Shire Magazine March-April 2023 North Wales

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Publisher Dan Bromage

Editor

Kate Speedie

Chief Subeditor

Wendy Reed

Sta Writers

Juliet Davies

Lynda Kenny

Sarah Waterfall Designers

Ella Knight

Meryl McIntosh

Advertising Design

Andy Beavis

Sales & Marketing

Pauline Jones

Claire Evans

Distribution Manager

Paul Howard

Finance & Accounts

David Kynaston

Nicky Kynaston

Jane Osman

Contributors

Holly Johnson, John Hargreaves, P Parker, Helen Cooke, Bob Hickman, Lisa Whelan, Adam

Gaunt-Evans, Eryl Jones, Adele

Barry, Catherine Buckley, Alice

Leetham, J McKinney, Lee Ruddin, Deborah Law

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

Shire

WELCOME, DEAR READER…

Thistime of year is our favourite here at Shire, as new life springs forth across the patch – have you seen your first lambs yet? We can’t wait! – and local parks, gardens and allotments everywhere burst into flower. Food producers are busy creating all the local delicacies we enjoy this season, so as you’d expect we have a packed food and drink section for you in this issue.

With the warmer days, we’ve all been thinking ahead to summer and have put together a bumper holiday package for you in this edition, so you can start planning a well-earned break in the patch now!

Our longer feature in this edition is a deep-dive into some local mysteries from down the ages. We look at of the enduring – and often unnerving – myths and legends connected with where we live. From witches and Druids to Viking invaders, roaming panthers to spaceship sightings, our area seems to have more than its fair share of curious stories. Intrigued? Read on!

As it’s spring we’ve also got a fabulous homes and interiors section, with ideas for bringing the sunshine back into tired corners – and of course this is the time of year we all think of getting back outdoors, too. Whether you’re planning a major redesign of your outside space or want to visit some gardens for inspiration, we can point you in the right direction. Plus, there’s all your usual favourites, including art, books, shopping, health, motoring – and some fabulous prizes to be won. Enjoy!

MEET THE ARTISTS

Open Studios and a UK first for one Welsh gallery

ACTION PACKED

There’s no excuse for another boring weekend. Our What’s On pages are full of fun ideas – and lots are FREE!

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READ IF YOU DARE! We bring you some wild and wonderful tales as old as the hills

8 What’s On

Contents

MARCH/APRIL 2023

Don’t miss the ultimate guide to what’s happening across the region. We’ve had our ears to the ground and our comprehensive listings section features events from North and Mid Wales, across Cheshire, including the Wirral, and right through Shropshire.

20 Colwyn Bay

Showing appreciation for our local towns as always – for this issue we’ve taken a trip to the coast and explored beautiful Colwyn Bay.

50 Whitchurch

Our second local focus takes us into the heart of Shropshire for a closer look at the bustling town of Whitchurch.

52 Reviews

Our team has been out and about across the Shire patch to let you know what we think of the shows and events in the area.

53 Celebrity

She’s everyone’s favourite midwife on our TV screens –now Helen George makes a triumphant return to the stage as the Governess in hit musical The King and I

54 History & Mystery

Our in-depth feature for this issue investigates the weird and wonderful myths and legends the area has spawned throughout the centuries.

61 Holidays

It’s the perfect time for a spring escape at one of the parks and sites across the patch, or plan now for your summer adventures with our holidays guide.

70 Food & Drink

Our food and drink section is packed with food news, a fabulous supper recipe, a look at a favourite winegrowing region – and more fine feasting and perfect produce from across the patch.

92 Gardens

It’s a busy time of year for gardeners, with plenty of jobs to do as new shoots start appearing – and there are plenty of beautiful local places to go and enjoy the changing season too.

96 Arts

Check out the talented group of artists inspired by animals from all over the world, who are getting set for their latest big exhibition. Plus recommended galleries and art shows on your doorstep, and a selection of your photos too.

100 Pets & Wildlife

A round-up of news a ecting our furry friends, together with wildlife updates, a new zoo arrival, and a collection of cute pet pics sent in by our lovely readers.

105 Home Shopping Animal antics

108 Health & Beauty

Our health and wellbeing guide will keep you at your best, with advice from the experts on fermented foods.

111 Education

All the news and stories from across the education sector, as well as some chats with head teachers from across the patch.

122 Books & Poetry

Meet the local author who had a book published and a CD released in the same week! Plus new books by local writers, and your poetry too.

124 Retirement

Stories focusing on the older generation, including a look at how they are being a ected by the cost-of-living crisis.

126 Competitions

Don’t miss your chance to win some fabulous prizes in our exclusive Shire competitions.

127 Charities & Volunteering

77 Homes & interiors

growing region – and more style guides,

As always we have the style guides, interiors advice and housing news to get your home looking its best for spring.

As always, we use our pages to show our appreciation for the voluntary and charity organisations that do so much good for so many good causes across the area.

128 Puzzle Time

130 Letters

Check out what other readers have to say with a selection of the letters we’ve been sent here at Shire, as well as feedback from the team and from you!

PAGE 92

Gardens

Home Shopping

PAGE 105

Holidays

PAGE 61

History & mystery

PAGE 54

PAGE 53

Celebrity

2023 FIXTURES

The TOTE Hen Galan Meeting

The RPM North Wales

The Spring Meeting

Spring Saturday Meeting

Family Day

Summer Saturday

Ladies Day

Family Fun Evening

The September Meeting

The Autumn Meeting

Halloween Day

The November Meeting

Early December Meeting

National Day Early December Meeting

Christmas Special

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

Shall we dance, Cymru?

The King and I, 7th-11th March

Starring Call the Midwife’s Helen George. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic score includes ‘Whistle a Happy Tune’ and ‘Shall We Dance’. Various times. Tickets from £18.

Giovanni Pernice – Made in Italy, 12th March Featuring an incredible soundtrack, stunning choreography and beautiful costumes. But be warned… in

Italy, it can get Hot Hot Hot! 3pm. Tickets from £28.

Showaddywaddy, 8th April Their 50th anniversary concert will be a dynamic and uplifting show, featuring all the hits – ‘Under the Moon of Love’, ‘Three Steps to Heaven’ and many many more. 7.30pm. Tickets £29.

Hosts of golden da odils

DID YOU KNOW?

Da odils were sometimes called Lent lilies, Easter roses or yellow maidens

Bodnant Garden near Conwy puts on an extra-special spectacle in spring, when the Old Park Meadow and Glades are transformed into a carpet of sunshine-yellow ‘Narcissus pseudonarcissus’ along with

Ireland: a story in song

many other daffodil varieties. Next come pockets of whiteflowered pheasant’s eye, blending beautifully into emerging swathes of bluebells. Open 9.30am-5pm. Tickets from www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Journey through Irish history from Celtic times at Rhyl Little Theatre on 30th April, as The Story of Ireland showcases in prose, poetry and song the major events and people who helped shape the country’s culture. It’ll pull on your heartstrings and make you smile in equal measure. Starts 7.30pm, tickets from £10. From 27th-29th April, High School Musical Jr is a nostalgic romp through the ins and outs of those formative school years – an inspiring dose of friendship and self-discovery. Tickets are £10. www.rhyllittletheatre.co.uk

That’ll Be the Day, 30th April Rock your way from the ’50s to the ’80s, with hilarious comedy

DID YOU KNOW?

In the original Broadway run, the Governess danced over 6km every show!

sketches and impersonations, brilliant vocals and superb musicianship. 7pm. Tickets from £27.50.

www.venuecymru.co.uk

Feeding body and mind

This April, join the Good Life Society, Hawarden in a food or life skills masterclass. The Walled Garden School presents Fish on the Fire on 7th April; Children’s Pizza Making on 11th; A Seasonal Lunch over the Fire on 22nd and Mexican Cooking with Thomasina

Miers on 28th April

And on 14th April, Mark Shayler runs Fear of Moving On – a workshop to help you identify what is holding you back and understand your fears and constraining beliefs. See www.thegoodlifesociety.co.uk

All the fun of the Victorian fair

Between 29th April and 1st May Llandudno goes back in time for its Victorian Extravaganza, featuring old-time fair rides, fun stalls, steam engines and vintage costumes. At noon each day there’ll be a street parade of traction engines, vintage vehicles, marching bands and street performers. Why not don your best Victorian attire and join in? Entertainment will include magic shows and a traditional Victorian circus, and this year there’s a Festival Fringe too. Roll up for Wales’ largest free family event! www.victorian-extravaganza.com

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

Comedy and crime at eatr Clywd

Home, I’m Darling, 14th-18th March How happily married are the happily married? Find out in this Olivier Award-winning comedy about one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife. 2.30 & 7.30pm.

Little Women, 22nd-25th March One actress, one musician, one enchanting new

adaptation. Laugh and cry with sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy in this coming-of-age tale packed with drama, love and loss. 5.15 & 7.45pm.

Heathers: The Musical, 28th March – 1st April Winner of the WhatsOnStage award for Best New Musical, enjoy this wickedly funny production

DID YOU KNOW? Book three shows for a 15% discount. See the website for details

based on the 80s cult teen film. 2.30 & 7.30pm.

Watson: The Final Problem, 6th April It’s 1894. Watson is alone. A one-man performance unravels a tale of buried secrets, betrayal and death. 7.45pm.

Tickets for all shows from £10. www.theatrclwyd.com

Calling new writers…

Develop your literary skills at Anglesey Writing Festival on 29th April at Menai Bridge. If you’re new to writing and not sure which genre suits, there are 12 workshops to try out including crime, memoir, fantasy, eco-poetry and mindful writing. Catch best-seller Conrad Jones for tips on crime thrillers, discover how to genre-write or begin your next series of poems. Chat over lunch with other writers and enjoy browsing the stalls between workshops. Tickets from £22.15 via www.eventbrite.com

Learn new skills this spring

From 18th March, Mostyn in Llandudno hosts a new exhibition by London-based Mexican/German artist Stefan Brüggemann. Spanning sculpture, video, painting and drawing, Brüggemann’s work uses text in “abstract installations rich with biting social critique and a post-pop aesthetic”. Tue-Sat, 10.30am4pm. Free. www.mostyn.org

Try something new at Abakhan, Mostyn. Doodle Watercolour Sketching on 14th April will teach you the basics of this quirky technique; Crochet for Beginners on 22nd demonstrates basic stitches; and on 23rd you can make your own apron at Dressmaking for the Complete Beginner. www.abakhan.co.uk

Round the corner

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

4TH-16TH MARCH

•From 4th March (weekends), I’m A Celebrity Guided Tours, Gwrych Castle, Abergele Take a guided tour around the Castle and visit the set locations used on the show. Booking essential, 1- 2.30pm, weekends in March. Tickets £20 (child £10).

March comes in like a lion at Bangor-on-Dee Races with the Spring Meeting on 25th March. As the days get longer and the air gets warmer, racing enters its stride and trainers look toward a thrilling season ahead. The Spring Saturday Meeting on 22nd April is an exciting affair, with a big crowd creating an unrivalled atmosphere. See www. bangorondeeraces.co.uk

•From 4th March, Acoustic Saturdays, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham Live music returns to Tŷ Pawb as local acoustic musicians, singer-songwriters and cover artists perform live sets in the Food Court. Noon–2.15pm. Free.

•11th March, Comedy Night Live, Ca Isa, Mold Britain’s Got Talent impressionist Danny Posthill headlines, with risqué anecdotes from Dawn Bailey and surreal stories from Tony Burgess. 8.15pm. Tickets £10.

•10th March, Tic Toc, The Stiwt, Wrexham

A bilingual production paying homage to a closeknit group of factory workers. We join them as they gather to recreate the good times and become young jivers again! 7.30pm. From £12.

11th March, Easter Chocolate Workshop, Dylan’s, Llandudno Grab some top tips from a professional patisserie chef and make your own delicious Easter chocolates from scratch. 10am-1pm. Tickets £35 (child £25) via Eventbrite.

•16th March, Beautiful Bird Song, Wrexham Industrial Estate Join North Wales Wildlife Trust to learn about the wide range of bird song, including a visit to Hoya Nature Space. 10am-noon. Booking essential.

Not black, not white, silver

On Your Table

Domestic ceramics from 22 makers

Ruthin Craft Centre, The Centre for the Applied Arts

Park Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire, Wales UK, LL15 1BB. Tel: +44 (0)1824 704774 FREE admission. FREE on-site parking. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk Instagram: @ruthincrafts Twitter: @Ruthin_crafts

Gallery 1, 2 & 3

14 January – 16 April 2023

Daniel Ramos

Bert Jones

Craft as commentary

Three absorbing exhibitions are running at Ruthin Craft Centre until 16th April. ‘On Your Table’ is a curation of domestic ceramics from 22 makers – “a fantastic array of tableware, objects of expression… to bring pleasure in both use and spirit,” said potter and lecturer Alex McErlain.

Embroidered handkerchiefs commemorate the Suffragette Movement in ‘Motive/Motif’, with the significance of the

stitched images going far beyond the modest object. Curated by Charlotte Hodes and Alison Moloney at London College of Fashion, the collection was previously exhibited at Buckingham Palace. It is accompanied by a short film and banners made for ‘Processions’, a mass-participation project in 2018, reflecting on what it means to be a woman today.

Antonia Dewhurst’s ‘gimme shelter’ is a series of micro

Search for your supper

Woodland Classroom leads a Wild Food, Foraging & Wilderness Cookery Day on 22nd & 23rd April. From their basecamp in the ancient woodland of Erddig, Chirk, explore the forest and hedges in search of ‘food for free’. 9.30am4.30pm, £60. www.woodlandclassroom.com

Keeping it Rhyl

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 17TH-20TH

structures that re-imagine the idea of the Welsh Ty Unnos (‘One Night House’).

“Tradition held that if a house could be built on common land between sunset and sunrise and have smoke emerging from its chimney at dawn, it could be kept with the land enclosed by a hammer throw from the four quarters.”

Built from digital photos and found materials, the models explore the idea of architecture as a metaphor for life in the 21st century. Open Tues–Sun 10am–5.30pm. Free entry. www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

Tchaikovsky and chill

Enjoy the BBC National Orchestra of Wales this spring. Experience Tchaikovsky’s sublime Symphony No. 5, featuring violinist Clara-Jumi Kang, with pieces by Tansy Davies and Sibelius, on 17th March at PrichardJones Hall, Bangor (7.30pm) and 19th March at Venue Cymru, Llandudno (3pm).

Radio’s Sian Eleri joins the orchestra at Pontio, Bangor for an evening of chilled-out classics on 18th March at 8pm. www.bbc.co.uk/bbcnow

Mike Bubbins: Throwback, 17th March The BBC comedy star unleashes his first ever solo UK tour. Expect funny stories, impressive characterisations and possibly a song. 8pm. Tickets £21.50.

Chris Mccausland – Speaky Blinder, 2nd April The top stand-up in a show about life, family and other nonsense! 7.30pm. From £20.

Rapunzel, 8th & 9th April An hair-larious panto for all the family. 2pm & 6pm. Tickets from £16.50.

G4 Live, 27th April Stars of The X-Factor, G4 mesmerise audiences with their vocal harmonies. Expect classic hits such as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Nessun Dorma’. 7.30pm. Tickets from £20. www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

More time for tea

•17th March, Ban Mountain Film Festival, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Join the world’s top adventure filmmakers and thrill-seekers as they climb, ski, paddle and ride to the wildest corners! 7.30pm. From £15.50.

•18th March, Just Radiohead, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham. Performers with experience of some of the largest stages in the world come together to celebrate one of the planet’s best alternative rock bands. 7.30pm. £13.75.

Afternoon tea is a treat to savour, and you’ve all the time in the world on a boat trip with www.horsedrawnboats. co.uk. Boarding at Llangollen Wharf at noon, you’ll meander along the Llangollen Canal through the Dee Valley, passing the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct while enjoying tea and a glass of Prosecco, returning at 4pm. Most Sundays from 12th March, £32.95 per person.

•18th March, Beginner’s Guide to Glass Fusing, Wernog Wood, Ruthin Verity Pulford will lead you through creating fused glass to produce copper foil coasters. Half or full day, £60 a session.

•18th March, Are You Watching Closely?, The Jesters Tower, Conwy Join Jay Gatling for an evening of sleight of hand, mysterious skills and mind-bending trickery. 8pm. £10 via TicketSource.

•Until 19th March, Contemporary Art, Oriel Plas Glyn-yWeddw, Pwllheli

‘Longing’ by Stephen John Owen, ‘Five Miles from Home’ by Deanne Doddington Mizen and ‘Homeland’ by Sian McGill. Daily 10am-5pm. Free.

•20th March, Tubular Bells: 50th Anniversary Celebration, Venue Cymru, Llandudno

This iconic masterpiece will be performed live with a full band, conducted by Mike Oldfield’s long-term collaborator Robin Smith. 7.30pm. From £23.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 21ST-27TH

MARCH

•21st March, The Rickard Sisters, Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden (and online)

Defeated by Victorian writers’ tricky language, lengthy sentences and labyrinthine plots? Explore how graphic novels can bring classics to new audiences. 7-8pm. From £10.

•21st March, Holland and its Tulip Story, Halkyn Cricket Club, Holywell Mary Jones of Clwyd Hardy Plant Society talks about the links between Dutch tulips, the sea and the building of the Keukenhof Gardens. 7pm. Free. Call 01352 781458.

•21st-25th March, The Anniversary, Grove Park Theatre, Wrexham

One of theatre’s most monstrous creations, Mum controls her family like a cruel puppeteer – and there are plenty of strings attached to her a ection. 7.30pm. From £5.

Top for new talent

Awarded Best Festival for Emerging Talent, FOCUS Wales takes place in Wrexham between 4th-6th May, welcoming over 20,000 people to the city. The programme is packed with music, dance, art performances and movie screenings. Over 300 artists from across the world will appear in a variety of spaces, across 20 stages and showcasing a mindblowing range of genres. Headliners include A Guy Called Gerald, The Coral, Adwaith and more. There’ll be a New Music Conference featuring industry experts, with panels and discussions,

while FOCUS Wales Film Festival will showcase new films, and host industry events and networking opportunities. Festival passes from £70, day passes from £40. Single events can be booked via www.focuswales.com

Turn back time

DID YOU KNOW?

Gerald’s 1995 hit Black Secret Technology was hailed best jungle album ever

Cooking up a storm

•24th & 25th March, Pijin/ Pigeon, Galeri Caernarfon

Set in the North Wales slate quarries in the early ’90s, a gripping tale about growing up, the power of words, friendship and just how far people will go for love. 7.30pm. From £5.

The Classic Rock Show, 10th March Paying tribute to music’s great heroes, CRS thunders through legendary tracks from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, The Who, AC/DC, Queen, Fleetwood Mac and more. 7.30pm. Tickets from £30.

The Magic of Motown, 22nd April Reprising Motown classics from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson, among others. 7.30pm. Tickets from £32. www.williamastonwrexham.com

Follow that rabbit!

Classics at the Club

•24th-27th March, Dolbelydr

Open Days, Denbigh This fine example of a 16th-century gentry house has good claim to be the birthplace of modern Welsh – learn more about its history. From 10am. Free entry, booking required via www.eventbrite.co.uk

Brush up your culinary skills at Bodnant Welsh Food’s Cookery School, at Tal-y-Cafn in the heart of the Conwy Valley. On 11th March learn to create homemade tapas and on 15th April enjoy a pasta-making masterclass. Young chefs can join in on 1st and 22nd April and learn some classic baking and decorating skills – perfect for budding bakers! Find the full programme at www. bodnant-welshfood.co.uk

Come along to Llanberis Lake Railway and join the annual Easter Egg Hunt from 8th-10th April. The resident White Rabbit has once again hidden eggs all around the railway, thinking no one will spot them! If you can help to find them all, you will receive a prize. Timetable and prices at www.lake-railway.co.uk

Based in the Town Hall, Rhyl Music Club presents ‘Young Musicians’ on 8th March: Oliver Pearce plays cello, joining an array of young musicians who have reached the equivalent of grade 8. On 22nd March cellist Gerard Flotats and pianist Ellis Thomas complete a season of five Beethoven cello sonatas. From 7.30-9.15pm, tickets £15. www.rhylmusic.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Fictional heroine Bridget Jones studied at Bangor – pre Pontio though!

Family and fun at Pontio

Pontio Family Day, 18th March Events for the whole family include art sessions based on the Tree Sense exhibition, origami workshops, poetry with Children’s Laureate of Wales Connor Allen, sing-along films, Caffi Babis events and more! Full details on the website.

Pulse, 23rd March National Dance Company Wales presents two physically thrilling works to set your pulse racing: ‘Waltz’ and ‘Say Something’. 7.30pm. Tickets from £12.

Dear Reader…

A murder mystery evening with author Ann Cleeves and a conversation with the National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa, are just two of the highlights of Wrexham’s Carnival of Words on 22nd-29th April. There’s also a Charles Dickens readathon, an historical fiction night, storytelling, poetry, comics and graphic novels, and a Writers’ Carousel of open mic readings and interactive panels of Welsh writers, bloggers and journalists. www.wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com

Full steam ahead

Steam fans, book soon for The Snowdonian, an 80-mile round trip over the whole Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway on 22nd April Merddin Emrys and Welsh Pony will be starring, as well as NG/G16 143, with meals on board as you make your way from Porthmadog via Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon. Tickets from £250 (includes optional tour of Boston Lodge on 21st). www.festrail.co.uk

Woodland Tales with Grandad, 8th April With a cast of extraordinary puppets, this uproarious family show also has an important environmental message. 11.30am & 2.30pm. Tickets £6.50.

An Evening and a Little Bit of a Morning with Mark Steel, 21st April The critically acclaimed Mark Steel’s in Town was voted the sixth best radio comedy ever. Now the BBC Radio regular is in Bangor! 8pm. Tickets £17. www.pontio.co.uk

Art at the Academy

e Royal Cambrian Academy in Conwy hosts several interesting exhibitions this spring. From 4th March – 1st April Mike Knowles presents bold and striking landscape paintings from locations around his home on Anglesey, and Maurice Greenwood re ects on the beauty of light in the landscape, particularly after rain. From 8th April Richard Gant has mixed sculptural pieces on display and there’s an exhibition by new members. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free entry. www.rcaconwy.org

The big one

Celebrating its 30th year, Llandudno Transport Festival takes place from 29th April – 1st May at Bodafon Fields showground. Events include the ever-popular Crosville gathering of vintage buses and coaches, and the Extravaganza Street Parade of walkers in costume, cyclists, marching bands, entertainers and traction engines. There will be two road runs of vintage vehicles, including the now iconic circuit of the Great Orme. See www.llantransfest.co.uk

•25th March, Tapestri, Blue Sky Café, Bangor This bilingual band fuses Americana, roots, folk and country with angelic harmonies and slide guitar. 7-11.30pm. £13.20.

•25th March, Catrin Finch – The Story So Far, Canolfan Ucheldre, Holyhead Join Catrin as she journeys through the music that’s most important to her, woven with anecdotes, chat and insights into the life of an extraordinary harpist. 7.30pm. From £4.

26th March, Seed Swap, Plas Newydd, Llangollen Bring your seeds and cuttings to swap with other greenfingered visitors. There’ll be a gardening themed ra e plus a session with Nature for Health. 10amnoon. Donations appreciated.

•27th March, Conwy Seed Fair 700-year old Royal Charter Fair o ering seeds and plant stalls, honey and farmers’ market stalls. 9am-4pm. Free entry.

•31st March – 2nd April, North Wales Jazz Guitar Weekend, Coleg Cambria, Wrexham. Learn from and play with world-class musicians, including Michael Sagmeister, Trefor Owen, Darren DutsonBromley and Adrian Ingram. £140. 07423 016888.

•1st April, Coastal Foraging Taster, Castle Dyke Street, Flint Join Forager Jim for a workshop and walk, including ID guidance, finding and tasting wild ingredients on Flint’s coastline. 10am-noon. £20.

•2nd April, Open Day/Wedding Showcase, Plas Isaf, Corwen “We are opening the barn to showcase our lovely venue, the perfect setting for your wedding. We’ll be around to answer any questions you may have. No need to book, just turn up! 1-4pm.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

Thrills at Theatr Colwyn

•2nd-17th April, Easter at Pili Palas, Menai Bridge Find the eggs hidden around the zoo, meet some of the animals, watch the cheeky meerkats being fed and enjoy soft play.

Paul Young – Behind the Lens, 24th March He’s been a major star for four decades – now join Paul to revel in the classic hits and learn the stories behind them. 7.30pm. Tickets from £31.50.

NT Live: Life of Pi, 30th March Filmed live in London and featuring state-of-the-art visuals, Yann Martel’s epic novel of endurance and hope is brought to life in a breathtaking new way for the cinema screen. 7pm. Tickets from £15.

Trixibelle and the Birthday Spell, 14th & 15th April This bright and animated show features puppets, magic, a colourful set and costumes. Based on the book by Libby Edwards. Tickets from £9.50.

9 to 5: The Musical, 27th-29th April With music by Queen of Country Dolly Parton, this hilarious show is inspired by the 1980s film. Tickets £21. www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk

•6th April, Knot, Pontio, Bangor Physically exhilarating and touchingly poignant, Nikki & JD use circus skills to explore commitment via breathtaking acrobatics and heart-wrenching dance. 7.30pm. Tickets from £15.

8th April, Easter 5k Promenade Dash, Llandudno

This fast and flat run is suitable for experienced runners and beginners alike. There’ll be Easter eggs and a medal waiting for you at the finish. 10.30am. £13 (child £4). 01797 229955.

Achieving the impossible

high-altitude adventure to cinematically beautiful stories. 7.30pm. Tickets from £8.50.

James Ketchell – It’s All Mental, 20th April Adventurer James shares the mindset needed to achieve seemingly unattainable goals. 7.30pm. Tickets from £13. www.galericaernarfon.com

The Scummy Mummies – Greatest Hits, 8th March The Mummies perform their best-loved songs and sketches. You’ll leave reassured about your parenting skills! 7.30pm. Tickets £21.

Kendal Mountain Tour 2023, 9th March Award-winning films showcasing wilderness and adventure travel from across the globe, from

•8th April, Battle of the Bay Wrestling, Eirias Centre, Colwyn Bay A fantastic night of professional wrestling with wrestlers from all over the country here to entertain your family. 7pm. From £8.50.

•13th April, ELO Again, Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Experience the live spectacle of ELO’s famous orchestrations, soaring strings and vocals. 7.30pm. £30.50.

Walking for Hope

•14th April, Ancient Woodland Flora and Fauna, Erlas Black Wood, Wrexham Discover a myriad of rare species with North Wales Wildlife Trust in this 400-year-old wood. 10am-noon. Booking essential.

Support Hope House and Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices on their Llangollen Canal Walk on 12th March. The 10-mile circular route starts at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at 10am, taking in stunning scenery. Bring along friends, family, colleagues and those four-legged friends and embrace the great outdoors whilst raising money for children with life-threatening conditions. Register for £10 (child £5) via www.eventbrite.co.uk

Unleash your inner artist

Pick up new techniques at Bodnant Art this spring. Learn to linocut with Ann Lewis on 4th March, paint Abersoch Harbour with Andrew Jenkin on 11th & 12th March, or try pastels with Paul Pigram on 18th March. Bill Gribble demonstrates water-based oils on 31st March & 1st April, and on 15th April new tutor Elysia Gilman works impressionist figures in oils. bodnantart.com

Choirs at the coast

North Wales Choir Festival returns to Llandudo on 4th-5th March, a jam-packed weekend no choral lover will want to miss. Saturday kick-starts the weekend with competitions, and in the evening there’s the Festival Celebration Concert offering a wonderful variety of groups plus special guests. On Sunday it’s the turn of the Young Voices and Open Category choirs to raise the roof. Full programme at www.venuecymru.co.uk

Your Wildlife Trust

Hidden Anglesey: Wildlife and History, 24th March Starting at Lligwy Beach, discover hidden pockets of wildlife including the amazing Boston sulphur well, and enjoy panoramic views from Bodafon mountain. 10.30am-3.30pm. Tickets £3.

Coastal Seabird and Wildflower Walk, 1st April

A circular from Cemlyn Bay to spot terns arriving from Africa and maybe seals. 11am-2pm. £2.

Easter Pond-Dipping & Bug-Hunting, 7th April

Miners to Mozart

DID YOU KNOW?

NWWT is running over 140 events in North Wales this year at its 35 reserves

A family day at Big Pool Wood, Prestatyn. 10.30am-3pm. Free, please book.

Bluebell Walk, 27th April Join the warden for a stunning walk through the ancient woodlands of Coed y Felin, Mold. 10am-1pm. Free, booking essential. www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

Heavenly harps

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

18TH-28TH APRIL

•18th April, Solicitor Open Day, Aberduna Nature Reserve, Mold Speak with a local solicitor about your will and explore what legacies mean to North Wales Wildlife Trust – plus a tour around the Reserve! 10am-4pm. Booking essential.

•22nd April, The Real Thing, Rhyl Pavilion They topped the charts in the ’70s and ’80s – and original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith are still the real deal! 7.30pm. £32.50.

Welsh National Opera presents two stunning productions at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The Magic Flute on 29th-31st March at 7.15pm takes this enchanting fairy-tale and gives it a modern twist with vibrant sets and costumes. Blaze of Glory! on 1st April at 7.30pm celebrates a group of miners who embark on a musical escapade following a pit disaster. Traditional Welsh harmonies blend with sounds of the ’50s, operetta, gospel and big band as they lindy hop their way to glory. Tickets from £22. www.wno.org.uk

Special events at Bala Lake Railway

Easter Egg Hunt, 7th-10th

April Can you find all the eggs

boats race the train the length of the lake – over four miles.

hidden along the line and at the station? You might even meet the White Rabbit!

Race the Train, 22nd April

Stand-up paddle-boarders and

Welcome Back, Alice and Holy War! 29th & 30th April Both engines have been out of service for boiler repairs. Celebrate their return! bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Highlights of the Wales International Harp Festival on 5th-11th April include the premiere of Llechi (‘Slates’) and concerts by jazz harpist Deborah Henson-Conant; Edmar Castaneda and Catrin Finch; and Sona Jobarteh and Pedair. There’ll be workshops too, all at Galeri Caernarfon. www.walesharpfestival.co.uk

From Greeks to Jeeps

•22nd April, Snowdonia

– Landscapes and Mountain Flowers, Moel Siabod Café, Capel Curig Join Andy Teasdale and Jim Langley for a fascinating evening. 7pm. £10 (donated to NWWT). Booking essential, 01690 720429.

Experience the No Man’s Land living history weekend at Bodrhyddan Hall, Rhyl on 8th & 9th April. Over 600 re-enactors in period costume, with original weaponry, share the military secrets of the ancient Greeks, the power of Roman artillery, the clash of Viking swords, right up to modern warfare – with firing displays. 10am-4pm. Tickets from £8 via Facebook.

