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Painter’s paradise How Aberdaron won the heart of artist Jenny Holland Keeping the costs down As prices rise, Shire looks at how to feed the family on a budget A light lunch A summer recipe bursting with colour and flavour Out for the count Safari park keepers tackle an interesting inventory Hit the road, Jack We speak to Jack Savoretti ahead of his appearance in Rhyl this July
Love living local? Shire checks out the area’s top spots of: Market Drayton & Hawarden
HEALTH & BEAUTY | GARDENS | PHOTOGRAPHY | FASHION | BOOKS & POETRY
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WELCOME, DEAR READER…
W Publisher Dan Bromage Editor Kate Speedie Chief Subeditor Wendy Reed Staff Writers Juliet Davies Lynda Kenny Sarah Waterfall Designers Ella Knight Meryl McIntosh Advertising Design Sarah Norman Sales & Marketing Pauline Jones William Bushell Distribution Manager Paul Howard Finance & Accounts David Kynaston Nicky Kynaston Jane Osman Contributors Holly Johnson, John Hargreaves, Gloria Mans, P Parker, Helen Cooke, Bob Hickman, Lisa Whelan, Adam Gaunt-Evans, Eryl Jones, Adele Barry, Catherine Buckley, Alice Leetham
elcome to a bright, sunny and spring-like special Queen’s 70th Jubilee edition of Shire Magazine – hoping to inspire and motivate you to embrace the season and enjoy everything our amazing patch has to offer now the weather is getting warmer and the nights are getting lighter. We have all your usual favourites inside this issue as always, but there’s one event we definitely can’t ignore this year – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and all the celebrations that will bring with it. We’ve included a special feature in this edition looking back on times over Her Majesty’s incredible reign when she has visited our area and indeed met with many of our wonderful readers who have shared their memories with us. We’ve also got decorative suggestions for anyone planning a party in her honour as well as our usual bursting food and drinks guide that you’ll definitely need to keep handy. Here at Shire we also know that recent economic changes will be making many of us feel the pinch, so we’ve also put together a feature looking at ways to ‘eat smart’. There are loads of great local organisations that are helping combat food waste at the same time as making tasty treats more affordable so check out our article and find out how to fill your cupboards or even grow your own food. All your favourites are inside as ever – with exciting celebrity interviews, brilliant homes and gardens content, some active advice, health and beauty, fashion and motors – everything you’ve come to expect for Shire! Enjoy… IN THIS ISSUE
Email Shire magazine editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk advertising@shiremagazine.co.uk
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We talk to local Shire residents who were thrilled to have met the Queen in person
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SHIRE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly by Superstar Publishing Ltd. Every effort is made to ensure that the information and advice contained in these articles is correct and appropriate, but no liability or responsibility for loss or damage to any person acting or refraining from action in reliance on or as a result of anything omitted from such articles can be, or is accepted by, the authors, the publishers, their employees or any other persons connected with Superstar Publishing Ltd. Views expressed by contributors to Shire magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine or of Superstar Publishing Ltd and should be attributed to the authors concerned. Save as expressively permitted by law no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written authority of the Publisher, acting for Shire magazine. Privacy Policy published online at shiremagazine.co.uk © 2022 Superstar Publishing Ltd, all rights reserved. Registered Number: 10604188.
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What’s On! The most complete guide to local events, which now comes with its own App – see page 78
GET IN TOUCH! We want to hear from you…
Tell us about your upcoming events. Just remember that we work in advance, so 14th April is the deadline for events you’d like to feature in our May/June issue.
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with their name and anything else you want to tell us. See page 92 for further details. Get social Follow, like and friend us on Facebook and Instagram to be first in line for event updates, competitions and more. Visit our website online at www.shiremagazine.co.uk and send submissions and information by email to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk.
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Nosweithiau gwych allan yn Pontio! Brilliant nights out at Pontio! 11 + 12 Mai May
Comedi gerddorol ffyrnig! A ferocious musical comedy!
Dream
4 + 5* Mehefin / June *perfformiad hamddenol relaxed performance
Ed Byrne If I’m Honest 17 Mehefin / June
10 Mehefin June
24 Mehefin June
16 Mai May Dathliad Canol Haf A Midsummer Celebration
The Unthanks
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Expiry: July 30th
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PAG E 8 0
Contents
Eat smart
M AY/J U N E 2 02 2 6 What’s On Our packed events listing covers North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, the Wirral and the whole of Shropshire. Check out what’s happening where, including all those bank holidays and the half-term break, before you make your plans. 36 Hawarden Hovering between England and Wales, we take a look at the border town with literay links and a political past, Hawarden.
PAG E 5 7 Jack Savoretti Celebrity
38 20 Questions We turn the spotlight on to an incredible robotics engineer who also happens to be a Miss Wales finalist in our 20 questions feature. PAG E 1 2 2
52 Market Drayton Our first town focus in this edition looks at the central town of Market Drayton in the heart of Shropshire with a proud past and bright future.
PAG E 1 0 4
Men’s Fashion
Garden shopping
54 Reviews The Shire team has been particularly busy reviewing and reporting from local shows and events to let you know what we think.
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57 Celebrity Our celebrity interview is with soulful songwriter Jack Savoretti who is heading off on a European tour and visiting Rhyl along the way..
PAG E 1 1 5
What’s On
Women’s Fashion
58 Queen’s jubilee In our in depth feature for this edition we’re looking back on an incredible reign and the special moments that Her Majesty has left in the hearts of Shire readers over the years. 63 Homes & Interiors Spring cleaning? Refreshing your home inside and out? We’re here to help with our home section full of ideas for your own interior design dreams. PAG E 8 6 Food & Drink
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80 Eat Smart With the cost of living soaring we’ve spoken to experts and looked for ways to make sure our readers can eat well, and eat smart – watching the pennies and making the food budget go further. 86 Food & Drink We all love our food at Shire and we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by brilliant farmers, growers and producers so our food and drink section is packed as always.
Home Shopping
PAG E 5 8 Jubilee memories
93 Holidays With summer coming soon, now’s the time to plan a lastminute getaway or even make a holiday home investment of your own with our look at some of the holiday offers available.
99 Active There’s no excuse for not getting out and getting active this spring – our section offers you a guide to getting the whole family playing golf as well as bike schemes that are thriving. 100 Pets & Wildlife We haven’t forgotten our furry friends with updates of wildlife schemes, and animal inventories from one of our favourite safari spots. 104 Gardens As the garden gates creak open for the new season, we take a closer look at the wonderful outdoor places and spaces that welcome visitors for charity as part of the NGS. 110 Arts & Crafts Our arts section includes an interview with a popular artist painting scenes inspired by her walks around her home in north Wales as well as exhibitions near you and some of your photography too. 116 Health & Beauty With advice from the experts in health, fashion, beauty and wellbeing – this section will keep you looking and feeling at your best this season. 118 Weddings This feature is for you if you have a wedding in the diary, either your own or as a guest, with advice on everything from where to tie the knot to what at to wear. 125 Schools The education pages round up the latest news from colleges and schools across the area and keep you up to date with developments across the sector. 133 Charity A look at the voluntary and charity organisations that do so much good for so many good causes across the area. 140 Books & Poetry Our books section features an interview with a new local author as well as a listing of literary events taking place, reviews of new releases and some of your best poetry too. 143 Competitions If you fancy your chances of winning some brilliant tickets and prizes, don’t miss our collection of exclusive competitions in this issue, as well as one extra special prize this time 145 Letters to the editor Read what you’ve written as we hand over to you and feature a selection of the lovely letters our amazing readers have sent in to us once again.
We are pleased to announce…
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Make 2021 the year you try a different hobby
Mind, body and spirit The ultimate guide to your personal wellbeing
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Now is the perfect time for a new look indoors
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Reasons to go rural
THE BEST GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS IN JAN AND FEB
There’s no better time to enjoy life in the countryside
It’s a dog’s life
Follow our feathered friends How to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch Get ready to go Plan a much-needed holiday for 2021
The ultimate guide to getting a canine companion
From medic to maker One woman’s creative career change Nice ’n’ spicy Try our easy recipe for a tasty winter warmer
Home sweet home
Make sure your pad is perfect, inside and out
Have a little Faith Shire talks baby and album news with star Paloma Faith
LVE WHERE YOU LIVE
Appealing architecture in red, red Ruthin The home of the Olympics, Much Wenlock
ENJOY EVERY MINUTE! A GUIDE TO ALL LOCAL EVENTS IN MARCH AND APRIL
Pets that alpaca punch Unusual animals and their adorable antics Ready for a break Have a holiday in mind to leave lockdown behind On song Meet the Fron male voice choir Get into the gardens As National Trust properties open their gates
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HOMES & INTERIORS | LOCAL FOOD | ART & PHOTOGRAPHY | FASHION | BOOKS
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LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE
We take a closer look at…
BUSTLING SHREWSBURY BEAUTIFUL NEWPORT
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Cerddorfa WNO Orchestra Yn cyflwyno | Presents
Dathliad Ganol Haf A Midsummer Celebration Mendelssohn Agorawd A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture Gerald Finzi Let us Garlands Bring Owain Llwyd Y Gogarth (Comisiwn newydd | New commission) Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Mendelssohn Symffoni Rhif 4 | Symphony No 4 Italian
Mehefin 10 June 7.30pm Pontio, Bangor
Mehefin 11 June 4pm
Yr Hafren, Y Drenewydd | Hafren, Newtown
Archebwch nawr ar | Book now at wno.org.uk/orchestra Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 221538 | Registered Charity No 221538
wno.org.uk/orchestra #WNOorchestra
NORTH WALES WHAT’S ON
The best of Wales! Awarded Best Festival for Emerging Talent, FOCUS Wales takes place in Wrexham on 5th-7th May. The weekend will be jam-packed with music, dance and art performances and movie screenings. Over 250 artists from around DID YOU the world
KNOW? Entry is FREE for disabled people and their carers at Beaumaris
will appear in a variety of spaces and venues, with 20 stages showcasing new bands across a mind-bending range of genres alongside established acts. Headliners include Echo and the Bunnymen, Gwenno, Public Service Broadcasting and more.
An important segment of the festival will be the New Music Conference, featuring experts from all sectors of the industry in discussion, and panels offering advice for emerging artists. The FOCUS Film Festival
runs in tandem, and will feature screenings, industry panels and a short film competition. Festival passes from £55, day passes from £35 and tickets for individual events can be booked via focuswales.com
A VINTAGE DAY OUT
Everyone loves a steam show and Anglesey Vintage Rally on 14th-15th May promises fun for all the family, with vintage vehicles, Land Rover displays, classic cars and the Stannage Stunt Team doing amazing things with fire! Plus crafts, rides and great food. From 10am. Free entry. angleseyvintagesociety.co.uk
Welcome to knight school Beaumaris Castle welcomes trainee knights on 2nd-5th June! Learn spear drills and combat skills and see how forces attacked and defended the castle. Find out all about weapons, archery and medieval medicine. There’s a jester’s workshop too, where everyone can learn some courtly circus tricks. Costumed musicians will be roaming the
castle, playing medieval tunes. For something a little less boisterous, head to a Nature Day on 30th May-1st June and discover how birds of prey were used in medieval castles. Watch flying displays and learn about these magnificent birds from the falconer. 10am-5pm. Adult £8.30, family ticket (up to three children) £27.40. cadw.gov. wales
Brush up your technique Find your inner artist at Bodnant Art Studio in the Conwy Valley. On 7th May and 4th June join a pastel workshop with Paul Pigram, based on a photo of your own. On 14th May and 25th June Bill Gribble will show how to paint seascapes in water-based oils. Andrew Jenkin leads a castle-themed watercolour workshop on 28th May, and on 21st May and 18th June Jennifer Rye teaches ‘Abstract Flowers and Enchanted Forests’ in acrylics.Or try something new: a linocut workshop with Ann Lewis on 26th June. bodnantart.com 6 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
All smiles
The popular Family Funday returns to Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse on 14th May, with activities for all the family across the open course, including a helter skelter, climbing wall and inflatable pirate ship. Take a picnic, sit back and relax while you watch the races. The Spring Meeting on 24th May promises thrilling jump racing in the beautiful setting of the North Wales countryside, with a top race card featuring some potential stars of the future. From 11.30am. Tickets £7, or £17 for the paddock enclosure. bangorondeeraces.co.uk
Hooked on crafts
Crochet for Beginners, 27th May Learn how to crochet at Mostyn-based Abakhan and master some basic stitches to create a granny square to take home. 10.30am-2.30pm. £30. Make a Fabric Bowl, 28th May A great introduction to patchworking in 3D, with the option to add appliqué to make your bowl truly unique. 10.30am-4.30pm. £49.50.
Summer Shift Dress in a Day, 4th June Discover how to measure and fit a pattern to produce this versatile summer dress. 10.30am-4.30pm. £49.50. abakhan.co.uk
WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 1ST-9TH MAY
Book now for summer! Tickets are on sale for three unmissable open-air concerts at Rhy Events Arena. Book via gigantic. com or rhypavilion.co.uk or call 01745 330 000.
James, 8th July Manchester rockers James released their 16th studio album All The Colours of You to huge acclaim last year, and will be performing the new tracks along with hits from their back catalogue. They’re supported by The Lightning Seeds and emerging talent The K’s. Jack Savoretti, 9th July Jack last played in North
DID YOU KNOW? Jack is a huge fan of vintage duo Hall & Oates – John Oates guests on his album
Wales to thunderous applause use at Stadiwm Eirias in 2018. Fresh from an arena tour of new album Europiana, he’s supported by queen of British soul Beverley Knight. Tom Grennan, 10th July The ‘Little Bit of Love’ singer whose album Evering Road topped the UK charts on release, showcases his incredible new music. Ella Henderson joins him as special guest.
ONLY CONNECT
One Another, 10th & 11th May National Dance Company Wales takes us from a wild playground to a mining community in three pieces designed to reconnect us to art and one another. 7.30pm.
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From 1st May, Bodrhyddan House & Garden Tours, Rhuddlan Visit this stunning stately home set in several hundred acres of parkland and woodland. Explore the extensive art collection, the gardens in bloom – and the tea room! Tues & Thurs, 1-5pm. £10 (under-16s £5), garden only £5 (£3). bodrhyddan.co.uk
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7th May, Prom Xtra, Colwyn Bay A funfilled family day with fairground rides and entertainment from bands, soloists, dancers and more. 10am-5pm. Free. Facebook @EventsConwy
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7th-8th May, #ShePaddles, Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig A paddlesports weekend for women, bringing together world-leading female coaches, beginners and enthusiasts for skills workshops and masterclasses. Hosted by the National Outdoor Centre and Canoe Cymru. Tickets £175. pyb.co.uk
Dream, 29th May Ballet Cymru presents a vibrant retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream. 7.30pm. Boeing Boeing, 24th – 28th May Bernard is a successful architect; his three fiancées are unaware of each other’s existence… 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Anything Goes, 15th-18th June Cole Porter musical with singing sailors, tap-dancing showgirls and public enemy number 13! 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets for all shows from £10. theatrclwyd.com
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Offa you can’t refuse…
Walking & Tai Chi, Offa’s Dyke Challenge, Little Terns, Horton’s Nose and Secrets of World War II are just a few of the 25 free guided walks on offer over the weekend of 20th-22nd May. Please book in advance. prestatynwalkingfestival.co.uk
Meet the Tudors Learn about ancient Tudor remedies – even touch and smell a few! – at Plas Mawr, Conwy on 28th29th May. On 25th-26th June you can Meet the Household to find out about Tudor life and join in with dancing and games. Events run 11am4pm. Entry £8.30, child £5.80. cadw.gov. wales On 10th June the house fills with harp music from Helen Wyn Par (£20 via 01492 580167).
8th May & 12th June, Mold Artisan Market, Llandudno This vibrant market will be filled with plants, produce and gifts from local and regional artisans. Browse and sample delicious foods, including jams, tea, fudge and sweet and savoury bakes. 11am-4pm. Free entry. artisannetwork.co.uk
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9th May, Talk by Dr Erin Lloyd Jones, Oriel House, St Asaph Denbigh & District Probus Club presents an archaeologist’s tale, Call Me Indiana Lloyd Jones: Making Archaeology Interesting! For more information contact Keith Lester on kl@6fl.net or 07388 084361
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 7
SUMMER 2022
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A trio of contemporary dance that takes you from a wild fantasy playground to Welsh mining communities.
Brecon, Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth, Swansea, Mold, Bangor March – May 2022
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WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES
Variety in Bangor
performs Mendelssohn, Owain Llwyd and Vaughan Williams. 7.30pm. Tickets from £7.50. Twm Siôn Cati, 14th June The highwayman’s story comes alive with songs and sword fights. 10am & 1pm. Tickets £6.
One Another, 16th May A trio of pieces from National Dance Company Wales, with choreography by Finn, Costanzo Martini and Matsena. 7.30pm. Tickets 14. Steve Harley Acoustic Band, 21st May Charismatic performer shares songs from his new album Uncovered plus old Cockney Rebel favourites. 7.30pm. Tickets £28. A Midsummer Celebration, 10th June WNO Orchestra
Stars, jars and cars
Denbigh Summer Carnival on 24th June kicks off at 11am with a procession of floats, followed by shows from Britannia Wrestlers and Cambria Marching Band, plus a funfair, real ale tents and the famous Roll the Barrel competition. Running alongside is Denbigh Motor Show. Free entry. denbighcarnival.co.uk
Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest, 17th June Master of observational comedy. 8pm. Tickets £25. The Unthanks, 24th
DID YOU June Traditional KNOW? music of the North Steve Harley East, tinged with was on Celebrity jazz, classical and Mastermind and post-rock. 7.30pm. scored 10/11 on Tickets from £22. pontio.co.uk TS Eliot
Kendal Mountain Tour, 4th May An evening of film and talk from some of the most spectacular places on Earth, from Kendal Mountain Festival. 7.30pm. £10.
Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, 6th May Catrin plays the harp, Seckou the West African kora – two instruments sharing an ancient history of storytelling and courtly entertainment. 7.30pm. From £15. Al Lewis, Mared Williams and Côr Dre, 13th May Al’s new album gives a voice to residents of a slate-mining village in North West Wales. 7.30pm. Tickets from £12. galericaernarfon.com
11TH-17TH MAY
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11th-14th May, Sweet Charity, Rhyl Little Theatre Join Rhyl & District Musical Theatre Company in this tale of the hapless but unflappable Charity Hope Valentine as she seeks love in 1960s New York. 7.30pm. £12. rhyllittletheatre.co.uk
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Movie nights
Pack a picnic and settle on the lawn at Wrexham’s Erddig Hall to watch West Side Story (6th May), Moulin Rouge (7th May) or Rocketman (8th May) on the giant screen. Themed music will get you in the mood! 9.15pm. From £14.50. adventurecinema.co.uk
Go down to the woods today!
MUSIC AND MOUNTAINS AT GALERI CAERNARFON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF
Mystical Gottwood returns to the woods of Anglesey on 9th-12th June. The underground electronic music festival brings the best of techno, dance and ambient to the beautiful Carreglwyd Estate in Llanfaethlu. Tickets from £60 (day). ra.co/events
On their way now
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will make an exclusive North Wales appearance at Eirias Stadium, Colwyn Bay on 18th June. Best known as guitarist and songwriting backbone of Oasis, Noel has carved out a successful solo career with his Birds – now celebrating their 10th year. With brilliant support from The Vaccines and Welsh rockers Feeder. 4pm. From £50.63. venuecymru.co.uk
14th May, Caernarfon Food Festival You'll find stalls selling all kinds of produce from Caernarfon and beyond, demonstrations, performances and much more! 10am-4pm. Free entry. gwylfwydcaernarfon.cymru
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14th May, Geology Rocks! Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, Holywell Drop in to discover the treasures beneath Greenfield, and enjoy a fun session with rocks, minerals and fossils. 11am3pm. Park entry £7, child £4, event free. greenfieldvalley.com
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14th May, Llangollen Garden Railway Festival, Llangollen Pavilion A fantastic opportunity to see hobby railways, including 10 large-scale layouts, plus steam ride-on and over 40 traders. 10am-4.30pm. £10, accompanied children free. lgrf.co.uk
17th May, History Walk, Talacre •Join Flintshire Countryside Service for a walk in the dunes and learn about the fascinating history of Talacre. 10am–midday. Free. Book via eventbrite.co.uk
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17th May, Old-time Sailors, Canolfan Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead The crew will play unplugged, taking you on an unforgettable trip back to the 19th century. 7pm. £10. ucheldre.org
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 11
NORTH WALES WHAT’S ON
20TH-21ST MAY
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20th May, An Evening with Liverpool Legends, Venue Cymru, Llandudno John Aldridge, Ronnie Whelan and Steve McMahon talk all things football. Expect an entertaining night with great banter. 7.30pm. £33. venuecymru.co.uk
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21st May, Bryn y Maen Show, Colwyn Bay A traditional rural show with sheepshearing, heavy horses and dog obedience, plus a scarecrow parade, kids’ games and lots of stalls. 10am-5pm. Free. brynymaenshow.org.uk
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21st May, Wrexham Makers Market 2.0, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham Showcasing the most exciting and affordable contemporary arts and crafts in North Wales and beyond. 10am4pm. Free. typawb.wales
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21st May, The Night Sky Show, Venue Cymru, Llandudno An entertaining journey around the stars and planets without the hard science. From £25. venuecymru.co.uk
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21st May, Nature Walk, Wepre Park, Connah's Quay Join the RSPB exploring the country park to Ewloe. 10am. Free. Email colwynbooks@waitrose.com
Teapots and flying goggles! Aberystwyth Steampunk Spectacular is visiting the iconic location of Portmeirion for its Steampunk Social on 7th-8th May. Put on your best goggles for a spot of promenading and show off your creations at the first Portmeirion Steampunk Fashion Show. You can enjoy teapot racing with Aberystwyth Robotics Club or teapot sumo where you get to
WALKS ON THE WILD SIDE Set your alarm early on 7th May and join your Wildlife Trust to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day. Meet at Nantporth or Coed Cilygroeslwyd, Ruthin at 4.15am for an unforgettable experience that’s worth the early start! £3, booking essential. Or join a Bluebell Walk (with quiz and biscuits) at Coed y Felin, Hendre on 18th May. northwales wildlife trust.org.uk
Parties in the park
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21st May, Wrexham Vegan Market Taking over the town centre, the market brings together vegan street-food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, zero waste champions, green charities and more. 10.30am4pm. veganmarkets.co.uk 21st May, Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, William Aston Hall, Glyndŵr University, Wrexham Leon Bosch conducts pieces by Mussorgsky, Glazunov, and a new work by Sam Redfern. 7.30pm. See wrexhamorch. co.uk
12 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Celebrate the Jubilee vintage style at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, Holywell on 3rd June. Step Into The 1950s promises a fun day for all, with comedy from The Gossips, ballroom dancing and a 1950s Chairoplane. 11am-3pm. £7 adult, £4 child, £20 family. On 25th June, Party in the Park brings a live music line-up from 4-9pm. £7.50. greenfieldvalley.com
push your opponent out of the dohyō! Try tea duelling with biscuits or the more hardcore parasol duelling – the ultimate game of rock, paper, scissors. Then travel by steam (what else?) through stunning Snowdonia on the Ffestiniog Railway, with two carriages reserved exclusively for steampunks. Come and strut your stuff or just enjoy watching others. 9.30am-5.30pm. Tickets from £11 at the entrance or via portmeirion.steampunk.wales
Wonderful Welsh landscapes Oriel Môn gallery in Anglesey is hosting several stunning exhibitions. On view until 5th June are landscapes of Anglesey and Ireland in watercolour, oil and print by sisters V’cenza and Piera Cirefice. Jenny Holland’s ‘Brushes with land and sea’ runs from 18th June-31st July. Inspired by walks on Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula, Jenny uses a bold, impressionistic style in oils and acrylics. Kyffin Williams’ dramatic paintings of the Welsh landscape and its people remain on show until 3rd July. Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm. Free, booking required. orielmon.org
Summer cruising
Afternoon Tea with Prosecco, anyone? From 1st May cruises leave Llangollen Wharf at midday, taking in the Dee Valley and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to return at 4pm. Maybe the Real Ale & Wine Cruise with grazing platter on 7th May & 18th June is more your thing? Tickets £29.95. Call 01978 860 702 or see horsedrawnboats.co.uk
RAIL AND ALE
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways’ Rail Ale Festival pulls into Dinas station on 10th-11th June, with a heady mix of real ales, steam trains and live music. A selection of beers, many from local microbreweries, will be served from the historic Goods Shed in Llanwnda. There’ll be live music and food stalls, and steam rides into Snowdonia (book ahead). 11am-10pm. For tickets see rail-ale.com
Piera Cirefice
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF
AILDDARGANFOD THEATR REDISCOVER THEATRE
13.05.22 & 14.05.22
23.05.22 - 28.05.22
31.05.22 - 04.06.22
25.07.22 - 30.07.22
09.08.22 - 20.08.22
27.09.22 - 01.10.22
24.10.22 - 29.10.22
29.11.22 - 03.12.22
Non-stop fun
SEE WHAT YOU CAN DISCOVER AT XPLORE!
T
he doors to Xplore! continue to be open every weekend and all week during the holidays from 9.30am-4.30pm. They’ve got Bank Holidays covered, so whether it’s annual leave you’re taking, or an idea for the grandparents in charge for the day, Xplore! offers the whole family a day out with a difference.
Make a day of it
The exhibition space is stuffed full of mind-bending exhibits that will keep everyone entertained and our live science show adds to the experience with plenty New challenges of excitement. Running throughout the day, the latest show ‘It’s a Chemystery’ is included as part of your visit. Discover how “Is it to make things appear and disappear and magic – watch as one thing turns into something or is it completely different. The question is, is it magic or is it chemistry? The well-stocked science?” shop has you covered, with unique gifts from our interactive glow-in-the-dark T-shirts to smaller pocket-money items. With an on-site café and a picnic area to bring-your-own, you can enjoy a good couple of hours at Xplore! Maybe include a trip to the museum, Ty Pawb or St Giles to really make a day of it in Wrexham.
6th & 20th May & 17th June are Toddler Days at Xplore!, Wrexham
A turn for our youngest visitors
A chance for younger children to engage with Xplore! in a way that’s just for them. Join dropin sessions where we’ll discover the world around us through stories, experiments and crafts. Tickets £7.50
13th May & 10th June are Sensory Days at Xplore!
Committed to making our Science Centre accessible to all, we dim the lights, lower the volume and provide a calming space for those who prefer quieter surroundings. To find out more about all our events, visit xplorescience.co.uk
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FREE parking & discounted tickets online Visit: www.caerwys-show.org.uk
Llandudno
Find something you’ll love to give as a gift or treasure for yourself MOSTYN, 12 Vaughan Street, Llandudno LL30 1AB 01492 868191 Open 10.30 - 5 Tues - Sun Or visit our online shop www.mostyn.org/shop
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WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 22ND MAY-4TH JUNE
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World music at Neuadd Ogwen Hang Massive, 12th May Be transported by the cosmic sounds and magical dreamscape of the duo’s Great Bliss show, with steel drums and ecstatic beats to get you dancing. 7pm. Tickets £18. Newen Afrobeat, 14th May This Chilean collective finds inspiration in the Nigerian Afrobeat of Fela Kuti. With
Latino rhythms and a stunning horn section, you’ll want to join the fiesta! 7.30pm. Tickets £12.
The Turbans, 20th May An international music ensemble blending traditional Middle Eastern and eastern European styles to create a modern and energetic performance. 7.30pm. Tickets £12.
DID YOU KNOW? The Turbans were formed when two Londoners met cycling in Nepal!
Fulu Miziki Kollektiv, 21st May An eco-friendly, Afro-futuristic-punk collective who make their costumes and instruments from trash. Expect vibrant percussion and dance – think Mad Max meets Stormzy! 7.30pm. Tickets £12. neuaddogwen.com
Shiver yer timbers!
There’ll be ships and brigands aplenty at Conwy Pirate Festival on 14th and 15th May. Enjoy music and mayhem, barrel racing, sword fights and more! The Old Time Sailors perform on Saturday, with victuals provided (£31.50 via conwypirates.com). On Sunday, watch the Redcoats defend Conwy Castle through a haze of smoke and cannon fire. Will the pirates escape with a prisoner and sail off into the sunset? 11am-4pm, standard admission prices apply. See cadw.gov.wales
Pots ’n’ lots more
Bodrhyddan Hall, near Rhuddlan, is the stunning setting for Ceramic Wales on 11th-12th June. The event runs alongside Bodrhyddan Plant Fayre, with additional food stalls creating the perfect mix of ‘Pots, Plants and Food’. There’ll be exquisite pieces of ceramic sculpture and vessels to buy, lots of craft suppliers to browse and the beautiful gardens to explore. 10am-4pm. Tickets £4-£10, under-16s free. ceramicwales.com
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22nd May, Plant Fair, Stamford Gate Hotel, Holywell The Hardy Plant Society Clwyd presents its nursery showcase. Come and buy something unusual for your garden. 10.30am-1.30pm. Free. hardy-plant.org.uk
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29th May & 26th June, Railway & Steam Open Days, Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, Holywell The 250-yearold cotton warehouse makes a rare opening to display the Railway & Tramway Museum collection. 1-3pm. Free event, greenfieldvalley.com
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1st June, 30 Days Wild: Blast off! Aberduna Nature Reserve and Gwaith Powdwr Kick off June with a day of activities designed to help us understand what we can do to protect wildlife. Times vary. £3. northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk
Big birthday bash It’s the centenary of Criccieth Memorial Hall, and Festival Week from 27th May to 5th June is packed full of events. Taste Welsh wines on 27th May or dance with the Gershwin Gang on 28th. The Starlight Players perform on the 31st, followed by Johns’ Boys Male Chorus on 3rd June and Beatles’ tribute Made in Liverpool on 4th. A street party rounds it all off. cricciethmemorialhall.com
22nd May, A Masterclass with Sarah Watling, Gladstone's Library, Hawarden Spend the day learning how to distil a mass of research into a single book. A must for all budding authors! 10am-3pm. £60.gladstoneslibrary.org
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The Dragon flies again
On 20th-22nd May Llangollen Red Dragon Music Festival brings together good sounds, good food and good ale. Over the years the festival has featured a wide range of music – didgeridoo, folk, opera, folk punk and the organiser’s favourites: rock, blues and heavy metal. Expect the unexpected! Tickets from £15. eventbrite.co.uk
2nd-4th June, Living History in the Castle, Harlech Experience the thrill of armoured knights in tournament, precision archery displays, graceful dancing and accomplished musicians in a tour of medieval life. 11am-4pm. £8.30 (child £5.80). cadw.gov.wales
4th June, Launch Concert, NEW Sinfonia & NEW Voices community chorus Celebrating the 10th anniversary of St Asaph being granted official city status and the launch of NWIMF’s 50th anniversary, and in collaboration with St Asaph CC’s Jubilee celebrations. newsinfonia.org.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 17
NORTH WALES WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 3RD-15TH JUNE-
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3rd & 4th June, Battle of Rhuddlan, Rhuddlan Castle Let re-enactors take you back to the year 1075. Learn about the soldier’s lifestyle and battle skills and enjoy the skirmishes. 10am- 4pm. £4.80 (£3.40 child). cadw.gov.wales
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4th June, Medieval Falconry at Criccieth Castle Travel back in time for tales of medieval falconry: there will be flying displays at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, with commentary about the world of birds of prey. 11am-4pm. £6.50 (child £4.60). cadw.gov.wales
The great outdoors
Snowdonia’s Trefriw Walking Festival on 20th-22nd May offers 18 of its most popular walks in a ‘Festival of Favourites’. There’s something for everyone: forest walks, lake walks, tough hikes in the mountains, waterfalls and more. Each day has a something different to offer, from scrambling up Bristly Ridge and the Glyders to a gentle ‘forest bathing’ experience. Spend a day in Gwydir Forest visiting
Fun and inclusive
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10th-13th June, Dolbelydr Open Days, Denbigh A chance to see around Dolbelydr, a 16thcentury gentry house owned by the Landmark Trust. It was here that Henry Salesbury wrote the first Welsh grammar. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds. 10am-4pm (10am1pm Monday). Free. Booking essential. landmarktrust.org.uk
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11th June, Caerwys Agricultural Show A traditional livestock show, with carriage driving, classic cars, vintage vehicles and many stalls. 9am. Tickets via caerwys-show.org.uk
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12th June, Mark Watson: This Can't Be It, Theatr Clwyd, Mold At 41, Mark is halfway through his days on Earth… but one huge problem remains! 7.30pm. £20. theatrclwyd.com
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15th June, Explore Flora at Talacre Enjoy a guided walk with a ranger and ecologist and learn about what grows on the dunes. 1pm. Free but book via event brite.co.uk
18 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
DID YOU KNOW? ten of the area’s hidden lakes or Trefriw was the visit churches in the Conwy Valley. birthplace of Create environmental art with Tim Brother Cadfael, Pugh using materials collected along the fictional the way. Discover the history of the detective Dolgarrog disaster, forage for food, wise
The Festival of Discovery is an inclusive and playful children’s festival inspired by music, science and nature, at Anglesey Showground on 1st-2nd June. Created for families with additional needs, together you can learn, experiment, dance, make music, explore the senses and cook up a right old mess in the cookery workshop! 10am–5pm. Tickets from £5. festivalofdiscovery.wales
up on wildflowers, or just enjoy a good walk and great views of Snowdonia. There is no charge, although voluntary donations are encouraged. Booking is essential. trefriwwalkingfestival.co.uk
Arts in Aberdaron
‘Time & Tide’ is the theme for this year’s RS Thomas & ME Eldridge Poetry & Arts Festival on 16th-19th June in Aberdaron, honouring the poet (who was vicar here) and his artist wife. Readings and workshops will explore the tides of faith in his work, and there’ll be live music and a photographic art exhibition. Visit Sarn Plas, their former home, or enjoy a walk in the artists’ footsteps. rsthomaspoetry.co.uk
SONGS AND LAUGHTER AT RHYL PAVILION
A Fright in the Museum, 7th May CBBC’s newest comedy duo Danny & Mick perform a show packed with hilarious comedy, magic, mayhem and slapstick. 2pm. Tickets from £18. Menopause the Musical 2, 17th June For these ladies, the menopause was not the beginning of the end but the beginning of a beautiful friendship, where love conquers all and friendships never fail. 7.30pm. Tickets £34.50. Rufus Wainwright, 26th June Music supremo Rufus Wainwright comes to Rhyl for one of only four UK dates. Praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality”, don’t miss one of the great vocalists, songwriters and composers of his generation in this special live performance. 7pm. Tickets from £45 (excluding booking fees) from gigantic.com and rhylpavilion.co.uk
Fun food fiesta
Local producers will be out in force for Rhuddlan Food, Drink & Craft Festival on 14th May, to tempt you with samples of everything from cheese to gin. Centred on the Community Centre and Ebenezer Chapel, it’s not all about the food: there’ll be craft stalls and kids’ activities indoors and out, live music and entertainment. 10am4pm. Adults £1. bespoke fitnessandevents.co.uk
2022
FIXTURES 13/01
NEW YEAR MEETING
11/02
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13/03
SUNDAY RACEDAY
09/04
GRAND NATIONAL CELEBRATION
14/05
FAMILY FUNDAY
24/05
THE SPRING MEETING
29/07
LADIES DAY
15/08
FAMILY FUN EVENING
23/08
THE SUMMER MEETING
28/09
THE CLYWD SPECIAL RIDING CENTRE CHARITY DAY
25/10
HALLOWEEN DAY
09/11
EARLY NOVEMBER MEETING
26/11
LATE NOVEMBER MEETING
09/12
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
TICKETS & HOSPITALITY NOW ON SALE AT BANGORONDEERACES.CO.UK
019_SHIRE_MJ2022.indd 1
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www.wrexhamorch.co.uk Orchestra in Residence at Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Mussorgsky: Night on a Bare Mountain Glazunov: Violin Concerto Sam Redfern: Awakening (First Performance) Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition www.wrexhamorch.co.uk
Wrexham Symphony Orchestra Orchestra in Residence at Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Mussorgsky: Night on a Bare Mountain ConViolin ductConcerto or: Leon Bosch Glazunov: Sam Redfern: Awakening (First Performance) VioPictures lin: FeatneanllExhibition a Humphreys Mussorgsky:
Leader: Mark Lansom
FOR MORE INFORMATION UPDATES, FIND US ON FACEBOOK AT THE LLANGOLLEN RED DRAGON MUSIC FESTIVAL
FULL WEEKEND TICKETS & DAY TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW THROUGH EVENTBRITE
Conductor: Leon Bosch Violin: TicketFenella s £15 balcoHumphreys ny, £12 stalls, £10 concessions
and young children, £25 family ticket £2 students, Leader: school pMark upilsLansom Available at www.wrexhamorch.co.uk/tickets.htm FRIDAY 20th - SUNDAY 22nd MAY 2022 Tickets £15 balcony, £12 stalls, £10 concessions at THE LLANGOLLEN PAVILION
£2 students, school pupils and young children, £25 family ticket Available at www.wrexhamorch.co.uk/tickets.html
21st
Saturdayst21 May 2022, 7.30pm
ABBEY ROAD, LLANGOLLEN LL20 8SW
Saturday 21 May 2022, 7.30pm William Aston Hall, Glyndŵr University
William Aston Hall, Glyndŵr University
William Aston M Hall, old RGlyndŵr oad, WrexUniversity ham LL11 2AW Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW
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21/04/2022 11:32
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WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 19TH-25TH JUNE
Appearing at Venue Cymru Oti Mabuse - I Am Here, 11th May Join Oti in a whirlwind celebration of the inspirations that took her on a journey to achieving her dancing dreams, from childhood in South Africa to TV’s Strictly. 7.30pm. Tickets from £28.
friends are back on the road and bring you another evening of razor-sharp improvisation. Pure hilarity! 8pm. Tickets £26.
Jasper Carrott - Stand Up & Rock, 12th May Comedy veteran Jasper is back on stage, joined by ELO rocker Bev Bevan. Expect a night of laughter and music. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.50
The Proclaimers, 26th June The brothers’ enduring appeal across generations has seen them enjoy huge success across the globe. Their timeless songs capture all human emotions, with poignancy, political fire and wit. 7.30pm. Tickets £40. venuecymru.co.uk
Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, 15th May Paul and
To market, to market…
Colwyn Bay Artisan Market is North Wales’ largest artisan market, boasting over 60 stalls of the finest local makers, bakers, artists and creators. In May there’s an ‘Seaside Fun’ theme, with Punch & Judy, a ventriloquist show, balloon modelling and a hoola hoop workshop for kids, and a singalong knees-up. June goes ‘Musical’, with local bands and an open mic, plus an instrument workshop, art activities and street performers. Call in on the third Saturday every month, 10am-4pm on Station Road/Seaview Road in the town centre, opposite station.
