knitting, singing or gardening.

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afternoon in the cinema, or catch up with loved ones over coffee and cake in the café. Arts and crafts have been popular with the residents recently. They teamed up with pupils from a local primary school to create a large paper tree currently displayed inside the home, featuring colourful leaves filled with positive or inspirational messages. If you’re considering care, call Donna on 01244 455439 or email donna.brown@careuk.com Deewater Grange care home Huntington, Chester CH3 6BS careuk.com/deewater-grange

Charities&Volunteering Up, up and away T

he P&A Group soared to new heights at Longleat and Staffordshire balloon festivals as sponsor of a hotair balloon marking the 25th anniversary of Wrexham-based Ready for lift-off Nightingale House Hospice. thrilled that the balloon has The company’s logo features on taken its first voyages. It looked the balloon alongside a handful fantastic and it was great to of local and national businesses. see the P&A Group Nightingale House provides logo soaring high “It was specialist palliative great to see over the countryside. The charity does care services, the P&A sterling work in our free of charge, to logo soaring local community.” patients and their high” Laura Parry, head of families across income generation at an area from Nightingale House said: “We are Wrexham, Flintshire and East grateful for the support of our Denbighshire to Barmouth corporate sponsors. The Build and the border towns. A Balloon campaign has been Steve Morgan, P&A Group’s a huge boost for the hospice.” managing director said: “I’m

SMALL WOODS PROJECT GETS A BIG BOOST

Shropshirebased charity has secured £35,000 funding towards its work helping ex-service personnel make the transition to civilian life. Small Woods Association, based at the Green Wood Centre in Coalbrookdale, was awarded the grant by the Armed Forces Ian Baker at the Green Wood Centre Covenant Fund. Small Woods runs sustainable woodland management “Woodland and social forestry projects, courses work can and events across the country. Chief provide executive Ian Baker said: “We are many health committed to reinvigorating work opportunities within the sector and are benefits” helping to highlight them for people coming out of the Armed Services. Participants will undertake a programme of woodland work, taking them out into woodland for the many mental and physical health benefits it can provide, and pointing up opportunities for volunteering or employment.” It is hoped similar programmes can be delivered in other areas. 130 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

LADIES LUNCHED

heshire-based children’s cancer charity The Joshua Tree hosted a Ladies Lunch at Delamere Manor, Cuddington and raised £21,000. TV presenter Bruce Turner welcomed the 140 guests, highlighting the importance of the charity’s work and sharing the story of Noah’s family, who lost their son to cancer aged only four, and still receive support from The Joshua Tree. Guests enjoyed a fizz reception and two-course meal while entertained by Gary Barlow tribute Dan Hadfield and saxophonist Saxomad, a live auction and raffle. Turner said: “I thoroughly enjoyed “We can attending and helping raise vital funds make a real for families affected by the devastating difference impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis.” with this Pippa Watson-Peck, communications support” and fundraising manager for The Joshua Tree said: “We are astounded by the generosity of our guests. The Joshua Tree can make a real and lasting difference with this support. On average we receive 15 new referrals A year, but the last six months have seen 47, a record high for the charity.” Toasting a successful event

FUNDRAISING FEAST

and I’m proud to have been a op Shropshire chef Stuart small part of this year’s event.” Collins joined fellow Sharing the kitchen were Dan culinary stars to create an McGeorge from Rothay Manor, exclusive feast raising £266,000 Great British Menu winner in for the NSPCC. The Great Chefs Dinner brought together 2021, Roberta Hall-McCarron of The Little Chartroom, five leading chefs at London’s Hywel Griffith of Beach House iconic Guildhall, where guests and Liam were treated Goldstone, to a fivecourse menu. head chef at Morston Hall. Collins, a The evening, finalist of the supported BBC’s Great by Direct British Menu, runs Docket Line Group, No. 33 in included a performance Whitchurch. by soprano He said: “The dish I created Collins (second left) and fellow chefs Lesley Garrett. was a rose veal and chicken Mike McGrath, NSPCC head agnolotti with oyster mushroom, of partnerships said: “We are truffle emulsion, sherry vinegar grateful for the fantastic amount sauce and parsley crumb, which raised. These funds will ensure I was delighted to see everyone we can continue our Speak Out, enjoyed! NSPCC offers vital Stay Safe programme to help support for children nationwide keep children safe from abuse.” To see your charity event feature on these pages, please email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk

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Legal Eagle

Expert homes & interiors advice, and fabulous shopping pages filled with inspiration

Putting your children first during separation Ceri Jones, a family law specialist at Allington Hughes, reveals a new source of support

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eparating is never easy: having to adapt to change and make difficult decisions at a time of conflict, whilst your emotions are running high. Managing your child’s emotions and making new arrangements for their future adds an additional layer of complexity. It can be hard to think clearly during such periods of upheaval, but it is essential that as parents, the welfare and emotional needs of your children are a priority. As a solicitor specialising in Children Act matters, witnessing children becoming embroiled in the crossfire of separation is regrettably a recurring theme. Clients find it difficult to navigate their feelings towards their former partner in the presence of their children. Yet research shows that when parents expose children to conflict, it can impact upon their emotional and mental health and diminish their ability to form healthy relationships in the future. We therefore welcome with open arms the Are you putting your child first? comprehensive guide from Resolution (a national family justice support group) to assist with these complex emotional issues and help parents gain a practical understanding of how they can put their child first. Parenting Through Separation (free to download at resolution.org.uk) provides support on a range of issues that can crop up. Every child will react differently when their parents are separating, and the guide identifies key behaviours to look out for and advises the most appropriate response, enabling “There is you to tailor your approach to best emphasis on meet your child’s needs. It offers useful amicability guidance on adapting your methods of being the communication to suit the behaviours of your child and also your former partner. principal When considering any Children Act tone” application, the Family Court holds the welfare of a child as paramount. Involving children in adult issues or discussing adult matters with them is serious. This guidance can help ensure you act in their best interests at all times. With the introduction of no-fault divorce fast approaching in April, there is an additional emphasis on amicability being the principal tone in family law proceedings. It is important that if you are separating, you get the necessary advice and support to help you be the pillar of consistency in a world your child may feel is crashing around them. If you need assistance with family law matters contact Allington Hughes on 01244 312 166 or visit www.allingtonhughes.co.uk March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 131

Books&Poetry NEW BOOK HONOURS DENBIGH’S HEROES Over 100 years after the First World War ended the carnage it wreaked on a North Wales town, and on one street in particular, is commemorated in a new book

“95 children were left without a father” reputation for crime, poaching, drunkenness – but it had a chapel at either end and many were poaching because it was the only way to put food on the table.” The idea for the At the book’s launch: Mayor of Denbigh, Councillor Rhys Davies, book came from work volunteers Enys Davies and Clwyd Wynne from Denbigh Community put in by Denbigh Archive, and Kristin Charlton of sponsors Swayne Johnson Community Archive or Your Tomorrow We Gave Our Today volunteers for the centenary of the end of the war in 2018, when they produced commemorates the sacrifice of over 150 young men from Denbigh who fell in a commemorative booklet for schools. This latest book, sponsored by local law the Great War. Among them, at least 35 came from Henllan Street, a narrow road firm Swayne Johnson, has been a labour winding north out of town. According to of love for the group, who traced the stories of those who never came back. local historian Clwyd Wynne, many joined up to escape lives of grinding poverty. The first to die, William Conway Williams, worked at Boaz Jones’s candle He said: “Henllan Street had one of the highest casualty rates in Wales. It had a factory and lived at 94 Henllan Street

LOCA L B OOKS Vale of Rheidol Railway in Detail This sumptulous volume is the result of many years spent researching Rheidol Railway’s own archives and archaeological sources dating back to the opening of the line in 1902. Coupled with detailed drawings, precisely measured, the findings present an unrivalled picture of the railway’s history, equipment and infrastructure, including a comprehensive record of locomotives, carriages, wagons and buildings, some now long disappeared. Aided by primary source information and close examination of surviving equipment, the work brings records up to date with extensive details of modern developments. The whole is a unique, behind-the scenes insight into the engineering and operation of a modern, preserved narrow-gauge steam railway. Limited copies of the book are available, priced at £70, from www. rheidolrailway.co.uk/shop

132 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Clockwise: the military funeral of Pvt David Jones makes its way down Vale Street; Frederick Jones of the Royal Welch Engineers with wife Mary and children; bound for France, one of the first Denbigh contingents to leave

with his wife and three sons. He joined up on 24th September 1914, arrived in France on 1st November and died of his wounds on 28th November at Tournes.