•22nd April, Pickles & Preserves Workshop, Dylan’s, Llangefni Learn the basics from the chefs who make Dylan’s award-winning range of pickles and preserves. You’ll be involved in cooking, preparing and tasting, and will take home a recipe book. 9am-noon. £35 via EventBrite.

•28th April, A Country Night in Nashville, Theatr Clywd, Mold Enjoy a journey through the history of country music, featuring hits from Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and more – starring Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes. 7.30pm. Tickets from £20.

Beach life

the local council in the 1920s. Home to a substantial boating lake it has always been a popular spot through the decades, and today is home to the town’s leisure centre, a conference centre and extensive sports facilities – most famously the Eirias Stadium.

diverse programme of theatre and cinema throughout the year and some top-notch productions for families.

More active visitors should check out Porth Eirias on the promenade, where water skiing, sailing and paddle boarding are on offer, with lessons and taster sessions for beginners and the more experienced.

As seaside resorts go, it’s hard to beat Colwyn Bay. Midway along the North Wales coast, the pretty town has an expanse of sandy beach and a promenade to saunter, as well as a commercial centre to fulfil the needs of locals and visitors alike.

Its shore is a natural draw, even though the Victorian pier was demolished in 2018 when it became unsafe and too costly to restore. Despite controversy at the time, it has made the sands more accessible. Well loved by its resident community of around 39,000, the town is a regular Britain in Bloom winner and has several attractive parks.

Drawing the crowds

The best known of these is the stunning 50-acre Eirias Park, which was created by

This incredible venue is the focus of premier division and local rugby action and was transformed with a £6.5 million redevelopment in 2011, opening it up to large-scale sporting and televised events, as well as concerts and festivals. For the past 10 years it has hosted the Access All Eirias music festival that has seen crowds of 15,000 pack the stadium to enjoy performances from stars such as Little Mix, Tom Jones, Elton John and Rhydian Roberts.

Fabulous beasts

Another hit with visitors to Colwyn Bay is the Welsh Mountain Zoo, situated on the hillsides overlooking the town. The 37-acre site was opened in 1963 and is home to an impressive collection of creatures great and small. With everything from meerkats and penguins to tigers and rare snow leopards, the zoo makes up in quality what it lacks in size – you can pack in many of the animal highlights without the footwork so often necessary in other zoos.

Culture in the town is boosted by the Theatr Colwyn venue, which offers a

Those looking simply to relax in tranquil surroundings will appreciate a day out at the world-famous Bodnant Garden, a grade 1 National Trust site filled with stunning displays of snowdrops and crocusus in spring. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance during holiday periods.

Eirias Park

Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay LL29 7SP

Welsh Mountain Zoo Colwyn Bay LL28 5UY

www.welshmountainzoo.org

Porth Eirias

Promenade, Colwyn Bay LL29 8HH morwatersports.com

Bodnant Garden

Tal-y-Cafn, Colwyn Bay LL28 5RE www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

From a cluster of farms, Colwyn Bay has expanded to be the second largest community in North Wales. It’s easy to see why so many are happy to call the town home.

The Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden is a breathtaking sight

Lots of photo opps at the Welsh Mountain Zoo

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay Society offers supported living for the elderly in well maintained houses and gardens.

All household bills are included, inc. gas, electricity and tv licence.

We provide Home Cooked Lunch and High Tea daily. Community Alarm Service.

Weekly Room Clean and all your washing and ironing.

MID WALES MINI BREAKS FROM JUST £170

TO MONDAY

Escape to the countryside between Welshpool and Newtown.

Some of the fantastic places of interest within 35 mile radius: Lake Vrynwy RSPB, Coed y Dinas, Powis Castle, Hafren Forest, Ynyshir RSPB, Devils Bridge, Elan Valley, Abbey Cwm Hir, Whittington Castle, Stiperstones, Long Mynd, Llandrindod cycle museum, Clun Castle.

ABERMULE, MONTGOMERY, POWYS, SY15 6NW Tel: 01686 670 408 Email: park2006@btinternet.com

www.goetreretreatcaravan park .co.uk

Grand Mid Wales Cycle Jumble

Saturday 1st April 2023 (Stalls 08.30 start)

Event to be helf at:Cefnllys School, Spa Road

Llandrindod Wells LD1 5WA

Museum Open – 10am – 2pm (Stalls include items from the museum stores)

Admission £4 before 9.30am, £1 after 9.30am Tables inside £10 (must be booked in advanced) Tables Outside £7

To book a table please contact:Steve Griffith – Email: griffith531@hotmail.com

Experience the new Oakdale Premier luxury 6 berth holiday home complete with sun deck!

MONDAY

Dive into the National Library of Wales

HON 2022: Women Artists in Wales, 8th March

Some of Wales’ most signi cant female visual artists discuss how living and working in Wales inspires them, as HON 2022 is launched. 5pm. Free.

Rebel with a Cause: the Political Archive of Ann Clwyd, 23rd March An audience with the rst woman to represent a Welsh Valleys constituency in Parliament. Ann has spent decades witnessing key political events, from the miners’ strike to the Iraq War and EU Referendum. 5pm. Free.

Myths & Legends from Wales, 4th April Tamar Eluned Williams leads this children’s event with tales of magic, wizards, giants and fairy folk. 11.30am. £4 per child.

‘Lasting Impressions: Gregynog Prints’, ongoing exhibition Prints by some of Europe’s most famous artists, including Dürer, Rembrandt and Augustus John, along with modern prints created for the Gregynog Press. www.library.wales

COMEDY ON THE COAST

Barmouth’s Dragon eatre has just the thing to lift the spirits with its Comedy on the Coast. On 25th March dress up for e Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!, followed by a grown-up comedy evening with stand-ups Jack Campbell, Jo Enright and Dan Antopolski. ‘Magic under the Mountains’ on 26th March starts with Alan Bennett’s A Private Function and ends with an original show from the Comedy Illusionists and close-up thrills from Magic Duo Craig and Russ. www.dragontheatre.co.uk

Powered up

At the Internal Fire Museum of Power in Tanygroes, engines of all kinds and vintages run with sounds and smells that are eye-opening to those who don’t remember and evocative to those who do. Don’t miss the Easter Crank-up on 8th10th April, Marconi Day on 22nd and steam days on 9th, 10th & 30th April www.internal re.com

THRILLER!

National Dance Company Wales is touring its new double bill, Pulse, including Marcos Morau’s razor-sharp Waltz and SAY’s visual and sonic feast of movement and beatboxing. At Hafren, Newtown on 30th March, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, 19th April and eatr Brycheiniog, Brecon 17th April. www.ndcwales.co.uk

CRIMINAL MINDS

Gŵyl Crime Cymru, Wales’ rst international crime literature festival, comes to Aberystwyth on 21st23rd April, celebrating crime writing in all its forms – from ction and non- ction through to TV and lm. Hear household names from the worlds of crime drama and ction talk about their work, and meet them at free signings. ere’ll be writing workshops and ‘close-up’ panels featuring criminal creatives and Crime Cymru members, and a wide variety of speakers, many of whom are Welsh. Full programme at gwylcrimecymrufestival.co.uk

•6th-19th March, Lambcam

2023, National Museums Wales

Celebrate the start of spring! Follow all the action live from the lambing shed at St Fagans National Museum of History. 8am-8pm. museum.wales/ lambcam/

•10th March, Kendal Mountain Tour, Aberystwyth Arts Centre Watch award-winning films from high-altitude adventure to cinematically beautiful tales of wilderness travel across the globe. 7.30pm. From £8.50.

•16th March, Tchaikovsky Symphony No 5, Aberystwyth Arts Centre The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, featuring violinist Clara-Jumi Kang, perform this popular symphony, and works by Tansy Davies and Sibelius. 7.30pm. From £5.

•18th March, Renewables for Households: Insulation, Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth Get to grips with draughts and warm air leaks in your home, discover di erent insulation options and reduce your energy bills. 10am-4.30pm. £80.

•18th March, Firelight Trio, Presteigne Assembly Rooms. Enjoy lively polskas, Scottish reels, French waltzes, toe-tapping klezmer and original tunes with this uplifting trio. 8-10pm. £12.

•23rd March, Arts Society

Mid Wales & Borders, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool Roger Mitchell will deliver the March lecture, titled ‘Buildings of Delight’, in the Powis Suite. 2.30pm. Visitors welcome, £6 suggested donation. For details contact Dennis Duggan on 01938 555574.

Fun at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Mike Bubbins – rowback, 11th March e BBC comedy star unleashes his rst ever solo UK tour. ings may never be the same again! 8pm. Tickets £19.50.

Sara Pascoe – Success Story, 30th March e star of sitcom Out of Her Mind, Last Woman on Earth and host of Great British Sewing Bee is back with a whipsmart stand-up show. 8pm. Tickets from £15.

Vanity Fair, 6th-8th April ackeray’s work is given a modern adaptation, where characters have to struggle for their place in a world of glittering prizes, temptations, hopes, rivalries and lurking poverty. Various times. Tickets from £10.

THREE TO SEE

ree exhibitions are running at Aberystwyth Arts Centre this spring. Until 26th March, ‘In eir Element’ showcases three Welsh ceramicists inspired by the forces of nature. Until 2nd April you can see pieces by one of Wales’ most popular artists, Mary Lloyd Jones, and until 23rd April catch Colin Howkins’ ‘Tynygraig’– abstract works inspired by the Welsh landscape. www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT…

Exercise your little grey cells at e Albert Hall in Llandrindod Wells on 11th March! A Lovely Way to Die is a murder mystery event where you get to channel your inner Poirot as you question the suspects, identify the clues and deduce the culprit. Performances start at 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £25, which includes a ’70s themed bu et, and must be booked in advance. Over-16s only. (Please note, tables seat a maximum of six people.)

On 28th April, Beatles Complete present a Tribute to the Fab Four – a night of Beatlemania from the world-famous Cavern Club, packed with massive hits from this iconic band. 7.30pm. Tickets from £15. www.thealberthall.co.uk

Ministry of Science Live – Saved the World 2023, 23rd April Expect 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, re tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and even a self-built hovercraft! Recommended for ages 6-12. Shows at 1pm & 4.30pm. All tickets £15. www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

“Stand-up is your diary. You just work out which bits to tell people”

LAUGHTER IN THE HILLS

Phil Wang, Rosie Jones and Ivo Graham are three of the big names appearing in bijou venues around Machynlleth from 28th-30th April as part of the town’s Comedy Festival. Alongside familiar faces from TV and radio, “the comedy fan’s comedy festival” features up-and-coming performers such as Susie McCabe and e Delightful Sausage. e organisers are passionate about the thrill of seeing live comedy in the intimate and unique spaces that the town o ers. Full programme at www.machcomedy fest. co.uk

ROCKIN’ AT PAVILION MID WALES

STILL

Mersey Beatles, 18th March Beatles fans will be wowed by this Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four. Embark on a fabulous ride – from the ‘mop top’ hits of Beatlemania and the psychedelic creativity of Sgt Pepper to the melodic wonder and energy of their later work. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.75.

Limehouse Lizzy, 21st April e boys are back in town! Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Phil Lynott and his band in Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide – including a tribute to brilliant guitarist Gary Moore. 7.30pm. Tickets £22. www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

SARA PASCOE:

Tickets Available Online

Royal Welsh Showground | Llanelwedd | Builth Wells | LD2 3SY

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 26TH MARCH – 8TH APRIL

26th March, Welshpool 10k

An undulating, challenging one-lap race that starts and finishes in the town centre and takes in breathtaking views of Powis Castle. Start from 8am. Entry from £20.49 via Adrenaline Sporting Events.

Top brass at e Hafren

Tom Allen – Completely, March Enjoy Tom’s acerbic with and riotous storytelling as he elicits your opinions on life’s dilemmas! 8pm. Tickets £25.

e Makings of a Murderer detective David Swindle shares his insight into famous cases that were never solved and how they got away with it. 7.30pm. Tickets £28.

An Evening and A Little Bit of a Morning with Mark Steel, 1st April Mark Steel’s in Town was voted sixth best radio comedy ever and Mark is

Have I Got News News

Quiz. 8pm. Tickets £18.

Foden’s Band, 22nd April

•1st April, Grand Mid-Wales

Cycle Jumble, National Cycle Museum, Llandrindod Wells

Find that bargain! Stalls include items from the museum stores. From 8.30am. Admission £4 (£1 after 9.30am).

•1st April, Welsh Wrestling, Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells Join in with all the fun –championship matches, rumble

DID YOU KNOW?

Foden’s website fodensband.co.uk has play-along videos for young learners

Ranked second in the world, Foden’s brass band are 2021 and 2022 National Champions. 3pm. Tickets from £8.50. www.thehafren.co.uk

SOUL MATES

Fairytale tour

showdown and tag team chaos! 7pm. From £9 via Ticketweb

•7th April, Stations at Stations, Talyllyn Railway The Rev Phil Jump will lead contemplation on the journey

Jesus Christ made on his way to the cross, with accompanying prayers and readings.

Starting at Wharf Station 4.30pm, returning by 9pm.

•8th April, Mindful Collage with Di Ford, Make it in Wales, Stiwdio 3, Cardigan

With minimal materials required and no experience necessary, this is a wonderfully accessible activity that will encourage a deep sense of calm and wellbeing. Choose from sessions at 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm. £45.

Having performed worldwide and opened for the likes of Gladys Knight and the O’Jays, Natasha Watts shares songs from her new album at Mwldan, Cardigan on 26th March. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £20. And on 15th April, legendary folk combo Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band bring us Chapel & Tavern, an evening in Hogarth’s chaotic London and with the village bands beloved by Hardy. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.50. mwldan.co.uk

Mid Wales Opera’s Fairy Tales season culminates in a new production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. Based on the Brothers Grimm tale, it stars soprano Alys Mererid Roberts and Philip Smith and a cast of young professional singers, together with a chorus of children assembled locally for each theatre. At Newtown’s Hafren on 4th March and Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 14th. See midwalesopera.co.uk

Kaffe at the Castle HEARTS AND MINDS

roughout March and April

Powis Castle hosts ‘Colour with Ka e’, an exhibition by international ne artist and textile designer Ka e Fassett. From cushions to carpet, the 13th-century castle will be adorned with wondrous textiles, including seven quilts inspired by the castle’s collection. Noon4pm, normal admission applies.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy new exhibitions at MOMA in Machynlleth, all running until 15th April. ‘PAX’ commemorates the centenary of Wales’ remarkable Women’s Peace Appeal of 1923-4, with pieces by contemporary Welsh artists. Jane Hope’s ‘Echoes of the Mabinogion’ is a series of paintings based on stories and images from the ancient book, whilst Spike Blackhurst’s ‘Against All Odds’ presents ceramic and metal sculptures highlighting how emotional abuse can a ect our internal organs too.

Until 22nd April you can also see a display of portraits from the museum’s Tabernacle Collection. www.moma.cymru

Welcome

Gabriella Karney photography

CHALLENGE YOURSELF IN AID OF LINGEN DAVIES CANCER FUND

Severn Canoe Crew

Corporate Canoeing day

28th April

Lake District Ultra Challenge

100km hike over two days

10th & 11th June

Cotswold Big Swim

3.8km open water swim

17th June

Sunny's Skydive

Tandem skydive

1st July

Peak District Ultra Challenge

100km hike over two days

8 t h & 9 t h J u l y

Woolly wonders

Wonderwool Wales celebrates the green credentials of Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes and home furnishings. Taking place on 22nd-23rd April at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, the festival covers all aspects of the creative process – from live sheep to an amazing selection of yarns, equipment and books; from demonstrations to superb examples of finished textile art and crafts. There’s plenty to

WHAT’S ON MID WALES

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 14TH-30TH APRIL

see and do at Wonderwool, including knitted maps and a record-breaking longest scarf. Why not attend a Woolschool workshop to learn or perfect your skills with help from an expert?

These are available to book online. The show is open 10am-5.30pm on Saturday, 10am-4.30pm on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, and cost £12 per day or £22 for the weekend. www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk

MAGIC AND LAUGHTER AT WYESIDE ARTS

e Greatest Magician, 11th March Dazzling feats by James Phelan, most famous for jamming the BBC switchboards as he correctly predicted the lottery. is astonishing show will leave you laughing and dizzy in disbelief. 7.30pm. Tickets from £10.

Hal Cruttenden – It’s Best You Hear It from Me, 1st April After 21 years and 224 days, Hal’s back being single. But it’s all going to be ne. Instead of

Into the dragon’s lair

Grotty the dragon has hidden her eggs across Silver Mountain while she waits for them to hatch. From 9th-24th April, see if you can spot them all to win a tasty reward.

ere’s also three guided tours to enjoy, a brand-new play area and so much more. You’ll nd opening times and prices at www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk

SPRING AT TALYLLYN

getting the therapy he clearly needs, he’s made a cracking show about it! 8pm. Tickets £19. www.wyeside.co.uk

FINE FABRICS

Ruth Jen Evans’ colourful quilts express her Welsh identity using a variety of techniques and are on display at the Welsh Quilt Centre in Lampeter from 18th March-15th April. Vivien Finch unveils two lockdown collections: doll bedcoverings and quilts from vintage Laura Ashley prints, and there are new acquisitions from Jen Jones. Tues-Sat 11am-4.30pm. Free. www.welshquilts.com

•14th April, Matthew Frederick – The Obsolete Tour, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth Enjoy Frederick’s fusion of acoustic pop, indie folk and blues, plus a touch of Cymrucana and contemporary classical. 7pm. £8.

•16th April, Joe Martin & Band, The Cellar, Cardigan A night of new wave Americana, with moving stories and songs from Joe’s new album Empty Passenger Seat. 7pm. £12.50.

•20th April, NT Live: GOOD, Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells David Tennant returns to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful political plays. Filmed live at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London. 7pm. From £12.

•23rd April, West Wales Plant Fair, Rhosygilwen Mansion, Cardigan Nurseries from South and West Wales will be selling a huge range of plants. Why not tour Rhosygilwen’s gardens including the restored Victorian glasshouses? 10am-3pm. Free entry.

•29th April, Barley Saturday, Cardigan Barley Saturday was originally the day when farmers came to hire workers and to inspect horses. Nowadays there’s a parade around the town of beautiful horses and vintage vehicles from noon.

Photo Charters, 19th-22nd March A must for railway enthusiasts. Meet like-minded folks and take some fantastic photos. ere’ll be two locomotives in changed livery and lots of opportunities for socialising.

e Baguley Birthday Bash, 22nd April Talyllyn’s Baguleys are turning 40 – join them for a rare diesel running! No 11 Trecwn and No 12 St Cadfan will be out, and YouTube’s Lawrie Rose will be on hand to chat. 8am-5pm. Prices and full timetable at www.talyllyn.co.uk

•Until 30th April, ‘It’s Raining Elderly Ladies and Sticks’, Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown An exhibition celebrating Welsh ladies and a whimsical Welsh world of old-fashioned warmth and humour. TuesSat 11am-4pm. Free entry.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 1ST-4TH MARCH

•Every Saturday, CRC Saturday Foundation Ride, Chester A Chester Road Club ride with an average speed of 13-15mph (no racing) ensures everybody has fun, enjoys their ride and is not under pressure. Leaves 9am.

•Every Sunday in March & April, iPhone & Smartphone Photography Workshop, The Cafe at The Walls, Chester This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to take better photos with their phone, without the bulk of traditional camera gear. 9-11am. £40.

•Various dates, Shire Horse Encounter, Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud, Tarporley Working alongside expert handlers, enjoy getting up close and personal with some of the biggest horses in the world! 2.5 hours £75, full day £195.

LIVE AT THE LYCEUM

Ukrainian National Opera: Carmen, 6th March All the drama of 19th-century Seville, performed by Dnipro Opera and a live orchestra. 7.30pm. £39.

Comedy in the Attic, 10th March Featuring some of the best comics on the circuit. 8pm. Tickets £12.

Gordon Buchanan – 30 Years in the Wild, 13th April Having produced some of the BBC’s most popular wildlife programmes, Gordon takes a look

Alice at Arley

back at 30 years behind and in front of the camera. 7.30pm. Tickets £26.50 (NHS workers £13).

Teechers: Leavers ’22, 20th-22nd April John Godber’s break-neck comedy about education for the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ and a generation left behind. Various times and prices.

Money for Nothing, 28th April Dire Straits tribute. 7.30pm. Tickets £29. www.crewelyceum.co.uk

DEAD FUNNY

•2nd March, Synth City, Tom’s Tap & Brewhouse, Crewe If you like electronica of all genres, come along to Synth City. Bring your synth, modular rig, drum machine or any other gizmo, and feel free to get plugged in! Or just sit back with a drink and enjoy the sounds. 7pm. Free.

•2nd-4th March, Snowdrop Walks, Rode Hall Gardens, Congleton A beautiful end-ofwinter walk for all the family amid a wonderfully diverse landscape and over 70 varieties of snowdrops. 11am. £5.50 (child £2).

Jump down the Rabbit Hole on 8th April for a Easter experience as the Adventures in Wonderland unfold in the magical setting of Arley Hall and Gardens. Alice and friends have escaped the pages of Lewis Carroll’s marvellous tale, and an enchanted world has mysteriously sprung up in the grounds. Dress up and join in the fun as the muchloved story comes to life in a walkabout theatre show. Tickets are £16.50 (child £18.50, under-2s free) and include an Easter egg and the Bunny Tail trail. Book at www.arleyhalland gardens.com

All they want is you

Four outstanding musicians united by a common passion – their love of legendary rock band U2 across the decades – deliver a breathtaking show. If you’re missing Bono and crew, e U2 Experience at Alexander’s Live in Chester could be just what you’ve been looking for… On stage 9pm, tickets £11.50 from alexanderslive. seetickets.com

If comedy drama oats your boat, book a ticket for e Lonesome West at Chester Little eatre on 25th March

When Father Welsh is assigned to a tiny Irish town where nothing ever happens, two murders leave him fearing he made a bad decision. e show starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are £12 from www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk

Be there if you dare…

Steeped in two thousand years of history, and with hundreds of ghost sightings, Chester claims to be one of the most haunted cities in Britain.

Every Saturday at 7.30pm, Chester Ghost Tours’ guides start on a journey around the eerie haunts of Chester’s mysterious and murky past, telling spine-chilling tales. Tours are £10. Book at www.chesterghosttour.co.uk to ensure a place.

TUNE IN

Easter weekend brings the annual Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival in venues around town.

Dr Feelgood, 7th April e current line-up of this classic – and class! – act features Kevin Morris on drums, Phil Mitchell on bass, the return of the legendary Gordon Russell on guitar, and Robert Kane (formerly of e Animals). 7.45pm. £22.95.

Circus Funtasia are back!

Welcome to a circus like no other… hear the roar of motorbike engines, see hair raising performances on the Wheel of Death., be enthralled by the energetic Cuban acrobatic troupe, the heart-stopping roller skating duo and laugh out loud with their awardwinning comedian ‘The Geek’. Book now for an unforgettable experience at www.circusfuntasia.co.uk or call 07706 168507. Warrington: 30th March-16th April, Crewe: 20th April-1st May

A sight for sore feet

A half-hour City Cruise is the perfect way to take in historic Chester, heading upstream under Queen’s Park suspension bridge, past the Boathouse Inn and Grosvenor Park, and through picturesque Boughton.

ere’s a fully stocked bar on board, so enjoy a hot or cold drink as you take in the scenery. Tickets £7.65 (senior £7.20, child £2.70). www.chesterboat.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 4TH-18TH MARCH

DID YOU KNOW?

The late Phillip Martin started Nantwich Jazz back in 1997. Here’s to Phillip!

Turin Brakes, 8th April Best known for their chart hit ‘Pain Killer (Summer Rain)’, the band has racked up seven top 40 singles and an incredible seven top 40 albums. 7.45pm. Tickets £26.

Hue and Cry & China Crisis, 10th April Sophisti-pop duo Hue and Cry formed back in 1983 and post-punk synth-pop China Crisis in 1979, and both bands are still producing new and relevant work. 7pm. Tickets £24. www.nantwichjazz.com

Tasty!

Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival is back at Chester Racecourse for Easter weekend, 8th10th April, with over 150 exhibitors, celebrity chefs, cooking classes for adults and kids and lots to see, try and buy for the whole family. With headliners like John Torode and Simon Rimmer, tickets will sell like… well, hot cakes! A threeday Roamer is £20 in advance, day tickets £12 (under-12s free). chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

A WISH AND A WHIRL

Visit BeWILDerwood Cheshire this March for some magical Wish Whirling. Craft a Wish Whirler at the Big Hat, enjoy a sparkly story and get your face painted with swirls. It’s all included in the entry price (which depends on height!). From 1st April hunt for the Pesky Bunnies. Create Bunny Ears, then hop to the facepainting pavilion to complete your look! www.bewilderwood.co.uk

•From 4th March (every Saturday and Sunday), Open Water Swimming, Manley Mere, Cheshire Sessions for NOWCA members only (to join please visit nowca.org). Distances of 750m, 500m & 250m loop. 10am. £7, 10-session bundle £65.

•7th March & 4th April, Peerto-Peer Networking for Micro Businesses, Scope House, Crewe Regular networking events to widen connections and help local businesses build collaborations for future success. 9.30am. Free.

•8th March, The Sacconi String Quartet, Chester Music Society Celebrity Concert, St Mary's Creative Space, Chester The Sacconi Quartet performs with style and commitment, and is known throughout the world for its creativity and integrity of interpretation, reaching out to audiences with energy and enthusiasm. 7.30pm. £17.

•11th March, Stabat Mater Dolorosa, St Michael’s Church, Macclesfield Sogno di Stabat Mater (2005) is a reworking of some of Pergolesi’s themes, seen through a contemporary lens and featuring solo violin and viola. Joyful concerti grossi by Handel and Corelli complete the programme. 7.30pm. £25.

•18th March, Klezmer-ish, Clonter Opera Theatre, Macclesfield From rip-roaring klezmer and dynamic tango to their self-penned gypsy jazz, Klezmer-ish are four outward-looking, classically trained musicians, who met whilst playing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. 7.30pm. Tickets from £10.50.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•19th March, Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

These glorious gardens reopen on Mothering Sunday with a One Million Da odil Spectacular, and will then be open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10am-5pm. From £8.50 (child £4, under-5s free).

•22nd March & 26th April, Netwalk Delamere, Delamere Forest When you have a wonderful destination on your doorstep, why wouldn't you get up from your desk and head outdoors as part of your work day? Join local business people networking in a delightful environment. Make connections whilst stretching your legs! 10am. Free.

•29th March, Sandbach Concert Series, St Mary's Church Hall, Sandbach Winners of the 2021 Royal Overseas String Ensemble prize, the Echéa Quartet performs string quartets by Haydn, Bartok and Britten. 7pm. £12.

•1st April, Art & Craft Club Exhibition, Capenhurst Community Hall, Great Sutton Beautiful paintings by members, plus craft table, ra e, games, jewellery and bags. Refreshments available, including home-made cakes. 11am. Entry free.

•2nd April, Bunker Military Sale, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich This sale of military surplus is a great day out for the family! Browse outdoor and indoor stalls, with tea, co ee and cakes available in the hangar. 10am. Tickets £13.80 (child £7).

NIGHTS TO REMEMBER

More great shows at Northwich Memorial Court!

American Wrestling, 11th March e people's champion Tiny Iron, plus Tag Team Challenge and King of the Ring Rumble – all great family fun. 7.30pm. Tickets from £12.

e Mersey Beatles, 17th March A ride through the psychedelic creativity of Sgt Pepper to the melodic wonder of their later work. 7.30pm. £24.

WILD FOR FLAVOURS

Fairground, 18th March

PLEASE NOTE!

Circus of Horrors is not suitable for children under 16 or the very nervous!

Beautifully bizarre circus acts, a sinister story and the darkest of magic, performed to an original rock score. 7.30pm. Tickets £26.

Woman Like Me: e Little Mix Show, 3rd April e pop concert experience, with dance comps and giveaways. 7pm. Tickets from £15 (child £12). www.ticketsource.co.uk/brioentertainment

Are you looking to reconnect with nature? Want to source food from somewhere other than the supermarket? A food-lover who wants to try new avours? is day out with Forage Box is for you! From 10am on 12th April, you’ll be identifying and picking wild ingredients, then cooking at Weaver Grove Farm, Winsford. Tickets are £75 from foragebox.co.uk/workshops

Splish splash splosh

‘ e Wonder of Water’ is a family-friendly trail at Dunham Massey, aimed at showing children the importance of every little raindrop while they enjoy time outdoors in nature. It’s available until 26th March, 10am-4pm, and is free to visitors (normal admission charges apply). For details email dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk

Join Easter panto favourites Wally, Dame Dolly and Fairy Tale on their quest to break the enchantment that keeps Rapunzel locked away in her tower. Wicked sorceress Gothel has other plans… e show comes to Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on 3rd April at 3pm. Tickets are £19 (child £16) from ticketsource.co.uk/brioentertainment

Batten down for a concert devoted to the Northern Chamber Orchestra’s outstanding wind section, at e King's School, Maccles eld on 1st April. Directed by John Roberts, ‘Winds Unleashed’ features Mozart’s Serenade for 13 Winds (the ‘Gran Partita’), without question a masterpiece for wind ensemble, together with Joachim Ra ’s Sinfonietta for Winds (1873) and Ruth Gipps’ Seascape (1958), a short re ection on the sounds of the sea. Concert starts 7.30pm. Tickets £25 from ncorch.co.uk

Great Walks on the England Coast Path

30 of the best day and weekend walks to enjoy on England’s longest National Trail.

This large-format inspirational guide features coastal routes covering estuaries, saltmarsh, clifftops and beaches, with routes from 9km to 45km, ideal for walkers of all ages and abilities.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 5TH-16TH

APRIL

TELL ME A STORY…

Ray Bradshaw – Deaf Com I, 17th March e award-winning comic shares a disastrous trip to Bahrain and his e orts teaching his young son sign language. e show is BSL signed. 8pm. Tickets £18.

