RECIPES

Easter Nest Cupcake Recipe... Fun family favourites...

Makes: 12 Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 mins Decorate: 25 mins

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Easter Nest Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS 3 medium eggs, beaten 100ml milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 175g golden caster sugar 200g self-raising flour 50g melted butter Butter 100g chocolate, melted

For the frosting For The Chicks...

Orange & Yellow fondant icing for chicks black writing icing tube for the eyes

100g chocolate, melted 200g unsalted butter, at room temperature 225g icing sugar, sifted

METHOD 1. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases and heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Tip sugar into a big mixing bowl with the flour and mix. Add the whisked egg mixture, melted butter and chocolate, stir together until smooth. 2. Spoon into the cases until quite full and bake for 18-20 mins on a middle shelf until golden and a fork poked into the middle comes out clean. Cool the cakes on a wire rack. 3. To make the frosting, put the chocolate, butter and icing sugar in a big bowl and beat together with an electric whisk until just combined. 4. Spread some of the frosting generously over the top of the cooled cakes – you don’t have to go right to the edges. Once you’ve done all 12, scrape the rest of the icing into a piping bag fitted with a fine nozzle, and pipe a ring around the top edge to make a nest. 5. Make a baby chick by moulding oval shapes with yellow icing and then make little beaks from the orange icing and sticking on with a little runny black icing when you add the eyes. Place the baby chicks into the middle of each cake and you’re all set.

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Lamb Shanks Slow Cooked

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce

INGREDIENTS • 4 lamb shanks • 2 carrots, chopped • 1 onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 bay leaves • 2 sprigs rosemary • 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine • 480ml beef stock • 1 tbls soft brown sugar • 1 -2 teaspoon cornflour • olive oil & salt & pepper

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 325F degrees. 2. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. 3. In a large frying pan brown the lamb shanks on all sides in the olive oil then transfer to a large casserole dish and keepwarm. In the same frying pan put in the carrots, onions, garlic, bay leaves and rosemary and cook slowly for 3-4 minutes. Pour in the red wine, beef stock, and brown sugar into the frying pan and stir gently bringing it to a low boil. Pour the wine mixture over the lamb shanks; top up with water if needed. 4. Cover and place in the oven and cook for around 3 hours until tender. 5. Remove the lamb shanks and keep warm and skim the fat off the top of the red wine juices. 6. Mix together the cornflour with just a bit of cold water and whisk the cornflour mixture into the red wine juices until desired consistency. Serve with creamy mashed potato - divine.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 3hrs

Over 70,000 species of animals, plants, fungi and single-celled organisms are found in the UK. 100 species have become extinct in the UK during the 20th century. Euroasianbadgerdrinkwaterfrom pond

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A Buzzard in a tree in Shropshire

Springtime... Explore British Wildlife

3rd March 2022 is World Wildlife Day.which celebrates the wonderful variety of wildlife on our planet. This year the theme is ‘ Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration’.

o The celebrations will seek to draw attention to the conservation of some of the world’s most critically endangered species of wild fauna and flora, and drive discussions towards imagining and implementing solutions to conserve them. Based on estimates, it is suggested that over a million species are threatened with extinction. Continued loss of species, habitats and ecosystems also threatens all life on Earth, including us. People everywhere rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet all our needs, from food, to fuel, medicines, housing, and clothing. Millions of people also rely on nature as the source of their livelihoods and economic opportunities. In the UK we have a fantastic variety of wildlife, trees and plants, and spring is a wonderful season in which to explore our natural environment. From the fragrant aroma of wild garlic and the budding trees, to the morning chorus of birds, the British countryside awakens from the winter slumber in the spring months. So where are the best places to go to see our magnificent wildlife and how do we identify them? At the end of March, in ditches and other wet areas, you will find the small, delicate soft lilac blooms of the Cuckoo Flower, which is the main food source of the Orange-tip butterfly. Wherever you may be you will see the clusters of daffodils, with their yellow trumpet heads - they are always a cheery sight that remind you that warmer days are finally on the way. Birdsong fills the airwaves in early spring, calling out for a mate. This hopeful and enthusiastic sound is probably at its strongest during March. Great Tits, arrive with the warmer days to join native blackbirds, song thrushes, robins and numerous others. The Brimstone Butterfly makes an early appearance in spring, as the warmer March days awaken them from hibernation. You should see them wandering over gardens and along woodland paths, or across meadows