Many mix-ups Many soldiers appeared on different lists of the fallen – one on at least ten – and there is one case of mistaken identity. The Wallace Roberts on the town memorial survived while his namesake was killed. Ninety-five children were left without a father, while some soldiers died without ever seeing their newborn babies.” For Your Tomorrow We Gave Our Today is published by Fineline of Ruthin and is available from Denbigh Museum, £14.95.

Brother Kell’s Book The Little Yellow Boat by Diane Woodrow of Spells by Mike Brain At At 84, Mike Brain, Diane is a local writer living in Abergele, where she also runs writing workshops. who lives in Flintshire, The Little Yellow Boat is her first book for has written and had published two children and is published by Olympia. Diane usually writes gritty short novels, set mostly in Chester in the 8th stories tackling women’s issues. This book, in contrast, century. The Cheshire villages of Eccleston features a little and Dodleston are used as a setting for boat who is always getting the stories, which follow generations of the same family. into a mess when This is the first and involves Cormac she goes off on adventures on and his mother searching for absent her own. She Norse father Skeggi Gunnarson, and comes to realise features a magic Book of Kells, with farmyard creatures and imaginary that if she calls beasts that can be brought to life. on her friends for support, she There is a sequel, Cormac Returns for a Spell. Both books are available can do more and from Amazon. go further. It’s a simple but valuable message about sharing the ups and downs of life, and is accompanied by stunning Calling local authors… watercolour illustrations by If you’re living in the Shire area or have written Danielle Chapman Skaines. about a local person or place, we’d love to Available from local book feature you on these pages. Email editorial@ stores and online. Facebook: shiremagazine.co.uk. @LittleYellowBoatBook

BOOKS & POETRY REVIEWS

Whether you’re reading to calm your mind or set it alight, our friends at Linghams Bookshop in Heswall have just the book for you The Comfort Book by Matt Haig (Canongate Books, £16.99) Following on from the success of The Midnight Library comes Matt Haig’s reflections on hope, survival and the messy miracle of being alive. It is a strange paradox that many of the clearest, most comforting life lessons are learned while we are at our lowest. But then we never think about food more than when we are hungry, and we never think about life rafts more than when we are thrown overboard. The Comfort Book is a collection of consolations learned in hard times, and suggestions for making the bad days better. Drawing on maxims, memoir and the inspirational lives of others, these meditations celebrate the ever-changing wonder of living. This is for when we need the wisdom of a friend or a reminder we can always nurture inner strength and hope, even in our busy world. A book of timeless comfort for modern minds. Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake (Vintage Publishing, £10.99) Whether you love them or loathe them, fungi are one of the most fascinationg life forms on our planet, and this smash-hit Sunday Times bestseller will transform your understanding of them and of Planet Earth and life itself. Winner of the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2021 and the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing 2021, it celebrates these extraordinary organisms – and the more we learn about them, the less makes sense without them. They can change our minds, heal our bodies and even help us avoid environmental disaster. They are metabolic masters, earth-makers and key players in most of nature’s processes. Entangled Life, Sheldrake takes us on a mind-altering journey into their spectacular world.

150 Watt Lightbulb Hair by Sheila Crozier I saw your lightbulb hair, so far across the room I fixed my eyes on you, and gave you a heated stare The power that magnetised me Was you With your 150 watt lightbulb hair I didn’t need to strike a light Since all around was lightbulb bright From you With your 150 watt lightbulb hair Thrown into a chasm was I The day you left my life And all that I had to keep me warm, Was the memory Of you With your 150 watt lightbulb hair

Golden Land by Norman Marshall When I was twenty I dreamt of a golden land. Then came thirty And still there was no golden land. Then came forty With desperation for a golden land. Then came fifty Too tired for a golden land. Then came sixty Too late for a golden land. Then came seventy Too old for a land. Along came eighty Too ill for any land. So, realise your desires If you want you to sample that golden land. Grief by Jo Young Grief manifests itself in so many ways There are no timescales, it is important to continue to say Emotions will run riot, at times you will cry Your dam will burst and tears will descend like a waterfall – I cannot lie.