YOUNG, GIFTED AND WELSH
The Stiwt in Rhosllannerchrugog
Count Arthur Strong - And This is Me! 13th May Count Arthur, “one-time variety star and expert in absolutely everything”, shares two decades of memories from his ten national tours, his Radio4 show and BAFTA-nominated sitcom. 8pm. Tickets £21. Afternoon Tea & Downton Abbey, 21st May Enjoy an elegant viewing of the Downton movie accompanied by delicious sandwiches, cream scones and cakes. 1pm. Tickets £8. stiwt.com
Urdd National Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s largest youth festivals and will welcome around 90,000 visitors to Denbighshire on 30th May4th June. Over 15,000 young people will compete in singing, recitation, drama, dance and instrumental events as part of the Welsh language festival, as well as cookery, hairdressing, journalism and much more. There’s fun for all, from biking and climbing to live bands and shows. Free but booking required. urdd.cymru
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19th June, Father's Day Afternoon Tea, Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham Get together with family at Venue in the Park and celebrate the dad in your life with fantastic cakes made by Caffi Cyfle. From £10. To book, email info@ groundworknorthwales.org.uk
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21st June, Walk, Conwy RSPB Reserve Enjoy an evening walk around the reserve, then treat yourself to a fish ’n’ chips supper. Meet at the reserve car park. 6pm. Free. Details from colwynbooks@waitrose.com
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24th & 25th June, Rohan's Run & Deganwy Prom Day, Conwy A 5-mile charity dash along the estuary to the RSPB Reserve on Friday evening (7pm, entry from £10) is followed by a celebration with stalls, food, children's sports, music, dancing displays and a fun dog show on Saturday. 11am-4pm. Free. Stay up to date on Facebook @Deganwy Prom Day
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25th June, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Nantclwyd y Dre House, Ruthin Illyria perform Shakespeare’s timeless comic masterpiece at Wales’ oldest timbered town house. Please bring your own seating/rug, suitable clothing and a picnic. 6.30pm. From £8. illyria.co.uk
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25th June, Llanrwst Rural, Show Enjoy this traditional agricultural show with cattle, sheep, horses, fur and feather, locally produced food and crafts. 9am-5pm. Free. sioellanrwstshow.co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 21
MID WALES WHAT’S ON
Celebrations at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
co hit Gu
The Beyer Bash, 20th-22nd May Celebrating the 120th birthdays of the railway’s two original locomotives, The Earl and The Countess, this three-day jamboree honours their builders, Beyer Peacock & Co. Beyer visitors on display will include K1 and No 1827, and there’ll be a chance to ride lots of W&LLR trains with one rover ticket. From £15.
DID YOU KNOW? The Flying Scotsman was the first service loco to hit 100mph – in 1934
SteamBricks featuring BRICKLIVE Britannia, 28th May-5th June See ingenious models of the Flying Scotsman, the Great Fire of London and more, all built in bricks. There’ll be models and train rides galore – a sure hit with families and enthusiasts alike. Tickets from £12. Peppa Pig Visits! 25th & 26th June For the younger enthusiast! Meet with Peppa, enjoy steam trains and more – details soon. wllr.org.uk
Fresh air fun
Newtown Outdoor Festival takes place on 4th-5th June – a weekend jam-packed with fun activities centred on the hub at Oriel Davies Gallery. Walk, paddle, cycle, run, picnic, cook on fires with the Scouts, fish, paint, garden, dance – there’s something for everyone! Plus there’s a ceilidh on Saturday from 6.30pm, with rip-roaring music by Ffonic. Booking essential. Details at newtownoutdoorfestival.uk
Aberystwyth welcomes some of Britain’s top cyclists for the Cycling Festival on 4th-5th June, featuring closed-road races, downhill and the massed Continental Welsh Wild West Sportive. Watch the action and explore the lanes of Ceredigion on your own bike. Don’t miss a new fringe event: a free BMX display and skills workshop at Parc Kronberg from 6pm on 3rd June. abercyclefest.co.uk
The place to bee…
Looking for tips to help wildlife thrive in your garden? The Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth has the answers – join their Gardening For Nature experience day on 5th May. On 8th May, early birds can enjoy a symphony of morning song on a free Dawn Chorus Walk, leaving at 5am. Get up close and personal with creepy-crawlies in a Nature Detectives family day on 2nd June. And on 25th & 26th June, Saving the Bees is a chance to learn about different species, their crucial role in our ecosystem and how we can help. Times and prices vary, for details see cat.org.uk 22 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Nature bugs
On yer bike!
Reconnect with nature at Denmark Farm near Lampeter on 20th22nd May. Outside Inside – Being Part of Nature aims to provide you with time and space to slow down, appreciate the little things and form connections through songs, storytelling and spending time alone in nature. Kids: why not Re-wild Your Dad on 18th June and spend the day in the woods together learning bushcraft? For serious amateurs, there’s a two-day course on Identifying Bees on 25th-26th June, covering all things bee-related. Full programme at denmarkfarm.org.uk
Laughter at Hafren
Ian Waite and Vincent Simone: Act Two, 5th May The Strictly Come Dancing stars promise a wonderful evening of old-fashioned variety, dance, comedy and song. Expect beautiful costumes, gorgeous lighting and world-class routines. 7.30pmTickets £35. Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John, 25th June Following a seven-year break from stand-up, the multiaward-winner and Britain’s crossest comic roars back in style! 8pm. Tickets £29.50. thehafren.co.uk
WHAT’S ON MID WALES DID YOU KNOW? Grace also contributes to hit podcast The Guilty Feminist
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 7TH-29TH MAY
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Variety at Aberystwyth Arts Centre Grace Petrie, 6th May Grace has an army of loyal fans from across the alternative, folk, political and comedy scenes. She is joined by long-time collaborator, singer and multiinstrumentalist Ben Moss. 7.30pm. Tickets from £13. Choice Grenfell, 11th May A wonderful tribute featuring
Joyce’s hilarious monologues and songs, from ‘School Nativity’ to ‘First Flight’. A delightful delve into her most endearing characters. 7.30pm. Tickets £15. Talisk, 18th May Folk Band of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, Talisk have been described as ‘incredibly infectious and
7th May, Glanusk Welsh Stallion Show, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells One of the most popular events for Welsh horse breeds and a Welsh Pony & Cob Society Silver Medal show, entry is free to spectators. From 8am. glanuskshow.co.uk
endearing… fresh, invigorating, accomplished and playfully frisky’. 7.30pm. Tickets from £12. An Evening with Shane Williams, 9th June The rugby legend will share secrets from his illustrious career when he takes to the stage for this intimate evening. 8pm. Tickets from £18. aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
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7th-8th May & 11th-12th June, Open Weekend, Rhiw Valley Light Railway, near Welshpool Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit and travel on this private 15in gauge railway as it runs through farmland and woodland by the River Rhiw. 10.30am-4.30pm. From £4. rvlr.co.uk
Laughs and culture at Wyeside Arts Centre Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It, 5th May Spiritual enquiry meets high-octane comedy. 8pm. Tickets £20.
ROH Ballet: Swan Lake – satellite live, 22nd May A sumptuous production brought to life
with glittering designs and a sublime score by Tchaikovsky. 2pm. Tickets from £15.
Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland, 12th June Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes by this Live at the Apollo star and rapid-fire joke-telling sensation! 8pm. Tickets £20. wyeside.co.uk
Hooves versus feet!
Watch runners and riders race across 22.5 miles of hills and bogs around Llanwrtyd Wells on 11th June, in the Man v Horse Challenge. The organisers also offer guided Drovers’ Walks in the mountains on 25th June, retracing ancient footsteps. From £5. green-events.co.uk
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7th & 21st May, Identifying Birds for Beginners Workshop, RSPB Ynys-hir, near Machynlleth If you’ve ever wanted to understand the difference between a chaffinch and a dunnock, then join the experts and improve your bird ID skills. 10am-12pm. From £5. events.rspb.org.uk
Monty Lit Fest is back
Sophie Hannah, Bella Bathurst and Horatio Clare are among the guests at Montgomery’s book festival on 10th-12th June, which also features a quiz night, late lounge and a literary cricket tea! See montylitfest.com
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8th & 15th May, Open Garden, Pontsioni House, Builth Wells Admire the borders, terraces and natural rockery, stroll the wildflower meadow or milelong old railway line, or up to Aberedw Rocks. 2.30-6pm. £5. ngs.org.uk
Steaming along the Mawddach Estuary
Fairbourne Steam Railway holds its annual Gala on 28th-30th May. This year’s visiting engines were all built by Exmoor Steam Railway, and feature a range of gauges. A marquee at Barmouth Ferry will be displaying model railways, and there’ll be miniature train rides on the narrow-gauge line, offering splendid views of Cader Idris, as well as lots of other attractions. fairbournerailway.com
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28th & 29th May, Ceredigion Garden & Craft Festival, Aberaeron Organised by Ceredigion & District Growers’ Association, there’ll be plants, craft and food stalls, and fun for the kids. 10am-5pm. Free entry. penlanperennials.co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 23
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 29TH MAY-3RD JUNE
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29th May, Archery Taster Session, Elan Village Green, Elan Valley Try your hand at archery with an hour-long taster from Elan Valley Lodge. Sessions at 11am, midday & 2pm. £15. elanvalley.org.uk
Every picture tells a story
DID YOU KNOW? Mabinogi comes from ‘mab’ or boy – meaning tales of a hero’s boyhood
Two exciting free exhibitions continue at MOMA Machynlleth. Until 4th June, see ‘Legends’ by Martin Weatherhead, a four-year project to hand-weave a tapestry inspired by the story of Peredur from the Mabinogi. ‘Outside In – Inside Out’ is inspired by the colours, stonework and architectural features of Machynlleth. Giles Ford has created 20 art flags to celebrate and lift the spirits of all who live in and visit the town – on show until 11th June. Plus, live music is back at MOMA! On 28th May catch Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita on
harp and West African kora – instruments that share an ancient history of storytelling and courtly entertainment. 7.30pm. Tickets £20. mwldan.co.uk On 11th June Machynlleth Music Club hosts Dominic Degavino (piano), who will perform pieces by Beethoven, Amy Beach, Schubert and Brahms. 2pm. Tickets £10. moma.cymru
Musical heroes come to Cardigan
Natasha Watts, 21st May The international soul singer will perform a collection of beautiful, original and classic tracks with just a piano to support her. A stunning journey of music and stories that will make you laugh and cry. 7.30pm. Tickets £20.
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29th May, Birdwatching Walk, Elan Valley & Visitor Centre, nr Rhayader Join Tony Ware in Cnwch Woods. No booking needed – meet at the Visitor Centre car park. 9.30am-1pm. Free. Details from Tony on 07772 792722.
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31st May, Pen y Garreg Dam Open Day, Elan Valley A rare chance to venture into the central tower of the dam. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the dam wall and learn about the feat of engineering that made Elan. 10am-4pm. Adult £5, child £1. elanvalley.org.uk
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1st-5th June, May Half-Term Fun, Llanerchaeron, Aberaeron Enjoy an action-packed half term with events and activities every day to keep adults and children entertained. 10am-4pm. Entry adult £9, child £4.50, events free. nationaltrust.org. uk/llanerchaeron
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3rd June, Llanbister Show & Sports, Llanbister near Llandrindod Wells A long-running village show with traditional agricultural competitions, displays, arts and crafts, entertainment and sports. Keep up to date on Facebook @LlanbisterShow.
24 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri: An Acoustic Journey, 13th May For almost two decades, Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their spellbinding stripped-back acoustic live show, allowing each of their exceptional talents to shine through, creating a wonderful and warm atmosphere. 7.30pm. Tickets £20. mwldan.co.uk
Livestock and live music!
The Aberystwyth & Ceredigion County Show takes place on 11th June at Capel Bangor. Visitors from across Wales and beyond flock to enjoy an entertaining mix of events – everything from speed shearing through to equestrian competitions, with lots of stalls and food vendors. Live music from the Dafydd Iwan a’r Band and the Welsh Whisperer adds to a fun day out for all the family. From 9am. Stay up to date on Facebook@ SioeAberystwythShow
Giles Ford. Above: Martin Weatherhead
MID WALES WHAT’S ON
A very secret festival... For all those seeking an earthy, alternative experience, Fire in the Mountain festival – in a secret location near Aberystwyth from 1st-6th June – offers nourishment for body and mind. From humble beginnings as a gathering of friends who shared a love of folk, old time and bluegrass music, the now annual event has retained its community feel. Join headliners jamming by the campfire after you’ve seen them on stage. Tickets from £45. fireinthemountain.co.uk
Rebel with applause
Steve Harley Acoustic Band, 22nd May Widely considered one of the most charismatic performers on stage, Steve performs songs from his new album Uncovered as well as old Cockney Rebel favourites. An intimate night in the presence of a great musician! 7.45pm. Tickets £28.
Sound of the Sirens, 27th May Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood are a singersongwriting duo based in Exeter, whose musical and vocal dexterity dovetail beautifully on everything from emotive ballads to foot-stomping anthems. 8pm. Tickets £13. pavilionmidwales.org.uk
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MAY 28th 29th & 30th
For our Gala this year we will be joined by engines in several gauges, all built by Exmoor Steam Railway in Devon. Evesham Vale Railway’s
“
Perrygrove Railway’s
Littlehampton Railway’s
A Marquee of model railways & miniature train rides at Barmouth Ferry, and many other attractions.
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32nd Welshpool Country & Western Music Festival
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Cycles of all ages for all ages Discover the history of the bicycle at the UK’s
National Cycle Museum CYCLE JUMBLE Saturday morning 16th JULY at Cefnllys School in nearby Spa Road
AND: James 'n' Wood Duo Willow Station Duo Stubby Nashville Numbers Band Cash Revisited Show Texas Tornado's Trio
The Automobile Palace, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5DL Tel: 01597 825531 curator@cyclemuseum.org.uk www.cyclemuseum.org.uk ON
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WHAT’S ON MID WALES
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 3RD-22ND JUNE
Showtime!
Garden expert and TV presenter Charlie Dimmock joins the Smallholding & Countryside Festival at Builth Wells on 21st & 22nd May to talk about wildlife and water. The celebration of rural life features a packed schedule of competitions and
The history train
Thursdays are special at Talyllyn steam railway. On 5th, 12th & 19th May it's all aboard The Quarryman for a Victorian Train Experience on this original 1860s’ passenger train. Tickets include a cream tea and a tour of the narrow-gauge museum. On 9th, 16th & 23rd June, the Pioneers’ Train Experience tells how the lost railway was brought back to life by volunteers, and includes a tour of the Pendre works. 11am-3.22pm. Tickets £39.50, child £15. talyllyn.co.uk
displays of livestock, horses and other animals, delicious food, live music, country sports, shopping and demonstrations. Main attractions include the Premier Open dog show – a qualifier for Crufts; a medieval re-enactment camp; BMX display and Panic family circus. Gates open at the Royal Welsh Showground at 9am. Tickets from £5. rwas.wales
Summer classics
production sets Shakespeare’s tragedy in a timeless era, with passion and deception as the driving forces in this tale of evil. 7pm & 3pm. Tickets from £6. The School of Night, 21st May Exploring the minds of poets, novelists and playwrights ancient and modern, creating new works based on audience suggestions. 7-9pm. From £6.
Macbeth, 7th & 8th May This
The Beast in Me – The Devil’s Violin, 26th June Words and music blend in this masterfully woven tapestry of stories about the value of kindness. 3-5pm. Tickets from £6. shakespearelink.org.uk
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4th & 5th June, Bryngwyn Summer Fayre, Llanfyllin Enjoy a tour of this historic garden, rarely open to the public. There’ll be great local produce, unusual plants and trees, garden sculpture and high-quality fashion to buy. 10.30am-5pm. £5. bryngwyn.com
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10th & 11th June, Welshpool Poetry Festival Workshops and readings take place across the town during this relaxing and thought-provoking weekend of verse. Stay up to da on Facebook @WelshpoolPoetryFestival
Wales’s oldest classical music event, Gregynog Festival, returns on 25th-26th June with its traditional combination of wonderful concerts in idyllic locations. International artists gather in a house-party atmosphere at the Newtown manor. For the full programme see gwylgregynogfestival.org
Darkness and light at the Willow Globe
From its outdoor setting at Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, the ‘living theatre’ presents:
You can view the glorious setting when the hall’s Grade I listed garden opens on 7th-8th May as part of the National Garden Scheme. Enjoy a display of rhododendrons and azaleas, woodland walks and the arboretum. 10am-4pm. Entry by donation. ngs.org.uk
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3rd & 4th June, Steaming Days, Internal Fire Museum of Power, Tanygroes See the largest collection of working engines in Wales powered by steam generated on site. 10.30am-3.30pm. From £3.75. internalfire.com
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Pedal, paddle or plod
The Montgomery Canal Triathlon on 7th May offers the chance to complete one, two or all three sections of the challenge: a 12-mile cycle from Newtown’s new Riverside venue to Belan; 5.5 miles by canoe through Welshpool to Pool Quay and 9.5 miles on the improved towpath to Crickheath, where you can admire the newly restored wharf. Open to all ages, entry from £6. themontgomerycanal.org.uk
12th June, Dragonflies and Damselflies, RSPB Ynys-hir, near Machynlleth Get to know the difference between the two insects and discover hawkers, emperors and darters. 2-3.30pm. From £ 6.50. rspb.org.uk
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17th & 24th June, Open Garden, Welsh Lavender, Builth Wells Walk in the lavender fields, learn about distillation, and wild swim before enjoying light refreshments! 10am-4pm. Tickets £5. ngs.org.uk
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22nd June, Nightjars, RSPB Ynys-hir, near Machynlleth Join the experts to discover more about Covert Coch peatland bog and search for the mysterious nightjar. 8.30 -10pm. From £10.50. rspb.org.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 27
CHESHIRE WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE DID YOU KNOW? Myths link the Dee to Aerfen, Celtic goddess of fate
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 7TH-13TH MAY
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7th May, American Wrestling EPW Chester, Northgate Arena, Chester Top-class wrestling action suitable for all the family! 7pm. From £12. eventbrite.co.uk
Chilli & quiz on the Lady Diana
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8th May, Cars and Coffee Cheshire, Marquee Bar, Chester Lakes, Dodleston Monthly meet-up for car enthusiasts, from the hardcore motoring fan to those who’ve just popped in. See classic rally cars sitting next to supercars and maybe the odd Micra in between! 9am-midday. It’s free but book ahead. carsandcoffeecheshire.co.uk
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10th-12th May, Aspire Rider Confidence, Somerford Park Farm, Congleton Want to enjoy your horse and your riding more? Overcome fears and self-limiting beliefs with confidence coaching, yoga sessions, sports massage (for equines and riders) and post-ride debriefs. £325. See somerfordpark.co.uk/eventscompetitions/
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13th May, Disco Bingo, Helsby Community Sports Club, Helsby Singing, dancing and of course bingo – with a twist. Hosted by resident DJ and compere Vinyl Richie. 8pm. £15. Contact Neil on 07545 115 777.
28 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
In the frame
The focus is on owls and other birds of prey at a dedicated photoshoot taking place on 8th May at Glebe Farm in Astbury. Perfect your static images in a studio in the morning and in-flight photos in the afternoon (weather-dependent). A professional photographer and a falconer will be on hand to help and instruct. It’s a full day, 10am-3pm, with a break for lunch. Tickets £45. eventbrite.co.uk
Live at the Lyceum
Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors, 8th May Birmingham Stage Co presents history with the nasty bits left in! 1pm & 4pm. From £11.50.
Gilbert O’Sullivan, 22nd May Songs new and old to enthrall you. 7.30pm. Tickets from £29. Private Peaceful, 7th-11th June Set against the backdrop of WW1, join 18-yearold Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches as he tells his story
Chester on 20th May and 15th July at 7pm sharp, returning at 9pm. Tickets are £22 per person, or book a table for four for £80. ChesterBoat also runs gorgeous two-hour cruises from their moorings on The Groves, past some spectacular riverside residences, out of the city and into leafy countryside, making the turn for home at the picturesque Aldford Iron Bridge.There is a fully stocked bar and you can bring your own picnic. Various dates and times. £16. Check chesterboat.co.uk
Kids Rule!
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7th May, Let’s Fish, Shropshire Union Canal, Nantwich Learn to fish with a team of professionally qualified and licensed angling coaches, with one-hour sessions available to adults and children over 6. All bait, equipment, permits and licence provided. 9.30am4pm. Free, but book in advance. canalrivertrust.org.uk
Fancy yourself a trivia expert after weekly Zoom quizzes during lockdown? Are you a music meastro, serious sports fan or fount of useless knowledge? ChesterBoat will pick your brains with a mixture of picture, music and question rounds as we make our way up the scenic River Dee, out of the city and through the leafy Cheshire countryside. Assemble your dream team and set sail on the Lady Diana, and give your grey matter a workout – with a delicious chilli supper and prizes to be won. Chilli & Quiz Cruises sail from The Groves in
Get set for a right royal knees-up at the Kids Rule events this May half-term at Beeston Castle and Woodland Park. From 28th May to 5th June you can celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with costumed storytellers, hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun. Open from 10am. Tickets £10, child £6. english-heritage.org.uk
of courage, devotion and friendship. 7.30pm (plus Wed, Thurs, Sat matinee). Tickets from £16.50. 14th & 15th June, In the Night Garden Live Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends in Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Tues 10am, 1pm, Wed 10am, 1pm. Tickets from £18.50 (adult), £16.50 (child). Northern Live 2022, 23rd June The world’s greatest and most authentic touring Northern Soul band.7.30pm. Tickets £25, £27.50. crewelyceum.co.uk
WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF
e n, ss
13TH-15TH MAY
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Books, balance and biscuits Corinne Bailey Rae, 1st May The multi-awardwinning, soul-rooted R&B singer visits Storyhouse as part of her UK tour. 7.30pm. From £29.50.
Now is Good, 11th-28th May A musical comedy about the challenges facing humanity: helping your children, overcoming loneliness, hiding biscuits… Times vary. From £18. Melvyn Bragg – Back in the Day, 5th June Join the writer and broadcaster as he celebrates the
The mane event
Join Cheshire Horse Sanctuary in Chester on 4th June to celebrate the Jubilee. Meet the horses and enjoy interactive time with them, or plant a ‘jubitree’. Food is available to purchase in fabulous street party style. Fun for the whole family! From 11am-4pm. Further details on Facebook @Cheshirehorsesanctuaryltd
Bringing history alive
Chester Heritage Festival on 17th-27th June brings to life the stories that have accumulated over two millennia. A varied programme of events and activities takes place across the city, and if you can’t join in on the streets, chesterheritagefestival.co.uk is packed with virtual tours, talks, lectures, exhibitions, ghost stories and character monologues.
13th May, Standup Macclesfield, Macclesfield RUFC, Priory Lane, Macclesfield Comedy starring acts seen on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, and more. 8-11.30pm. From £15. macclesfieldrufc.co.uk
publication of his memoirs. 7.30pm. From £24. Motionhouse – Nobody, 15th June A fast-moving, highly physical, dance-circus adventure, exploring the tension between our inner lives and how we make sense of the world. 7.30pm. From £17. Dame Sheila Hancock – Old Rage, 16th June Hancock explores the challenges that seem to knock her from every quarter. 7.30pm. From £25. storyhouse.com
Back to your roots
Words & Music favourite Robert Vincent joins Seth Lakeman, Ralph McTell and lots more big names for the inaugural Nantwich Roots on 11th-15th May. Organised by the W&M team, with the same values, the festival will celebrate folk, roots and Americana, also giving a stage to emerging acts. wordsandmusicfestival.com
Learn from the experts
Chester Zoo’s Exhibitions and Interpretation Team work closely with the animal teams, architects and designers to develop engaging, thoughtprovoking exhibits. Now you can attend a two-day course on 8th & 9th June that will take you through key design stages with case studies. Take away concepts to use in your own projects or aid you in developing your career in the sector. The virtual course runs 9am-4pm, from £120, with the option of a third day on site. chesterzoo.org/ events/exhibitions-and-interpretation-course/
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13th-14th May, Room 13, Audlem Theatre Company, Audlem Public Hall, Audlem An intriguing murder mystery with an array of twists and turns that its fascinating characters really bring to life. 7.30pm. From £9. audlemtheatre.co.uk
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14th May, Chester Craft Beer Festival, The Carriage Shed, Chester Around 100 different beers to sample, plus gin bars and cocktails, awesome street food and music. Early session 11.30am-4pm, late session 5-9pm. £12.50 per session. Stay up to date on Facebook @beerheroesdotcom
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14th May, Funtopia, Verdin Park, Northwich The BIG day out for little kids, filled with high-energy inflatables, games and activities. 11am-5pm. Entry free under 90cm, £10 over 90cm, adults £2.50. No need to book. More on Facebook @Funtopiauk
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14th & 15th May, Spartan Survival Challenge, Cholmondeley Estate, Malpas Get pushed to your limits on two days of outdoor survival training delivered by the British forces elite, whilst raising money for Liverpool Hospitals Charity. Team registration fee £50, individuals £25. 9am. Contact Loren on 01517 063 150 or email loren.slade@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 29
CHESHIRE WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 19TH MAY-1ST JUNE
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19th May, Chester Business Show, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chester In-person networking event with inspiring speakers, local experts and seminars. 10am-3pm. Free. Register at chesterbusinessshow.co.uk
Musical magic & memories There’s top entertainment on offer at Northwich Memorial Court. For a full programme and to book tickets, see brioentertainment.org
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20th May, Meet ‘N’ Match Summer Ball, The Mornflake Stadium, Crewe Meet ‘N’ Match is a friendship and dating agency for adults with a learning disability and/or autism. The Gatsby-inspired Summer Ball is a chance to meet new friends and dance the night away. 7-11pm. Tickets from £22 (includes two-course meal). meet-n-match.co.uk
Shrek the Musical, 18th-22nd May The world of fairy tales is turned upside down in this must-see musical animation. 1.30pm & 7pm. From £16. Steve Harley Acoustic Band, 29th May With songs from his new CD, plus a selection from the vast, eclectic Harley songbook. 7.30pm. £30.
Hit parade
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21st May, The Corran Quartet, Hare HIll, Macclesfield The Buxton International Festival Chamber Ensemble plays a selection of music in the Walled Garden. Don’t forget your picnic! 7-8pm. £15. Email hare.hill2@ nationaltrust.org.uk
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23rd May, 6-a-Side League, Vauxhall Sports Club, Ellesmere Port A brand-new Sunday 6-a-side league at Vauxhall Motors is kicking off! Get more details at leisureleagues.net
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30th May-1st June, Multi Activity Days, Crewe Lifestyle Centre, Crewe Fun-filled days for ages 8 to school year 8. A safe environment with a lots of different sporting and recreational activities. £16 per day, free places available to children receiving free school meals. See everybody.org.uk
30 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
DID YOU KNOW? Duran Duran used to enter their Livewire – AC/DC Tribute, own lookalike 3rd June With cannons, a wall contests for of Marshalls and two hours of laughs high-voltage rock. 8pm. £15.
Polo’s finest come to Cheshire on 2nd-5th June to battle for one of the oldest, most prestigious cups in the sport. The Wirral Cup 4 Goal takes place at the Cheshire Polo Club in Tarporley. Entry is free to spectators – bring a picnic. For clubhouse access see cheshirepoloclub.com/membership.htm
Be moved
Alex Jabore is a fine artist who has established herself as a figurative painter of both ballet and native wildlife, particuarly garden birds. You can see her ‘Movement’ exhibition at Nantwich Museum until 7th May, from Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am-4.30pm. For further information contact enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk.
Fleetwood Bac, 10th June Endorsed by Mick Fleetwood, this is the only tribute to authentically replicate the Rumours line-up. 7.30pm. £18. From Gold to Rio, 25th June The greatest hits of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. 7.30pm. £20.
Come into our garden… You’ll notice some changes at Arley Garden Festival, on 25th26th June. This year the Question Time marquee is at the centre of the showground in place of the Floral Marquee. The Countryside Marquee offers the chance to learn about coppice fencing, wood carving and dry-stone walling, Creative Crafts has a large selection of stalls, while food traders are in the historic Cruck Barn and line the walkway to the Hall, where the classic cars are assembled. Opens 10am, tickets £14.50 (child £ 4.50). arleyhallandgardens.com
And they’re off !
The most popular meeting at Chester Racecourse, the Boodles May Festival on 4th-6th May, sees the most thrilling races take to ‘the Roodee’. There’s no better time to attend the world’s oldest racecourse and soak up the unmissable atmosphere! Gates open 11.30am. Tickets from £16, full raceday schedules and details at chester-races.com
2022 FIXTURES MAY Boodles May Festival City Day Ladies Day Chester Cup Day Roman Day
W E D N E S D AY 4 T H U R S D AY 5 F R I D AY 6 S AT U R D AY 2 8 JUNE
Summer Saturday Ladies Evening Summer Festival
S AT U R D AY 1 1 F R I D AY 2 4 S AT U R D AY 2 5 JULY
Ladies & Gents Evening City Plate Day Midsummer Meeting Family Funday
F R I D AY 8 S AT U R D AY 9 S AT U R D AY 1 6 S U N D AY 3 1 AUGUST
Ladies Day
S AT U R D AY 2 0 SEPTEMBER
Autumn Festival Season Finale
F R I D AY 9 S AT U R D AY 1 0 S AT U R D AY 2 4
TICKETS ON SALE NOW chester-races.com 031_SHIRE_MJ2022.indd 1
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Visit: www.tattonpassionforpower.com
Schools’ Garden Challenge Countryside Marquee Gifts & Crafts Marquee
Entry to Arley’s Gardens
Jazz & Concert bands
Specialist nurseries
Children’s entertainment
Garden accessories
Food traders and refreshments
BOOK ONLINE www.arleyhallandgardens.com/whats-on-at-a-glance Tickets cannot be replaced or exchanged if lost. No refunds available. Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA
(Free parking for the festival)
Call: 01507 529529
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WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 4TH-23RD JUNE
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DID YOU KNOW? Dogs have 18 muscles responsible for moving their ears Big Dog Walk. From 9.30am.
Top class at Tatton Park
Classic & Performance Car Spectacular, 10th May Celebrate the golden age of motoring. Over 2,000 classic cars. 9.30am-4pm. £11.
Tickets £20 (child £13).
Mamma Mia! The Party, 26th June It’s time for all you dancing queens and kings to assemble as we celebrate the best of Abba! 1-3pm. From £25. tattonpark. org.uk
DogFest, 18th-19th June Try your paw at a activities from dog diving to agility, enter the Fun Dog Show or raise funds for Dogs Trust on the
A picture of strength Tom Stoddart
Messiah at the Cathedral
‘Extraordinary Women: Images of Courage, Endurance, and Defiance’ is a moving, contemplative and emotionally charged photography exhibition at Chester Cathedral from 30th May-23rd June. Award-winning photographer Tom Stoddart captured the endurance and iron will of women in situations of war, poverty and hardship. Also at the Cathedral from 1st-30th June: ‘Chester and the Crown’ is an exciting journey through the city’s unique relationship with the British monarchy over the ages. “Through the lens of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, join us as we explore in images and objects our own history alongside Chester’s status as a county palatine, and find new ways to connect with our local Royal history.” The cathedral is open 9am-6pm (Sunday to 5pm). Entry by donation. Go to chestercathedral.com for more.
Business boost
4th June, Ellesmere Port Pride 2022, Town Hall, Ellesmere Port DJs, stalls, kids’ funfair, tribute acts, bouncy castles, food, licensed bars, face painting – and an after-party! 11am-9pm. Free. Details at portfestevents.co.uk
Crewe’s Young Traders Market on 18th June gives a platform to independent businesses owned and run by young people aged 16-30, each battling it out for a place in the Young Traders Regional Final and the chance to be crowned Young Trader of the Year 2022. Browse and buy from 10am-4pm. crewemarkets.co.uk
Is this the best-loved music ever written? Performed annually throughout the UK since its premiere in 1742, Handel’s masterpiece tells the holy story from the prophecy to the birth, death and resurrection of Christ in a series of recitatives, solo arias and choruses. From the opening Comfort ye my people, through Hallelujah and I know that my Redeemer liveth, to the final chorus Worthy is the Lamb, the oratorio is now embedded in the British musical consciousness. Last performed by Chester Music Society Choir in 2016, this evening’s concert promises to provide a moving experience for everyone – with professional soloists and orchestra in the magnificent acoustic of Chester Cathedral. 7.30pm. Tickets from £10, students and under-18s free. chestermusicsociety.org.uk
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6th June, Psychic Night, Green Oaks Farm, Ellesmere Port One-to-one private readings available 6-10pm. £20. Call 0795 0350810 or email james@deadlive.co.uk
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6th-11th June, Raising Martha, MADS Little Theatre, Macclesfield An absurdly hysterical comedy by David Spicer. A, wickedly dark play grappling with death, vegan terrorists and 6ft tall hallucinogenic frogs. 7pm. £10. madstheatre.org
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11th June, The Rum Festival, The Carriage Shed, Chester The UK’s first and only real travelling Rum Party is
coming back to the Carriage Shed, with more than 100 different rums including new and exclusive brands, plus cocktails, dancing, and their amazing house bands. 1pm. From £6. therumfestival.co.uk
Steaming ahead
The Anderton Boat Lift Steam Festival on 7th May celebrates all things steam, with an array of visiting traction engines and steam boats to board. Travel back to the Industrial Revolution and experience the power and thrill of steam. Open 10am-4pm, there’s fun for all the family including boat trips up in the lift, children’s play area, coffee shop and barbecue. canalrivertrust.org.uk
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23rd June-4th August, Chester Music Festival, Storyhouse, Chester Another exciting programme brings together special premieres, live jazz, brilliant Big Band sounds, world-class classical recitals and contemporary dance. Times and prices vary, and some events are free of charge. Details at storyhouse. com/chester-music-festival
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 33
CHESHIRE WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 24TH-29TH JUNE
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24th June, The Complete Stone Roses, The Hive, Winsford Take a trip down memory lane with the UK’s best known, most seen and most authentic Stone Roses tribute band. 8pm. £10. thehivelive.org
Clonter Opera Theatre hits the right note Spring Opera Showcase, 12th and 14th May The annual Opera Masterclasses (12th) and Showcase (14th) offer a rich variety of semi-staged opera scenes and arias, set into context by a compère, to entertain seasoned opera lovers and novices alike. Masterclass 2-3.30pm, £5; Showcase 7pm, from £19.
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24th June, Sizzling Summer Wines & Cheeses, The Cheese Shop, Nantwich Indulge in an evening sampling delicious summer wines, whilst learning about the provenance and production of the Artisan Summertime Cheeses, especially selected to pair with the wine. 7-9.30pm. £28.50. cheeseshopnantwich.co.uk
Holmes Chapel Music Society 50th Anniversary Celebratory Concert, 21st May A fabulous programme includes the Ogden Nash poems set
Oldies & goodies
DID YOU KNOW? ‘Clonter’ is an Anglo Saxon word for the sound water makes on pebbles
to Le Carnaval des Animaux by Saint-Saëns, narrated by Sir Mark Elder. 8pm. Tickets £30.
Jazz in June – Pearson Plays Porter, 11th June James Pearson is a pianist, composer and creative tour de force, and artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London’s Soho, where his trio is the house band. 7pm. Tickets from £24. clonter.org
Warning – extreme fun alert
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25th June, Jurassic Earth, Tatton Park State-of-theart, animatronic dinosaurs roam free in an exciting, interactive storytelling show, creating a unique, immersive experience for all ages. 11am12.30pm. Reserve your own viewing area with seating and table service, from £18 per person (based on group of six). tattonparkpopupfestival.co.uk
Kelsall’s popular Steam & Vintage Rally returns on 25th-26th June with one of the UK’s largest displays of commercial vehicles, including classic, vintage and modern trucks. Watch the vintage tractor pulling, lawnmower racing and auction, enjoy the falconry display and brass band (Sunday), take a trailer ride or just wander the stalls. Opens 9.30am. Adults £10, children £2.50, under-5s free. Email kelsallsteamrally@hotmail.co.uk
County countdown •26th June, Danny Mcloughlin, Alexander’s, Chester Enjoy an evening of fun with the stand-up comedian. 6pm. £11. alexanderslive.seetickets.com
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29th June, Demonstration of Painting Still Life, Anderton Memorial Hall, Anderton Anthony Barrow demonstrates the shapes, depth and perspective that are key to producing a competent still life study, using acrylics applied by brush and palette knife. 7.309pm. £10. northwichartshop.com
34 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Not long now until the Royal Cheshire County Show open its gates on another celebration of farming and the countryside. Packed with attractions, competitions, plenty of shopping and endless family fun, the show takes place on 21st-22nd June at Clay House Farm, Tabley, Knutsford. Tickets cost from £20 for an adult, £10 for children, and it’s open from 8am-6pm. see royalcheshireshow.org
Exciting Science is a brand-new, exciting and educational show that will amaze and astound all ages from four years upwards – and it’s coming to Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on 21st May. Stand clear and expect plenty of wizzz, BANG, pop!! and splurrrt. Starts at 2pm. Tickets from £11 at brioentertainment.org/event/ exciting-science-2/
Rock the forest!
Forest Live is the ultimate in open-air festivals, an annual series of concerts hosted in forest venues. Grab the chance to see Texas at Delamere Forest on 19th June. Formed in Glasgow by singer Sharleen Spiteri and bassist Johnny McElhone, their hits include ‘I Don’t Want A Lover’, ‘Black Eyed Boy’, ‘Summer Son’ and ‘Inner Smile’. Tickets £42.50 (plus £5.25 fee) from forestryengland.uk/music
Two-hour Iron Bridge Cruises Sailing on selected dates from April
Half-hour City Cruises Sailing every day
Party Nights Afloat Every Saturday night
Fish & Chip Fridays
Selected dates from May Find us on The Groves in Chester, CH1 1SZ
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23/04/2022 10:09
Gladstone’s Library
Hard not to like The border town of Hawarden, nestled between England and Wales, has been a popular spot for generations and regularly turns up in ‘top ten places to live’ lists
DID YOU KNOW? Gladstone had 32,000 books in his library – and catalogued them all! Time your visit for one of the castle’s open days
T
he small but perfectly formed Deeside village of Hawarden has drawn residents from far and wide for centuries – including some celebrity names over the years. It is officially in Flintshire, so Welsh at heart, but boasts a Cheshire CH postcode as it is so close to the border. Wherever its roots lie it has a proud past, with a fine castle and bridges over its river boundaries, and a scenic woodland setting. Home to an estimated population of 20,000 including outlying rural areas, it is within easy distance of the beautiful Welsh countryside as well as the industrial hub of Queensferry and the motorway network beyond. With all these plus points it is no surprise that Hawarden routinely crops up in the listings of ‘best places to live’.
Wars and peace
The name Hawarden stems from the old English words for ‘high’ and ‘enclosure’, and in Welsh the village is called Penarlag, which again refers to the high ground upon which it sits. To this day, there is evidence of ancient hill forts here, and the stunning 36 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
structure that is Hawarden Castle looks proudly down on the residents from alongside the remains of Trueman’s Hill motte – believed to date back to ancient Britain when the locals were defending themselves against the neighbouring Cornavii tribe. The castle has seen action between Romans, Saxons and Normans, watched Henry II advance into Flintshire from Chester and helped Owain Gwynedd repel his advances. A period of peace followed, but was soon disturbed by disputes between the de Montfords and Henry III, and again by the skirmishes of Llewelyn and Edward I. Having being captured and recaptured so many times the castle soon became a soughtafter prize, and in the 19th century was home to prime minister William Gladstone. His family still owns the estate and although the castle is only open occasionally, there are activities on offer year-round.
Politics and premiership
Gladstone spent his later years enjoying the delights of Hawarden and on his death he bequeathed his substantial library, St Deiniol’s, to the people. Re-opened in 2010 as Gladstone’s Library it is the only residential library in Britain, and literature lovers from all over the world visit to soak up the history and marvel at the architecture as well as the impressive book collection. As well as politicians, the village has also
produced some top-rank football players. Former Welsh manager Gary Speed and England international Michael Owen spent time at Hawarden High School. In fact, once he was successful, Owen bought an entire street in nearby Ewloe for his family. Hawarden boasts its own airport (also known as Broughton Airport), which has doubtless made life easier for visiting celebs with helicopters. It’s also a convenient base for Airbus, which manufactures aircraft parts locally. With a pretty centre adorned with quaint pubs and a central fountain, Hawarden is still a rural life goal for many and scores highly with both residents and visitors.