Peter Pan, 24th-25th March A magical journey with Peter and Tinkerbell. Tickets from £16.50.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), 11th-15th April

Little

Funtopia festival comes to Verdin Park in Northwich on 12th April, a fun- lled day designed especially for under-10s, with high-energy in atables, shows and competitions, giant games, huge water ghts and a food court, plus an incredible Under-5s area. With an Autism Friendly Session at 10.30am, with sensory games and activities, limited numbers and no music, there’s something for everyone! Open 11.30am5.30pm, children over 90cm £10, under 90cm free, adults £2.50. Follow on Facebook @funtopiauk

SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT

Two of the hottest blues acts have joined forces for a shared headline tour. Critically acclaimed vepiece roots/ blues rockers e Commoners play Chester’s Live Rooms on 28th April, along with the UK’s king of slide guitar, Troy Redfern. It’s an 8pm start and tickets are £15 from theliverooms.com

An audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s love story, featuring a string of pop classics. Tickets from £24.75.

e Dancing Elephant, 16th April of real and virtual worlds as Mahi is transported into a video game! Suitable for ages 6-plus. 11am. Tickets £10 (child £7). www.storyhouse.com

Out of this world

Do you already have some experience in night-sky photography and are looking to get some extra tips and tricks from an expert? Jodrell Bank’s advanced course on 15th March o ers astrophotographers the chance to extend their knowledge and help them achieve breathtaking shots. It starts at 7.30pm and costs £25. Details at jodrellbank.net

•5th April, Science Experiments & Crafts, Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Have fun whilst experimenting making slime, bath bombs and bouncy eggs! 10am. Free, but donations are encouraged and most welcome.

•6th April, Become a Royal for the Day, Grosvenor Museum, Chester To celebrate the King’s Coronation create your own crown and dress up as royals through the ages! 10.30am. Free, donations welcome. (Portrait: ‘Prince Charles’ by Tom Wood)

MAKING UP

e Revlon Girl is an unforgettable new play from MADS eatre, full of compassion, sorrow and unexpected joy. Set in the months following the heart-breaking 1966 Aberfan disaster, a group of bereaved mothers meet every week to talk, in an attempt to rebuild their shattered lives. e play runs from 24th-29th April. See madstheatre.org

•15th April, Tribute to Hans Zimmer & John Williams by Candlelight, Chester Cathedral London Film Music Orchestra presents an immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and John Williams’ most iconic scores, in an enchanting candlelit setting. 8.30pm. Tickets from £40.

•16th April, Foraging Workshop & Walk, Frodsham Hill Wood Are you looking to reconnect with nature? Or are you a food-lover who wants to try new and unique flavours? You’ll love this twohour workshop with a foraging expert, including ID guidance, finding and tasting wild ingredients on a walk through Frodsham Hill Wood. 10am. £20 (child £10, under-5s free).

•16th April, American Wrestling EPW, Northgate Arena, Chester Top-class wrestling action suitable for all the family! 1pm. Tickets from £5.

kids, big fun!

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 20TH-29TH APRIL

DID YOU KNOW?

•20th April, Digital Debrief, Crown Hotel, Nantwich Hosted by software developers Rare Earth Digital, keynote speakers will include Lotus Cars, Slack, Microsoft and IBM, discussing the importance of technology, automation, innovation and transformation within their global businesses. 6pm. Free.

•21st April, Not Guns N’ Roses, The Hive, Winsford With a set spanning all the classics from the Appetite and Use Your Illusion albums, NGN’R o er a Guns N’ Roses rock experience unlike any other. Up-close, live and personal. 7pm. £7.

•22nd April, Born Survivor, Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield Action-packed 5k and 10k courses in a glorious setting, featuring 30-plus militarygrade obstacles wrapped in Commando-inspired madness. It’s challenging and lots of muddy fun! From £63.95.

TIGER IN THE PARK!

Tatton Park never fails to come up with an amazing selection of events for all the family.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea, 19th March Treat Mum at the Gardener’s Cottage tea room. 12.30pm or 2.30pm. £29.95. Call 01625 374469 to book.

Enchanting Easter Chocolate Trails, 7th-10th April e Tiger Who Came to Tea is in the Mansion and Gardens over Easter weekend! Join

In the Welsh version, Y Teigr a Ddaeth i De, Sophie is called Catrin

in with some magical adventures, meet farmyard chicks and newborn lambs, complete fun trails for a chocolate reward, and have your photo taken with that thirsty Tiger!

Pop-up Easter Market, 7th-10th April Discover artisan food producers, local artwork and beautiful homeware at the Stableyard. Children can enjoy a ride on the Victorian carousel. 10am-5pm.

www.tattonpark.org.uk

AWASH WITH COLOUR

Historic narrowboats and barges from across the country will be travelling to the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port for the annual Easter Boat Gathering. From 7th-10th April the museum comes alive with music and fun family activities. Entrance is free with an annual pass or £9.75 (under-16s £6, under-5s free). canalrivertrust.org.uk

A NEED FOR SPEED

TACTILE TREASURES

•23rd April, Spark Sessions, The Black Cat Co ee House, Sandbach The Spark is a monthly session where anyone can come along and vent/ discuss that frustrating creative blockage. The aim is to inspire each other, untangle our creativity and network with like-minded individuals. 1pm. Free, donations welcome.

•29th April, Opening White Party, Cheshire Polo Club, Tarporley Celebrate the start of the polo season in style, dressed in your finest white attire. 7pm. £65.

is year’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship blasts into life at Oulton Park from 7th-10th April, with incredible cars from Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, McLaren, Bentley and Aston Martin competing in two one-hour sprint-style races. Young F1 hopefuls in the GB3 Championship will also begin their season, and more single-seater action will come from the GB4 Championship. O track, there are special Easter activities, plus supercar display areas. Weekend tickets £35 / £21 (under-13s free). www.oultonpark.co.uk

Cheshire-based art group Textiles in the Park presents a collection of contemporary ne art textiles work at Nantwich Museum from 15th March. ‘Collected’ showcases a variety of techniques and fabrics and runs until 13th May. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am4.30pm, entry is free. nantwichmuseum.org.uk

Meet the Master

Flower arrangers have a rare opportunity to watch world-famous oral designer Gregor Lersch at work at Reaseheath College, Nantwich on 3rd April. Gregor is a Master of Master Florists and one of the most inspirational oral artists in the world. His ideas will leave you buzzing! 7pm, tickets £25. reaseheath.ac.uk/gregorlersch-demonstration

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

2ND-29TH APRIL

•2nd April, Spring Plant Hunters’ Fair, Ness Botanic Gardens A wonderful line-up of top nurseries o ering a tremendous variety of plants –little gems to tempt the most discerning plantsperson, and lots of help and advice for the new or less experienced gardener. 10am-4pm. £1.

IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT HESWALL!

Red Hot Chili Peppers UK, 10th March ese four funksters are passionate about recreating the live experience of their heroes in a way that puts the music rst. 8pm. Tickets £22.

e Comedy Club, 17th March Grab a drink from Blind Pig, fabulous street food from Boysenberry and enjoy a hilarious night out. 8pm. Tickets £15.

e Police Force & Changing Man, 31st March A brilliant double-bill of ’80s tributes to Sting

and Paul Weller. 8pm. Tickets £20.

•5th April, Network She

Netwalking, Eastham Country Park Combine networking, outdoor exercise and laughter in one event! Walking while talking benefits mental wellbeing, focus and ideas generation – and it’s good all round to get to know new people. 10am. Free.

•6th April, St Saviour’s Parish Church, Oxton All are welcome for Eucharist with choral music, followed by Vigil of Prayer until midnight Compline. 7.30pm. Free.

Gin ’n’ giggles

Tappers Distillery plays host to some of the North’s nest stand-up in the Gallery Bar on 17th March. A menu of small plates is available throughout the evening, alongside drinks from Tappers award-winning range of spirits, draught beers, wines and cocktails. Starts 8pm (doors 7pm), tickets £25 at www.tappersgin.com

The beer’s here!

•21st April, Open Mic Night, The Irby Club With Nikhil plus Blackbeard & Co. You can play or just listen to others. 7pm. Free.

•29th April, Yawnfest, Future Yard, Birkenhead

Wirral legend

Bill RyderJones presents an all-day celebration of the wonderful sonic world of Yawn Studios in West Kirby, curated and headlined by the man himself. From 3pm. £25.

Take your pick from over 200 beers including 80 real ales and 80 craft beers at Wirral Easter Beer Festival, returning to Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight on 6th-9th April. ere’s continental lagers, ciders and a gin bar too, plus entertainment throughout (except for Friday afternoon, which is kept as a quiet session). Food is available from local stallholders and the venue. Tickets from £4, via eventbrite.co.uk

DID

YOU KNOW?

Wuthering Heights is still Kate Bush’s most popular song

Celestial Events, 15th April A local crafts fair organised by Greasby-based Jo McCawley and Wai San Lett. 10am. Free entry.

Moments of Pleasure, 22nd April is ve-piece Kate Bush tribute band features the amazing vocals of Lisa-Marie Walters, considered by many as the next best thing to Kate herself. 8pm. Tickets £20. www.heswallhall.co.uk

The face of 2023

is spring the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam opens its doors on the largest Vermeer exhibition in history – and you can see it too, at the Light Cinema in New Brighton! Showing here from 18th-24th April, the major retrospective includes masterpieces such as Girl with a Pearl Earring, e Geographer, e Milkmaid, e Little Street and Woman Holding a Balance. Tickets are £13.95 (child £11.45). www.newbrighton.thelight.co.uk

Captured in thread

An exciting new commission by Michael Brennand-Wood will be unveiled at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum as part of an exhibition by the internationally renowned textile artist. ‘ e Encirclement of Space’, at the Birkenhead venue until 18th March, charts the in uence of lace on the artist’s work, much of which is of a very large scale and in a range of media: paper, fabric, metal, mosaic, wood, slate, wax and resin. Entry is free. www.williamsonartgallery.org

Photo by Matthew Lally

PAVILION OF DREAMS

Made in Italy, 11th March Join Strictly Come Dancing champion Giovanni Pernice on a journey to his homeland. With stunning choreography and beautiful costumes. 7.30pm. Tickets from £38.

An Evening with Aggers and Tu ers, 22nd March An entertaining, no-holds-barred show, where you can tweet your cricket heroes your own questions! 7.30pm. £30.

Showaddywaddy, 7th April Celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary, this dynamic show features all

There’s magic in the air

It’s exactly 100 years since Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies of the Spring rst charmed readers with its joyful illustrations and nature poems. At Lady Lever Art Gallery from 15th April, you can see around 45 of Barker’s original illustrations, plus digital projections and costumes inspired by the fairies, designed by Vin Burnham. Free, donations encouraged. liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/lady-lever-art-gallery

Alice’s adventures

Panto’s de nitely not just for Christmas! Join Alice as she wanders Wonderland and meets a host of wacky characters straight out of the classic storybook. With pop songs, puppets and magic illusions, you’ll laugh out loud as she meets the Mad Hatter in the wildest tea party ever. Can you help rescue the White Rabbit from the Queen of Hearts? Running from 14th-16th April, tickets are £14 from www. gladstonetheatre.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Tim’s a huge Elvis fan, he has a photo of The King in every room at home

their greatest hits, so come and join the dancin’ party… You got what it takes! 7.30pm. £28.

e Little Mermaid: An Underwater Musical Adventure! 14th April Join Ariel, her father and Ursula the sea witch in this brand-new singing and dancing adaptation. 2pm. Tickets £16.50.

Tim Vine: BREEEEP! 22nd April is brand-new stand-up show o ers a mountain of nonsense, daft one-liners, joyful songs and wobbly props. 7.30pm. Tickets £29. www. oralpavilion.com

Relative values

Don’t miss Carlton Little eatre’s production of e Memory of Water, at the Birkenhead venue from 14th-18th March. In Shelagh Stephenson’s black comedy, three sisters meet on the eve of their mother’s funeral – and the strains of family relationships are revealed. Tickets £10. www.carlton littletheatre.co.uk

Tea and tales

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 1ST-25TH MARCH

•1st & 15th March, 5th & 19th April, Trad Jazz at The Irby Club, 15 Thingwall Road, Irby Live Dixieland/Chicago-style jazz from The Original Panama Jazz Band plus occasional guest musicians, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday. Suitable for teens upwards, licensed lounge. 8pm. Free, non-members welcome.

•3rd March, Gourmet Tasting Evening, Inglewood Manor, Ledsham

Enjoy a sixcourse taster menu expertly put together by executive head chef Alex Innes, carefully paired with five Joseph Perrier Champagnes. 7pm. £89.95.

Various dates, Prenton Park, Birkenhead Tranmere Rovers has launched a new esports venue in the Recreation Centre, kitted with state-of-the-art gaming PCs and ergonomic chairs. Book a session, or book a desk and bring your own device. Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat 1-9pm. Prices vary.

•19th March, Antiques Fair, Hulme Hall

Browse, buy, collect! Many stalls, eclectic choice. 9.30am. Entry free.

Built in 1891, the stunning Grade II listed Hillbark Hotel & Spa in Royden Park has the most interesting background, and is linked to two of the region’s most in uential families, who helped put Wirral on the map. Discover its history ‘At Home’ on 17th April, and enjoy morning tea or co ee with homemade pastries, a guided tour and award-winning afternoon tea. Tickets £49. www.hillbarkhotel.co.uk

•25th March & 22nd April, Hoylake Artisan Market, The Ship Inn, Hoylake Showcasing carefully crafted handmade gifts, original art and the tastiest of food, this pop-up market is dog and family friendly. Discover homeware, handmade fashion, freshly baked bread, sweet and savoury treats, children’s wear, contemporary knits, fused glass, woodcrafts and much more at this quirky coastal destination. 11am-4pm. Free.

•25th March & 22nd April, Wellness Afternoon, Monks Cottage Sanctuary, Birkenhead Relax with EFT (tapping), somatic therapy and hypnotherapy in this gorgeous Wirral venue. 11am-3pm. £77.

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WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•1st-5th March, Oswestry Youth Music Festival

This year’s festival is the biggest yet, held over five days in three venues: Chapel Street at Christ Church, Hermon Arts Centre and the Methodist Church. It’s a true celebration of youth music. Programme to be announced.

Fun fun fun!

•2nd March, Cheese & Wine Night, Ludlow Kitchen Enjoy hand-picked wines and cheeses, selected by the talented wine merchant and dairy team at Ludlow Farmshop. Tickets for this informal event are £25, or £80 for four. Booking essential.

A massive foam party, dinosaur invasion, stunt team, circus, theatre and animal man are just a few of the excitements on offer at Camp Severn Kids Festival, returning to the West Mids Showground on 28th April – 1st May. This mega-fun family event offers a festival experience aimed at children, with all activities included in the ticket price, and optional camping. Full festival pass £73 (£78 child, under-4s free), day tickets £15 (child £19.50, family discounts). www.kids-events.co.uk

•4th March, Shropshire Wildlife Trust Spring Fair, The Cut Visitor Centre, Shrewsbury

This spring fair o ers a chance to find unique gifts and is also a specialist binocular sales event. Bird spotting and gardening advice is also on o er. 10.30am3.30pm. Free entry.

•6th March, An Evening with Katherine May, Bookabookshop, Oswestry Enjoy an evening with the international bestselling author of Wintering, as she talks about her new book Enchantment. 7.30pm. Tickets £17 including a signed copy, £7 without.

Sing your heart out on 3rd March when Shaun Williamson – aka Barry from EastEnders – brings Barrioke to the Buttermarket in Shrewsbury. Shaun hosts with his trademark warmth and banter, joining in on stage for those ultimate Insta moments. The resident DJs will warm up the crowd before Barrioke begins at 8pm. Over-18s only. Tickets from £14. www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s Festi Fun Sunday at Camp Severn on 30th. Full programme online!

Sailing with soul

Celebrate the sound of a generation on 10th March with a Motown Magic themed evening cruise along the River Severn aboard the Sabrina. Get your ’60s glad rags on and dance the night away on this three-hour trip. e tunes continue after mooring, and guests are welcome to keep the party going until midnight. Over-18s only. Tickets £19. www.sabrinaboat.co.uk

Nobel Prize comes to Shropshire

•10th March, Jay Adkins –Mind Magician, Hermon Arts Centre, Oswestry Mentalist and illusionist Jay uses psychology, showmanship, hypnosis, suggestion and comedy to get even the most sceptical to question themselves. 7.30pm. £10 online, £12 on the door.

In celebration of British Science Week, Blists Hill Victorian Town plays host to the 1904 Nobel Prize of Sir William Ramsay, on display outside London for the very first time. On 10th & 11th March, practical science demonstrations will focus on Ramsay’s world-changing discoveries, which shaped the world we live in and marked a major moment in the history of science. Standard entry applies. See www.ironbridge.org.uk

A riot of colour

Get set for the “Happiest 5k in Shropshire” on 1st April – the Lingen Davies Colour Run at the Sansaw Estate. Volunteers will be waiting at the colour stations to douse runners with colour powder as they pass. Finishing with a clean T-shirt is not an option! Tickets £23 (under-13s £8.50), includes white T-shirt. Fundraising welcome. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. www.lingendavies.co.uk

New brews

Shropshire Real Ale Trail is the ultimate pub crawl, taking in some of the best pubs in the county with transport laid on! Shropshire has a long history of brewing, and hosts no fewer than 19 microbreweries. Trail buses run every 45 minutes from 11am-10pm on 22nd April, allowing you to stay as little or as long as you want in each pub. Over-24s only. £25. www.realaletrail.co.uk

Walk up an appetite!

Boot up for the Shropshire Tasty Trail on 23rd April, a 7.5 mile walk around the private Oteley estate, with three stops for a starter, main course and dessert (with drinks). Enjoy the stunning parkland while sampling the finest locally sourced ingredients. £39.95, booking essential. www. shropshiretastytrails.co.uk

For someone special

Enjoy a Mother’s Day treat at Acton Scott Hall on 18th-19th March with a self-guided walk around the beautiful grounds, where early spring owers will be in bloom. Refreshments will be available to purchase, and can be enjoyed in the Victorian conservatory or on the lawn overlooking Wenlock Edge. Wellbehaved dogs on a lead are welcome outdoors. Open 2.30-5pm, entry £7.50. Advance booking required. www.actonscott.com

A recital with Roderick

Roderick Williams is one of Europe’s most sought-after baritone singers. On 14th April, he will be performing at St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, accompanied by Susie Allen. A long-established partnership, they have appeared in the UK’s leading concert halls and festivals, as well as on BBC Radio. is evening’s programme will include Schumann’s Dichterliebe, Hensel’s Der Abendstern, and songs by Brahms and Josephine Lang. Early booking is advisable for what will be a rst-class concert. £22. www.shropshiremusictrust.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 11TH-17TH MARCH

•From 11th March, ‘Painting with Words’ and Spring Open Exhibition, Willow Gallery, Oswestry The new exhibition features works inspired by story, myth and language. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Willow 56 Café is also open at these times.

•11th March, Spring Wreath Workshop, Nettie of the Gorge, Ironbridge Under expert guidance, design and make a spring wreath using fresh seasonal materials. 3-5pm. £60 including a glass of fizz. Booking essential. Other dates available.

•11th-12th & 18th-19th March, Wenlock Olympian Arts

Festival, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock This annual youth festival celebrates skills in performance and creativity. Winners are awarded Wenlock Olympian medals. Free to view.

•12th-25th March, Jon Young Art, Bear Steps Gallery, St Alkmonds Place, Shrewsbury Jon’s spring show includes landscapes from North Shropshire and North Wales, pen and ink drawings, plus a venture into pop art in his Icons series. 10am-5pm. Free.

•12th March, Shrewsbury 10k Starting and ending in Quarry Park, the Hatfields 10k takes in the best of Shrewsbury and the River Severn. 9am. £27.

•17th March, Rich Hall – Shot from Cannons, Festival Drayton Centre The funnyman from across the pond returns with knife-edge observations and musical interludes. Over-14s only. 8pm. £17.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 17TH-26TH MARCH

•17th-19th March, British Alpaca Society Show, Telford International Centre The alpaca event of the year will see approx. 650 alpacas competing in various championships, as well as World of Alpaca exhibits designed to inspire, advise and educate about all things alpaca. Tickets £2 (family £5), all entry proceeds to Severn Hospice.

•19th March, Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, Ludlow Farmshop Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the conservatory at Ludlow Farmshop, including their own homemade jam and a complimentary glass of fizz for Mum. 3-5pm. £17.95 (child £8.95). Advance booking only.

Way to go!

Join hundreds of runners and walkers in the Shropshire Hills on 1st April as they undertake the Shropshire Way 80k Challenge. This popular charity fundraiser offers a range of routes and distances from 10k to 80k (50 miles) – with participants challenged to complete the course within a time limit. The entry fee includes free parking, great local food and drink throughout, first-aid services, trackers for the three longer events and a SW80k Festival memento. Fees vary, with the full 80k at £55. www. shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

Meet the Fab Four

DID YOU KNOW?

Proceeds from the festival will go to teaching city kids how their food is grown

A rally great day out

•22nd March, Hollie McNish, Ludlow Assembly Rooms Ted Hughes Award winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose live readings are not to be missed. Expect strong language and adult content wrapped in carefully sculpted poetry from her new collection. 7pm. £8.

•25th March, Shrewsbury Choral Society, Shrewsbury Abbey The mixed choir group present Rossini’s Stabat Mater, along with Rachmanino ’s Piano Concerto No. 2. 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (under-16s free).

•26th March, Made In Shropshire Fair, Dudmaston Hall Bringing together some of the best artisan makers, baker and crafters in the beautiful setting of Dudmaston Hall. 10.30am-4.30pm. Standard admission to Dudmaston Hall applies (free for NT members).

String quartet Gra ti Classics promise to entertain with their hilarious all-singing all-dancing show at Sparc eatre, Bishops Castle on 5th March. It’s a classical concert, gypsy-folk romp, opera, stand-up comedy set and brilliant dance show all rolled into one, and it never fails to get audiences laughing, clapping and singing along, no matter where in the world they are. e show starts at 2pm, and tickets range from £8-£40. www.sparctheatre.co.uk

Rally 2023 is club rallying at its best. At Weston Park on 12th March, over 75 cars will be taking on its 10 stages, driven by the best club drivers in the country. Weston Park o ers two spacious spectator areas, one in front of the house and the second o ering views of the iconic water splash, centre hairpin and lower chicane. Standard admission booked online is £8, on the gate tickets £12 (under-16s free, over-65s £5).

www.weston-park.com

American history comes alive

Steampunk Shindig

Shrewsbury Steampunk Spectacular returns to St Marys Church on 15th April. During the day, a market will offer steampunk delights from clothing and jewellery to homeware and art, along with family-friendly entertainment. The Steampunk Shindig begins at 6.30pm. This ticketed event is suitable for over-18s only and includes cabaret entertainment compered by the Dungeons and Drag Kings. Tickets £30. www.chantillygrey.com

Enjoy some living history on 1st-2nd April as the UK’s American Civil War Society brings a weekend of re-enactment to Whittington Castle. Focusing on infantry and artillery, it will be an exciting, colourful, noisy spectacle that is as entertaining as it is informative. Sign up for details at www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

e Mike Sones Memorial AGBO Stages

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.

Look out for special events throughout the year, including:

EASTER FUN DAY on the 7th April

COMMUNITY GAMES on the 11th June

FOOD FESTIVAL ON THE 8th and 9th July

BALLOON CARNIVAL on the 19th and 20th August

Go to www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk for further information about our town, market and events

WHITCHURCH FRIDAY MARKET

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

Whitchurch Singers, every Monday at 7.00pm at the Watergate Centre

DAOIRÍ FARRELL: SINGLEHANDEDLY SPEARHEADING A RESURGENCE OF THE AUTHENTIC IN IRISH FOLK MUSIC 22nd April, 7.30pm at the Talbot Theatre

Tuesday March 7th

Tuesday March 21st

Tuesday April 4th

Tuesday April 18th

The sky’s the limit

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 1ST-10TH APRIL

DID YOU KNOW?

In the new Flight Zone at Cosford you can fly with the Red Arrows in 4D!

The RAF Museum Midlands has partnered with the re-enactors of Up an’ at ’em History to show young visitors what it takes to train like an RAF pilot during the Second World War. The special Pilot Training programme at Cosford runs from 1st-16th April and involves four missions that test speed, stamina and teamwork. Entry to the museum remains free but Pilot Training should be booked in advance – it costs £5 per child (from age 4), or £10 for a family ticket covering up to three children. www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Homeward bound

Born in Liverpool and educated in Shropshire, so truly local to the patch, Carol Decker is lead singer of chart-topping group T’pau, who will be bringing a night of ’80s nostalgia to Theatre Severn on 21st April

Their hit ‘China In Your Hand’ is an ’80s classic and has featured on more than 200 compilations to date. Tickets £28. Early booking is recommended. www.theatresevern.co.uk

Fine lines

Surprises in store

Severn Valley Railway is hosting a Spring Steam Extravaganza on 14th-16th April. Locomotives from across the eras will run, including favourites from the resident steam fleet as well as special guests including 4079 Pendennis Castle, plus a selection of perfectly restored coaches. Special dining services will be available. Choose from single or three-day tickets to travel the 16-mile SVR line, details at www.svr.co.uk

Ride out to help out

Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival on 23rd April is one of the UK’s most popular ride outs, attracting over 6,000 bikers and pillions and covering 23 miles of beautiful Shropshire countryside. It o ers celebrity bikers, bands, great food and entertainment, while also helping raise life-saving funds for Midlands Air Ambulance. Ride out plus festival admission from £15, festival only £5. www.bike4lifefest.co.uk

Luxuriate in blissful harmonies during Ludlow English Song Weekend on 14th-16th April, at various venues around the town. e programme has been carefully curated by artistic director Iain Burnside, and includes vocal and instrumental performances from a range of international professional musicians. Festival passes allow entry to all events and cost £230. Single event tickets also available. www.ludlowenglishsongweekend.co.uk

Straight to the point

e fun family outdoors event that is Bitterley Point to Point is on 1st April. e course opens at 11am, with the rst of seven races at 1.30pm. As well as the thrill of the racing there’s a fun fair, shopping, and food and drink vendors. Entry is £15, under15s free, early bird discounts online. Make a night of it and stay for the after-party till midnight for an extra £10! www.bitterleyraces.com

•1st-2nd April, Coleham Pumping Station Open Days

Enjoy a visit to this Grade II listed building, winner of a Listed Status Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, where the engines will be operating and other exhibits open. 10am-4pm. £5 (under-16s free).

•5th April, Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra, Shrewsbury School Founded in 1888, the SSO is one of the oldest amateur orchestras in the country. This evening they present a varied and ambitious programme. 7.30pm. £15.

•7th April, Cambrian Heritage Railway, Oswestry The historic railway re-opens following winter maintenance, and will be welcoming visitors. See the website for journey times and ticket info including driver experiences.

•8th April, Easter Dash, The Quarry

Join in this Easter fun run in aid of Severn Hospice. Routes of 2.5k, 5k and 10k, no hills, and Easter eggs for all finishers. 11am. Adult race entry from £10. Places must be booked in advance.

•9th-10th April, Plant Hunters Fair, Dorothy Clive Gardens, near Market Drayton Browse the many stalls provided by top, specialist and award-winning nurseries, and take inspiration from RHS medallists and National Collection holders. 9am-5pm. £5 (child £2).

•15th April, Family-Friendly Spring Walk, Severn Gorge Countryside Trust Join in for some spring fun, exploring local sites, playing games and getting hands-on with nature-inspired craft activities. 10am. £3.

Top of the tributes

ere’s a tribute night for every taste at Telford eatre this spring.

•15th-16th April, Oswestry Antique and Collectors Fair, Oswestry Showground This a ordable family-friendly fair regularly attracts hundreds of dealers from around the country, o ering antiques, vintage, collectables, architectural salvage, mid-century and unique decorative items. 8.30am. £3.50 (under-16s free). Dogs welcome.

18th March, e Upbeat Beatles A journey down the Fab Four’s “long and winding road”, from the early Cavern days through Beatlemania, America and Sgt Pepper to Abbey Road, with narrative and full multi-media presentation. e Upbeat Beatles have a reputation as the best in the business.

7.30pm. Tickets £23.

23rd March, e Diana Ross Story is wonderful show is a chronology of hits from a career that

Welcome in the spring

•22nd April, St George’s Day Parade, Newport This free event includes the Mile of Coins which aims to raise £1000 for Newport X-Ray Appeal, a performance by Shrewsbury Morris, plus a procession at midday followed by a ‘live’ dragon-slaying, and street entertainment.

On 30th April & 1st May, in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, the Green Man and Frosty the Snow Queen battle over the coming of spring to Clun, invoking folklore and fairy tale. This is a traditional family festival with market stalls, refreshments and entertainment in the square and castle grounds. Festival wristbands can be bought in advance or on the day for £8 (child £3, family £20). www.clungreenman.org

•29th April, Henstone Distillery Tour, Oswestry Join a small group tour around one of Shropshire’s finest distilleries. Starting with a Henstone G&T, discover how the spirits are produced and enjoy further tasting! 1.30pm. £20. Other dates available.

•29th April – 1st May

Norbury Canal Festival, Norbury Junction

Sample barge life with this family-friendly festival o ering boat rides, entertainment, and food, trade and craft stalls. Full details on social media.

Hope to see you there

The Hive Shrewsbury continues its LGBTQ+ History Festival on 25th March with Naked Hope, a stage show depicting the legendary gay icon Quentin Crisp at two distinct phases of his life, with the overall uplifting message to be yourself. This joyous play has been touring since 2014 and runs for 75 minutes without interval, from 7.30pm. Tickets range from £2-£22, choose the amount you can afford to pay. www.hiveonline.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Robbie tribute JK originally hoped to be a rugby player

achieved record sales of over 100 million, fronted by two international Diana Ross performers, Cheri Jade (Supremes era) and Tameka Jackson (Diana’s solo career). 7.30pm. Tickets £25.

25th March, Let Me Entertain You A celebration of Stoke’s most famous son, transporting you to Robbie’s iconic concert at Knebworth and the Royal Albert Hall swing show, as well as his most recent tour. Tribute artist JK has been recognised as the greatest Robbie tribute in the world.

7.30pm. Tickets £28.

www.telfordtheatre.com

Big night at the big top

Circus Funtasia celebrates 10 years of West End quality entertainment with a new show for 2023. Expect re-breathing, aerialists, acrobatics, stunt bikes and laugh-out-loud comedy as well as plenty of singalong moments. At Broadoaks, Telford from 2nd-12th March and Oswestry Showground from 16th-26th March. Tickets from £8.(Please note, includes strobe lighting.) www.circusfuntasia.co.uk

Mud glorious mud

Prepare to get dirty when you take on the mother of all obstacle courses at Shropshire Mud Run on 29th April. River crossings, water slides, dunking, climbing, crawling – the Eaton Mascot Estate near Shrewsbury has it all. Choose between 5k or 10k options. No matter how long it takes, you’re in for fun! Over-8s only, under-15s must be accompanied by an adult. www.ultimate fitnessevents.uk

Oakpond Cottages are Award winning holiday cottages on the Cheshire/ Shropshire border. The cottages are dog friendly with the option of a private hot tub and are situated in peaceful and quiet surroundings. We also have Maggie which is our 1920`s showmans waggon which is situated in a private and tranquil area and sleeps 2. They are close to a Nature Reserve with woodland walks and a canalside village with tearooms and circular walks onto the Sandstone Trail and Shropshire Way. The wedding venue Combermere Abbey is 10 minutes away and Iscoyd 25 minutes.

