WELCOME, DEAR READER…
Publisher Dan Bromage Editor Kate Speedie Chief Subeditor Wendy Reed Staff Writers Juliet Davies Lynda Kenny Alison Steele Designers Ella Knight Meryl McIntosh Advertising Design Andy Beavis Sales & Marketing Pauline Jones Jon Hunt Sophie Hunt Distribution Manager Paul Howard Finance & Accounts David Kynaston Nicky Kynaston Jane Osman Contributors Holly Johnson, John Hargreaves, P Parker, Helen Cooke, Bob Hickman, Lisa Whelan, Eryl Jones, Adele Barry, Catherine Buckley, Alice Leetham, Deborah Law, Lee Ruddin, J McKinney Credits Selected Images by pressfoto on Freepik
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e can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas! The year has flown by, but the season of cheer is practically upon us and we can’t wait to make the most of it – and help all our readers to do the same. Whether you’re hitting the town with friends, hosting the office Christmas party or simply gathering the family for a good old-fashioned knees-up, this special edition of Shire is packed with everything you need for an unforgettable festive season. For starters, we’ve rounded up the very best local shops and businesses, who are ready to help you find the perfect gifts, tastiest ingredients and most Christmassy experiences! ‘Use it or lose it’ has never been more true in these tricky economic times. Supporting local business is good for our communities, our planet and ultimately all of us – so let’s make it a caring, Shire-ing celebration this year. For our festive food and drink section, we’ve spoken to so many fabulous producers, artisan bakers, brewers and butchers that your mouth will be watering before you turn the first page! There’s food news, our regular wine column and restaurant reviews too, plus two delectable recipes to try at home. When we tackled the subject of good bosses in our last issue, we were amazed at the feedback. You loved our feature – so we hope you’ll enjoy meeting more inspirational individuals from across the patch. And all your favourite sections are here too: homes, arts, books, schools, fashion, health, holidays and so much more! Happy reading – and a very Happy Christmas from all of us at Shire! IN THIS ISSUE FOLLOW THE LEADER The second part of our feature on local business heroes
Email Shire magazine editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk advertising@shiremagazine.co.uk
Shire Magazine PO Box 276 Oswestry Shropshire SY10 1FR Tel: 01691 661270
Festive markets, fresh trees, gifts, turkey – all you need for Christmas is right here!
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Print ISSN 2514-3913 Online ISSN 2514-3921 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 © 2023 Superstar Publishing Ltd, all rights reserved. Registered Number: 10604188.
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BRING IT ON! Our What’s On guide is crammed with inspiration for Bonfire Night, Christmas nights out, and New Year’s too!
GET IN TOUCH! We want to hear from you…
Tell us about your upcoming events. Just remember that we work in advance, so 1st December is the deadline for events you’d like to feature in our January/February issue.
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Reader poems Do you like penning the odd line? So do we! Send us your poems – we’d love to include them on our poetry page. See page 121 for more.
Share your reader stories. Have you got an exciting or extraordinary story to tell? We’d like to feature it in the next issue. Send us an email – and don’t forget to include a picture or two as well.
We have lots of regulars readers can contribute to:
Reader photos Taken a great shot recently? Email your best effort and it might get featured! See page 105.
Your pets Is your pet the love of your life? Send a snap, along
A free copy of Shire delivered to your door! If you’re having trouble getting to the supermarket and would prefer your copy delivered to you at home, just send us an A4 sae with £2 postage to Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. We’ll send you the latest issue by return.
with their name and anything else you want to tell us. See page 107 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 shiremagazine.co.uk and send submissions and information by email to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk
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November/December 2023 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 3