Buy honey from Hawarden Estate Farm Shop THINGS TO SEE AND DO Hawarden Castle open four times a year or by appointment. Visit hawardenestate.co.uk Hawarden Estate Farm Shop Chester Road (B5125), CH5 3FB Gladstone’s Library Church Lane, Hawarden CH5 3DF
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2O
23-year-old Jess Downes from Towyn overcame mental health issues and anorexia – as well as losing her job as a flight attendant during the pandemic – to be shortlisted for the Miss Wales final and secure an engineering apprenticeship with Toyota. Jess hopes to fly the flag for both organisations while raising as much money as she can for the global charity Beauty With A Purpose.
Questions 1
Full (real) name – including any embarrassing middle names Jessica Ann June Downes.
the world. I want to write a book so people will have something to remember me by.
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2
What do you do? I’m a maintenance engineer apprentice for Toyota UK and attend Cambria College. I am the future! I program and fix robots and will be one of the people who integrates Toyota’s future technologies in the automobile world.
3
Who shares your life? I live in Towyn, North Wales, with my family. I have three siblings: Joe is 21, Bethany is 18 and Olly’s eight. We have three toy poodles, who are the most adorable animals I’ve ever laid eyes on.
4
The highlight of the last 12 months? Securing a role with a global company and being selected as a Miss Wales finalist.
5
And the worst moment? Being made redundant by Thomas Cook Airlines and being stood down from my job with Virgin Atlantic due to the pandemic.
6
If you could come back as any animal, what would you be and why? A bird. I’m a free spirit and love the idea of just deciding on a destination to call home for as long as you like until you’re ready for the next adventure.
7 8
Your desert island single and what it means to you? I’m not really into music but I love a good podcast.
If you could have one superpower what would it be? To be able to scan people’s minds to pinpoint who is suffering and help them fight the demons that cause them pain. As someone who has their own mental health struggles, it’s something I’d love someone to be able to do for me.
9
Who is your all-time hero? My parents. My dad for proving that if the path you’re on isn’t making you happy, it’s never too late to make changes. And my mum is also my inspiration. If I turn out to be the woman my mum is, I’ll have succeeded in life.
10
Any fears or phobias? My fear in life is not leaving an impression on
38 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
What would be the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery? A new car!
12
What would be your dream job (other than your own)? An ambassador for mental health, or an author so I could share my journey and let others know they’re not alone.
13
If you were representing your country in the Olympics which sport would you choose? Running. I'm no Usain Bolt, but it’s a sport I can always count on to make me feel better.
14 15
What is your favourite drink? Tea, made with soya milk and four sweeteners.
If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you have the best chance of winning? Love Island. I have the best personality, which viewers would love – and who would pass up a free holiday!
16
What is your guilty pleasure? Spa days and indulging in a full body massage.
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When did you last laugh uncontrollably? At the gym. My sister forgot the treadmill belt was running and went flying!
18
You’re hosting a celebrity Hoping for success dinner party for four guests. Who’s on the list? Kate Middleton, Taylor Swift, Dean Thompson (from Aussie soap Home and Away) and author Marian Keyes.
19
Where is your favourite place in the world? My nan and grandad’s holiday cottage in Ceredigion. My parents could never afford going abroad so our family holidays were spent down on the west coast.
20 Jess in the workshop
What’s your proudest achievement? Passing my French GCSE with an A at 14 and being put forward for an Oxford summer school by my secondary school Emrys ap Iwan. And passing six intense weeks of training to fly. And my apprenticeship with Toyota!
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WHAT’S ON WIRRAL
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 6TH-14TH MAY
LIVE AT THE GLADSTONE
Highlights from a packed programme at the Port Sunlight venue. Book at gladstonetheatre.org.uk Choice Grenfell, 15th May Hilarious songs and monologues. 2.30pm. Tickets £15.50. Mercury – The Ultimate Queen Tribute, 20th May A choreographed stage show, with spectacular costumes and dramatic lighting effects. 7.30pm. Tickets £21. Voices of the Valley, 21st May Fron Male
COME DANCING!
Ballroom Blitz is Heswall Hall’s answer to Strictly – a very social tea dance. There are no judges, just lots of fun. Not a dancer? Just enjoy the music. Come along on 4th May or 1st June at 1.30pm as a group or on your own, you’ll be among friends. There’s a brilliant sprung dance floor and a brand new sound system. Tickets are £7, call 0151 342 2614 with any queries.
Walled gardens and wildflowers
Poulton Hall’s beautiful grounds will be open on 28th & 29th May. The parkland near Bebington consists of a wildflower meadow enclosed by a nine-species hedgerow, four copses linked to form a wildlife corridor between two woods, plus a walled garden and sculptures, garden features and artwork. The garden is open 2-5pm, and tickets are £6, or £9.50 with cream tea. poultonhall.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW? Howard Goodal l who wrote TV’s Dibley theme di d the Mr Bean theme too
Voice Choir and WNO soprano Camilla Roberts in a concert that ranges from classical to pop classics. 7.30pm. £15.
Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps, 27th May The serial globe-trotter recounts tales from dangerous travel spots. 7.30pm. £21.50. The Vicar of Dibley, 7th-11th June A hilarious adaptation of the TV comedy by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter. 7.30pm. £9.
FUN & FRESH
Heswall Farmers’ Market at Heswall Hall provides a one-stop shop for locally grown and prepared produce. Wander round on 21st May & 18th June, pick up some goodies and support local producers. Stalls vary from month to month but there’s always something to tempt you – meat, fish, fruit and veg, cheeses, pies, jams and chutneys, cakes and other baked goods, pizza, ice cream and street food. 10am-2pm. Facebook @HeswallFarmersMarket
Art for art’s sake
There’s a great line-up of music at West Kirby Arts Centre: guitarist Gary Murphy on 7th May, singer-songwriter Rebecca Loebe on 20th May, bluegrass band The Often Herd on 10th June and singersongwriter Keith James on 25th June. The independent venue aims to encourage creativity through participation among the community. Tickets from £10-£15, times vary. westkirby artscentre.org.uk
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6th May, Beach Boxing, New Brighton Learn real body combat skills with no contact, no high kicks and no clinch. Improve cardio, resilience, mindset, focus, balance and strength. Then afterward on to a real good coffee emporium! Free. 7am. Details via Facebook @painpointcoach
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6th May, Sportsman’s Dinner, The Bronze Club, Wallasey Road, Wallasey A fantastic evening of entertainment with ex-Everton footballer Kevin Ratcliffe, plus comedy impressionist Mark Langley. 7pm. Tickets £20. Call 0151 638 1119.
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7th-8th May, New Brighton Secret WW2 Tunnels Ghost Hunt, Marine Promenade, New Brighton Investigate the secret munitions tunnels and disused air raid shelter, with mediums and sensitives who will be with you all night. Sat 8.30pm- 2am Sun. £40. hauntedrooms.co.uk
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9th May, Kieba MEET, Property Networking Event, Crabwall Manor Hotel, Mollington Brand-new to property investing, already on your journey or an experienced hand? Meet the right people to support you and get the correct strategies in place! 6:15pm. £20. kiebamay.eventbrite.co.uk
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14th May, Cockapoo & Cavapoo Party, Dogs Go, Willowbrow Road, Raby An off-leash socialisation session for friendly cockapoos and cavapoos and their owners, enjoying 6 acres of enclosed doggy playground! Pawty bags and hot drinks. 1-2pm. £5 per dog, advance booking essential. Call 0333 444 1236 or email info@ dogsgo.co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 41
WIRRAL WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 21ST MAY-18TH JUNE
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21st May, 25th June, 16th July, Patchwork Memory Blanket Making Course, The Barn, Heswall In three sessions, learn to make a patchwork blanket to treasure from precious offcuts. Machines, equipment and refreshments provided, bring your own fabrics. 9.30-11.30am. £105. thebarnwirral.co.uk
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22nd May, Caldy Open Gardens, 1-5.30pm 12 superb gardens, some never before open to the public, plus a Children’s Delights garden with games, crafts and face painting. Plant sales, teas, bbq sausages, ice cream, raffle, live music and crafts from MerseyMade. 1-5.30pm. £8.50, under-16s free. caldyopengardens.org.uk
•28th May, Managing Urban Sites for Invertebrates, New Ferry Butterfly Park, Bebington This guided tour showcases the management of the park and discusses alternatives and problems. 10am-1pm. Free. Facebook @NewFerryButterflyPark
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Every Thursday, Mindful Event, Thurstaston Common A weekly evening social, with times when you can walk silently and sit in contemplation of the gifts of nature. £5. Facebook @Wirral Forest: wellbeing
•17th June, Adobe
Photoshop Essentials, Egerton House, Birkenhead A one-day course for complete beginners wishing to create and manipulate images for personal or work use. 9.30am-4.30pm. £295. squareonetraining.com
Talent blossoms at the Floral Pavilion The Ultimate Eagles, 6th May Performing live-show rarities as well as classic tracks, the evening delivers the ultimate in live Eagles experiences, presented by world-class musicians. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.75.
23rd June, The Blues Band – The Farewell Tour Dave Kelly, Paul Jones, Tom McGuiness, Gary Fletcher and Rob Townsend are bowing out after 42 years, still as good as ever. 8pm. Tickets £39.25.
16th June, Johnny Cash Roadshow. Clive John and his fabulous Spirit Band deliver the hits and more, with Meghan Thomas starring as June Carter. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.75.
30th June, Birkenhead Sings with Charlie Landsborough. Choirs and community groups come together for what will be an amazing concert. 7pm. Tickets £15. floralpavilion.com
SCENIC SPRINT
Get your running shoes on! Race for Life is Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events and the Wirral 10k on 22nd May takes a scenic route through Birkenhead Park, starting at 10.30am. Entry is £14.99 for adults, £10 for children. Register at raceforlife. cancerresearchuk.org
Stock up and socialise
•
18th June, Father’s Day Market, St Andrews Church Hall, West Kirby An authentic artisan indoor market featuring high-quality makers across a range of crafts. Plus Makers’ Cafe. 10am-3pm. Free entry and parking. Run by merseysidemakersmarket.co.uk
42 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
DID YOU KNOW? The band made a live album in Bungay, Suffol k – Bungay Jumpin’
Wirral Farmers’ Market at New Ferry Village Hall has around 25 stalls where you can buy all of your fresh produce along with meat, poultry and ready meals for the freezer! The next dates are 14th May and 11th June. There’s a café too, so why not arrange to meet up with friends? wirralfarmersmarket.org.uk
Park life
A Green Flag award winner, Wirral Country Park was the first designated country park in Britain. Enjoy magnificent views of migratory birds over the River Dee, explore Thurstaston Beach or picnic on the grass. The Wirral Way is a 12-mile stretch where you can walk or cycle. Visitor centre open 10am-4.45pm. Facebook @WirralCountryPark
IN A SPIN
Wirral Bikeathon on 26th June guarantees fun for all ages! The figure-of-eight course starts and finishes in Arrowe Country Park, Upton – you can sign up for the full 28 miles or just 14 miles, on mostly minor roads with some off-roading. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or just love cycling it’s a great day out, raising money for UTS Live Well Foundation (Hoylake) to help society’s most vulnerable. Details at wirralbikeathon.com
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SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 28TH APRIL-7TH MAY
•
28th April-2nd May, Ludlow May Fair Enjoy a traditional May fair with rides and amusements. It’s open until late, so make the most of the holiday weekend! ludlow.org.uk
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29th April-30th May, Society of Equestrian Artists Exhibition, The Granary, Weston Park, near Shifnal A chance to view some of the country’s best equestrian art. The society aims to promote the practice of equestrian painting and sculpture, and its appreciation. 11am-4pm. weston-park.com
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2nd May, Green Man Festival, Clun Celebrate the return of spring. Watch as the Green Man and Snow Queen battle at midday in the grounds of Clun Castle, invoking folklore, myth and fairy tale at this traditional spring fair. 11am-5pm. £8 adult, £3 child. clungreenman.org
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5th May, Silent Earth, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Prof Dave Goulson presents a talk based on his book Silent Earth, highlighting work to help insects in Shropshire. It will be followed by a Q&A. Half of all proceeds go to Shropshire Wildlife Trust. 7pm. £10. shropshirewildlife trust.org.uk
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6th & 7th May, Malpas Fabric Arts Group Exhibition, Whitchurch Civic Centre Traditional and modern patchwork quilts in many styles will be on show, created using a range of textiles and techniques – some hand stitched, some machine sewn. 10am-4pm. £3). Email info@whitchurchcouncil.uk
•6th-8th May, Wellington Festival The community festival
opens with an art exhibition on the theme ‘Wellington – Then or Now’ and continues with over 25 events and performances around town, most free. See wellington-shropshire.gov.uk
44 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
BACK TO THE ’90s
Shrewsbury dives back through the decades on 3rd-4th June when The 90s Revival comes to the West Mid Showground, hosted by DJs Dave Prince and Paul Bennett. The local duo have extended the event following the success of their Mahoosive Nights Out last year, to create more of a family-friendly festival. As well as all the ’90s favourites there will be a fair, family stage, interactive games, and food
Out and about in Bishops Castle
DID YOU KNOW? E17 notched up an amazing 18 top 20 singles!
and drinks vendors. Camping is also available. Acts include a number of tributes, along with some massive names of the ’90s such as East 17, D-Ream, Baby D, Urban Cookie Collective and Dario G. Local bands will perform on both days. Midday-11pm. Day ticket £39, child £16.50, weekend £78 (£33 child). Additional charges for parking and camping. the90srevival.co.uk
Bishops Castle Walking Festival begins on 5th May, and offers four days of fabulous walks around the best routes in south Shropshire. Walks vary from moderate to strenuous (see programme online). Evening activities are also planned, including refreshments and talks. Please note that due to livestock in fields, dogs are not welcome. From £3.50, advance booking advised. bishopscastlewalkingfestival. co.uk
NEW POPPY RIDE
The British Legion Poppy Ride is new to Shropshire on 19th June, with three route options professionally designed for first-timers and experienced enthusiasts alike. The routes vary in distance and climb but all take in the RAF Museum in Cosford, and start and end at the Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, a specialist recovery centre for Forces personnel. Entry £32, fundraising welcome. britishlegion.org. uk/get-involved/things-to-do/events/poppy-ride
It’s May, it’s Motorfest!
Motorfest returns to Chetwynd Deer Park, near Newport on 1 May for a day of classic cars, food, live music and entertainment. There’ll be hundreds of cars, vans, trucks and bikes to admire, as well as an interactive arena, autojumble traders and a variety of competitions and awards. Open 10am-4pm. Tickets £10, children free, book in advance or pay at the gate. Club groups welcome. classicmotorevents.com
Calling indie fans…
Idles, Cast, Happy Mondays and Black Grape headline the brand-new Utilita Creation Day Festival in Wolverhampton on 28th-29th May. The line-up has been curated by indie music mogul Alan McGee as part of the city council’s plan to boost the local economy. It will be the first time Shaun Ryder’s two bands have played at one festival. Day tickets from £55, weekend £110. creationdayfestival.com
WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE
Flying the Jubilee flag at RAF Cosford
DID YOU An action-packed day awaits at RAF Cosford Air Show on 12th June. Attractions KNOW? include a six-hour flying display showcasing modern military and iconic vintage The first official aircraft, and plenty of hands-on activities in the STEM Hangar. There’ll be a huge Red Arrows assortment of machinery on display, including a mock-up Chinook in the RAF Zone. display was on Visitors will get the chance to go ‘behind the scenes’, find out what life in the RAF is really like and maybe even meet the pilots. May 6, 1965 This year the popular Vintage Village becomes the Coronation Village – an all-day street party complete with re-enactors and musical entertainment. Advance booking is essential. Standard tickets cost £34, under-16s and parking free. cosfordairshow.co.uk
BRINGING THE HOME FRONT TO LIFE
Ironbridge Gorge is the stunning backdrop for the annual World War 2 Weekend, which returns on 28th-29th May. The authentic and immersive open-air re-enactment lets visitors experience life on the Home Front as well as the conditions in occupied Europe, thanks to an excellent team of civilian, Allied and Axis re-enactors. The event is an important fundraiser for military charities – this year’s nominated charity is Combat Stress. ironbridgeww2weekend.co.uk
A must for machine fans
There’ll be vintage vehicles galore at Oswestry Showground on 18th-19th June when Clwyd Veteran & Vintage Machinery Society holds its annual show. There’s also a model hall, trade stands and autojumble and fun dog show. £10 (child £5). cvvms.co.uk
Foodie fest for Father’s Day
Here’s a treat for Dad! Ellesmere Food & Drink Festival takes place on 18th-19th June, which coincides handily with Father’s Day. Showcasing cheeses and meat products, wines and beers, ice cream, homemade chocs and preserves along with fruit and veg, all from local and regional producers, suppliers and restaurants, it’s a must if you enjoy culinary delights and a drink or two! Market Hall, 10am-4pm. ellesmere foodfestival. co.uk
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 7TH-22ND MAY
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7th May, Montgomery Canal Triathlon The popular cross-border event starts in Wales and finishes in England, and is unusual in replacing swimming with canoeing. Families as well as seasoned fitness enthusiasts are welcome. £30 (juniors £15), canoe hire extra. All places must be booked online. themontgomerycanal.org.uk
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7th-8th May Shrewsbury Regatta One of the oldest events in the rowing calendar, going since 1871. Enjoy this spectator-friendly sport in the beautiful Quarry Park as competitors race over both days. Catering and evening entertainment at the clubhouse. pengwern-rowing.co.uk
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8th May, Putley Open Gardens Explore seven gardens in idyllic Putley, near Ledbury, raising funds for the church and parish hall. The route is accessible on foot or by car. Refreshments and plants on sale. 10am-4pm. £5, under-15s free. putleygardens.org.uk
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13th-15th May, Whitchurch Walking Festival In addition to this annual festival, Whitchurch Walkers offer two group walks per month as well as occasional mid-week walks for members. New members are always welcome. For more details visit whitchurchwalkers.co.uk
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Bank holiday racing
Enjoy the excitement of steeplechasing at Eyton on 2nd May – one of the UK’s leading point-to-point courses. Have a bet with the bookies, enjoy a picnic by your car or indulge in delicious produce from local vendors. It’s is a great day out for all the family, including dogs on leads. Gates open 11am, first race 2pm, last race 5.40pm. Buy tickets online in advance at the discounted rate of £12.50 (£15 on the gate). Under-16s go free. eyton-races.com
21st May, Paul Merton’s Impro Chums Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Paul and pals delight with a unique, entirely improvised audience experience. 7.30pm. £25 (age suggestion 14-plus due to adult themes. theatresevern.co.uk
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22nd May, Botanical Walk & Training Session, South Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms Join Mags Cousins from Shropshire Botanical Society to learn to identify the meadow, woodland and wetland species found here. 10am12.30pm. Free but must book in advance. shropshire hills discoverycentre.co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 45
SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 22ND-29TH MAY
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22nd May, Funtopia Ellesmere Rangers FC, Ellesmere Funday for the under-10s, with bouncy castles, Nerf wars, driving school, circus skills, crafts and more, and a designated area for under-5s. 11am-5pm. £23 for 2 adults, 2 children from eventbrite.co.uk Tickets also available on the gate from 10.30am.
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26th May, Macbeth, Hermon Arts Centre, Oswestry Stage Five Theatre presents Shakespeare’s ‘Scottish play’, directed by Pam Johnson with music by Julian Cattley. The shortest of the playwright’s great tragedies, it is believed to have first been performed in 1606. 7.30pm. From £6. hermon-arts.org.uk
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26th May, Straight Line Crazy (12A), Kinokulture, Oswestry See the live-streamed performance of this new play starring Ralph Fiennes, which tells the story of Robert Moses, an unassuming urban planner who became the most influential man in New York. Live from the Bridge Theatre in London. From £12. 7pm. kinokulture.org.uk
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27th May, Foody Fridays, Oswestry Indoor Market Late-night opening of the indoor market with live music and plenty on offer to eat and drink, including street food, cocktails, delicious cakes and more. 4pm-10pm. Keep up to date on Facebook @ThroughTheLookingGlassBar
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28th-29th May, Derwen Charity Summer Fete Weekend, Oswestry Come along to Derwen College to enjoy local craft and food stalls, children’s inflatables, games and fun activities. On the Saturday there’s a friendly and accessible sponsored 6k and 10k walk/run to raise funds. 10am-4pm. See derwen. ac.uk
46 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
COUNTY SHOW IS BACK IN THE RING FOR MAY
Shropshire County Agricultural Show returns to its traditional date in May after the disruption of recent years. The show, which is at the West Mid Showground on 28th May, has been running for well over a century, welcoming a wide range of visitors. At its heart are the livestock and horse showing classes, along with agricultural machinery
Good green fun
Not-for-profit Rock and Bowl coincides with the Jubilee on 2nd-4th June, so Market Drayton revellers can enjoy three full days of festival fun with a focus on community and sustainability. Tickets (available online only) are from £30, under-12s free, concessions for teens. rockandbowlfestival.com
DID YOU KNOW? A cow’s horns curve above he r head, a bull’s forwards
exhibitions. Plenty of entertainment and music is planned on the main stage, as well as an impressive array of stallholders and food and drink vendors. The kids’ zone has a range of activities, most at no extra cost. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £6 for children, with concessions available. Parking on site is free. shropshirecountyshow.com
The Merry month of May Marbury Merry Days on 14th-15th May is a traditional country fair in aid of the village church. The main draw is a living history camp, presented by the American Civil War Society UK, with cannon firing on Sunday. Enjoy traditional games, stalls, teas, a fun dog show and a fly-past from a Lancaster bomber. 12.30pm. £5. Facebook @marburymerrydays
Happy anniversary, Ludlow
Ludlow Fringe is celebrating 10 fabulous years with a bumper line-up for 2022. The fun kicks off on 18th June with a new Eco Carnival that promises to be a people and pedal-powered parade! A diverse programme of music, theatre, comedy and story-telling runs until 10th July in settings around town. Most events are free but see programme for details. ludlowfringe.co.uk
What’s next?
Whether your interest is holiday homes, caravans, camping, gardens, hot tubs, health and fitness or food or drink, you can pick up on the latest trends at the Lifestyle 2022 Show on 6th-8th May. TV gardener David Domoney, designer Linda Barker and chef Rosemary Shrager are among the celebrities who will be at Telford International, sharing expert insights and advice. Tickets are £12.50 (£11.50 seniors, children free), with a discount if you book in advance. thelifestyleshow.co.uk
TEARS FOR FEARS The Tipping Point World Tour with special guests
1st JULY 2022 telford QEI I
ARENA
BRYAN AdaMS LIVE 22
+ SPECIAL GUESTS
3 JULY 2022
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Award-winning
MARKETS
MAY & JUN 22
IRE FARM OPSH R S MAR KERS R E K H S MA ET &
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.
GARDENING AND ARTISAN MARKET -
27th May – Bailey Head – speciality plant growers and gardening tips
Whitchurch Friday Market
JUBILEE WEEKEND 3rd – 6th June
is open both indoors and at the front of Whitchurch Civic Centre, every Friday 7.30am – 12.30pm.
3rd June – Alpacas, music, stalls and
Morris Dancing on the Bailey Head
5th June – Porth y Waen Silver Band 2pm until 4pm Cae Glas Park
CHARITY MARKET -
10th June - Bailey Head – Local charities raising money and awareness. Free advice on a number of important issues
Saturday 7th May, Saturday 4th June and Saturday 2nd July 2022 10:00am until 4:00pm
COMMUNITY GAMES -
Quality makers & farmers market with 20 stalls. Contact Civic Centre directly on 01948 665761 #ShopWhitchurch
12th June - Cae Glas Park – free sports to try Cae Glas Fest 18th June – Cae Glas Park- Free music festival 26th June - Bulgarian Dance Event, Cae Glas Park, 12pm-6pm For further information call 01691 680222 or visit: www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk
edge ge
festival at the
Oswestry Town Market Ad MayJun22 97x140mm AB.indd 1
15-17 July 2022
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F O O
Hopton Court, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster DY14 0EF
R P
Join us for superb storytelling, music, workshops, and much more, in beautiful
South Shropshire
Artists appearing include: BouZatina, Jim Causley, Peter Chand, Kate Corkery, Maria Credali, Keith Donnelly, Pauline Down, Nick Hart, Andy Harrop Smith, Michael Harvey, Cath Little, Hugh Lupton, Jack Lynch, Sarah McQuaid, Jumana Moon, Jess Morgan, Abdullah Mufa, Rachel Murray, Belinda O’Hooley, Panic Family Circus, Gauri Raje, Raphael Rodan, Erik Sjøholm,Dovie Thomason, Liz Weir, with more to be announced
Weekend and day tickets available, please see our website for details.
email: info@festivalattheedge.org www.festivalattheedge.org
THE ASSOCIATION OF FESTIVAL ORGANISERS
For more information:
“Amazing music, wonderful activities, excellent!” “Lovely atmosphere, beautiful landscape.” “Great festival… there’s nothing quite like it!”
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WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 28TH MAY-12TH JUNE
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LIVE AT THE QEII
Tickets for summer’s dates are on sale now from gigantic.com and Tickets Telford on 01952 382 382. Tears for Fears, 1st July The legendary synth-pop duo kick off their UK tour at Telford. The Tipping Point, their first album in 17 years, reached #2 on the UK chart. With Alison Moyet and The Shires. Tom Grennan, 2nd July The ‘Little Bit of Love’
Party on down to the park
Imagine Shrewsbury’s Oktoberfest and a food fair rolled into one and that’s what’s on offer at Shropshire Party in the Park. The Quarry park hosts this fun event on 20th-21st May – expect live bands, great food, real ales and ciders, locally produced gin, a wine bar, Prosecco parlour and cocktails. Not to mention the silent disco! Day tickets start from £12.50 online, with VIP add-ons available. shropshirepartyatthepark.co.uk
An evening with the Dogfather
Renowned master dog trainer Graeme Hall, star of Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving Badly, presents his live 90-minute show at The Place, Telford on 31st May. Graeme has a reputation for offering quick-acting and longlasting solutions to almost any canine behavioural problem, so grab your chance to seek advice from an expert whose motto is “Any dog, any age, any problem.” Prepare for tricks, surprises and a Q&A. 7.30pm. Tickets from £30. theplacetelford.com
DID YOU KNOW? Ella’s new album includes her hit duet with Tom
singer, whose second album Evering Road topped the charts on release, showcases his new music. Ella Henderson guests.
Bryan Adams, 3rd July The Canadian star performs music from across his prolific career as well as phenomenal new album So Happy It Hurts.
FUN FOR FOODIES
28th May5th June Wilderness Week, Hawsktone Park Follies, WestonunderRedcastle Let off some steam during half-term with a visit to Hawkstone Park Follies, where Wilderness Week activities are included in standard admission prices. Save money by booking in advance online: £11.25 for adults, £7.75 for children. hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk
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3rd-12th June, Much Wenlock Festival This year’s festival welcomes stars from the West End, actress Eliza McClelland, Atlantic rower Di Carrington, a Little Mix tribute, Oddsocks performing Hamlet as never seen before – and more besides. Season ticket £139, or book for individual events. Full programme online at muchwenlockfestival.org.uk
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Now in its ninth year, Shrewsbury Food Festival is back in its usual slot on the calendar, taking place on 25th-26th June. The Quarry will host more than 180 exhibitors and vendors, cookery demonstrations, chef schools and classes, plus live music, kids’ entertainers and much more. As well as sampling tasty treats, you can be sure you are supporting local producers. Entry is £17.50 (child £10) on the gate, or grab an early-bird discount online. shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk
This way to Amarillo…
Legendary hit-maker Tony Christie is on tour and performing at Festival Drayton Centre on 14th May. Still with the same global appeal – and with a career spanning five decades – you can expect all the greatest hits including ‘I Did What I Did For Maria’, ‘Walk Like A Panther’, ‘Las Vegas’, ‘Avenues and Alleyways’ and the iconic number one ‘(Is This The Way To) Amarillo’. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.50. festival draytoncentre.com
10th June, Midnight Skyracer The Hive Shrewsbury. The first British act to be nominated for an award by the International Bluegrass Music Association, their debut was lauded. Expect an evening of hard-driven bluegrass and mountain balladry. 19.45pm. £14. hiveonline.org.uk
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11th June, Open Gardens & Market, Oteley Farm, Ellesmere Visit this beautiful 10-acre garden by the Mere, sustainable producers of high-welfare beef and lamb. The market comprises local producers of edibles and crafts, and is free to enter. Access to garden £6 (kids free). 10am-5pm, last entry 3pm. oteley.com
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11th-12th June, Oswestry Antique & Collectors Fair, Oswestry Showground A regular on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, browse 200 stalls run by experienced dealers from across the UK. Find antiques, vintage, collectables, architectural salvage, midcentury and decorative items. 8.30am-3.30pm. VIP weekend e-ticket £3.50. jos-events. co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 49
SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 14TH-25TH JUNE
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14th June, Shrewsbury Writers Lab, Shrewsbury Library A lively group for local writers, with author talks, peer support and discussion of all things writing. A virtual link is available for anyone unable to attend in person. All welcome. 5.30pm. shropshire.gov.uk
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18th June, Made in Shropshire Artisan Fair, Much Wenlock The fair is fully curated to ensure no duplication and only the best in locally produced cakes, bakes, pickles, pies, gin, juice and more, plus handmade items from artists, designers and jewellers. 9am-3pm. Free. madeinshropshire.org
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19th June, Festival of the Forest, Mortimer Forest, near Ludlow A day celebrating all the incredible things about the forest, with activities, displays of woodland crafts, art exhibits, trade stands and refreshments. 10am-4pm. £5, under-12s free. friends-of-mortimer-forest. org.uk
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24th June, Historic House Tour, Stokesay Court, Onibury Setting for the 2007 film Atonement, this late Victorian mansion was the height of new technology when it was completed in 1892. Join a guided tour, complete with home-made refreshments, then explore the grounds at leisure. 2.30-5.30pm. £18.50. stokesaycourt.com
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25th June, Hadley Orpheus Male Voice Choir, The Place Theatre, Telford Kath Stanczyszyn of BBC Radio WM comperes an evening of traditional and contemporary arrangements, in aid of Hope House Children’s Hospices. 7pm. £12.50. theplacetelford.com
50 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
ALL ABOUT WELLNESS
DID YOU KNOW? Marcus secretly loves a peanut butter and jam sandwich
‘Excite, inspire, engage’ is the message of the Wellbeing Festival taking place in Quarry Park, Shrewsbury on 11th-12th June. The event comprises wellbeing, fitness, nutrition and children’s health areas, along with a yoga and mindfulness zone. Locally and nationally acclaimed specialists who will be speaking and demonstrating throughout the weekend, including TV personality and runner Nell McAndrew and Shropshire’s own celebrity chef Marcus Bean. Child-friendly cookery demos, live chats and fitness sessions are planned for the kids’ zone, with the aim of inspiring healthy lifestyle choices. And there’s a chance for a little retail therapy in the shopping village! Entry is £12.50, under-15s free accompanied by a paying adult. wellbeingfestival.co.uk
New York, Sydney, Paris, London… and Whittington
International tenor Mark Padmore will sing Schubert and Vaughan Williams to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Whittington Music Festival on 19th-22nd May. A varied programme includes jazz from MOBO-winning pianist Zoe Rahman, the delightful tale of Ferdinand the Bull in the family concert, a new work from composer-in-residence Jeremy Sams and chamber music by Brahms, Debussy, Ravel and de Falla. The theme is ‘Transcending Borders’. Pete Seeger famously said, “Songs are sneaky things; they can slip across borders.” The festival will demonstrate the same is true of classical music! For full details visit whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk
MUD, GLORIOUS MUD
Join Cancer UK’s ‘Pretty Muddy’ 5k Race for Life at Weston Park on 21st May. You don’t have to be sporty to take part. You don’t need to train or compete against anyone else. All you need to do is sign up, have fun raising money, then enjoy the muddy obstacle course set in beautiful grounds. Races start from 10.30am, and entry is £19.99 for adults, £10 for children. raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
Go krazy!
Enjoy the brilliant spectator sport that is Shrewsbury Krazy Races on 29th May in Quarry Park. Cheer on the wacky soapbox stars as they launch themselves in their hand-crafted karts, hoping to avoid the icy waters of the Severn! Amateurs compete to be best dressed and fastest, powered only by gravity and luck. 10am. krazyraces.co.uk
AIRSHOW TAKES OFF
Enjoy an action-packed visit to Weston Park Airshow on 17th-19th June. There’ll be model and full-sized aircraft displays, off-road and circuit model car racing, as well as model helicopters and model boats. Saturday ends with pyrotechnics and fireworks. Advance tickets £15 (child £6). weston-park.com
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Between canal and country Market Drayton is one of the most popular towns in north Shropshire due to its pretty streets, lovely location and waterside living about food. Market Drayton has
DID YOU a thriving arts scene, with a KNOW? packed calendar of cultural Market Drayton events, many organised is on the John O’Groats to Land’s through Festival Drayton Centre. The centre, which is End cycle route
run by volunteers, has expanded since its launch in 1984 to incude a cinema and theatre, an art gallery and a range of meeting rooms, and holds an annual arts festival in October.
many were lost when the ‘Great Fire of Drayton’ tore through the streets in 1651. The blaze, which like its London counterpart 15 years later started in a bakery, destroyed almost 70 per cent of the town, spreading quickly through what were mainly timber buildings. The ornamental Buttercross in the centre still holds a bell for people to ring if there’s ever another fire. As well as the Buttercross – an ancient structure under which markets, specifically for butter, were held – Market Drayton is home to other monuments including Audley’s Cross at Blore Heath battlefield, and Neolithic standing stones. Although there is no sign of a castle, history records there was once one, Tyrley Castle, where an 18th-century farmhouse now stands.
Connections
Afloat on the Shropshire Union Canal
W
hen Henry III granted Drayton (as it was then known) a market charter in 1245, he surely can’t have envisaged that the town would still be holding a weekly market nearly 800 years later. But he’d no doubt be pleased that its foodie focus has only strengthened over the years. Known as the home of gingerbread – thanks to Billington’s Bakery and a closely guarded secret recipe dating back to 1817 and handed down through generations – there is even an annual Ginger and Spice festival to celebrate the culinary link. The town is also the site of the Müller factory, producing thousands of litres of yogurt, and the town’s biggest employer is a sausage factory that produces pork products for Asda and other outlets. But it’s not all 52 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
First mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, Drayton was recorded as a manor consisting of a mere five households, forming part of the first Earl of Shrewsbury’s estate. By contrast, the modern town has a thriving population of more than 12,000, several good schools, five churches, a range of independent shops Wednesday is market day and it always draws the crowds and plenty of pubs and restaurants. It is close to the Cheshire and THINGS TO SEE AND DO Staffordshire borders, with good road links to both, as well as being on the river Tern. Festival Drayton Centre In addition, the Shropshire Union Canal and Frogmore Road, Market Drayton TF9 3AX a national cycle route run through the area. festivaldraytoncentre.com All in all, it’s well connected, although the Ginger and Spice Festival railway station was closed in the Beeching gingerandspicefest.co.uk cuts of 1963.
Alarm bell
The town still boasts some historical buildings of architectural significance, but
Market Drayton Museum & Resource Centre 53 Shropshire Street, Market Drayton TF9 3DA
FAIR EVENT MANAGEMENT PRESENTS
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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! Discover what Shire’s team thought of the concerts, live events and theatre shows they’ve seen over the past couple of months at local venues
RUNNING WILD AT BEWILDERWOOD After a long winter, a day out at BeWILDerwood was just the tonic. Set in 70 acres of woodland in Cholmondeley, Cheshire, the place is full of wooden treehouses, sky mazes, slides and zip wires. Twiggles, Boggles and Crocklebogs from the enchanting books by creator Tom Blofeld pop up throughout the woods. We took three children aged 10 to 14 – and the teens had
as much fun as the younger one. Adults can join in too. We squealed down the drop slides, got lost in the maze and all piled onto the giant swing. The children shouted and laughed for the four hours we were there. There are lots of activities at ground level too, from den building to storytelling and craft tents. No technology, theme park rides or plastic tat in the gift shop – just good, old-fashioned fun that left them with rosy cheeks and beaming faces. AB HHHHH Cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk
CIRQUE DU VULGAR OSWESTRY SHOWGROUND Circus Funtasia has a sister act, strictly for adults only. Featuring the same cast in the same Big Top location, on Saturday night all the afternoon’s childfriendly capers transform feats of skill, all interspersed with great comic timing and into drunken debauchery. some very rude Ushered inside jokes indeed. by actors in varying “Trapeze Not for the stages of undress, in a very faint-hearted, hugely who proceed to drink, argue and revealing original and just great fun. We loved fornicate in the kilt” it, and the audience seating even before was cheering and the show starts, it’s applauding each new act until all a bit unsettling and you wonder what you’re in for. the ‘wheel of death’ finale featuring a male trapeze artist But when the shows starts it in a very revealing kilt. DB is spectacular – death-defying cirqueduvulgar.com HHHHH fire and high-wire acts, and 54 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
CIRCUS FUNTASIA LIVES UP TO ITS NAME
intimate confines of the Big Top, you really get to look ex-professional gymnast and now aerial acrobat I haven’t been to the Lucy Ladbrooke in the eye as she flies circus since I can’t “Lucy above the audience. remember when, flies and to my shame I With an uplifting over the soundtrack, plenty of realised my kids had never been, so it was fire and performers crowd” who seemed like great to have the chance to see Circus friends by the end of Funtasia in Telford. the almost two-hour The 20-strong cast are show, we couldn’t help but be all multi-skilled performers, impressed by the spectacle of many doing several acts. In the it all. HG HHHHH
DOM JOLY’S HOLIDAY SNAPS AT MARKET DRAYTON FESTIVAL CENTRE Dom Joly has visited 126 countries and Festival Centre volunteer Dave Hewitt 127. But Dom’s show was subtitled Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone and Dave laughed Syrian desert – along with a trip whose sole purpose was to and shuddered through the ‘scare an Eskimo’. The journey as much transatlantic practical as anyone. Well known for joke was crass, juvenile “Crass, his wild pranks and very funny. juvenile Joly’s narrative and in the hit show and very PowerPoint started Trigger Happy TV, funny” with Tintin, books Joly’s mischievous he devoured as a daring and comic touch were as child through three sharp as ever. He brought to years of civil war in Lebanon. Perhaps they helped develop life his travels to a deserted Chernobyl, the killing fields his attraction for the surreal as well as for danger. JH HHHH of Cambodia and a cave in the
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July 2022
Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, LD2 3SY cafc.cymru
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56 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Date
e h t g n i tt i H , Jack d a o r Heading to the patch as part of an extensive European tour, musician Jack Savoretti chatted to Shire Magazine ahead of his appearance in Rhyl this July
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ack Savoretti has become a household name, synonymous with heartfelt lyrics and a voice that would melt granite. It’s a voice that has seen him pick up awards and number one albums over an illustrious 20-year career as a songwriter. He has a new album out, Europiana, and is promoting it with an extensive tour of venues around the UK and across Europe - including a stop at the Rhyl Events Arena on 9th July. Such extensive travelling should come naturally to such an international man. Jack’s mixed English-Italian-Polish-German heritage gives him a global outlook only reinforced by years at an American school in Switzerland. After a couple of years of enforced lockdown, it’s no wonder the father of three is ready to get out and enjoy performing live once more. Jack last played North Wales back in 2018 when he appeared in Colwyn Bay, but outside of work has not visited the region. “We really should,” he said. “My wife’s family is Welsh and I’ve always meant to explore the country more. I find
CELEBRITY
it so beautiful when we’re driving through on tour.” When not performing himself, Jack has an eclectic taste in music. “It goes from Julio Iglesias to Daft Punk to Charles Aznavour to The Weeknd – it’s very varied!” he told us. “I’ve always been drawn to the songwriting more than the performance. And I listen to Italian, Spanish, French music, and that’s found its way into my songs recently too.” He doesn’t have much opportunity to see live concerts, although he loves to discover new acts when he plays festivals. “But I’d love to see Florence + the Machine,” he said. He has performed duets with Kylie and Imelda May, but Florence Welch is top of his wish list of future singing partners. The star’s most recent tour helped to raise money for War Child, a charity he has worked with for over ten years. “It’s an incredible organisation. I have to thank our fan clubs – they have raised so much money for War Child and I’m very proud of them. I think it’s fortunate that we have this platform we can use.” Jack and his wife, actress Jemma Powell, have three children who appear to have inherited their dad’s talent. “They are like me,” he said. “I’m not a musician - I’m musical. I use music to get a point across. But they love music and the minute I play the piano my son will sit next to me, or my daughter will start singing – and my other daughter, well, you can give her anything and she’ll start drumming away on it! There’s always music in the house.” If not a singer, he’d like to have been a journalist. “I would have loved to travel the world reporting, because when I write songs that’s what I’m trying to do, observe. It’s very observational writing.” Fortunately for his many fans, Jack has no plans to stop writing and performing. “I don’t think I’ll ever do anything else,” he said. “I’ve tried to walk away from it so many times in my life but there’s no point – whatever I do, I’ll always come home and write a song. “And I can’t wait for these outdoor shows. It’s going to be a very busy summer!”
oretti Jack Sav a Live Europian ly 2022 9th Ju a Saturday nts Aren Rhyl Eve w r the sho Tickets fo le from b a are avail .com and gigantic ion.co.uk il v rhylpa
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 57
RENDEZVOUS This year marks a milestone in our nation’s history when Her Majesty the Queen becomes the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Although she acceded to the throne on 6th February, the Queen’s Coronation took place on 2nd June 1953, so the celebrations will begin on Thursday 2nd June and will continue, throughout the UK and beyond, until Sunday 5th June.
