Wrekin news 211 by Plus Two Media Limited

Wrekin

News November 2016 · Issue 211

OUR

BIGGEST EVER

CHRISTMAS GIVE-A-WAY

Everything you need for the big day for one lucky winner!

See pages 10 & 11

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

‘LEST WE FORGET’ Wrekin News readers pay their respects to our fallen heroes

LETTERS Mont Blanc Our Story

PRIZES PANTO TICKETS TO BE WON!

WINTER WARMERS Keeping warm and looking stylish has never been easier

FREE PLEASE TAKE YOUR COPY

MOTORING INSIDE - A MESSAGE FROM GEORGE EVANS SEE PAGE 9

CINEMA & THEATRE TICKETS TO BE WON INSIDE! 26

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TAXIS 1 Front Page.indd 1

50 10 50

31/10/2016 15:03

Wrekin

News Published by: Plus Two Media Limited, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY

Wrekin

News November 2016 · Issue

211

OUR

BIGGEST EVER

CHRISTMAS GIVE-A -WAY

Everything you need for the big day for one lucky winner!

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

‘LEST WE FORGET’ Wrekin News readers pay their respects to our fallen heroes

WINTER WARMERS

PLEASE TAK YOUR COP E Y

LETTERS Mont Blanc Our Story

PRIZES

PANTO TICKETS TO BE WON!

Keeping warm and looking stylish has never been easier

FREE

See pages 10 & 11

INSIDE - A MESSAGE FROM GEORGE EVANS SEE PAGE 9

CINEMA & THEATRE TICKETS TO BE WON INSIDE! 26

MOTORING Safari of Serenity

SEE PAGE

Over 320 cars ready your destination LOWto take you to FIXED FARES*

TAXIS

50 10 50

1 Front Page.indd 1

31/10/2016 15:03

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER

Tel: 01952 522562 Fax: 01952 522567 Editor: James Baylis james@plus2media.co.uk Editorial Support: Tania Baylis tania@plus2media.co.uk Publisher & Design: James Baylis Contributing Photographer: Malcolm Couzens Contributing writer: Dwayne Forrester

01952 522562

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Contact our Advertising Sales Manager: Irene Winning 01952 522562 · irene@plus2media.co.uk Specialist writers: George Evans, Les Beamond, Rona Harris, Professor Ralph Early, Sue Ladds, Laura Dutfield, Robert Hudson, Anthony Yates and Syd Taylor Sports News: Lez Dean, Fraser Watson and James Shaw To subscribe to Wrekin News please call Tania Baylis on 01952 522562 Printed in Telford by PCP Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Wrekin News but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and opinions of contributors, advertisers and interviewees to Wrekin News are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions. © Plus Two Media Limited 2016 - All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk @wrekinnews1 · facebook.com/Wrekin-News

New name and branding but the same great service and quality from Wellington’s leading dry cleaners Pritchard’s Dry Cleaners have been trading from their store in Wellington for over 16 years and have recently decided to rebrand, changing their name to Chelsea’s of Shropshire Ltd. Proprietor Graham Petty told Wrekin News that their ﬁrst class quality on dry cleaning and laundry services stays the same and its only the name and branding that has changed. Graham has over 35 years of experience in the dry cleaning industry having originally trained as a tailor. He has previously worked for two larger chains of dy-cleaners as an area manager before setting up on his own 16 years ago. Chelsea’s of Shropshire are a family run business and Graham says that this means they can offer their clients a more personal and attentive service. Dedication to the job and a wealth of experience are two of the factors behind their ongoing success. Chelsea’s of Shropshire offer a 2 hour dry-cleaning service as well as a more traditional dry-cleaning and laundry service. They also cater for more expensive items including bridal and evening wear. Other services include; curtain cleaning, laundry service, ironing service and oriental rug cleaning. Did you know thay can also reproof and waterproof your ski wear and also clean and reproof horse blankets and rugs? A tailoring service with repairs and alterations is also available please ask inside the store for more information. The Wellington store has new opening hours which are 8am until 6pm Monday to Friday and 9a, until 4.30pm on Saturday. Closed on Sundays. For more information call in to see the team or call 01952 641754.

2 Hour Dry Cleaning Available on most main line items ✓ Curtain Cleaning ✓ Bridal & Evening Wear

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO DOWNLOAD A DIGITAL COPY OF THE MAGAZINE

✓ Laundry Service ✓ Repairs & Alterations ✓ Ironing Service

✓ Clean & Reproof Horse Blankets & Rugs

✓ Oriental Rugs

✓ Reproof & Waterproof Ski Wear

Visit:

www.wrekinnews.co.uk for the latest local news and views as it happens . . .

Wrekin

News

SPECIAL OFFERS *5 Shirts Cleaned & Pressed for only £8 50% off Curtains & Loose Cover Cleaning

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We also clean: Duvets, Pillows, Mattress Toppers & Mattress Protectors

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F r e e Cl a s s i f i e d l i n e a g e a d s If you look at our Classified Ads section you will see that you can fill in a form and send your Free Classified Ad to us. Well now we are making it a little easier and accepting Free Classified Ads by email. Just email your advertisement in no more than 35 words to: t an ia@plu s 2 m edia. c o .u k and we will print it free of charge!