ed-www .britishhed geh o g s . org . u k in search of early flowers to feed from. Females are pale green and males are bright yellow, which provides excellent camouflage from birds as they blend with the new spring leaves. Their numbers are increasing as they spread northwards due to warmer conditions - possibly linked to climate change. You will find Brimstone caterpillars feeding on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn before the emergence of the next generation in August. Badgers give birth in February, and after six weeks or so the cubs begin to venture further, exploring the sett and then outside once they feel more confident - generally around mid-April. This is the perfect time to go Badger-watching. Spring sees one of nature’s greatest wildlife spectacles with boxing March Hares. There are three types of Hare in the UK: Brown, Mountain and Irish Hares. The brown being the most common. You may see them on grasslands and farms, with Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire being strongholds for them. In the north of England and Scotland you will more commonly see white Hares. Hares are usually solitary animals but come spring time you can see females literally fighting off the males, standing on their hind legs and literally ‘boxing’ with their front paws. 20th March is World Frog Day, yet the first stirrings occur in the garden pond from mid Feb. Awakened from within the pond-bed mud, by the call to mate, with spawning happening overnight. You will see the spawn bubbles around the edge of the pond, with the adults nearby keeping an eye out. Then the magical transformation begins. We have numerous places to visit where we can enjoy connecting with nature, including several Local Nature Reserves, The Wrekin, Wenlock Edge, Long Mynd to name just a few.

Every animal, bird, insect, flower and tree plays a part in the Great British ecosystem. So this spring go out and enjoy our wonderful wildlife. It is the perfect time to really explore our beautiful countryside.

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Spring Summer 2022 - Outdoor Living Trends Preview from Dobbies - Get Ready For...

The Great Outdoors

The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies, is looking ahead to brighter days and has unveiled an exclusive first look at its Spring Summer 2022 collection. Not your average garden centre, the carefully curated ranges from Dobbies’ team of experts, has something to suit every style, size and budget. Dobbies’ 2022 outdoor living collection builds on the trend of blurring the line between indoors and out and celebrates the flexibility of our outdoor living spaces, with a whole host of new ranges and enhancements to customer favourites.

Slow Living (Above) - from Dobbies Garden Centres featuring the Chester royal sofa set, £1999; Fiesta velvet cushion, £14.99; Dhadit cushion, £19.99; Dhadit throw, £29.99.

1. Slow Living

A soulful theme that inspires us to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Muted tones and colours that change with the light mirror the way nature around us ebbs and flows. This theme features a number of new ranges, including Mazie which features a dark grey marl cushion and marble look printed glass tabletop; Turin, which is a great small space living option with balcony stacking set and modular conservational set; Avila, which is a contemporary resin range; the Sleek range which has been designed to be stackable and affordable; plus a colour update to our popular Chester range tor a stylish yet classic lift..

2. Natural Zen

An organic yet sophisticated blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, East meets West in this contemporary, minimalistic style. A carefully curated range of modern styles that celebrate the simplicity of clean lines and beautiful shapes. Neutral tones are punctuated with sleek black and rose pink for a feminine touch. Furniture includes a mix of laid-back sofa sets, on-trend egg chairs and stylish dining options in cool grey tones. The new Astrid range has a strong indoor influence with textaline upholstery and exciting new pieces including a drinks trolley and a bar set. We’ve built on the popularity of the Tokyo set with a new sofa set and modern style swing seat. The Cintra family is new and has a modern shape, including wishbone chairs and a platform style 2. Natural