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hroughout her reign, HM Queen Elizabeth II has visited the Shire region many times, on Jubilee tours, opening businesses, presenting awards and attending official occasions. And whether by luck or design, amongst the Shire readership there are many of you who’ve had the opportunity to meet the Queen – through work, at agricultural shows or the opening of a new venue. To mark the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee, a selection shared their memories.
Huge crowd David Mackenzie of Hoylake is venue manager at the Floral Pavilion theatre in New Brighton,
DID YOU KNOW? The Queen wasn’t born in a palace but in a townhouse in Mayfair
58 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
and ahead of the Queen’s visit on 1st December 2011 was chosen to be the event manager, ensuring the day went without a hitch. “She had done a tour of Liverpool, and came to us at the Floral Pavilion on the Wirral for a rest break and lunch,” David told us. “A local David Mackenzie was event manager for the Queen’s visit to the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton
dance school put on a performance for her and the Choral Pavilion choir sang, then she went for lunch in our conference centre with specially invited guests.” David had volunteers waiting to usher the Queen towards the stairs, but instead she chose to use the lift
visited Wrexham, Rhyl and Caernarfon, were especially set so that she could attend the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. Nêst’s father, John ‘Jack’ Rhys Roberts, was the chairman of the local Eisteddfod at the time, and her mother Olwen, a teacher, helped as an interpreter and hostess to some of the visiting international musicians, so Nêst was a natural choice for the presentation.
DID YOU KNOW? The Queen has owned over 30 Corgis in her lifetime
NATURAL CHOICE “It was very soon after the Coronation, so I was half-expecting her to turn up in her crown and cape, I was a bit disappointed as she was in an ordinary hat and coat!” Nêst told us. “I had been well drilled in how to curtsey, and walked on to the stage to the Queen, who leant forward to take the bouquet - it was huge - and I then curtsied and had to walk backwards six paces before turning around to leave the stage. “After that training, if any bouquets were to be presented at events, I was often chosen!”
Crowds gather to see the Queen
and David found himself swept along with the royal party. “So there I was in the lift, in between the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, with her lady-inwaiting and two security officers. The Duke was asking me about the technicalities of the lift, its weight limit, its capacity - I had no idea. The Queen actually gave me a wry smile as though she knew. It was a long 30 seconds to the ground floor!” At the end of the visit the Queen unveiled a commemorative plaque, then went outside to be greeted by a huge crowd. David has never forgotten:
Luckily, her mother kept the dress, and Nêst still has it. Flowers from local schoolchildren at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
FESTIVAL LINKS
“For a second, I had a glimpse of what it was to be her. People had lined the streets to catch sight of her. It was surreal.”
Nêst’s huband, Chris Adams, is an expert on Eisteddfod history and has access to its archives. He is writing a book about the festival, which is sure to be of great interest to many people.
›
“Just for a second, as we walked out of the doors, I had a glimpse of what it was to be her. A significant number of people had lined the streets of New Brighton eager to catch sight of her. It was surreal.”
Royal patrons Retired schoolteacher Nêst Adams from Llangollen was just seven years old when she was selected to present a bouquet of flowers to the Queen during her visit to the town in July 1953. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip become patrons of the Eisteddfod in 1948, shortly after their wedding. By 1953 the Eisteddfod’s message of promoting peace by bringing ordinary people together had raised Llangollen’s festival in prominence so that it was expected to supplant the National Eisteddfod. In fact, the dates for the Queen’s post-Coronation tour of North Wales, where she also
Above: Nêst Adams still has the dress she wore as a seven-year-old (left) to present a bouquet to the Queen
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 59
High anticipation
the cavalcade would slow considerably to allow the residents an opportunity to see the Queen up close. Bob recalled: “To my amazement the Royal car slowed right down and stopped, a window rolled down and my elder daughter was able to hand over some roses that had been cut from our garden that morning. We then continued the journey. “All these years later people still will not accept that I hadn’t deliberately caused the car to stop so my daughter could make the presentation, but it’s true - it was a complete fluke!”
Eye contact
Bob Hickman was one of the West Midlands Police officers chosen as outriders for the Royal car
Shire’s motoring correspondent, Bob Hickman, has his own tale about when he met the Queen: “When it was announced that the Queen would be visiting the Black Country in July 1977 as part of her UK Silver Jubilee tour, anticipation was very high amongst members of the West Midlands Police traffic department as to who would be selected to act as outriders for the Royal car. I was chosen as one of the two motorcyclists who would position immediately in front – there would be many others but they would be well in advance to ensure clear traffic situations.”
When the Queen opened Waterworld leisure centre in Wrexham, Georgie Howell was one of the head lifeguards. Georgie still works at the centre, now on reception. The visit on 6th March 1998 marked the completion of a major refurbishment, and the Queen was shown around by the then manager, Alan Watkin, who was chief leisure, libraries and culture officer at the time. It is very rare to get the opportunity to actually converse with the Queen. Georgie told us: “Unfortunately we never spoke, but we did make eye contact and smiled at each other!”
Beautiful velvet dress
Her Majesty was collected from rather inauspicious surroundings at Goodyear tyre factory railway sidings, which was where Bob’s memorable journey started. “I was in my best motorcycle uniform, with boots polished so much a Guardsman would have been proud!” he said.
Golden opportunity The tour would visit Wolverhampton, stopping for a civic welcome, then onwards via Sedgley to Dudley for another civic meeting, before ending in Walsall. Bob’s two daughters, aged two and four, had been strategically placed by a junction on the main road near to the Wolverhampton Institute for the Blind. Bob chose the location as he knew it was where Vicki Ball presenting Her Majesty with a posy of flowers at Templar Barracks in 1981
DID YOU KNOW? The Queen trained as a mechanic when she joined the ATS in 1945!
Back on 25th March 1981, Vicki Ball, who is now head of engagement at the Bolesworth Estate in Tattenhall, was just two years old when she presented Her Majesty with a posy of flowers. Vicki’s father was commanding officer of the Army Intelligence Corps at their headquarters at the Intelligence Centre, Templar Barracks, in Ashford. When the Queen’s visit was arranged, Vicki was therefore first choice to offer the floral tribute. Although too young at the time to remember what was said, Vicki told us: “I gave her some flowers, so I’m sure she was very polite and said thank you.” For the event Vicki was wearing a beautiful navyblue velvet dress with a white lace collar, which her
60 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
“I was leading the Holstein that won Supreme Champion. I remember thinking how petite the Queen was” mother had made specially for the occasion. But the local press focused instead on another element of her outfit. Vicki laughed as she told us: “My mum was most put out when the newspaper reported that ‘Victoria Claire in her thick white tights’ had given flowers to Her Majesty!” Shame on you, reporters. We think she looked very pretty!
Campaign medals
Above: Her Majesty in 1977, at the Great Yorkshire Show. Photo: Yorkshire Agricultural Society
DID YOU KNOW? The Queen has received elephants, crocs and even a jaguar as a gift!
In Afghanistan, Philip was attached to the Parachute Regiment and was stationed at a remote forward operating post in the Nad-e Ali district, Helmand Province, a notorious hotspot. His father added: “Philip was conversant in the language, which was particularly useful when meeting with senior members of the population.” Along with his wife Dianne and daughter Victoria, Nick afterwards met and spoke with the Queen. Both father and son are past pupils of Shrewsbury School.
Animal lover The Queen’s fondness for animals and agriculture is well known. Eryl Jones of Graigfechan, near Ruthin was holding on to the halter of a Holstein when she met the Queen in July 1977, at the Great Yorkshire Show. She said:
Nick Randall with his wife Dianne and daughter Victoria, met and spoke with the Queen when his son Philip was decorated
Nicholas Randall was chairman of Shrewsbury School when, in 2011, he met the Queen at Lichfield Cathedral. Now a director of Alington Ruthin stockbrokers, he recalled it well: “Our older son Philip was with the Cheshire Yeomanry and had served in Afghanistan. The squadron was part of the Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry, of which the Queen was Colonel-in-Chief, and she personally presented campaign medals to some of those who had served in Afghanistan during the previous year, including Philip.”
“I used to help a friend of mine with showing cattle, and I was leading the Holstein that won Supreme Champion when the Queen was handing out the rosettes. We didn’t exactly speak – she said something along the lines of, ‘Well done, nice animal,’ and we shook hands. “I remember thinking how petite she was!” Sadly it looks as though this region may not see a further visit from Her Majesty. The Queen was due to visit the Bentley Motors factory in Crewe and the Jodrell Bank Observatory and Square Kilometre Array global headquarters in Macclesfield in March 2020, but these visits were postponed due to the pandemic, and it is now unlikely they will be rescheduled. Still, we have some amazing memories. Why not share yours with us? Write to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 61
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Homes&Interiors
PARTY PIECES Cheshire interior designer Jan Constantine has brought out a new range of celebratory soft furnishings to mark the Queen’s Jubilee
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o mark 70 years since Her Majesty the Queen ascended the since she founded the business in 2002. Jan said: “I want to create throne, British textile designer Jan Constantine has launched something that will bring joy to people and be handed down, just as a commemorative collection. The 14-strong range features Union the skills of my artisans have been handed down through generations.” flag cushions, luxury throws and decadent bunting, all of which include hand-embroidered detailing with a nod to the historic event, Creative talent including crown and lion emblems. Jan’s goal is to keep alive the traditional, hands-on skills of her Cheshire-based Jan is the founder and creative director of Jan talented workforce and to continue finding ways of introducing her Constantine Ltd, a British international home textile company, exquisite products into homes worldwide. She hopes that, over time, and is known for her bold and her speciality range will original collection of home become a household textiles, and her work as a designer name everywhere. “I want and manufacturer of a range of An official licence to create home interior products. With a for home textiles something for the London background in fashion, interiors that will and styling, Jan has gathered 2012 Olympic and together her experience, her love Paralympic Games led bring joy of decoration and her Constantine to other opportunities to people drive to fulfil a lifetime’s ambition as her designs gained and be and produce her own collection. a global audience. She handed Growing up in Lancashire, one has written two books, down” of five children, Jan was influenced Heirloom Embroidery by her mother who was a tailoress and Love Stitching, and and her grandmother, a dressmaker over the past few years Destined to become an heirloom: cushion £90 and milliner. From a young age she has worked with other loved sewing and knew exactly what she wanted to do with her future. brands to produce exciting collections bearing her distinctive designs. During her early career in fashion she lived in London. She now She said: “Being in business, doing what you love, can be the most lives in rural Cheshire with her husband rewarding, challenging and also inspiring thing to do. It has meant David. They have two daughters. that I have been privileged to travel the world, meet wonderful people and see places that I might have only dreamed about.” The Jubilee Collection brings together luxury throws, cushions Exquisite embroidery and bunting, exquisitely made in pure wool in regal shades of red, Inspiration for the Constantine Collection comes from “favourite things purple and cream. Featuring hand-appliqued and hand-embroidered detailing, each piece is destined to become an heirloom of the future. and traditional hand-embroidery”. Jan’s exquisite designs are hand worked on “The Platinum Jubilee is a unique event in our history,” Jan said, quality natural cottons, linens and wools. adding: “As a true patriot I could not let it go by without creating a The word ‘Love’ and the heart motif are commemorative collection that pays homage to Her Majesty.” intrinsic to her collections and have been The Jubilee Collection is available now from janconstantine.com
Lion and Unicorn cushion £139
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 63
HOMES & INTERIORS
PERFECT MAKEPEACE
In her regular column for Shire Magazine, interior designer Holly Johnson, of Holly Johnson Antiques in Knutsford, Cheshire, looks at an icon of British furniture design
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ohn Makepeace OBE is a British furniture designer and maker whose work is often regarded as ‘an adventure in wood’. When you look at his pieces in our showroom, it is not hard to see how he has inspired a generation of craftsmen. Dame Rosalind Savill once commented that “the sublime effect of exquisitely chosen materials, perfectly crafted to serve and enhance the human body and soul, makes John Makepeace’s work overwhelmingly desirable.” In a recent interview published on his website, John explained: “I want to make objects that engage us “I want through their form, structure and materials.” In my view, to make The Forum table and chairs John remains true to this overarching creative ethos. John objects Council in the UK, as well as a Trustee for the V&A in recognises timber’s infinite variety of grain, colour and that London. From here, his career blossomed. In his early warmth. He acknowledges its boundless potential as his engage twenties his designs were already being sold in Heal’s, craftmanship constantly evolves, adapts and inspires. The Liberty and Harrods, and he received commissions from artist understands the need for furniture, yet furniture us” both Green Templeton and Keble colleges in Oxford that is not merely a functionality but inhabits the exact and the Banque Générale du Luxembourg. space that it belongs in. Furniture that acquires a soul. By now a professional furniture designer, Makepeace was keenly Back to nature aware of the need for an integrated education for designers and Natural features within the wood influence his designs. He will makers going into the business. With that, he bought Parnham often hand-select trees from indigenous woodland, with House in Dorset, a Grade I-listed, the bigger designs being worked from larger timber 16th-century mansion, intending it varieties such as elm and oak, whilst woods such as yew and mulberry will lend themselves to smaller forms. Vision and passion arrived at an early age. Born in Solihull in 1939, John quickly acquired a sense of artistry. He talks of being surrounded by fine cabinetry on family visits and being inspired by seeing fine furniture being made while still in his pre-teens, which precipitated a visit to the great modern cabinet makers in Copenhagen Desk and chair in elm and burr elm
to serve as a college, to be set up alongside his own studios, integrating craftsmanship, design and business.
Sharing his skills
The Liberty table and chairs
several years later. His time there would further inspire him to pursue a career as one of Britain’s best furniture creators. John Makepeace garnered early recognition from his first few works, which led to him becoming a design consultant to the All India Handicrafts Board and a founding member of the Crafts 64 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Makepeace’s Millennium chair
Makepeace set up the School for Craftsmen in Wood in 1977, assembling teachers, artists, musicians, designers and craftsmen to support him in developing a multi-faceted creative curriculum that would turn out commercially savvy designers. The college attained international acclaim before moving to Hooke Park and amalgamating with the Architectural Association. John went on to purchase Farrs, a historic house in Beaminster, with his wife Jennie. It is here that he keeps his design practice, gallery and an impressive range of indigenous trees, seasoning for future commissions. hollyjohnsonantiques.com
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HOMES & INTERIORS
Restoration and conservation Property renovation can be fun as well as a great way to increase your investment – but there are times when it’s a necessary, and very expensive, means of survival
The John Summers building in Deeside
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o one wants to discover their old and treasured property needs costly roof repairs. So it’s no wonder that conservation campaigners attempting to restore a local landmark are pulling out all the stops to raise funds after discovering the amount of essential work the building requires. A series of storms over past weeks have accelerated the need for partial replacement and repairs to the roof of the Grade II-listed John Summers Clock Tower in Deeside. Enbarr Foundation director Vicki Roskams and fellow ‘Guardians’ have set up a crowdfunding page in a bid to reach their £350,000 target and “It’s the are appealing for builders’ centremerchants, roofing firms and industrial suppliers to help with point of materials and labour, including this area, felt, wooden beams and batons. a beacon More than £600,000 in of hope grants and financial support for so for the £5.2m site revamp has been secured over the past 18 many” months from bodies including the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, the National Lottery, the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, Comic Relief, Architectural Heritage, CADW, Parc Adfer and Flintshire County Council. But Vicki explained this capital is largely earmarked for other parts of the project. “The grants we have received are for the basement and building itself, not the roof,” she said. “We have patched it up as much as
Rooms with a view
Could purchasing a property with sea views provide the post-pandemic health and happiness boost we all need?
possible but we need a permanent solution. There is significant work to be done and we need experts in to do it, so we are appealing to local businesses and suppliers to get in touch. Anyone who comes to our aid will be able to use the facilities and services for free on completion, but for now we are relying on kindness and generosity.”
Raising for the roof
With the support of new directors including former Tata Steel apprentice Scott Davis, now Ethikos Group CEO, and Charlotte Summers – descendant of Victorian steel magnate John Summers – Vicki is confident a solution will be found. The committee is currently recruiting for a project officer and a project manager, and celebrating new partnerships with Coleg Cambria, Procure Plus, Toyota and Forces Fitness. The Clock Tower building opened in 1907 and was home The roof is in very poor shape to the general office of Shotton Steelworks, now Tata Steel, before closing in 2009 and falling into serious disrepair. Plans for the site include a community hub, heritage skills and training centre, café, library, woodland garden, events venue and more. Vicki said: “This is the centre-point of this area, providing a beacon of hope for so many.” To offer support or find out more, visit savetheclocktower.co.uk
Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH), it takes just minutes to experience the positive effects of spending time near the ocean. Luckily this isn’t hard in the Shire patch with open outlooks across the Welsh and Wirral shores. Sea air is full of negative ions, which can improve a person’s ability to absorb oxygen, making them feel more alert. They may also decrease irritation from airborne particles that cause people to sneeze and cough, according to Professor Pierce J Howard from the “That US Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences.
moment when you first see the waves sparkling is special” You can almost taste the salt breeze…
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he past couple of years haven’t been easy. People have suffered both physically and mentally as a result of the pandemic. But it seems a sea view could be just what the doctor ordered. According to Ben Wheeler, senior research fellow at Exeter University’s European
Restoring focus
Spending time by the sea can reduce stress levels and increase feelings of calm by restoring focus, combatting the drain on attention daily life creates. Interviewed by the ECEHH, children reported that parents play with them more at the seaside too. Marc Pritchard, of leading home builder Taylor Wimpey, said: “We see the positive effect that beautiful sea views have when we show buyers around our homes. That moment when they first see the waves sparkling is always special. Time by the sea delivers benefits as people tend to spend more time outdoors. That means they get more daylight and more exercise too.” May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 67
Unique and authentic spaces
Bicton Hall
Camilla Monk, director of Architecture Ventures, wants to help people re-imagine their homes to create individual, flexible living spaces, without breaking ground – or the bank
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ward-winning architect Camilla Monk’s solo practice celebrates 10 years in September and its “Think reputation for innovative design continues to grow. outside She said: “I work with my clients to help them see the what they have, think about how they want to live and create authentic and unique spaces that support norm” their lifestyle. I focus on finding space within the existing footprint and encourage them to think outside the norm. Why build if it’s not necessary?” Camilla has worked with regional firms Lovelock Mitchell and Donald Insall, and has built an impressive portfolio of domestic and commercial work.
Fresh Winds
Fresh Winds
A rescue mission was needed on this house transformation project. Camilla overhauled
the brief and edited the drawings to better suit the client’s lifestyle.
The Buttercross
Camilla created a Frenchinspired experience over several floors, from a bright ground-floor café to a luxurious private dining room at the top.
Bicton Hall
The bar area at the Buttercross
The owners of this beautiful Georgian house were considering a rear extension. After discussion, Camilla suggested the best way forward was to convert an underused drawing room into a show-stopping family kitchen, with views to the Shropshire countryside. She said: “Your home should be somewhere you feel at ease, not overwhelmed by layouts that don’t work for you.” Visit architectureventures.com to arrange a free consultation.
Get a helping hand at Griffiths Hire G riffiths Hire Shops is a family-run tool, plant and access hire business. It has been trading for over 40 years and is the largest of its type in the Shropshire and North Wales area, with branches in Oswestry, Wrexham and Whitchurch. Now is one of their busiest times, with customers keen to spruce up their property or get on with the latest garden project. Griffiths has a extensive range of tools, from cleaning equipment, patio cleaners, pressure washers and sweepers to lawn-care items such as scarifiers, rollers and aerators, as well as all the building gear you may need to build that patio. Breakers, concrete mixers and compactors are still the most requested items. Although the core of the business is hire they have a extensive range of sales products in stock and are main dealers for tools and Rather not work off a ladder? Griffiths has a large fleet of powered access equipment equipment brands
68 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
“All the gear you need…”
Time to tackle that patio project…
such as Makita, Stihl, Paslode, Trend, Numatic, Snickers, Helly Hanson, Belle and Festool. With workshop repair facilities at all shops to back up any products sold, including warranty repairs, they will even offer free loan of a tool while yours is being repaired. Griffiths is proud to be main sponsor of this year’s Oswestry Show on 6th August at Oswestry Showground. For more information on products and services see griffithshireshops.co.uk
sustainable & eco friendly outdoor furniture • recycled plastic
durable • colourful • maintenance free • can be left outside all year round
mobek.co.uk I 01492 515 318 I sales@mobek.co.uk Mobek, Unit 4, Ty Mawr Enterprise Park, Llysfaen, Old Colwyn, LL29 8UE UK
LONG GUARANTEES
MADE IN CANADA
Call 01743 588087 or 07815 616481 and arrange a free no - obligation quote.
Visit our Showroom on Vanguard Way, Battefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury SY1 3TG (opposite The Household Recycling centre)
Email: sales@kitchen-revivals.co.uk Visit our website at www.kitchen-revivals.co.uk
THINKING about having a new kitchen? THINK it will be too expensive? THINK again! THINK Kitchen Revivals It couldn’t be easier to have your dream kitchen... n
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Simply replace your existing doors and drawer fronts whilst keeping your existing cabinets. We also replace all existing trims, cornice, pelmets, and plinths - So the kitchen will look completely new. Choose from our extensive range of colours and styles – everything is made to measure so there are no problems if they are unusual sizes. We can also replace worktops with a choice of laminate, quartz, or quartz overlay. We can also supply made to measure units in any colour provide sinks, taps and appliances etc. If a revival is not for you, we can offer a complete new kitchen installation with made to measure units. Pop along to our showroom on Battlefield Enterprise to see how we can help you transform your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a complete new kitchen installation.
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WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE “Just bring in a competitors quote and we will guarantee to beat it!” SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday: 10am to 4.30pm, Saturday: 10am to 1.30pm
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HOMES & INTERIORS
Mobek Meet a family-run business based in Colwyn Bay. Mobek specialises in the manufacture and supply of quality outdoor furniture including traditional wooden styles – and now a range made from 100 per cent recycled plastic.
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ust how does a Welsh business come to be supplying Canadian Adirondack chairs? Nadia Becker, who runs Mobek with husband Ralph, explained: “A few years ago we came across a recycled plastic Adirondack chair from a Canadian company. We were instantly taken by its quality and the sustainability aspect, so we decided to see if we could add this line to our existing products. The furniture has the same warmth and grain as wood but with vastly superior qualities and is suitable for both commercial and residential use. It is also maintenance free.” “Each chair Created using recycled plastic is made from that would otherwise have been the equivalent destined for our waterways and of 579 milk landfills, each Adirondack chair is made from the equivalent of 579 containers” milk containers. The Canadian
The Adirondack chair that started it all
manufacturers CR Plastic Products said: “We have proudly manufactured recycled outdoor furniture for 25 years and divert millions of pounds of bottle caps and The contemporary Tofino collection recycled plastics from our landfills and oceans each year. What started out as a compassionate goal for saving the environment has evolved into the passionate pursuit for innovation and design in outdoor furniture. “We use high-density polyethylene (HDPE), grind it up and then blend it together with pigment. HDPE plastic is common in bottle caps and in milk and orange juice containers. We also use custom in-house moulds that reduce hardware and make our furniture structurally superior. All of our frames are constructed with HDPE lumber components, seven-eighths of an inch thick material with solid colour throughout and a woodgrain finish. Our furniture is heavy, durable and can withstand all weather conditions – it’s guaranteed never to rot, crack or splinter.” Nadia said: “As of 2019, we secured the exclusive rights to represent the CRP brand (Canadian Recycled Plastic Outdoor Furniture) for the UK and Ireland. We see this as a fantastic opportunity to develop and expand our business and refocus our efforts and resources. “We had an incredible 2021 and now we would like to grow our company to become the area’s leading sustainable outdoor products retailer. Amongst our lines we offer Adirondack chairs, table sets, loungers, benches and more.” See the full product range at mobek.co.uk May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 71
New Homes
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE BLAND
Many of us aspire to the classy, neutral styling of homes we see online and in magazines, but with décor it’s sometimes better to think outside the box
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ome is where we spend most of our time, so it makes sense that the interiors schemes we choose are calming and neutral enough to work for all seasons, all activities, and even our changing mood from one day to the next. Hence the enduring love of simple, pale palettes, albeit broken up with a statement piece or feature wall. But if you are fortunate enough to own a second home, then this is where you can let your imagination run wild. After all, whether it’s
Ben focused on a fun but luxurious feel throughout
“We wanted people to arrive and think ‘wow’”
“Every room waits to be explored… style at every turn”
for your own use or as a holiday rental, the people staying are going to be holidaymakers, hopefully relaxed and looking for some fun. One man who knows all about styling a property for rental is Ben Aardewerk, who has renovated and styled a collection of stunning holiday homes in Anglesey. And when we say styled, we mean seriously, fabulously styled! Ben said: “We decided to really go for it – we wanted people to arrive and think ‘wow’. After all, who doesn’t want to have a bit of fun when they’re on holiday? It’s also about feeling spoilt, so we’ve tried to make sure everything about staying here feels like the ultimate treat.” He has brought influences from all over the world into the décor, with Chinese-inspired wallpapers and fabrics in one room, William 72 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Morris patterns in another. Radiators are new, efficient and heavy duty – and painted in pink, green or blue. Practical, modern kitchen features sit alongside bespoke artwork and statement vases and lamps. The effect is of a home that feels like a gallery, where every room waits to be explored and another creative style is presented at every turn.
A magical place
The project has taken nearly five years to complete. Ben said: “Glas Construction, our North Wales builders, have been amazing. In a way we are sad to come to the end of the journey, but we are very excited to share our lovely properties with holidaymakers who, hopefully, enjoy this magical corner of the world as much as we do.” To book a visit to experience these individual interiors first hand, go to benandhollys hideaways.com Styling is deliberately bold
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BuildscapeUK is a Cheshire based family run business, established since 2013 offering a range of domestic and commercial based services.
“BuildscapeUK did a great job re-roofing our stables, they managed the job from start to finish and will most definitely use again. Thank you!”
We work with our clients from the design stage through to completion, whether it be a total garden makeover, building work or a home renovation. Working with other trusted suppliers including chartered surveyors, electricians, plumbers and gas engineers means we are able to quote, supply, fit and project manage all of your works. Our team work from our Malpas based office being well placed to cover Cheshire, North Wales and Shropshire.
n LANDSCAPE GARDENING n RENOVATIONS n BUILDING WORK info@buildscapeuk.com 01948 860135 11 High St, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8NN
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“Buildscape worked tirelessly to get our garden as we wanted – the transformation was amazing we expected it to take much longer than it did but they were very organised. The job itself was done exceptionally well with such attention to detail. “ ‘We were really impressed with the professional service they were able to offer. I would highly recommend BuildscapeUK, and I am glad I know who to call on next time.’
22/04/2022 11:57
FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
TRADING FOR OVER 33 YEARS
ONE OF SHROPSHIRE ’S LEADING INSTALLERS
If it’s WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES or a NEW LIVING SPACE you desire, we offer both quality and large choice to suit all budgets. We believe our stunning indoor showroom is the biggest and best in the area showcasing everything we do, so it’s definitely worth a visit to view the finest array of options under one roof.
Why not pop into the Premier showroom this Spring for our great offers!
Visit your local showroom or call us to arrange your no-obligation quote SHOWROOM ADDRESS Unit 5 Moreton Business Park, Gledrid, Nr Oswestry, Shropshire, LL14 5DG
OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri - 9am to 5pm Saturday: By appointment only
Registered No. 15146
01691 7 73993 www.premierwindowsoswestr y.co.uk 074_SHIRE_MJ2022.indd 1
22/04/2022 18:32
BUYER BEWARE
With property prices soaring, many people are desperately trying to buy a home before the dream is out of reach. But don’t be tempted to rush in and make costly mistakes…
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uying a home is a big step in anyone’s life, but especially if it’s your first place. The lure of somewhere new can be overwhelming – the lights, the furniture, the pristine kitchen. Very easily we find ourselves thinking about colour schemes and ignoring the essentials. While you’re swept up in the romance of floor-to-ceiling windows and gleaming hardwood floors, failing to check on maintenance can leave you with some costly repairs down the line. Here, Karl Tulloch from Rightio reveals some of the most important areas to examine so you can purchase with confidence.
Roof repairs
“It’s easy
Looking at a house, we’re generally to forget preoccupied with the floorplan. The what’s wrong layout can be a dealbreaker, and above our making sure there’s enough space for heads – you and your possessions is important. the roof” What’s easily forgotten is what’s right above our heads – the roof. Check its condition and that it has been well maintained. Replacing a roof could cost between £5,000 and £7,000.
Heating
We all want to be comfortable and cosy in our home, so make
And the winner is…
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OOand BOOM, a sustainable lifestyle and wellbeing store in Whitchurch, is delighted to have won the regional final of Start-up Business 2022. Owner Maddie feels the store’s eclectic mix of interior pieces and upholstered furniture brings something “An different to the eclectic high street. Showcase mix of lines include pieces” vegetable-dyed Owner Maddie Ashbrook Afghan rugs, antique pine furniture and sustainable clothing as well as beauty products – all naturally made, with no artificial additives. The judges were clearly impressed with the selection and now Maddie is heading to Glasgow for the nationals. Whitchurch has a good assortment of shops popping up, she told Shire, and MOOand BOOM complements other sustainable businesses in the town. Maddie also has a studio at the rear of the store, which runs workshops in aromatherapy, journalling, art, yoga, pilates, tai chi and more – there’s lots to choose from and all bookings can be made online. The small café kiosk does an excellent line in vegan and gluten-free cakes, and food is served Thursday to Saturday. Find out more at mooandboom.com
It’s fun to have grand designs – but is the plaster sound?
sure that your new property will accommodate for that. The right insulation is key here. You should make sure that the roof space and walls have been correctly insulated before making the big purchase. Ask to see certificates for any recent work. Your home’s heating needs a stable foundation, though, and insulation won’t help much if there is a problem at the heart of the system – the boiler. You’ll want to know that your boiler is working, and to see the boiler service certificate that shows the system is safe and – just as importantly – is working at maximum efficiency.
Damp
Once a house becomes damp, it can be a really difficult problem to alleviate. If you’re looking to buy, therefore, it’s vital to know what signs to look out for when viewing properties. The most obvious indicator of damp is discoloured patches of mould on the walls and ceiling. Be vigilant, though, since these might be hidden in hard-to-spot places behind mirrors or furniture. Pay particular attention to windows, too – wooden frames covered with peeling paint reveal the presence of damp, and most likely rot.
UK’s largest outdoor living showroom opens in Oswestry
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oché Awnings has opened a new showroom in Oswestry, the largest of its kind in the UK. Aimed at showing what we can achieve with our gardens given the right inspiration, the showroom will present an array of al fresco solutions, moving beyond awnings and glass rooms to luxury pods with bar, outdoor kitchen and hot tub. Barry Mahon In featuring high-end brands such as Markilux, Weinor and Renson, as well as more accessible products, Roché hopes to help guests experience the best that outdoor living has to offer, and how to make the most of space on a range of budgets. Director Barry Mahon said: “The demand for external shading and glass solutions remains high. Roché has grown, adding staff and moving to larger premises. This gave us the opportunity to design a purpose-built showroom, offering a unique outdoor living experience.” Visit the showroom at Artillery Business Park. rocheawnings.com
Markilux is among the luxury brands featured at the new showroom May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 75
GreenLiving
LEADING THE WAY Soaking up the sun on the Rhug Estate
Rhug Estate was an early adopter of green technologies and is now celebrating 10 years of producing renewable energy from its extensive solar installation
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ith energy prices soaring in the UK, Rhug Estate is proud – currently generate about 3,000MW of electricity per year. We also and no doubt a little relieved – to be celebrating 10 years of generate about 500MW per year of heat. This is enough to supply producing its own renewable energy. What started with one solar approximately 875 homes for the year.” panel scheme on the roof of the farm shop in 2012 Ninety-seven per cent of the electric produced on Rhug’s has developed over the years and now incorporates estate is sold to energy companies via the Grid through power “We 11 solar schemes, two wind turbines, a variety of purchase agreements or the Government’s guaranteed export want to hydro schemes, heat pumps in properties, a biomass payments. The remaining three per cent is used on site. boiler and two electric vehicle chargers. The capacity Lord Newborough said: “We want to continue to be at the continue of the renewable energy schemes on the estate range cutting edge of renewable energy production. We’d like to to be at the from 4kW to 1.2MW and generated electricity is incorporate new technologies as they emerge in everything cutting either used on site or exported to the Grid. we do at Rhug. We think it’s also important to develop our edge” Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: understanding of the environmental footprint our supply “The sustainable use of assets and natural resources chains leave and take responsibility for improving the impact has always been at the heart of everything we do at Rhug Estate. We of the whole chain by making well-informed decisions.”
Rising prices spark solar stampede As the price of traditional energy soars along with the cost of living, more people than ever are seeking alternatives
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orth Wales and Merseyside have the highest electricity bills in the UK and news that energy prices are set to keep rising has until it is needed which is usually in the encouraged consumers to look for cheaper and more efficient ways to heat their homes. Renewable energy company Hafod Renewables evenings – although with the move to home has seen enquiries soar across North and Mid Wales and the Border Counties. Managing working that is director David Jones changing too. “You can The batteries, said: “The increased use the charges are going to which weigh Hafod has been inundated with enquiries power just over 200lb, hit everyone, even when you though there is a cap can be fitted to an exterior wall and linked to roof-mounted on domestic charges.” solar panels. David said: “The electricity generated by solar need it” Solar power and power during the daytime can now be stored and used in the evening. Previously it would have been sold to the National Grid, a battery systems are attracting most less attractive option since the Government cut feed-in tariffs. Being interest currently, as the battery system means power can be stored able to use the electricity when you need it can mean huge savings.” David Jones
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 76
Low Carbon home systems renewable energy showroom is now open
CLAIM UP TO £6,000 TOWARDS THE COST OF A NEW HEAT PUMP ON THE BUS SCHEME
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Appealing architecture in red, red Ruthin The home of the Olympics, Much Wenlock
IN T ER IOR S | FOOD | A RT & PH OTOG R A PH Y | FASH ION | LOCA L AUT H OR S 21/12/2020 10:27
Pets that alpaca punch Unusual animals and their adorable antics Ready for a break Have a holiday in mind to leave lockdown behind On song Meet the Fron male voice choir Get into the gardens As National Trust properties open their gates
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BUSTLING SHREWSBURY BEAUTIFUL NEWPORT
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HOME SHOPPING
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Tutti Frutti Keep it fresh with this fun and fruity homeware
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Marseillette Fruit 100% washed cotton duvet set from £36, La Redoute; laredoute.co.uk 2. Strawberry outdoor drinkware £18, Next; next.co.uk 3. Pineapple Jungle lampshade from £40, Marmalade Shrewsbury; marmaladeatdogpole.co.uk 4. Typhoon World Foods Tomato bowl £3.49, Charlies Garden and Outdoors; charlies.co.uk 5. Vegetable Garden Apples cake tins £45 for set of 3, Emma Bridgewater; emmabridgewater.co.uk 6. Sustainable pear print cushion £28, Moo and Boom, Whitchurch; mooandboom.com 7. Pineapple metallic gold ceramic table lamp £49, Make Your House A Home, Whitchurch; makeyourhouseahomewhitchurch.com 8. Lemon platter by Emily Bond £54, The Silver Pear, Ludlow; silverpear.co.uk 9. Kath Kidston Strawberry Garden butter dish with lid £18, Anna Davies, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy; annadavies.co.uk 10. Lemon jug £14, Make Your House A Home, as above 11. Heaven Sends ceramic silver apple £9.95, Bodenhams of Ludlow; bodenhams.co.uk 12. Ceramic strawberry mug £6.99, Listers Interiors, Chester; listersinteriors.com 13. Framed anatomical fruit prints £425 for set of 12, OKA, Knutsford; oka.com
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Food for thought As the cost of living continues to soar, we’re here to help anyone feeling the pinch to look at ways to feed their family in the most cost-effective way
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s we recover from the pandemic of the last two years there was always going to be economic fallout and now seems to be the time most of us are going to feel it. National Insurance costs have risen, the cost of living is still climbing, fuel prices are breaking records and of course our energy bills are increasing at a terrifying rate. Here at Shire we’re not pretending to be experts in finance, and can’t claim to offer the proper support and advice that sadly many people will need, but if there is one subject close
“help you rethink your eating and feeding habits in light of these financially tricky times” to our hearts that we can help you with it’s food. You know we champion and celebrate local producers and suppliers across the food industry whenever we can so we thought we’d put a few pages together that might help you rethink your eating and feeding habits in light of these financially tricky times. When it comes to making your money go further and feeding a family on a budget, there are some great sources of advice and support across the Shire patch. One brilliant organisation - that is associated with the Citizens Advice Bureau – is the Shropshire Larder, a non-profit group with the aim of bringing local networks and foodies together to make sure people are eating well, and eating smart. They have shared the following hints and tips with Shire.