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ALSO drop off and collection available at Green Fields in Donnington & Priorslee

02 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 2, 3 Welcome.indd 1

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Welcome Tel: 01952 522562 · james@plus2media.co.uk

Welcome to the November issue of Wrekin News! ELLO everyone and welcome to the November issue of Wrekin News. We have even more pages for you to enjoy this month and once again they are packed with your favourite mix of letters, nostalgia, competitions and local community news. I cannot believe how quickly the year has passed, did you know this is the seventh issue of Wrekin News that the new team at Plus Two Media Limited have published. Of course as the year passes by and the clocks have just gone back it can only mean one thing... Christmas is coming! With festive thoughts in mind we are delighted to be able to launch our ‘Christmas Hamper’ competition. With thanks to seven local suppliers we have secured the complete Christmas package to be won including a tree, turkey, food, drinks and wreath, what a prize! Please see pages 10 and 11 for details of how to enter. We have lots of competitions and prize give-a-way’s in this issue all of them dotted

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2, 3 Welcome.indd 2

31/10/2016 18:10

Octobers

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Congratulations to all of our prize winners from the October issue, if you didn’t win this time don’t worry there are plenty of opportunities in this issue to win some fantastic prizes!

And Make It Work For You FREE SPACE CREATION TIPS

CINEMA TICKETS Odean Standard cinema ticket Lindsey Cartwright Wrockwardine Wood Odean Silver Screen ticket James Hopley - Telford DAYS OUT! Blists Hill Firework Mrs Allen - Red Lake Blists Hill Ghostly Gaslight Angelina Wheeler - Dawley Bank Christmas Gift Fair Brenda Taylor - Trench Kerry Mountcastle - Telford Joan Griﬃn - Broseley Wendy Hornby - Wellington Jane Lloyd - St Georges Angela Smith - Priorslee Denise Farlow - Leegomery Jill Bamber - Wellington Lorraine Miller - Albrighton Vivien Yorke - Muxton Darren Hill - Woodside Joan Walters - Telford Jane Bevan - Albrighton Jen Boucher - Leamington Spa Kathryn Dodd - The Humbers Cara Bemrose - Coventry Deborah Fletcher - Donnington Betty Pugh - Ketley Sue Law - Wellington Carla Taylor - Newport Wellington Cricket Club Fireworks Gillian Armstrong - Wellington THEATRE TICKETS Balletboyz Heather Roberts - Leegomery Stars of the Irish Country Show Jackie Hodson EXPERIENCES GB Dog Training Lyn Browne - Ironbridge

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REVEAL YOUR SAFE LOFT SPACE 2016 is flying by and the suitcases have just been prised back through that small hatch into the dark, dingy loft. It will soon be time for that conversation again. Whose turn is it to get up there and retrieve the Christmas decorations? The tradition of risking your neck: hoisting yourself like a gymnast on parallel bars, tightrope walking across the beams and the voice below encouraging you not to put your foot through the ceiling! Whatever you’re looking for will be at the back or buried beneath a dirty dusty pile. Then, once you’ve found it, you’ve got to get back down and there’s that awful feeling as your legs dangle through the hatch, past the point of no return, adrenaline pumping and sweaty palms as you try to find the ladder with your toes. It doesn’t have to be this way. We at RevealaSpace get lots of calls from customers because they’ve decided their gymnast days are over or worse, they’re bruised from tumbling off a poorly balanced step ladder. We specialise in the lowest cost way of giving you up to 30% more space in your home by fitting a loft ladder and transforming your loft into a well-lit, easily accessible and boarded storage space. Give us a call today. Tel: 01952 426099 Website: revealaspace.co.uk Email: sales@revealaspace.co.uk

04 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 4 Must Edit.indd 1

31/10/2016 17:40

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Ask our expert Barry answers your questions...

The Correct blow drying techniques

Firstly ensure you have shampooed and conditioned your hair prior to blow drying. Don’t towel dry your hair or wrap your hair up in a towel either. Comb through and blot with a towel, use a leave-in conditioner and or blow dry product with heat protection if you have one. When blow drying you must direct your dryer from the roots to the ends never blow directly into the hair. Start from underneath and work up with your dryer from the roots to ends, you can blast dry a little to take most of the moisture out ﬁrst but ensure your dryer works root to ends. Remember you can always ask your stylist for styling tips as they are the ones who have created your look. The above techniques will apply to help the hair to close down the cuticle and leave the hair looking its best.

a cow lick Q Can be tamed?

Unfortunately no! It is a natural hair growth pattern, but depending where it is there are techniques that can ease the problem if you find it is most common is in the fringe area and makes the fringe split and lift out from the forehead. You can increase the amount of hair in the fringe and you must dry flat do not encourage lift by using a brush, if you pull your fringe flat with your fingers and pull straight, place your dryer above and behind and dry flat, if it is around the crown area work with the movement do not cut to short unless it is going to be very very short.

