Letters to the Editor

As 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 defi brillators, 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.

Defi brillation in under fi ve minutes in the event of cardiac arrest can produce survival rates as high as 50-70 percent. Ambulance Service sta can direct members of the public to the nearest defi brillator 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 defi brillation units across Wales. These machines save lives. Tomos Hughes, on behalf of the Welsh Ambulance Service

Tomos Hughes from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Lord Newborough with the defi brillator unit in the Rhug Estate Farm Shop car park

Step in the right direction Front line to bass line?

READER FEEDBACK

I really enjoy your magazine, more so in these di cult times. It’s always full of good ideas and inspiration. Diane Robinson

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 of Shire Magazine that arrived in the post. It has been a great help to have it delivered as my mobility is not what it was. And thank you to the lovely lady on the phone who helped me organise it. Sheila Manfred

Do any of your readers feel they might benefi t 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 confi dence to move forward with more purpose and direction. We usually fi nish 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 fi ll in the form on the Walk and Talk page at climbingout.org.uk Kelda Wood, Climbing Out Enjoy the fresh air and breathe! Charity founder Wrexham Sounds music studio is celebrating a new grant that will enable us to o er even more free music lessons at our revamped base in the town’s former Vic Studios.

Since launching last summer, we’ve made huge progress behind the scenes, forging new partnerships and securing the services of talented freelance musicians and tutors to deliver lessons 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 response from the public, Wrexham, get ready to make some NOISE! 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 confi dent 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 o er 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

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!

PICK UP YOUR MAY/JUNE ISSUE AT THE SUPERMARKET FROM 29TH APRIL

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

We’ll have another delish dish from one of the area’s top chefs to tempt your tastebuds – this time with a fresh and avourful summery feel. Plus more words of wisdom on wine from our friend Gary at e Shropshire Wine School.

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.

Garden glories

With the summer season underway, our garden coverage is de nitely 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.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT TOP HOLIDAY SPOTS

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.

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.

YOUR TOWN 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.

Before the next issue, the dedicated and hard-working Shire team will do their best to get to as many shows and events as possible, to report back to you on – including top comedian Sam Avery.

Make what’s inside count

SHOW REVIEWS

DON’T FORGET… Our What’s On guide for May and June includes all the half-term and early summer outdoor events you’ll want to know about before you plan anything else! e 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

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.