DID YOU KNOW? The UK throws away around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste in a single year, and one third of all food produced is lost or wasted
80 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Buy it right... As prices increase it can be really difficult to keep down the costs of your food shop. The Shropshire Larder experts have shared their top tips for getting the best bargains in the first place when shopping on a budget. 1.
Write a meal plan before you go shopping Check what you already have in the cupboard, then plan your meals for the week to use up these ingredients. 2. Don’t be afraid to substitute Recipes are just ideas. If you already have a similar ingredient – use it rather than buying something new. 3. Write a list and stick to it Supermarkets are experts in getting customers to buy more than they need or try new products. Shopping with a list means that you can focus on buying exactly what you need, with no money wasted. 4. Investigate the tinned aisle Tinned food lasts longer and tinned fish, potatoes and fruit are usually all cheaper than buying fresh. 5. Buy frozen vegetables Frozen vegetables cheaper, are often pre-chopped and don’t end up going limp in the bottom of your fridge. 6. Get on your knees Supermarkets plan their layouts very carefully, with their standard and premium products at eye level. Value branded items tend to be near the floor, so make sure you look down. 7. Downshift one brand at a time Be price conscious. If there is a cheaper version of your usual item, give it a go. You might be surprised that there is very little difference in taste. 8. Take a walk Don’t just stick to the supermarket. Walk around your area and see what else is available. Some foods can be cheaper in smaller shops. 9. Buying in bulk doesn’t always mean it’s cheaper Check the price per 100g. 10. Take a pen or calculator with you Add up your basket as you go around the shop to keep track of how much you are spending.
Store it right... Once you’ve stocked up efficiently and come home with your bags of bargains and savvy supplies, make sure you look after your food so it doesn’t go off and end up wasted. There is nothing worse than finding expensive fresh veg and salads in the fridge that are only fit for the bin so the key to food staying fresher longer is savvy storage. Use the Shropshire Larder’s advice to avoid costly mistakes… • • • • • •
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Most fresh food should be kept in the fridge Potatoes and onions prefer a cool dark place Bananas prefer the fruit bowl Bread is better in a cupboard or freezer Store fresh stuff on the top shelf of your fridge so you remember to use it Keep your salad fresher for longer by adding a piece of kitchen roll to your salad drawer or your bag of salad A fridge temperature at or below 4°C will keep your food fresher for longer
Family friendly freezable favourites
Sites for savers
Perfect for bargain buying and batch cooking – these simple meals shouldn’t cost the earth but will fill you and your freezer!
Check out some of the online access to brilliant bargain or even free food…
Sausage Pasta
www.approvedfood.co.uk sell products that are over or near their best before dates at up to 70 per cent discount and will deliver for a small fee.
Ingredients 3 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 6 pork sausages 150ml whole milk 350g pasta OPTIONAL - grated parmesan to garnish or some basil or chilli flakes while cooking
Olio is a food sharing app you can download on your phone. On OLIO, you’ll find millions of people giving away food and other household items to their neighbours, all for free. Too Good To Go is another app that lets you buy and collect food at the end of the day from supermarkets, cafes and restaurants - at a great price - so it gets eaten instead of wasted.
Cook it right... Armed with all the right ingredients, stored all the right ways, you’ll be set to cook up a storm and feed a family a feast happy in the knowledge that you’re on budget. Here are a few top tips from the Shropshire Larder. 1. Embrace meal planning Planning meals and snacks ahead is essential. You’ll create a more focused shopping list and end up with less waste. If you’re on a very low budget join a Facebook group devoted to a food budget of just £1 or 50p a day. 2. Use budget recipes Use online resources like Cooking on a Bootstrap or Feed your family for £20 to find budget friendly recipes. 3. Cook in bulk Cook once, eat twice. Either eat the leftovers the following day, or freeze for an easy meal another time. 4. Use a slow cooker Slow cookers are great at maximizing flavour and getting the best out of cheaper cuts of meat. Prep at breakfast time and come home to a delicious meal. 5. Use what you have Don’t buy special ingredients for a meal - use something similar you already have in the cupboard. Use up fresh food first to stop it going to waste. Use a site like Supercook to see what you could make with the food you already have. 6. Don’t let dates on packaging baffle you into throwing good food away! The USE BY date is the only date label you need to worry about. The BEST BEFORE date is just a quality date and has nothing to do with food safety. DISPLAY UNTIL and SELL BY are just guidance for the shop – you can ignore them! You can freeze food right up to the use by date. Just make sure that you cook and eat it on the same day it is defrosted. 7. Go meat-free two or three days a week to cut your food bills down Vegetable based meals are cheaper and you they will help you reach your five a day target. For more advice and support on buying, cooking and feeding the family on a budget, visit www.shropshirelarder.org.uk
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Method Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Fry the onion with a pinch of salt for 7 mins. Add the garlic and chilli if you want and cook for 1 min more. Tip in the tomatoes and simmer for 20 mins. Heat the remaining oil in a medium frying pan over a medium heat. Squeeze the sausagemeat from the skins and fry, or simply chop up the sausages as they are, and simmer for 5-7 mins until golden. Add to the sauce with the milk, then simmer for a further 5 mins. To freeze, leave to cool completely and transfer to large freezerproof bags. Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce. Scatter over the parmesan and basil if you have some.
Fish Finger Pie
Ingredients 700g potatoes, peeled and chopped 50g butter Tbsp flour 75ml semi-skimmed milk 10-pack fish fingers 1 leek, thinly sliced 200g frozen peas Method Preheat the oven to gas 7, 220°C, fan 200°C. Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 15 mins or until tender. Drain and mash with 20g of the butter. Meanwhile, put the fish fingers into a 20 x 30cm baking dish and cook for 10 mins or until heated through. Put the rest of the butter into a small saucepan and fry the leek for 3 mins, sprinkling on some flour and mixing with a bit of milk to create a creamy sauce. Add the frozen peas and cook until defrosted. Pour the sauce over the fish fingers in the baking dish and top with the mash. Bake for 15 mins until the top is golden brown. May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 81
Grow it One obvious way of saving your pennies when it comes to food is by growing your own and the National Allotment Society says that doing so has more than just financial benefits
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t may seem like a good, frugal idea to be as self-sufficient as possible and reap the benefits of a bountiful harvest from your garden. But this is not as simple as it seems and many people decide to take their garden growing to a new level by getting an allotment so they have both the space, and the surrounding fellow experts, to increase their chances of a good yield. The National Allotment Society has a North West branch and a Midlands branch as well as a Wales group so covers the whole of the Shire patch and offers invaluable advice, member events and access to allotments themselves. Their experts have shared some insights below into the world of allotment owning for anyone who fancies saving their vegetable budget by growing their own.
Dig Deep If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family’s weekly shop, with fresh fruit and vegetables over the year. Allotment gardeners can choose to garden organically and avoid ingesting chemicals that are likely to be present on shop bought fruit and vegetables. In a survey of National Allotment Society members nearly every person said their love of allotment gardening comes from the fresh air, home grown produce, healthy lifestyle and like-minded people this activity offers. As many new plot-holders discover, growing vegetables requires acquiring new knowledge and skills and the satisfaction gained from eating their first home grown tomato or new potato makes them taste even more delicious! DID YOU KNOW? Today, there are an estimated 300,000 allotments in the UK, yielding about 215,000 tons of fresh produce every year for their keepers!
Regular spells of activity really does help gardeners keep fit
82 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
... o “If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family’s weekly shop” Other Benefits Working a plot year-round means that allotment holders experience the seasons, witness the behaviour of birds, insects and other animals and gain an understanding of the eco-system. There is a growing awareness of the role that gardening plays in both preventing and alleviating mental ill-health. The physical benefits of regular spells of gardening help plot-holders to keep fit even if they have sedentary jobs, and the physical exercise and being surrounded by nature also contributes to their mental well-being. Find out more about allotments near you at www.nsalg.org.uk There are many health and wellbeing benefits to running an allotment
What to plan in your plot Choosing where to start on your journey to home grown glory is a tricky one – this is the top ten easy to grow vegetables as recommended by the experts on Gardener’s World… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Beetroot Salad leaves Bush tomatoes Potatoes Peas Radishes Miners’ lettuce Japanese and Chinese salad leaves 9 Chillies 10 Courgette
. or Grab it
Nature’s bounty The season dictates what is available to the trained forager – as does the environment – but keep your eyes peeled for some of these free foodie treats just waiting to be picked…
Spring...
The ultimate money-saving way of feeding yourself has to be through foraging and helping yourself to nature’s bounty – but there are ways to do it and potential hazards so approach this method with caution!
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t sounds great to wander out into the wild and help yourself to berries, leaves, mushrooms and flowers that you can transform into a feast for free. But not only is this not as simple as it sounds, it risks damaging the sustainability and diversity of the natural environment if you do it wrong, not to mention poisoning yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. Luckily, foraging is an increasingly popular pastime and there are several groups locally happy to take you out and teach you the ways of the wild before you do any harm. Shire suggests that anyone interested in collecting some food from nature does a proper course beforehand and we spoke It is highly recommended to take to Dave Winnard from Discover the Wild who part in a foraging course runs foraging courses in North Wales. He said: “We offer a range of seasonal foraging workshops which help you look at the plants and fungi on your doorstep, how to safely identify them, if they are edible, medicinal or poisonous and also how they fit in to the larger eco-system. We like to get hands on with the stuff we find, so people on our courses can expect to be nibbling on the tastier wild food you find as we walk around!” Find out more or book a course so you can safely help yourself to nature’s bounty at www.discoverthewild.co.uk
In early spring a lucky forager might find wild garlic, the young leaves of silver birch, blackcurrants, mallow which is a great replacement for spinach, cow parsley to use as a versatile herb and garlic mustard to add a peppery kick to dishes. Later you could look out for sorrel that has a tangy taste, chickweed which can be added to salads or made into pesto, and hawthorn which can be made into tea. The common daisy is also a nutritious food source.
Summer...
Wonders of the Wild Dave’s thoughts were echoed by fellow foraging expert James Wood, founder of Totally Wild, who runs courses across Cheshire including on the Wirral, at Delamere Forest and in Northwich. He said: “Our main goal is to excite people with the amazing flavours to be found in the wild. On our foraging courses you’ll see that wild food is everywhere, when foraging in London you’ll find a unique range, compared to foraging in Cheshire with its relaxing countryside, when foraging in Scotland the deep woods offer bounty of mushrooms and foraging in Wales gives us amazing access to rural coastlines. “We’re here to help you learn more about foraging for plants, mushrooms and seaweeds and to develop your art of cooking with wild foods in a safe and superbly fun hands-on environment.” Whether you’re looking for salad leaves, The UK has an abundance of wild mushrooms, interesting herbs or fruits different foraging environments and berries, foraging can be a great way to take the pressure of your food shopping bill. Find out more at www.totallywilduk.co.uk
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As the days get warmer successful hauls might include elderflowers and their berries, great for cordials as well as fruit, St John’s Wort which is famous for its health benefits, and wild roses whose petals can be added to salads or tea. Along coastlines sea kale is a summer treat and woodlands may be offering chanterelle mushrooms. Fruit can be found in abundance including wild strawberries and blackberries, and the flowers of gorse bushes can make an interesting wine while nettles can create tea, soup, pesto or beer and even the humble dandelion can provide a snack.
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 83
Chill out
One of the latest initiatives to tackle rising food costs has been the establishment of a network of community fridges, where residents and businesses can donate surplus food to other people.
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ith deposit and collection points established across North Wales already, and other parts of the country, the number of community fridges available, is steadily increasing. Environmental charity Hubbub founded the network in 2017 to provide a place for local people and businesses to donate surplus food which is then available for anyone in the community to take. The first 50 fridges around the UK are each saving an average of half a tonne of food from going to waste per month, with the network redistributing the equivalent of around 50,000 meals on a monthly basis. In addition, people are sharing skills, the fridges are often linked to cooking and growing workshops and residents are sharing other household items as well as food, a survey of 21 of the community schemes shows. The network aims to tackle the problem of food waste in the UK, with an estimated £13 billion worth of food thrown away from homes each year, much of which is avoidable, and £3 billion from the hospitality and food sector. Hubbub founder and chief executive Trewin Restorick said: “We’re thrilled with how successful community fridges
have been and the rapid growth of the network. Some people had doubts at the outset as to whether the community fridge network would work, but the fridges have developed to be positive, social spaces that have proven the doubters wrong. We’d encourage anyone interested in visiting or opening a fridge to visit our website and we’d love even more businesses to get involved, as demand is outstripping supply in some areas.”
“the network redistributes the equivalent of around 50,000 meals on a monthly basis.”
Local Fridges Given to Shine, YaB Hub, Henblas Street, Wrexham, LL13 8AE Parkfields Community Fridge, Ash Grove, Mold CH7 1TB Crest Community Fridge, Brierley House, Ferry Farm Rd, Llandudno Junction LL31 9SF Bwyd da Bangor Community Fridge, Bwyd da Bangor, 275 High Street, Bangor, LL57 1UL Tywyn Community Fridge, Station Building, Station Rd, Tywyn, LL36 9EY
DID YOU KNOW? More than 92,000 tonnes of surplus food was redistributed in the UK in 2020, marking a 45% increase, partly caused by the response to Covid-19
84 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Helping hands Another great resource for food advice, help, ideas and general support is the many local food networks that have sprung up in response to the current crisis
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ne of the best examples locally is Ludlow Food Network, which was formed in 2019 and brings together all the food-related organisations in Ludlow to work towards common goals. The four agreed principles of the group are: • To provide good-value, nutritious food for all • To ensure that food is ethically and responsibly sourced • To reduce food waste • To reduce packaging waste The members of Ludlow Food Network meet quarterly, focusing on different aspects of their work at each meeting. Members include…
Grow Cook Learn Grow Cook Learn is passionate about connecting people to the food, history and landscape of the Shropshire Hills. Encouraging exploration of the local landscape, the team loves to inspire visitors with the history of our area. By using and promoting local food, they run cookery courses for vulnerable adults to learn skills to cook from scratch and on a budget. The group took over the running of Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre from Shropshire Council in 2014 and the programme of events is developing year on year to fundraise alongside enhancing the offer for visitors.
Shrewsbury Food Hub This organisation was established after being contacted by a local homeless charity that had been offered surplus food by a local supermarket, but didn’t have volunteers to collect the food. This inspired the founders to set up Shrewsbury Food Hub to collect the surplus food available locally and get it to people who could use it. They began by collecting from M&S and delivering to five community groups and now collect food from 17 supermarkets daily and share it with 56 community groups thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers.
Breathe it in. It’s clean, it’s fresh, it’s wild and it’s beautiful. Welcome to Adventure Parc Snowdonia, nestled in the lush green Conwy Valley at the foothills of Snowdonia. We are proud to deliver a world-class destination designed with wellbeing in mind. Centred around the glistening waters of our inland surf lagoon, where you can choose from reinvigorating and restorative spa days, adrenaline-fuelled activities or even slow-paced sightseeing. • Stylish hotel or glamping accommodation • Perfect for extended family get-togethers • Relax at the indoor / outdoor Wave Garden Spa
• Home to the UK’s biggest surf park • Award-winning adventures at Adrenaline Indoors • Beautiful hiking trails on the doorstep
adventureparcsnowdonia.com | info@adventureparcsnowdonia.com | 01492 353 123
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Food&Drink
S a l mo n & sp rin g green s t a r t wit h a wa l n u t a n d a l mo n d p astry ) c ru st (gl u ten-free Fresh Family
food
Food and lifestyle blogger Joanne Wood, who lives in Knutsford, shares a recipe to fill you with summer flavours and fill a growing family at the same time
Joanne writes The Balanced Kitchen
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oanne Wood views food as a way to bring people together and uses all the right ingredients to pack each of her recipes with vital nutrients. Her passion for cooking stems from 86 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
growing up as part of a busy family and has carried through into her own home life as an adult, catering for her own family. She said: “I am the eldest of four sisters and both my parents have seven siblings so I am part of a large family! Family and friends are incredibly important to me, but I also crave calm and alone time that allows me to think and be creative. As mum to three teenage boys, I love to cook with nutrientdense wholefoods and find ways to make traditional favourite recipes as healthy and nutritious as I can. This tart showcases the best of spring ingredients and tastes as good as it looks.” Follow Joanne’s blog at thebalancedkitchen.co.uk
Serves 4 Tin size: 35cm x 13cm x 2.5cm – if not using a loose-bottomed tin, line with baking paper first to allow for easy removal of the tart after baking FOR THE BASE: 100g walnuts 100g ground almonds 150g buckwheat flour 100g unsalted butter (or vegan spread) 1 tbsp xylitol sugar alternative (available as Total Sweet) Pinch of salt 1 egg, beaten (or 2 tbsp ground flax seeds) METHOD: Place the walnuts into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the ground almonds, buckwheat flour, butter (or vegan spread), xylitol and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Next, add the beaten egg (or ground flax seeds) and a splash of ice-cold water and pulse a couple of times, just until the mixture comes together. The mixture will still be a little crumbly at this point but turn it out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it comes together a bit more. Then wrap in clingfilm and leave to chill and rest in the fridge for about 30-60mins. Place the chilled pastry onto a clean board, dusted with flour and use a rolling pin to gently roll out the pastry to a length and width to fit your baking tin, with enough to leave some to go up the sides of the tin. Gently transfer the pastry into the baking tin and use your clean fingers to press into the shape of the tin. Using a fork, prick all over. Place the tin in the fridge for 30mins. This will prevent the pastry from shrinking during cooking. After chilling, place a sheet of baking paper over
Welsh MOUNTAIN
FOOD & DRINK
CIDER TESTING
Welsh Mountain Cider draws on over 300 varieties of apples to create its ciders, with distinctly different balances of sweetness, acidity and bitterness. Some ciders depend on just one variety of apple, while others are carefully blended from a greater diversity of flavours.
the pastry and add some baking beans or uncooked dry rice to weigh the baking paper down. Bake in a pre-heated fan-assisted oven at 180C (200C for non-fan-assisted) for 10mins. FOR THE FILLING: 5 medium-sized free-range eggs, beaten 1 tbsp milk 100g smoked salmon 1 small courgette, cut into ribbons using a peeler 4 asparagus tips, washed and halved lengthways 50g watercress – remove any thick, tough stems 100g feta cheese, crumbled Salt and pepper, to season METHOD: Mix the milk into the beaten eggs, then pour the mixture into the prepared tart base. Next, take small amounts of the smoked salmon and pinch together, placing the salmon at even intervals within the egg mixture. Do the same with the courgette ribbons, asparagus tips and finally the watercress. Crumble the cheese over and season well. Bake the tart in a preheated oven for 20-25mins. Place a piece of foil over the tart if it begins to brown on top towards the end of the cooking time. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly (or fully, as preferred). Serve with a drizzle of dill pesto and fresh greens. FOR THE DILL PESTO: 30g dill 20g fresh basil 4 tbsp olive oil Juice of half a lemon 2 tbsp fresh Parmesan cheese, grated METHOD: Place all the ingredients into a food processor, blitz brieflly and serve.
Did yo u kn ow?
T he UK has over 2,500 varieties of app les
A
small group of us were excited to sample three of the best ciders from the Welsh Mountain Cider range: Kingston Black, Brown’s/ Redstreak (2020) and Prospect Orchard: A row of old Kingston’s Black trees grows in Herefordshire and the apples from this ancient variety are pressed, then fermented and cellared in the Cambrian Mountains. We liked the subtle notes of the bouquet and enjoyed the depth of flavour, which had the right level of acidity and a rounded aftertaste. Brown’s Apple is blended with Somerset Streak in a 60/40 balance. There were fewer tannins in this cider and it was altogether softer and lighter. We agreed that it would be a perfect drink to accompany a meal.
“Welsh Mountain Cider draws upon the rich heritage of hundreds of years of growing apple trees in this country, which is evident in all the wonderful ciders they have created” Our third sample was Prospect Orchard, which received an enthusiastic response all round. Made from 300 varieties of apples, that are grown, pressed and bottled at Prospect Orchard, its wild fermentation had created a pleasant, light carbonation that was most refreshing. For the apple bouquet, the zingy flavour that sang in the mouth and its long, rounded aftertaste, this cider was judged to be a wonderful summer drink. We all preferred the ciders at cooler than room temperature, but definitely not fridge-cold. There is no doubting the authentic flavours that mark out the craft ciders from their more commercial cousins. Welsh Mountain Cider draws upon the rich heritage of hundreds of years of growing apple trees in this country, which is evident in all the wonderful ciders that they have created. welshmountaincider.com May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 87
FOOD & DRINK
Cheers to
expansion for beers A thriving local brewery based in Congleton, Cheshire has broken ground on its new expansion, with plans for further upscaling well underway
Fo u r go ld med al s fro m th e In tern at ion al Ch eese & D airy Awards
Pick of the
Producers Joseph Manning of Beartown Brewery
B
eartown Brewery has been in operation since 1994 and plans significant growth for 2022. The new brewery building will allow the firm to increase its capacity, with the ability to focus more on kegs, alongside upgrading its original kit. This will allow it to offer contract brewing to smaller brewers without the skills or capacity of an established brand. Joseph Manning, managing director of Beartown Brewery said: “Last year saw us achieve record sales, higher than pre-pandemic, which really affirmed that now was the right time to expand the brewery, investing in new kit and giving us the opportunity to grow the Beartown brand.” The new brewery, to open shortly, will offer four times the capacity of the original Beartown brewery from 1994, with the ability to continue adding to their fermenter farm and produce eight times more capacity. Alongside this expansion, Beartown Brewery has invested in upgrading its original kit to make way for some big-hitting flavour profiles in the next six months. Joseph added: “We are keen to grow our keg offering, as kegs have become increasingly popular on the market. This new brewery is a long time in the making and testament to how far we’ve come, but also how far we want to go, with increased operations and opportunities.” Alongside capacity and keg expansion, the new brewery will also offer a consumer-focused experience, with a stunning tap room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the brewery and sampling opportunities. Looking to bring the brand to new audiences, Beartown also has a series of events planned including Congleton Unplugged, an acoustic music festival, plus a series of beer festivals. The Beartown Brewery story began in 1632, when Congleton sold its bible to buy a Bear. From that day forward Congleton was given a new nickname, Beartown. beartownbrewery.co.uk
88 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
A farmer-led Welsh cooperative is on top of the world after scooping its best ever haul of awards at the dairy industry Oscars
S
outh Caernarfon Creameries brought back four gold medals from the International Cheese & Dairy Awards – and two silvers and five bronzes. For the first time in its 120-year history the Awards were not part of the Nantwich Show but the change of venue didn’t stop SCS achieving a brilliant haul. They picked up gold wins for their Mature Double Gloucester, Red Leicester, Mature Cheddar and Salted Butter, as well as silver for their Mild Cheddar Trystan Povey with a lot of cheese! and Sliced Mature Cheddar and Bronze for Medium Cheddar, Double Gloucester, Caerphilly, Half-Fat and Lighter Cheddars. “Quality is at SCC new product development the heart of coordinator Trystan Povey said: everything we “We are delighted to have had our best-ever performance at the do and regular International Cheese Awards, competition which are very much a benchmark keeps us on for quality in the cheese and dairy our toes” industry. It has been another very successful year for us at awards events up and down the country. We believe it is important that we pit ourselves against the very best in our industry regularly. Quality is at the heart of everything we do and not only does regular competition keep us on our toes. It is also a guarantee to our valued customers that our products are of the very highest standard.” This year began with a double triumph as SCC’s Double Gloucester took a gold award at the prestigious Virtual Cheese Awards and went on to be crowned the Best Cheese in Wales. The creamery also makes other acclaimed territorial cheeses including Red Leicester and Welsh Caerphilly, along with its popular Dragon brand of everyday cheeses, a big hit with customers everywhere.
Welsh Mountain Cider Welsh Mountain Cider is made from 100% fresh juice, naturally fermented and cellar aged. All of our ciders are live and unpasteurized, with no added sulphites. “Cider still has a bad reputation and a lot of it is rubbish, but there’s some good stuff out there -the best I’ve had is from Welsh Mountain Cider.” James Martin, Chef
“They are without doubt the best ciders I have ever tasted anywhere in the world” Joe Wadsack, Drinks Coach UK
Licensed Bar, Orchard Tours and Tastings open most Saturdays 2p.m.- 5p.m. and at other times by arrangement. Events throughout the Summer. See our website, join our mailing list, or call us for details.
Jamie’s Butchers and Deli offer a wide range of delicious local produce! Hot and Cold Sandwich Bar Call & Collect or Home Delivery Service Available Unit 1, St Mary’s Precinct, Church Street, Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5HX T: 01691 772602
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Supplying North Wales with delicious ice cream and sorbets since the 1950’s. Based in the medieval walled town of Conwy we manufacture over 70 flavours including favourites such as Salted Caramel, Amaretto & Black Cherry, Ferrero Rocher and Blue Banana.
CHOCOLATE PARISELLAS OF CONWY
CHOCOLATE CLASS GOLD MEDAL PARISELLAS OF CONWY
Parisella’s Ice Cream Parlour
Parisellas Cafe Llandudno
Parisellas Kiosk
12 High Street Conwy LL32 8DE 01492 592 770
Happy Valley, Alex Munro Way Great Orme, Llandudno LL30 2QL
The Quay, Conwy LL32 8AL Wales
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MINT CHOC CHIP SILVER MEDAL BRONZE MEDAL PARISELLAS OF CONWY DI MEO’S
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in perfectly good taste Shire columnist Gary Carter of Shropshire Wine School offers some pointers on how to properly taste and rate the wine you’re drinking
It’s fruity – but what kind of fruit do you taste?
BEST CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM in the UK
comes from Conwy
FOOD & DRINK To ‘taste’ wine we actually do three things: we LOOK, we SMELL and we TASTE. Appearance tells us the colour and also can be an indication of a fault (cloudy). The smell (or ‘nose’) tells us a lot about the wine – almost all wine can be described as ‘fruity’ but what kind of fruit? White wine could be ‘green’ fruit such as apples, ‘citrus’ such as lemon or lime, or ‘stone fruit’ such as peach or apricot. Red wine could be ‘red fruit’ such as strawberry or raspberry or ‘black fruit’ such as blackcurrant or blackberry. We can also quickly detect faults from the smell. For example, a musty smell (think damp cardboard) means the wine is ‘corked’. The wine has reacted with a fungus that has found its way into the wine, usually via a cork, and has created a foul-smelling chemical. Finally we taste the wine. We can detect here whether the wine is dry or sweet and also ‘acidity’ and ‘tannin’. Acidity is actually a very important element in wine. It gives it a ‘refreshing’ or ‘crisp’ taste. It also stimulates the saliva glands, making it a great food “To ‘taste’ wine we accompaniment. All wine has actually do three acidity but some has more than things – we look, others. High acidic wines include Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling we smell and we plus sparkling wines such as taste the wine” Champagne and Prosecco. Tannin is only found in red wine as it comes from the black grape skin. Tannin gives wine a dryness and astringency. Too much tannin can make a wine difficult to enjoy but it’s an antioxidant so helps to preserve a wine for longterm ageing. Until next time – cheers!
North Wales rounds. During the 1970s the wholesale and retail business boomed, fuelled by the warm summers. In 2006, the family revamped the factory to buy the latest equipment so they could start producing their delicious artisan dairy ice cream. In the coming months the company will be opening a new unit just outside Conwy to further develop and increase production. So what makes Parisella’s of Conwy chocolate ice cream so special? Tony explained: “It has to give a genuine chocolate hit. I’m a big chocolate fan and if something says it’s chocolate, whether it’s a hot drink, milkshake, dessert or ice cream, I’ve got to be able to taste it.” parisellasicecreamparlour.co.uk Shire’s resident food fanatics had a chance to try some Parisella’s flavours, including award-winning chocolate. Here’s their verdict: “The Triple Chocolate is heaven for a chocoholic. It’s packed with so much cocoa and chocolate, it is noticeably firm with a very full flavour. And the balance between the dark chocolate and cream is just right.’”
Parisella’s of Conwy has been crowned the chocolate ice cream king of the UK at the National Ice Cream Championships 2022
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arisella’s delicious chocolate ice cream beat all-comers in the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country. The national championship is run by the Ice Cream Alliance, the sector’s UK trade association, and has been running for nearly 80 years. “This award was totally unexpected,” said Tony Parisella, a director of the renowned ice-cream business and the third generation of the family to run the parlour. “I’m so pleased to have been given this vote of confidence by the judges. I’ve got a fair collection of diplomas and a couple of medals but nothing as big as this.” The business opened in Conwy in 1952 and built up a reputation for Tony’s grandfather’s ice cream – and for the vans that did the
TRIED and TASTED
“Madagascan Vanilla is made with only real vanilla pod, which simply cannot be beat. A classic, done well, allowing the wholemilk and double cream to come through. Soft but still thick and creamy.”
“My favourite was the Amaretto and Black Cherry – dark red, almost purple cherry syrup swirled into ice cream flavoured with the almond taste of Amaretto biscuits.” “Tropical Fruits is sweet mango, pineapple and passion fruit syrup swirled into coconut ice cream. Beautifully fresh and great colours.”
Heaven on a plate! May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 91
L K A K E HACW N A V P A A R R A K 30 T: 016
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www.haw klake. co.uk
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We have 5 touring pitches each with a hook up and on hard standing, as well as 45 static caravan pitches.
Warm, friendly & welcoming
Set beside Hawk Lake in the grounds of Hawkstone Park, this Caravan Park is great for a peaceful getaway. Close to the historic town of Shrewsbury, and in the heart of Shropshire, we are ideally located for exploring Shropshire and Mid Wales. We offer both Day and Season Fishing on Hawk Lake. The lake has a selection of fish, from big Carp up to 30lb, to Roach, Perch, Bream, Tench, Rudd and Pike. If it’s the Shropshire wildlife that you like, the lake is home to Kingfishers, Herons, Water Voles and Woodpeckers. Much of the lakeside is perfectly walkable, and there are places to sit and enjoy your surroundings in peace.
Contact Hawk Lake now to join the waiting list.
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
ALL VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT Hawk Lake Caravan Park, North Lodge, Hawkstone Park, Marchamley, Nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 5GE
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LLANDDERFEL, BALA, GWYNEDD, LL23 7RA Tel: 01678 530 205 www.bryntirioninn.co.uk
22/04/2022 12:05
Holidays TIPI GLAMPING AT GREENWOOD FAMILY PARK
Your bed beneath the stars
N
Treetop thrills
ew for 2022 – stay over and explore! Immerse yourself in a forest adventure and step directly into North Wales’ best family attraction, with outdoor family fun all day and a cosy and comfortable retreat under the stars by night. Our new Tipi Glamping means the adventure doesn’t have to end! Our glamping adventure combines overnight stays in luxury tipis with unlimited access to the forest adventure park, full of action and excitement for the whole family. Our secluded location
beneath the trees of Snowdonia’s National Park offers a beautiful backdrop for your unique glamping getaway. Find us just outside the royal town of Caernarfon, nestled between the coast and the rugged mountains of Snowdonia. A fun and memorable way to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with unlimited access to our awardwinning family park. All the fun of camping, “Outdoor without the stress adventure of pitching your all day, own tent! No more saggy tents or a cosy soggy socks! retreat For details visit by night” greenwood familypark.co.uk
The kids can run wild
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT T
he last two years have encouraged us all to focus on the incredible staycations in our local area, so if you’re looking to invest in a slice of holiday heaven, check out this unique development of luxurious holiday Nature’s Point: enduring value cottages on the beautiful Llyn Peninsula. Recently completed, each of the 25 two, three and five-bedroom properties at Nature’s Point is thoughtfully designed and built to a high specification, and finished to a luxurious standard. This select development will offer the perfect holiday home or rental investment. Developer Natural Land negotiated the purchase of the original site from Yorkshire Bank, and went on to divide the
existing buildings into three: firstly, eight newly refurbished stone holiday cottages, farmhouse/reception, 29 lodge pitches and services; second, a 35-room disused hotel overlooking Nefyn Bay, and third, Henbant Bach, a derelict farmhouse with 80 acres of land. company said: “It’s our mission “Invest in toThe share and preserve the world’s most a slice of beautiful spaces and create real, enduring value. To holiday that end, we heaven at select projects Nature’s based on their inherent Point” potential. Our collective experience and expertise affords us opportunity to craft resort communities that preserve the character, beauty and traditions of the landscapes they call home.” Spacious interiors
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 93
HOLIDAYS
Drift away from it all
HOT SPOT S
W
hether you’re an experienced boater or a complete novice, there’s nothing more relaxing than a break on the canals and waterways. Forced to take it slowly, a holiday with Anglo Welsh Waterway Holidays might be just the rest you’re looking for, especially as highly qualified staff will take you through everything you need to know to operate a canal boat. Handover complete, you can set off on your own adventure, at your own pace – watching for wildlife, stopping off to enjoy canalside pubs, and exploring towns and villages along the route. “Go at As one of the largest canal boat rental companies in the UK, with your nearly 50 years of experience, Anglo Welsh Waterway Holidays has a own reputation for providing high quality, exceptional value canal holidays. With a choice of more than 160 pace” luxury narrowboats available from 10 bases across England and Wales, including Whixhall Marina, take a look at the range of flexible interiors to see what works best for you. Boats range from 32ft to 70ft, and can accommodate between two and 12 people, with all the comforts of home. anglowelsh.co.uk Peace and tranquillity
INVEST IN IDYLLIC
L
so those that get in early lawrbetws Caravan will be able to choose their Park enjoys an own perfect pitch with enviable location and fantastic views. is an excellent base to If you want to invest in explore North Wales, a stunning North Wales as you can get to most location and plan to notable destinations buy your own caravan within 30 minutes. The holiday home, check out area recently received Llawrbetws. The quiet, the accolade of fourth peaceful family-run park most popular world Llawrbetws sites have great views is set in 14 acres of idyllic destination from Lonely countryside. If scenery, wildlife and a Planet Guide, a title it well deserves. rural lifestyle is important to you, you will Llawrbetws features 70 fully serviced pitches set within 14 acres, each with appreciate the setting at Llawrbetws, positioned between the most notable mains electric, water and piped gas. National Parks in the world, looking out The majority have far-reaching views to the mountains and countryside. A new on Snowdonia, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB. llawrbetws.co.uk development is being launched this year
X P L O R E ! D I S C OV E R Y C E N T R E
I
f you’re in the area with inquisitive kids, this new science centre in the heart of Wrexham is full to the brim with science, exploration and fun. The team at Xplore! has been bringing brainteasing, mind-bending, eye-opening science to the town for almost 20 years and in addition to their interactive exhibit space have created a purpose-built science shop that sells a wide range of science experiments, toys and gifts perfect for all ages. Both the shop and new café area are open It’s great fun from 9.30am to 4.30 pm, selling a range of hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks to suit all taste buds and dietary needs. A visit to Xplore! Science Centre allows all learners the chance to develop skills in investigating, imagination, team working, critical thinking and problem solving. For more information email booking@xplorescience.co.uk
GROWN-UP GETAWAY Fishing T S he Newnes Touring Caravan Park is set in the heart of North Shropshire, 10 minutes’ walk from Ellesmere, and is exclusively for adults in search of peace and tranquillity away from the bustle of family parks. Tents are most welcome The facilities are top class and can enjoy the superb views and location. Take advantage of the superb facilities on offer, or just pitch and get back to nature. Caravans are well catered for, with 60 hook-up points offering individual mains electric and water, on level well-drained grass, some backing onto hedgerows. Each pitch looks out onto the six-acre site, which has superb views over the countryside and the Welsh Hills. Surrounded by circular walks and woodlands, it’s a nature lover’s paradise with its nine glacial meres. Anglers can enjoy fishing at no further cost. thenewnes.co.uk
94 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
favourite
et beside Hawk Lake in the grounds of Hawkstone Park, Hawk Lake Caravan “Big carp, Park is perfect for a peaceful getaway by the water. Close to the historic town of perch, Shrewsbury, the site is ideally located for bream, exploring Shropshire and Mid Wales. There tench are five touring pitches with hook-up and hard standing and 45 static pitches, 14 rudd and by the lake. These are pike” privately owned but occasionally come up for sale. The site offers both day and season fishing – the lake has big carp (up to 30lb), roach, perch, bream, tench, rudd and pike. A peaceful spot for a relaxing break, fishing trip or holiday home investment. Enquiries A glorious setting by Hawk Lake 01630 685 209.
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.
...GET ON A CANAL BOAT
Hire for a day, a weekend, a week or longer
LAST FEW 2022 DATES STILL AVAILABLE
Call us anytime 01691 624464 or 07972 066291 Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9HH
www.thenewnes.co.uk
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2022
With SHIRE Magazine you will get... • Over 100,000 readers • Coverage throughout North Wales, Mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire advertising@shiremagazine.co.uk 01691 661270
SHIRE MAGAZINE
Plus all events are included on the new What’s on App see page 78
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JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF OUR UPCOMING DAY EXCURSIONS
MAY
Thurs 19th Sat 21st Sun 29th Tues 31st
JUNE
Thurs 2nd Sat 4th Sun 5th Sun 12th Wed 15th Thurs 16th Sat 18th Sun 19th Sat 25th Sun 26th
Mersey River Cruise & Liverpool Lake District Tour Scenic Snowdonia West Midland Safari Park Llandudno Royal Bath Barmouth Cosford Air Show Bury Market BBC Gardeners World & Good Food Show Three Counties Show – Malvern Emmerdale Village Tour Portmeirion Village RHS Bridgewater & Salford Quays
FOR DETAILS OF THESE AND ALL OUR OTHER GREAT HOLIDAY TOURS & DAY EXCURSIONS CALL
01691 652126 or visit www.owenstravel.co.uk Owens Travel Ad MayJun22 198x140mm SN.indd 1 095_SHIRE_MJ2022.indd 1
WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2023 Visit www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk Tel 07867 790195 anytime
“
V G AV OUC IFT AI HE LA RS BL E
THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING BETTER THAN MESSING ABOUT IN BOATS
”
Spend a day exploring the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal aboard our 10 seater, self-drive Day Boat • Ideal for family celebrations and team-building days • All-weather accommodation • Easy to steer – no experience necessary • From just £115
Tel: 07867 790195 • www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk
22/04/2022 11:11
LATE AVAILABILITY ON OUR EARLY SUMMER 2022 COACH HOLIDAYS...
