Shrewsbury Hype Magazine April May 2014

HYPE

THE

Shrewsbury Front Cover final_Full Page Bleed New 25/03/2014 11:16 Page 1

SHREWSBURY & OSWESTRY

SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

FREE SPRING EDITION LEISURE FASHION ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS STYLE FOOD & DRINK HEALTH BEAUTY

GARY BARLOW WHAT’S ON

24 - NEW SEASON LITTLE MIX

FILM RELEASES

LOCAL FEATURES

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Contents - Shrewsbury3_Full Page Bleed New 25/03/2014 10:04 Page 1

www.hypemagazine.co.uk THE HYPE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES IT’S 1st BIRTHDAY!!

With Easter eggs on the menu, and a couple of the main holidays approaching, it’s time to look at whats on in Shrewsbury! We have loads to keep the whole family happy, from the latest offerings at the cinema to loads of live tours and a fab ‘whats on’ guide for SHREWSBURY! Plus we Interview Sophie Ellis Bextor! Enjoy!!

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What’s On

Entertainment Guide - Shrewsbury

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Origins Restaurant

We review Origins Restaurant at Shrewsbury College!

24 - New Series!

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HYPE The gorgeous Sophie Ellis-Bextor drops by to chat to us about her new tour!

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CONTENTS

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Interview

FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please contact the Hype on:

01952 787 786

Jack Bauer is BACK, with a new series!

Film Releases - Rio 2

Check out the latest blockbuster movies to hit the big screens!

Gary Barlow - Solo Tour

Gary Barlow gets down to the LG!

Mitchell’s Journey

10 year old Mitchell Dee Jones lost his brave battle with DMD. His inspirational father writes about his experiences, helping raise awareness of this terrible illness.

Fashion Fix

Check out Spring Fashion with the latest hot trends.

www.hypemagazine.co.uk

The Hype Magazine is proud to support local businesses, although we do not accept responsibility for loss, damage or ommision by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork and editorial is accepted on condition that permission has been given for use of publication.

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Shrewsbury What's On new_Double Page Editorial 25/03/2014 11:09 Page 1

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CLASSIC GHOSTS Theatre Severn Mon 07 - Wed 09 Apr Starring award-winning veteran actor Jack Shepherd, who is probably best known for his portrayal of Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe in the television series Wycliffe. £15.00 - £22.00 GARY BARLOW LG Arena Birmingham 08 APR & 19 APR Since I Saw You Last Tour - Following the announcement of the details of his first studio album in 14 years ‘Since I Saw You Last’, Gary Barlow has confirmed that he will be bringing his solo tour to the LG Arena for 2 dates in April.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE LG Arena Birmingham 11 & 12 APR The 20/20 Experience World Tour - The President of Pop, Justin Timberlake, has announced that The 20/20 Experience World Tour will continue through UK/ Europe, hitting Birmingham’s LG Arena on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April.

ABBA MANIA Theatre Severn Sat 12 Apr £16.50 - £18.50

April/May 2014

2014 SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL CARTOON FESTIVAL Shrewsbury town centre, SY1 1RN From Sat 19th Apr - Sat 24th May The theme for Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival 2014 is MUSIC. The exhibition will run from mid-April to mid-May with the main Festival weekend 'Cartoonists Live' is on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April 2014.

SHREWSBURY BIKE4LIFE 2014 RAF Cosford Sunday 27th April 11am - 4pm In addition to the Ride Out, the Festival attracts bikers, the local community and families alike and in 2014 will include arena displays, stalls, exhibitions, live music courtesy of Planet Rock, tutorials promoting biker safety, refreshments and more. Website www.bike4lifefest.com

SHREWSBURY REGATTA Pengwern Boat Club, Kingsland, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 7BD Sat 10th May 8:30am - 6pm The Shrewsbury Regatta is two days of free family fun on 10th and 11th May 2014. Racing is from 8.30am to 6pm each day. As well as all the fun of the races there is easy and quick access to the interesting town centre, where you will find numerous boutiques, restaurants, bars and more...

WET WET WET'S GRAEME CLARK @ Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury Sun 11th May - On Stage at 8:30pm Performing in an intimate acoustic setting this is a unique chance to see Graeme where he thrives – performing to an audience he can see and hear.

Tickets £12.00

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KATY PERRY - PRISMATIC TOUR LG Arena Birmingham 13 & 14 MAY Katy Perry ROARS into Birmingham with Special Guest icona pop!

LITTLE MIX LG Arena Birmingham 16 MAY Global pop sensations Little Mix will be embarking on their biggest UK tour to date in May 2014, with their opening show at Birmingham’s LG Arena.

2014 SHROPSHIRE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SHOW AND COUNTY HORSE SHOW IN SHREWSBURY The Agricultural Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF Sat 24th May This popular family show is very successful, the Shropshire County Agricultural Show and the County Horse Show in Shrewsbury are combining in 2014 and visitors will experience an impressive show with lots to see and do.

TIA MCGRAFF @ Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury Sun 25 May - On Stage at 8:30pm tickets £9.00

THE SEVERN HOSPICE CHARITY MIDNIGHT WALK IN SHREWSBURY Shrewsbury Sports Village, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RQ. Sat 31st May, 11pm - Sun 1st June In 2014 the Severn Hospice Midnight Walk in Shrewsbury will have an 80's theme. Registration is just £10 and you are asked to raise as much sponsorship as you can. To sign up for the walk Contact 01743 354450

To advertise call 01952 787786

AD GRID X 2_- 20/03/2014 14:14 Page 1

Markets have been a major part of the trading and historical importance of Oswestry for many centuries.

The Wednesday and Saturday outdoor markets s ll create a wide ranging balance of traders with hustle and bustle, colour and excitement to interest visitors and shoppers alike.

There’s also an excellent Farmers' Market held on the last Friday of every month selling the best in local produce such as pies and pastries, meat and fish - all at the highest quality.

Pitches available at just ÂŁ10 a stall.

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For more informa on please contact David Clough on d.clough@oswestrytc.gov.uk

Origins Restaurant_Double Page Editorial 21/03/2014 13:12 Page 1

Origins Restaurant One of the perks of my job is that I get to dine at some of the top restaurants and eateries in Shropshire. When I was invited to Origins restaurant situated at Shrewsbury College to a themed Italian night, I didn’t know what to expect. The College’s restaurant and training kitchens have relocated from the Radbrook site to London Road as part of a £15 million project to improve and modernise the latter campus.

The new commercially run and licensed restaurant will give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment and stay ahead of industry trends.

Led by qualified and experienced chefs and front of house professionals, students will learn about the principles of cookery, compatibility of flavours, food service and complimentary wines - all to make your meal at Origins an enjoyable experience.

Upon entrance we were greeted by friendly faces, which instantly put us at ease. The restaurant looked great – it was modern and contemporary, with touches

of elegance throughout. We were escorted to our table, seated and had our napkins placed on our laps – lovely professional touch! From our vantage point we could see the open kitchen through a glass wall, and you could see all the students were hard at work.

We were handed menus and caramelised onion bread & oil to nibble on, whilst we decided on our meal. We also ordered drinks – a pinot grigiot for Stef, and an orange juice for me. Taking some time to look around, what struck me was the professionalism of the front of house team. They were all well mannered, well presented and were working efficiently under the supervision of their tutor – it was quite easy to forget they were students.

The Italian themed menu wasn’t over complicated – For starters, Stef opted for the Italian meatballs on a bed of spaghetti coated in a tomato and caper sauce. I chose the Minestrone Soup. For our mains, Stef had the Lamb Osso Buco with Rutabaga mash, and I decided on the Feta cheese and spinach Cannelloni, topped with roasted vine tomatoes.

Before we knew it, out came the starters.

The presentation was superb and the food smelt great (which is 50% of the battle won) We dived straight in – Stef’s comments on his meatballs starter was that the meat was succulent and tender.

The spaghetti was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was full of flavour. My

Minestrone soup was devine! It was rustic, warming and oozed flavour – 2 very happy diners that were now looking forward to the mains – and we didn’t have to wait long – the service here is great!

Again the presentation was superb (which you can see from the pictures) Stef’s lamb was tender and flavoursome, and the accompaniments of vegetables and mash went well with the lamb. I had high hopes for my Cannelloni, and I wasn’t disappointed – one word...perfect! The spinach was seasoned well, the pasta was cooked to perfection and the sauce had lovely kick to it. We were both pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food.