Break Out by Helen Sweet Run, walk, leap, shout, In the joy of expectation. The invisible shackles will loosen. Soon we will meet our family and friends. Soon we will shop for pleasure. Soon we will meet indoors, With the prescribed ventilation. And no longer confined to chilly outdoor hospitality. No need for blankets, gloves, scarves and windproof gear. Am I dreaming? Not this time. ‘Now’ will soon arrive. Most are eager to return to a ‘Before’ time. Don’t ignore the apprehensive, nervous and fearful. The noise may surprise us, obnoxious vehicle smells more noticeable. The sound of bird chorus seriously striving for our attention. The feathered migrants returning enthusiastically to a warmer clime, So innocent of our sacrifices. Soon we will be ready to burst from our captivity. Remember the unseen enemy, not crushed yet. Say goodbye to this special time. Reflect and remember the high days.

Photos will be cherished and held dear But you will still see the empty chair – that is clear Half an empty bed Nights alone you will dread. You must drink and eat Here you are, I’ve just bought you an edible treat But you say – I am not hungry, I am just so sad. Is that bad? No, I reassure her Life at the moment is a blur Only you know how you feel We know that your fate has been sealed Your husband of 56 years has passed away But you, my friend, are here to stay.

You are still a mother, grandmother, sister and auntie You still have love, knowledge and advice to give – for some that is plenty You will miss him each and every day, but remember Every single day, from We want your poems! January to December Share your creativity – we print our favourite We love you and will always poems every issue. Send them to Shire Poetry, be there for you PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR That much will always be true! or email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 133

What’s in your stars? Aries

20th March-20th April It’s the time when legendary Demeter and Persephone, mother and daughter, play amongst the purples and yellows of spring growth, so plant the seeds of the next phase. Those plans you’ve been formulating now need putting into action. A family event is in its infancy. It’s up to you to nurture it until it grows into the full-blown celebration expected.

Cancer

21st June-23rd July I’ll start with a metaphor: on a primitive loom, the shuttle has to be thrown through the open threads at a precise moment or the weave is spoilt. It’s the same for you: grasp the opportunity being presented to you shortly for it won’t come again. You’ve luck on your side, but it needs your input and good timing to ensure victory.

Libra

23rd September-22nd October King Solomon had it right and chose wisdom over wealth; his name means ‘peaceful’. It’s a pity he’s not among us today – perhaps there’d be more balance in the world. For you, both wisdom and balance are within your psyche, so tap into them to solve a problem around Easter celebrations. Remember, quality trounces quantity every time. Love and peace!

Capricorn

21st December-20th January You’re a romantic but who would ever know? You hide behind a serious, businesslike facade most of the time and in most settings you encounter. In April, when Venus moves through the sign of Pisces for three weeks, focus your mind on what that represents. Here’s a clue: romanticism and sensitivity. Lower the drawbridge and invite both in!

Taurus

20th April-21st May In the age of Taurus (sometimes given as 4320BC-2160BC) Britain was known as “the Sacred Island of the White Bull”. Like national prototype John Bull, it signals steadfastness and dependability – both qualities you own. Mars hurtling through Aquarius this Spring challenges traditional values with progressive ones. You will know which to hold on to!

Leo

23rd July-23rd August There’s a bit of a struggle going on between your head and your heart just now and a compromise needs to be found. It’s something to do with freedom of expression, so perhaps it’s not what’s said but how it’s said that matters. Sometimes the truth hurts: think for a moment before you express it, then find a way to package it in ribbons!

Scorpio

23rd October-22nd November Over 4,500 years since it was built on the Egyptian plain, the Great Pyramid is still a mystery holding countless secrets. Why is it there? What happened to its tip? What coded messages lie within its walls? You have a similar enigmatic energy about you. This Spring, try to be more open about what’s going on in your head as it’s a puzzle to those around you.