T: 01630 68520 9 M : 07860 843341

www.hawklakecaravanpark.co

Set beside Hawk Lake in the grounds of Hawkstone Park, this Caravan Park is great for a peaceful getaway.

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

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

Explore our

Good times

The county of Shropshire is not short of market towns, but one of the favourites is Whitchurch, which boasts a thriving local community as well as a steady trade of passing tourists. Lying two miles east of the border in the Welsh Marches, and close to the Cheshire border too, its central location is one of its many appeals. The town is easily reached by road from neighbouring Shrewsbury, Chester and Wrexham, and has excellent train links as well as its own arm of the Llangollen Canal.

Today’s residents enjoy a bustling centre with a wealth of amenities, good schools and a stock of housing that spans many periods.

Pointers to the past

With its earliest mentions recorded in the Domesday Book, Whitchurch is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Shropshire. Its name is thought to come from the Middle English for ‘white church’, in reference to a church constructed from white stone during the Norman period.

The area also has a long association with

military history. Whitchurch Cemetery includes 91 Commonwealth War Graves Commission burials: 24 from the First World War, in scattered plots, and 67 from the Second World War. Fifty-two of the latter are Polish or Czech, as a Polish hospital was located at Iscoyd Park just over the border in Wales.

On the trail

For those who enjoy getting out and about, Whitchurch has a lot to offer. The Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle route passes through the town – why not try a stretch? – and the surrounding countryside is perfect for exploring. Walkers will find plenty of options including the Whitchurch Waterways Country Park, the last stage of the Sandstone Trail and the towpath along the Llangollen Canal, which brings you to Grindley Brook staircase locks and the Lockside Café (open daily 9am-5pm, try their delicious chocolate orange cake).

A Town Trail has been developed to make the most of the fine Tudor and Georgian

buildings, and the Heritage Centre has details of a pub trail, clock trail and Great War trail. Further afield, within a 20-mile radius there are plenty of historic houses, gardens and wildlife sites. Whitchurch is also home to a wealth of independent shops, cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as a weekly country market (Fridays), monthly farmers’ market (also Fridays) and a great array of traditional and modern pubs.

THINGS

SEE

Greenfields Nature Reserve Greenfields Way, Whitchurch SY13 1DG shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Whitchurch Heritage Centre St Mary’s Street, Whitchurch SY13 1QY www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk

Whitchurch Waterway Country Park Meadowcroft, Whitchurch SY14 1BD www.whitchurchwaterway.uk

Recognised as a prime location by those canny Romans, Whitchurch is one of Shropshire’s most enduringly popular towns with both visitors and residents alike

Follow the towpath to Grindley Brook locks for tea and cake

Whitchurch-built clocks are famed worldwide

If you have a show in the Shire area, we can send a reviewer – and your show can appear on these pages too!

Email editorial@ shiremagazine.co.uk Get in touch!

FAUSTUS: THIS DAMNED WOMAN, STORYHOUSE, CHESTER

Faustus is a thrilling adaptation of Marlowe’s original play, with a female lead. Brutal at times, it is a mesmerising exploration of what

we must sacrifice to achieve greatness. Joanna Faustus sells her soul to the Devil to try and change the course of history. But it comes at a price.

Olivia Sweeney is a brilliant lead, raw with emotion, and the stage setting is fabulous. Water drips from the ceiling, there’s a well where the actors draw water, and candles and illuminated rods add to the drama.

The sign of a great production is when you can’t stop talking about it afterwards. This is one of them. AB ★★★★★

DELPHINE TRIO, MARKET DRAYTON FESTIVAL CENTRE

Playing with such awareness of each other they could be renamed the Delphine Unit, the trio took the stage by storm with a programme that was unusual and at its core deeply engaging. Beethoven’s Trio Opus 11 was followed by Robert Delanoff’s clarinet trio, making a dramatic shift in soundscape. Jazzy, then

THE HERITAGE TRAIL AT LIVERPOOL ONE

Locals and visitors alike will find plenty to engage with on this selfguided trail through 300 years of history, exploring how a thirdrate fishing village transformed into the “Second City of Empire”. That the Transatlantic Slave Trade played a fundamental role is beyond question, and reaffirmed through the first of 16 locations,

impressionistic, it ended with the acrobatic tumbles of a French circus.

Kenneth Leighton’s ‘Fantasy on an American Hymn Tune’ developed slowly, gathering strength before reaching a profound peacefulness. JH ★★★★

Saturday 6th May 2023 at 7.30pmWilliam Aston Hall, Glyndŵr

the Old Dock. The full accessible route, followed via a free app or a map (from the TIC), introduces anatomists and artists, and takes in the oldest and one of the newest buildings in the city centre: Bluecoat and the Bling Bling. LR ★★★★

Gershwin

Conductor: Mark Lansom

Leader: Craig Clewley

Piano: Teleri-Siân

Discover what Shire’s team thought of the concerts, live events and shows they’ve seen at local venues

“Bluecoat and Bling Bling”

“At its core deeply engaging”

“Sweeney is raw with emotion”

Get your frocks on

Known for its sumptuous costumes and elaborate settings, much-loved musical The King and I comes to Llandudno this month, bringing with it a familiar face from our TV screens

The King and I is one of the great classics from the golden age of Broadway musicals, with one of the finest scores ever written, including favourites ‘Shall We Dance?’ and ‘Getting to Know You’. It opens on the deck of a ship as it snakes upriver at dusk, heading for a glimmering royal palace in 19th-century Siam. No production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein show has managed to lay on a feast for the eyes quite like the one now touring the UK, following record-breaking runs at the London Palladium and on Broadway.

Staged by multi Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher, the show arrives at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on 7th March and brings with it a much-loved star of television. Helen George, star of Call the Midwife, returns to the stage after many years to play Anna Leonowens, a widow in Victorian England who travels to Bangkok to teach English to the King’s many children.

“I’d been wanting to do a musical for a while,” says Helen, “and I was waiting for the right one to come along and just couldn’t say no. It’s just such a classical musical theatre part.”

Though better known for bringing babies into the world on our screens, Helen’s first job after drama college was in the ensemble of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White. She has since sung at the BBC’s VE Day 75th anniversary commemoration and on the cast album of Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. She took the dancefloor by storm on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, so she won’t have any trouble with ‘Shall We Dance?’. In the show’s climactic number, Anna and the King dance

a sweeping polka that is a meeting of minds, hearts, and mostly feet. “When we do this incredible dance I wear this incredible dress,” laughs Helen. “I’m as big as a house. In the rehearsal room everybody has had to get out of the way. I lift up the skirt and drag scripts and tea cups with me along the way. It weighs ten pounds and it’s uncomfortable but this was the life of a Victorian woman.”

Sweeping statement

“I went to see the show when I was seven or eight, growing up in Birmingham,” says the actress. “I haven’t gone back and watched the film because I need to find Anna myself. In fact, I hadn’t realised how many songs she sings! I knew them, but I hadn’t quite figured they were all together in this show.”

In The King and I, we see two worlds collide not just geographically and culturally but also of course in terms of gender and wealth. The King is the magnificent one and she the servant. But through compromise on both sides comes genuine respect and love, reminding us that human nature is timeless.

With a stunning score, given the full velvet touch by a sublime orchestra, exquisite costumes, a stellar cast that uncovers the play’s rich layers through superb storytelling, and the most charming and endearing group of young performers, you have the ultimate classical musical theatre show. It’s rare to feel such warmth and delight about a production but The King and I delivers that in abundance – and so much more besides.

The King and I is at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on 7th March and the tour continues into the summer. For ticket information and availability see www.kingandimusical.co.uk

It’s an acting dream come true for Helen, aka midwife Trixie

“I wear this incredible dress. I lift up the skirt and drag scripts and tea cups with me along the way!”

History’s mysteries

There’s no end to the tall tales and suspicious stories that have passed from generation to generation across our region. From Viking visitors who left without so much as a farewell to aquatic animals to rival Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites to intrigue you.

Wild visitors

Across Cheshire people have reported big cat sightings over the years, and even shared images online of what they believe is a mysterious panther roaming the area.

Rumours of black panther sightings have been circulating in Cheshire and North Wales for years. Despite the lack of concrete

evidence, residents continue to report seeing big cats roaming the area. While some maintain they are leopards or jaguars, others believe that they are a separate species altogether. Regardless of their origins, black panthers have long been associated with danger, making them the subject of much fascination.

In Cheshire, as the number of reports increased, local authorities began to take notice and investigate. Most recently, in September 2021, there was a spate of sightings in Heswall on the Wirral, many of which were reported to local action group Puma Watch.

Despite the experts’ efforts, no concrete evidence has been found to date. Even paw prints have yet to be confirmed as belonging to panthers. Many of the supposed sightings have been found to be hoaxes, by individuals seeking to stir up fear or steal the headlines.

Many argue that sightings are simply some of the exotic animals kept as pets in the area, which have escaped or been released into the wild. When big cats were banned as pets in the 1970s, it was legal to release them into the countryside to avoid rehoming costs. Owners from across the UK travelled to Cheshire and Wales to release their cats in the remote environment where, rumour has it, small but significant populations have thrived ever since.

Keep an eye on the cat activity at www.pumawatch.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Pumas have been known to jump 6 metres (20 feet) up or down a hillside. That’s the height of many two-storey buildings!

Puma, cougar, mountain lion – the panther is known by different names across the globe

The Shire patch has a rich and vibrant history, so it’s no wonder it has given rise to more than its fair share of legends, myths and folk tales over the years

“As recently as September 2021 there was a spate of sightings in Heswall on the Wirral, many of which were reported to local action group Puma Watch”

mysteries

Spy in the skies

There can’t be many more enduring mysteries than whether or not we are alone in the universe. Over the years our patch has had its share of sightings that seem to show we are not…

Keen stargazers across the region have enjoyed spotting many exciting astronomical sights – comets, planets, passing satellites and even the occasional glimpse of the magical Northern Lights. But some have seen things in our skies that they simply cannot explain.

In Cardiff in 1977, on the evening of 9th February, several witnesses reported seeing a large, silent object with bright lights moving slowly through the sky. Some claimed it was shaped like a disc, others described it as triangular. And in the Brecon Beacons in 1974, a group of hikers saw a large, glowing object hovering above them. The object was described as being disc-shaped with a dome on top, and it reportedly emitted a beam of light that illuminated the area. The hikers also claimed that they felt a strange sensation, as if they were being watched or observed.

Alien figures

The town of Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire also has a history of UFO sightings. In 1977, schoolchildren reported seeing an object landing in a field near their school. They claimed it was circular in

shape with a dome on top and that they saw several small figures moving around it. More recently, sightings have been reported over Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula. Although there has been no definitive explanation for these, they continue to be a source of fascination and speculation among UFO enthusiasts.

Mystery in the mountains

The most well-known of all local UFO mysteries is the Berwyn Mountains incident – a controversial sighting that took place in Wales on 23rd January 1974. According to reports, a bright object was seen in the sky, followed by a loud explosion that was heard over a wide area. Some witnesses reported seeing a luminous object fall to the ground. In the aftermath, several people reported strange lights and sounds in the area, and there were claims of strange markings on the ground and burned vegetation. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage was ever found, and the incident remains unexplained. Over the years, the incident has been the subject of intense speculation. Some believe it was a military operation gone wrong, others put it down to a natural phenomenon such as a meteor. There are also those who insist it was a UFO crash-landing, and that the government covered up the evidence. Regardless of the cause, it remains one of the most famous UFO sightings in UK history, and continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. It has been the subject of numerous books and articles, and has been investigated by a number of researchers and UFO organisations.

UFOs over Shropshire

Shropshire is considered one of the most active regions in the country for UFO sightings. Over the years, many local residents and witnesses have reported strange and unusual objects flying in the sky. Here are some of the most famous:

• The Cosford Incident: In 1993, several military personnel at the RAF Cosford airbase reported seeing a large, triangular-shaped object hovering in the sky. Despite attempts to intercept the object, it disappeared into the night sky.

• The Wrekin Hill Incident: In 2002, several motorists reported seeing a strange light in the sky near the Wrekin Hill. The object was described as a large, glowing sphere that stayed stationary for several minutes before disappearing.

• The Shrewsbury Sightings: In 2009, several residents of Shrewsbury reported seeing strange objects in the sky over the town. Some described the objects as bright lights, while others claimed to have seen a large, disc-shaped object.

Sightings in the Wirral

One of the most well-known UFO sightings in Wirral took place in the early 1990s. According to reports, several local residents witnessed a strange object in the sky that was emitting bright lights. The object reportedly hovered over the area for several hours, before suddenly disappearing. Some witnesses claimed that the object was a UFO, while others thought it could be a weather balloon or a military aircraft. Another instance occurred in the late 1990s, when several Wirral residents reported seeing a strange object in the sky. The

object was described as a bright, glowing orb that moved across the sky at a high speed. Some witnesses believed that the object was a UFO, while others thought it could be a meteor or a satellite.

In recent years, there have been several reported UFO sightings in Wirral, including strange lights in the sky, unidentified flying objects and even strange patterns in the clouds. Some of these have been captured on camera, and the footage has been widely shared on social media, sparking much debate and discussion about the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

“According to reports, a bright object was seen in the sky over the Berwyn Mountains, followed by a loud explosion that was heard over a wide area”

DID YOU KNOW?

In the language of flowers, roses are said to help in developing psychic knowledge and increasing intuition

Which witch?

Witchcraft is a great source of myths and legends, and the Shire patch is home to plenty of stories – especially throughout the Shropshire area.

The Shropshire Marches are rife with tales of witchcraft, some frightening, others fascinating. Some of the most well-known include:

• The Witch of Wroxeter: A powerful witch with the ability to cast spells and curses on her enemies, people claimed that she would fly on her broomstick to meet with other witches in the hills and forests around the town. Eventually she was caught by a local farmer and burned at the stake. Her ghost is said to haunt Wroxeter still, flying on her broomstick on moonless nights.

• The Bishops Castle Witch: According to the story, she was a powerful sorceress who lived in the town and was known for her ability to cast spells and perform magic. People claimed that she would often be seen riding on her broomstick through the town, scaring the residents. She too was caught, this time by the townspeople, and burned at the stake, but her spirit haunts the town to this day, according to legend.

• The Alberbury Witch: This mystical woman was known for her ability to control the elements, summoning rain and wind at will. People claimed she used her powers for evil, causing crops to fail and villagers to fall ill. The story goes that she was eventually caught and burned at the stake, but her spirit lives on, causing mischief and mayhem.

These legends and tales of witches have been passed down from generation to generation, and even today, many people in the area still believe in the supernatural powers of witches. While some may see these stories as mere folklore, others believe that there is some truth to them, and that the witches of the Shropshire Marches were real people with real powers. Most of the stories seem to paint the witches in a bad light, with hauntings and castings of spells – but there are some tales of witches using their powers for good as well.

One such legend is that of the Boscobel Oak, a tree said to have provided refuge for King Charles II during his flight from Cromwell’s forces. According to the story, a local witch aided the king by providing him with food and clothing, and by casting spells to prevent him from detection. Then there are the Nine Maidens, a group of witches said to have gathered at a stone circle near the town of Much Wenlock. These women were known for their powers of healing and divination and were capable of summoning spirits and controlling the elements.

Mystery men

It is not just women who feature in the mythology of Shropshire, their male counterparts have also woven their magic into the area. Druids were ancient Celtic priests and wise men who held a central role in the spiritual and cultural life of the Celtic people. Although their origins are shrouded in mystery, Druids are often associated with the practice of magic, divination and the worship of nature.

In Shropshire, many druidic tales centre around the mysterious and powerful monuments scattered throughout the county. Wrekin Hill, a large, imposing hill near Telford, is believed to have been a site of druidic worship and ceremony. According to legend, the Druids of Shropshire would gather on the hill to perform their magic and make offerings to the gods.

Rose water helps to hydrate skin and prevent ageing - making it a magical flower indeed!

The jagged, rocky hills of the Stiperstones are similarly believed to have been a place of power and spiritual significance for these ancients. Locals claim that the Stiperstones are imbued with magic to this day, and that strange and mysterious happenings often occur there.

Aside from these druidic monuments, there are also tales about the Druids themselves, who are often portrayed as powerful and mysterious figures, capable of wielding magic and performing feats of incredible strength and cunning. One such was a Druid named Athernion, who lived in the Shropshire hills and was known for his incredible ability to control the elements and bend the forces of nature to his will.

“It was claimed she used her powers for evil, causing crops to fail and villagers to fall ill”

Lady of the lake

Mysterious creatures living in lakes are not just a Scottish phenomenon! While we might not have legends on the scale of Nessie, our local Welsh waters can offer up similar stories.

Reported sightings of an amphibian up to 12ft long in Llyn Tegid, or Bala Lake, date back as far as 1975. All report a creature similar in looks to Scotland’s ‘Nessie’ of Loch Ness, only on a much smaller scale. This Welsh lake monster is known as Teggie, or Teggy, and has become the subject of local folklore, with numerous sightings and reports of a large serpentine creature in the lake.

There is no solid scientific evidence to support the existence of Teggie, but her existence is based on a much-loved story, The Legend of Teggie of Llyn Tegid, dating back to medieval times. The story revolves around the beautiful princess Teggie, who lived in the court of King Brychan, one of the legendary kings of Brycheiniog. One day, a handsome prince named Dwynwen came to the court and fell in love with Teggie at first sight. However, the king had already promised Teggie’s hand in marriage to another prince, who was envious of Dwynwen’s feelings for her. The jealous prince plotted against Dwynwen, who was forced to flee.

Lost love

Desperate and heartbroken, Dwynwen wandered the forests and hills until he stumbled upon a lake. There he encountered an angel who granted him three wishes: to forget his love for Teggie, to ease the pain in his heart, and to help all lovers in the future. Dwynwen cast his wishes and the angel granted his requests. In thanks, Dwynwen built a church on the lake shore and dedicated it to the angel. The lake was named Llyn Tegid, and the church became a place of pilgrimage for lovers.

Teggie eventually married the prince she was promised to, but she always remembered Dwynwen and the love they shared. It is said that on quiet nights, her ghostly figure can still be seen walking around the shores of Llyn Tegid, searching for her lost love. Or even swimming the waters in an amphibian form, perhaps?

What lurks beneath

And Teggie’s not the only mysterious beastie to be hiding under those glittering waters. There’s a giant otter too…

The Afanc, also known as Avanc, is a mystical creature of Welsh folklore, a water monster that lived in lakes and rivers.

DID YOU KNOW?

A hoof-print embedded in rock near Llyn Barfog is known as Carn March Arthur (‘the Stone of Arthur’s Horse’), said to be made as it hauled the Afanc from the lake

According to ancient Welsh stories, the Afanc was a large, aquatic beast that was said to resemble a beaver or a giant otter. However, it was much larger and more formidable than any normal animal, with a body that was covered in thick, scaly skin and a powerful tail that it used to swim through the water.

The Afanc lived in Llyn-yr-Afanc (‘the Afanc Pool’) in the River Conwy. It was a gigantic beast who, when annoyed, was strong enough to break the banks of the pool, causing fields to flood. Many attempts were made to kill him, but it seems that his hide was so tough that no spear, arrow or man-made weapon could pierce it. So, the story goes, the wise men of the valley held a meeting and decided that if force wouldn’t work, the Afanc must be enticed out of his pool and removed to a lake far away beyond the mountains, where he could cause no further trouble. The lake chosen to be the Afanc’s new home was Llyn Ffynnon Las, under the dark imposing shadow of Mount Snowdon.

In many of the stories, the Afanc was portrayed as a malevolent force, causing destruction and mayhem wherever it went. It was said to devour everything in its path, including livestock and even people. Locals who lived near the lakes and rivers where it was said to reside would take great care to avoid the creature, considered one of the most dangerous beasts in all of Wales.

Free the people

Despite its fearsome reputation, there were also tales of bravery and cunning that revolved around the Afanc. In one such story, a brave warrior by the name of Peredur defeated the monster by using his wit and cunning, tricking it into entering a trap that he had set up. He then slayed the beast, freeing the people from its tyranny.

Stories aside, the Afanc is an important symbol in Welsh folklore, seen as a representation of the power of nature and the unpredictability of the forces of the earth. People would often use tales of the Afanc to caution others about the dangers of ignoring the natural world, and to remind them to respecting the power of wild waters.

“In many of the stories, the Afanc was portrayed as a malevolent force, causing destruction and mayhem wherever it went”

The Afanc was a symbol of Nature’s power

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Scandi style

Viking links to the Wirral are well-documented, but several aspects of their time here remain a mystery to this day.

The Wirral peninsula, too, is steeped in history and mystery. The area has a rich and diverse heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 6,000 years. One of the most intriguing aspects is its connection to the Vikings, the seafaring warriors who left their mark on the world in the form of settlements, trade and their infamous raids. Despite the widespread impact of the Vikings on the Wirral, there are still mysteries regarding their time here.

The Vikings first arrived in the Wirral in the late 8th and early 9th centuries, during a time of widespread expansion and exploration. They established a number of settlements along the coast, taking advantage of the rich fishing grounds and trading opportunities presented by the Irish Sea. The exact locations of these settlements are not known, but there is evidence to suggest that they were located in the areas of West Kirby and Meols, both of which have strong Viking links.

Buried at sea

One of the biggest mysteries surrounding the Vikings is the reason for their sudden departure. They were known for their ability to adapt to new environments and to establish themselves in new territories, yet their settlements in the Wirral disappeared after only a few hundred years. There are a number of theories as to why they abandoned the area, including changes in the trade routes, political instability and environmental factors such as changes in the climate.

Equally mysterious is the location of their burials. The Vikings were known for elaborate burial rituals, and graves were often marked with distinctive mounds or runestones. However, despite the presence of a number of Viking settlements in the Wirral, there is no evidence of any Viking burials. This has led some experts to speculate that their dead may have been buried at sea, a common practice among seafaring communities. The lack of evidence for Viking burials in the Wirral has led to further speculation about the nature of the Viking settlements in the area. Some experts have suggested that the settlements were temporary in nature, used only for trading and raiding rather than for permanent habitation. This would explain the lack of burials, as the Vikings would have taken their dead with them when they moved on.

Ancient artefacts

DID YOU KNOW?

Place names are an important clue to the Wirral’s Viking connections – the -by

Over the years many historical items and evidence of Viking habitation have been found in the Wirral. One of the most interesting is the Wirral runestone, a Viking-era stone found near the village of Willaston. The stone is believed to have been used as a marker for a burial or a settlement, and it bears a number of Nordic runes, or characters, that have yet to be fully deciphered.

The runestone is not the only artefact with Viking links to be discovered here. A number of other objects, including coins, jewellery and weapons, have been found that suggest a thriving Viking trade network. These objects provide valuable insight into the lives of the Vikings in the Wirral, as well as the trade routes and networks that connected the area to the rest of the world.

Despite the many unanswered questions surrounding the Vikings in the Wirral, one thing is clear: whether through trade, settlement or raiding, the Vikings left their mark on the Wirral, and their presence continues to be felt in the area today.

Digging deep

As this edition of Shire went to press, archaeologists were leading an investigation to find out if a Viking longboat is in fact buried deep underneath The Railway Inn, Meols, on the Wirral. It has long been rumoured that the original builders discovered ancient remains in 1938 but were told to cover them up and carry on. However, in a twist worthy of a Dan Brown thriller, one of them drew a map to the find… Decades later, historians and researchers have succeeded in pushing for a proper investigation.

ending in Raby Pensby and Kirkby is of Viking origin

“The Vikings were known for elaborate burial rituals, and graves were often marked with distinctive mounds or runestones”

Holidays SPRING INTO ACTION

Nothing

beats springtime in North Wales. The morning light, fresh air, warm weather and daffodils everywhere… From the majestic mountains to the stunning coastline, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And now is the perfect time to start planning a break over the next few months or for the summer.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, a hike to take in the views, or a chance to explore a new area, you’ll never be bored here – and with Menai Holiday Cottages, you’ll never run out of accommodation options either. With over 800 selfcatering cottages across North Wales, the team is ready to welcome you to escape and enjoy quality time in these family-friendly cottages, perfect for all ages. Take advantage of luxury cottages or holiday homes with hot tubs, large gardens and sea views to pamper yourself and your loved ones.

What’s not to love?

Menai Holiday Cottages are perfect for gathering friends or family under the same roof in your very own home away from home. And there’s no need to leave anyone behind – over 40 percent of the properties are dog-friendly, so you can find the perfect property to take the whole family away on a holiday to remember.

Follow on Facebook @menaiholidaycottages and Instagram @menaiholidays. www.menaiholidays.co.uk

Love2Stay

Mid Wales is an outstanding resort offering a blissful spa, leisure facilities and a luxurious accommodation experience, available exclusively in a brand-new specialist collection. Nestled in the rolling hills of Montgomeryshire, with sweeping vistas across wild meadows and unspoilt countryside, discover a marriage of tranquillity and adventure, where friends and families can unwind and explore this truly breathtaking part of rural Mid Wales.

Love2Stay Mid Wales is a glamping resort purposefully designed for loved ones to spend time together, creating lasting memories. Whether you choose to simply kick back and relax, or indulge in the exceptional facilities on-site, this is the perfect location to escape the hustle and bustle of modern day living. Take a splash in the indoor heated swimming pool, unwind with a relaxing massage or embrace the outdoors on long country walks. Guests can choose from a selection

of hand-picked accommodation, from innovative glamping-style pods to luxurious holiday homes and bespoke lodges. Each luxury option comes with its own hot tub and private fire pit, perfect for enjoying the dark skies at night.

Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic escape or a group of friends or family after a fun-fuelled holiday, you’ll be made very welcome, and are sure to be delighted by all this wonderful location has to offer! www.love2staymidwales.co.uk

“Luxury homes with hot tubs, large gardens and sea views”

Unpack and kick back

Your own hot tub and private fire pit

Plenty of space to roam and relax

“Unwind and explore the hills”

SNUGGLE IN

TheDurham Snug in Solva is an idyllic holiday destination located in the heart of Pembrokeshire – a charming, traditional Welsh cottage that has been renovated to provide comfortable and modern amenities for its guests.

Fresh from its full renovation and refurbishment, The Durham Snug is a delightful one-bedroom, ground-floor apartment, offering exceptional views of Solva Harbour and beyond. Situated in one of Upper Solva’s most desirable spots, the idyllic holiday home is perfect for a couple – and a baby. And it’s ideal for walkers thanks to its location right next to the scenic coast path. The light and airy selfcontained apartment is part of a whitewashed seaside property that dates from the 19th century. In fact, you can also book the neighbouring holiday let, The Durham, a spacious four-bedroom cottage.

One of the prettiest villages in Wales, Solva is split into Upper and Lower Solva. Here, you’ll find a colourful mix of shops, galleries, pubs, cafes and restaurants, as well as the

Cute and cosy cabin

If you’re looking for a holiday escape that is straight out of a fairytale, then check out the Ty Twt cabin in Conwy. This quiet part of North Wales is perfect for a few days of restorative, relaxing outdoor time, and Ty Twt has been beautifully crafted to welcome you into it. There’s a rocking chair on the veranda where you can sip coffee in the morning and star-gaze at night, a bench in your own private woodland overlooking the valley to the river below, an outdoor cooking area with BBQ and wood-fired pizza oven (pizza dough mix in your welcome hamper) and then, when the night draws in, the wood-burner to warm the cabin and add a rippling, homely glow.

If you sit quietly, you might spot deer and badgers, hear owls in the woods and see swallows swooping round the cabin, which they used to nest in until new windows were installed.

DRIFT AWAY

Withlonger days and warmer weather, it’s time to let your mind drift to summer escapes… and why not consider making drifting along the theme of your next holiday too? If you are looking to enjoy a relaxed break, sitting back to watch the world drift by, then a week or two on board a Cheshire Cat Narrowboat could be the perfect break for you.

This small family-run firm is based at the award-winning Overwater Marina, Audlem, on the Shropshire Union Canal. It is a stunning location, just below the Audlem Lock flight, and from the marina it’s only three hours’ leisurely cruising time to the scenic and ever popular Llangollen Canal.

picturesque harbour

(the quay is perfect for crabbing) and low-tide beach. www.stbridesbaycottages. com/cottages/solva/thedurham-snug

The location and the pure charm of the cabin itself lend themselves to any kind of stay, from a wintry escape full of long naps and woodsmoke to a summer adventure into wild Snowdonia or a few days dangling your toes in the river. The cabin is so well suited to being really lived in, perfect for both a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

Book via www.canopyandstars.co.uk

The fleet includes perfect, small boats for a couple as well as larger family-sized vessels, not forgetting the newest members of the fleet, Oak Apple and New Moon. These boats are 57ft and 60ft respectively and are designed in the popular reverse layout, with two bedrooms at the forward end. They both have spacious galleys with real wood worktops and a full-sized cooker, and a comfy lounge/diner that can be used as a third bedroom. New Moon as the big sister has the benefit of a second shower room, both boats have two toilets. The bedrooms can be configured as either a double or two single beds, making them ideal for families or for two couples sharing. www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk

“Spend a few days dangling your toes by the river…”

The Durham Snug and The Durham

Upper Solva, with Lower Solva beyond

“Idyllic holiday home”

Watch wildlife by day, the stars at night

Ty Twt is charming inside and out

of the countryside your very own slice

Llawrbetws Leisure is a caravan park set in the grounds of 14 acres of idyllic countryside, located just 5 miles from Bala in North Wales. If you are looking for peace, quiet, beautiful views but with great access to attractions and local towns, then look no further.

MARCH-JANUARY SEASON SITE FEES START FROM £2818

NEW & SECOND-HAND CARAVANS FOR SALE BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY.

info@llawrbetws.co.uk

www.llawrbetws.co.uk

01490 460224

Porthllongdy Farm Luxury Holiday Cottages & Caravan Park, Anglesey

Welcome to Porthllongdy Farm, a luxury lodge, touring caravan and holiday cottage park situated in Red Wharf Bay on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey.

“For those wishing to get away from it all, our luxury holiday cottages with breath taking views over Red Wharf Bay on Anglesey makes for the perfect holiday retreat. Being a family run park we guarantee first class accommodation and friendly customer service. We take great pleasure in making sure our customers have a truly memorable stay time and time again.

If you’re interested in visiting why not get in touch with us today?”

01248 852 337

porthllongdy-farm@btconnect.com

www.porthllongdy.co.uk

JUST THE TWO OF YOU…

Setting the standards for a holiday home park, Oakwood Valley is set in 74 acres of unspoilt countryside, near Welshpool, Mid Wales. The park nestles in a natural valley, the lodges screened by mature coppices, yet has views to rival any in Wales. On a clear day you can see Mount Snowdon.