You can tell that the ingredients were fresh, and that a lot of time and effort had gone into not just the cooking, but the sourcing of ingredients.

We were full to the brim, but could not resist a dessert – we finished off the meal with a Panettone, served with brandy cream and I went for the Italian custard tart, served with mixed berry compote, and topped with toasted pine nuts. Again the desserts were of the highest quality, and complimented the whole meal – a perfect ending to what can only be described as a great dining experience.

After the meal we were lucky enough to be shown around some of the facilities that the students use. No wonder the calibre of the food is so high – they have everything they require (and more) to

Origins Restaurant_Double Page Editorial 21/03/2014 13:12 Page 2

excel in their chosen field. I doubt that some of the more established, well known chefs in Shropshire have access to the kind of kitchens that these students train in.

These students are a credit to the Origins restaurant and to the college as a whole, and I would high recommend that you pay Origins a visit – you will not be disappointed!

Afternoon tea Afternoon tea is available Monday to Thursday between 2-4.30pm. We offer a large selection of teas from leaf teas to herbal and fruit infusions and coffee is freshly ground using beans specially selected by Shropshire Coffee. Biscuits, scones and cakes are available daily.

Bookings are not necessary, however for large parties we do advise making a reservation.

Lunches A full lunch menu is served from 12-1pm Tuesday to Thursday in the restaurant and reservations are advisable. We serve a Lite Bites menu Monday to Thursday.

Lunch service is run by catering students in their first year of study. For many this is the first time they have had the opportunity to work in a kitchen or look after customers.

Dinner We are open for dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The bar is open all afternoon for those wanting to organise a pre-dinner drink.

Origins Restaurant | Main Campus | London Road | Shrewsbury | SY2 6PR Direct Line 01743 342537

Bookings are taken from 6.45pm until 7.30pm. Dinner is cooked and served by second and third year students specialising in either front of house or kitchen. Dinner is priced at £14.95 per person (not including tea or coffee).

Theme Evenings 2014 10 April - Indian Night 30 April - St. George's Night Origins Restaurant | Main Campus | London Road | Shrewsbury | SY2 6PR Direct Line 01743 342537

Ludlow Food Festival Edit_Double Page Editorial 24/03/2014 15:27 Page 1

Ludlow Spring Festival 9-11 May

SPRING FESTIVAL GIVES MORE, MORE, MORE! This year’s Ludlow Spring Festival promises to be a real corker bringing together the very best regional beer, food, music and 30 years of the Marches Transport Festival.

This is a beer festival and so much more, with 190 glorious beers from more than 50 local brewers available to taste over the weekend. For those not so keen on beer, don’t worry there will also be ciders, perries, fruit flavoured liqueurs and local wines.

There will also be plenty of artisan producers too, so don’t wait ‘till the September festival to stock up on your favourite products.

The talks and demonstrations area in the Inner Bailey has been a roaring success over the last couple of years and there will be a full programme throughout the weekend. Look out for Suree Coates from the multi-award winning King & Thai, world cheese awards founder Juliet Harbutt and TV chef and local cookery school owner Marcus Bean. Details for the workshops were being finalised as we went to press so please check the festival’s website www.springfestival.co.uk As always the beer and food are accompanied by a wealth of great music from jazz and blues to Latin and folk, as well as The Marches Transport

Festival. You’ll be able to peruse pre war gems right through to modern days classics of the 70’s and 80’s.

This year’s Ludlow Spring Festival runs 10 - 11 May - however, there is a special preview evening on Friday 9 May when visitors can ‘Meet the Brewer’. It’s a unique opportunity to talk to brewers about their beers and sample the full selection. With prizes handed out early in the weekend, favourites sell out quickly so the Friday preview is an opportunity not to be missed.

2014 OPENING TIMES: Friday 9th May Meet the Brewer Preview night 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm Saturday 10th May 10.00 am to 9.00 pm Sunday 11th May 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Ticket prices for Ludlow Spring Festival 2014 in Ludlow Castle: 1-DAY TICKET (Saturday or Sunday) Adult: £6 Children: £2 Family: £15 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 14) 2-DAY TICKET (Saturday and Sunday) Adult: £9 Children: £3 Family: £21 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 14) FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW & MEET THE BREWER 5-9pm Adults only: Ticket £2 For further information please visit http://www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk The festival can also be contacted on 01584 873957.

AD GRID X 3_- 24/03/2014 15:42 Page 1

Tel: 01743 719 100

www.silverrocksvodka.com

www.oldhallpersian.co.uk

Taste of the East Gourmet Tour of Persia

A culinary selec'on of Persia’s finest dishes together with some of my own crea'ons. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm; 3 Courses: £16.95.

Food is different, but not ‘strange’.

Demonstra'ng live at the Shrewsbury Food Fes'val in June!

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LUXURY VODKA FROM POLAND

10% Off* when you men'on the ‘HYPE’.

Daily: 5:30pm - 10.30pm Sun Lunch: 12:30 - 4:00pm Now also available Sundays 12-4pm. (subject to minimum of six guests booked)

Old Hall Restaurant, Main Road, Dorrington, SY5 7JD

Garlic & Chilli Prawns1_Double Page Editorial 26/02/2014 16:43 Page 1

Garlic & Chilli Prawns

Ingredients g 100g butter, chopped

g 2 tablespoons olive oil

g 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

g 3 red cayenne chillies,

thinly sliced g 1kg medium green king prawns, peeled (tails intact), deveined g 1 medium tomato, deseeded, finely chopped g 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves g crusty bread and lemon wedges, to serve

Method Step 1 Melt butter and oil in a large, deep frying pan over mediumhigh heat. Add garlic and chilli. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add prawns. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until prawns are pink.

Step 2 Stir in tomato and parsley.

Serve with crusty bread and lemon wedges.

Vanilla Panna Cotta Ingredients For the panna cotta 3 gelatine leaves 250ml/9fl oz milk 250ml/9fl oz double cream 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways, seeds scraped out 25g/1oz sugar For the sauce 175g/6oz sugar 175ml/6fl oz water 350g/12oz raspberries To serve fresh mint & icing sugar, to dust Preparation method 1.For the panna cotta, soak the gelatine leaves in a little cold water until soft.

2.Place the milk, cream, vanilla pod and seeds and sugar into a pan and bring to a simmer. Remove the

vanilla pod and discard.

3.Squeeze the water out of the gelatine leaves, then add to the pan and take off the heat. Stir until the gelatine has dissolved.

4.Divide the mixture among four moulds and leave to cool. Place into the fridge for at least an hour, until set.

5.For the sauce, put the sugar & water into a pan and bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved.

6.Take the pan off the heat and add half the raspberries. Using a hand blender, blend the sauce until smooth.

7.Pass the sauce through a sieve into a bowl and stir in the remaining fruit.

8.To serve, turn each panna cotta out onto a serving plate. Spoon over the sauce and garnish with a sprig of mint. Dust with icing sugar.

Mmm...

Jenkos_Full Page Bleed New 26/03/2014 18:30 Page 1

RESTAURANT OPEN From 7pm - Tues-Thurs From 6pm - Fri-Sat 12noon - 3pm - Sunday

SUNDAY LUNCHES 12-3pm Bookings Essential HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE

BAR OPEN 12pm - 11pm Daily

72 Beveley Road, Ketley, Telford, TF2 6SD

TEL: 01952 617997 www.jenkos.co.uk

JENKO’S MONGOLIAN BARBEQUE at The Compasses For the same great price we can also prepare meals for you ready to collect for you to take away. Just give us a call and If you don’t fancy leaving the house, then Here at Jenko’s it’s not just a fun evening place your order and we will let you know there is no need to go to the trouble of we know how to get right, it’s also a cooking a Sunday dinner, as we also deliver when it will be ready. perfect Sunday dinner. With a choice of 5 different meats available alongside a range dinners to your doorstep.

Avoid disappointment and book your table of other traditional Sunday dinner now!

With the same choice of food from the selections, you’ll be pleased to know the servery, our staff will prepare the meal carvery is also ALL YOU CAN EAT! So Bookings are taken from 12.00pm – whether it’s delicious roast chicken or pork with fresh food to your exact needs, all it will take is a phone call and we will do the 2.30pm with the same time given to place and apple that takes your fancy, you can your order for a home delivery! rest. try all the different varieties of Sunday dinner possible from our always fresh self The meals come in either adult or childs service servery.