Launching in stores

across the UK and online from Spring 2022 www.dobbies.com

A refined, blended look, inspired by the senses brought to life by travel. Chalky terracotta tones are married with pops of jaded teal for a worldly collection that evokes memories of past adventures and will bring a sense of zen and calm to your outdoor space. Handmade pottery, spices and sun-weathered architecture serve as inspiration for this theme. The new Lisboa line features a premium teak table with delicate black resin chairs. Alps remains one of Dobbies’ top selling ranges, but for 2022 there are new configurations, such as a 6-seat bar set, and a new colour way in ‘pebble’. Our entry level Rio range is being extended with a stylish foldable sun longer and a 4-seat set.

Global Fusion (Above) -Contemporary Country from Dobbies Garden Centres featuring Florence firepit 4 seat set, £2299; Olive bottle green pipe cushion (50x50), £17.99

Natural Zen (Below) - Natural Zen from Dobbies Garden Centres featuring the Tokyo egg chair, £499

4. Contemporary Country

Urban dwellings inspired by a country cottage feel. Shades of green, inspired by rolling hills, are complemented by highlights of dusty pink to give this theme a more contemporary look and feel. Furniture includes classic and woven styles in rich and deep walnut tones. New for 2022 is the Copenhagen range, introducing a traditional design in walnut colour. This is a classic foldable range with an affordable price point. Also new is the Acacia Wooden Bench set, which is a classic style with a sustainable vibe. The new Florence range has a chunky ribbon weave, giving it a premium look, while our Tile Bistro set has an updated design which is perfect for small spaces.

Contemporary Country (Above)

Contemporary Country from Dobbies Garden Centres featuring Florence firepit 4 seat set, £2299; Olive bottle green pipe cushion (50x50), £17.99 Garden Edit 33

Local Gems...

Telford Ski & Snowboard Centre

A great facility...

Did you know Telford is home to its very own Snowboard and Ski Centre?

The all-weather 85m dry ski slope and 35m nursery slope in Madeley offers families the perfect setting to learn a winter sport in a fun and safe environment. Telford’s Snowboard and Ski Centre has been around for over 40 years. The experienced teaching team are passionate about snow sports (the majority of staff are from a snow sports background!) and they have the knowledge and experience to ensure safe learning.

What we offer Ski or Snowboard Lessons

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn to ski ready for a holiday or a regular skier, Telford Snowboard and Ski centre has a lesson to suit you. We offer lessons from beginner through to advanced, group lessons, 1 to 1’s and lessons for disability groups.

Holiday Lessons

Did you know you can learn snow sports from a young as 3 years old? If you are looking to advance your child’s skiing ability, or looking for a fun activity for them to take part in during the holiday periods, Telford Snowboarding and Ski centre can help you get started. At Telford Snowboarding and Ski centre we offer Daily Ski Schools available throughout the school holidays for all abilities. Even if you don’t have a holiday booked – ski school is a fantastic way for your child to stay active and learn a new sport.

On your doorstep!

School Ski Lessons

Many schools, from both inside and outside of the borough, are enrolled in the ski schools either as a part curriculum activities or to refresh students for a school ski trip. It’s healthy, engaging and fun! If you are a school looking to add skiing to your timetable please get in touch.

Adrenaline Tubing

From ages 8 upwards, tubing takes place on the main slope for adrenaline filled sliding down the main 85m slope.

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is for 5-10 year olds. It takes place on the 35m nursery slope. A great holiday activity or birthday party choice

Tots donuts

Tots donuts is for 3-5 year olds. It takes place on the 35m nursery slope. A great holiday activity or birthday party choice

Birthday parties

A great range of parties are available at the centre including skiing, tubing and tobogganing. The lodge is available afterwards for food (which can be provided.)

Café Go

The café opens at various times in the alpine ski lodge offering a range of hot & cold drinks and refreshments.

Find out more at: www.telfordski.co.uk

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