A holiday home at Oakwood Valley is a lifestyle choice – it’s your second home, in the location of your choosing, where you can escape to unwind any time you please. The site is also dog-friendly, so your furry friends are welcome to enjoy a well-earned break with you.

The freedom of owning a holiday lodge provides the independence to access your own home from home whenever you wish, in one of the most beautiful locations you could imagine.

With new lodges just arrived, now is the ideal time to visit the park, which has been developed with the emphasis not only on spacious surroundings for each lodge but also on the quality of the facilities.

The peace and tranquillity here are hard to rival, which is ensured by the site’s couples-only and no-subletting policies.

www.oakwoodvalleylodges.co.uk

TASTE OF LUXURY

HOME FROM HOME

Llawrbetws Uchaf (The Farm House) is a traditional house, available to book as a self-catered holiday stay. The house has been refurbished to the highest quality to create a home from home, with everything you need for an unforgettable holiday with friends and family, at any time of the year.

Llawrbetws Uchaf is five-star luxury accommodation set in the quiet hamlet of Glan Yr Afon (Glanrafon), near Bala, with breathtaking views of the Berwyn and Clwydin mountains. For those who wish to keep in touch with the world, fibre broadband has been newly added.

The six-bedroom accommodation has a large kitchen, perfect for cooking and preparing food together. It is fully equipped with a dishwasher, dual-fuel Rangemaster cooker, microwave and fridge/freezer. The utility room has a washing machine and tumble dryer, handy if you’ve been out exploring the countryside or experiencing the vast range of watersports on Bala Lake. On sunny days, relax in the garden and listen to the nearby stream babbling past, before hopping into the hot tub and soaking away your aches and stresses, or stargazing late into the night. www.llawrbetws.co.uk

Award-winning

Mansion House Llansteffan is a magnificent property that offers guests a truly luxurious experience. Located on the outskirts of Llansteffan, on the coast of Carmarthenshire, the hotel is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in style.

The mansion has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was originally built as a private residence. It has recently been beautifully restored and modernised to offer guests all the comforts of a five-star hotel.

Each of the nine elegant bedrooms has been individually designed, with traditional furnishings and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy fine dining in the two AA Rosette restaurant, which offers a delicious menu of locally sourced produce.

The hotel’s location is a major draw, situated in the heart of some stunning Welsh countryside, with breathtaking views of the coast. This makes it the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and fishing close by.

Mansion House Llansteffan is a truly special property that offers guests a luxurious, home-from-home experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an actionpacked adventure, this hotel has something to offer everyone. www.mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk

Elegant rooms, each individually designed

The views over the Towy Estuary are simply breathtaking

Fine dining in the hotel restaurant

Five-star accommodation

The perfect retreat for couples

“Escape here any time you please”

“Hop into the hot tub and soak away your aches and stresses”

A glorious location

MAGICAL MARINA

Overwater Marina is an idyllic holiday destination located in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, just a short drive from the historic town of Nantwich. The marina offers a range of facilities and accommodation options that are sure to make your stay memorable.

The Overwater Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) Certified caravan site and holiday park is a small, select holiday park consisting of 10 luxury hardstanding touring pitches. Pitches are available on a night by night or seasonal basis.

Alternatively, set yourself on the right track for relaxation in one of the bespoke Glamping Wagons at the award-winning marina. You will find these luxury wagons alongside the old

FUN ON THE FARM

On the outskirts of Corwen, alongside the exclusive Plas Isaf venue, Gaerhyfryd offers a range of options for your stay in North Wales. The small family-run caravan and motorhome site has a number of pitches, as well as self-catering holiday let properties sleeping from two to 22 guests.

The family farm is 250 acres of organic land, with a herd of Highland cattle that you will see on your walks. The properties are situated in various locations around the area and all are recently renovated. With hot tubs and stunning views of the Dee Valley, they have all the amenities expected of modern luxury retreats and make the perfect getaway location.

LAKESIDE LEISURE

Setbeside Hawk Lake in the grounds of Hawkstone Park, near Shrewsbury, Hawk Lake Caravan Park is perfect for a peaceful getaway. The lake itself was carved out of the Shropshire countryside around 1776 to mimic the Serpentine in London, where the owner of Hawkstone Hall, Sir Rowland Hill, also had a residence. The caravan park sits on the banks and is particularly popular with anglers, as both day and season fishing are available, and the lake is well stocked: from big carp (up to 30lb) to roach, perch, bream, tench and pike.

For wildlife lovers, the site’s private section of the lake is home to kingfishers, herons, water voles and woodpeckers. You can walk around most of the lake and there are places to sit and enjoy your surroundings in peace.

The site has five touring pitches with hard-standing, each with a hook-up, as well as 45 static pitches, 14 directly on the lake. To book, call 01630 685 209.

railway cutting – all that remains of the ‘Gingerbread Line’ – and each one is beautifully appointed with fully fitted bathroom, kitchenette, stove and comfy bed. To really unwind, book one of the wagons with a wood-fired hot tub.

Located just outside the beautiful village of Audlem, with a fabulous canal-side location, Overwater is perfectly placed for exploring Cheshire and Shropshire. Historic Nantwich, the Anderton Boat Lift and Jodrell Bank Observatory are just some of the popular tourist attractions nearby. It is also an ideal base for hiking, cycling and fishing. www.overwatermarina.co.uk

The site offers 37 hardstanding pitches, all fully serviced with electricity, water, grey water and TV aerial. There is a dog-walking area, and as a CAMC Affiliated site, the facilities are excellent. Visit www. gaerhyfryd.com to book online or call 01490 412 189.

Go pack…

For hassle-free holidays, join the club

If you have a passion for travel, you’ll be full of tips for others as well as always on the look-out for great deals and discounts. So why not check out this holiday club, for holidays that work for you, without you having to do the hard graft yourself. GoPackGoTravel.Com is an exciting travel lifestyle club welcoming new members who like value for money, club benefits and industry best service. You get your own booking portal, with exclusive access to compare millions of realtime prices on flight tickets and amazing deals at hotels worldwide. There’s also an exclusive car rental search engine, as well as over 300,000 tours, attractions and activities, in thousands of destinations.

To help other travellers you’re invited to submit your travel tips relating to any mode of travel, event, activity and location.

An idyllic setting in the heart of rural Cheshire

“Bespoke glamping wagons at the marina”

Glamp it up in a wagon with hot tub

Rooms with a moo…

“Herons and water voles”

A top spot for wildlife and angling

“Holidays that work for you”

Afon Rhaiadr Country House, a luxury Boutique 5* Gold Victorian Country House Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Nestled in 3 acres of woodlands near Dolgellau, at the foot of Cader Idris Mountain, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Expect a warm welcome from Gina and Gareth, luxurious surroundings and a delicious home cooked breakfast each morning. Try an Afternoon Tea and/or the Candle-lit dining experience, available on selected evenings. Enjoy a walk through the grounds, relax and unwind in one of the sitting areas, listening to the sounds of the river, waterfall and wild birds.

Afon Rhaiadr 5* Luxury Boutique Country House enquiries@afonrhaiadr.co.uk

01341

450777

Afon Rhaiadr, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, North Wales. LL40 2AH

Set in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, Glansevin is a beautiful Georgian mansion built during the Napoleonic war as a family home. Glansevin offers you the opportunity to enjoy it’s splendid rooms and wonderful surroundings on an exclusive basis.

Glansevin has a long history celebrating weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and welcoming informal family & friends gatherings as well as corporate retreats and conferences. enquiries@glansevin.com

Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, Wales,  SA19 9HY www.glansevinmansion.com

“ ” THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING BETTER THAN MESSING ABOUT IN BOATS

TYN Y COED COTTAGE

Tyn Y Coed cottage is a 300 year old cottage which has retained many of its original features. Built of Welsh stone, the cottage features exposed wooden beams, inglenook fire places, and a large wood burning stove. Tyn Y Coed cottage offers exceptional and rare original character and charm & includes a Star gazing all weather hot tub.

Tyn Y Coed Cottage

Pentrefelin, Sennybridge, Brecon, Powys, Wales LD3 8TY Call Lisa on: 07738 103837 | Email: stay@tynycoed-cottage.co.uk

www.tynycoed-cottage.co.uk

5 ⭐ Holiday Cottage in Brecon, Wales | Coachingmans Cottage

Coachingmans Cottage is a cosy 330 year old Welsh stone cottage snugly situated in the welcoming sleepy hamlet of Trecastle. Freshly refurbished to 5 star quality for 2019 the Cottage sits proudly in the Western area of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The cottage retains all its historic

character and charm whilst providing guests with life’s modern essentials. These include WiFi, Log burner, Sky TV (Sports & Movies) family games & more.

The Castle Coaching Inn is only 25 metres away from Coachingmans Cottage & serves great home cooked food, wines, beers and Sunday Lunch.

4 Chapel Street, Treacastle, Brecon, Powys, Wales LD3 8UF Call Lisa on: 07738 103837 | Email: stay@coachingmanscottage.co.uk

Kynaston near Kinnerley SHROPSHIRE

Holiday Directory

Go wild in the country

Situated on the outskirts of the village of Kinnerley is this beautiful, rural site, home to four exceptional lodges, boasting picturesque surroundings of the Shropshire countryside. The 4 timber lodges are a mix of 1 bed and 2 bed accommodation, all have their own private covered hot tubs. Whether it is a romantic getaway you are seeking, a break with friends, or quality time in the outdoors with your family, you can be sure to enjoy a stay here.

c.guest@hotmail.co.uk | chopper.robert1955@gmail.com

07712 418 393 | 07751 407 697

www.acksealodges.co.uk

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.

A little gem of a family-run hotel in the stunning, quiet, small village of Dolwyddelan, a stone’s throw from the busy Betws-y-Coed. Have a look at our website for more pictures, prices and offers. www.hotelinsnowdonia.co.uk

On the outskirts of Kinnerley village in beautiful rural Shropshire, Acksea Lodges provide exceptional self-catering accommodation in a lovely location. The four timber lodges each have their own private, covered hot tub. Acksea, Robin and Wren Lodge each sleep two people, while Moorhen Lodge can sleep up to four people in two bedrooms. Kinnerley and Nesscliffe offer pubs and shops, while Shrewsbury and Oswestry are a short drive away. www.acksealodges.co.uk

Luxury in the mountains

Enjoy boutique bed and breakfast at Afon Rhaiadr, Dolgellau, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. This Victorian country house, a five-star gold award-winner with Visit Wales, is sumptuously decorated with antiques, chandeliers and luxurious soft furnishings, and boasts an elegant yet cosy drawing room with conservatory, and wonderful gardens and woodland paths to explore. Afon Rhaiadr champions local food producers and sources sustainably, preparing family recipes with a modern twist. www.afonrhaiadr.co.uk

Be unique in Llandudno

Visit Escape Boutique Bed and Breakfast, Llandudno’s highly acclaimed, contemporary destination offering stylish accommodation in a unique Victorian villa. All nine double bedrooms have been individually designed with fun and personality, and have flatscreen TVs, Blu-ray and free broadband. Escape for a weekend break, escape the kids or escape your conventional business accommodation. Prices from £169 per room. Why not book the whole villa for your own ‘house party’? www.escapebandb.co.uk

Ancient and modern

Steeped in history but featuring modern rooms and a cosy restaurant, Glyn Valley Hotel in the picturesque Ceiriog Valley is ideally located for exploring some amazing places. A Tripadvisor 2022 Travellers’ Choice, the hotel is decorated to the highest standards while retaining many quirky, original features. The restaurant serves home-cooked food using locally sourced produce, including a fabulous Sunday carvery with vegetarian options. www.glynvalleyhotel.com

Stay in secret Wales

Set in five acres of romantic hilltop gardens in a hidden corner of West Wales, Mansion House Llansteffan overlooks Carmarthen Bay, offering sublime views and striking contemporary surroundings. The Moryd Restaurant has two AA Rosettes and presents superb dishes inspired by the region, including locally sourced Welsh lamb and beef from a family butchers. Camarthen, with its historic castle, is five miles away. www.mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk

Shire’s selection of some of the best B&Bs

Food&Drink Booze and a snooze

Two Cheshire venues have been named among the best pubs and inns for an overnight stay in the UK

TheVicarage in Holmes Chapel and Prestbury’s

The Bridge were bestowed the honour by the Cool Places website, which provides an online guide to bespoke accommodation. Both Cheshire venues, which are run by Middlewich-based Flat Cap Hotels, were highlighted in the category ‘Pubs with Rooms’.

The Vicarage is based in a Grade II listed Georgian house next to the River Dene and has a popular outside bar called Hut. The Bridge, a newly refurbished 23-bedroom property on the banks of the River Bollin, features its own outdoor bar, The Shed. Both are rated four out of five on Tripadvisor with hundreds of reviews.

Cool Places states: “The Vicarage is a very comfortable place both to drink and to eat, with lots of sofas, fireplaces and a bar that’s always buzzing. It also has no less than 23 elegant and contemporary bedrooms upstairs so you can stay over too, leaving you free the next day to enjoy an excellent breakfast and explore.”

Make a night of it

The site adds: “The Vicarage is not only dog-friendly but family friendly too, with two outdoor terraces and a kids’ play area, and a bar and restaurant that is open all day and serves good, approachable food from a varied menu that encompasses steaks and burgers, sandwiches and brunch and a selection of roasts

on Sundays. Their outdoor Hut bar is a magnet in the summer months, and they host regular live music both inside and out.”

Cool Places describes The Bridge as a “contemporary boutique hotel”, saying: “Is it a pub? A restaurant with rooms? Whatever it is, The Bridge displays all of the characteristics that we love in the best British pubs and

restaurants. In fact it’s the very essence of a modern inn, with stylish interiors in public areas and rooms that do a good job of blending contemporary and vintage styles. It occupies an alluring riverside location in a picturesque rural village, and features 24 comfortable yet affordable rooms to flop into at the end of the night.”

Both The Vicarage and The Bridge have a range of special offers throughout the year. Book your stay at www.flatcaphotels.com

O cially a ‘Cool Place’: Hut at The Vicarage

“It’s the very essence of a modern inn”

The Vicarage occupies a wonderful 17th-century building

The Bridge is stylish yet welcoming

Wines with altitude

Alsace is the driest part of France, sheltered by the Vosges mountains. Historically, the region was German, and Germanic influences can still be seen in the fairy-tale architecture, the cuisine and most importantly, the wine!

The wines of Alsace are overwhelmingly white, with a little red made from Pinot Noir. There is also a significant amount of sparkling wine, Crémant d’Alsace, made by the traditional method and excellent value. Alsace wines are, by law, served in the German-style tapered ‘flute’ bottle and, unusually for French wines, display the grape variety on the label.

“Intense flavours of blossom, apple and that telltale petrol”

varieties, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling. Muscat in Alsace is dry and aromatic but there is little of it as the grape is prone to disease. Gewürztraminer is highly aromatic, with roses, stone fruit and spices prevalent on the nose. Its acidity is quite low, with a full body and high alcohol. It would be higher but fermentation is stopped to retain some sweetness.

Familiar favourite

Did you know?

In 2019 the region produced over 140 million bottles of wine!

Pinot Gris is the Alsace name of Pinot Grigio. A far cry from the Italian style, here in Alsace with its long, dry autumns, this variety produces wines of great complexity, more body and usually a touch of sweetness. However, the truly great variety of Alsace is Riesling. Quite different from those produced on the other side of the Rhine, here the wines are dry, often with high alcohol. Acidity is balanced by intense flavours of blossom, apple, lime, peach and, over time, that tell-tale petrol.

Three to try

Domaine Schlumberger ‘Spiegel’ Pinot Gris Alsace Grand Cru AC 2019 (Majestic £17.99) Great texture and depth of flavour.

The widely planted Pinot Blanc can make decent wine but rarely reaches the heights of the four ‘noble’

Cuvée René Dopff, Dopff & Irion, Riesling, Alsace AC 2019 (Tanners £13.99) Wonderful aroma of green apples and vine flowers. Taste the Difference Gewürztraminer, Alsace AC 2020 (Sainsburys £10) Bursts with notes of rose petals, exotic lychees and spices. Gary leads informal and structured professional wine-tasting events at Shropshire Wine School. www.localwineschool.com/shropshire

COME AND SEE US at our unique setting at the historic Henllys Hall, just outside beautiful Beaumaris on the Island of Anglesey, where you will find a great choice of traditional and contemporary food and service with a warm Harry’s welcome.

You’ll find our restaurant a unique and unhurried place to enjoy our bistro style food, our award winning desserts and our specially selected wines. If you are visiting Anglesey on a Sunday our lunches are very popular with visitors and Island residents.

e sheltered hillsides of the Alsace region of France produce some great wines, as Shire’s columist Gary Carter discovers

The fairy-tale town of Ribeauville

Vines love the dry slopes here

Simon Doyle is one of Anglesey’s top chefs - he’s known for his traditional local foods with a zippy bistro flavour. After travelling the world and cooking in some famous kitchens he came home to Wales, together with patisserie specialist chef Nia Doyle, and established Harrys Bistro at Henllys Hall in beautiful Beaumaris as one of North Wales must try top eateries.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Simon’s Smoked Haddock Risotto Cake

“Here’s an easy-to-make scrumptious starter for you to try at home with delicious, buttered leeks and a tasty laverbread sauce. Makes either 4 large or 8 small cakes”.

Ingredients:

• 30g butter

• 200g smoked haddock

• 1 onion finely chopped

• 300g arborio rice

• 75ml white wine

• 800ml vegetable stock

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp chopped chives

For breadcrumbing:

• 4 tbsp plain flour

• 2 eggs whisked

• 75g breadcrumbs

For cooking:

• 3tbs vegetable oil

Buttered Leeks

4 small or 2 large leeks, finely chopped

20g butter

50ml vegetable stock (use the stock from the risotto cakes if you haven’t used it all)

Salt and pepper

• Melt the butter in a pan. Add the leeks and cook on a medium heat for 2-3 minutes until sightly soft.

• Add the stock and cook until the leeks are soft. Season.

• Place a lid on the pan and keep warm until needed.

Laverbread Sauce

25ml white wine

75ml double cream

30g laverbread

20g soft butter (optional to give a richer finish)

Squeeze of lemon juice

• Reduce the white wine in a pan by half. Add the double cream and reduce again by half.

• Whisk in the laverbread (and butter if using). Add lemon juice to taste.

Pick of the Producers

Method:

• Bring the veg stock to a simmer and put the smoked haddock in. Remove from the heat and leave for 10 minutes. Strain the haddock out and set aside.

• Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the onions and cook slowly for 5-10 minutes until translucent.

• Add the risotto rice and turn the heat up. Stir for 1 minute. Add the wine and reduce until its almost dry.

• Add a ladleful of the stock and simmer until its nearly all absorbed. Keep stirring and adding stock a ladleful at a time until the rice is al dente (approx 20 minutes).

• Remove from the heat and add in the reserved haddock, zest and lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Note: the haddock may be slightly salty so don’t overdo the salt.

• Leave to cool slightly then shape into 4 large or 8 small cakes.

• Breadcrumb - roll through the flour then the egg and then the breadcrumbs.

• Heat oil in a frying pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side on a medium heat. Transfer to a baking tray and place in a preheated oven (180ºc) for 8-10 minutes.

Patrick White launched Jaunty Goat in Bridge Street, Chester, seven years ago, focused on providing customers with sustainable, quality coffee and outstanding service. The 30-year-old has since added two more outlets – a vegan cafe of the same name in Northgate Street and an independent bakery – and will unveil a roastery in the coming months.

Ethics are a huge part of the ethos for Patrick, who sources coffee from across Central and South America, including Colombia, Costa Rica and Brazil. His current priority is continuing to lower the carbon footprint of the business by bringing the wholesale side in-house.

A co ee a cionado whose business has gone from strength to strength is adding to his entrepreneurial empire Did

A fair deal

“We looked at it closely and, after visiting Costa Rica a few years ago, decided to import directly from the farmers and roast our own coffee. We pay two or three times the market price, but it means they are treated fairly, we have more flexibility over production and, with the roastery in place, it will be a positive move from a logistics perspective,” explained Patrick.

Now supplying big names such as Hickory’s, Bar Lounge, The Hollies Farm Shop and Chester Zoo, the Jaunty Goat roastery will be based at the Arches units in Kitchen Street.

The biggest co ee fan ever must be Beethoven – he’d count exactly 60 beans per cup!

“Jaunty Goat was originally about creating a brand and a presence so I could share with people what great coffee is, and from there it just grew and grew,” said Patrick. “The plan is to open more shops when the time and location are right – probably in Shropshire and the North West – to spread the word even further. Right now, we are in a good place, coming out of the pandemic with confidence and able to control our own destiny. We’re happy, and excited to see how things progress.”

Patrick White (left) chats with a Jaunty Goat regular

Aber Falls Distillery, located in the village of Abergwyngregyn, is the first whisky distillery in North Wales for more than 100 years. Aber Falls Distillery is well known for its premium portfolio of the finest handcrafted whiskies, gins and liqueurs, using sustainably sourced ingredients and Welsh-inspired botanicals.

Situated just off Junction 13 of the A55, Aber Falls Visitors Centre welcomes guests for an array of activities including Gin Lab experiences, Whisky Tours and cocktail master classes.

Guests can also bask in the natural beauty of North Wales from the comfort of Aber Falls Distillery’s very own café, which sits on the riverfront and offers the best locally sourced produce.

Café

Whether you’re exploring the nearby waterfall or spending your day tasting new tipples, visitors can replenish their energy at Aber Falls Café. The café has an entirely unique menu that changes with each season, to ensure the best quality ingredients are used. The menu is formed of locally sourced produce that is suitable for all, featuring some of the best harvest North Wales has to offer.

Aber Falls’ exceptional café is open for light bites, sweet treats, and drinks. The delicious Beef Burger is a sure to impress, made with Snowdonia Wagyu beef served on a Henllan Bakery Bap and with one-of-a-kind Barbecue Sauce made from Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky. For something a little lighter, but just as delicious, try the Welsh Rarebit made with Dragon Cheese and served on Henllan bread.

The freshly brewed coffee, ethically sourced by Poblado Coffi, is the perfect accompaniment for one of the delicious locally made cakes on offer.

Gin lab

As well as creating award-winning whisky, Aber Falls continues to offer its hugely popular Gin Lab experience. Become a distiller for the afternoon, using the finest botanicals. Visitors can take part in a two-hour experience to personalise and create their own gin recipe, using a choice of core botanicals and flavours. Guests can take home their own uniquely flavoured gin in a personalised 70cl bottle.

A note from Dylan Roberts, Visitor Centre Manager at Aber Falls Distillery:

“What I’m most proud of here at Aber Falls Distillery Visitor centre is the warm welcome we offer every guest who walks through our doors. Our passion for our product also extends to passionately promoting other Welsh products, attractions and businesses. Whether you’re local, a visitor to Wales or anything in between we look forward to welcoming you at our stunning venue.”

Aber Falls Distillery is open seven days a week from 10am- 6pm. To get your kick of delicious food, please note the kitchen is open from 10am-5pm. To find out more about Aber Falls Distillery or to book a tour, please visit: https://www.aberfallsdistillery.com/

“The café has an entirely unique menu that changes with each season, to ensure the best quality ingredients are used”

Inside the Bistro

The delicious Wagyu burger

Outside the new visitor centre

The Bailey Head, Bailey Head, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1PZ

• 19 Draught Craft Beers and Real Ales

• 6 Draught Ciders

• Over 100 Gins

• Whiskies, Rums, Vodkas and Wines

• Extensive Alcohol Free and Gluten Free ranges

• Dog and family friendly

• Bring your own food, a takeaway, or have food delivered

The Bailey Head, Oswestry

A community-centred pub with a focus on microbrewery real ale and craft beer, The Bailey Head has won the Shrewsbury and West Shropshire Market Towns Pub of the Year award every year since 2016, as well as being Shrewsbury and West Shropshire CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2018. Over 100 gins and an extensive range of other spirits as well as wines are also served.

In 2020 The Bailey Head won the national award for ‘Best Independent Craft Beer Pub or Bar – Rural’ from the Society of Independent Brewers, for which it has been a national finalist four years out of five. The pub is closed on Mondays. www.baileyhead. co.uk

Mansion House Llansteffan

Award-winning Mansion House Llansteffan is a magnificent property that offers guests a truly luxurious experience. Located on the outskirts of Llansteffan, on the coast of Carmarthenshire, this hotel is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy fine dining.

The hotel has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was originally built as a private residence. Today, it has been beautifully restored and modernised to offer guests all the comforts of a five-star hotel. The hotel features nine elegant bedrooms, each individually designed with traditional furnishings and modern amenities. Guests can also enjoy fine dining in the two AA Rosette restaurant, which serves a delicious menu of locally sourced produce.

The hotel’s location is also a major draw, as it is situated in stunning Welsh countryside, with breathtaking coastal views. This makes it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and fishing. www.mansion housellansteffan.co.uk

LUDLOW FARMSHOP

At Ludlow Farmshop there are exciting things on the way! The shop sees new seasonal produce from its Walled Garden, brand-new Scotch eggs and savoury pies, and the ice cream cabin opens for spring and summer. The onsite café Ludlow Kitchen has a passionate and talented team, dedicated to creating wonderful seasonal dishes. Many of the ingredients come from the Farmshop: fresh cakes, artisan cheeses, handmade butter, meat and preserves. The café also has a courtyard for warmer days.

Treat someone special to a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on 19th March, feast on freshly made sandwiches and cakes, not forgetting the traditional scone, cream and jam –and a complimentary glass of fizz for Mum! By popular demand, Puddings Galore returns on 13th April and is definitely one for those with a sweet tooth. Enjoy a main, then watch a parade of four desserts arrive at your table. www.ludlowfarmshop.co.uk

The Woodworks Cafe

Nestled amongst the plants at The Woodworks Garden Centre, The Woodworks Cafe is an award-winning cafe serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and indulgent afternoon teas. Enjoy tasty dishes, drinks and speciality teas and coffees by the warmth of the log burner or under a heated gazebo in the outdoor seating area. The menu offers a wide selection of hot and cold dishes and daily specials using locally sourced ingredients, freshly cooked and prepared to the highest standards. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. The Afternoon Tea menu features delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and tasty cakes.

Whether it’s for a family occasion, a business meeting or any special event, The Woodworks Cafe can remove the stress of catering and prepare delicious platters of fresh sandwiches, savouries and cakes for you and your guests to enjoy.

To book a table call 01352 752 555 (opt 3) or visit www.woodworksgc.com/cafe

The ever-popular Bailey Head

“A focus on microbrewery real ale and craft beer”

The restaurant has two AA Rosettes

Enjoy garden produce at Ludlow Kitchen

“Artisan cheeses, handmade butter”

“Scones with clotted cream”

Warm, friendly & welcoming

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 •

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

Get set, GO!

With a focus on fitness and springing into action at this time of year, Shire spoke to the expert building surveyors at Stokemont, who have gathered some helpful tips for anyone looking to convert their spare space into a home gym.

Flooring

Put down your floor before your equipment. Machines are heavy, so you want to make sure you assemble your space first. There are many different flooring options for home gyms, but for most we suggest stable matting, available online or from agricultural suppliers.

Proper storage

To maximise space, store as much on the wall as possible. This means buying things like barbell gun racks, plate storage that is screwed into wooden studs, resistance bands and chain holders.

Equipment and research

Research what’s best for your fitness goals – there’s plenty of guidance online. You don’t need expensive equipment, check second-hand marketplaces. Many people have built their home gyms by scouring Facebook Marketplace or even eBay. This way you can try out different equipment and sell the items that don’t work for you.

Get a good sound system

This may seem a minor detail, but it makes a big difference when it comes to exercising. Music motivates you to work out harder and better.

Invest in a mini fridge

Have a refrigerator in your gym so that cold protein shakes and drinks are always to hand – especially water. Mini fridges don’t have to be

expensive, and they are the perfect size. Again, check second-hand marketplaces near you to find inexpensive deals.

Tick the legal boxes

Once you’ve decided what you want and need, it’s important to make sure you have the necessary regulations and permissions under control. Bradley Mackenzie, from Stokemont Party Wall Surveyors, said: “Creating space in your garden has become extremely popular, from sheds to garages to the new, modern ‘garden rooms’. They’re not expensive or difficult to install. The structure would need to comply with permitted development or planning permissions and be building regulations compliant. Most installers will complete these tasks for you. However, some don’t, which can add delays and costs.

Measure up

He continued: “When creating a new structure, you must take notice of the Party Wall Act 1966. If any new structures are within six metres of any neighboring structures, Party Wall Notices will need to be served. This is also the case if the walls of the new structure are built up to the boundary line.

“It is also worth remembering to insulate, as garden structures can get cold in the winter. Storage heaters or electric radiators can be used, but keep these on a low setting to avoid expensive electricity bills.

“Finally, note the height of any equipment you plan to install. An average treadmill is anywhere from 25cm upwards from floor level, which will rise on an incline setting, so ensure your ceiling is high enough to accommodate the combined height of you and your equipment.”

For more advice visit www.stokemont.com/party-wall-surveyors

If you’re serious about getting fit or just maintaining your regular workout regime, you could save time and money by setting up your own fitness area at home

“The new, modern garden rooms are not expensive or di cult to install”

You can pick up lots of equipment second-hand

Save on travel time and work out at home

Sprucing up for summer

andscaping can be a fun and rewarding process, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for beginners. Here are Shire’s top tips to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor space for summer entertaining:

Plan your space Start by making a plan of your garden area and sketch out the design. This can be done on paper or with design software. Take into consideration the existing features such as trees, together with the direction (where does the sun rise?), prevailing wind patterns and the overall topography.

Determine your style Choose whatever best fits your personal taste – a formal garden, a cottage garden or something more contemporary? This will help you select the right plants, materials and design elements to create a cohesive look.

Consider your climate Choose plants that are well-suited to the local climate. For example, if your garden faces south and you live in a particularly dry area, select drought-tolerant plants. On the other hand, if you live in a colder, wetter part of the country, select plants that can tolerate those conditions.

Make a plant list Create a list of the plants you’d like to include in your garden. Make sure to select plants that complement each other and that have similar water, light and soil requirements. Also, consider what size they are likely to reach when mature and make sure they have enough room to grow.

It won’t be long before we’re welcoming lighter, warmer evenings and the chance to socialise outdoors. So get your garden ready to party!

Use natural materials Consider using natural materials such as stone, wood, or bamboo for elements such as a retaining wall, fence or pergola. This will create a sense of harmony with the natural surroundings and add warmth to your garden.

Make a focal point Consider creating a focal point in your garden, such as a water feature or a statue, a large potted plant or a colourful flowerbed. This will give your garden a sense of direction and make it more interesting to look at.