Book now on: 01952 617997 portions with a seperate portion of real Eating in means you can enjoy your dinner meat gravy (vegetarian gravy on request) for each dinner. A selection of desserts are in the candle-lit log cabin, even eating on also available to finish off your perfect Any questions? our staff will be more than the decking at the rear of the building in happy to help on the above number. the summer under the sun. Remember to afternoon with your feet up. Adults delivery £9.00, Childs delivery £7.00, save room for one of our many amazing Desserts £3.00.

ALL YOU CAN EAT! desserts.

Adults Mongolian BBQ – £17.50 There is a delivery charge on top of the Childs Mongolian BBQ – £8.95 Adults carveries are priced at just £11.95, order of just £2.00.

Steak, Chips & Salad – £17.50 with children priced at only £6.95.

(Delivery to any building with a Telford Steak & Mongolian BBQ – £24.50 Postcode).

BOTH ALL YOU CAN EAT!

SUNDAY DINNER DELIVERY

BUT, It doesn’t end there!

Henry Tudor House New_Double Page Editorial 24/03/2014 10:58 Page 1

Comedy Nights at Shrewsbury’s Henry Tudor House The club nights are hosted in the top floor room at Henry Tudor House, which has a purpose-built stage, excellent lighting and acoustics and can seat up to 100 people.

Have you heard the one about the great place in Shrewsbury which is now hosting some top comedy acts?

The increasingly popular town restaurant and music venue Henry Tudor House, situated off Wyle Cop, launched its new comedy club venture in February 2014, booking several high profile comedians for its first two monthly events.

Both evenings sold out weeks in advance so I was lucky to secure tickets to see these high profile acts.

It is a superb location for intimate comedy nights with a great atmosphere and the packed audiences were shouting for more after being entertained non-stop for nearly 2 hours.

“Both evenings were extremely popular, proving that there is a big demand for high quality stand-up comedy in Shropshire and we are very excited about our forthcoming events,” said Henry Tudor House proprietor Graham Jenkins.

“Big crowds turned out for the first comedy club shows, with each night featuring four comedians, and everyone really enjoyed themselves, so we are expecting tickets to be snapped up for our next event in April and I’m sure it will be equally as successful,” he said.

The winner of a top entertainment award is the headline act for the next live comedy evening at Henry Tudor House on April 9. Rob Rouse, a former recipient of Channel Four's prestigious 'So You Think You're Funny' competition, will also be joined by MC Tom Olver. Tom is acknowledged as one of the best MCs in the business and his TV warm-up credits include Vicar of Dibley, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Last Leg, 10 O'Clock Live, The Jonathon Ross Show, Stand Up for the Week, Have I Got News for You and Deal or No Deal.

Rob and Tom are both regular performers at major venues on both the London and national circuits and they will be joined on stage in Shrewsbury by fellow comedians Chris Turner and Wes Zaharuk.

Tickets cost £12 each and are available from Henry Tudor House or online at www.henrytudorhouse.com/live. Don’t miss it - I guarantee you a great night out.

By Imran Ahmed

Dan Nightingale

Sol Bernstein

Rob Deering

HTH Advert_Full Page Bleed New 24/03/2014 14:07 Page 1

BCM Edit Shrewsbury_Full Page Bleed New 23/01/2014 20:24 Page 1

AD GRID X 3_- 21/03/2014 13:20 Page 1

Cambrian house emporium OSWESTRY

ANTIQUES, COLLECTABLES, ARTS & CRAFTS

Tel: 01691 652257 Mob: 07837 245769

sat nav SY11-1HS Find us on Facebook and tweet us on Twi er.

Stalls of Antiques, Collectables, Period Furniture, Kitchenalia, Painted Furniture, Arts & Crafts all under one roof.

Open 7 days a week. Spaces still available to rent. Ample FREE parking.

Coffee shop. Cafe has 5* hygiene rating.

Learn to play the Piano Accordion

All ages and abili es welcome, from total, absolute, can’t-read-a-note-of-music beginners up to grade 5.

Learn just for pleasure or even take grades; the choice is totally yours.

All styles catered for, such as French / con nental, classical, folk, La n American, Sco sh, etc.

Spare accordions available to borrow.

Free taster lesson.

Call Ed Moseley (Church Stre on) on 07813 520 282

India - Road Working Families_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 13:02 Page 1

“With palm trees swaying in gentle Indian Ocean breezes and hot winter sun beaming down on parched grasslands, Goa provides a welcome retreat from the rain and cold of the Northern Hemisphere”

With palm trees swaying in gentle Indian Ocean breezes and hot winter sun beaming down on parched grasslands, Goa provides a welcome retreat from the rain and cold of the Northern Hemisphere. Offering glorious beaches and low prices, each year thousands of tourists from northern Europe and Russia escape the winter months, descending on the sun drenched beaches of India’s West Coast to take advantage of good weather and easy living.

When a three-course meal and a bottle of wine can cost as little as five pounds a head it is of little wonder so many arrive in their droves. For visitors brave enough to navigate India’s hectic, bustling traffic a motor bike can set you back just two pounds a day, yet many of those exploring Goa’s coastal roads often ride past the lives of others living in the poorest of conditions.

One mile from the beach resort town of Anjuna with its small bistros, bars and stalls, lies a small roadside tenement of makeshift tents whose occupants watch tourists pass by with lives far removed from their own.

The ramshackle camp of plastic and sack covered bamboo plays home to several families who move from town to town mending the roads and highways throughout India. As the men toil away in unforgiving sun their wives and children remain within the camp. Seldom leaving their confines they launder and cook throughout the day as they await the return of their loved ones late in the evening.

Travelling across the country from their home in Rajasthan, southern India acts as a magnet to such families as work is plentiful on India’s growing network of

roads. Although this carries an uncertainty towards their temporary home. For these makeshift camps are often gone as quickly as they arrived with each family moving onto the next town that calls out for another roadway to be built.

Taking into account the hardship of poor sanitation and living conditions their home holds an unconsidered quality. A sense of joy runs throughout the camp, bringing together each family into the kind of tight knit community often lost in today’s western society. With help from Anjuna’s local mayor and the surrounding community the kindness of others aids the trials the camp’s inhabitants face. Yet although in Indian economic terms the roadwork is relatively well paid the price these families pay is to live such a nomadic existence.

Photos & Editorial by Julian Bound

India - Road Working Families_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 13:02 Page 2

India:

Road Working Families

by Julian Bound

HYPE TRAVEL FEATURE

ROUNDERS RETURNS1_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 12:37 Page 1

Some of the players from The A Team, the crowned champions of the 2013 season

Rounders Returns for 2014 in Shrewsbury

Following on from the success of the first recreational rounders league in Shrewsbury last year, the 5 original teams have now formed a committee in order to build upon the success of the 2013 season.

Last year, the rounders league was set up

by Shropshire Council’s Leisure Services to help introduce more people to the sport.

The league attracted a mix of players and it is set to return this year with the same teams and it is hoped that new teams will also join the league. Although being run by a committee formed by the teams, Leisure Services are supporting the players while they take on their new roles and responsibilities.

Matches will be held through the Spring and Summer at London Road Sports Centre with some initial sessions, allowing match and skills practice, taking place on the 15th, 22nd and 29th April. The league is set to start on Tuesday 6th May and

LOCAL FEATURE

continue each week until July 29th. A mini handicapped tournament will then take place in August, based on the league positions held by each team. It is anticipated that all sessions will commence at 6:30pm.

Pre-formed rounders teams will be welcome to join the 2014 season and any interested teams are encouraged to contact the current committee via Leisure Services at Shropshire Council for further information. Please note that new teams to the league must be able to confirm all players by the start of April to allow fixtures to be organised. It is advised to contact Shropshire Council Leisure Services as soon as possible if you wish to enter a team to the league.

If individuals are interested in taking up rounders, there will be some new start up sessions which will be held at both Reman Cricket Club and Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology. Additionally, there

will be a mixed Charity Rounders Tournament taking place on the 13th April, 2014. Again, please contact Leisure Services for further information and to register an interest. It may also be possible for Leisure Services to pass individual details on to current teams who may be looking for additional players.

To keep up to date with the Rounders League please 'like' the Shrewsbury Recreational Rounders League Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shrewsburyrounders or follow them on Twitter: @ShrewsRounders If you would like to play in the League, or find out more information regarding the start up rounders sessions, please contact Leisure Services at leisure@shropshire.gov.uk or 01743 255071.

