20 Questions

Questions 2O

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 fi rst Welsh woman to take the title

1Full (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.

2What 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.

3Who 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.

4The 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!

5And 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!

6If 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.

7Your 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.

8If 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.

9Who 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.

10Any fears or phobias? I’m very claustrophobic, to the point where I struggle to go to the cinema if the exit isn’t clear.

11What would be the fi rst thing you’d buy if you won the lottery? A huge gym full of top-notch equipment!

12What 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. 13If 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.

14What is your favourite drink? Coconut water. 15If 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.

16What 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.

17When did you last laugh uncontrollably and why? Probably watching my training partner learn to split-jerk with a dumbbell. It was comedy gold.

18You’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.

19Where 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.

20What’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.

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.

DID YOU

Heather Small, 6th April KNOW? Basil Brush won £10,900 on The Weakest e former M People singer Link has an infectious sense of humour that wins hearts. 7.30pm. £31.25.

A Murder is Announced, 15th-19th March Middle Ground eatre Company present a classic Miss Marple mystery. Times vary. Tickets from £24.75.

Curtis Stigers, 27th March e 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. 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.

oralpavilion.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

MARCH & APRIL

•2nd-23rd March, 30th March-

20th April (Wednesdays), Nordic Walking for Beginners,

Ness Gardens Learn the technique and have some fun while improving your fi tness. 10.30am-midday, £40 for fourweek course. www.liverpool.

ac.uk/ness-gardens/whats-on/

•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.

Write up your street Raise some smiles

ree Up is an exciting international collaboration between Action Transport eatre 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 Love to cook? en take part in the Butter y Bake fundraiser for Claire House. e Bebington hospice helps terminally ill children by creating wonderful experiences and bringing a sense of normality to family life, while its Butter y Suites provide much-needed bereavement care. Get your fundraising pack from clairehouse.org.

uk/events/butter y- bake-2022/

RURAL REVIVAL

Tam O’Shanter Farm on Bidston Hill is open every day, o ering fun, educational and volunteering opportunities for all ages. Engaging with nature can help if you’re su ering 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

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

•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

•From 12th March (Saturdays

& Sundays), Seal Watching

Experience, Hilbre Island A chance to see Merseyside’s only resident colony of seals, led by qualifi ed 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

•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

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 fi nishing touches for every home, whether traditional or contemporary. Check opening times at

vintage-emporiumwirral.com

•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

•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

•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

•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

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

3-2-1 GO!

e 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

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. e 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. 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. ere’s food, live music and, did we say, lots of beer! Session times and prices vary. See

theshipandmitre.com/

festivals for updates

I’ll drink to that…

OFFER HELP, GIVE HOPE

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.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

1ST-8TH MARCH

•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

•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 fi lm in a brand-new restoration. 6.30pm. Tickets from £8. www.kinokulture.org.uk

•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

•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 fi lm, tea and co ee served midway and specially trained ushers on hand. Tickets £5 including refreshments, carers free.

www.wemtownhall.co.uk

A NIGHT BEHIND BARS

For a sleepover with a di erence, 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 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

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

Bikers saddle up for festival fundraiser

Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival returns on 24th April. ousands 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 e 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

Enjoy a daffodil walk with Mum

For a tranquil Mother’s Day treat, book ahead for the Da odil 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

•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.book-

abookshop.co.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. e rst 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

A TRUE TOWN 10K

DID YOU KNOW? Jamie Lambie won 2020’s race in 31:24 minutes

e Hat elds Shrewsbury 10k takes place on 13th March. is is a true town 10k, with closed roads and a grand start in the Quarry Park. e route takes in residential areas, hills and beautiful riverside tracks and the run is suitable for all levels of ability, with professional chip-timing, bespoke medals and technical

T-shirts for all competitors. UKA rules and regulations with a AUKCM measured course apply. Entry is £27. www. ultimate tnessevents.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 o ers a relaxed and fun- lled festival experience, with plenty to keep young ones entertained. Activities include a monster truck show, circus entertainment, disco, donkey rides, an in atables zone and more!