Incorporate pathways Add pathways or stepping stones to access different areas and to create a sense of flow. Pathways can also be used to lead the eye to the focal point.

What’s your style – formal, contemporary or more relaxed?

Add lighting Garden lighting is another great way to highlight garden features and to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider using solar-powered or low-voltage lights to keep energy costs down.

Create privacy If you need privacy in your garden, consider using hedges or trees instead of stark fences. You can also use lattice panels or trellises with climbing plants to create a green wall.

Consider maintenance Consider the maintenance required for your garden when drawing up your plans. For example, if you have a large garden, you may want to add a lawn mower storage shed to keep your tools and equipment organised.

Be patient Garden landscaping can take time and effort, so be patient and enjoy the process. Remember that a garden is a living, growing entity that will evolve and change over time.

Get professional help If you need help with your garden landscaping, consider hiring a professional landscaper or garden designer. They can help you make the most of the space you have, and provide expert advice on plants, materials and design.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and functional garden landscape that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. Happy gardening!

“Make sure the plants you choose have room to grow”

Pathways help to shape a design

A specimen tree makes a beautiful focal point

All the answers…

Shire’s regular columnist Holly Johnson, from Holly Johnson Antiques & Interiors in Cheshire, shares her solutions to some of the most common questions she is asked

I’mso fed up with the neutral scheme throughout the house but nervous about introducing colour and pattern. How do I make a start?

I’d suggest taking it slowly while you find your feet. Cushions are a great way to bring colour and pattern into a room – they really are the designer’s best friend. Contrasting sharper tones can be used as highlights, or start with similar tones with a stylised or geometric design. Designers Guild has a wonderful selection in two-tone fabrics and also louder, more exotic patterns.

We often use single armchairs to display bold or patterned fabrics and brighten up a space that’s neither here or there. Vintage rugs in warm tones relieve a stark palette and make a room more welcoming. Well-designed ceramics can add interest to a side table, while a beautifully framed piece of art takes the blandness off a neutral design.

I’maiming for a vintage feel – what colours, fabrics and wallcoverings should I go for?

The world is your oyster! Start with the main components: the walls and flooring. Then seating, furniture and curtains, before wall furniture and tables. Finally add art and decorative items. Take your time if you’re new to this. Layering fabrics and patterns is a good way to create a

vintage vibe. If you are feeling brave, go for a strong pattern or very bold colour in one of the components above, and balance it elsewhere in the room with a contrasting or

quieter tone. William Morris, Sanderson and Designers Guild all have a good selection of strong patterns and colours.

My partner and I have completely different design tastes. Any suggestions before we really fall out?! Start small. Maybe place an item that your partner likes in one area and add your preference in another. We don’t want any arguments! An eclectic mix of items and furniture, if worked slowly, makes a room interesting and can look like a carefully crafted collection!

I’dlike to be more adventurous with my interiors choices but I’m scared it would be too much. Can you advise?

Sometimes wallpaper patterns can be too strong for some people, in which case we use fabric or textured wallpaper. Stereo has a wonderful selection of wool, linen and soft, flat silk papers. If you want something a bit funkier, try Arte. Another option is to mix tones in the warmer palettes across the upholstery, curtains and walls – different shades of blues, greens or beiges for a layered effect.

I’m always behind in incorporating the latest colours into my schemes. What are the key looks for 2023?

Thinktextures and layers

At the moment I am interested in mixing browns. Mylands does a lovely Millbank no 254, which I put against vintage Danish leather sofas. I also can’t get enough of soft, salmony pinks. I love Earthborn’s Ballet Shoe and their Cupcake. I also like the colder palettes popular in Northern Europe. Designers Guild has a great selection. To see current stock, please visit www.hollyjohnsonantiques.com

Comfort with a conscience

Mobek is passionate about making a difference and providing solutions to bridge the gap between sustainability and accessibility. Their recycled plastic outdoor furniture is the perfect example of this mission in action.

With climate change an increasingly pressing issue, it is more important than ever to make conscious decisions to reduce our environmental impact. To achieve this, many people are turning to eco-friendly furniture solutions. Mobek Adirondack chairs and deep seating modular sofas are the perfect way to start your journey to a greener future. This stylish furniture is made from recycled plastic, meaning it’s not only good for the environment but extremely durable and long-lasting. The unique design ensures the chairs and sofas are comfortable and easy to maintain, so you won’t have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements. Quality construction means that your furniture will last for years. With a stylish and sustainable product like this, you can be sure that your investment will make a difference in the fight against climate change. Check out the range at www.mobek.co.uk or visit the showroom in Colwyn Bay.

“Wallpaper patterns can be too strong for some people”

Holly at the Knutsford showroom

Take one strong pattern and balance it out

How to avoid

cowboy builders

With the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at NEC Birmingham from 23rd-26th March, it is definitely the season for planning your next project. But beware the potential pitfalls, says DIY Doctor’s Mike Edwards, who is a guest speaker this year

Builders

know better than anyone how rogue traders – otherwise known as cowboys – operate,” said Mike Edwards of DIY Doctor. “We know the tricks they pull to get you to part with more money. We know how devastating it can be to be fooled by these tricksters, because we have often dealt with customers who have been reduced to tears by them.

“So, first of all, put some effort into finding a good builder or tradesman.Talk to every friend and colleague you have, ask if they’ve had any work done and how they got on with their builder. Would they recommend them? If you decide to use a commercial directory or lead generation company, remember that while some of these are good, others use the public as their checking method by asking them to rate tradespeople they have used. These reviews aren’t always objective. The builder you are going to use must be right for you. You should interview them yourself – and these are the questions to ask.

“How are you expecting to be paid?” Agree a payment schedule before you accept a quote, and discuss variations as you go. Not paying anything until the end could result in your contractor rushing the job in order to get paid.

“Can I see your insurance?” By being properly insured against

OUTTA SPACE?

As we tackle those home and garden projects, many of us need to add extra outside space. One local company has a range of solutions.

Based in Telford, Sheds Now offers a comprehensive range of gardening products and sheds for clients across Shropshire, and extending into north and mid Wales and Cheshire. Clients come to the garden shed experts for a variety of reasons – some looking for storage options, others to install a home office – but whatever their goal, the specialists have the stock and expertise to help them achieve it.

Installation

Each shed is handcrafted in England and there’s a fantastic selection to choose from, including apex sheds, potting sheds and combination

accidents, builders are protecting their livelihood. It indicates they’re in the job for the long term and not just grabbing a few pounds here and there before moving on.

“How long have you been trading?” Avoid anyone who’s not been trading for at least a year. If you have a big project, you want someone who knows how business works.

“Are you VAT registered?” For a job over £5,000 never use a contractor who is not VAT registered. Since the VAT ‘threshold’ is £85,000, it means they’ve only done small jobs, or less than three big jobs this year. They are either not up to your job or not busy – not a good sign.

“Can I see your references?” Ask for contact details for the last three or four jobs that are fairly local to you, then choose two to go and see. If the builder cannot, or will not do this, do not use him.

“Have you done much of this type of work?” If the answer’s yes, say: “Great, then you’ll know what to expect. Perhaps you could scour the plans and try to foresee all potential difficulties.” The message is clear: there should be no ‘unforeseen difficulties’ incurring extra charges.

Mike Edwards will be talking about how to work with tradespeople and avoid cowboy builders at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, 23rd-26th March, NEC Birmingham. www.diydoctor.org.uk

sheds, as well as animal housing options, such as dog kennels, chicken and duck houses and rabbit hutches. All available products are disability friendly and wheelchair accessible.

What is particularly impressive are the bespoke options on offer at Sheds Now, who have designers on hand to help construct your dream shed. Clients are invited to provide their specific requirements and budget, and the friendly team works hand in hand to ensure the final product ticks every box. All sheds come with minimum 6ft eaves on apex sheds and the lower side of pents as standard. Sheds Now also offers amazing playhouses at very affordable prices. www.shedsnow.co.uk

“The builder you use must be right for you”

DIY Doctor Mike Edwards

Genuine – or out for your money?

Water, water everywhere

Access to water is taken for granted by most of us, but if you are one of those who have a poor supply or are fed up with overpaying for your connection, there is an alternative…

Dragon Drilling specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of water boreholes. Using compact, rubber-tracked and manoeuvrable drilling rigs, they can help you to establish a selfsufficient water supply with minimal disruption to your property.

If you currently use a large volume of water and face costly meter charges from your mains supplier, a borehole can save you considerable sums of money. It also offers an excellent alternative if you have poor water quality or an unreliable supply. Sustainable in drought conditions and offering a reliable pressure, water boreholes can deliver safe, clean water direct to your property. Ideal for farms, caravan parks, leisure facilities and rural homes, water boreholes enable you to become independent of mains water. You do not require a licence if you are extracting less than 20,000 litres per day, meaning that the borehole installation costs will eventually be outweighed by the utility savings.

Splash out

When investing in a borehole for your property, whether commercial or domestic, Dragon Drilling will help you assess the feasibility of an installation and identify the potential cost savings based on your current metered charges. For many high water users, the borehole drilling installation costs can be fully recovered within two to three years. Dragon Drilling recommends all water boreholes are serviced

and maintained regularly to safeguard their optimum and long-term performance. They offer a complete aftercare package for your entire borehole system, which ensures it continues to operate correctly, efficiently and safely. They also have the expertise to service thirdparty installations.

Dragon Drilling also offers a water testing service as, whilst water abstracted from water boreholes is generally of high quality and chemical-free, some water sources are not always fit for human consumption, agricultural or industrial use. These sources could require treatment to remove potential chemical and bacterial contaminants and impurities.

According to the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2017, a private water supply must be consistent with drinking water standards. Dragon Drilling can carry out a series of approved water quality tests to ensure your supply is safe for human consumption and other uses. As contaminants can potentially exist in the source water and distribution system, they analyse a range of samples to ensure the water is fit for purpose. Call 01824 707777 or visit www.dragondrilling.co.uk

JB arrives with a BOOM!

Hehas a passion for the planet and young Whitchurch entrepreneur Jonjo Ashbrook wants to make a difference by helping consumers make ethical shopping choices, through products that are sustainable, Fair Trade and eco-friendly. Joining the family business – sister Maddie runs the successful MOOand BOOM store in the town – he has launched a sustainable clothing and lifestyle store for men in the new St Mary’s Arcade on the High Street.

JB and BOOM opened its doors at the end of last year, and for 2023 Jonjo has all sorts of plans to bring something unique to the Shropshire town. The 18-year-old, who has a Distinction in Sports Science from Ellesmere College, admits to being “a bit of a clotheshorse” when it comes to fashion, but believes there is a sustainable way to create an individual style. “Second-hand is not for everyone,” he says, but recycled materials, reused fabrics and BCI cottons are where he wants to be.

If you are furnishing your home and want to bring a room alive with a quality, quirky item of furniture, JB and BOOM delivers here

too. New finds appear regularly, sourced by Jonjo and Maddie’s mum Stella, an ex-auctioneer with an eye for the unusual, and are reupholstered or upcycled to fit the JB space. By introducing old with new, and adding soft furnishings in muted tones and a pop of colour, your signature style is born.

MOOand BOOM won two awards in 2022, its second year of trading – FSB Start UP Business 2022 and the Boutique Star Awards for New Independent in the UK. No pressure then, Jonjo! The company prides itself on positive trading and giving back to the community, aiming to model what it means to live more sustainably without compromising on your dreams.

There’s always something new

Find JB and BOOM at St Mary’s Arcade, Whitchurch, and keep up with all the news on social media @jbandboom @mooandboom

Your own supply may be the solution

“Costs can be fully recovered in two to three years”

Jonjo has plans

“Fair Trade and eco”

A winning team

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A shaggy sheep story

Brighten your home this spring with a hand-crafted animal foot rest from Ewemoo Footstools. Made in their Ystradgynlais Workshops near the Brecon Beacons, their signature shaggy footrests take the form of sheep, bulls, cows, pigs and goats – they even have chenille fabric hedgehogs! These adorable animals are available in a rainbow of colours, from natural sheep colours to the new electric blue. Ewemoo also sell cushions and throws made from Melin Tregwynt fabrics, as well as a truly Welsh range of homewares. Buy online, direct from the workshop or catch them on tour. www.ewemoo.co.uk

Candles galore at Corwen Manor

Corwen Manor Craft Centre began life in 1839 as the old Union Workhouse. It was bought by the Sayers in 1989 and is now a thriving craft centre. The shop is well known for its huge range of candles, all made in Wales, and also sells Welsh gifts, hand-made products from North Wales and a good selection of wool. A recent addition is the paint shop selling the ever-popular Frenchic paint and accessories

Corwen Manor also specialises in fishing tackle, and is happy to answer your angling queries and advise on local fishing. www. corwenmanor.co.uk

Fashion with a conscience

MOOand BOOM’s success as a destination shop for sustainable and ethically sourced clothing and homewares has a new o shoot in Whitchurch – JB and BOOM men’s sustainable lifestyle store. Expect on-trend smart, casual, smart casual and outerwear that doesn’t break the planet, together with gifts and homewares. The owner Jonjo is passionate about fashion and also about sustainability in clothing and soft furnishings. JB and BOOM also has one-o antiques and statement pieces to bring unique personality and style to any home – and a space for co cionados to try new brews! www.mooandboom.com

The Shire patch is home to an amazing array of independent retailers. We’re so lucky to have them! Here are a few of our favourites.

See the light in Oswestry!

Experience personal and friendly service at Moon

Lighting, a small independent lighting retailer in Church Street, Oswestry run by Carol Aitken and Mike Roberts, who know everything there is to know about the lighting industry. They o er a wide variety of products including pendants, wall lights, floor lamps, table lamps, lampshades, mirrors and photo frames, along with all manner of retro-fit LED light bulbs including vintage. They also sell the hard-to-find Laura Ashley lighting and mirror collections, and the latest outdoor and bathroom lights. Email: moonlighting3737@gmail.com

A funky oasis of beautiful things

Soulful Living, in Beaumaris and Bangor, o ers a quirky shopping experience supplying unique and original artisan gifts, homeware, jewellery, fragrances and Fairtrade clothing. Overflowing with gorgeous colours and exciting fabrics enjoy an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures from around the world, with everything from Indian pou es to Himalayan salt lamps.

Kerry Anne’s Soulful Living Lifestyle clothing range is bright and colourful, and you can choose the perfect Jaipur kimono or comfy harem pants. Open daily 10am-5pm. Follow @Soulful Living Lifestyle on Facebook.

Selling local meat to local people

Jamie Ward comes from a long line of farmers, but in 1999 he changed direction and began direct-selling homemade sausages and pork from his own pigs. Now Jamie Ward’s Traditional Family Butchers & Deli is a destination shop in Chirk, o ering locally sourced meats including Welsh Black sirloin and rump joints, venison and Welsh goat. The Deli o ers tempting savouries, including ‘ready meals’, as well as a hot bar and sweet treats. Open Tues-Fri 7.30am5.30pm, Sat until 2pm, in St Mary’s Precinct, Chirk. www.jamiewardsbutchers.co.uk

Local and eco-friendly

MOOand BOOM is a family-run retailer o ering a variety of sustainable living homeware, clothing, Fairtrade gifts and more from the UK and ethically sourced worldwide. They up-cycle furniture and sell antiques, natural beauty products and sustainable fashion in their beautiful store in Whitchurch, which is full of colour and gorgeous smells. A café kiosk at the back of the Green End store o ers vegan and glutenfree cakes and light bites, su used by the warmth of a cosy wood burner. There is also a studio hosting holistic workshops, yoga, Pilates and creative workshops. www. mooandboom.com

Everyone loves a market

Oswestry’s first recorded market formed some 800 years ago! Today the vibrant indoor market is held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, selling everything from fresh cakes and bread to antiques and gifts. There are interesting food outlets where you can sit and soak up the market atmosphere. The outdoor street market can be enjoyed every Wednesday and Saturday, with quality plant sellers and food producers, and there’s an artisan market on the last Friday of each month. Oswestry Markets were delighted to receive a Highly Commended Award in the Great British Market Awards 2023. www.oswestrymarket.co.uk

Made with love

Individually hand-crafted and quirky bears and mice are eagerly awaiting new, loving homes at Tweedies of Ludlow. Designed and lovingly produced by Patricia Clanzy-Hodge, from the finest Welsh and Shetland tweeds and yarns, they are perfect, beautiful, unique and a ordable gifts. Grab them whilst you can, as the shop will be closing down after almost 18 years, and Patricia is looking to use up her stock of tweeds, yarns and cotton fabrics. Email patricia@tweedies.biz or visit: www.tweedies.biz

Mystery shopper

For folk of a mysterious, magical persuasion, The Dead Faeries in Bangor is the place to go. Stocking Nemesis Now and Alchemy, two of the biggest names in alternative giftware, it also carries a huge range of crystals, incense, tarot and oracle cards. Also Crazy Colour and Manic Panic hair colours and much more. For queries and opening hours call 07884 008 321.

For all your shopping needs

Experience retail heaven at Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, near St Asaph. Choose from over 300 quality a ordable brands in clothing, home and lifestyle, and much more. Explore 50,000 square feet of variety and value over two floors.

As well as shopping Tweedmill is home to the Lord & Leslie Hair & Beauty Salon, Mill Clinic Health & Foot Care, Infinite Tailoring, and City Travel & Tours, not forgetting the café, co ee shop, tea rooms and farm shop.

Tweedmill is open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm, at Llannerch Park, St Asaph. www.tweedmill.co.uk

Fresh, ethical and hand-made

Daisy & Tilly’s Shop on the Hill is a new store just south of Shrewsbury, specialising in vegan, gluten-free, local produce, home baking, fine wines and beers and much more. They don’t stock big brands, preferring to sell local produce from small producers in Shropshire and beyond, including cut flowers from Little & Wild Flowers. There’s also a large selection of exquisite greeting cards and gifts: handmade jewellery from Stained Glass Art in Shifnal, creative cards from Flowerdog Photography, unique necklace and card sets from Emma Lawrence and many other ranges. www.daisyandtillys.shop

Wonderful Welsh woolies

A family business since 1859, Trefriw Woollen Mills process their wool using machines that are over 50 years old and powered by a 1940s water-driven turbine. Visit the shop to buy traditional Welsh ‘tapestry’ bedspreads, travel rugs and tweeds, all woven on site. Fabrics are made into throws, cushion covers, capes, hats, caps, bags, purses and more. The shop also stocks a wide range of pure wool knitwear and accessories, sheepskin goods and gifts. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm in Terfriw, Conwy Valley. www.t-w-m.co.uk

Plants&Gardens

Go wild!

The RHS has joined forces with the Wildlife Trusts to launch a special scheme this March in celebration of wildlife gardening

If you prefer a more natural look for your garden over carefully manicured landscaping, a springtime project from the Royal Horticultural Society might be perfect for you. Created in conjunction with nature saviours the Wildlife Trusts, ‘Wild About Gardens’ aims to encourage people to use their outdoor space to help support nature. From creating a pond to building a wormery, there is a wealth of information and ideas for encouraging wildlife – in particular, birds, the focus of the 2023 campaign.

You can see swifts, swallows and martins soaring through our skies from March to October and it is amazing to watch and hear these wonderful birds on their yearly visit. Sadly, their numbers are in decline. Climate change and human interference are their biggest threats –but there are plenty of things we can do at home to support these iconic birds. You might want to encourage the insects they eat, offer materials to help them nest, or build a swift box to act as a summer residence.

Create a pond

A pond is an attractive feature in any garden and, with a little thought about its design and construction, can also be a haven for wildlife. Over the past century, almost 70 percent of natural ponds have been lost from the UK countryside, meaning garden ponds and water features play an increasingly important role.

From a simple drinking source to a thriving habitat for multiple species, complete with its own ecosystem, water attracts wildlife. Pond skaters and diving beetles can arrive within a few weeks; damselflies and amphibians could easily be on the scene within the first year. Frogs, toads and newts will use even small bodies of water to breed. Caddis flies, mayflies, snails and water beetles all breed in water.

Large ponds will support waterfowl including mallard ducks, moorhens and coots, while swallows and house martins will pick off insects from above the water surface and use muddy areas for nest building.

Put the worms to work!

Another great idea is to get into worm composting. It’s a way to recycle kitchen and garden waste as well as create brilliant compost for the garden. A ‘worm bin’ consists of at least two compartments – a lower one to collect liquid and an upper composting area where the kitchen waste goes in and the worms are active. Over time it produces crumbly organic matter that can be used as a mulch, soil conditioner and a constituent of potting compost. A wormery is relatively easy to establish: you can find a guide at www.rhs.org.uk

The Wildlife Trusts are passionate about using our gardens to support wildlife. They say:

“Together, our gardens are a vast living landscape. With an estimated 24 million gardens in the UK, the way they are cared for can make a big di erence to the natural world. Large or small, window ledge or yard, your garden can be part of a mosaic of natural havens linking urban green spaces with nature reserves and the countryside.

“Hedgehogs, bats, sparrows, song thrushes and stag beetles are all declining species, but if we manage our gardens to benefit wildlife, these creatures and many more will find refuge. It’s not hard to help. After all, why have a plain, ugly fence when a green, living boundary can bring the riches of flowers, scent, berries, autumn colours and wildlife? If you dig a small pond, not for fish but for newts, dragonflies and pond skaters, you’ll also be providing water for birds. Plant up the edges with marsh marigolds and purple loosestrife and you’ll have nectar stations for insects and beauty to dwell on. Find these and more projects at www.wildlifetrusts.org/gardening

“A LIVING LANDSCAPE” Build

Imagine our summer skies without this high flyer

Steal a March on spring

March is the first month of meteorological spring and it arrives with the prospect of warmer weather, longer days and the start of the growing season

Wemight all be champing at the bit to get back in the garden, but while winter is technically behind us, frost or snow are still possible, so do be guided by the weather and work your soil only when conditions are dry and mild. That said, there are lots of jobs to be done this month and next, and it will pay to get ahead before nature goes into overdrive!

“Finish pruning your roses now”

Lis Morris, lecturer in Horticulture and Sustainable Technologies at University Centre Reaseheath in Cheshire, says: “Plants start into vigorous growth as soon as the weather warms up. Any preparation while your garden is relatively dormant will make life much easier later on.”

In the garden

• Thoroughly weed herbaceous beds, mulch generously with compost

• Add general purpose fertiliser around hungry plants such as roses, and shrubs and hedges too – and finish pruning your roses

• Trim ornamental grasses to make room for new growth

• Lift, divide and replant overgrown clumps of perennials

• Remove dead foliage from alpines and mulch with grit to keep dry

• Top-dress containers with fresh compost, plant with lilies and other summer-flowering bulbs

• Place bug boxes or bundles of hollow stems in sheltered corners where insects can lay their eggs

• Continue feeding the garden birds so they’re in peak health for the breeding season.

A CUT ABOVE

In honour of Mother’s Day (19th March, don’t forget!) here is Shire’s pick of the garden’s best bloomers. Plant now and next year you can cut your own bouquet…

Lilies

Oriental lilies in particular are a top choice for fragrance and their glamorous, trumpet-shaped flowers. You only need a few stems to make a dramatic and exotic-looking cut-flower display.

Tulips

For an early blaze of colour, plant lots of tulip bulbs so that you’ll be able to cut plenty for indoors without denting your garden display. Cut tulips are thirsty flowers – keep an eye on the fluid level in your vase, and avoid mixing with cut daffodils as a chemical in the daffodil sap interferes with them taking in water.

In the vegetable plot

• When conditions are right, make outdoor sowings of hardy veg such as spinach, broad beans, beetroot, onions and kale; protect with fleece

• Plant early potatoes in trenches or large tubs

In the greenhouse

• Take down bubble insulation and give glass a thorough wash, inside and out, to get rid of pests and let in maximum light

• Buy good value young bedding plants for growing on under glass, or sow your own in a propagator

• Start crops like celeriac, celery and lettuces indoors

• Sow sweet peas in deep pots, cover with clear wrap and place in a light, bright place

• Sow peas or beans indoors in plastic guttering filled with compost. When you’re ready to plant out, dig a shallow row in your prepared plot, then slide in the whole row of seedlings

• Open greenhouse vents on sunny days to aid air circulation

For more on courses at Reeseheath see www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ horticulture and for degrees, ucreaseheath.ac.uk/courses

Peonies

Peonies are prized for their beautiful, large blooms. Just a few stems are enough to create a stunning arrangement. Pick before the bud opens, when it’s soft between finger and thumb like a marshmallow.

Dahlias

With showy blooms in a range of colours, forms and sizes, dahlias light up sunny borders as well as being a brilliant option for a cut bouquet. They suit most garden styles, from tropical to cottage borders, and smaller types can be grown in containers.

Sweet peas

You can grow beautiful and flouncy annual sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) from seed each year for their heavenly fragrance and for cutting. Allow them to climb over obelisks or twiggy supports in borders or in a cutting garden.

TOP TIP Plant strawberries in hanging baskets or planters to keep the fruits away from slugs

Get those early spuds in!

On sunny days, let in some fresh air

AFONWEN CRAFTS

Arts&Crafts Meet the artists

3rd March, Weaving with Trevor Blackburn Trevor will be here working, with his selection of cosy hats, scarves and shawls.

10th March, Cross Stitch by Carol Carol has some beautiful cross-stitch items, plus other handmade crafts and cards.

15th March, Handcrafted Gifts by Hannah Gifts from glass, slate and wood, which can be engraved in Welsh or English.

16th & 17th March, Tracey Davies

Local artist Tracey paints mainly from photographs of pets and people, or places that hold a special memory.

22nd March, Handmade Jewellery by Crafty Sisters

The ladies will be busy adding to their collection of jewellery, made from various materials and colours.

25th & 26th March, Gill Benjamin

Another chance to see paintings by this wonderful local artist. Gill is happy to take commissions.

8th & 9th April, Eco Silver Jewellery by Sandra Roberts Sandra has some beautiful pieces made using eco silver, which she embellishes with pretty stones.

13th & 14th April, Spinning

Masterclass with Jenni Frost

To book a half-hour slot with Jenni to learn the basics of this wonderful craft, contact her direct at jennifrost@outlook.com

Jayne Huskisson is a textile artist living on the Isle of Anglesey who is opening her studio as part of this year’s Anglesey Arts Weeks Open Studios and Galleries event from 1st to 16th April.

Jayne is one of over 50 painters, sculptors, filmmakers, printmakers, photographers, installation artists and craft workers who will be delighted to welcome you to their studio and share their

island’s birdlife – for her, birds are intrinsic to the character of the landscape. With an evident love of colour and using a vibrant palette encapsulated by a simplicity of line, Jayne paints on silk. Her style is naïve yet shows a sophistication and assurance in design with careful execution. Her work includes limited and open-edition prints and homeware. You can see more of Jayne’s textile artwork at www.angleseytextileart.co.uk or contact her

15th & 16th April, Thelma Evans

Local artist Thelma paints florals, landscapes and seascapes, and can take commissions.

18th & 19th April, Marie at Earth

Deva Unusual gift items and Egyptian-themed jewellery.

29th & 30th April, Jackie at Jewels Jackie has some lovely pieces of handmade jewellery and accessories, and can repair your own broken items of jewellery.

Afonwen Craft & Antique Centre is near Mold. www.afonwen.co.uk

inspiration and processes, and showcase their work. Full details, including information on free Art & Landscape walks at www.angleseyartsforum.org

Island characters

Much of Jayne’s work captures the surrounding landscape of Anglesey and North Wales with a contemporary twist. She is fascinated by the

AAA Spring Exhibition

The Association of Animal Artists is set to present another stunning collection of animal artwork as diverse as nature itself. From realistic big cats in coloured pencils to gestural elephants in oils, as well as amazing 3D artwork, there is something for the whole family to enjoy at the group’s spring show at the Granary, Weston Park. The twiceyearly shows draw a huge crowd and the group says it hopes “to inspire all visitors to

through social media:

Facebook @Jayne Huskisson –Anglesey Textile Art Instagram @jayne huskissonartist

reconnect with nature and realise the unique beauty of the animals we share the planet with”.

Former chair Julie Cross said: “AAA exhibitions support our animal welfare and conservation charity partners by donations, but we also give voice to the issues they promote, raising public awareness and helping to preserve the animal kingdom that inspires us – and that really is special.” The exhibition runs from 29th April-31st May. www.associationofanimalartists.com

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery in Caerwys, Flintshire, is owned by Dave and Lise Roberts and is the only independent art gallery in North East Wales. Free to visit, fully accessible and family

Precious One by Sarah Perry Fine Art

April provides an unmissable opportunity to meet your favourite artists in person and learn more about their creative processes as part of Anglesey Arts Weeks

There’s no shortage of inspiration close by

Characters of Anglesey

Jayne draws on the beauty around her

“The style is naïve yet assured in design”

NOT here

A Llandudno gallery has scored a UK first, securing a solo show from an exciting international artist to launch its 2023 season

To open 2023, Mostyn is proud to present the first UK institutional solo exhibition by Mexican-German artist Stefan Brüggemann. In his art as well as his own artistic and cultural identity he defies categorisation. ‘Not Black, Not White, Silver’ presents “the grey area in between”, across the artist’s work from the past 20 years.

Brüggemann’s art-making reflects on the paradoxes of society using language and carefully chosen materials. Born in Mexico City and dividing his time between Mexico, London and Ibiza, he represents a strange merger of conceptualism and minimalism, refined and luxurious whilst maintaining a punk edge.

Challenging the viewer

Spanning sculpture, video, painting and drawing, Brüggemann uses text

friendly, it opened in 2022 and presents the finest Welsh art and craft in mediums including painting, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, glass, textiles, wood and metalwork. It is already being described as one of the most important galleries in the country.

Work by 50 artists is on display, all of them from Wales. Everything is for sale and there is something for every budget. The gallery sits in the grounds of Glasfryn Hall, which is opened for special exhibitions and at other times by appointment. www.oriel glasfryn.com

‘Horizon Garden’, Ty Pawb, Wrexham. Until 8th April. This group exhibition will explore community and alternative growing, in response to climate change, social isolation, loneliness and food poverty. It will profile examples of useful art/social art projects including GRAFT, Granby Winter Garden, Company Drinks, Coedpoeth Community Garden and others.

Emphasising the wellbeing benefits of nature, the exhibition will also serve as a lush and vibrant green escape for visitors, featuring work by visual artists Morag Colquhoun, Owen Gri ths, Jackie Kearsley, Sumuyya Khader, Jonathan LeVay, Ann McCay, Aidan Myers and Alessandra Saviotti.

On display will also be a selection of artwork loaned from Amgueddfa Cymru including work by Graham Sutherland, Maurice de Vlaminck and Dr Harold Drinkwater. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

in installations that are rich in social critique and a post-pop aesthetic. In the middle gallery at Mostyn, Headlines and Last Lines in the Movies (Guernica), commands attention with overlays of contemporary headlines and closing lines from historically important drama, spray-painted in red, white and blue.