NKOTB_Double Page Editorial 05/02/2014 12:26 Page 1

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

WHAT’S ON

GETTING INTIMATE AT THE NIA BIRMINGHAM!

NKOTB

Get Intimate with New Kids on the Block!

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK recently announce details of their upcoming European tour, comprising a series of special live dates. Coming to Birmingham’s NIA on 31 May 2014, the show will give fans a rare opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with one of the biggest music bands of all time.

With their last European dates being the incredibly successful ‘NKOTBSB’ arena tour in 2012, ranking high on both Pollstar's ‘Top 50 Worldwide Tours (Mid-Year)’ and Billboard's annual ‘Top 25 Tours’, the award-winning international pop sensations are poised to make a spectacular return to wow their fans in their most intimate tour in 20 years.

Audiences will be treated to performances of some of the band’s most iconic hits such as ‘You Got It (The Right Stuff)’, ‘Hangin Tough’ and ‘Please Don’t Go Girl’, taking them on a trip down memory lane, as well as current hits ‘Single’ and ‘Remix (I Like The)’ whilst getting the chance to be closer to the boys than ever before.

Tickets are available from www.theticketfactory.com or 0844 338 8000.

Comprised of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood, New Kids on

the Block have sold 80 million albums worldwide and dominated airwaves with a bevy of hits such as "You Got It (The Right Stuff)", "Cover Girl", "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)", "Hangin' Tough", "I'll Be Loving You", "Step By Step", and "Tonight". After 15 years out of the spotlight, the 21st century saw the boys from Boston stage one of the biggest and most anticipated reunions of all time. In 2008, they officially revealed their return on The Today Show. Their long-awaited and hotly anticipated return album, The Block, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and the supporting tour reached a cumulative audience of over one million people. In 2013, the release of their sixth studio album ‘10’ debuted at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200, and to mark their continuing success, New Kids on the Block will receive a coveted start on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in August 2014.

Announcing the European dates, the band said:

“"We've played arenas, and stadiums, all over the world in the last 6 years. Yet, some of our best concerts have been in the most intimate of venues, where we are closer to our amazing fans. This tour gives us a chance to have that intimacy with our fans again. To get up close and intimate with the best fans in the world".

24 live another day_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 10:05 Page 1

24: 24: LIVE LIVE ANOTHER ANOTHER DAY DAY

JACK IS BACK! Being a huge fan of 24 personally, I have been eagerly awaiting it’s return. So, I was thrilled to see that Jack Bauer is coming back in May 2014, with the latest offering from the hit show; 24: Live Another Day! 24: Live Another Day, a thrilling new series set to restart the clock on the groundbreaking and Emmy Awardwinning drama franchise starring Kiefer Sutherland. Produced by 20th Century Fox Television, Imagine Television and Howard Gordon's Teakwood Lane Productions, "24: Live Another Day" will make its historic debut in the summer of 2014 on Fox!

The high-octane saga will reunite showrunner Howard Gordon with Sutherland and retain the real-time, pulse-pounding, fast-paced format with split screens and complex interweaving storylines, with 12 episodes representing 24 hours. The suspense filled series once again follows the exploits of heroic agent Jack Bauer (Sutherland), who will resume his story several years following the events of the final, season 8.

"The response to '24' is unlike anything I have ever experienced as an actor before," noted Sutherland. "To have the

HYPE TV SHOWS

chance to reunite with the character, Jack Bauer, is like finding a lost friend.

The story ideas from Howard Gordon are exciting and fresh, and will not disappoint. Great thanks to 20th Century Fox Television, Imagine Television and the FOX network for this opportunity.

Make no mistake, my goal is to knock your socks off. See you soon."

"Jack Bauer has always been an exciting, thrilling character, and I confess that I've missed him. I think the audience has too," said executive producer Howard Gordon who served as showrunner for most of the series' run and won multiple Emmy Awards for his work. "The character has evolved through the years, and this new and exciting event series format is perfect to tell the next chapter of his story and continue to reflect how the world is changing. Fans can rest assured that the Jack they know and love will be back."

The clock is due to start ticking on 24: Live Another Day on 5th May 2014 on Fox. As usual it will be a roller coaster ride, that is assured to get the adrenaline flowing. Can Jack stop a terrorist attack so bad that it could change the world?? Well, this is Jack Bauer, we are talking about...

24 live another day_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 10:05 Page 2

Films_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 10:09 Page 1

EDGE OF TOMORROW

RELEASE DATE 30 May 2014 The epic action of Edge of Tomorrow movie unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world. Lt. Col. Bill Cage (Tom Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to little more than a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again… and again. But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Lara Pulver

XMEN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

RELEASE DATE 22 May 2014 The X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from X-Men: First Class in a battle that must change the past – to save their future.

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Evan Peters, Michael Fassbender

RIO 2

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Films_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 10:09 Page 2

LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY'S RETURN RELEASE DATE 9 May 2014 In the latest chapter in the Oz legacy, Dorothy returns to Kansas only to find it devastated by the tornado that had whisked her away to Oz. The home she has been so desperate to return to is severely damaged and the townspeople are packing up and moving out. But shortly after arriving, she is magically transported back to Oz. She finds out that Oz is in trouble and the people there need her help. Dorothy's old friends have disappeared and Oz is in a state of decay. As she journeys to find her friends, she encounters a number of new companions.

With: Hugh Dancy, Lea Michele, Patrick Stewart

THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2 RELEASE DATE 18 April 2014 We've always known that Spider-Man's most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing SpiderMan 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead. It's great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there's no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx

It's a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they're hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all his father-in-law!

Release Date: 4 April 2014 Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Will i Am, Jamie Foxx, Jake T. Austin, Rodrigo Santoro, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, George Lopez, Kristin Chenoweth, Tracy Morgan, Andy Garcia and John Leguizamo

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GARY

BARLOW

Gary Barlow_Double Page Editorial 24/02/2014 19:14 Page 1

Brings His Tour To Birmingham!

Gary Barlow is one of our national treasures. From his days with Take That, through to his dry witted humour as a judge on X Factor, he really is a top guy.

The Since I Saw You Last Tour 2014 will see Gary play some of the biggest venues he has ever played as a solo artist, including The O2 in London, Birmingham LG Arena, Glasgow SSE Hydro and Manchester Phones 4U Arena.

Gary also confirmed a show for Nordoff Robbins at London’s Royal Albert Hall which will take place on Tuesday 22nd April, a very special intimate show for the music charity, following his headline arena tour. The concert is an opportunity to raise much needed funds for Nordoff Robbins, to support the music therapy work the charity carries out around the UK.

Gary Barlow’s second single ‘Face To Face’, is a massive duet with his longtime friend and inspiration Sir Elton John,which was released on January 20th. This followed the release of his first single ‘Let Me Go’, which reached No.2 in the singles charts.

Gary recently released his new studio

album ‘Since I Saw you Last’ (his first in 14 years!) which reached No. 2 in the official charts and is still in the Top 5. Gary wrote all the songs for his new album in London and recorded them mainly between his own Future Studios and producer Steve Power’s TOP Studios, with the strings arrangements captured at Abbey Road Studios. Gary’s last solo album ‘Twelve Months, Eleven Days’ was released in 1999, with his debut solo record ‘Open Road’ hitting the No.1 spot in May 1997.

With Take That Gary Barlow can count eight Number One albums, selling more than 30 million copies, to his name. He has also been party to fifteen No.1 singles, sold seven million concert tickets as well as being the proud recipient of six Ivor Novello Awards. He was awarded an OBE for his contribution to British music last year following the work he has done with BBC Children In Need and the hugely successful Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert.

Gary Barlow’s headline arena tour, his biggest solo shows ever, which will kick off in Belfast on March 29th and finish in Sheffield on April 20th.

Full list of tour dates:

......................