LITTLE & LARGE TREATS IN SOMERSET Weston-Super-Mare 16th – 20th May 5 Days from £415
Our ever popular
20th - 23rd May,
MYSTERY TOURS
29th July - 1st Aug
4 days from only £279
14th - 17th Oct
ELEGANT EASTBOURNE *** BW York House Hotel – Eastbourne Seafront 30th May - 3rd June 5 Days from £430
SCENIC LANCASHIRE RAIL & SAIL Enjoy a steam train, canal cruise & historic houses 2nd - 6th June 5 Days from £449
JERSEY BY AIR – St Helier 4th – 9th June 6 Days from £799 6th - 13th August 8 days from £949
ISLE OF WIGHT - SANDOWN 13th – 17th June & 26th – 30th Sept 5 Days from £429
22/04/2022 17:37 22/04/2022 18:45
HOLIDAYS
HOT SPOT S JODRELL BANK
AMONG THE ANIMALS A
nimal lovers will be delighted to know that 2022 sees the introduction of another group of onsite lodges at West Midland Safari Park. Launched in April, eight two-storey lodges are now ready to welcome guests and are integrated into the white rhino and giraffe habitats, giving guests a truly unforgettable and immersive experience. The white rhino lodges sleep up to six and are the only experience Enjoy views out across the giraffe habitat of their kind in the UK. The “Both ground floor has an open-plan first floor, which is where the face living space, chill-out nest that living room, kitchenette and doubles as a cosy bed, and a dining room are situated. Two threats balcony with ground-level views bedrooms downstairs sleep five in the of the rhinos. Two bedrooms people, with a bathroom. wild” and a bathroom are on the first The introduction of the new floor, along with a balcony. In lodges has enabled the Park to the giraffe lodges, guests can update and improve the animals’ come eyehabitats. White rhino and Rothschild’s to-eye with giraffe are classified as ‘Near Threatened’ the Park’s by the conservation bodies, with both charismatic species facing threats in the wild such as tower poaching and habitat loss. of eight Safari Lodges short breaks include giraffes breakfast and dinner, and admission to from the the Park for two days. The lodges also balcony include free Wi-Fi, smart TV, robes and on the 24-hour concierge. safari-lodges.co.uk
Living space is on the first floor to give the best views
I
f you’re exploring Cheshire with budding young scientists this summer, make a point of popping in to Jodrell Bank, where you can see one of the world’s largest telescopes and wonder at the amazing technology behind this vast structure. Humans have always looked up at the skies and marvelled at the Sun, Moon, planets and stars, in an attempt to understand our own sense of place and purpose here on Earth. For over 75 years, Jodrell Bank has been at the forefront of that quest for understanding and at the heart of ground-breaking discoveries and world-leading research. Jodrell Bank’s inspirational story includes revolutionary discoveries, amazing feats of engineering, the dawn of the Space Age and the creation of the Grade I-listed Lovell telescope, an icon of science and engineering. Today Jodrell Bank Observatory is owned and managed by the University of Manchester and is a world-leading research Listening to the universe institute, with scientists working at the cutting edge of modern astrophysics. jodrellbank.net
JOIN THE CLUB
I
f you want to combine the convenience and open feel of a holiday park with the decadent luxury of a stately manor house, then look no further than the Lyons site at Woodlands Hall in Ruthin. This splendid country club provides not only the backdrop but also the facilities for the caravan park that sits proudly above the wooded hills of the Vale of Clwyd, secluded among a mass of landscaped rhododendron colour Woodlands Hall Caravan Park and Country Club boasts some of the most spectacular views North Wales has to offer and makes the ideal retreat for either short breaks of a full week of complete Woodlands Hall
96 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
relaxation. It boasts ample facilities, with tennis courts, fitness gym
“Ample facilities with tennis courts, gym and sauna”
A stunning backdrop for your holiday
and sauna and plenty of options for a leisurely walk in the surrounding woodland. Children have their own play room and outdoor adventure area and there is a snooker table as well as entertainment all year round. Diners can choose from fine dining or a light snack in the relaxed atmosphere of the conservatory restaurant. lyonsholidayparks.co.uk
your very own slice
of the countryside
2 stunning holiday parks with so much to offer! Luxury holiday home lodges with beautiful views and fantastic facilities
7 night stay from
£1584
5 star rating
12 sleeps
6
bedrooms
4 bathrooms
The Farm House is a luxury self catering holiday house set in the quiet hamlet of Glan Yr Afon, an ideal base for exploring North/Mid Wales. We can accommodate smaller numbers, please get in touch for more information.
We always have a wide selection of high quality holiday homes for sale. Call today on 01286 830205 to find your perfect home away from home.
NEW AND SECOND CARAVANS ALSO FOR SALE VISIT OUR WEBSITE info@llawrbetws.co.uk www.llawrbetws.co.uk 01490 460224
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22/04/2022 12:08
FEEL THE FREEDOM JOIN PSYCHED PADDLEBOARDING ON THE WATER
PSYCHEDPADDLEBOARDING.COM
Psyched Ad MayJun22 198x140mm AB.indd 1 098_SHIRE_MJ2022.indd 1
22/04/2022 09:57 22/04/2022 12:12
ACTIVE
What’s SUP? Stand-up paddleboarding – or SUP – is the fastest-growing watersport and lots of fun. Whatever your age, build or fitness, have a go!
O
fortunate enough to see porpoise, seals and dolphins. Sipping ne of the many joys of hot chocolate and dunking cookies from a paddleboard paddleboarding is whilst watching shooting stars and witnessing magical that it allows you to focus on nothing else but your natural phosphorescence – ‘sea sparkles’ as my customers like to surroundings, embracing the call it – is an experience that stays in the memory forever.” Remember, SUP is not without risks and you should take fresh air in your lungs and a appropriate risks and you should take appropriate safety new perspective from above precautions and follow the water. Sian Sykes, owner of Psyched Paddleboarding professional guidance. The best based on way to start is Stand-up pa to take a course. Anglesey said: ddleboardi ng uses every muscl “It’s a joy e in your bo dy taking people Get psyched! “We’ve been for a paddle Psyched fortunate enough along this Paddleboarding to see porpoise, stunning coastline. It’s a chance for them to offers Learn seals and dolphins” switch off, reconnect with nature and to SUP, SUP themselves – and most of all to have fun!” Progression Stand-up paddleboarding uses every muscle courses such as in your body, from your feet upwards. You Advanced Flat can make it as easy as you want: pootling with friends for water and Advance Moving a social, paddling with your pooch (dogs love it!); the more Water, Sea SUP Skills, SUP flexible might try yoga, and for the adventurous there is SUP instructor courses, magical surfing, winging (with a sail) and touring. Sian is known for her night tours, guided tours and expeditions, as she was the first to paddleboard solo all the expeditions. For full details Sian Sykes of Psyched spe nt two months paddling the Wel way around Wales – a 1,000km journey offshore and inland and prices, visit their website sh coastline that took two months and involved wild camping on beaches. at psychedpaddleboarding. Sian loves taking others out on the water. “We’ve been com
Getting kids on track As the nights get lighter, local bike enthusiasts are celebrating the news that the North West area is set to receive more than £3.4 million to get more youngsters in the region out on two wheels
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he North West will receive £3,436,148 to help more children learn to cycle with the Bikeability scheme as part of a record £20 million investment from the Department of Transport. It will be used to deliver cycle training for children and families in the initiative that has trained more than 3.6 million children since 2007. This funding has the potential to deliver half a million training places for children and their families across the UK, supporting even more people to introduce active travel into their everyday lives. The funding will ensure even
more people are equipped with the skills, confidence and knowledge to cycle on our roads. The Bikeability Trust is continuing to offer bursaries for those wanting to join the industry as an instructor. This will help the Trust achieve its ambition of offering cycle training to every child.
Local legend in the lead
The funding will enable more parents and pupils in the North West to leave the car at home and choose cycling for short, every day journeys. This all comes as the Department
“The Trust is offering bursaries for those wanting to be an instructor” for Transport recently launched Active Travel England, the Executive Agency tasked with driving up the quality of cycling and walking routes, led by former Olympic cyclist and local Wirral resident Chris Boardman. Visit www. bikeability.org.uk
offer y Trust aims to The Bikeabilit ild ch y er training to ev
cycle
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 99
Pets&Wildlife
MAKING IT COUNT Some animals are easier to count, such as the crash of white rhinos, who are getting a new habitat for 2022
Whether the animals go in two by two or ten at a time, they all need to be counted in West Midlands Safari Park’s annual stocktake
T
he spring season brings with it new life across the animal kingdom, and when you are responsible for the care of several hundred beasties, it’s important to know exactly who you’re looking after. So every year a stocktake of creatures large and small has to take place at West Midland Safari Park, and this mammoth task has just been completed for 2022. Every animal, from the huge African elephants to the tiny, critically endangered golden mantella frogs, is counted and the total continually changes. In 2021 the park welcomed some new animals, including two white rhino calves and 26 rainbow lorikeet chicks, as well as a red panda. The zoo’s head of wildlife, Angela Potter, said: “This is the time of year that we carry out the annual count of all our animals. We have 121 species and over 1000 individuals, so it’s a real team effort to ensure every animal is included. Most are counted singly, such as our white rhino herd, which had the addition of two lovely boys, Jambo and Jumani, born in 2021, but some are counted in colonies, such as our leafcutter ants. It would take a very long time if you were to count every one of those individually! “Of course, our keepers count our animals on a daily basis too, and give them a good look-over to ensure they are all healthy and well, but this annual audit in January is something each wildlife attraction must undertake as part of our zoo licence requirements.” Keeper Holly had 26 more heads to count in Lorikeet Landing, following the hatching of chicks in 2021 100 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Extra guests
Angela said: “In 2021, we welcomed some new
species to our collection and these included Mei Lin, our beautiful red panda who joined us in August, and three smaller species: whitebelly reed frogs, crocodile lizards and Lau banded iguanas. We also The animals are counted daily said goodbye to some notable and checked over, including characters who left us to join Hartley, the pancake collections in Scotland. These tortoise included Fennessy and Gerald, our two young male giraffes and Grace, our young Grévy’s zebra, who all went to Edinburgh Zoo, and three Bactrian camels: Dierdre and Dippy, who are now at Highland Wildlife Park and Doris, who is at Blair Drummond Safari Park.” As mentioned, the audit is part of zoo licensing requirements and
“Our beautiful red panda joined us in August” Discovery Trail keeper Katie Stokes and red panda Mei Lin
once every head has been counted, the results are noted in a report which is sent to the local authority. The park’s wildlife administrator then checks the results against the animal record system, to ensure the census matches. A variety of animals call the safari park home, including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Some are easier to count than others, such as the pancake tortoises compared to the scurrying Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
s t e P Cute
PETS & WILDLIFE
WIN
a £25 voucher for Bradeley Green pet store in Whitchurch, to spend in-store or online at petcetera.co.uk
Felix
Toby
Tiger
Ted
Mika
Bailey, the two-and-a-half-year-old Lab
Nellie
Becky
year-old Buddy, the threeloves smiling Jack Russell who
Pinta Suzie
Bailey
Pebbles
Teddy Bella Dixie George the golden retriever
s tulation Congra owner , to Mike y the of Baile wins o Lab, wh ue’s this iss tion! competi
Bradeley Green, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4HD www.petcetera.co.uk
Misty
Meg
Buddy Harley
Baron the boxer Gillie
Five-year-old Dougla
s posing
Win some pet treats! To enter, email a photograph of your pet and their name to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk and the Shire team will pick the winner! Archie
Buddy, a mix-breed rescue who was a street dog in Cyprus
Terms: The winner will be chosen by Shire and be given the option of receiving a voucher to spend in-store or a digital code to redeem online at www.petcetera.co.uk. The voucher will be valid for six months and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Getting up close and personal with Elephant Hawk moths
ALL WINGS, BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
Much maligned and misunderstood, moths are actually a vital species and campaigners are keen to make more people aware of their crucial wildlife role
D
ark Bordered Beauty, Flame Shoulder, Maiden’s Blush… despite While there are 2,500 species of moth in the UK (compared to having some of the most beguiling names in the animal kingdom, 70 types of butterfly), their numbers have seen a decline of 28 per cent in the past 50 years – and as much as 40 per cent in the south. Climate moths are sadly misunderstood. At worst they are vilified as clothesmunching pests, at best sidelined as the butterfly’s dull cousin. Now change, pesticide use, habitat loss and even artificial lighting could all be playing a part. The good news is we can help these fascinating the #MothsMatter campaign by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation creatures and the wildlife that relies on them, starting in our own is aiming to dispel these negative perceptions and educate us about gardens. Butterfly why they are so important. First, let’s tackle a few myths about moths. They’re “Artifical Conservation recommends leaving not just grey or brown; some are brightly coloured, lighting a few weeds such as such as the Elephant Hawk moth which blends in could be nettles, docks and among the hot pink petals of willowherb and fuchsia playing a knapweed growing when resting. Many moths are active after dark, but some, such as the scarlet and black Cinnabar, fly by part in their as they’re important food for moth day. As for eating your clothes, a meagre four species decline” caterpillars. Use would have a organic pest control taste for your instead of pesticides, and tops and trousers – and only if Evening primrose attracts rarer species don’t cut back borders until they’re made of animal-sourced spring to provide shelter over fibres such as wool, silk or fur. winter. Adding nectar-rich plants to beds will supply food, and you Under threat might like to turn citizen scientist and see which moths are visiting. As pollinators, moths have Butterfly Conservation has a downloadable guide on its website. a key role in our ecosystem – You could even send your sightings to your county moth recorder. David Maddy collects data for Cheshire and said: “It’s important to and they are also an important record what we see. Our database has grown over two centuries into food source for other wildlife. Angle Shades are well camouflaged a collection of 1.5 million records. We pass the county’s records to Birds such as blue tits, robins, wrens and blackbirds rely on the caterpillars to feed their young, Butterfly Conservation every year, for analysis of national trends.” whilst bats, frogs, toads, hedgehogs and lizards feed on adult moths. For more information, visit butterfly-conservation.org
A NEW PLACE FOR NATURE
S
paths and disabled access, it tudents have transformed a college site into a 40sqm wildlife corridor and wellbeing garden at Coleg Cambria Deeside. With the will be used for relaxation as well as outdoor lessons. support of Keep Wales Tidy and its Local Places for Nature project, and sponsorship from local business Monkey Lady Employability Corporate Wear, they mentor and “The curriculum lead Paula have planted more than garden 100 trees, 2,000 native Blundell said: “The The grand opening will bring students have worked bulbs, shrubs, wildflower meadows and more. so hard over the past months to bring this together. It looks a smile to The Construction brilliant. As summer approaches, I’m sure the garden will people’s be awash with colour and bring a smile to people’s faces.” cohort built wooden faces” planters and the patch Keep Wales Tidy Flintshire project officer Wendy Jones includes a greenhouse, said: “The garden not only provides a space for nature but will offer food-growing opportunities, ways to engage with the wider bird feeders and hedgehog boxes and a composting area. With seating, gravel community, and a new place for students, staff and visitors to enjoy.” Working hard 102 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Gate Expectations Inwood (Cymru) Ltd
Open 7 Days a Week Located on the A49, North of Whitchurch.
` ade to measure
wooden gates and side hinged garage doors
BRADELEY GREEN
01745 362 444
YOUR LOCAL PET STORE
www.woodworkersuk.co.uk enquiries@woodworkersuk.co.uk Come and see us in our workshop! Unit A1, Cefndy Industrial Park, Cefndy Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 2HJ
Comprehensive Ranges for Dogs l Specialist Pet Grooming Products l Small Animal Supplies l Supplements for Livestock l Exceptional Service l Free Parking l Loyalty Scheme l Dog Friendly l
Keep up to date with offers, new products and events at Bradeley Green when you sign up to our newsletter.
y Welcome Awaits Visit Today… A Friendl
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In-Store and Online petcetera.co.uk
Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm I Sunday 10am-4pm 01948 668 100 Bradeley Green, Whitchurch, SY13 4HD
CARLTON GARDEN CENTRE Your centre for all seasons A variety of Hanging Baskets & Summer bedding plants to choose. Various designs & sizes of Summerhouses, Greenhouses and Sheds
Large range of garden furniture & Arbours in store
Grow your own & taste the difference
01978 852896
GARDEN CENTRE & SHOW SITE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Pinfold Lane, Llay, Wrexham, LL12 OTL www.carltonbuildings.co.uk
9am to 5.30pm MON to SAT 10am to 4pm SUNDAY
Carlton Garden Centre
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Get comfortable outdoors with this fabulous array of garden furniture
Sit in style 3
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5
6 8
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1. Tenby wooden arbour £419.99, Jacksons Boutique Garden Centre, Trelawynd, Flintshire; jacksonsgardencentre.com 2. Outdoor waterproof cushion £34.95, LouSurfacePattern at notonthehighstreet.com 3. Kettler Palma single cocoon chair in Whitewash £499, Snowdonia Nurseries, Glan Conwy, Conwy; snowdonianurseries.co.uk 4. Tofino armchair (frame only) £340, Mobek, Llysfaen, Conwy; mobek.co.uk 5. Alexander Rose Grand 2.3m casual dining patio heater set (bespoke), £2,199, Shawbury Garden Centre, Shawbury, Shropshire; shawburygardencentre.co.uk 6. Coalbrookdale cast aluminium antique white three-seater bench £570.78, The British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry, Shropshire; britishironworkcentre.co.uk 7. Green Palm patio rug 160x230cm, £119.95, Cousins Furniture, Shrewsbury; cousinsfurniture.co.uk 8. Easy Up 2.7m cantilever parasol £99.99, Charlie’s Home and Garden, Shrewsbury; charlies.co.uk 9. Alexander Rose pine farmer’s rocking chair £479, Hafren Furnishers, Llanidloes, Powys; hafrenfurnishers.co.uk 10. SoleiStorm™ Ultra 2000 h+ large square pouffe £79.90, Big Bertha Original; bigberthaoriginal.com 11. Forest refectory table and sleeper bench set 1.8m, £599, Bents Garden & Home, Warrington; bents.co.uk
104 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
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M��� T�� K����R We talked to Adam Wildling, who is lucky enough to work with the elephants at the West Midland Safari Park
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What is your role at the Safari Park?
I am Deputy Head of Elephants. I was working as a Carnivore Keeper when a position came up on elephants. I knew I had to go for it as elephants are such magnificent creatures. Luckily I got the job!
What is your daily keeper routine?
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How much does an elephant eat?
Adults can eat anywhere between five and seven per cent of their own body weight a day – that’s about 150kg. Our elephants’ An adult will eat 150kg of food per day! diet consists of meadow hay, browse, pellet feed, and fruit and veg.
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Other than elephants, what is your favourite animal?
DID YOU KNOW? Elephants have 150,000 muscles in their trunk
I’d have to say the honey badger. They are just fearless and have been seen taking on lions in the wild!
Is there anything we should look out for at the Park over the next few months?
We have just opened overnight accommodation offering views of the giraffes and rhinos, which sits alongside our elephant and cheetah lodges. We are also installing tiger lodges towards the end of summer. All of these animals’ habitats have been upgraded too, so it’s an exciting time to be at the Park. For visitor information see wmsp.co.uk To stay, see safari-lodges.co.uk May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 105
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22/04/2022 12:17
Plants&Gardens OPEN SESAME Pennys Lane
It’s that magical time of year when glorious gardens large and small open their gates to visitors as part of the National Garden Scheme
T
he NGS not only allows us to admire gardens usually closed to the public, it also raises a huge sum for charity. Even more owners have signed up to make 2022 a bumper year, and one that NGS chief executive George Plumptre is looking forward to. He said: “Every year our new gardens refresh our portfolio and expand our interest, and “Our new for 2022 there are more than 600. They gardens include some real stars. Similarly, we love include welcoming back gardens that have taken a some real break, which this year total 475. A number stars” are returning after the pandemic, while other special places have not opened for years. They illustrate the range and diversity that’s such a hallmark of the scheme.”
NEW FOR 2022
Alongside our many favourites across the patch are these newcomers to the scheme. Do give them your support! For details, visit ngs.org.uk
Bryngwyn Hall, Llanfyllin, Powys
Stunning, grade II*-listed nine-acre garden, inspired by William Emes. Look out for: Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’, varieties of hamamelis, mahonia, daphnes, corylopsis and chimonanthus. A show of camassias and fritillaries leads down to the serpentine lake, and there are unusual trees and a unique Poison Garden.
Mysevin, Denbigh
The essence of serenity, with rare plants and a shell house by Blott Kerr-Wilson. Situated on a wooded hillside, lawned gardens, a rose garden and herbaceous borders run down to the river Ystrad. Behind the house is a white garden and ornamental wood.
Bryngwyn Hall
An English cottage garden with an eclectic mix of plants. Set over one-third of an acre, its Hidden treasures: Pennys Lane individual rooms include a fern garden, ‘hot bed’, stumpery and borders filled with perennials, roses and azaleas. There is an allotment, and even a Secret Garden!
PLANT A JUBILEE TREE
T
he NGS and Woodland Trust are urging us all to plant a tree for the Queen’s Green Canopy. Whatever your goals – to attract garden birds, give autumn colour or create shade – trees benefit us all. They do more than just capture carbon; they can help: • Prevent flooding
• Reduce city temperatures • Keep soil nutrient-rich
• Provide homes for animals
What type of tree? Peaceful Mysevin
Neen View: a delight
Pennys Lane, Lach Dennis, Northwich, Cheshire
• Reduce pollution
Neen View, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire
Mature trees abound, but the emphasis has been to highlight
views of Titterstone Clee Hill and the Teme valley. A series of paths and steps lead you up the garden, passing four ponds, a ruined bothy and Japanese stream garden. A wildflower meadow greets you at the top.
Choose to suit the space you have and what you want
from your tree:
• Goat willow, hazel, rowan, crab apple and wild cherry are bee-friendly
• Rowan, field maple, wild cherry and hazel is a good garden mix • Wildlife will thank you for hawthorn, hazel, silver birch, rowan, English oak and blackthorn • For year-round colour try silver birch, hazel, rowan, wild cherry or dogwood.
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 107
PLANTS & GARDENS
Invite wildlife to join the summer celebrations With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and plenty of other family and community events on the horizon, it’s time to take stock of your garden and make sure it’s ready to put on a good show
T
he forthcoming royal anniversary is also a time for reflection – and the growing realisation that we all need to do our bit to help Planet Earth. Lis Morris, lecturer in Horticulture and Sustainable Technologies at University Centre Reaseheath in Cheshire, shares her ideas on “Bees how to ensure your garden welcomes people love the and wildlife alike. Lis says: “Enhancing your garden’s wildlife blue and appeal doesn’t spell untidy. By making small purple of you can make big differences to the lavender or changes lives of insects, mammals and birds and still verbena” have a stylish outdoor space. “For instance, bees love the colours blue and purple, so planting lavender or Verbena bonariensis ‘Lollipop’ alongside a sunny path or adding a dwarf buddleia or ornamental foxgloves to a border can look stunning while also being a good source of nectar and pollen. “To be really patriotic, scatter seeds of red, white and blue cornflowers onto a well-weeded patch of ground, or plant a container of lobelia and geraniums in red, white and blue. Both will take you right through the season, provide a good
Dahlias are a great addition
LOOKING MAJESTIC
Adorn your flowerbeds with a patriotic display of red, white and blue for the big occasion Geranium
Geraniums look spectacular when they are planted in swathes in seasonal bedding schemes, and because of this they are one of the best-loved summer plants. They can cope with dry conditions better than most and will thrive in any well-drained soil in a sunny spot. If dead-headed regularly they will carry on flowering right up to the first frosts. The ‘Bright Red’ and ‘Best Red’ varieties will give a bold, vibrant colour.
Delphinium
Delphinium provides a beautiful summery burst of colour and the right selection, such as ‘Centurian White’, will produce pure white flowers that crowd around the upright 108 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
talking point and are a favourite of bees.”
Do more…
•
TOP TIP Soapy water works wonders as a pesticide-free bug spray – add 1 teaspoon of washing-up liquid to ever y 3 litres
While planting out half-hardy annuals and summer bedding, include singleflowered dahlias, which are a good source of nectar and pollen.
Blackfly are lunch for some
•
Regularly dead-head bedding plants to keep them flowering – and available to insects – all summer long.
•
Deal with aphids on rose buds by gently hosing them onto the soil to be eaten by beneficial insects.
•
Mow lawns and trim edges weekly, but consider leaving an area uncut to allow wildflowers to grow. Red clover, yellow birds-foot trefoil and dog violet can soon appear, and look and sound spectacular when covered with buzzing insects.
Why not leave a patch wild?
flower spikes and look luminous in the border. This is an elegant perennial, which will often produce a second flush of flowers later in the summer if the spent flowers are removed promptly. Magnificent in the garden, it also makes a wonderful cut flower.
Hydrangea
Blue is a tricky colour for gardens, with many shades being more of a purple, but you can get a good tone with a hydrangea if you put the effort in. Shrubby hydrangeas brighten borders in mid to late summer with their showy but delicate blooms in shades of pink, white or blue. The colour of the flowers is affected by the chemical make-up of the soil – you can buy a small kit to test this for yourself – and to encourage a true blue you will need acidic soil, with a pH level of 5.2 to 5.5. If your soil is more alkaline, you can lower the pH by applying soil acidifier at the rate specified on the packet.
We carry and install year round an extensive range of containerised stock covering two acres and are particularly strong in large trees and shrubs. We are available to carry out surveys and advise on your planting requirements.
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109_SHIRE_MJ2022.indd 1
22/04/2022 12:18
Arts&Crafts
Enjoyment of the eyes Despite being in her 70s, Jenny Holland’s artistic career is in its prime, with a new exhibition that celebrates her love of her local area
A
rtists are often drawn to the scenery of North Wales – none more so than Jenny Holland, who spends happy hours walking and sketching her surroundings from her home in Mold and transforming them into stunning works of art. The painter, who works in oils, is constantly inspired by a line from Van Gogh. “It’s from a letter he wrote to Emile Bernard and it just says: Enjoy Jenny in her element with your eyes.” The sentiment that is never far from her mind when walking the hills and coastline with her sketch book and paints. Harbours and fishing communities have always been a great attraction and “I want to Jenny will often be seen in her wellies capture by the creeks of the Dee estuary, or these painting or sketching on a harbour wall in moments Porthmadog, Aberaeron or Cemaes Bay. in time” North Wales satisfies her artistic drive with its abundance of shoreline. She said: “I Iove to be able to potter amongst the boats at low tide when all the masts are on their sides. Yet a few hours later the character of a place is radically changed and offers another opportunity to paint the bobbing boats and the reflections in the water.”
Taking her time
When Jenny was invited three years ago to stage a solo exhibition at the prestigious Oriel Ynys Môn centre in Llangefni, Anglesey – home to the Kyffin Williams collection – she eagerly set off from her studio near Mold, in Flintshire, sketch book and camera in hand. Gwynedd being a large county she decided to concentrate her time painting Anglesey and the Boats in Cemaes harbour Llyn Peninsula. Both were easily accessible, and her exploration took her through glorious countryside, sketching as she went. These trips turned out to be 110 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Llanddwyn Island
a blessing, as soon after that Covid struck, and Jenny was locked down in her studio for long stretches of time, with her exhibition delayed by a year. The sketches proved invaluable. Working daily in oils, and with a large exhibition space to fill, Jenny’s home rapidly turned into an extended studio. Her bold and textural impressionistic style is achieved in oil, using brushes and a variety of painting knives. The challenge was finding somewhere to store the wet canvases safely – so she hit on the idea of using a series of clothesdrying stands. Borth-y-Gest beach “But the drying time for ‘impasto’ oils is anything from three to five months,” she groaned, laughing at the memory of that chaotic time.
Back out and about
As the constraints on travelling lessened, and having now produced several scenes of Anglesey, Jenny set off for Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula to revisit another much-loved location. She first fell in love with the village in the mid-1970s when her children were very young and the family stayed on a working farm. Jenny was captivated by its unspoilt, almost mystical charm back then. Now in her mid-70s, she still returns often, and her bold and lively depictions of the area encapsulate some of her own tremendous energy. She said: “It saddens me sometimes when I see our landscapes changing. I want to capture these moments in time.” Jenny’s paintings are now preparing for their long-awaited display at Oriel Môn. ‘The Grandeur of Gwynedd: Brushes with land and sea’ runs from 18th June to 31st July at the gallery in Llangefni and features 140 new pieces of work by the artist. Now that the days are lengthening and getting warmer, Jenny is already back outdoors, sketching and painting for a summer exhibition at Plas Glyn y Weddw, in Llanbedrog on the Llyn Peninsula. Find out more at jennyholland.artweb.com
ARTS & CRAFTS AFONWEN CRAFTS
Oriel Glasfryn Gallery
New gallery to show Welsh works A brand-new creative space has just opened its doors to display and sell exclusively Welsh arts and crafts, in the pretty town of Caerwys
3rd & 4th May, Tracey Davies Local artist Tracey paints in watercolours and acrylics – mainly animal portraits, but also buildings and more. 6th May, Memory Bears by Margaret Sutherland Margaret makes teddy bears, some in mohair, which she dresses in cute outfits. She’ll also make little outfits in your own fabric, preserving precious memories. 7th & 8th May, Thelma Evans Local artist Thelma paints on canvas and specialises in pretty watercolours of flowers, landscape and seascapes.
O
riel Glasfryn Gallery is the only privately owned art gallery in north-east Wales. It is located just off the A55 North Wales Expressway in Flintshire. It opened in April, and welcomes visitors 10am-5pm Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm on Sundays. The gallery sits in the grounds of Glasfryn Hall, a fine country house that will open to visitors alongside the main space for special extended exhibitions every summer and winter. Oriel Glasfryn will sell an ever-changing selection of highquality work by artists with a strong Welsh connection, including paintings, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork and sculpture. It will also be home to a permanent display of North Wales landscapes Dave and wife Lise by the gallery’s owner Dave Roberts. Dave told Shire: “I’m an established, self-taught pastel artist specialising in capturing the stunning beauty of the North Wales landscape. I was born in Aberystwyth “I can and now live here in Caerwys. After a often be career in the charity sector, I became a full-time artist in 2018. found “I can often be found in the mountains in the at dawn or dusk, where the light is at mountains its most dramatic. Twilight and the at dawn ‘magic hour’ offers a space in-between. or dusk” A moment of peace and time to reflect and assess the day that’s been or the day ahead. Walking in the mountains alone and in the dark is one of the most ethereal experiences I know. He added: “My work is the antithesis of how most people would imagine a pastel to be – bold and vivid with lots of detail. Customers appreciate the almost photographic quality of some pieces. Dramatic skies and water feature heavily.”
Welsh talent on display
Sharing the space
The new gallery is inviting artists to get in touch if they are interested in exhibiting. Dave said: “Although we are full for our launch, we are interested in hearing from established or emerging artists with a Welsh connection who would like their work to be represented and sold by Oriel Glasfryn Gallery in future. “At present we are solely seeking artists working in three dimensions (ceramics, jewellery, sculpture etc). Artists working in two dimensions – that is, paintings or other work that is hung on a wall – will be sought through direct invitation.” For more information, please email the gallery at info@orielglasfryn.com There are openings for 3D artists
13th May, The Crafty Sisters The ladies make brightly coloured and pastel jewellery, in a range of materials including resin and fused glass. They also have handmade greetings cards and bags. 17th & 18th May, Elaine at Cherry Bea and Liz Elaine combines stones, beads and crystals in some lovely jewellery, whilst Liz makes beautifully embellished bags. 19th & 20th May, Jackie at Jewels Jackie crafts jewellery from different beads and stones, and also offers a repair service for your own broken pieces. 11th & 12th June, Marie at Earth Deva Marie designs and makes all her quirky and myth-inspired pieces, and has some wonderful artwork and silk and gemstone jewellery. 16th & 17th June, Eco Silver Jewellery by Sandra Roberts Sandra uses silver reclaimed from the jewellery industry, which she cuts, hammers and twists to create her unique and wonderful pieces. 18th & 19th June, Gill Benjamin Local artist Gill paints land and seascapes, plus places of interest and more. She also has some cute hand-painted wooden items that make lovely gifts. 28th & 29th June, Spinning with Jenni Frost Jenni will be spinning today, using wool from her own flock of sheep. She is always happy to stop and chat, and explain how it is done. Afonwen Craft & Antique Centre is open 9am-5pm, Tues-Sun. For a full programme of visiting artists, see afonwen.co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 111
A R T I N YO U R A R E A
‘Every Picture – Watercolours by Mark Elsmore’, Grosvenor Museum, Chester. Until 15th May. An exhibition showcasing a choice of subjects from the historic and intricate to the modern and narrative. Mark favours a less traditional watercolour style – you won’t find flowing washes of translucent colours here, but you will discover beauty, stories and meanings. Mark is a member of the prestigious Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. He said: “A successful painting for me is an enduring painting.” ‘Angharad Williams: Picture the Others’, Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno. Until 12th June. An artist and writer from Ynys Môn (Anglesey), Williams’ practice spans a decade spent between the UK, the Netherlands and Germany. This is her first solo presentation in Wales and first institutional exhibition, and features new work including a series of large-scale paintings, glass sculptures and film. ‘Picture the Others’ is an introspective search and a process of connecting to the outside. It is also a call for imagination when we choose to leave home, hesitation when we turn back and the impulsive decision to go forth. ‘Kunichika: Japanese Prints’, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Wirral. Until 4th September. This stunning new exhibition of prints by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) is an exciting follow-up to the gallery’s previous exhibition, ‘Edo Pop’. Kunichika was one of the most important 19th-century printmakers in Japan. Born in Edo (Tokyo), he was trained by Kunisada and went on to be a highly original master in his own right, reflecting the great social and political change at the time. He was best known for his depictions of Kabuki theatre, capturing the drama of popular scenes and actors. More than 60 of Kunichika’s hand-printed single, double and triptych prints feature in this must-see exhibition, the first in a national gallery outside of Japan to focus on his work. Garden Exhibition, Carden Park, Cheshire Carden Park Hotel, near Chester has opened its Spring Sculpture Garden Exhibition for 2022. Curated by fine art expert Grant Ford (BBC Antiques Roadshow), the sculptures are set against the backdrop of Cheshire’s 1000-acre luxury estate, with more works on display in the hotel. Each unique piece will be available to buy through Grantfordltd. com, priced from £1,000 to £320,000.
112 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
PHOTO COMPETITION Our photo contest has once again brought the region’s super-snappers out in force and revealed a lot of hidden talent across the Shire patch! Last time we asked you to send in images to celebrate being On The Move and you certainly stepped up to the challenge. What a lovely collection – and such a range of interpretations. We’re hoping you’ll soon be out and about enjoying some summer weather, so we’re focusing our next photo competition on exactly that. Using the theme of Summer Fun please share your happiest snaps from sunny days out, weeks away, family gatherings and whatever else you get up to over the next few weeks. So make the most of every opportunity to capture that winning shot, and send your entries to us at the usual address editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk Good luck!
BY ROGER FOX
BY ROGER FOX
BY PAUL LEWIS
BY KIERAN HUDSON
BY SAM HULSE
BY HELEN MARDELL
BY SAM HULSE BY JILL PARRY
BY JILL PARRY
BY MARGARET DAVIES
BY PAUL LEWIS
BY S DEAN
BY JILL PARRY
BY MARGARET DAVIES
BY KENNETH DAVIES BY KATHRYN HALL BY KIERAN HUDSON
BY HELEN MARDELL
BY KIERAN HUDSON
BY KENNETH DAVIES
BY PATRICIA STANLEY BY PATRICIA STANLEY BY KATHRYN HALL May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 113
A major solo exhibition by Jenny Holland
at Oriel Ynys Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey LL77 7TQ
18th June - 31st July THE GRANDEUR OF GWYNEDD & ANGLESEY 140 new exhibits captured in oils in a bold confident impressionistic style (with a new concurrent online exhibition - www.orielmon.org)
www.jennyholland.artweb.com I Oriel Glasfryn Ad MayJun22 97x140mm AB.indd 1
22/04/2022 Jenny Holland 10:09 Ad MayJun22 97x140mm AB.indd 1
08/04/2022 14:54
The best of North & Mid Wales, Cheshire, Wirral & Shropshire
Whats On I Homes I Interiors I Food & Drink I Holidays I Activities Arts I Photography I Fashion I Gardens I Books & Poetry I Health Green Energy I Pets I Wildlife I Schools & Colleges I Charities Retirement I Personal Finance I Motoring
114_SHIRE_MJ2022.indd 1
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FASHION
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Combine neutrals for an effortless look, no matter the occasion
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Barbour Marlowe knitted jumper in Light Sand £59.99, Charlie’s Home and Garden, Shrewsbury; charlies.co.uk Nijii cropped cardigan with pointed collar £176, Olivia May, Tarporley, Cheshire; oliviamay.org Barbour International Qualify top £29.95, Outdoor and Country, Chester; outdoorandcountry.co.uk Derhy embroidered dress £145, Abi Fisher, Willington, Cheshire; abifisher.co.uk Stanwick sunglasses £55, Joules; joules.com Gina Bacconi Dove corded lace midi dress £320, John Lewis; johnlewis.com
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9ct yellow and white gold oval link bracelet £362, Snooty Fox Jewellery, Shrewsbury; snootyfoxjewellery.co.uk 8. Embroidered scarf £30, Douglas Attire, Ludlow; douglasattire.com 9. Barbour Flowerdale trilby £37.95, Majors & Parker Taylor, Shrewsbury; majorsonline.co.uk 10. Weave cut-out handle clutch £22, Next; next.co.uk 11. Emu Australia Lyndon Pearl sandals £69, Bodenhams of Ludlow; bodenhams.co.uk 12. Orientique trouser in Sand £48, Appleby and Shaw, Church Stretton, Shropshire; applebyandshaw.co.uk 13. Ravel Dinant pumps £40, Charles Clinkard, Shrewsbury; charlesclinkard.co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 115
Health&Beauty
Portion distortion Having trouble shifting those pesky lockdown pounds? Nutrition expert and University of Chester academic Tanja Harrison suggests looking at what’s on your plate…
D
oes it feel like you can’t win no matter you hard you try to lose those few extra pounds that have magically appeared over the past two years? You’ve done your research on which foods are good to eat and are trying really hard to cut down on your favourite chocolate and nibbles. After all, you want to live more healthily! And if you are sticking to home-cooked meals and cutting down on the takeaways, then surely you Dr Tanja Harrison cannot have too much of a good thing? Yet lectures in Public for some reason, all your efforts feel in vain. Health Nutrition If you have changed your diet to include more fruit and veg, wholegrains and healthier fats “You can such as olive oils and omega-3 fatty acids, have too you are on the right track. So what else much of a might be stopping you from shaping up? good thing It’s possible you might simply be eating after all” too much. Spoiler alert – you can have too much of a good thing after all.
Size matters
Portion sizes can be deceiving and often it is hard to judge how much we should eat of certain foods to ensure we meet our requirement without going overboard. It can be hard to make the call yourself, so
we tend to trust the experts selling and serving us our food to know what is good for us. Unfortunately, over time, the amount of food served to us (a so-called serving size, a standardised amount of food) has increased. A report by the British Serving sizes have increased by 50 per cent Heart Foundation found that over the course of 20 years the serving sizes of pizzas, muffins and crisps packets increased by up to 50 per cent! Over time we get used to those larger serving sizes and do not realise that we are consuming more than we really should. So, what can you do? There are some great aids to help you become more mindful of not just how much food to put on your plate, but also how much to prepare and cook in the first place. You could take a look at the portion size planners at lovefoodhatewaste.com or invest in some portion size tools, such as specifically designed crockery, or a set of kitchen scales and measures to help you get the amounts right. Dr Harrison is looking for participants to take part in a study using a new tool to control portion sizes. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Tanja at meplate@chester.ac.uk
This time we’re looking at some of the myths – and the truths – around our height
1
Myth buster 116 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Girls stop growing before boys True – to an extent. Our height is determined by growth hormones and these are released steadily until puberty. Girls commonly reach this stage before boys, so their growth will slow first. However, if your body continues to release growth hormones, you will get taller.
2
You shrink as you get older True. A little bit of shrinking is a normal part of ageing, and it happens because of three
things. First, as we age, the discs between our vertebrae lose fluid, so they flatten a bit. Second, the arches of our feet also tend to flatten over the years, which loses us another bit of height. And finally, we lose muscle mass, especially in the abdomen, which leads to poorer posture and the appearance of being shorter. On average, we shrink about 6-8mm per decade for every decade after 40.
3
Sons are always taller than their mothers Well, yes, this tends to be the case, based on averages and genes. But it’s not guaranteed. A very tall woman and a very short man will not necessarily produce an even taller son. The father’s genes also have an influence.