With superimposed texts and spray paint in black, the plywood wall Hyper-Palimpsest (2019) in the next gallery further challenges legibility and interpretation and is accompanied by audio of Iggy Pop reading the artist’s entire catalogue of text statements. The neon works I can’t explain and I won’t even try (2003) and This work is realised when it is destroyed (2014) confront the idea of meaning and art with a marked absence. In creating these spaces of doubt, Brüggemann invites the viewer in. While the layering of texts challenges legibility, it also allows for multiple possibilities. Not Black, Not White, Silver is at Mostyn, Vaughan St, Llandudno from 18th March17th June. Tues-Sat 10.30am-4pm. Free.

Portraits from The Tabernacle Collection, MOMA, Machynlleth. Until 22nd April

MOMA displays portraits from its own Tabernacle Collection including works by Augustus John, Peter Edwards, John Bratby, Ruskin Spear, Michael Kidd, Michael Tomlinson, Meirion Alan Ginsberg, Gladys Vasey, Mervyn Levy, and the latest portrait to be added to the collection: Island Man (The Bardsey Boy) by Brenda Chamberlain.

The Williamson Open 2023, The Williamson Gallery, Birkenhead, Wirral. Until 29th April

The 60th edition of the Williamson Open Art & Photography Exhibition is fast approaching. Every year since 1962 (barring 2021 due to the pandemic), the Williamson Open has aimed to reflect the current active visual arts scene in Wirral. Entry is open to artists and photographers who have connections with Wirral through birth, education, residency or occupation. Work in all media is accepted.

Headlines and Last Lines in the Movies (Guernica), 2019

Artist Stefan Brüggemann

PHOTO COMPETITION

Once again, Shire readers and snappers have impressed us with your enthusiasm for our regular photography competition. Your entries for the ‘Signs of Spring’ topic were truly inspiring and we’ve printed as many as we can on these pages, so thank you for all your e orts. ey make a wonderful and cheering sight at this time of year!

For the next challenge we want you to think a little creatively and have some fun with the title ‘What could it be?’ We want to see pictures that we can’t immediately recognise. Whether it’s a tiny detail you’ve zoomed right in on, or an abstract angle that makes something look like something else – let’s keep our readers guessing. (But please do let us know what the image is really of so we can solve the mysteries!) Send your entries to us at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk Good luck and happy snapping!

By Michelle Boden

By Kenneth Davies

By Kerry France By Gill Jones

By Kerry France

By Kenneth Davies

By Kenneth Davies

By Margaret Davies

By Margaret Davies

By Margaret Davies

By Mandy Francis

A Virtuous Killer

An uncompromising thriller set in the lawless borderlands surrounding Lake Chad. Jamilah has rebuilt her life after one family tragedy: now they’ve taken her sister. This time she must act but a nurse is trained to save lives not end them, and how can she even get close to a  corrupt well-protected Governor and an

Chester-based author JH McCullough’s debut novel ‘A Virtuous Killer’ published by i2i Publishing is available from Amazon, Amazon Kindle and all good bookstores.

Tweedies

Pets&Wildlife YOUNG PEOPLE DEMAND ACTION

Atthe end of 2022, the governments of the world gathered in Canada at COP15. This series of conferences focuses not on global climate issues – like the high-profile COP27 – but explicitly on biodiversity. Determined to help reverse the loss of nature around the world by 2030, Welsh Climate Change Minister Julie James MS attended, and Wildlife Trusts Wales made sure their Youth Manifesto was produced to accompany their rallying call to policymakers.

Wildlife Trusts Wales’ project ‘Stand for Nature’ empowers young people to take action in their local area to tackle climate change. From urban Cardiff to rural Ynys Môn, young people are standing for nature and their futures. Their document for COP15, entitled Wildlife, Wales, and the World: A Youth Manifesto, sets six global challenges and six challenges for Wales, including reducing pesticides and plastics, increasing green spaces, and support for farmers to protect nature.

Rachel Sharp, director of Wildlife Trusts Wales, said: “Young people’s voices should be heard at every level, as they will inherit the planet. Although the Welsh Government has agreed to protect 30 percent of land and sea by 2030, this must include legally binding targets for nature’s recovery. Wales also needs to provide financial and practical support, particularly to farmers and communities so they can play their role in bringing nature back.

“Young people across Wales and the world are imploring their leaders to stand up for nature. Even some of the youngest in our groups are aware nature is struggling. Jacob, 11, said: ‘We shouldn’t just protect what nature is left, we should actually bring animals back into their habitats to make the world wilder again.’” Are you aged between nine and 24, and ready to Stand for Nature in Wales? Find out more at www.wtwales.org/stand-for-nature-wales

Welsh Lady Preserves is a family -run business established in 1966; makers of a wide range of premium award-winning fruit preserves, chutneys, sauces, relishes and mustards, cooked in traditional copper open pans.

When world leaders gathered to discuss how to save the natural world, young people from Wales made sure their voices were heard

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“We should actually bring animals back into their habitats”

Governments came from around the world

There is a huge choice of high quality local food and drink produced in the Shire region, from dairy farms, locally reared meat, fish from the Irish Sea, local varieties of fruit and vegetables, micro breweries, distilleries and vineyards.

Cute Pets

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Eddie the Cavalier spaniel patiently waiting for walkies

Poppy the cockerpoo

Pablo the Frenchie can be a bit of a diva but is a real goofball

Hugo the two-year-old dappled miniature Dachshund

Hamish

Eight-month-old Tommy

Border collies Badger and Drift

Archie loving the beach

Storm and Luna from Llangedwyn

Martha in the snow

Noodle the lovely blueeyed snow-spotted Bengal will be 14 in June

Bocker Remi having a laugh

Boris finishing a snack

BLOOMING SUCCESS

A flourishing wildlife garden in Deeside unveiled only last year has already won an award for conservation

Thenew wildlife corridor and wellbeing garden at Coleg Cambria Deeside has received a prize in the business category at the inaugural Bionet Awards. Bionet, the local nature partnership for North East Wales, praised the college for the creation of a biodiverse area featuring more than 2,000 native bulbs, fruit trees, hedgerows, bird, bat and hedgehog boxes, and space where students, staff and the

“Other departments and the college as a whole will benefit from this initiative long term as we have included development and maintenance of the site into our class schedule, working in partnership with stakeholders such as Keep Wales Tidy and local businesses. In future we will be using the garden for wellbeing sessions, including exercise and mindfulness, so it will have even more of an impact.”

A top job

Samantha Moore, the college’s curriculum director for Jobs Growth Wales added: “Coleg Cambria prides itself on the principles of togetherness, sustainability, the environment and education, so to be recognised for that is fantastic. I am so proud of all the hard work Brian and the whole Jobs Growth Wales+ team put in to receive this award. It is so deserved.”

community can improve health and wellbeing.

Classroom assistant Brian Valentine and a group of Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, staff and members of the Construction Trainee Academy began work on the 40 square metre site 12 months ago as part of Keep Wales Tidy’s ‘Local Places for Nature’ project.

Brian was thrilled for them to be recognised with this accolade and said: “To win this award less than 12 months after the garden and wildlife corridor opened is a huge honour for us. As it’s a living, breathing project it will continue to evolve and grow, but this gives us a platform to do even more in the years ahead.

The 50kg baby

Chester Zoo welcomed a super-cute new arrival at the end of last year. Shire catches up with rare rhino calf Jiya as she grows… and grows…

Since Chester Zoo’s rare one-horned rhino Asha delivered her calf last October, mum and daughter have bonded closely, say keepers, with little Jiya sporting the same slightly wrinkled armoured plating as her parents.

Listed as ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ on the Red List of threatened species, there are estimated to be only around 3,000 rhinos like Jiya left in the wild.

The Bionet Awards, held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, featured eight categories, including prizes for high schools, volunteers, community groups, primary schools and town or community councils. The awards spokesperson added: “Bionet believes it is important to celebrate successes achieved for biodiversity. In the face of the ecological emergency, a lot of the news we hear has a negative narrative but there are lots of people making a positive impact through local actions, including Brian and the team at Coleg Cambria. They were fully deserving of the award, and we wish them well with the project going forward.”

Sam Harley, rhino team manager said: “The sheer size of this species is incredible. Jiya was born weighing 50kg and will grow to around 1.7 tonnes. But despite their stature, they have a really soft side. They have been so relaxed and calm, spending time side by side bonding.

Under threat

“In the wild, rhinos are under threat from habitat loss, as well as poaching,” explained Sam. “These prehistoric-looking animals lose their lives for their horns, which are used in traditional Asian medicine. There’s no proof these medicines work, meaning these gentle giants are slaughtered for no reason. This is what makes our work so important. Asha, Jiya and dad Beni help our two million visitors a year to connect with this magnificent species. At one point, there were less than 200 in the wild so it’s a real privilege to be able to care for them.”

The hard-working team behind the prize garden

Samantha Moore and Brian Valentine accepting the award

“It’s a living, breathing project”

The first shaky steps

A nuzzle from Mum

“It’s a privilege to care for them”

Gate Expectations

Gate Expectations

Baa, oink, moo! Give a gift of Ewemoo, The wonderful Welsh wonders, To the people who love, loving you, Everyone’s favourite! The Welsh-made Ewemoo footstools.

Offering a range of bespoke footstools in every colour imaginable, these magical and totally unique works of art are a must for any home or office space.

From the original sheep foot stools to pigs, cows, bulls & goats there’s a Ewemoo for everyone. There are wonderful natural colours together with a variety of bright & quirky colours. Each foot stool is hand crafted in Wales, with care and attention to details and lots of love. Whether you’re gifting yourself (and who could blame you!) or buying one as a gift, it’s sure to bring a smile to the face of everyone who sees it.

All creatures great and small

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1. Vintage rose sheep doorstop £40, Melin Tregwynt, Haverfordwest; www.melintregwynt.co.uk

2. The Owlery coaltit coaster £4.75, Mostyn, Llandudno; www.mostyn.org

3. Wrendale Designs oven glove £12, Anna Davies, Betws-y-Coed; www.annadavies.co.uk

4. Pheasant pasta bowl £24, Emma Bridgewater; www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

5. Yellow Ducks tea towel £12.50, Silver Pear, Ludlow; www.silverpear.co.uk

6. Jasper and Carrot feather cushion £29, Make Your House A Home, Whitchurch; www.makeyourhouseahomewhitchurch.com

7. Duck print mug £7, Love Roobarb, Bridgnorth; www.loveroobarb.co.uk

8. Kate of Kensington Farmyard marble sharing platter £49.99, Charlies Home and Garden, Shrewsbury; www.charlies.co.uk

9. Burgon & Ball Plucky Chicken storage tin £16.95, Petcetera, nr Whitchurch; www.petcetera.co.uk

10. Daisy decoir mat (inner) £4.99 (rubber frame sold separately £9.99), Minshulls Garden Centre, Crewe; www.minshulls.co.uk

Sheep foot rest £130, Ewemoo Footstools; www.ewemoo.co.uk

JJ Textile Mini Hares wool and cotton blanket £105, Meirion Mill, Machynlleth; www.meirionmill.co.uk

Impress Forest Hare place mats £6.99 for set of six, The Range; www.therange.co.uk

A golden

Are you sitting on your very own gold mine? Shire talks to Dave McGray of Gold and Silver Roadshow about unearthing forgotten treasure at home to fund that special something or just to settle those rising bills

Most of us idly dream of winning the pools or the lottery, but many ordinary households have forgotten valuables stored away – old gold and silver jewellery, items and collectibles that could be turned into cash.

“A lucky couple called at one of our recent roadshow events with a couple of gold chains, a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver coins. We paid them over £1,600 just for the coins alone,” says expert Dave McGray. “They turned out to be pre-1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collectable.”

“A free, honest valuation within a few minutes”

Perhaps you have something you’ve stashed away because it was given to you by a relative or no longer fits in with your decor? “Dealers are paying big prices for old jewellery and gold and silver objects,” says Dave. “Most unusual gold and silver items are no longer fashionable, but we deal with collectors who will pay high prices for these. Wristwatches and old-fashioned pocket watches can surprise you with their value –you will be amazed by the amounts currently being offered.”

Gold and Silver Roadshow will give you a free, honest valuation with attentive service, within a few minutes and rarely any need to queue.

“Our expert will give you a one-on-one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area with no one

Did you know?

looking over your shoulder. If you like the valuation, our expert will make you an offer in cash, which you can accept or decline, at no cost to yourself.”

If you think you don’t have anything of value, think again. “We will look at old or foreign coins, old wrist or pocket watches, chains, bracelets, rings and bangles – in any condition, broken or not,” says Dave. “If you think it is a diamond ring, bring it along and we will confirm it to be genuine. If you have an old trophy or tankard or any silver-coloured items, let us value them for you.”

Gold and Silver Roadshow is interested in all foreign and pre-1947 UK silver coins. “We pay at least 10 times face value for these,” promises Dave.

MEDAL WINNERS

As well as gold jewellery and coins such as sovereigns, Krugerrands and Maples, there are less obvious items that could be of interest, such as dental gold. Likewise Dave is interested in any silver such as trays, teapots, cigarette cases and cutlery. “I’d also offer cash for platinum and antique jewellery”

In addition, Gold and Silver Roadshow is on the look-out for war medals and old Masonic memorabilia and medals. “We have paid thousands of pounds for certain war medals and even the General Service Medal group is worth bringing in, especially if you have the original box and letters to accompany them.” Also of great interest are old military uniforms, tunics, hats and any Army, Navy or RAF field gear.

So why not have an early spring clean, dig out those ‘no longer treasured’ items and turn them into cash?

Gold and Silver Roadshow

A very lucky couple called at one of our recent roadshow events with a couple of old gold chains and a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver shilling coins. We paid them over £1600.00 just for the coins alone. They turned out to be pre-1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collected. We asked them for their permission to pass on this story on and they were only too pleased to allow us to let everyone know that they might be sitting on a goldmine and not even know it! Like most people,

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who can only dream of winning the pools or the lottery, a lot of normal households have a hidden treasure of old gold jewellery, silver jewellery, teapots, trophies, trays and old objects d’art.

Why not get a free valuation from our expert at our roadshow. There is no queuing and our expert will give you a one-on-one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area. If you like the valuation our expert will make you the same offer in cash which you can accept or decline at no cost to yourself.

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Health&Beauty SIMPLY THE BEST

Shire’s nutrition expert Dr Tanja Harrison has a way to keep your tummy and your tastebuds happy – and an easy recipe you can try yourself at home

Fermenting has been around for thousands of years – it’s one of the very earliest methods of preserving fresh foods and is still widely used in traditional (and modern) cuisine around the world. Fermented products are becoming increasingly popular in the UK too, not only for their enhanced taste but for their health properties.

Sourdough bread, kefir (milk-based or water-based), sauerkraut and Korean kimchi (both cabbage-based) are just a few examples. There are different ways of starting the process of fermentation. Take shredded cabbage, for example: you can massage it with salt to draw out water from the cell walls, until there’s enough liquid to fully submerge it (no longer exposing it to the air). This is known as lactic

MYTH BUSTER

acid fermentation, and results in a pleasant tang due to the bacteria involved. Left several weeks to mellow, sauerkraut develops a quite buttery taste. Whilst the smell might be an acquired odour (my husband will vouch for this!), the richness of flavour is a treat.

Starter’s orders

Other fermented products, such as kefir, require a starter culture, which you can buy online. Or you make your own starter (as for sourdough), a process that takes several days. If produced carefully and under good food hygiene conditions (clean hands and equipment!), these products are an excellent source of beneficial microorganisms that are good for our gut. And by helping to keep our gut bacteria well-fed and happy, they might also have beneficial effects for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, excess weight and cardiometabolic diseases.

If you don’t immediately take to the taste, start by adding a tablespoon to other meals.

This time we’re debunking popular myths around a common childhood a iction: nits. Let’s sort the nonsense from the need-to-know…

Nits only live in clean hair

Myth! Children found to have head lice (often called nits, although that is actually a term for their eggs) are often reassured by being told lice prefer clean hair. It might make kids feel better but this is not true. Realistically, a head louse has only one preference and that is for a warm

Lice hop from head to head

This one is also false. Head lice are tiny, wingless insects – they cannot fly, and their six

When buying fermented foods, pay attention to the label. If a product has been pasteurised, it will have undergone heat treatment to increase its shelf life, reducing the beneficial bacteria. To get the full

benefits, look for raw unpasteurised products. Why not try making sauerkraut at home? Follow Justine Pattison’s recipe at www.bbc. co.uk/food/recipes/sauerkraut_19958

Dr Tanja Harrison is a registered nutritionist and lecturer in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Chester

legs are not very good for jumping. They can only crawl from one head to another, which is why kids putting their heads together while playing or working side by side in the classroom is a common way to spread head lice.

You can catch nits from pets

No, you can’t. Obviously cats and dogs, as well as other household animals, have their own issues with fleas or mites that may infest them – but these creatures stick to their hosts. The theory that you can catch lice from animals is just not true – a head louse is specifically evolved to live on a human head and the same goes for a common cat or dog flea.

Headlice are 2-3mmlong

“It develops a buttery taste and richness”

Fermented veg taste as good as they look!

Making kefir

PLAS ISAF

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POPPY SIGNS PRO

HABERDASHERS’ ADAMS ANNOUNCES HISTORIC CHANGE

Girls to be admitted to the Shropshire grammar from 2024

Haberdashers’ Adams in Newport has announced plans to go fully co-ed from September 2024, following consultation with staff, pupils, parents and alumni. The new admissions policy will begin in September 2023, with the first cohort of girls welcomed to sit the entrance exam. There will be no reduction in opportunities for boys in the local area, as priority will still go to local pupils first, with the continued option of boarding for boys from further afield.

Head Gary Hickey commented: “Girls have thrived in our sixth form for 30 years. This next exciting step is part of the natural evolution of Haberdashers’ Adams. It’s a wonderful opportunity to offer a first-class grammar school education to boys and girls in the heart of Shropshire.”

DERWEN STUDENTS’ STREET DANCE SUCCESS

Talentedperforming arts students from Derwen College are dancing for joy following their great success in the Audacity Winter Street Tournament. The dance crew, which included many new members who had never attended a dance competition before, won first place in the over-18s beginners’ group category, as well as achieving highest scoring crew in the special educational needs

College has a big focus on sports, and nurtures the serious development of aspiring footballers through the Myddelton College Football Academy. Coaches o er detailed, structured training, advice and information on how to improve technically, tactically and physically with every session.

Following a rigorous selection process with more than 1,000 candidates, the talent and dedication of Myddelton student Poppy Holt was rewarded when she was signed for Manchester United u14s. Poppy will now be training with her new team three times a week.

SAFETY FIRST FOR NEW DRIVERS

Members of the Shropshire Fire and Rescue service visited Oswestry School to speak to sixth form students about safety when driving. With many about to embark on their first driving lessons, the importance of attention, speed, seatbelts, distractions and the e ect of drink and drugs was stressed. Students enjoyed trying on goggles that recreated the e ect that being tired or under the influence could have on reactions and the interpretation of distance.

LESSONS IN LIFE AND LEARNING FROM WELSH RUGBY ACE

Sta and students at St David’s College were delighted to welcome Welsh rugby legend Scott Quinnell. One of Welsh rugby’s most accomplished players, Scott is an enormous figure both on and o the field, having earned 52 caps for Wales (seven as captain), as well as three for the British and Irish Lions.

category, which sent them directly to the championships. Several students also competed individually or as duos and quads, winning golds, silvers and bronzes in their categories.

Scott was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 21, and more recently dyspraxia. As learning di culties have dominated his life, the player is keen to raise the profile of dyslexia and dyspraxia provision in schools.

“The most important thing is to ask for help” said Scott, who spent time discussing the issues that have a ected him and the strategies he has used to overcome them. Of course, there was time for some rugby as well, with Scott coaching some of the St David’s 1st XV.

The sixth form has been co-ed since 1993

Myddelton

Poppy Holt: the next level

First class: the Derwen crew

“Ask for help,” was Scott’s message to learners

“A wonderful opportunity to o er a fi rst-class grammar education”

“Many new members had never attended a competition before”

An effective session

ASPIRING MEDICS PUT TO THE TEST

Multiple-Mini Interviews (MMIs) are used by most UK medical, dental and veterinary schools to interview candidates, often involving eight or ten different interview stations in one setting. To help students prepare for this, Moreton Hall welcomed doctors from the RJAH hospital and a local GP to the newly opened Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre for a practice MMI event.

Students from 12 different schools attended, and received valuable feedback on their performances to help build their confidence and skill in this interview format.

Moreton Hall drama students also took advantage of an

A LITERARY-INSPIRED MASTERPIECE

Year9 students from Lakelands Academy in Ellesmere have left their mark on the school by creating a giant mural to brighten up the stairwell leading to the English Department, with the help of a professional graffiti artist. The mural depicts different book genres including horror, poetry, sci-fi and adventure to show how reading can transport you to different worlds. The students spent a day working with artist Nick Halahan to create the artwork,

which incorporates their own ideas and designs along with quotes from famous authors.

HEAD’S COLUMN

Two current concepts in education discourse are the disappearance of childhood and ‘infantilised adults’. These concepts are entwined with the modern world’s obsession with technology and hold serious warnings regarding reading. The prevalence of imagery in instant communication, and the reduction in the amount of writing we do, reduce our capacity to read, as we are unable to retain focus long enough to do the required ‘brain work’. That’s where outdoor education comes in, offering children the opportunity to get away from the distractions of the connected world, creating space for them to take risks and figure out things for themselves without adult interference.

In the 85 acres of Moor Park, children explore a world with wide horizons. And just maybe, we’ll be producing young people who enjoy their own time, love reading, and act independently.

opportunity to practise their character skills by role-playing tricky patients, a contribution appreciated by all concerned.

Centre of cricket excellence

Ellesmere College has retained its place in the top 100 senior schools for cricket in the UK for the sixth year running. The College has been chosen from a record number of entries to feature in the prestigious 2023 Cricketer Schools Guide, with its highly successful Cricket Academy and Player Pathway programme noted as a centre of excellence for youngsters keen to develop their talents in the sport alongside their academic studies.

The college has links with Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire county programmes, and is a hub for the local community, providing opportunities to boys and girls of all abilities.

YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Oliver Pearce of St David’s College for winning the ISA Young Musician of the Year award.

Year 8 student Oliver, from Conwy, faced stiff competition from 38 pupils from across the UK. For the finals in Warwick, the gifted cellist chose a fourminute piece called Juli-O by composer Mark Summer. His virtuoso performance impressed the judges and he took home the top prize.

“I love the musicality of the piece,” said Oliver, who is working towards his Grade 8 exam. “I have been practising before I go to school and in the evenings. I was the only cellist in my age category, I was up against lots of pianists, a violinist and a clarinet player. ”

The 12-year-old also enjoys acting and has a main role in the school’s eagerly anticipated production of Matilda

Students received valuable feedback

The Year 9s with Nick

Keen players can follow a dedicated Pathway

Brendan Brady, Moor Park

“…to help build confidence and skill”

“Reading can transport you”

“Chosen from a record number of entries”

Oliver Pearce: cello virtuoso

Ruthin School rated top

Ruthin School has again been named top independent school in North Wales in the 2023 edition of the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, based on A-level and GCSE results.

An impressive 78% of students achieved at least one A/A* at Advanced level and progressed to top university destinations including Oxford and Cambridge. The GCSE results for 2022 were the school’s best ever, with 58% of results graded level 8 or 9, whilst 78% of all entries achieved levels 7-9.

Head Victoria Gamble said: “We are delighted to be recognised again for our

excellent academic performance. This year we are launching a new strategic plan that will further strengthen and develop our school. We are very excited about the future.”

Bringing NYC to Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury High School’s annual Art Show opened at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery with a very special guest of honour in attendance.

SHS alumna and former creative director of Kate Spade New York, Deborah Lloyd returned to her former school to spend a day with its young artists.

Deborah held a Q & A session with GCSE and A-level art students, giving them an insight into the creative and business aspects of a career in the fashion industry. Her advice was to be tenacious, stand out from the crowd and have a point of view;

always do your homework before meeting people, and to take pride in your work. If something is worth doing, do it to the very best of your ability, she urged.

WOULD YOU ADAM AND EVE IT!

SIXTH FORM SPACE IS ‘SUPER’

Significant investment has been made in the premises of the Marches School and Sixth Form over the past 12 months, with further additions planned for 2023.

The sixth form area has been updated to make the space more accessible for study and socialising.There is now a large outdoor space with new seating and a canopy for shelter.

To add a focal point of interest, the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry has loaned the school a sculpture of Superman from its collection of superheroes.

Upper Sixth drama students at Shrewsbury School were treated to a dialect workshop with Kate Godfrey, previously head of voice at the Royal Shakespeare Company. The students were rehearsing for a performance module of their A-level that required an East London accent.

Kate began by teaching them how to analyse their native accents, before encouraging them to experiment with vocal placement and vowel shapes that would replicate the sounds typically associated with a Cockney accent. The students were fascinated by the immediate e ect of subtle changes and were eager to try out their improved accents in the context of the scene.

PRESTIGIOUS PLACEMENT FOR GWYN

Rydal Penrhos o ers music

tuition by a range of specialist tutors as well as its own skilled teaching sta , and congratulations go to Year 12 student Gwyn Davies on his selection for the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. The orchestra was established in 1945 and has the distinction of being the first national youth orchestra in the world. Gwyn, an accomplished player of guitar, cello and piano, was one of approximately 100 young musicians selected.

Gwyn also plays guitar and piano

SAY NO TO BULLYING

Students and sta from The Firs School undertook a highly sought-after anti-bullying programme delivered by the charity The Diana Award earlier this year. The programme equips sta and students to tackle bullying behaviour with the aim of creating safer and kinder school communities. It has a strong peer-topeer focus, giving young people the skills and confidence to become ambassadors to tackle bullying in their schools.

Students were keen to try out the new techniques

Students clearly enjoyed the session A hero to look up to…

Deborah with current art students

Ruthin goes from strength to strength

“We are launching a new strategic plan ”

“Stand out and have a point of view”

“The sculpture adds a focal point of interest”

We are officially EXCELLENT in all areas (ISI Inspection Nov 22)

Whole School Open Day

Thursday 9th March

All through, all girl ages 4-18

Girls first. Always.

Arrange your visit at shrewsburyhigh.gdst.net

ACAP ACADEMY UK CIC

This professional training modules package is designed to help teachers and trainers throughout Wales get to grips with BAME educational subjects in the 21st century. It will help in developing a more accurate and inclusive instruction for diverse pupils within the New Welsh Curriculum. These training sessions will offers unique step by step guidelines, from Anti-Racist training to BAME History for pedagogical planning in all the Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE). Assistance has now arrived for CPD purposes for all staff members in education whether they are instructors or administrators.

Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabazz: Dip H&C, Dip HE, Dip PTLLS, BSc (Hons), PGCE/PCET, Dip Psych, Dip SEN

8000 YEAR HISTORICAL TIMELINE

• A visual reference to history in accordance with the New Welsh Curriculum

• A document that captures the neglected parts of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Heritage, Culture and Identity

youtu.be/0UCSJb4ojP4

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Universities & Colleges

THE KING’S NEW CLOTHES

Emma Rose Atherton, a graduate of Art in Design at the University of Chester, was involved in designing and hand-crafting clothes for the responsible, ready-to-wear luxury womenswear collection launched by the Prince’s Foundation in collaboration with Yoox Net-A-Porter.

The royal gardens at Highgrove served as inspiration for the sustainable fashion collection. A 10-month paid programme supported eight designers through creating a sustainable luxury collection and bringing it to a global market.

Emma said: “I learned more than I can describe about myself as a designer and maker, and have enjoyed bringing these skills back into my own practice as well as sharing them with students.”

Growing their own

A‘Fieldto Fork’ project between Reaseheath College and a local school has been recognised as an exceptional collaborative initiative delivering both environmental and social benefits. The project, which involved food technology and horticulture students from the college, pupils from Wrenbury Primary School and chef Simon Radley, won the Next Generation Learning and Skills category at the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland 2022.

As part of the project, the pupils – ably supported by Reaseheath students – learnt about sustainable food

CHESHIRE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL RECEIVES

production and healthy eating by growing their own vegetables and using them in nutritious meals, which they helped to cook. The Green Gown award was presented at a gala ceremony at Loughborough University.

OBE

Principal and chief executive of Cheshire College – South & West, Jasbir Dhesi, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by His Majesty King Charles III for services to education, having been named in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours List during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The honour was awarded to Mr Dhesi in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the education sector. In almost three decades of service, he has been a champion of education and skills, working with employers and partners to support economic growth and development within the region and its surrounding areas.

Jasbir Dhesi OBE at Windsor Castle

Reeseheath’s assistant principal Iain Clarke hopes to continue the project

Wrenbury pupils prepared sweet pea hummus with oakleaf salad. Yum!

Emma Rose meets King Charles, who created the Prince’s Foundation

“I learned more than I can describe”

“An exceptional collaborative initiative”

“In three decades of service he has been a champion of education and skills”

Bunny makes a splash

Harper Adams Veterinary Physiotherapy students and lecturers had the chance to apply their knowledge to an unlikely candidate after a calf born into the University’s dairy herd had difficulty walking. The hydrotherapy suite on campus is more commonly used for canine clients, but could accommodate Bunny because of her small size.

Horizon Dairy Vets, who treat the Harper Adams herd, tried a series of traditional approaches before they referred the calf to the University Vet Rehab centre. The team named her Bunny after her unusual way of walking, and as there was no previous evidence of a similar procedure

Bunny goes for a dip

being used on cattle, the processes they developed were specifically tailored for Bunny’s treatment, including halter training.

Physiotherapy programme manager Helen Morrell said: “Bunny has progressed really well. It’s looking like the prognosis is positive, and we’ve learned about a new approach that can be taken in rehabilitating dairy cows at a young age.”

STUDENT PROJECT TACKLES FOOD WASTE

Apioneeringstudent project to encourage people to reduce food waste has received funding for further development from the British Academy. Led by Aberystwyth University graduate Ellena Jenks, ‘A Taste for Change’ will include a social media and poster campaign, local events and activism to raise awareness of the environmental impact of food waste and promote ways to reduce waste. Local businesses such as restaurants, along with the university’s hospitality services, will be encouraged to take part in food surplus schemes and develop links with the local Community Fridge project.