Aquarius

20th January-19th February Mars in your sign throughout most of March and April gives you the edge. Where others are slow to act you can be quick off the mark. This will channel your restlessness and allow you to be more productive. Ideas are flowing and, as you’ll discover, putting them to good use will pay dividends. It looks like your runway is clear for takeoff !

Gemini

21st May-21st June Being the networker of the Zodiac creates problems because you can spread yourself too thinly. This frenetic pace generates stress, so the message is to slow down and catch your breath! Really, it’s all about not squandering your resources, be they financial, physical or emotional. As far as career’s concerned, don’t overextend and all will be well.

Virgo

23rd August-23rd September Knots represent a sealed bargain, so before you tie yourself up in them be sure you know what you are agreeing to. Is it as good as the paper it’s written on? A Full Moon in Virgo in March symbolises bringing matters to a close. You’re exceptional at reading between the lines, so scrutinise for all you’re worth – no hasty scanning!

Sagittarius

22nd November-21st December I wandered lonely as a cloud, / That floats on high o’er vales and hills, / when all at once I saw a crowd, / A host, of golden daffodils; / Beside the lake, beneath the trees, / Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Hopefully a bit of Wordsworth will inspire you to get out and seek some country air, as introspection’s created cobwebs which need clearing out!

19th February-20th March March starts with a New Moon in your sign; you can now turn the page on an old chapter. Long before intensive farming turned natural cycles on their head, the festival of Easter was when hens started laying again after winter. I’m not suggesting you lay an egg – but you could lay the foundation to a new, creative stage of your life.

Gloria Mans studied astrology and astronomy over an intensive two-year period at the Faculty of Astrological Studies in London 27 years ago. She has since written for many publications, appeared numerous times on television and has an impressive client list. The legendary Fay Weldon calls her “magic” and BBC icon Valerie Singleton calls her “sensitive”. You can reach her at starglow@pc-q.net or via her website, www.gloriamans.com 134 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Pisces

SHIRE’S FANTASTIC COMPETITIONS

Another issue of Shire, another chance to win fabulous prizes. Good luck!

Snoozers, losers! Fill in your entry form and post it today

Win! A pair of tickets to see Jack Savoretti in concert

Singer, songwriter and musician Jack Savoretti is on tour in the UK and Europe with his new album Europiana, supported by soul diva Beverley Knight. Jack comes to the Shire patch on 9th July with a performance at Rhyl Events Arena, presented by Orchard Live (www.rhylpavillion.co.uk). This is an outdoor concert that will go ahead come rain or shine – and we have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky winner. To enter, fill in the form below. CLOSING DATE 15th April

Win! A family ticket to run WILD at BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Win! A pair of tickets to crafters’ haven, Wonderwool Wales

Win! A pair of tickets for National Dance Company Wales

Win! Ironbridge Gorge Museums family passport

The outdoor woodland attraction is open again, with even more WILD adventure! Explore the brand-new play structure, the Towering Treetop Tangles, and get your face painted! Details at www.bewilderwood.co.uk For a chance to win a family ticket to the WILD woods, see below. CLOSING DATE 15th April

With an ambitious work taking Wales to the world and reflecting the world in Wales, the company returns to our region from 3rd March-16th May. See www.ndcwales.co.uk for a full list of dates. We’ve tickets up for grabs for Mold (10th, 11th May) or Bangor (16th May). To enter, see below. CLOSING DATE 15th April

Wales’ premier wool and natural fibre festival takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on 23rd24th April. Expect everything from live sheep to wool schools. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.wonderwool wales.co.uk but we have two to give away (see below). CLOSING DATE 15th April

Experience life as a Victorian at Blists Hill, spark your imagination at Enginuity, learn all about the history of this World Heritage site – there’s something for everyone. See more at www.ironbridge.org.uk Our funtastic prize is a year’s passport for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Fill in the form below to enter. CLOSING DATE 15th April

Win! A family ticket for four to Tatton Classic Car Show

The Classic and Performance Car Spectacular comes to Tatton Park on 4th5th June to celebrate the golden age of motoring. Over 2000 classic cars will be on site, along with the famous autojumble. More at www.tattonclassiccarshow.com For a chance to win a family ticket, fill in the form below. CLOSING DATE 15th April

Winners Congratulations to our lucky winners from the Sept/Oct issue of Shire

Alice, Whitchurch, Adventure Parc

Ann, Llay, Rhug estate

Graham, Docket 33 dinner at home.