Festival passes for two adults and two children start from £180 and camping options from £150. e rst 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

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, eece and junior handler. ere will also be trade stands o ering yarn, clothing, homeware, toys and crafts. Entry is £2, or £5 for a family, proceeds to Severn Hospice.

www.basnationalshow.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 reeating 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

ON HOLIDAY WITH DOM JOLY

Dom Joly – best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV – is on tour for the rst 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, e 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

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

10TH-13TH MARCH

•10th March, Ludlow Walkers

Anyone is welcome to join this guided walk starting from the Ragleth Inn, Little Stretton at 10am. The fi ve 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

•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/ fi nding-the-way/register

•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 fi rst solo show of new work. Open WednesdaySaturday, 10.30am-4pm.

www.twenty-twenty.co.uk

•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

•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

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

19TH MARCH-2ND APRIL

•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 confi nes of Weston Park, near Shifnal. Gates open at 7am. Standard admission is £8 online, £12 at the gate. www.weston-park.com

•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 di erent performers, one very funny night. 8pm. Tickets £14. www.

henrytudorhouse.com

•26th March, Craft Beading Workshop, Beadazzled, Oswestry

This full-day beading workshop o ers tuition on wire work, bead stitching and crochet beadwork. Sessions can be tailored to meet individual needs. 10.30am4pm. www.beadazzled-

oswestry.co.uk

•2nd April, Ironbridge Early

Birds, Enginuity Once a month, Enginuity opens early for families who would benefi t 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

Famous faces at Theatre Severn

Our pick of spring shows at the Shrewsbury venue: her passion for the natural world. 7.30pm. Tickets £26.

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

is 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

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

Spectacular steampunk 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

Shrewsbury Steampunk Spectacular takes place at St Mary’s Church on 2nd April. e 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 nery the chance to show o their creativity. Whether you’re a fan, a newbie or just steampunk curious, everyone’s welcome. www.chantillygrey.com

COLOUR RUN RAISES FUNDS FOR CANCER

e fabulously fun Shrewsbury Colour Run takes place at the Sansaw Estate on 2nd April, with all proceeds going to the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. e 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 – nishing 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

STEAM INTO SPRING

Severn Valley Railway’s rst steam event of the year takes place on 21st-24th April. e Spring Steam Gala will showcase the best engines across the home eet plus special guests. Visitors are free to swap trains as they like, travelling through the scenic Shropshire and Worcestershire countryside. e Engine House will be open, exhibiting a variety of ages and classes of locomotives. Tickets and times at www.svr.co.uk

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

Starry starry night

Meet with members of the Shropshire Astrological Society on 12th March at Comer Woods, Dudmaston Hall, for an evening of stargazing. e 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. e 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

CARTOON CAPERS

How many of us get to watch professional cartoonists drawing up-close? Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival o ers 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’. e 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 eatre, 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

Oswestry Youth Music Festival returns 2nd-6th March. ere 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. e programme also features celebrity concerts. See www.

owsestry-tc.gov.uk/ council-services/ oswestry-youth-music-

festival or the Facebook page. Pictured is 2020 winner Harry Fradley.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

2ND-15TH APRIL

•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

•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 o er a back catalogue of hundreds of songs. Grab the mic and join in! 8pm. www.albertsshed.co.uk

•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

•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

•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

17TH-30TH APRIL

•17th April, Hank Marvin Street Food, Severn Social

Warehouse, Shrewsbury Expect some incredible food o erings in fantastic surroundings at the fi rst Hank Marvin Street Food event of 2022. All information announced on social media or

www.skiddle.com

•22nd April, Whisky Tasting, Wrekin Whiskies at the Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

This smallgroup tasting session will focus specifi cally on whiskies from Speyside, from a little o 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

•30th April, North Shropshire Artisan Fair, Ellesmere Town

Hall A great opportunity to experience the best north Shropshire has to o er, from local makers, bakers, creators and artists. 10-4pm.

www.chantillygrey.com

•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 co ee in the company of 11 cats at Shropshire’s fi rst 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

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!

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! e 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.

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

e Ladyboys of Bangkok, 19th April e long-running cabaret show has sold out Edinburgh Festival for over 21 years. is 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 eatre is proud to welcome one of folk music’s best loved gures, 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

80k in a day the Shropshire way

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY…

Kick o festival season with Shrewsbury Fake Festival on 23rd April at e 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 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 o the beaten track to some of the best pubs around the county. e ticket o ers unlimited travel, and the bus calls at every destination approximately every 45 mins. Over 24s only. £20. www.

realaletrail. co.uk