CRIMINOLOGISTS OF THE FUTURE

The Criminology, Law and Policing Department at Wrexham Glyndwr University hosted students from local schools and colleges at a conference to show what it takes to work in those fields. Students had the chance to act out a court case, taking the roles of judge, prosecution and defence, court clerk and defendant. Criminology at WGU is ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching by The Times Good University Guide 2023

CONTINUING THE FIGHT

Bangor University is a lead partner in a Welsh Government-led programme to test waste water for Covid-19. Scientists from the University initially developed the test process, and this work, carried out with the Welsh Government, Cardi University, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy. was used in the early detection of the Omicron wave across Wales. The team have now established methods for testing for other viruses of interest, including polio, norovirus, influenza, the respiratory virus RSV and antimicrobial resistance.

MUSICIANS RAISE MONEY

ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS!

Agroup of students from Coleg Cambria’s Yale site enjoyed an immersive healthcare and science field trip to Berlin, attending Berlin’s International Science Festival while they were

there. The action-packed trip also included a visit to one of Europe’s biggest and oldest teaching hospitals, Charité, touring Berlin’s historical landmarks and visiting natural history attractions.

BTEC Music students at Concord College put their talents to good use last term performing two fundraising concerts. The students were responsible for organising the events, including ticket sales and marketing. They chose charities close to their hearts, and the money raised was donated to Asthma & Lung UK and Shrewsbury Samaritans.

A valuable experience all round

TOMAS IS TOP PICK

Tomas Jones, a student of the New Saints FC Scholarship programme run in association with North Shropshire College, has been selected as part of the England Colleges FA national squad. An incredible 500 students attended the trials, to be whittled down to 60 in the second round, with just 20 selected for the squad. The team are playing internationally, and recently attended a tournament in Italy.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE UNIVERSITY

The University of Wolverhampton has pledged its support for education in Ukraine by signing a partnership agreement with Nizhyn Mykola Gogol State University (NMGSU), one of the country’s oldest universities. The virtual signing represents the start of a partnership to promote education and collaboration as part of the UK/ UKR Twinning Initiative, which could include hosting sta , providing resources for the academic community, online English language support and hosting students at summer school.

The virtual meeting

“An actionpacked trip”

Tomas (right) in action

Ellena Jenks: a voice for change

The group walked over 100,000 steps in total

“We’ve learned about a new approach”

“Funding from the British Academy”

DIWRNODAU AGORED

Darganfyddwch pam mae Prifysgol Glyndŵr

Wrecsam yn iawn i chi

– archebwch eich lle diwrnod agored heddiw. wgu.ac.uk /agored

Methu mynychu diwrnod agored? Cymerwch ein taith rithwir ac archwilio’r campws o ble bynnag rwyt ti yn y byd: wgu.ac.uk /Rhithdaith

1af yn Lloegr a Chymru am foddhad myfyrwyr

OPEN DAYS

Discover why Wrexham Glyndŵr University is right for you – book your open day place today. wgu.ac.uk /open

1st in England & Wales for student satisfaction

Can’t make it to an open day? Take our virtual tour and explore the campus from wherever you are in the world: wgu.ac.uk / virtual

Company car benefits and exemptions from April 2023

Where employees are provided with fuel for their own private use by their employers, the car fuel benefit charge is applicable. The fuel benefit charge is determined by reference to the CO2 rating of the car, applied to a fixed amount. The car fuel benefit charge will increase in 2023-24 to £27,800 (from £25,300). The fuel benefit is not applicable when the employee pays for all their private fuel use.

The standard benefit charge for private use of a company van will increase to £3,960 (from £3,600). A company van is defined as “a van made available to an employee by reason of their employment”.

There is an additional van fuel benefit charge for a van with significant private use. The limit will increase in 2023-24 to £757 (from £688). If private use is insignificant, then no benefit will apply.

Since 6 April 2021, the van benefit charge has been reduced to zero for vans that produce zero carbon emissions. This measure supports the government’s climate change agenda by encouraging the uptake up of vans that emit zero carbon emissions. There are circumstances where it can be possible to offer employees car benefits that are exempt from tax. These include:

• Cars available for business journeys only This rule has been the subject of much case law over the years, but it has generally been established that to qualify for VAT recovery the car must not be available for any private use. This means that the car should only be available to staff during working hours for employmentrelated duties or to travel to a temporary workplace. The business must also clearly tell their employees not to use the vehicle for private journeys and check that they do not.

• Cars adapted for an employee with a disability These cars are exempt if the only private use is for journeys between home and work and for travel to work-related training.

• Pool cars Employers are not required to pay or report on ‘pool’ cars. These are cars that are shared by employees for business purposes only, and normally kept on the business premises. Employers must ensure the pool car rules are observed.

• Privately owned cars Employers do not have to pay anything on cars that directors or employees own privately.

Aled Davies FCCA is a partner at DRE & Co chartered accountants in Oswestry. For more information see www.dre.co.uk or call 01691 654 353, or visit the blog page on the news section on their website.

For many employees the attraction of a company car outweighs any tax implications.

Shire’s financial expert outlines the changes coming into effect for the next tax year.

“The car fuel benefit charge will increase to £27,800”

TOP 10 TIPS FOR YOUR UK ISA BEFORE THE END OF THE TAX YEAR

1Use your full ISA allowance. You can invest up to £20,000 in an ISA in the 2022-23 tax year.

2Check whether you can transfer your existing ISA to a better provider, with a better rate.

Consider a stocks and shares ISA if you’re looking for higher

Look into Lifetime ISAs if you’re looking to save for a property

Make sure you’re getting the best rate on your cash ISA.

regularly, rather than in one lump sum – and keep

Books&Poetry

THE BEAT GOES ON

A Chester musician has just celebrated two milestones in one week – publishing his first novel as his jazz band release their first album in 40 years

John McCullough spent five years working on his debut novel A Virtuous Killer. Inspired by real-life events, including the kidnapping of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls in 2014, it draws on over two decades’ experience of living and working in West Africa.

“West Africa leaves a strong impression,” he said. “Nigeria, in particular, is intense in so many ways. Extreme wealth and poverty co-exist alongside corruption and violence. Yet Nigerians face these hardships with resilience, creativity, hard work and humour, and look to religion for their moral compass. I wanted to bring these realities to life in the pages of my story.”

Human su ering

A Virtuous Killer follows the e orts of a nurse trying to rescue her sister, one of a group of young women abducted by the terrorist group Boko Haram. When John first visited Nigeria in 1998, working on behalf of international health agencies, the country was ruled by a military junta, intent on hoarding wealth in this oil-rich nation – $400 billion was siphoned o without regard for the welfare of the people. The abduction of adolescents continues to this day and has become a lucrative criminal activity. His belief that the West has largely turned its back on the issue is what inspired John to write.

“Twenty-five years on, people continue to seek systemic change whilst the world minds its own business,” he said.

Never too late

John’s success in being published at 68 echoes other authors who have found success later in life. Last year he was invited

LOCAL BOOKS

Red Kite by Diane Perry

This is the debut young adult fiction novel by Ludlow author Diane, and is set around Titterstone Clee in south Shropshire, where she has lived for over 20 years. It tells the story of Brodie, a teenager struggling to cope after the death of his twin brother and his parents’ separation. Living in fear of Sumo, the school bully, he finds relief in his hobby of birdwatching – until Sumo turns up at his local haven. There seems no escape for Brodie as events start to spiral out of control, leading to lifechanging consequences for everyone.

When Diane began writing the novel, red kites were never spotted in Shropshire and her main character Brodie longs to see one. Now these majestic birds of prey are a regular sight in our skies.

Red Kite is £8.60 from Amazon.

to participate in the Elders Festival at Storyhouse, Chester. “Too many people assume that when you turn 60 your creative powers go into decline,” he said. “I obviously disagree and was pleased to help promote the benefits of devoting time to creativity as you get older.”

As if to underline this belief, John has achieved the rare feat of having a book and an album launched in the same week. He is a member of award-winning jazz-fusion band Swift, who last performed live in 1979. Following interest generated by fellow musician Dr Linley Hamilton, who began to play the band’s early demos on his BBC Radio Ulster show during lockdown, the band reconnected, and with Linley’s help produced a new album. In Another Lifetime is available on all the usual download sites and as a CD at swift6.bandcamp.com A Virtuous Killer, published by i2i, is available in bookshops and on Amazon and Kindle.

Happiness, edited by Tim

Saunders

We could all do with something uplifting at the moment and this anthology of poetry and short stories – some by local contributors – sets out to explore all that’s positive and upbeat.

“You can’t help feeling depressed at world events and the detrimental e ect they are having on us at this time,” says publisher Tim Saunders. “Compiling this book has taken my mind o these troubles and I have really enjoyed reading the work of the 14 writers and poets from across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, which has helped me to think even more positively. Happiness is an emotion we should all be allowed to feel as often as possible.”

With several Welsh poets featured, this volume is sure to lift the spirits of any reader.

Happiness is published by Tim Saunders Publications, and available from Amazon and direct from the publisher at tsaunderspubs.weebly.com

Adventures of the Meerflat by

Carol Harris

Carol lives near Welshpool and has been writing all her life, on numerous topics and for all sorts of age groups. This book (which has a foreword by Iolo Williams) is aimed at children aged 7–10 and is all about making friends. It’s a fun story based around animal encounters, and includes illustrations for children to colour in. Topics include being confident, listening well, starting conversations, being reliable and understanding others’ feelings. Two further books in the series cover ecology and health.

Available on Amazon and direct from Carol priced £7.99. See carolharris.uk

Calling local authors…

John McCullough

“I wanted to bring these realities to life in the pages of my story”

Spare a thought

With just one new release on everyone’s minds, we’ve switched from our usual format to bring a round-up of reviews of Prince Harry’s controversial memoir.

Baboons

These apes yawn under heat and dry canopy.

Their day has been trying, beset by apathy

And punctuated by a vegetarian meal –That for an omnivore has a limited appeal. Now what would you do plagued by sun, flea and predator?

Rise, no doubt, in elevation to inspect the repertoire, Consort amongst others about a threatening baboon

Or look for inspiration into a lifting moon. Do they consider their meandering enterprise, Some distant landscape that will mesmerise

Those of a thinking personality –All well-scared and programmed into reality?

Certainly they are all this and more, But now a rest will cure A little insouciance or whatever That, over time, has made them clever. Yes, the baboons are survivors, One of mammalogy’s obvious drivers, Making them wander and seek into the night

‘This must be the strangest book ever written by a royal,” said the BBC’s Sean Coughlan, describing the book as “part confession, part rant and part love letter”.

In places it feels like the longest angry drunk text ever sent. … It’s disarmingly frank and intimate - showing the sheer weirdness of his often isolated life. And it’s the small details, rather than the set-piece moments, that give a glimpse of how little we really knew.

What’s missing, in his opinion, is “any sense of awareness of any wider context … It’s as if he has been blinded by the paparazzi flashlights.”

The Guardian’s Rachel Cooke thinks Harry is “petulant: a man who thinks nothing, even now, of complaining about the bedroom he was allotted for his summer hols in Granny’s castle.” She doesn’t hide her contempt:

What kind of person insists on an airclearing meeting with their father on the day of his father’s funeral? A myopic, self-obsessed, non-empathic kind of person, I would say. Exactly the same kind of person, in fact, who would talk about reconciliation in the same breath as they publicly slag off their family.

The Independent’s reviewer, Lucy Pavia, enjoyed the book.

It’s richly detailed and at times beautifully written; if Harry is going to set fire to his family, he has at least done it with style.

And she has something insightful to say about Meghan Markle:

She is not just the new love of his life but his emotional life raft, one he fears the press is intent on sinking … The panic of losing her inflates between every line like a balloon.

Have YOU read Spare? What did you think? We’d love to hear your opinions, and we’ll print the most interesting in our next issue.

Email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk

Until your perceptions are far out of sight. Then came the day to traverse the savannah, Savouring the view, hooting a holy hosannah!

Discovering compass, press and powder, And the will to demonstrate louder.

Norman Marshall

The Plastic Bottle

A plastic bottle

Bobbing on the sea

An incredible place

Where no bottles should be.

The sea belongs

To fish and eels

To crabs and lobsters

And corals and seals.

The bottle was tossed

And rolled down a wave

Until coming to rest

At the mouth of a cave.

And there it lay

Wrapped up in a net

Left by fishermen

For the birds to get.

Tangled in a web

Of ropes and rags

Of bottle tops

And plastic bags.

But the bottle was stuck

And try as it might It would be there forever In its terrible plight.

Until a group Of passersby

Exclaimed in dismay

Oh why! Oh why

Do people leave

Their rubbish behind On the beach and the rocks

For others to find?

The plastic destroys

The life of the sea

Where plants and fish

The Forest (Coed-y-Brenin)

I love this forest with its many themes

– those of the tumbling waterfall, that sings

– of mountain heights, where rise fresh water springs;

– of roaring rivers, born of gentle streams…

Just now a man pans there for gold that gleams amongst the grit and rocks the torrent brings

– I wonder, to what fantasies he clings?

– and what great fortunes figure in his dreams?

But I’m not here to wade and look for gold:

– it’s privilege enough to walk these trails:

– what better way my tensions to release?

The beauties of this forest are untold:

– some say, the finest scenery in Wales;

– here: what I love the most, a sense of peace.

Michael Burns

Should swim and be free.

They picked up the bottle

And gathered the mass

Of ropes and nets

And broken glass.

They searched the caves

And combed the shore

Examined the pools

And found lots more.

Scrambling across

The cli s and the rocks

They left the rubbish

In a recycling box.

Linda Lunn

We want your poems!

Share your creativity – we print our favourite poems every issue. Send to Poetry Page, Shire, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR or email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk

Retirement Living

Feeling the impact

The leading organisation supporting and championing the rights of older people, Age UK says it has already observed worrying trends during the current financial crisis. With energy bills skyhigh and inflation at record levels, many older people are eating less, unable to go out and engage in social activities, and taking on more caring responsibilities for loved ones, all while trying to manage in a cold home. For some it has even meant cutting back on medication and care.

Campaigners at Age UK believe no one should be putting their health and wellbeing at risk because they can’t afford the basics. Last year they lobbied the government to ensure older

people received better support, and they will continue to do so.

Success story

More than 150,000 campaign actions were taken over 2022 to make the priorities of older people clear to MPs. This led to a huge amount of media coverage, meetings in Parliament and, most importantly, a positive outcome in the form of more money for older people via the Energy Bill Support Scheme. Age UK is now pushing to make this support an ongoing feature and keep older people’s voices in the media and in Westminster.

The charity has vowed to keep fighting and its efforts will be helped by a £200,000 donation from philanthropists Julia and Hans Rausing, of the Tetra Pak family. The Rausings were encouraged to donate after reading about Age UK’s national Advice Line, which supports older people finding the current crisis challenging and on many other issues.

Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602

HOME-CARE HEROES

SureCare Central Cheshire has won a prestigious Top 20 Award for its home-care provision in the North West two years running

SureCare provides person-centred care to complement the care already provided by family members, or to replace care when family are unavailable. Having professional care frees up time and enables family visits to be more relaxed and enjoyed together.

Having regular visits from a carer enables people to continue to live independently in their own home. Carers provide encouragement and allow people to do the things they can, and then assist where they need some support – to continue with their hobbies or play a part in the community.

SureCare knows how important it is to have the right people supporting you, and selects team members who are naturally caring, compassionate and want to provide outstanding care. It invests in its team, looking after them so that they can look after you.

Proud of its team

SureCare is incredibly proud of how its care workers go above and beyond to assist their clients. They complete a lot of training and learn about different conditions in order to fully assist people and recognise when they need to be referred to other professionals. By building relationships with clients, they can pick up on the signs when people are feeling low, unwell or in pain. They also know the conversations people enjoy, so they can look forward to their regular visit. www.surecare.co.uk/central-cheshire

With the cost of living crisis bringing tough choices for older people, the campaigning work of charity Age UK is more important than ever

“It has even meant cutting back on medication and care”

The charity wants the top-up to continue

Be who you want to be at Deewater Grange

At Care UK’s Deewater Grange care home in Chester, you can continue to be who you’ve always been, or who you want to be, while receiving award-winning care and attention in a place you can call home.

We treat everyone as individuals so that you can take your life with you on your journey into care. You’ll be supported to continue much-loved interests, to rediscover long lost hobbies or to try something new, as well as making new friends.

It’s all about lifestyle

At Deewater Grange our team is passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life, full of meaningful experiences.

When you join us, we’ll learn all about your personality, your interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised lifestyle plan to support you to live life in the way you want.

We organise an array of daily activities, such as exercise classes, themed days and gardening, as well

as events, entertainment, outings and treasured one-to-one time. Then there are our strong ties with local groups, charities and schools so residents feel connected to local life.

Recently, residents of Deewater Grange have enjoyed their very own art exhibition, inviting the community into the home and showcasing artwork produced by residents, whilst enjoying delicious canapes prepared by the chef. Others attended The Art Bus in Chester, experiencing a pottery master class where residents made, fired and painted their own pots!

Everything under one roof

Deewater Grange is a purpose-built care home where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a coffee

shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Trust us to care

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 8,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one.

To find out more about Deewater Grange, please call 01244 458044.

Deewater Grange care home

93 Chester Road, Huntington, Chester CH3 6BS

careuk.com/deewater-grange

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FANTASTIC PRIZES WITH SHIRE

Another great issue, another chance to win BIG prizes. Good luck!

Win! Five pairs of tickets for the Classic & Performance Car Spectacular, worth £120!

Be a part of one of the UK’s best-loved classic car shows, the Classic and Performance Car Spectacular! Win a pair of tickets and celebrate the golden age of motoring with thousands of others at Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN, on 3rd-4th June. With more than 2,000 classics on site, the show features some of the finest cars ever made, plus over 90 first-class club displays, a huge autojumble and specialist traders, a funfair and live music. There’s something for everyone!

Five lucky winners will each win a pair of tickets, worth £12 each, for the Saturday or Sunday. To enter, fill in the form below.

CLOSING DATE 15th March

Win! Five pairs of tickets for the Passion for Power Classic Motor Show, worth £120!

Win a pair of tickets to the huge Passion for Power Classic Motor Show, packed with hundreds of unique performance cars from Ferraris to Lamborghinis. The event takes place on 19th20th August at scenic Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN and also features a massive autojumble with specialist suppliers, live entertainment, funfair and a beer tent!

To find out more about all three car shows, go to www. theclassiccarshows.com or follow them

@TheClassicCarShows on Facebook

Five lucky winners will each win a pair of tickets, worth £12 each, for the Saturday or Sunday. To enter, fill in the form below.

CLOSING DATE 15th March

Win! Five pairs of tickets for the Classic American Stars & Stripes car show, worth £120!

If you love classic American cars, don’t miss the chance to win tickets to the Classic American Stars & Stripes car show at Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16

6QN on 1st-2nd July. The show celebrates all things American from across the decades – everything from Mustangs and Cadillacs to ex-US Army vehicles.

The event is packed with family entertainment including live music and a children’s funfair, as well as specialist traders, parts suppliers and jumble stands to help with your own motor projects.

Five lucky winners will each win a pair of tickets, worth £12 each, for the Saturday or Sunday. To enter, fill in the form below.

CLOSING DATE 15th March.

Win! A meal for two at Croft Country Park

Tantalise your tastebuds with our gorgeous Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar at Croft Country Park, Pembrokeshire. All our menus are innovative, using locally sourced, quality ingredients. We’d love to welcome you for evening dining, two courses to indulge yourself in our seasonal menus. Beautifully designed, this bright and airy restaurant has a glamorous, spacious interior for a relaxing dining experience. For the chance to win a meal for two, worth around £70, fill in the form below.

CLOSING DATE 15th March. No cash alternative. Available subject to opening times. Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar, Croft Country Park, Reynalton, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA68 OPE

the form with your answer circled (you’ll need to read the magazine to nd 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

Q: Which famous face is behind the Barrioke show?

a) Barry from EastEnders

b) Barry Manilow

c) Barry the sunbathing cat

Tick the ones you want to enter!

Name

Charities&

Outstanding achievement

It’s not long now till the most colourful fundraiser on the patch – the fabulous 5k Shrewsbury Colour Run in aid of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund on 1st April. Tickets for the first wave at 10.30am have already sold out, but there are still spaces for later slots.

Asunrise summit of Tryfan formed part of an inspirational activity programme run by Climbing Out, a charity that helps adults rebuild mental resilience to move their lives forward following physical or mental trauma. Thirteen people from different backgrounds, including veterans and emergency service workers, took part in the level 2 trip, which was funded by Team Forces and the Sackler Trust.

Climbing Out (www.climbingout.org) runs eight outdoor programmes a year across the UK, combining outdoor activities such as kayaking and abseiling with mental resilience coaching to change the mindset of participants. Charity founder Kelda Wood MBE said: “Level 2 programmes are all about continuing on the journey of development, growth, friendship and support. In North Wales we saw all of those. The group pushed themselves, encouraged each other and had an amazing experience. We took on six 3000m peaks, including a sunrise summit involving a 4am start. It was a truly magical moment.”

If running’s not for you, the region’s primary cancer charity is calling on people to get involved with other “exciting and unique” events this year.

The fund supports patients and their families from Shropshire and Mid Wales through treatment at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital’s Lingen Davies Cancer Centre. The centre sees 4,000 new patients every year and recent fundraising has contributed towards a CT scanner and three clinic rooms. The team also delivers a cancer awareness service in the wider community.

Other opportunities for fundraising in 2023 include an open-water swim, sky-diving and a Peaks and Lakes walking weekend. Helen Knight, head of fundraising, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetimes. Every day we meet new people going through treatment and relying on our services. By inviting people to take on exciting challenges we hope to encourage new supporters for our vital work.”

www.lingendavies.co.uk/events

Care and the individual are at the very heart of each of our services, where wellness, happiness and kindness are the core values embellished by our staff each day.

Back on top, thanks to Climbing Out

“A journey of growth, friendship and support”

PUZZLE TIME

Across

7 Town that hosted a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games and inspired the name of a 2012 Olympic mascot (4,7)

9 See 4 Down

11 Swiss mathematician who solved the Seven Bridges of Königsberg problem (5)

12 Stop working as a form of protest (4,5)

13 Australian term for an oxbow lake, such as the one by which a jolly swagman once camped (9)

15 ____ Sunday, thefirst day of Holy Week (4)

18 Type of iron for which The Sca old were thankful in their 1967 hit (7)

19 Mary ____, Impressionist painter (7)

Sudoku

Di culty: medium

ANSWERS

21 The largest empire in pre-Columbian America (4)

22 A person who explores caves (9)

26 Comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan set in Japan (3,6)

28 First-person style of journalism, or one of the Muppets (5)

30 The fourteenth letter of the Hebrew and Arabic alphabets (3)

31 Cheshire observatory established by Bernard Lovell (7,4)

Down

1 Fossilised tree resin (5)

2 Bidding system used in bridge (4)

3 Not suitable for consumption (8)

4 & 9 Across Seaside resort on the north coast of Wales (6,3)

5 Large dog breed originating from Japan (5)

6 River that rises in Cantabria and flows into the Mediterranean Sea (4)

8 Type of bird, species of which include willow and Cetti’s (7)

10 National park in California (8)

14 A type of chemical bond, or an ancient dialect of Greek (5)

16 The highest form of love in Christianity (5)

17 ____ Square, Georgian square in Birkenhead with several Grade I listed buildings (8)

19 Scottish village that was the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising of 1745 (8)

20 Country that borders

Mali and the Gambia (7)

23 Newspaper with a name meaning ‘Truth’ in Russian (6)

24 Wine region in northern Spain (5)

25 Maxim ____, Russian author of Mother and The Lower Depths (5)

27 Active volcano on Sicily (4)

29 The father of Shem, Ham and Japheth in the Bible (4)

Rearrange the highlighted letters to find the name of a Welsh harbour town

Sudoku rules

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 PORTHMADOG

Motoring

Audi RS 3 Sportback Quattro

Whilst SUVs remain the focus in the marketplace, Audi has taken its phenomenally successful if mild-mannered A3 and given it the motoring equivalent of tooth and claw, writes Bob Hickman. Welcome the RS 3, the pet sheep in wolf’s clothing

Let’s get this straight from the outset. The Audi A3 is a brilliant car. I owned one, I loved it. But Audi has now produced the RS3 version of the A3 and it is… an outstanding car. With a huge front grille and vents along the side, the RS 3 is both wider and lower than a standard A3 and more aggressivelooking, especially with its huge 19-inch wheels. Bring into the equation the Kyalimi Green colour scheme and you could park it in a 10,000-vehicle lot and still find it, such is its stand-out brilliance.

There is no mistaking that the RS 3 is a serious piece of kit. With a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine producing a staggering 400bhp, it’s a fast, fun model to be cocooned in. This is not a hot hatch as we know it, since it has four doors. It’s a very hot saloon.

The RS 3 reaches 60mph in 3.8 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph. Phenomenal performance, but it’s not just on the long straight that it excels. The mechanical nature of this particular model makes for a very entertaining drive, especially put through its paces on your favourite twisty roads.

If you fancy taking one for a spin, why not book the family saloon for a track day? Unless you are a professional driver, it will test your driving skills to the limit. It’s superb, and most of us mere mortals will only ever scratch the surface of the handling and performance criteria.

In and around town, I was pleasantly surprised to find the RS3 didn’t rattle the fillings in my teeth. The engineers have done a fine job in making a vehicle that isn’t too firm and handles with a degree of comfort. After all, if you’re called on to ferry the family hither and yon, you want to be comfortable.

Those familiar with Audi quality know to expect wonderfully designed and equipped interiors. They look beautiful, and every last

button and control functions superbly, with a resounding click or clunk when necessary. The 12.3-inch instrumentation display, alongside the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, always produce the information you need, without having to delve into a 500-page handbook. The infotainment system itself works extremely well, and will connect with your Apple Play or Android Auto should you wish to deploy them.

The driving dynamics of the vehicle are exceptional – handling, speed, acceleration all tick the relevant boxes. On the downside, the emissions are extremely high at 205g/km and it won’t be cheap to run. Expect to get in the region of 30mpg on a combined cycle; utilise the performance and you can expect that to be down to the mid-20s.

The RS 3 Sportback Quattro 400PS Launch Edition S tronic I put through its paces was priced at £57,770.

Add in the head-turning exterior paint at £575 and a whopping £1,400 first road tax, and the on-the-road cost was an eye-watering £60,460. For this, you have a vehicle that will perform like you cannot believe and yet will carry the family (or four adults) in absolute comfort.

Audi suggests servicing should be every 19,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first, and provides a three-year or 60,000 miles warranty.

Bob Hickman is a lifelong car and motorcycle fan. After a 30-year career as a police patrol officer, latterly as a sergeant, patrolling the Midlands motorway, retirement beckoned and he embarked on writing about his love of transport. Bob is a member of the Guild of Motor Writers and the Midland Guild of Motor Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield Continental GT and drives a 1994 MG RV8.

“Stand-out brilliance… This is not a hot hatch as we know it, since it has four doors. It’s a very hot saloon.”

A whole new side to the predictable Audi

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Asalways, readers, we’ve been delighted to receive so many letters from you! Thank you for keeping 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 with us, and your pictures and personal anecdotes, so do keep them coming. We print a selection on this page every issue, so whatever you want to send or share with the Shire team and other readers, get

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in touch at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk And do let us know if you’ve missed an edition of Shire. We have a supply of previous issues we’re happy to send out, and we can pop one in the post to you. Just enclose an sae for £1.60 and write to Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. An even safer bet is to subscribe to the magazine so you never miss a copy again! See page 58 for details. Keep writing, keep emailing, and most of all keep enjoying Shire!

As the next edition of Shire Magazine goes to print, one local charity will be holding its breath as it waits to hear if it has won a big award. The Shrewsbury Ark has been shortlisted for this year’s Care Awards, taking place on 3rd March.

Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise and reward the hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence of the not-for-profit sector and all those who make a positive di erence to people’s lives. The charity has been shortlisted in the Collaboration (Integration) category, which covers ways of working in partnership with other organisations or services.

The awards are operated by Markel UK, a leading insurer of not-for-profit organisations with over 10,000 clients in the sector. Every year we hear some fantastic stories about how charities up and down the country are supporting those in need. The Shrewsbury Ark was one of the many outstanding entries we received this year. We are delighted to see them in the shortlist and wish them lots of luck in the final.

Neil Galjaard, divisional md at Markel UK

I have noticed with interest that you now produce three split editions of Shire Magazine, but my concern is that when I’m sent just the North Wales edition I will miss out on events in the other areas. I live as close to some of the Wirral and Cheshire venues as those in North Wales, so this would not be good news at all! I don’t like to read magazines online – how will I get hold of the other editions? I really do rely on your magazine for details of what’s on where. I do hope you have some consideration for your subscribers in this change.

Rachel Morgan

Hi Rachel and thank you for getting in touch. Rest assured you will not be missing out! You are in a similar position to many of our valued subscribers who readily travel around the patch to shows and events, not stopping at borders along the way. So we’ll be keeping all What’s On sections in all editions of Shire. No matter which edition you read, you’ll be kept bang up to date with everything that’s going on across North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire and the Wirral.

Radio reunion

Thank you for a great quality magazine.

Josie Low

I picked up one of your magazines in Tesco Caernarfon. Once again a great magazine. Congratulations to everyone at Shire. Stay safe! Kindest regards

Michael

I do love getting my Shire Magazine every time it appears. I can’t get out as much as I used to and it helps me feel part of my local community and keeps me in touch with everything that is going on. Thank you.

Doreen Johnstone

This is a great magazine – I look out for it every other month. My only complaint? Why can’t we have an edition every month?

Harleen Jones

I received a subscription to your magazine as an 18th birthday gift recently, and could not have been more delighted, Oliver Dennett

I’m reaching out to your readers about a reunion being organised for anyone involved with Radio Maldwyn, which launched 30 years ago this year. The Magic 756 started broadcasting at 7.56am on Thursday 1st July 1993, with presenters including Lee Thompson, John Barnes, Mark Williams and myself, Ashley Owen. It continued to broadcast until November 2010 on medium wave to service the area with local news, sport, features, and music from the ’60s to the current chart acts.

As former Drive-Time presenter, I am arranging a get-together in Newtown on 1st July, to mark what would have been the station’s 30th birthday. I’d like to make contact with any ex-station jocks, presenters, news and sports crew, volunteers, committee and management. We were a small station but with a big presence in the community and we couldn’t have achieved what we did without the skills and teamwork of many people over the years. Your readers may have helped with research on the Talkabout show or presented Farm Focus, they could have helped with outside broadcasts with the weekend Pub Teams Challenge or Schools Quiz, or been working in our advertising and sales teams. The invitation is open to anyone involved with Maldwyn.

We have lost a few friends over the years: Ken Morris, Steve Edge, Bill Hopkins, Mark Williams, Idris Owen, Ken Whittaker, Martin Adams and Martin Davies, so I’m hoping people may have some old photos, or even recordings, as well as memories they can share. If you’d like to attend, email me: ashleyowendj@hotmail.com

Keeping everything crossed for you, Team Ark!