Q: How many counties can be seen from Snowdon on a clear day? a) 8 b) 24 c) All of them

Tick the ones you want to enter!

HOW TO ENTER Fill in the form with your answer circled (you’ll need to read the magazine to find it!) and include your name, address, email and daytime contact number. Send it by the closing date to Competitions, Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR Jack Savoretti BeWILDerwood Wonderwool Wales Tatton Classic Car Show NDCW dance show Ironbridge Museums pass

RULES OF THE COMPETITIONS The promoter of these competitions is Shire Magazine, Superstar Publishing, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. The competitions are open to all readers of our magazine and viewers of our websites except employees of the prize providers. The winner(s) will be the first person or persons drawn after the closing date who has completed the correct answer. No cash alternative is available. The winners’ names can be obtained by writing to the competition address with a self-addressed envelope after the closing date. The winner agrees to participate in any follow-up publicity and must provide a photograph to be published in the following issue to claim their prize. Superstar Publishing may print the name only of entrants to this competition in subsequent issue(s) of Shire Magazine. This is to enable competition entrants to fairly claim a promotional offer, for competition entrants only. By entering this competition you are giving permission for Shire Magazine to print your name only. No personal information will be printed. No purchase necessary, answers on a postcard are accepted. For full details of our Privacy Policy, please go to www.shiremagazine.co.uk. DATA PROTECTION NOTICE Superstar Publishing Ltd will use your information for administration and analysis purposes and may contact you from time to time with relevant offers, information or for research purposes. Your details will not be passed on to third parties except the sponsors of these competitions. Please tick the relevant box if you wish to be contacted.

Name Address

Postcode Daytime contact number Email (please complete) Please send me further information about Shire March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 135

PUZZLE TIME

Across

26 Teak 27 Mumbai 28 Tarragon

136 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

Down

ANSWERS

14 Gargantua 15 Janissary 17 Eboracum 19 Vibrato 22 Ivanov 23 Dixie 25 Elbe

1. Every square has to contain a single number. 2. Only numbers 1 to 9 can be used. 3. Each 3×3 box can only contain each number from 1 to 9 once. 4. Each row and column can only contain each number from 1 to 9 once.

The highlighted letters when rearranged spell OSWESTRY

Sudoku rules

Difficulty: medium

1 Breed of sheep with especially fine and soft wool (6) 2 Lookout platform on the mast of a ship (5,4) 3 City known to the Romans as Deva (7) 4 The largest island in the Firth of Clyde (5) 5 The ____, site of the first FA Cup final (4) 6 & 9 Across Football club whose home ground is Prenton Park in Birkenhead (8,6) 8 Wife of Uriah, seduced by King David in the Old Testament (9) 14 Father of Pantagruel in novels by Rabelais (9) 15 Soldier in the Ottoman Sultan’s household troops (9) 17 Roman fort and city which became York (8) 19 Musical effect consisting of a rapid and subtle oscillation between different pitches (7) 22 Play by Chekhov (6) 23 ____ Dean, centre forward who began his career at 6 Down & 9 Across (5) 25 River that flows through Hamburg (4)

1 Merino 2 Crow’s nest 3 Chester 4 Arran 5 Oval 6 Tranmere 8 Bathsheba

Sudoku

Down

7 Anglo-Saxon princess and the patron saint of 3 Down (8) 9 See 6 Down 10 Legislative assembly in countries such as Japan (4) 11 Twelfth Night tradition of singing to the trees in an orchard (10) 12 Diving duck of the sawbill family (9) 13 ____ Baden-Powell, founder of the Girl Guide movement (5) 16 Trojan hero and lover of Dido in an epic poem by Virgil (6) 18 The angel of death in Islam and some other Abrahamic religions (6) 20 Gecko native to Asia, or a Hungarian white wine (5) 21 Drug obtained from foxgloves (9) 24 Mountain near the town of Dolgellau, Wales (5,5) 26 Tropical hardwood used in boat building and furniture making (4) 27 The home of Bollywood (6) 28 Herb used in Béarnaise sauce (8)