Beauty
LIP AUGMENTATION A carefully planned and researched decision to invest in lip filler can be a worthwhile procedure that gives instant results, says Emma Turner
L
Shire Magazine, the No.1 magazine
for holiday parks throughout Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.
ip fillers are a variety of dermal filler used to achieve lip symmetry and a more defined pout. The treatment can also help restore lost volume. As we age, our lips – like the rest of our face – start to lose their youthful plumpness, and lip fillers can give them definition and fullness. In the past, actual silicone was injected into a person’s lips. Today’s aesthetic field fillers are made Emma Turner of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body, including the eyes, skin and joints. It holds on to moisture – it can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water – and it keeps our tissues and joints lubricated. Because it’s natural, the risk of adverse side effects is unlikely. That said, as with all facial injections, there’s always the chance of redness, swelling and slight bruising. Tenderness may last around 24-48 hours. If it doesn’t settle down, you should contact your practitioner. For the full effect of the filler treatment to become apparent you will need to wait three to five days. Without an understanding of facial anatomy, unsuitably trained practitioners can potentially cause irreparable damage, including blocking the blood supply to the lips. I cannot stress enough how important it is to know who you are allowing to carry out your procedure. It is important that your practitioner knows how to spot and deal with an emergency and carries the correct drugs to reverse
“…a more defined pout” The aim every time should be to maintain a natural appearance
Get in touch now
advertising@shiremagazine.co.uk or simply call (01691) 661 270
an emergency and can use these drugs confidently and correctly. Migration of the filler can occur when too much is applied. Inform your practitioner if you have previously had fillers and when. This will ensure they use the correct amount to prevent migration. A good practitioner will always ensure that you as a client are aware of exactly how much is too much! In some instances, dissolving existing lip filler before injecting more can help to correct poorly applied treatments. Emma Turner is owner of Corser House Cosmetic Studio in Whitchurch corsercosmetic.co.uk May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 117
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Weddings As the flurry of preparations begins, let Shire do some of the leg work with our guide to local venues and wedding services
Make an impression A
rley Hall in Cheshire is a perfect and romantic wedding venue for grand weddings, civil weddings and small intimate celebrations. With “Charm friendly, professional and relaxed staff and your day will go without any hitches. It character can be intimate and peaceful or full of grandeur and vitality, it’s your choice. – a magical Arley Hall is a magical venue venue” with enormous character, charm and interest. Guests arriving at the estate will be struck by the intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home. Set amidst breath-taking surroundings; Arley Hall is an impressive example of a Victorian country house built in the Elizabethan style and is one of the most interesting and attractive stately homes in the country. The lavish ceilings, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and stained-glass windows create a wonderful feeling of grandeur and add to this perfect setting for any wedding celebration. See for yourself at the Wedding Open Day on Sunday 8th May, from 10am. arleyhallandgardens.com/weddings
Set sail on a new life together C
hesterBoat is a family-owned company with over 40 years’ experience of welcoming visitors to the beautiful River Dee in Chester – so why not start the rest of your lives together on the water! A river cruise makes a unique venue for your Chester wedding reception, or a stylish way to arrive at your riverside venue. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away on board, sit down for a formal meal or just treat your guests to a short cruise before dining elsewhere, we’ll help you plan a bespoke cruise to fit your big day. Choose your boat from our fleet – we have vessels suitable for anything from six to 100 guests – and take a look at our delicious catering options. We’ll dress the boat in ‘Just Married’ life-rings and a wedding ribbon in the colour of your choice, but you might also like bunting, flowers, balloons or your own choice of decorations. Book a DJ or live performer to entertain your guests, or relax to the romantic sounds of the river and its wildlife. chesterboat.co.uk
118 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
DID YOU KNOW?
Marry in Eccleston and you can even hire a boat to take yo u to the church!
WEDDINGS
A do with a difference W
hether you’re booking adventurous activities for a group of stags or peaceful pampering for the hens, check out the options at Adventure Parc Snowdonia. At the heart of the majestic Conwy Valley in North Wales, the focal point of the Adventure Parc is the world-first inland surf lagoon: head-high waves powering down a 300m lagoon. Combined with the Adrenaline Indoors facility and Surf Side bar diner and deli, it’s the perfect party experience before the big day. The less sporty may prefer to make the most of the latest additions in our Wave Garden Spa. With big views across the waves of our beautiful inland surf lagoon to the mountains beyond, we’ve designed every aspect of the Wave Garden Spa with your wellbeing in mind. Check in with us for a uniquely relaxing thermal spa experience and a wide range of luxurious treatments. adventureparcsnowdonia.com
Stunning space B
“Views of the Welsh hills”
angor-on-Dee Racecourse is set in beautiful rolling countryside alongside the ancient River Dee and takes its name from the picturesque village of Bangor-on-Dee. Set in 150 acres of greenfield space with breathtaking views of the Welsh hills, it’s the perfect venue and backdrop to host your special day. The Racecourse boasts three separate spaces with six individual rooms and a range of capacities to suit from 20 to 600 people. When booking a wedding package at Bangor-on-Dee, you gain a host of benefits including access to experienced event planners and managers, in-house catering solutions and a range of entertainment offerings. We work with the experts at Horseradish to deliver culinary moments for you and your guests on this most special of days. bangorondeeraces.co.uk/our-venue/weddings
A winning decision C
hester Racecourse’s manicured lawns, picturesque setting and rich history make it the perfect backdrop for a truly magical day. Surrounded by over 30 acres of breathtaking green space, and flanked by the River Dee, there couldn’t be a lovelier location. With a choice of six licensed ceremony spaces, from small and intimate to large and lavish, we’ve options to suit everyone. Our expert team of wedding coordinators have designed a variety of wedding packages including champagne DID YOU and canapés, buffets, sumptuous wedding breakfasts and KNOW? elegant receptions, to help you create your own unique day. ‘Gee-gees’ com Our award-winning caterers Horseradish specialise es from mayor He in creative catering using the best local produce – we’ll nry Gee, who orga help you create a menu that reflects you and your partner. nised From historic stands to contemporary suites with floorthe first annual to-ceiling views, we have the perfect space for your race meeting special day. chester-races.com/our-venue/weddings May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 119
At So Chic you can shop for timeless, elegant, wearable designer clothing and accessories for all occasions. We make shopping an enjoyable experience in a relaxed environment, with friendly service and professional advice.
Shire Magazine, supporting local universities, schools and colleges.
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Opening times: Mon-Wed 10-4pm Thursday-Saturday 10-5pm Facebook @sochicbangor Instagram so_chic_bangor
Occasion wear by appointment only.
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01248 372283
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154 High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 1NU
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Recently refurbished Hotel, Restaurant and Bar! Brand New Glyn Valley Lounge, Large TV, Outdoor Seating Area, New Menu, Pool Tables, Sky and BT Sport.
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Birthday, Engagement, New Baby, Wedding, or Wake. Talk to us about having it at the Glyn Valley Hotel.
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We’ll take care of all the catering & any other arrangements you need. All you need to do is invite the guests.
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WEDDINGS
Wedding Direct ory Martin David Menswear in
Poulton Hall No two
weddings are the same in the Poulton Hall Walled Gardens. Plan your own event and just hire the gardens and facilities, or we can lay on a bespoke day, from large and glamorous to small and intimate. Large car park, stunning photo opportunities, fountains, illuminations at night, no corkage charges, and all at your disposal for the best part of a week for preparations! poultonhall.co.uk
Get Ahead Hats
Shrewsbury has been supplying the great British gentleman, and now the world, for nearly 30 years with the finest brands and premium fashion lifestyle outfits. We are Wedding and Formal Hire specialists, offering a personal service and carry high quality stock from Magee and Wilvorst. With over 40 years’ experience, we can safely say we are experts in the field. martin-david.co.uk/formal-hire-shrewsbury
has a showroom in Wrexham with a vast range, from lavish and extravagant beauties to timeless classics and cute fascinators in a myriad of colours. Our ladies at have a passion for hats and can offer that touch of frivolity for those that seek it. Get Ahead Hats has been featured in Hello and Vogue, our hats are seen on the heads of celebrities and are worn by members of the Royal family. getaheadhats.co.uk
Chateau Rhianfa
Whittington Castle
offers a fairytale location for your wedding with a dream Anglesey location and stunning views. Our beautiful Château tells an exciting story both inside and out, following Lady Sarah’s dream that everything would be perfect and no detail overlooked. You’re never too old to believe in fairytales. Let our dedicated wedding planners turn your dreams into reality with a wedding day to remember. chateaurhianfa.co.uk
The Grosvenor Pulford is an award-
winning venue in Chester, where weddings really are a speciality. With settings and packages tailored to your requirements, it boasts impressive facilities and can offer intimate candle-lit ceremonies along with romantic outdoor nuptials within the lakeside gazebo. grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk SPECIAL OFFER Book your wedding for just £3,500 for 50 guests plus ceremony, venue dressing and more! (limited dates, T&Cs apply)
Step In Style Limousines is a
professional hire company based in Rhyl, North Wales. We have served the wedding car hire industry for the past 25 years with our beautiful vintage to modern Rolls Royce along with our more recent stretch limousines and provide a service that is second to none. We travel from Mid Wales through to Cheshire. Price includes ribbons, flowers and a complimentary bottle of bubbly! stepinstylelimousines.co.uk
near Oswestry has a fascinating past dating back to 1222. If you are looking for an intimate and cosy venue in an enchanting setting, look no further. We cater for every celebration from an informal lunch to a formal gathering. The romantic image is complete with ivy-clad ruins, medieval moat, majestic swans and a Gatehouse entrance, allowing you to walk over the drawbridge to your fairytale wedding. whittingtoncastle.co.uk
The Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon is
an ideal setting for your wedding. Your big day should be whatever you wish – as extravagant, flamboyant or as quiet as you desire. This charming, comfortable hotel combines all the modern comforts with the charm of its original architecture, boasting fine dining and superb leisure facilities. The hotel can host wedding ceremonies for up to 150 and wedding receptions for up to 300. celtic-royal.co.uk
So Chic is an award-
winning ladies boutique selling beautiful clothing and accessories for the discerning woman, in historic Bangor. If you haven’t chosen your outfit yet, this is the place to come – especially if you have an important role to play such as mother of the bride or groom. Stocking beautiful, elegant, timeless designer clothing and accessories, So Chic is known for its impeccable customer service, and will help you find the perfect outfit. See Facebook @So Chic May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 121
FASHION
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Summer wedding, day at the races or just back to the office, create your look with these formalwear classics
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Secrid miniwallet in Vintage Ochre £59.95, Vaughan Davies, Mold, Flintshire; vaughandavies.co.uk Higgins stripe jacket £179, Halon Menswear, Shrewsbury; halonmenswear.co.uk Wellington Dark Grey City suit £270, Clive Menswear, Builth Wells, Powys; clivemenswear.co.uk A Fish Named Fred shirt in Watercolour £75, Majors & Parker Taylor, Shrewsbury; majorsonline.co.uk Magee Ulster linen shirt £95.50, Woods of Shropshire, Church Stretton; woodsofshropshire.co.uk Van Buck silk tie in Blue Daisies £59.95, Woods of Shropshire, as above
122 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2021
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Guide London waistcoat £85, SmartAss Menswear, Conwy; smartassmenswear.co.uk 8. Ray-ban Original Wayfarer Classic sunglasses from £137; ray-ban.com 9. Boxed handkerchiefs £19.95, Cherry Tree Country Clothing, Ruthin; Denbighshire cherrytreecountryclothing.com 10. Hoggs of Fife Prestwick brogues £149.95, Cherry Tree Country Clothing, as above 11. Hicks & Hides 12 bore cufflinks (various colours) £28, Anna Davies, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy; annadavies.co.uk 12. Meyer Oslo navy wool trouser £99, Peppers, Church Stretton, Shropshire; peppersfashion.co.uk
Motoring
VO LV OS
90
Executive cars have been the preserve of the German triumvirate of BMW, Audi and Mercedes for some time. Now Volvo’s powerful S 90 is giving them a run for their Bitcoin, writes Bob Hickman.
I
FACTS AT A GLANCE
performance – 0-60mph in just over 4.5 seconds, f you’re in the market for a large executive car, which for a vehicle of this size is quite incredible. you’re probably thinking German. While other The top speed is restricted to 112mph but that is manufacturers have tried to muscle in, the Big Three have had it pretty much wrapped up. Yes, you a feature unique to Volvo and their safety factors. could add into the equation Land Rover and Range Being a hybrid, power can be utilised from both petrol and electronics – they work together. This Rover – but there’s another name you may not have means there are choices to be made: two power considered. The Volvo S 90 is a full-size executive sources both cut in and out, they have a common and different again from the boxy estate and SUVs we’ve come to know over the years. Of course, four-wheel drive system and a setting that lets the Volvo has changed hands, and huge car run on battery only, but the range Bob is a devoted car and investment by the Chinese has taken is extremely minimal. This hybrid is “An motorcycle fan. After a designed to assist the petrol engine. the manufacturer into a new arena. 30-year career as a police incredible The S 90 is a powerful hybrid with One of the highlights of the S 90 is motorcycle patrol officer performance the interior. The rear seats are sumptuous and latterly as a sergeant, over 450bhp, giving phenomenal patrolling the motorways and comfortable even for tall adults; the for a of the Midlands, retirement front seats are like sitting in business vehicle of beckoned and he class on an airliner. The Bowers & this size” embarked on writing about Wilkins stereo is a marvel. his love of transport. Being a Volvo there’s a plethora of Bob is a member of the safety features – brilliant, yes, but for me they take Guild of Motor Writers and away a little of the enjoyment in actually handling the Midland Guild of Motor the vehicle. It is a big car, and the front and rear Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield sensors are extremely useful, as is the hands-free Continental GT and drives power-operated boot. The two-zone climate a 1994 MG RV8. control is a wonderful feature, and with 19in alloy wheels the Volvo S 90 can rightfully claim • MODEL TESTED: VOLVO S 90 RECHARGE its status as an PLUG-IN HYBRID T8 AWD executive saloon. • PRICE: £62,840 The Volvo • ENGINE: 1969 CC 303 BHP PETROL WITH S90, as tested, ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC MOTOR 87 BHP including all the • MAX SPEED: LIMITED TO 112 MPH various options, • 0-60MPH: 4.8 SECONDS comes in at a hefty £62,840. The front seats are out of this world May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 123
Independent Boarding & Day School Ages 9-19
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Top of the Class
SCHOOL NEWS PUDDING FIT FOR A QUEEN
St David’s College and Stacey Oliver Photography
Cai Riley wowed audiences as the Genie
ST DAVID’S COLLEGE CENTRE STAGE
April saw St David’s College eagerly awaited return to the stage with a whole-school production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr at Theatr Clwyd
N
at St David’s are something he will really ot to be confused with the traditional miss. “It felt euphoric being up on the stage pantomime, Aladdin Jr is based on with my friends. I felt at home. Mrs Russell the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and and Mrs Appleton did a phenomenal job.” 2014 Broadway show about the ‘diamond in Jenny Appleton, head of faculty for the rough’ street rat who learns that his true Performing Arts praised pupils, saying: “The worth lies deep within. hard work that has been put into rehearsals St David’s College pupils had a chance to has been outstanding. The results showcase their talents over four were plain – they were all magnificent. performances at Theatr Clwyd, Huge thanks to UK Productions for also taking on production roles the set hire, and the backstage team including make-up, sound and lighting. The leads were who took us to Agrabah and beyond!” brilliantly performed by Sion Production director Kate Russell said: “It’s heart-warming to witness Roberts and Charlie Russell how pupils support one another while as Aladdin and Lucie Webster developing stagecraft skills, having and Bella Russell as Jasmine. Cai Riley gave a show-stopping so much fun on the way.” performance as the Genie. Explore the opportunities on offer at St David’s at the Open Day on 21st Cai, who is in his last year at the school, says the productions The lead stars shone May. Register at stdavidscollege.co.uk
Abbey Gate College pupils fundraise for Ukraine humanitarian crisis
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tudents from Abbey Gate College’s advocacy service group are creating badges in the colours of the Ukrainian flag in an ingenious fundraising initiative. Taking their lead from the red poppies sold by the Royal British Legion for Remembrance Day, in support of the Armed Forces community, the college’s DT department, along with pupils from various year groups, devised a way to create paper
sunflowers. Pupils fashion the multiple elements by upcycling the plastic components of the poppies using equipment available in the department. They are creating over A smart initiative 100 badges a day, with proceeds going to the DEC Ukraine Appeal.
In honour of the Royal Jubilee, the Haberdashers’ Company has launched a Platinum Pudding competition for pupils across all the Haberdashers’ The heat is on… schools. The winners will be invited to London to recreate their pudding for the Master Haberdasher to sample. They will also meet pastry chef Claire Clark MBE.
MUSIC FESTIVAL SUCCESS FOR ELLESMERE PUPILS Ellesmere College students and former alumni turned in solid performances at the Oswestry Youth Music Festival. Competing in 34 of the 74 classes, An impressive collection! they won 19, achieving 59 top-three places. Students showcased a range of skills and styles, incorporating pop, musicals and even the first rap in the festival’s history. The Council Cup was won by an Old Ellesmerian with a brilliant performance of The Green-Eyed Dragon.
ISI RATING ‘EXCELLENT’ FOR BIRCHFIELD Birchfield School, near Albrighton, has received a glowing rating of Excellent across the board from the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Inspectors found “enthusiastic and ambitious learners” Delighted head Sarah Morris said: “It is a fitting tribute to the diligence, skill and enthusiasm of our teachers as well as the positive attitude of our pupils and families.” The report referred to the school as “an extremely harmonious and happy community”.
RUN FOR MARMALADE Students undertaking Ruthin School’s annual Hill Fort Run are in with the chance to win a pot of marmalade, as per the tradition of the race. Historically, marmalade from the tuck shop was offered as a prize, which was well received towards the end of term when tuck boxes were almost empty. The school has now partnered with the Marmalade Awards, and the winning runner will be presented by the winner of the Rathbones Next Generation Home of the prestigious marmalade competition. Marmalade Awards
MYDDELTON ACES TENNIS AWARDS After transforming its tennis courts, Myddelton College in Denbigh has gone from zero to hero at the Myddelton players celebrate Tennis Wales National Awards. The college’s outdoor hard courts, restored and with lines repainted, earned Myddelton the School of the Year title from Tennis Wales, and coach John Whitehall, a former Wales tennis international, has been named Coach of the Year. “It’s wonderful to see how Myddelton is supporting the sport,” said John. “We’ve had kids going from not playing at all to playing regularly and taking it really seriously. Tennis is becoming part of the lifeblood of the school.”
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 125
EDUCATION
SCHOOL NEWS LEGACY FOR THE JUBILEE Queen Elizabeth asked for people to plant a tree for her Jubilee – Ellesmere College has planted 70, one for each year of Her Majesty’s reign. The school grounds now boast an additional 41 species including fruit Planting underway trees, hedging trees, a Cornus controversa (wedding cake tree), giant redwood, Himalayan cedar, swamp cypress and many more. Some came from the Woodland Trust, some were donated by Old Ellesmerians and the Ellesmere College Parents’ Society, but most were provided by the school itself.
PERFORMANCE RETURNS TO NEWPORT GIRLS HIGH Newport Girls’ High School rejoiced in being able welcome audiences back to the school for their staging of the musical Matilda. Students from Years 7-12 took part in performances over three nights, also taking production roles including choreography, sound and lighting. From the smiles, it was clear how much performing meant to all involved. In the spotlight
OWEN IS WELSH AND BRITISH BOXING CHAMP NPTC Group of Colleges student Owen Thomas is Welsh and British amateur junior middleweight boxing champion. Owen, 17, from Llandrindod, earned the title in his 65kg weight class at a Ken Coughlin event in Ebbw Vale. Owen is studying Champ Owen for a Level 3 NED Diploma in Coaching and Development, which he said “keeps you thinking about fitness, nutrition and training, so it all helps to keep me focused.”
FIVE YEARS OF FACE2FACE Performance Academy Face2Face, based in Oswestry’s Holroyd Community Theatre, is celebrating its fifth birthday. The academy, driven by the specialist Face2Face: creative arts tuition of West End performer Michael Jenkins, offers weekly classes in singing, dance and performance. Young performers are currently working on a musical theatre film project to be filmed by a professional producer and screened to a live audience at the theatre later this year.
LEARNING LOCALLY IN NORTH WALES Rydal Penrhos School is set in a fantastic location on the North Wales coast, and pupils in Year 6 have been busy discovering all about coastal erosion and protection as part of a special Geography project. It’s a topic that is especially evident across the area the school calls home. A recent excursion focused primarily on different methods of protecting the coastline, but also the promotion of tourism and why it’s important to invest in both. Outdoor learning
126 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Aberystwyth academic explores space weather
D
r David Kuridze, research fellow at the Department of Physics at Aberystwyth A solar flare University, has been awarded a £400,000 grant to measure the magnetic field at the Sun’s outer limits, an area that appears to affect space weather. Dr Kuridze said: “It’s a vital one to explore because the economic consequences of severe events are enormous.” Freak space weather events can disrupt satellite communications, GPS and even cause radiation poisoning.
CSI: Wrexham Glyndwr
W
rexham Glyndwr University’s high-profile Crime Scene Investigation Day returned to campus this Conducting interviews year. Students on the Professional Policing course tackled Operation Zodiac, analysing four suspicious deaths that appeared to have cryptic links to star signs. Forensic Science students were also involved, and Theatre students worked as corporate role-play actors. The killer was revealed by the Criminology Society online.
Visit from an inspirational explorer
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ritish Army officer Captain Preet Chandi, the first woman of colour to trek solo to the South Pole, inspired students at Adcote School for Girls with a talk about her epic expedition, and even brought along her sled! Earlier this year, Captain Chandi trekked 700 miles on skis to reach the Pole in 40 days, 7hrs, 3min, pulling a 90kg sled in temperatures of -50C and 60mph winds. An Army physiotherapist with 3 Medical Regiment, Captain Chandi, 33, is only the third woman in history to trek solo and unsupported to the South Pole. The trek raised funds for charity, going
towards the launch of an adventure grant for women attempting unique challenges and an humanitarian aid charity. She is now planning her next expedition, to be the first woman to complete a solo unsupported coast-to-coast crossing of Antarctica. She told students: “You can achieve anything regardless of your background,
“You can achieve anything if you work”
Captain Preet Chandi of 3 Medical Regiment
regardless of your starting point, if you’re prepared to put in a lot of hard work.”
COLLEGE RESTAURANT IS AA
O
rigins at Shrewsbury College has maintained the prestigious AA Highly Commended Rosette award for the seventh year running. The scheme is designed to recognise college restaurants with a clear commitment to
“Food is prepared and served with care”
Students have “an excellent work ethic“
students and the industry, where food is prepared and served with care and understanding to an elevated standard in the local area. Restaurants must also demonstrate they are commercially viable and have links with local industry Students from the Hospitality and Catering department were acknowledged for their excellent attitude and work ethic, with the inspection noting the help and support they gave each other despite different levels of study. Origins has also been awarded the People 1st Gold Accreditation for hospitality training and has Centre of Excellence status for Food and Beverage.
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EDUCATION
Fresh challenge for art students
Accepting the challenge
T
elford manufacturer Filtermist International has tasked students at Bridgnorth Endowed School to create artwork that captures what clean air means to them. Students are encouraged to let their imaginations soar as they produce designs in any format, using any media. The winners will be announced on National Clean Air Day, a day to focus on how air pollution can have an impact on everybody. Director of group marketing Lydia Barber, said: “We’re looking for original artwork to hang at our headquarters in Telford that depicts clean air, as this is essentially what our products provide.”
WGU lecturer is top of the league
A
longside his role as lecturer in Football Coaching and the Performance Specialist at Wrexham Glyndwr University, Chris Hughes doubles as manager of Newtown AFC in the JD Cymru Premier, WGU’s Chris Hughes Wales’ domestic league. Powys-based Newtown has gained qualification to UEFA’s Europa Conference League, launching this summer. Chris and his players now face the logistical challenge of juggling their day jobs with preparing for a taste of top-level European football. Chris says he is relishing the opportunity of a European adventure. “I’ve told the players to enjoy every minute,” he said. “I’ve been involved in football a long time and rarely do you get a season where you’re winning trophies or playing in Europe.”
CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT REACHES CRUFTS FINALS
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tudent Scott Bailey from Cheshire College South & West and his guide dog Milo made the finals of the Best Friends category in the 2022 Kennel Club Hero Dog Award at Crufts. The award celebrates the unique relationship people have with their dogs and the important role they play. A dairy farmer by trade, Scott lost his sight in adulthood due to diabetic retinopathy. He was partnered with Milo and joined Cheshire College’s Crewe campus to gain skills that would help him achieve his dream of becoming a counsellor. He hopes to study further at Keele University.
Chester students hit the charts
Coleg Cambria becomes a Wales Netball Academy
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As es aute re eat harum ex
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release by University of Chester students has entered the Music Week Commercial Pop chart, one of the UK’s major club charts, at no. It 30, and is expected includes to climb in coming students’ weeks. ‘Get Over remixes It’ by Ali Reece/ Joe Jennings, was created entirely by Music programme students at the university, who also put together a package of remixes, which helped propel it into this prestigious chart featuring the likes of Sigala and Becky Hill. 128 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
ales Netball has unveiled a new Performance Pathway to nurture talent and instil the ‘Welsh way’ of playing in the next generation of stars. Coleg Cambria is the only institution in North Wales to have been selected. The college will help young players by hosting weekly training and conditioning sessions at its revamped £21m Yale site. They will also attend monthly National Academy sessions led by Wales Netball coaches and managers. Cambria Sports lecturer Danielle Coxey is a national umpire and said it was “a fantastic development, for students Training – the and for netball.” Welsh way
Official: Milo’s a Hero Dog
Best friends: Scott with Milo
Leading with languages S
their future tudents from careers. Year 7 to Year Language 13 at Alderley Edge School for Leaders meet Girls are getting weekly to discuss involved with new activities, plan lessons for the Language primary schools Leader Award, designed to help or just think Growing by teachn pupils learn to about how to lead, using language teaching improve awareness of language learning. Often they have the as the medium. Throughout the year-long programme they opportunity to teach their home language, which has been develop leadership skills and increase confidence, enhancing extremely rewarding for them.
An evening of lively discussion
W
olverhampton Grammar School welcomed author and WGS alum Sathnam Sangra for a panel discussion about themes from his book Empireland and TV series Empire State of Mind, exploring how imperialism has shaped modern Britain. Held in conjunction with Spectra, a social value agency
Sathnam Sangra
in the city, an illustrious panel took questions and Sathnam signed copies of his book.
Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 4-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18
Judged ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate
TES Independent School Award Winners
Limited places available in
Years 3-6
High quality teaching
Small class sizes
For more information about joining our School contact our Admissions team telephone: 01902 422939 or email: admissions@wgs-sch.net Alternatively, if you would like to book a School tour with our Admissions team, please complete our online form: www.wgs.org.uk/schooltour
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Dedicated, expert pastoral team
Flexible and convenient school bus services across 3 counties
08/04/2022 12:33 15:03 22/04/2022
Academic excellence in a caring environment Why choose us? • Wide choice of subjects – A Level and BTEC • Excellent pastoral care
CHILDREN FROM 5 YRS /ADULTS WELCOME
• Extensive bus routes and train links
MOST INSTRUMENTS
• Outstanding post-18 advice and guidance
S INGIN G & DR UMS
• Fantastic facilities in a rural setting • Set within a 30-acre campus • Supervised study hub sessions • Daily access to a tutor • Great range of enrichment activities • Full and weekly boarding available • Adams House - state boarding • A home away from home
Wrexham / Buckley / Oswestry
Come and take a look for yourself individual tours can be arranged Telephone: 01939 237000 or email: enquiries@thomasadams.net
Contact: 0845 310 5374
www.thomasadams.net
www.northwalesmusictuition.co.uk
The Thomas Adams School, Sixth Form and Boarding, Lowe Hill, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5UB
North Wales Music Tuition Centres
Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation No.1156684
Visit the website for our future Open Days
Our students regularly exceed what they and others thought possible.
We are: Dedicated Determined Different Diverse Derwen
Derwen Marketplace gives our students fabulous work experience opportunities – and you, a fabulous shopping experience! Open daily – come and visit us! • Garden Centre & Gift Shop • Walled Garden Café • Orangery Restaurant • Vintage Advantage Charity Shop
We deliver exceptional programmes for young people, aged from 16 to 25 years, with special educational needs and disabilities, at our four sites across Shropshire:
Gobowen | Ludlow | Telford | Walford Our positive and empowering culture gives students the skills and confidence to live life their own way.
A place of possibility
admissions@derwen.ac.uk 01691 661234 www.derwen.ac.uk
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Derwen College Gobowen, Shropshire SY11 3JA
Short Breaks at Derwen offers adults with learning disabilities and associated needs the opportunity to take a break and enjoy themselves. Your programme of activities is built around what you enjoy doing, and may include: • cooking • swimming • trips to local attractions • playing on a games console
For more information shortbreaks@derwen.ac.uk 01691 779243 An initiative of Derwen College Charity, RCN: 1153280
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EDUCATION
Students support Soil of Amhara S tudents, staff and Concord College alumni teamed up to complete fundraising challenge Ride the Great Green Wall, an 8,993km …an virtual cycle and row, traversing 8,993km 12 nations across the proposed virtual green corridor in Africa. The ride and event was hosted in aid of Soil row of Amhara, a charity set up by members of the Concord community. Proceeds are being used to plant native trees in the Ethiopian highlands.
DofE success for Derwen students
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BC Newsround presenter Martin Dougan visited Derwen College to find out more about its successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards (DofE) programme. He talked to students at the Ciara and Martin specialist college for a feature broadcast on 21 March to tie in with World Down Syndrome Day. Martin met students including Ciara, Duncan and Luke, who all have Down’s syndrome and are currently working towards their Gold and Silver awards.
Ethiopia faces huge climate challenges
Safety first with Aico
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upils from Longlands Primary, Market Drayton had a fascinating day at a workshop The children loved it hosted by Aico, market leader in home life safety, with fire safety “They awareness input from haven’t Shropshire Fire and stopped Rescue. They tackled talking basic electrical wiring, about it” technical workshops and team-building. Teacher Steve Cross said: “They haven’t stopped talking about it since we got back.”
Wolverhampton race team is in pole position
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UWR in action on the track
he University of Wolverhampton race team UWR is the only student team in the UK competing in professional motorsport competitions. Last year saw the team crowned Formula 3 Cup Class champions, and they will now be the only university team in the new Praga Cup 2022, following a major £200k investment in a Praga R1 car and branded infrastructure by Midlands-based Highclear Investments.
Harper Adams professor gains Freedom of the City of London
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arper Adams Professor Jude Capper Head Parade, an event dating back to the has received the Freedom of the City 14th century, when the Lord Mayor gave of London by redemption permission to the Butchers – part of her admission as to cleanse and dispose of Liveryman to the Worshipful offal in the River Fleet. Company of Butchers. She said: “It is an exciting The Company can trace opportunity to become its history back to 975AD, part of the Worshipful and has long-standing links Company, both in terms of with Harper Adams. fellowship opportunities and Prof. Capper has already to make a real difference taken part in the Boar’s to the meat industry.” Excited: Prof Capper (left)
SCHOOL NEWS THINKING TIME Students at Shrewsbury High School were challenged with Thinking Day, a chance to undertake varied activities with curiosity and enquiry, with the aim of promoting creative, logical and lateral thinking. Topics Thinking caps on! ranged from Design Ventura (Year 8) to The Philosophy of Thought (Year 13). Year 7s became news reporters for the day, and Year 9s created and ran their own businesses. Year 10s developed a successful model for a farm and learnt about sustainable diets. The advice to all students: it’s not what you know but how you think that will be crucial for your future problem-solving success.
BEST TV/FILM EXTRACT AWARD FOR NIA The BFI/WJEC Moving Image Awards celebrate work by Film and Media Studies students at schools and colleges around the UK. Nia Film maker Nia Greenwood Greenwood, an A2 Media student at St Davids College, was shortlisted for Best Film/TV Extract from over 700 entries. Her winning entry, Babylon, was a claymation horror sequence, which the judges said showed much creativity and excellent use of sound to further suspense. St David’s was recognised as a Highly Commended centre due to the quality of entries from its students.
A LOVE OF LANGUAGES Pupils at The Firs School in Chester celebrated languages from around the world with an International Mother Language Day. Activities ranged from learning to say ‘hello’ in 30 different languages to finding out about Japanese culture. As there are a number of bilingual pupils, some classes chose to learn about classmates’ ‘other’ language. Headteacher Rosemary Evans said: “The children were excited to share their new knowledge.” Learning about each other
DRAPERS’ COMPANY ANNUAL DINNER A delegation of staff and students from Thomas Adams School attended the Drapers’ Company educational dinner at Drapers’ Hall, one of the most magnificent venues in London. The annual event commemorates the livery company’s educational links, and gave the school an opportunity to celebrate its recent achievements, including winning the Drapers’ Den trophy at the Livery Academy Awards. The Company has agreed to donate £25,000 towards the furnishing of new classrooms at Thomas Adams. Head teacher Mark Cooper said: “I am extremely grateful to the Drapers’ Company for their continuing support.” Representing Thomas Adams
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 131
EDUCATION
Meet the
E X PER T What do you specialise in?
I lecture in Graphic Design and specialise in editorial and social design. In editorial design we look at printed media, from books and magazines to leaflets and posters. Editorial design has an impact on how written information is understood and focuses on typography, graphics and illustrations. I completed my PhD on poetry books, and I am also interested in both information and service design, where there’s the challenge of reaching people’s needs in real life. This is where social design comes in – the base of my education. It’s all about working with people and using design to work and create with society.
How did you get into this career?
I’ve always been creative – I think I have art in my veins. I initially wanted to pursue fine art at university but ended up graduating with a degree in Visual Communications. In Brazil, where I come from, the programme was very broad. We studied a host of subjects from graphics and illustration to product design. I absolutely loved it. When Brazil introduced its first Master’s in Design, I was the first to graduate. I was invited to do some teaching because I was so passionate, although it wasn’t something I’d considered before. However, it’s rewarding seeing students go on to get higher degrees and have successful careers. I’ve worked on many curriculums over the years, helping to create courses and teaching on them. I came to the UK for my PhD and met my husband at the same time, and we decided to settle in this beautiful country.
What does the Graphic Design course entail?
We try to bring in as many real-demand aspects as possible and have students working like real graphic designers. They work with other students across similar programmes to get a sense of collaboration. In their first year they work alongside the Illustration students and develop projects with them. Motion graphics and digital design are also part of the universe we deal with and it is common to develop projects incorporating film as well. The programme is a blend of theory and practice and all of our students begin with design theory. They start by researching a subject, learning what has already been done. They then go on to develop their own ideas and show the process behind them. How did they make certain decisions? What led them to choose a particular colour or font? When we introduce real clients, they are also partners in the team. The last stage is when 132 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
Dr Heliana Pacheco, Lecturer in Graphic Design
we finalise what will be printed, to be evaluated by users or the tutors. In all of their projects, students need to be able to explain their process and how they did their research. We want them to have a strong set of theoretical, practical and academic skills and knowledge. In their final year they create a project where they utilise all of those skills. We also offer short courses on Adobe Creative Suite, teaching the wider community who are interested in learning digital skills.
What’s required to get on the course?
We always want to see what students have created to gauge their potential. It can be
“One of my favourite things about Glyndwr is the smaller class sizes. It gives us a chance to teach on a personal level and address individual needs.” photographs they have taken, illustrations, typography, anything that expresses their creativity. I like to see how they developed their work and shaped their ideas. Their portfolio doesn’t need to be professional – they’ll be coming here to learn – but we want to see what they have done, be it an example of how they organise their photos, or their sketches, or letter writing. Students also need to have a good sense of observation, aesthetics and composition, to be able to recognise the differences in texts and how they can be used. Above all, we want to see some creativity and passion. We offer a foundation year students can complete before the degree programme, if they want to build up their confidence and skills first. It can also be a way to create a portfolio if they don’t have much to show us.
What practical work do students get involved with?
Graphic designers need to learn how to work with their clients, listening, developing
their ideas and bringing their vision to life. We ensure our students work on as many projects as possible to develop these skills and prepare them for a career in the industry. Our students are currently working on projects at our Regent Street campus, creating signage, learning, and applying their creativity on a sustainable project using the resources and technology from our own university. They’ve also worked closely with Wrexham Museum on an award-winning exhibition about the Roman site in Holt. On the Graphic Design course our students are involved with a host of projects and have the opportunity to create so many different products. They can create their own typeface, work on designing logos, make a movie – as we did this year for the Lego exhibition in Wrexham Museum. They can create magazines, which we did last year and are doing again for the North Wales Public Service Board. Our L4 students created a poetry book with four Welsh poets, while others developed a wayfinding project for the School of Creative Arts. They also worked on a corporate communication project involving branding and producing a newsletter.
What career opportunities can it lead to?
Our students graduate with excellent communication training and the ability to collaborate and work with anyone alongside their design experience. They can take these skills into many industries, not just graphic design. Many students go on to set up their own businesses, work in social communications or even in creative roles within the media and film industries.
Why should people choose Wrexham Glyndwr University?
I used to teach huge classes of students in Brazil and one of my favourite things about Glyndwr is the smaller class sizes. It gives staff a chance to teach on a personal level and address their students’ individual demands and needs.
Charities&Volunteering Less waste, more kindness “Something good should always come out of surplus stock” Bethan Mascarenhas and residents of The Old Vicarage on a recent visit to Rhug Estate
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hug Estate has made generous donations of its award-winning organic chicken to local hospices and charities including The Old Vicarage care home in Llangollen, Ty Gobaith/Hope House in Oswestry and Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury. Whenever there is surplus stock, whether it is award-winning organic meat from the Rhug’s farm or items in the farm shop, estate owner Lord Newborough is keen for local charities and residents to benefit. He said: “I am pleased we have found some good causes to support again. I believe something positive should always come out of having surplus stock.” Bethan Mascarenhas, owner of The Old Vicarage said: “Our thanks to Lord Newborough and the staff at Rhug Estate for their generous donation and for a lovely warm welcome when we visited. The chicken was put to good use in lots of delicious recipes by our cooks. It was a real treat for our residents.”
Bloomin’ good effort
Determined: UPS students
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tudents from Coleg Cambria totted up an impressive total from their annual appeal for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal at the end of last year. The pandemic could not stop Uniformed Public Services learners at the college achieving the staggering total of £9,157 for the charity campaign – taking the college’s overall figure since 2015 to £24,474. Lecturer Jason Ferguson said he was overwhelmed by the determination and imagination of those involved, and the generosity of the local
community. “It’s a magnificent result and testament to the hard work of the staff and students, who were focused on raising more money than we ever have before for the Remembrance Poppy Appeal,” he said. “Following health and safety guidelines we ran events and held charity collections at shops and supermarkets across the region, where people gave so much support and goodwill.” The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign for the Armed Forces community. The learners’ efforts will not only help the organisation – with money used for initiatives such as the vital personal recovery centres, veteran medical funds, mobility aids and equipment grants – but will also go towards their Level 3 (WBQ) Advanced Community Challenge and BTEC Level 2 in Preparation for Public Services Volunteering.