April 2014

2/4/14 - Glasgow The SSE Hydro

3/4/14 - Leeds First Direct Arena 5/4/14 - London The O2 6/4/14 - London The O2

8/4/14 - Birmingham LG Arena

9/4/14 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 11/4/14 - Liverpool Echo Arena

12/4/14 - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena 14/4/14 - Manchester Phones 4u Arena 15/4/14 - Liverpool Echo Arena

17/4/14 - Nottingham Capital FM Arena 19/4/14 - Birmingham LG Arena

20/4/14 - Sheffield Motorpoint Arena

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Gary Barlow_Double Page Editorial 24/02/2014 19:14 Page 2

HYPE GARY BARLOW

Sophie Ellis-Bextor_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 10:41 Page 1

Sophie Ellis-Bextor DROPS BY TO CHAT ABOUT HER TOUR IN APRIL

Sophie Ellis-Bextor announced a 10-date UK tour, which kicks off in Birmingham on the 7th April, which follows the release of her new album ‘Wanderlust’ earlier this year.

We were excited to catch up with Sophie to find out more about what she has been up to, her album and the tour.

Imran: Hi Sophie!

Sophie: Hello, hi there Imran, how are you doing?

Imran: Very well thanks how are you?

Sophie: Good thanks!

Imran: Thank you for taking the time to speak to me, it’s a little bit overwhelming, it’s not every day I get to speak to my celebrity crush.

Sophie: (Laughs…a lot!) you charmer you!

Imran: I don’t want to scare you off, but I am a big fan.

Sophie: Ah thank you!

Imran: Have you got over your zero gravity experience?

Sophie: Yeah, it was really fun that.

Basically, I knew I liked crisps and I like trying weird and wonderful things but that was really fun and quite addictive actually.

Imran: Yeah I bet. It was for Walkers Pops wasn’t it. Would you recommend it to others?

Sophie: Definitely, it was really unique; you are literally floating around like a bubble!

we are probably one of the most informed generations there has been for a while, in terms of food and thinking about what we are eating, I think it’s just a case of being sensible really overall. I mean I love chips, but I know that you shouldn’t eat chips every day and you’ve got to be pretty active too, so yeah it’s just about being sensible.

Imran: Good, coming back to your recent ventures, how did you find the Strictly Come Dancing experience, was it ‘murder on the dance floor’? (Chuckles to himself!)

Sophie: Oh, good one! I have actually heard that twice now (laughing).

Imran: I know, I couldn’t resist! I thought to myself last night ‘do I ask that’ and then I just thought I had to!

Sophie: Why not! It was very intense but I loved it.

Imran: How did that come about?

Sophie: I have been really busy touring after the last album, not so much around the UK but around the world. I was actually having quite a nice life! So when I was approached I had to take some time to think about whether I was comfortable with all that Strictly would entail. But I thought you know what I’m quite a strong person, I’m pretty fearless, I had already made the album so I thought why not, what have I got to lose. I felt ready to take a bit of a risk really and I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much.

Imran: When will that air?

Sophie: It wasn’t for TV it was for print, so mainly photos. I went to Houston for the weekend did some zero gravity and ate some crisps.

Imran: Do you want to swap jobs??

Sophie: Well I felt a bit strange saying to my kids that I was off to work for the weekend, yet it’s a bit of a loose interpretation of the word work.

Imran: I’m the same; I love my job, so I don’t like calling it work. I suppose there is a health side to it also; do you think it’s important for people to make healthier choices?

Sophie: Well I love my food as much as the next person actually, I think the thing is that

Imran: That’s great. And now coming back to music how does it feel coming back to what you are best known for.

Sophie: Well I have been making music for a decade now and that’s been my day job for a while so for me it’s not back to music.

It’s more just a case of things continuing, and evolving really. It’s really lovely for it to be doing well in the UK but for me every

album I make, for me the goal is just to make music and I will always travel to where people want to hear me sing, so I have a very impressive range of stamps in my passport as a result of that.

Imran: It’s a great job! Your album ‘Wanderlust’ is out at the moment, what’s the response been like?

Sophie: Pretty overwhelming actually, it’s a very different kind of record, it’s not dance music and it’s not disco, so I didn’t know what people would make of it. It’s actually done really well for itself and I’m very proud of it and I’m very proud for all the people that were involved in it. It was definitely a work that came out of a love project rather than a big commercial work project.

Imran: What was the inspiration behind the album?

Sophie: Well I suppose the basic came from wanting to do something that I had never done before, that’s why some of the songs are about weird and wonderful things like fairy tales, witches and scary dolls and that kind of stuff and then it was also inspired by some eastern European trips that I have done recently, as I’ve been spending a lot of my time there and I suppose it’s about where I’m from and a bit of a love letter home as well.

Imran: I read something about it being very family and friends orientated?

Sophie: Yeah, my husband played bass.

I wrote the album with a guy called Ed Harcourt, his wife Eve and a friend Seaton was on guitar and it was just pulling in favours and all my favourite people basically.

Imran: I have just had a question put in front of me by one of the team who is a massive Armin Van Buuren fan; they just wanted to ask you what it was like working with him?

Sophie: Oh yeah, very cool! It’s quite funny that my last single release was a dance track with Armin Van Buuren called ‘Not Giving Up’ and then the next release ‘Young Blood’ is a ballad, folk type song. It shows you how diverse a career can be (laughs).

Imran: You are going on tour in April; we will be coming to see you in Birmingham.

What can we expect?

Sophie: Cool! Well I have the same

Sophie Ellis-Bextor_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 10:41 Page 2

musicians that recorded with me, doing the tour and we do the album but we also do a lot of the other songs too, ‘Murder On The Dance Floor’ ‘Groove jet’ so it’s going to be a quirky, eclectic but charming night out.

Imran: Fab, in terms of touring is that something you enjoy?

Sophie: Well I do a lot of touring! But touring this album will feel very special; it’s something of a departure, so we are really excited to get on the road.

Imran: In terms of balancing your work life and home life, how do you manage that?

Sophie: Well I have had kids for longer now than I was a singer without kids, so it’s kind of all we know. Family life is quite chaotic anyway so, you know, my oldest is nearly ten now, I just get on with it really. I am just used to it and my kids are used to it. My husband and I, we love being with the family but we love what we do so, you just have to do what makes you happy really haven’t you.

Imran: Absolutely! Finally Sophie, what can we look forward to next from you?

Sophie: Well we have this tour and then I have got loads of festivals, and then another tour in the autumn. I’m just basically following on from the album and seeing where it takes me.

“The tour is going to be a quirky, eclectic but hopefully a charming night out” HYPE INTERVIEW

Little Mix Tour_Double Page Editorial 26/02/2014 14:09 Page 1

Little Mixing It Up In T

Global pop sensations Little Mix will be embarking on their biggest UK tour to date in May-June 2014, with their opening show at Birmingham’s LG Arena.

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirwall recently returned with their outstanding second album, ‘Salute' which follows their hugely successful debut album 'DNA'. Having already spent weeks in the Top 10 of the UK Album Charts, ‘Salute’ presents Little Mix at their exuberant best and is infused with the electrifying energy the quartet bring to every live performance. Hit single ‘Move’ took the UK by storm in September, and sold over 130,000 copies within the first three weeks of its release in November. Showcasing the girls’ unrivalled ability to create fun and powerful pop music, ‘Move’ is a guaranteed dance floor filler.

Across the 12 tracks that make up ‘Salute’, Little Mix boldly expand their contemporary pop and rnb influences with forward-looking production from the UK’s finest up-and-coming talent.

Either writing or co-writing nine tracks themselves, collaborators across the album include up-and-comer Duvall, who adds sampled beat boxing and vocal flourishes to ‘Move’, whilst MNEK lends his hand to the explosive euphoria of ‘Nothing Feels Like You’.

TMS, the team behind smash hits ‘Wings’ and ‘DNA’, once again combine with the band for the inspirational, powerful single ‘Little Me’ which impacted in December.

Still maintaining elements of the sound that made their debut such a standout,

www.little-mix.com

Little Mix Tour_Double Page Editorial 26/02/2014 14:09 Page 2

e Mix n The Midlands

Little Mix also re-team with several other familiar collaborators namely Nicola Roberts, Shaznay Lewis and Futurecut. The result is an album that cements their place as a bold, truly brilliant UK pop act.

Since Little Mix formed in 2011, they’ve had two No.1 singles and a platinum selling debut album in the UK. They’ve also flown the flag for British pop music abroad, with 'DNA’ certified gold in Australia, and Top 5 in Japan. In the US they broke the Spice Girls’ record for the highest ever US chart debut by a British girl group, entering the charts at No.4. 2014 will kick off with the girls touring the US with Demi Lovato. ‘Salute’ also saw them once again achieve a second top 5 album in the UK. In anticipation of the tour, Little Mix have added, “We’re so excited to be preparing for our first arena tour! It’s incredible to think we’ll be playing for so many people every night. We are going to be pulling out all the stops to make sure it’s as unforgettable for our Mixers as it will be for us.”

