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!

Print ISSN 2514-3913

Online ISSN 2514-3921

SHIRE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly by Superstar Publishing Ltd.

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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!