PRESERVED FOR POSTERITY

The unique collection of historic books at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden has now been preserved for future generations, after an extensive project to store these ancient documents in cyberspace.

Gladstone’s Library, the UK’s only prime ministerial library, was set up in the 1880s with a bequest from four-time Liberal PM William Gladstone. Some 140 years later, thousands of books and documents housed in the Grade I-listed building, including Gladstone’s own collection, have been stored on the Cloud with the help of Rawson IT Services, Wrexham.

The Library’s treasures include Latin manuscripts and 600-year-old works from the first days of printing in Europe, as well as Gladstone’s books with his work he had started. She decided the manuscript should also cover the houses of Lower Corve Street and St Mary’s Lane.

She said: “In the 18th century, rich glovers erected low-status back buildings for their workers in what became a noxious tanning zone. They then moved up the hill into town to build grand houses reflecting their new social status. Speculators amassed fortunes or went bankrupt. Maltsters and brewers plied their trade, land was exchanged and murder was committed. Animals were auctioned, carriages and hauliers flourished. Corve Street even had its own red-light district.” In short, there was a wealth of stories to be told.

Contributions welcome

A run of 310 copies of the book sold out within two weeks. However, Ludlow Civic Society has stepped in to sponsor a second edition, in line with its mission to promote research into Ludlow’s built heritage and encourage civic pride. The limitededition reprint is available for £25 from Castle Bookshop.

Rosemary now plans to create a companion website called Ludlow History Hub. Anyone can submit an article to be considered. Search Ludlow History Hub on Facebook for details.

Manga-nificent news!

As bookshops across the country celebrate Independent Bookshop Week on 17th-24th June with a host of events and activities, Shropshire has welcomed a new addition. The Manga Crate, in Telford’s Wellington Market, is the home of o cially licensed manga, anime merchandise and children’s books, and has a huge range of brand-new and second-hand books and box sets.

handwritten notes in the margins.

The library attracts almost 30,000 users a year from all over the world, many staying in the library’s residential accommodation.

Louisa Yates, director of collections and research, said: “It’s not just the collections that are now available to people all over the world, but events like Gladfest, which they can now watch either live or recorded.” Find out more at www.gladstoneslibrary.org

Bookshop numbers in the UK grew for the sixth year in a row in 2022, despite an immensely challenging retail landscape. You can visit the new store at Unit 48, Wellington Market, Market Street, Telford or order online at www.themangacrate.com

Stuck for what to read next?

Shire’s editorial team shares some favourite discoveries.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This heart-warming novel tells the story of a grumpy old man named Ove (changed to Otto for the recent film version starring Tom Hanks) who is fiercely committed to his routines and principles, and the unexpected changes that occur in his life. Set in a small Swedish town, it is filled with touching moments, laugh-out-loud humour and a cast of lovable characters.

Backman presents a beautiful exploration of the human experience, showing how friendship and kindness can transform even the most stubborn and unhappy people. Ove is a complex and endearing character, and his journey from bitter old man to compassionate and loving friend is both inspiring and heart-warming. The writing style is simple yet profound, capturing the essence of everyday life in a way that is both relatable and poignant. The author’s use of backstory to develop Ove’s character is particularly e ective, and it adds depth and dimension to the narrative. Warning: expect tears.

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

Now a familiar name on the bestseller lists, Mackintosh’s debut is a gripping and emotionally charged read that follows the story of Jenna Gray, who flees to a remote Welsh town to escape her tragic past. The book is a masterful blend of suspense, mystery and psychological drama, and will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The story is told from alternating perspectives, with skilful use of flashback creating a sense of tension and unease that builds throughout. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their struggles and motivations are portrayed with authenticity and nuance.

One of the most impressive aspects is how the author handles di cult subject matter. The book deals with themes of grief, trauma and domestic abuse, and it does so with sensitivity and respect. Not only that, a brilliant plot twist halfway in leaves the reader questioning everything they had already presumed about the story…

Can it really be Can it really be just a year, since we took a walk out here, Watching the lambs out at play reminds me of that sunny day. The sun’s warmth made you smile as we sat and talked for a while. You smiled and said it’s good to chat, Nothing much, just this and that. We both knew the end was near, Hard to believe it would take less than a year.

Garry Thomas

A gentle rippling and then Swishing as the water reaches the harbour walls.

Happy people, excited children, The hypnotic afternoon sun, Lulling some to doze and dream. The beach quietens, Picnics eaten, time to gather scattered items.

Keep your secret, Dyfi Estuary, for now. Just maybe the bells will peal And then divulge their hidden place.

Helen Sweet

Lonely Tree

You’ve all seen me, on your walks, your travels – the lonely tree

If you have had a thought, you probably have just said, that’s strange, but it’s nature, so let it be

But I have feelings, you know Why, when my seed was planted, others not sown I grew up with no friends

Occasionally I would be looked at by the farmer who would tend

Cuckoo

Here I come and then I go, Be sure to enjoy my summer show! In April I open my beak For the hirsute caterpillars I seek. In May I call my name all day, Hoping she will come my way. In June my call has a change And looks to distant realms to range. In July it’s time to fly away And not taint my northern stay. In August I’m bound south to Africa To a central portion and its exotica.

Norman Marshall

To any branches growing in the wrong direction

And with a saw, he would take out that section

But to me, it was like taking o a limb

One that I spent years growing and now sprouting acorns that would yield Necessary food for birds and animals As I stood lonely in this field

I stand throughout the seasons

In wind, rain, snow and blizzards –In weather that may be considered treason

But of all seasons, I welcome the spring My arms (branches) start producing blossom

Making my wooden heart go “ting”

Jo Young

The Plastic Bottle

Stand still and listen a moment. Are they ringing?

The Bells of Aberdyfi. The legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod would be proved from their sound. Are the sandbanks mu ing their tone ? Again and again children have stood on the Dyfi beach Hoping to win the prize. Oh Seithennin!

Neglecting your watchman’s duty gave us a lasting tale. Now the estuary is sparkling As subterranean fireworks exploding on its surface.

We

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