Little Mix’s new tour follows their hugely successful sold out headline tour in the UK and Ireland.

Friday 16th May 2014 Birmingham LG Arena LG ARENA TICKET PRICES ARE £37.89 / £26.79 (INC. ADMIN FEE & £0.70 RENOVATION LEVY) + £2.50 FULFILMENT FEE. AVAILABLE FROM www.theticketfactory.com or 0844 338 8000.

HYPE FEATURE

Mitchell's Journey - DMD_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 11:04 Page 1

“My son was a beautiful soul who left my world profoundly empty, yet strangely full.”

A Broken Heart In July of 2005 Mitchell Dee Jones from Herriman, Utah was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a catastrophic muscle wasting disease which results in progressive muscle deterioration and is fatal by late teens/early twenties.

By the age of 10 Mitchell's heart function had deteriorated much sooner than expected. In less than a year he passed away from acute heart failure.

Originally Mitchell’s parents established a Facebook Page, ‘Mitchell’s Journey’ to chronicle their son's journey, believing he had many years ahead of him. Now that he's passed they use the page to post photos and videos of Mitch along with personal reflections on life, love and loss.

Their experience with Mitchell and his Journey has been an incredibly painful one ... but his father Chris and his mother Natalie wouldn't have traded this experience for anything.

‘Our son, whose broken heart ended up taking his life, has given us new life as we've learned to reflect on the deeper meaning of family, god and love.’

Lifting Heavy Hearts...

I first became aware of ‘Mitchell’s Journey’ whilst browsing posts on Facebook. I read one of the posts that Chris had written, with tears streaming down my face. I found myself reading for quite some time that day, and many days since.

My day is often touched by this amazing family, whose strength and love shines

through from the depths of sorrow, lifting my spirits but also teaching me how to embrace things that we sometimes simply let pass us by, without even noticing.

I felt that it was important to try to raise awareness of this cruel condition, and the experiences that Mitchell and his family shared on their journey together.

DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive X-linked form of muscular dystrophy, affecting around 1 in 3,600 boys, which results in muscle degeneration and eventual death.

While both sexes can carry the mutation, females rarely exhibit signs of the disease. Symptoms usually present before age 6 and may be visible in early infancy.

Early signs may include enlargement of calf and deltoid muscles, low endurance, and difficulties in standing unaided or inability to ascend staircases. By age 10, braces may be required to aid in walking but most patients are wheelchair dependent by age 12. The average life expectancy for patients afflicted with DMD is around 25.

Mitchell’s illness progressed much more quickly than expected, cutting his journey short by a long way. After a routine echocardiogram discovered Mitchell's heart was showing signs of heart weakness not typically seen in kids with DMD until the later stages of the disease. The significance of this.... breathing complications and heart failure - the most common cause of death in young men with DMD. I got in touch with Chris, and he kindly allowed me to share one of his posts with you, and even though the pain of losing his precious son is ever present, Chris, with his writing helps others to lift heavy hearts, with the most amazing clarity, even through the densest fog of his own sorrow. It is titled ‘My Wilderness’.

My Wilderness

As a young boy I used to get lost in the back woods of Edina, Minnesota. The wilderness was thick with all manner of vegetation, rocks and hills – and because of the very nature of nature you couldn't see very far. And when fog settled, you could see almost nothing.

Being lost as a young child reminds me of the landscapes of my life. Sometimes I sit upon a vista with clear skies and can see far into the horizon. Other times I am scaling my Everest – afraid I might fall.

Still, other times I am traveling through a wilderness of hardship where the fog of the unknown makes seeing what’s ahead almost impossible.

Regardless of the landscape upon which I journey, I have learned to travel by faith.

That doesn't mean to travel blind or dumb, but to learn to see with my other eyes and hear with my other ears. There is a difference, and it is significant.

As Mitch started to slip away, I found myself descending into a dark wilderness wherein I could see very little. The further we traveled into this wilderness of grief and sorrow the more difficult the terrain and the thicker the fog. I would hold my son’s face and tell him how much he meant to me. I would kiss and hug him and try to assure him – but inside I was terrified of losing him. I love him so very much. With each minute, each day, the wilderness became ever dark and perplexing. I have never known a wilderness such as this.

My wife came into my office today with tears in her eyes and said, “I know it’s officially tomorrow night (the morning of March 2nd) that Mitch passed away, but the day was on a Friday last year. Today is Friday.” Tears filled my eyes, too. I realized then I am still navigating the wilderness of grief. And what a wilderness it is…

Et th

Mitchell's Journey - DMD_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 11:04 Page 2

Tender moments with Mom - Natalie Mitchell with his special key from the ‘Make A Wish’ team

Ethan, Laura-Ashley & Wyatt with a special portrait of their brother Mitch.

Mitchell Dee Jones April 29, 2002 ~ March 2, 2013

The other day I stumbled upon a journal entry I wrote when I was 19 years old. I had all but forgotten about the dream – but somehow I had the presence of mind to write it down over 20 years ago. In my dream I was travelling in a forest heading to some place important, but I couldn't put my finger on where. I also had a wife and children but I couldn't see their faces and I didn't know their numbers, yet I knew they belonged to me and me them.

Each of them was carrying picture frames.

As we made our journey through the thick forest, at some point I realized someone was missing and I began to desperately search for my child. I was in a panic, and then my dream ended.

As I read my journal entry I lost my breath. I am now beginning to understand the meaning of that dream so many years later - and I can’t help but contemplate what God was trying to tell me about my future. He spoke to me, and I listened … and I wrote it down… but I didn't understand it. If there is one thing I've learned in my own journey; it is one thing to receive a personal revelation (or answer, or warning) but quite another to understand it. I have discovered that while navigating my wilderness I must

learn to rely on my spiritual hearing, not just spiritual sight. And learning to hear is a delicate and personal thing – borne of personal acquaintance.

Suppose I told you outside there were 2,000 mothers – one of which was mine.

And say I blindfold you and told you to find her. I could describe her to you; I might say she’s 5.5, blonde short hair, a beautiful smile and kind voice. If I sent you out there to find her ---- you couldn't do it. Yet if you were to blindfold me I could find her in minutes. Why? Because I know her voice. So it is with God.

I am still navigating the wilderness of grief - almost as if blindfolded. But I have ears

to hear. And while I may stumble and fall to my bruised knees in sorrow, I will get up and follow that voice that whispers ever so gently. A voice that is so quiet that if I’m preoccupied, I may not hear it at all.

One day, at the end of my wilderness, when I have learned what I must, I know I will see my son again. Only this time I will hold Mitchell’s face not in sorrow but in deep relief … for I will have closed the loop on that dream I had so many years ago; I will have found my son who was lost from my sight. And I will thank my wilderness for teaching me to hear my Father’s voice … a voice that is leading me home. I hear Him. (Christopher M Jones)

Shoes_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 11:35 Page 1

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John Biddle Edit_Double Page Editorial 21/03/2014 12:09 Page 1

Don’t be short-sighted.

Most people would agree that getting a regular eye test is important, but how many realise that a check up is vital not just for assessing your sight, but in flagging up a number of potentially serious health problems which may otherwise go undetected? Imran, from The Hype Magazine, went to have an eye test at John Biddle Optitians in Shrewsbury to find out more.

Diabetes affects almost 2 million people in the UK and it is estimated that 1 million more people have the condition but don’t even realise it.

Often the first indication that someone is suffering with diabetes is a sight problem.

Figures from Brain Tumour UK indicate that an estimated 16,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours in Britain each year – and as many as 30 per cent of these could be spotted with an routine eye test, often at an early, and life-saving stage.

High blood cholesterol, which leads to coronary heart disease, stroke and heart attack, can also be detected, as well as high blood pressure.

Complex neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease and even cancer can also be revealed during an eye test.

Imran’s Eye Test Experience: It was that time again – my 2 yearly eye test and I decided to use John Biddle opticians in Shrewsbury.

Having worn glasses for the majority of my life, I had gone through this process every two years primarily through multinational chains.

However I always felt that I wasn’t

being offered the service that me and my eyes deserved. JBOpticians is a family run business, with 4 branches across Shropshire.

The business was setup by John Biddle, a fully qualified dispensing optician in 1972, and now currently employs in the region of 16 staff.