All aboard for Windsor
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rewe-based charity the Railway Benefit Fund is holding a special fundraiser on Friday 3rd June – a Royal Charter to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The steam locomotive 70000 Britannia will depart from Crewe and call at Stafford and Nuneaton before arriving at Windsor for a sightseeing break, returning to Crewe in the late evening. Passengers will have the choice of first-class non-dining tickets featuring armchair comfort, or first-class Pullman dining, which includes a sumptuous breakfast, a fourcourse dinner created by the executive chef, a glass of champagne and half a bottle of wine per person.
Your engine: the 70000 Britannia
Prices start from £195 and £365 respectively. The iconic locomotive 70000 Britannia was built in Crewe in 1952. She was the first British Railways standard locomotive to be built and the first of 55 locomotives of the Britannia class. From 2000 to 2006 she was owned by legendary music producer Pete Waterman, current president of the Railway Benefit Fund, and was housed at his workshops at Crewe Heritage Centre. Tickets are available from railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/ events/the-royal-charter
Popping up to help “They have been incredibly resourceful in gathering products” Among the items on sale was a signed Wrexham AFC shirt
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local hospice has benefitted from the hard work and generosity of a student fundraising team. BTEC Business students based at Yale used their commercial talents to raise money for Nightingale House Hospice. The seven-strong group opened a pop-up shop at the site’s Enterprise Hub in Wrexham to sell items in-person and online and raised over £500, including proceeds from the sale of a signed Wrexham AFC shirt. BTEC Business lecturer Anne Williams-Redfern from Coleg Cambria said: “This is part of their course but also a chance for them to make a real difference. They have worked so hard and been incredibly resourceful in gathering a wide variety of products to sell at the shop.” Sarah Povey, community and events fundIf you would like a raiser for Nightingale House, thanked them charity event to feature for their efforts, saying: “We are incredibly on these pages, just email grateful to this creative group of students for the details to editorial@ choosing the hospice to be the beneficiary of shiremagazine.co.uk this project. It will make a huge difference to patient care and the services we provide.” May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 133
Retirement Living
Daffs, Chimps & Giant Dogs by Pamela M. Sumner
AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON From post-war St Helens, to the edges of Snowdonia National Park, a Lancashire lass recounts a life driven by a lifelong love of the animal kingdom, from Chester Zoo and on to a thriving Kennels in rural Wales, breeding Irish Wolfhounds. Pamela shares with the reader many tales, tragedies, triumphs and tribulations, all told with a sharp Lancastrian wit.
When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best. They want to know the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first.
Inspiring, in parts making you want to laugh aloud, and in others making you want to weep Pam really has had an amazing life and writes about it in such a humerous, gentle way I had to ration myself to a couple of chapters a night as I didn’t want it to end
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are UK’s Deewater Grange care home in Chester provides residential, dementia and nursing care, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should their needs change. Living at Deewater Grange is all about quality of life. Every colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and preferences. The lifestyle team organises There’s always someone to a huge variety of group and one-to-one chat to and something to do activities, with plenty going on each day. The Deewater Grange team are proud to have achieved some great results in the recent relative survey – in fact, 97 per cent of families feel their loved ones are treated with kindness, respect and dignity^. Once their relative has settled into Deewater Grange they are able to focus on spending quality time with them again just enjoying each other’s company. With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities. Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, going for strolls in the landscaped grounds or a chat over a beer, the team at Deewater Grange will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to. Rooms have every comfort Deewater Grange is part of award-winning provider Care UK – one of the UK’s most successful care home operators* with over 35 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people. See more at careuk.com/deewater-grange *As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland. ^ Care UK relative survey Aug/Sept 2021, based on a sample of seven relatives. Study operated by QRS Market Research, an independent survey agency.
Your Personal Poetry
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An exciting debut novel by local author, set on the stunning North Wales coast. “When Cassie Jones sets out to find the truth behind a family rift, she finds herself far from her urban lifestyle and drawn into the contrasting world of a Welsh coastal town. A life-changing opportunity catapults her into a strange new career and the dangerous underworld of drug trafficking. Faced with challenges beyond her experience, Cassie has choices to make…”
Mental Health
Browsers Book Shop, High Street, Porthmadog or by mail I £8 +p&p browsersbook.shop I 01766 512066
ON BADON FIELD Martin Kaye
If you liked the Da Vinci Code, then take a look at local author Martin Kaye. His first book On Badon Field is available as a digital novel on the Amazon Kindle Store.
The second book ‘A Banner of Dark Shadows’ will be available in May 2022.
Take time to calm your mind oing what we love, I to gain clarity and focus; a clear believe, is one of the most mind makes good decisions. important ways to enhance and Set out a plan of action towards elevate our mental wellbeing. your goal, working bit by bit, When we do what we love, creating the building blocks to we flourish and thrive. your new path. If you want to We sometimes fear making completely change a career change your career direction, because of the risk to put all of your energy security and stability. “Do it But if your mind gradually and passion into understanding the and heart tell you step by avenue you wish it is time to create step, but do to pursue. Where the change – listen something energy flows, and create it. You have the power. every day” everything grows. When you live Many of us what you love, you experienced the will give the best of you because forced change of working from home and unexpectedly enjoyed when we love something, we the benefits. It is ok to want to put our heart and soul into it. When we give heart and change direction as a result: if soul to something, it not only our experiences are different, elevates our own journey, it then we change – we cannot not elevates those around us. change. It’s a process of evolution. If you aren’t able to take the What better gift can you give leap, do it gradually step by to yourself and others than living your true passion and purpose? step, but do something every day towards making the change.
Anne Carr
You can buy a hard copy from Amazon.co.uk, order it from your local bookstore or buy it directly from my website www.fachlwyd.co.uk
YOUR WORK IS YOUR CONTRIBUTION D
Lisa Whelan has dedicated the past 20 years to creating a first-class wellbeing resource that is simple and fun. The result is ‘Mighty Minds’, a six-week animated, positive resource designed specifically for children, and the ‘Calm Your Mind, Control Your Life’ Mind Flight course for adults. Find out more at www.mindflight.online
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BUSINESS & FINANCE
CATCHING UP WITH TAX Shire’s financial expert recaps on the main tax measures from the Spring Statement 2022
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he Chancellor delivered his Spring Statement to the House of Commons against a backdrop of a growing cost of living crisis. Rishi Sunak also stressed that, apart from untold human suffering, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is creating further uncertainty in the domestic and global economy, particularly in relation to energy markets.
National Insurance contributions (NICs)
The Chancellor did not remove the 1.25 per cent increase in NICs to help fund the NHS and social care, which came into effect in April. However, he did try to soften the blow by announcing a significant increase in the National Insurance threshold from £9,880 to £12,570 from 6 July. According to government figures, around 70 per cent of employees will pay less NICs, even with the health and social care levy. VAT is
zero per cent for energysaving materials until 2027
Reducing Class 2 NICs payments for low earners
From April, Class 2 NICs liability for the self-employed was reduced to nil on profits between the small profits threshold (SPT) and lower profits limit (LPL). No one earning between the two limits will pay any Class 2 NICs, while individuals are still able to continue to build up NI credits. This change represents a tax cut for around 500,000 self-employed people, worth up to £165 per year.
VAT
The government expanded the scope of VAT relief available for energysaving materials (ESMs) by reducing VAT from 5 per cent to 0 per cent until 31 March 2027. Households having such materials installed (eg solar panels, heat pumps, insulation) will pay no VAT.
Call us today for a free initial consultation Call us today for a free initial Call usconsultation today for a free initial consultation
We are able to provide assistance with: Self assessment
Divorce & separation agreements
We are able to provide assistance with: Corporate sales and purchases VAT Business Self Returns assessment Divorce &planning separation agreements We are able to provide assistance with: Accounts preparation
Limited company audits Financial Accounts preparation Corporateservices sales and purchases Self assessment Divorce & separation agreements Tax VATplanning Returns Business planning Accounts preparation Corporate sales and purchases Making Digitalaudits LimitedTax company Financial services VAT Returns Business planning HMRC enquiry investigations Tax planning Limited company audits Financial services Business & fault reviews Making Tax Digital Tax planning HMRC enquiry investigations Visit our website at www.dre.co.uk Making Tax Digital Business & fault reviews HMRC enquiry investigations Business & fault reviews Visit our website at www.dre.co.uk
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Shire Magazine, The best of North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, Wirral & Shropshire Get in touch editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk or 01691 661 270
Are you a local artist?
We’d like to share your work with our readers, and tell your story.
R&D tax relief reform
From April 2023, all cloud computing costs associated with research and development, including storage, will qualify for relief. This will boost sectors including AI, robotics, manufacturing and design.
A boost for the self-employed
Income tax basic rate
The Chancellor confirmed that the government will reduce the basic rate of income tax to 19 per cent from April 2024. Aaron Powis BSc, BFP, FCA, CTA is a partner at DRE & Co chartered accountants in Oswestry. Call 01691 654353 or see www.dre.co.uk
Shire Magazine, The best of North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, Wirral & Shropshire Get in touch editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk or 01691 661 270
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Personal finance What is a pension-sharing order and do I need one? Your “Whole of Market” Financial Advisor.
PAUL WILLIAMS OF COMMODORE FINANCE LOOKS AT AN AREA OF CONCERN FOR COUPLES WHO ARE SEPARATING
At Commodore Finance we help all our clients achieve their financial goals, dreams, and independence. We will discuss your current situation and establish your financial objectives and more importantly when you want to achieve them. We can then develop a practical plan designed to help you meet your financial needs. We will never use jargon that you do not understand. TAKING CARE OF YOU - With 37 years’ service, we can say with confidence that you would find it hard to find a situation that we have not dealt with. WE ARE RECOMMENDED - We are a “Top Rated Adviser” Verified by Vouched for 2020 and 2021 as shown in the Times and Telegraph. A 5* Gold Winner in the British Property Awards for Denbighshire. Think carefully before securing debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Commodore Finance Ltd is an appointed representative of Julian Harris Financial Consultants, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Tel: 01745 850653 or 07766920035 paul@commodorefinance.o.uk www.commodorefinance.co.uk
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am often contacted by clients in the unfortunate situation of going through divorce or separation, and a question I am frequently asked is about pension-sharing orders and what they are. A pension-sharing order is a court order used when separating the assets that have been created during the relationship. They are mostly used during divorce proceedings but can also be used when a civil partnership is dissolved. Predominantly there are three main options when dealing with pensions in a divorce or separation: sharing them, earmarking some of the income to be paid to one partner after retirement, or offsetting their value against other assets. The latter is often used where one partner is keeping a greater proportion of the value in the home in lieu of not taking so much of the former partner’s pension pot. The process normally starts with you appointing your legal representative, then you need to work out the assets built within the relationship and get valuations for all the pensions each person has, together with the value of any state pension benefits you would be entitled to on retirement. Next, you need to assess the pension options available. Once this has been done you go to court to request the
“A pensionsharing order provides a clean break”
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pension-sharing order is granted, and you would then implement it. One of the main benefits of a pension-sharing order is that it will provide a clean break between the parties, as the assets are split 11:20immediately. Each party can decide independently what to do with their share and neither has to build pension provision from scratch. Taking independent financial advice is paramount if you are to receive a share of your ex-partner’s pension pot. It will help to ensure you don’t make unsuitable investments, or transfer the fund to an overseas scheme that is not bound to recognise a UK pension-sharing order or a scheme that is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the providers of personal pensions. commodore finance.co.uk
Commodore Finance Ltd is an appointed representative of Julian Harris Financial Consultants, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Contact 01745 850653. “The performance of your investments is subject to risk(s). Its performance may fluctuate based on movements in the market and economic condition(s). Capital at risk. Currency movements may also affect the value of investments. You may get back less than you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of the future performance.” May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 137
22/04/2022 12:57
Retirement Living
BEWARE OF SENIOR-SCAMMERS
It is an unfortunate fact that criminals target older people, either because they think they will be tricked more easily or that they have more readily accessible funds
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here is a growing number of increasingly convincing and complex scams in operation these days and many specifically target older people. We asked Age UK for advice on how to spot, and avoid falling for, some of the more common attempts at fraud.
Pension scams
Cold callers
Cold calls are phone calls from companies trying to sell you something, even though they’ve had no business with you previously. Cold calls aren’t usually illegal and don’t necessarily count as a scam although they can be annoying, frustrating and even frightening. Even though it won’t always block scammers, you can register for free with the “They Telephone Preference Service may claim (0345 070 0707; tpsonline.org. to know uk) to reduce the number of cold about tax calls you receive. It can be hard loopholes” to tell the difference between a scam and cold calling.
People over 55 now have greater access to their pension pots. Fraudsters will try different ways to persuade you to part with your pension cash – from promising opportunities that are simply too good to be true, to giving you false information. They might contact you out of the blue, over the phone, by text or email, or claim to know about loopholes that can help you get more tax breaks. They could suggest you put all your money in a single investment, send paperwork to your door by courier for immediate signature or pressure you into making a decision quickly. Look out for any contact that feels like this or speak to your own pension adviser.
Bank scams
Someone may call claiming to be from your bank, telling you there’s a problem with your card or account. The caller will often sound professional and tell you your card has been cloned or your money is at risk. They may ask for your account and card details, including your PIN number, and even offer to send a courier to collect your card. They may also advise transferring money to a ‘safe account’ to protect it. This is a common scam and your bank would never ask you to do this.
Doorstep scams
Be wary if you’re asked to sign papers 138 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
This is when someone comes to your door and tries to trick you out of your money or gain access to your home. Scammers aren’t always pushy and persuasive – they may seem polite or friendly. So be vigilant when you answer the door, and don’t let anyone in unless you know who they are.
There’s a wait for some…
BOOSTING THE POT
A
fter a confusing back and forth on the future for pensions, those in receipt of one will get a £733 boost, after the government promised to reinstate the ‘triple lock’ – the mechanism that dictates how much the state pension rises by each year. This means those left out of pocket this year will receive an increase in 2023. Ministers denied millions a record £822 increase this year due to its controversial decision to suspend the triple lock in April. This dictates the annual pension rise by taking the highest of three figures: inflation, wage growth or 2.5 per cent. Instead, the state pension will rise by just 3.1 per cent, September’s figure for inflation, rather than by wage growth, which was 8.1 per cent. The government said a jump in wages due to furlough and redundancies during the pandemic made its manifesto pledge to keep the triple lock unaffordable. However, the increase will fall far short of inflation, which is expected to be above 8 per cent by the end of the year.
Supporting over 8,000 families
We champion training and innovation to support our care home teams to deliver outstanding care. Residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything we do, helping individuals to stay active and independent so they can live each day to the full. If you’re considering care, call 01244 455904 or email donna.brown@careuk.com
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22/04/2022 12:36
Books&Poetry SETTING SAIL ON A NEW ADVENTURE Having enjoyed fulfilling careers in both nursing and teaching, Julia Ozanne has launched in a new direction with the release of her first novel
J
ulia Ozanne moved to Porthmadog in North Wales after four decades on the Welsh Borders. There she had worked as a nurse and then a secondary school teacher, before specialising in behaviour management. Her husband Malcolm (Mac) was well known as a press photographer for the Advertizer and Shropshire Star. The couple were keen sailors – Mac had built their boat Freelance himself – and often set out from Porthmadog harbour for the Irish Sea, or to explore the Scottish islands. So when Julia put pen to paper to write her first book, the setting she chose was immediately familiar.
Special setting She said: “The novel is based around Porthmadog and the Llyn Peninsula. Having sailed out of Porthmadog for many years, I wanted to incorporate the beautiful landscape and seascape I know and love. “I also wanted to include the contemporary issue of drug trafficking and the vulnerability of young people to the County Lines gangs – the maritime side of trafficking, based on fact.”
LOCA L B OOKS The Lion Hotel by Philip Jones University Centre Shrewsbury graduate Philip Jones has set his first play at The Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury. The plot combines history and humour to tell the modern story of a detective’s daughter who is wrongly accused of a crime. It references Charles Dickens and a Victorian entertainments bill that Philip discovered while on placement at Shropshire Archives. The Lion Hotel comes under the genre of Young Adult fiction and is also a light read for adults. It is published by Austin Macauley. A Question of Time by David McCaddon The local author’s new thriller is set in 1967, in North Wales and Cheshire. A Question of Time is McCaddon’s fourth crime novel and follows the intriguing
140 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
The result is The Boat Shed, launched recently at a local book fair and featuring a stunning picture of Ballast Island in Porthmadog Harbour on the cover – taken by Mac, of course. The book tells the story of Cassie Jones, who sets out to uncover the truth behind a family rift. She finds herself far from her urban lifestyle, drawn into the very different setting of a Welsh coastal town. A life-changing opportunity catapults her into a strange new career and the dangerous underworld of drug trafficking.
Learning curve Julia, who now lives in Morfa Bychan, said: “I have been writing for ten years, submitting to competitions and publishers, and was awarded a Highly Commended in a national contest for a memoir I wrote. This is my first novel and I completed it before the start of the
investigation that ensues when a girl’s body is found in the embers of a fire in a farmer’s field. A second body is found soon after and DCI Sheraton must decide whether or not the two are connected. Could it be the region has a serial killer on the loose? Published by Austin Macauley.
“It’s based around Porthmadog and the Llyn Peninsula” pandemic. Obviously sending it out to publishers was difficult, so I decided to self-publish before it gathered any dust. That was an experience in itself – as is the publicity, the marketing, the distribution… I’ve had a lot to learn! “Feedback has been very positive and those who know the area will recognise many of the descriptions. I loved writing it and have started on a sequel.” The Boat Shed is available in Browsers bookshop in Porthmadog and on their Facebook page.
and illustrated by Bumble B Moss will have children eagerly awaiting the next adventures of these friendly, loyal visitors to Earth. It is published by Paragon Publishing.
The Wichlees Come to Earth by Peter C Rabbit The first in a series written with the under-11s in mind, The Wichlees Come to Earth introduces us to Pegerty, Gwindleberry and Warty Conk, kind-hearted souls who hail from a tiny planet called Bangy-Bong and Calling local authors… return regularly to Earth to If you’re living in the Shire area or have written collect methane for their about a local person or place, we’d love to broomsticks. feature you on these pages. Email editorial@ This enchanting story, shiremagazine.co.uk. written by Peter C Rabbit
BOOKS & POETRY REVIEWS
Booksellers Lingham’s based in Heswall highlight two outstanding autobiographies in their regular review round-up Letters to Gil by Malik al Nasir Letters to Gil is a profound coming-of age memoir – the story of surviving physical and racial abuse and discovering a sense of self-worth under the wing of the great artist, poet and civil rights activist Gil Scott-Heron. Born in Liverpool, Malik al Nasir was taken into care at the age of nine after his seafaring father became paralysed. He would spend his adolescence in a system that proved violent, neglectful, exploitative, traumatising and mired in abuse. Aged 18, he emerged semi-literate and penniless, with no connections or sense of where he was going – until a chance meeting with Scott-Heron. Letters to Gil tells the story of Malik’s empowerment and awakening while mentored by Gil, from his introduction to the legacy of Black history to the development of his voice through poetry and music. Written with lyricism and power, it is a frank and moving memoir, highlighting how institutional racism can debilitate and disadvantage a child, as well as how creativity, self-expression and solidarity helped him realise his potential. Leap of Faith by Frankie Dettori The legendary jockey shares his remarkable life story in this intimate autobiography. When Lanfranco ‘Frankie’ Dettori arrived in Britain in 1985, aged 14, he couldn’t speak a word of English. Having left school just a year earlier and following in the footsteps of his father, he was eager to become a stable boy and apprentice jockey. This was his first, but certainly not his last leap of faith. Frankie’s impact upon the British racing scene was immediate and significant. Brimming with confidence and charisma, and with what was clearly a precocious talent, in 1990 he became the first teenager since Lester Piggott to win over 100 races in a single season. By 1996, Frankie was already established as a celebrity in the sport and an adopted national treasure, but it was his extraordinary achievement of winning all seven races in a single day at Ascot that cemented his reputation as the greatest rider of his generation.
Change by Norman Marshall Once, all was silent and still, Smoke ascended vertical over hill. The people below went to chapel to pray For here, in the quiet of the week, was Sunday. Those yearning for beers and ales Crossed the border into England from Wales. Gone now is the reflective solitude Having in abundance much that will intrude. They changed the law to give choice And now all sing with one voice! Precious tenets should hold the hours So one may walk into nature’s bowers. Now I seek my lost isle of serendipity With resignation and some equanimity.
Keef ver Feef by John Hollins Keef ver Feef was roofless, Mugged the very young, And the very old, Didn’t have a conscience, And his heart was cold. His victims all remembered, That he robbed them with a smile, His mouth was totally toofless, It left them trau-mat-ised. He slept upon a park-bench, Beneath the starry sky, Yes, he really was roofless, And that’s the reason why.
Staycation by Jo Young Foreign holidays are on, off, on, off – repeat So, how can you plan your trip away – that surely is part of the treat? Where to go… when to go? Do we want the beach and sun tan? A lot will depend on the destination and if there is a ban. So, is it with the mither of airports, wearing masks and taking expensive Covid tests Or should we look closer to home and take the best Of British and go to places as yet unvisited? Is it the Lakes, Scottish highlands, London or even Devon or Cornwall From wearing walking shoes and sun tan to brollies and a beach ball Who really knows what the weather will bring Just be prepared for anything – and lets be happy and sing! This year there is a lot to be said For taking advantage of all the UK has to offer and tread On our shores, taking enjoyment from our beaches, mountains to shops, restaurants and galleries Sharing our adventures, deepening our knowledge and above all spending our salaries With people in the UK!
Cecil the Sexton The sexagenarian sexton, Of Overton-on-Dee, Was the proud owner of a sextant, Though he’d never been to sea.
The Kiss of the Sun by Anne Douglas At first light At dawn Verdant foliage Ode to Malpas Leaf pattern on damp earth There’s just one chemist’s in Malpas, Beneath coppices of oak With pharmaceuticals… it’s absolutely full, Shrouded in green Though it has a dispensary, Spring crocus emerge It’s quite in-di-spen-si-ble. From their dormancy Chalice-like lavender petals Proud daffodils Handsome strong golden We want your poems! clusters Share your creativity – we print our favourite The kiss of the Sun poems every issue. Send them to Poetry Page, At first light Shire, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 At dawn 1FR or email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 141
PUZZLE TIME Across 1 Conflict fought from 1899 to 1902 (4,3) 4 Berthe ____, French Impressionist painter (7) 8 The ____ Mile, the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town (5) 9 Ancient writing system of wedgeshaped marks (9) 10 Amelia ____, American aviation pioneer (7) 11 Tool that John Henry died with in his hand, according to legend (6) 13 Shropshire hill of quartzite rock (12) 17 Rebellion leader and the last native Welsh Prince of Wales (5,7) 20 Trade union for actors and other creative practitioners (6) 22 Molluscs hawked by Molly Malone in Dublin’s fair city (7) 24 The former county town of Merionethshire (9) 25 Celtic tribe led in rebellion by Boudicca (5) 26 Italian dish of rice cooked in broth (7) 27 Gwynedd town and site of a castle captured by 17 Across in 1404 (7)
Rearrange the highlighted letters to find the name of a famous tourist village in Wales
Sudoku
Difficulty: medium
Down
1 Tributary of the Mersey (6) 2 Gloomy AA Milne character (6)
26 Risotto 27 Harlech
14 Town crier 15 Toreador 16 Catullus 18 Allele 19 Isaiah 21 Trent 23 Clio
142 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
The highlighted letters when rearranged spell PORTMEIRION
ANSWERS
Down 1 Birket 2 Eeyore 3 Willaston 4 Ming 5 Raita 6 Stormont 7 Tamarisk 9 Catapult 12 Grand cru
1. Every square has to contain a single number. 2. Only numbers 1 to 9 can be used. 3. Each 3×3 box can only contain each number from 1 to 9 once. 4. Each row and column can only contain each number from 1 to 9 once.
Across 1 Boer War 4 Morisot 8 Royal 9 Cuneiform 10 Earhart 11 Hammer 13 Stiperstones 17 Owain Glyndŵr 20 Equity 22 Cockles 24 Dolgellau 25 Iceni
Sudoku rules
3 The name of two villages in Cheshire, one of which hosts the World Worm Charming Championships (9) 4 The ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644 (4) 5 An Indian yogurtbased condiment (5) 6 The site of Northern Ireland’s Parliament Buildings in Belfast (8) 7 Resilient shrub with pink flowers that thrives near coastal areas (8) 9 Dennis the Menace’s weapon of choice (8) 12 The highest level of classification for AOC wines from Alsace or Burgundy (5,3) 14 Official who makes regular midday proclamations at the Chester Cross (4,5) 15 Escamillo’s profession in Bizet’s Carmen (8) 16 Roman poet who wrote about personal life in the 1st century BC (8) 18 A variant of a gene that may be dominant or recessive (6) 19 Israelite prophet who gives his name to a book of the Old Testament (6) 21 River linked to the Mersey by a canal in 1777 (5) 23 The Greek muse of history, or a car model produced by Renault (4) Alice Leetham is a writer and puzzle maker from Cheshire. She works in the fintech industry and also enjoys creating quizzes and cryptic crosswords. Contact: alice@downstream.co.uk
SHIRE’S FANTASTIC COMPETITIONS
Another issue of Shire, another chance to win fabulous prizes. Good luck!
Win! A pair of Gold Circle Tickets to see Tears for Fears
80s duo Tears for Fears are on tour in 2022 following the release of their new album The Tipping Point, which entered UK charts at number two and was top 10 in many other countries. The UK leg of the tour kicks off at Telford QE11 Arena on 1st July, and we have a pair of Gold Circle tickets to give away, ensuring the lucky winners have access to the area directly in front of the stage. CLOSING DATE 15th June.
Snoozers, losers! Fill in your entry form and post it today
Win! A Pair of Tickets to Storyhouse Theatre
It’s open air theatre season at Grovesnor Park, with several plays running throughout July and August, the full schedule can be found at www.storyhouse.com. We have a pair of tickets up for grabs for the opening night of Romeo and Juliet on 1st July, including a pre-theatre fabulous dinner for two at The Storyhouse Kitchen. CLOSING DATE 15th June.
Win! A Pair of Tickets to Gregynog Music Festival
Win! A Family Ticket to the Royal Welsh Show
Win! A Pair of Tickets to Passion for Power
Win! A Pair of Tickets to Stars and Stripes
Gregynog Festival is the oldest festival in Wales and one of the UK’s premier classical music events. Located in the beautiful countryside of the Welsh Borders, it takes place on 25th and 26th June, offering a curated programme of music from the medieval to the twenty-first century, presented in historically-informed performances. Full programme details and tickets are available at www.gwylgregynogfestival.org. We have a pair of tickets to give away. To enter, fill in the form below. CLOSING DATE 15th June.
Tatton Park Passion for Power Classic Motor Show & Cheshire Autojumble has been running for more than 30 years and returns to Tatton Park on 20th and 21st August. The show is famous for the unique and eclectic mix of powerful performance cars with rare and exciting vehicles featured every year, from Ferraris to Lamborghinis. Further information and tickets can be found at www.tattonpassionforpower.com. For your chance to win a pair of tickets, fill in the form below. CLOSING DATE June 15th.
The Royal Welsh Show takes place from 18th-21st July at the showground in Llanelwedd. As well as top class livestock competition, the show has something to interest everyone, and visitors can expect a 12-hour programme of entertainment, attractions and displays on each show day. For further information see www.rwas.wales.com. We are offering a family ticket for two adults and two children. To enter, fill in the form below. CLOSING DATE 15th June.
The Classic American Stars & Stripes car show has a superb line up of acts in store at Tatton Park on 2nd and 3rd July. Celebrating all things American, from Mustangs to Corvettes and Cadillacs to American motorhomes, the USstyle extravaganza features American dream machines and many more. For tickets and further information, see www. tattonstarsandstripes.com. We are giving away a pair of tickets. To enter, fill in the form below. CLOSING DATE 15th June.
Q: Which UK band used to enter their own lookalike contests? a) Take That b) East 17 c) Duran Duran
Tick the ones you want to enter!
HOW TO ENTER Fill in the form with your answer circled (you’ll need to read the magazine to find it!) and include your name, address, email and daytime contact number. Send it by the closing date to Competitions, Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR Tears for Fears Romeo & Juliet Gregynog Music Festival Royal Welsh Show Passion for Power Stars and Stripes
RULES OF THE COMPETITIONS The promoter of these competitions is Shire Magazine, Superstar Publishing, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. The competitions are open to all readers of our magazine and viewers of our websites except employees of the prize providers. The winner(s) will be the first person or persons drawn after the closing date who has completed the correct answer. No cash alternative is available. The winners’ names can be obtained by writing to the competition address with a self-addressed envelope after the closing date. The winner agrees to participate in any follow-up publicity and must provide a photograph to be published in the following issue to claim their prize. Superstar Publishing may print the name only of entrants to this competition in subsequent issue(s) of Shire Magazine. This is to enable competition entrants to fairly claim a promotional offer, for competition entrants only. By entering this competition you are giving permission for Shire Magazine to print your name only. No personal information will be printed. No purchase necessary, answers on a postcard are accepted. For full details of our Privacy Policy, please go to www.shiremagazine.co.uk. DATA PROTECTION NOTICE Superstar Publishing Ltd will use your information for administration and analysis purposes and may contact you from time to time with relevant offers, information or for research purposes. Your details will not be passed on to third parties except the sponsors of these competitions. Please tick the relevant box if you wish to be contacted.
Name Address
Postcode Daytime contact number Email (please complete) Please send me further information about Shire May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 143
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DID YOU KNOW? Sheep are ofte n counted by the score, in 20s
My rare breed Dorset Down sheep have been getting hot under the collar, and with summer approaching, it’s high time they lost their woolly overcoats
W
ool was like gold a flash of chestnut plumage heralds the return of one of my favourite dust once upon summer visitors, the redstart. Just before sun rise, you get the full, a time. Many of the glorious chorus of birdsong. A plethora of migrant warblers join our splendid stately homes resident thrushes, blackbirds and wrens in a gala performance that and churches in southern knocks spots off anything you’ll hear at Covent Garden. England were built off I have several nesting boxes dotted around the place and the the back of a lucrative ubiquitous tits have readily taken up residence. Last autumn, I put a wool trade. Then along barn owl box up in the crossbeams of my neighbour’s sold brick barn came cheap imports from and I’m hoping that a pair of these majestic birds will take up tenancy. down under and cotton Silent, ghostly apparitions that float in the night sky before dropping from across the Atlantic. onto some luckless rodent. Holy Trinity in Long Melford, Suffolk is Later, synthetics sounded The hedgerows offer up a a fine example of a ‘wool church’ the death knell for the smorgasbord of edible greens at industry. Even a couple of decades ago your wool cheque turned this time of year. Jack-by-theyou a bit of a profit. Today, the price you get for a hedge, wild sorrel, fleece covers roughly half the cost of shearing the wild garlic and fat sheep. It’s hard to understand why 100% pure wool hen add far more “It’s a gala garments are so expensive. to any dish than performance that In early May, there is no greater provender for a few limp lettuce knocks spots off the soul than a countryside walk at either end of the leaves. There is also Covent Garden” day. Baby rabbits, balls of fluffy energy, hop in and a small window of out of the hedgerows. Waders have returned inland opportunity for a for the breeding season. Curlews circle overhead, delicacy beloved uttering their namesake cry, while lapwings tumble acrobatically out of countrymen. It’s many a year of the sky hoping to attract a mate and, I suspect, just for the sheer joy since I’ve tasted breast of rook. It of being alive. The air is involves sending sprightly youths Eryl Jones was brought heaVy with the perfume up tall trees, an activity that today’s up on a small Welsh farm and studied agriculture in from the blossom of youngsters seem reluctant to Aberystwyth. He became rowan and hawthorn. perpetuate. Can’t blame them really. farm manager on a large Summer breeders have Around the ponds, golden estate and later farmed returned too – swallows kingcups are in full bloom and on his own account. and martins swoop and in the margins, the dinner-plate Eryl does voluntary climb in search of insects leaves of water lilies float lazily. The environmental work with and wheatears dart in leaf canopy has transformed from Denbighshire Council and out of drystone walls, lime green to a thousand shades of and has a passion for the rural way of life. looking for nesting sites. emerald – it’s as British as a portly Along roadside hedges, pub landlord with sideburns. I’m always happy to spot the fiery redstart
144 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR T
hank you so much to all those who have written over the past two months and shared stories and pictures with us here at Shire. Reading your letters really does brighten our day so do keep them coming and get in touch on any topic you like, with pictures when you have them. Just email us at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk If you haven’t been able to get out and grab your own copy of Shire, don’t panic. As always we have a supply of previous issues
we’re happy to send out. Let us know if you’ve missed an edition and we can pop it in the post to you. Just send an SAE for £1.60 to Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. Maybe receiving a copy as soon as it is out would be easier for you. Why not subscribe to Shire and we’ll send each new issue straight to your door? See page 56 for details. Keep in touch – we love hearing from our readers across the patch!
Monkey business
I wanted to share some good news to put a smile on your readers’ faces as a baby cotton-top tamarin has been born at Chester Zoo. The photos are too cute! These miniature monkeys are one of the world’s most endangered primates, with only 2,000 left in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. The little one weighs just 40g and is 10cm tall, so it’s too tiny to determine its gender at the moment. The baby will be carried by both parents for the next six months, but it’s dad Leo who’s been doing that job so far, handing over to mum Treat for feeds. In order to help save the species we only recently started pairing them at the zoo again. This is the first cotton-top tamarin to be born at Chester Zoo in 22 years and we’re overjoyed. Siobhan Ward, Primate Keeper at Chester Zoo
Trading spaces
New business owners at Trading Space
READER F E E D B AC K What a great read and a lovely bright and cheery publication – so much more enjoyable to read than any of the newspapers at present. Joy Rogers
The new arrival – so adorable!
I’d like to tell readers about a great new and vibrant retail unit that is breathing life into Aberystwyth town centre. The Trading Space on Great Darkgate Street welcomes independent entrepreneurs and sustainable, ethical start-ups by giving them a place to sell their wares, from arts and crafts to gifts, food and drink and more. They also have access to free training, business advice and resources including IT equipment and marketing support. Part of Antur Cymru’s New Skills New Start programme, it gives vital experience in growing a business, which has a knock-on effect for the economy and town centre growth. It’s brilliant – thanks to all for being part of the scheme. Project Manager Julie Morgan
I wanted to pass on my thanks for getting a copy of your magazine to my elderly mother every time. She can’t get out and really appreciates it being delivered. Anon Picked up your Shire mag from Sainsbury’s in Neston. Great publication, will look out for future editions. Bernard Rose So impressed with this magazine – can’t really believe it’s free, but I’m not complaining! Jen Symmonds
Cancer care at Carden
Living with cancer is something that many of us will face at some point in our lives, affecting not only the person diagnosed but also those closest to them. This has certainly been the case for many of us at Carden Park. I’m therefore delighted to announce our partnership with Amanda Winwood, founder of SpaFest, to launch SpaFest Gives Back, a nurturing and supportive wellness day for people in our community going through treatment for cancer and their guests. SpaFest will take place on 14th June at the Carden Park Estate, Cheshire and we have 40 tickets for two available. The event is a partnership with SpaFest and Carden Park, supported by the British Beauty Council, SATCC (Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care) and UKSA (UK Spa Association) to spearhead and innovate change. Our guests can look forward The tranquil setting for the first SpaFest Gives Back to trying products and therapies from leading spa brands such as Gharieni, Made for Life Organics, Murad and Therapy Teas from Camellia’s Tea House, with a goody bag of products to take home. Guests will also be able to have a 20-minute taster sessions of Touch Therapy provided by Carden Park and Made for Life Touch Therapy specialists. And in our deep meditative sleep area, people will be able to experience 20-minute taster sessions of the new Circadian Rhythm Reset Ritual combining Gharieni’s new concept bed and Made for Life Organics. To apply for tickets please visit the Spafest website spa-fest.com/spafest-gives-back/. Tickets cost £25 each, which is a special discounted price for the event. There is also the option of the Twilight spa event with life coaching, which costs £45 per person. We are honoured to be the location for the first ever SpaFest Gives Back event and are very much looking forward to meeting our guests and giving them a wonderful nurturing and supportive wellness day to remember at Carden Park. Emma Pridding, Spa Director, Carden Park Hotel
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 145
COMING NEXT ISSUE
By the time your next issue of Shire Magazine hits the shelves we will be in the middle of the summer season – and no matter what that brings, whether rain or shine, you know we’ll have a packed publication to keep you entertained. So make sure you grab your July and August copy and get set for summer! SUMMER FUN
However you plan to fill your sunny days, we’ll have all the best of Shire to share with you – from days out around the patch to special places to visit, whether it’s along our stunning coastlines or in the heart of the countryside. Make the most of the weather and take some time out to enjoy our incredible region, with your favourite magazine to give you the lowdown on what to do where.
Booked up
We speak to another local author who has been putting pen to paper and now made it into print, as well as bringing you writers who use our region as their inspiration for stories and sagas of all varieties. Our friends from Lingham’s booksellers in Heswall will have some suggestions as well – so all in all, we’ve got your holiday reading covered!
Garden glories
With flowers in full bloom and gardens green and glorious, we’ll be featuring some horticultural treats for you to visit over the summer. Whether you want to wander serene around a stately home or haggle and barter at plant fairs, we’ll keep you posted about gardening greats and flower festivals going on across the Shire patch.
SNAP TO IT
Our photography competition will be back with a whole new theme to challenge you – and if you’ve entered this time, make sure you grab a copy to see if you’ve made it into print. Alongside the photos we’ll have a full arts section as always, including a round-up of exhibitions to inspire you to aim high with your creative endeavours. GRUB’S UP!
Another top local chef will be sharing a favourite recipe and we’ll have tasty flavours, wine advice, beer news and a chat with one of our amazing producers in a fabulous food and drink section. Whether you’re planning a picnic or betting on barbecue weather, Shire’s on hand to make sure your summer dining is truly delicious. 146 SHIRE MAGAZINE | May/June 2022
PIC K NE UP T XT H ISS E A U T E SU PER THE MA RK FR ET O M JUL Y1 ST
G R E AT G E TAWAY S
We’ll be continuing our round-up of the best holiday parks, canal boats and even motorhome hire. It’s not too late to grab a summer break, thanks to our holiday guide. YO U R T O W N
We’ll take a look at the mini city of St Asaph and the Wirral town of Heswall as we continue our journey around some of the beautiful locations on our doorstep.
Summer styles
Whether it’s the latest look for the beach or a fresh way to fashion your home, our style team will have all the latest design ideas and top trends to keep you up to date with what’s hot in clothes, beauty and interiors.
SHOW REVIEWS
We’ll all be out and about as usual, doing our best to watch as many shows and get to as many events D O N ’ T F O R G E T… as we can, so we can report back and give you a feel for the local Don’t go anywhere entertainment scene. until you’ve checked our What’s On guide for July and August. With the long school holidays looming, you’ll want to keep the next issue of Shire close to hand with its 50-page guide to all the events and activities across the region.
GET IN TOUCH Shire wants to hear from you!
1. Tell us about your upcoming events We work in advance, so June 1st is the deadline to let us know about events for our July/August 2022 issue. 2. Share your reader stories Have you got an extraordinary or exciting story to tell? We would love to share it with our readers. Send us an email and don’t forget to include a picture or two! 3. Contribute to one of our pages Send all your submissions and pictures by email to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk or call 01691 661270. You can also get in touch via social media – just search for ‘Shire Magazine’ on Facebook or Instagram.
Ymunwch â ni yn un o’n
digwyddiadau
agored
Yn bersonol neu ar-lein
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