7 Werburgh 9 Rovers 10 Diet 11 Wassailing 12 Goosander 13 Agnes 16 Aeneas 18 Azrael 20 Tokay 21 Digitalis 24 Cader Idris

Rearrange the highlighted letters to find the name of a Shropshire town with an Iron Age hill fort

Across

Alice Leetham is a writer and puzzle maker from Cheshire. She works in the fintech industry and also enjoys creating quizzes and cryptic crosswords. Contact: alice@downstream.co.uk

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A

s always, readers, we’ve been delighted to receive so many letters from you. Thank you for getting in touch and letting us know about the things that are important to you. We’re always touched when you share your stories and experiences, and we know other readers like to know what’s been happening too. We’ve printed a few here but do keep them coming – and if you can include a photo, so much the better. Whatever you

want to send or share with us, get in touch at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk We have a supply of previous issues we’re happy to send out too. Let us know if you’ve missed an issue and we’ll pop it in the post – just send an sae for £1.60 to Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. Even better, subscribe to the magazine so you never miss a copy of again! See page 50 for details of how to do this. Meanwhile, keep writing, keep emailing – and keep reading!

Life-saving installation

Given the need for emergency defibrillators, I wanted to let your readers know that a new one has been installed on the Rhug Estate. The unit is located in the Farm Shop car park and is for everyone’s use if they should ever need it. Defibrillation in under five minutes in the event of cardiac arrest can produce survival rates as high as 50-70 percent. Ambulance Service staff can direct members of the public to the nearest defibrillator in an emergency. This new unit has been paid for by Lord Newborough. We are always grateful to those who care for their community by purchasing and managing the safety and maintenance of defibrillation units across Wales. These machines save lives. Tomos Hughes, on behalf of the Welsh Ambulance Service

Step in the right direction

Do any of your readers feel they might benefit from monthly Walk and Talk days, aimed at helping people to rebuild motivation following a physical or mental trauma? The free events Talk with people who understand are being organised by Shropshire charity Climbing Out, and are open to anyone aged 18 and over who has been through a mental or physical trauma. The pandemic has increased the need for our work and in 2021 alone we helped over 100 individuals through a mix of outdoor activities, mental resilience coaching, teamwork, camaraderie, fresh air, fun and one-to-one support. Throughout 2022 we will hold one walk a month in Shropshire. I lead the group on a four-hour walk, at a pace achievable for everyone. Combining fresh air, exercise and the conversation of people with relatable experiences is a really good starting place to build confidence to move forward with more purpose and direction. We usually finish at a café for a brew and some cake! Upcoming dates are 31st March and 30th April. If you are interested in coming along email Jo at admin@climbing out.org.uk or fill in the form on the Walk and Talk page at climbingout.org.uk Kelda Wood, Climbing Out Charity founder Enjoy the fresh air and breathe!

READER F E E D B AC K I really enjoy your magazine, more so in these difficult times. It’s always full of good ideas and inspiration. Diane Robinson Tomos Hughes from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Lord Newborough with the defibrillator unit in the Rhug Estate Farm Shop car park

Front line to bass line?

Well done to all at Shire once again for a great winter edition. It brightened up a cold day reading your lovely mix of articles. Keep up the good work! Josh Symmonds

Thank you for my copy Wrexham Sounds music studio is of Shire Magazine that celebrating a new grant that will arrived in the post. It enable us to offer even more free has been a great help music lessons at our revamped base to have it delivered in the town’s former Vic Studios. as my mobility is not Since launching last summer, we’ve what it was. And thank made huge progress behind the scenes, you to the lovely lady forging new partnerships and securing on the phone who the services of talented freelance helped me organise it. musicians and tutors to deliver lessons Sheila Manfred and activities across the genres. Personal skills courses have already taken place with learners from Bryn Tirion Hall School in Caergwrle, and parent and toddler activities were well-received in the autumn. Now we’ve secured grant support from AVOW to deliver free music lessons to NHS front-line workers and carers, and from the WCVA Third Sector Relief Fund to enhance the services we can deliver to local organisations and families who refer children and young people to them. So much has happened in the last six months! We’ve had an incredible Wrexham, get ready to make some NOISE! response from the public, schools, local residents, charity organisations and supporters in the private and public sectors. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we are all confident that when the time is right and it is safe to ‘go live’, the studio will be a hive of activity, bringing together children and young people from across North Wales and beyond to experience the amazing opportunities we offer here. Not least of which are our brilliant tutors and mentors, who will no doubt make a big impact on their lives through music. To register your interest in lessons, visit www.wrexhamsounds.org Olivia Gallagher, General Manager, Wrexham Sounds