I walked into the Shrewsbury branch for my eye test, and was greeted by friendly faces at the front desk, who asked me to take a seat whilst they notified the optometrist. After a short wait, I was taken into have my eye test. I was asked about the history of my eyes, and what issues I have had previously, as well as the current state of play with my vision.

Whilst the eye test was being done, I felt at ease and wasn’t rushed. It was the end of the day, and the optometrist had probably gone through the same process many times that day, but great care and attention was shown to make sure that my eyes were getting a thorough checking over – I even had a picture taken of the back of my eyes to see if there were any complications.

The test done, it was onto the frames and lenses. There was a vast array of frames to choose from, and I tried

most of them on! When choosing frames, you have to get the right combination of design and comfort, as you will be using them on a daily basis for the next couple of years.

The frames chosen, it was now time to find the right type of lens.

There are a number of options available when it comes to lenses from uncoated plastic to extra thin, anti scratch and anti reflection. I normally go for the thinnest, with the most coatings – so that’s what I opted for. I could have chosen Polarised lenses, they eliminate glare reflected off surfaces such as a road or water, making it easier to drive, fish or ski.

The demonstration of how they work is worth asking about – I was extremely impressed!

To sum up - the experience from start to finish was very professional and relaxing. The service was second to none and the team were very friendly.

I would highly recommend John Biddle Opticians for all.

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Foot and Ankle Problems?

Precision Made Orthotics and Foot Centre is a Shropshire clinic, based in Telford. We have ample parking and easy access on the outskirts of town, very close to all major road networks.

Our Clinic is headed by Mr Steven Dowdeswell BSc (Hons) Pod Med, a specialist with over 10 years of medical based experience and expertise within the field of lower limb biomechanics and foot injuries.

Also on the same site as our Clinic, we run one of the most advanced orthotics laboratories in the world.

With ample ingenuity we supply our services and products to other healthcare practitioner across the country. These include Surgeons, Physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other expert podiatrists.

We offer all foot, ankle and leg care, including advanced diagnostics and Steroid Injections. We have the compassion and experience to help you easily and with confidence.

Our main area of expertise is treating mechanical foot and body pain, we have designed gait analysis and biomechanical assessment systems and offer consultative services nationwide, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands!

People often do not realise that the pain or niggles that they have when standing or walking, are often caused by repetitive strain as a direct consequence of foot and ankle posture or muscle imbalance. The good news is, it is easily rectified!

Steven has spent 95% of his professional time in this specialist area, placing us in a very unique area of podiatric medicine.

Call us for free and we will provide a free 5 minute phone consultation, if we cannot help you, then we can likely give you firm guidance.

Remember Pain when standing, particularly in the feet, is not normal!

Call 0800 9788 104 for advice.

Precision Tuning For Every Step

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01952 677063 Precision Made Orthotics Ltd Hortonwood TF1 7GY www.pmorthotics.com

Shrewsbury Family Chiro3_Double Page Editorial 13/03/2014 16:08 Page 1

feeling vs function NEW TECHNOLOGY OFFERS INSIGHT TO NEUROLOGICAL

FUNCTION Most people think they’re in good health as long as they are not in pain, but according to Dr Glenn Fredericksen, a doctor of chiropractic and the founder of Shrewsbury Family Chiropractic, pain is but one sign that the body is not at optimal health.

What many people don’t realise is that only 10% of their central nervous system communicates pain. That’s why it is important to look at every aspect of the nervous system, not just a small (sensory) portion of it.

In order to be able to provide a health service that looks beyond pain and symptoms and ensures the other 90% of your nervous system is functioning at its optimum Shrewsbury Family Chiropractic is proud to introduce its latest technology, The Insight Subluxation Station.

The Insight Subluxation Station is used alongside traditional examination and diagnostic techniques to detect spinal nerve interference and spinal stress.

Together, these technologies can detect health problems even before symptoms arise.

The Insight technology analyses the function of the spine and central nervous system, which cannot be seen on X-ray.

The Insight system has three different and distinct tests that safely and accurately document each patient’s level of nerve stress. With that, Dr Fredericksen can monitor and provide patients with the information they need to make the best decisions for their health.

The test will indicate where the brain and

HYPE HEALTH

spinal nerves have lost ability to communicate effectively to the organ systems, muscles and spinal joints. This is charted throughout the course of care so each patient can not only feel but see their progress. X-rays may also be used to determine whether the patient has misaligned joints, arthritic changes, disc degeneration or other conditions.

Some people are unaware that the stress placed on the nervous system by misalignments in the spine can affect the entire body. Dr Fredericksen provides chiropractic healthcare that does more than just alleviate pain; it opens a patient’s nerve pathways so the body functions properly and can take better care of itself.

As the owner and director of Shrewsbury Family Chiropractic, Dr Fredericksen takes

great pride in guiding his patients to better health. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and has been practicing in the UK for over 5 years.

He is dedicated to achieving an optimal state of health for all of his patients.

Dr Fredericksen says: “It’s almost impossible to avoid all of the stresses of life. My goal is to determine the cause of your body’s imbalance, so you can take steps to improve it, through chiropractic care and a holistic approach that stresses exercise, diet and changes in daily habits.”

Dr Fredericksen looks forward to seeing local residents at his office on School Gardens. Please mention this article from the Hype Magazine for a complimentary consultation and scan when you call the office at 01743 455 245.

Main Image Source: Chiropractic Leadership Alliance

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01939 230 998

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Toni & Guy Edit1_Double Page Editorial 21/03/2014 14:19 Page 1

End Winter Blue with a New you?

– 2014 will see TONI&GUY celebrate 10 years as the Official Sponsor to London Fashion Week. The Ultimate fashion accessory – who better to create a suitably stylish haircut and colour, Taking the latest catwalk trends and creating high-fashion hair that is as wearable as it is stylish. You can relax safe in the knowledge that you are in the hands of true hairdressing experts, who train beyond all industry standards and are constantly updated in the latest cut and colour techniques.

So what’s new for the season ahead?

If your hair is in need of attention here’s a look at styles for this season with TONI&GUY. TONI&GUY has long been renowned as an innovator within the hair industry, bridging the gap between high fashion and hairdressing

TONI&GUY’s annual collection is an eclectic mix of lengths and shapes. “It’s all about creating softness within the shape”,explains Gavin Pulham, Director at the Shrewsbury salon.

“Adapting the texture of a clients hair, using TONI&GUY’s Unique layering technique to create an ultimately feminine feel, regardless of length”.

The ultimate ‘accessory’ of any cut, the collection doesn’t shy away from colour, with a palette that ranges from flaming reds, vanilla blondes, to royal blue and violet hues for the more adventurous. Through a variety of skillful techniques from colour blocking, root stretching, colour flashes to surface shading, colour accents are artfully placed to perfectly complement the cut.

Winter can often be hair’s worst nightmare- from dull dry locks to windblown hair to static plagued strands over the cooler months your hair really takes a battering. Going from heated homes out into the icy weather takes its toll and so during these months hair needs a little more TLC than usual which is where label.m’s winter rescue remedies come in to help!

So what are Gavin’s Top Style tips to banish the winter blues?

Start with the basics - Whatever your hair type; invest in a really nourishing shampoo and conditioner like label.m Gentle Cleansing Shampoo and Daily Shine Conditioner. This mild and lightweight product will cleanses and rebalances moisture through all layers of hair giving hair much needed shine.

Whilst label.m’s Daily Shine Conditioner acts as a light nourisher which expertly detangles and discourages flyaways.

A New You This Season – Having a great hair day is an instant mood lifter and what better way to start the new season on a high, than with a fabulous new look. What’s more, with a free style consultation available at TONI&GUY Shewsbury, getting some style inspiration couldn’t be easier.

Treat yourself!

A hair treatment is more than a luxury it’s a must! A restorative treatment can leave hair looking seriously sexy, healthy and stylish. label.m Intensive mask helps to maximise healthy shine and makes hair silky to the touch. The Intensive Mask contains the key ingredients Amazonian Cupuacu Butter to boost recovery of the hair’s natural moisture and elasticity.

As an exclusive offer to all HYPE readers – TONI&GUY Shrewsbury are offering a FREE LUXURY CONDITIONING TREATMENT with any cut and/or colour service (worth £12.00). Simply mention ‘Lifestyle’ when making your appointment.

For further information or to book an appointment call 01743 241325 or visit TONI&GUY, 38 Castle Street, Shrewsbury.

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Salop Leisure Edit_Double Page Editorial 18/03/2014 18:28 Page 1

LOVE PLANTS Reflecting on the centre’s first year in business, Mr Robinson selected herbaceous plants, ornamental trees, soft fruit trees and root ball conifers as the best sellers. Trade business is also blooming at Love Plants, which has developed a reputation for stocking and being able to source more unusual plants for customers.

Chris Beardshaw with flowers from the extensive range at Love Plants.

Love Plants celebrates first birthday with special offers weekend Shrewsbury’s popular specialist plants centre, Love Plants, will celebrate its first birthday on April 5 and 6 with a weekend of activities and special offers.

The £500,000 centre, based alongside Shrewsbury bypass at Emstrey traffic island, has been developed by award-winning caravan dealership Salop Leisure in association with the renowned Dingle Nurseries and Derwen Garden Centre, Guilsfield, near Welshpool, which supply all the top quality plants on offer.

Shropshire’s most comprehensive and diverse selections of specialist plants for all seasons, alongside old garden favourites and accessories that support plant growth and health and offer great value for money.

The selection ranges from bedding plants to large tree specimens.

Particularly popular with trade customers are large, root ball trees and the centre provides a free delivery service for orders in excess of £100.

Customers love the way the 4,500 square metre plant centre displays quality plants and there’s always a friendly, knowledgeable member of staff on hand to answer questions. A team of nine staff, led by Tim Robinson, has different areas of expertise as well as a strong interest in horticulture and gardening as a whole.

Mr Robinson is keen to emphasise that Love Plants is very different to a modern gardening supermarket. The centre has focused on employing staff with a shared passion for gardening and fantastic customer service.

“It’s a specialist plant centre where customers can buy top quality plants and receive great advice from knowledgeable staff on a wide range of topics, from growing vegetables to providing exciting planting combinations,” he said.

Chris Beardshaw, a Shrewsbury Flower Show ambassador, praised the passion, expertise and quality plants available at Love Plants.

“Love Plants is bringing the passion for plants back into people’s homes,” he said. “Having access to a high level of expertise at the centre gives people confidence to use plants in their gardens.”

Ian Balmforth from Green Thumb will be available at Love Plants over the weekend to give tips and advice to customers seeking the perfect lawn.

Love Plants is now firmly established as a leading destination in Shrewsbury, having been opened last spring by popular TV gardening celebrity, Chris Beardshaw.

Proving popular with private and trade customers alike, the well laid out and accessible centre has one of

Love Plants’ manager Tim Robinson with strawberry plants.

AD GRID X 2_- 21/03/2014 14:25 Page 1

Severndale Nurseries

01743 761212

QUALITY QUALITY PRODUCE PRODUCE AT AT COMPETATIVE COMPETATIVE PRICES PRICES

For garden plants at competitive prices, call Severndale Nurseries today on

01743 761212

At Severndale Nurseries we stock a wide variety of plants from bedding plants to perennials.

Severndale Nurseries Cross Houses Shrewsbury SY5 6JS

Business Hours: Mon - Sat : 9am - 6pm Sun : 9am - 5pm

Our garden nursery products include: •Bedding plants •Shrubs •Perennials •Climbing plants •Garden sundries •House plants •Herbaceous plants

Bromfield Edit_Double Page Editorial 20/03/2014 13:31 Page 1

Brookfields demo home opens with carpets offer

BUY one of Bromford’s feature-packed shared ownership homes in Shrewsbury and you’ll get yet another reason to celebrate − free fitted carpets.

All you have to do to qualify is complete your purchase of a two-bed Brookfields house − all built by our award-winning site manager and his team − by the end of February.

This great offer for first-time buyers and other people who can't afford to buy on the open market coincides with the January launch of the new demonstration home off Bagley Drive.

Buyers can call Bromford Homes on 0845 60 10 878 to arrange a viewing - and check out the first-rate build quality and long list of features that come as standard.

It's also a great opportunity to find out how you can get onto the property ladder in this desirable Shropshire town for as little as £60,750 through Bromford’s popular part-buy, part-rent deal − also known as shared ownership − and a deposit that could be just £3,038 with a 95% mortgage.

That's enough to buy a typical 45% share of a Brookfields home with two double bedrooms, gas-fired central heating, downstairs cloakroom, fitted kitchen with oven, hob and extractor fan, and several other great features.

It all adds up to an exceptional chance to get onto the property ladder for less than it costs to rent from a private landlord, according to Bromford Homes Head of Sales Alan Bradley, and he urges first-time buyers to be quick or miss out.

Free Carpets Offer on Selected Homes

"We've already secured our first two reservations here at Brookfields and now the demo home is open we expect local first-time buyers will start to snap them up," says Alan.

"My message to them is simple − come along, look around to check out the features, layout and build quality, and find out how little it can cost to have one just like it. It's a truly affordable option for would-be buyers on lower incomes who feel locked out of the property market and are probably renting from private landlords − part of what's now known as Generation Rent − or living at home with their folks."

To find out more about Brookfields, shared ownership and Bromford’s special carpets incentive call 0845 60 10878 or register your interest online at www.bromfordhomes.co.uk

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Young Options Edit1_Double Page Editorial 21/03/2014 14:29 Page 1

Fostering appeals to many different people for many different reasons. For some, fostering can be a way of ‘giving something back’ and for others it is a career change or progression. Whatever the reason people decide to foster, there is one thing for sure; they are dedicated and committed to improving children and young people’s lives.

Sarah and John McCarthy, Shropshire

Sarah and John have been fostering since 2009. Sarah was previously a Probation Worker and John a Prison Officer. Sarah left work to concentrate on fostering and John has recently taken early retirement to dedicate more time to fostering.

When asked about their views on the agency, they commented, “as yet we have not experienced the limits of the care and support Family options have been prepared to offer us”.

Paul and Dawn Lewis, West Midlands

Paul and Dawn are relatively new foster carers, joining the team in July 2013.

Their teenage son has made a huge commitment to supporting his parents becoming foster carers. Paul worked in the same job for 27 years with a local Council. Paul felt undervalued and wanted a rewarding challenge. He comments “leaving the Council was like leaving school and stepping out into the wide world again”.

It is not unusual these days for men to become the main carer, as Dawn continues to work full time. Paul feels that, “in this day and age of equality and equal rights, it’s great to change the traditional expectations of the family unit with the role reversal”.

FOSTERING FORTNIGHT

There is a shortage of 9,000 foster carers in the UK and this is increasing year on year. As a result the need for loving, nurturing families is continually on the increase. Thousands of children and young people in the UK are unable to live with their own families and desperately need loving foster families to give them a chance.

Teenagers are one of the most difficult groups to place in foster families. This tends to be because of the stereotypical images of teenagers and their behaviour.

In reality this vulnerable group often really want to make something of themselves but need help and guidance to do this, and they still need love and nurture even though they’re older.

Family Options have been recruiting and training foster carers for almost 10 years and know what a demanding but rewarding role fostering can be. As a small agency one of the most significant things carers want is support with being a foster

carer. Sarah and John McCarthy, foster carers since 2009 comment on the support provided by Family Options; they said “as yet we have not experienced the limits of the care and support Family Options have been prepared to offer us”.

Fleur Johnson, Agency Manager, says there is still confusion on ‘what you need’ to become a foster carer and suggests contacting the agency if anyone has any questions. The only real criteria are that you have a spare bedroom, or 2 if you want to care for siblings. Age, gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity won’t stop you fostering.

The below are comments from 3 Family Options foster families, all started from different places but with the common goal of improving children and young people’s lives.

Making a Difference…

Rachel and Pete Jones, Staffordshire

Rachel has been a qualified Social Worker for 10 years. Rachel and husband Pete have always thought about fostering. Within a week of being approved, the couple had a sibling group of three placed with them.

Rachel didn’t feel there was enough opportunity for one-to-one work in social work and was often left feeling changing lives was an ‘impossible task”.

Rachel and Pete say that one of the highs of fostering was when the children were told they would live with them permanently. With the youngest being 5, this means the next 13 years.

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The Style Lounge2_Full Page Bleed New 24/03/2014 15:18 Page 1

Show Your Inner

“Style” On The Outside

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THE STYLE LOUNGE 1st Floor, Longbow Close, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 3GZ