March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 137

YO PICK UR UP ISS MAY/ SU UE AT JUNE PER T MA HE R F K 29T ROM ET HA PR IL

COMING NEXT ISSUE

Your next edition of Shire will, hopefully, arrive alongside a bit of early summer sun. Our May and June issue will have all the regulars to look forward to, and more special features besides, so pick up your copy and be ready to shine!

GET SET FOR SUMMER

With the warmer days and better weather we’ll help you get set for the summer season! Whether you need to refresh your holiday wardrobe for the first time in a couple of years or you just want to be on top of the trends as we all start getting out and about a bit more, our fashion and style guides will makes sure you know what’s hot for

Art in the spotlight

We meet an artist who has created a blossoming business that truly shines a light on her own unique style. A celebration of the Shire patch, Rosalind Freeborn’s work features scenes from Cheshire and Wirral, which she uses to create bespoke paper lampshades that add a real statement to any home.

If you haven’t already booked a summer break, don’t panic! Our holiday guide will give you the lowdown on the best holiday parks, canal boats and even motorhome hire around the region to make your next getaway a great one. YO U R T O W N

Our regular focus on towns across the Shire patch arrives at the Welsh border town of Hawarden and the bustling Shropshire centre of Market Drayton.

Make what’s inside count

Garden glories

With the summer season underway, our garden coverage is definitely blooming! Alongside your favourite plant and gardening pages, we’re on hand with practical tips for your plot – and the team has also been out and about at some of the incredible gardens and estates in the area that are perfect for a day trip at this wonderful time of year.

MUSIC MAN

Singer and songwriter Jack Savoretti is the focus of our celebrity interview. Jack talks to Shire ahead of his summer tour, which includes a date in Rhyl we know readers will be snapping up tickets for.

Our homes and interiors section will be packed with style advice, as well as practical solutions to heating and general home care. Plus another contribution from our antiques and interiors expert Holly Johnson, who will help you create a home with perfect pieces unique to you.

SHOW REVIEWS

Before the next issue, the dedicated and hard-working Shire team will do their best to get to as many D O N ’ T F O R G E T… shows and events as possible, to report back to you on – including Our What’s On guide for top comedian Sam Avery. May and June includes all the half-term and early summer outdoor events you’ll want to know about before you plan anything else! The next issue of Shire will include the regular 60-page guide to all the events and activities going on across the patch. Don’t go anywhere until you’ve seen it!

GET IN TOUCH

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We’ll have another delish dish from one of the area’s top chefs to tempt your tastebuds – this time with a fresh and flavourful summery feel. Plus more words of wisdom on wine from our friend Gary at The Shropshire Wine School.

138 SHIRE MAGAZINE | March/April 2022

T O P H O L I DAY S P O T S

Shire wants to hear from you!

1. Tell us about your upcoming events We work in advance, so 14th April is the deadline to let us know about events for our May/June issue. 2. Share your reader stories Have you got an extraordinary or exciting story to tell? We would love to share it with our readers. Send us an email and don’t forget to include a picture or two! 3. Contribute to one of our pages Send all your submissions and pictures by email to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk or call 01691 661270. You can also get in touch via social media – just search for ‘Shire Magazine’ on Facebook or Instagram.

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Shire Magazine March-April 2022

Articles inside

Competitions

What’s in Your Stars?

Letters to the Editor

Puzzle Time

Books & Poetry

Retirement Living

Charities & Volunteering

Schools

And… action

Men’s Style

Motoring

Arts & Crafts

Gardens

Time for a change

Health & Beauty

Get set, grow

Active

Holidays

Pets & Wildlife

Spring fl orals

Reviews

Barmouth

Accessibility

Homes & Interiors

Ed Byrne

20 Questions

Lymm