Our hairdressing expert Barry Deighton is on-hand to answer your questions. If you have a question for Barry please email: jbdeighton@hotmail.co.uk

FOR SALE

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Holiday Lodge for sale - Offers In The Region Of £99,000

CHRISTMAS WIN!! AMAKEOVER Our friends at Deighton Hair & Beauty are once again offering one lucky Wrekin News reader the chance to experience a full hair and beauty makeover. However this time to enter we are asking our readers to nominate someone in your life who deserves to be pampered by the experts at Deighton’s. Whether it’s a loved-one, family member or a best friend, can you think of someone who deserves this wonderful treatment just in time for Christmas. To make a nomination please send your name, address and daytime telephone number along with the name and contact number of your nominee and in no more than 100 words why you think they deserve to be treated. Your nominee must be available to receive their treatment during the ﬁrst week of December 2016. (Terms and conditions apply). Send your nomination to: Tania Baylis, Wrekin News, Makeover Nomination, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your nomination to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries: Thursday 24 November 2016.

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Great Price on Oil! This beautiful appointed contemporary 2 bedroom holiday lodge home situated in a beautiful 60 acre park on the renowned Llyn Peninsulur North Wales, this modern lodge offers much in terms of space and luxury, very well specified with more than a hint of style, it really is finished and presented to a very high standard. This fine holiday home comes fully furnished with a fully fitted kitchen American style fridge freezer, dish washer, washing machine,

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06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 6 Ask the experts.indd 1

31/10/2016 18:09

Historical Wellington DVD now available

Historical Wellington DVD by Les Edwards of LEVS Video Productions, tells the story of the market Town of Wellington from its humble beginnings to present day. The running time is one hundred and four minutes approx, and the DVD is now on sale at WH Smiths (Post Ofﬁce) in Market Street priced at £12.99.

Win a copy of the DVD Wrekin News has a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Tania Baylis, Wrekin News, DVD, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Thursday 24 November 2016.

Hadley Park House Hotel receives 4-star status after £100K refurbishment A significant upgrade for Hadley Park House Hotel in Telford has paid dividends following a recent inspection by the AA, the hotel received an extra star, achieving a prestigious four-star status. The family-owned hotel recently focused the refurbishment on all bedrooms in the Georgian house which were completely redecorated with: new carpets, lighting and furnishings. The extensive wood flooring was also taken back to reveal the original floorboards. The initiative has been designed to ensure the hotel seamlessly caters for business, leisure and wedding guests alike, providing the highest level of comfort and style. Mark and Geraldine Lewis, owners of Hadley Park House Hotel said the four-star accolade was a tribute to their employees as well as recognition of improved quality standards throughout the hotel. “Hadley Park House Hotel is in a unique position in that we are a family business and we work hard to maintain exceptional quality and standards. “As well as our strong links and commitment

to the local community and local charities, the business is central to the bigger tourism picture providing Shropshire with a quality hotel which attracts both business and leisure travellers. “The four-star status provides our unique hotel a distinct point of difference, and this continues to be an exciting time for the hotel and we would love local people to pop in and see the changes.” The hotel has been voted twice for Best Town Wedding Venue in the West Midlands at the Wedding Industry Awards in 2015 and 2016.

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Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ - 01952 677269 - info@hadleypark.co.uk - www.hadleypark.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 07

07 Hadley Park Hotel.indd 1

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Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

Wellington Remembers Last month George Evans reminded us about the Remembrance Sunday’s of yesteryear and challenged us to think more about this annual event. In this issue Mary Rogers writes to introduce to you ‘The Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 project’. Mary is also looking for your help regarding the project and explains how you can get involved and get in touch.

N Sunday 13th November many of us will gather on the green outside All Saints Church. Signalled by a bugle call we will be invited to stand in silence to remember. Those thoughts will be very personal. I will remember many people, my great uncle a medic who died during the second Boer War (18991902) of enteric fever, my granddad who went to war in 1915 with black hair and returned grey and with the effects of stress and mustard gas. But I will also remember all the courageous men and women who have helped to provide us with the life we enjoy today. You will each have your own personal thoughts. While you are on the green this year remember to look at the brass plates on the inside of the Lych Gate. You will ﬁnd over more than 180 names of people connected with Wellington who died as a result of the First World War. But how much do you know about them? The Wellington Remembers 1914-18 project seeks to tell you the story of each person listed who died as a result of the First World War. Today we are introducing the sad story of Cecil Elson a boy sailor. During the next two years we will be researching the remaining names and we would very much like you to help us.

Cecil Elson J 48551 Boy Second Class Cecil Elson Royal Navy

Born 20 May 1899 in London Lived in Wellington, Shropshire Died of Diphtheria on 16 February 1916 age 16 Buried Ford Park Cemetery (Plymouth) grave s.6.1

We have another eight pages of your wonderful letters in this issue starting on page 18. Local author Chris Owen continues the Remembrance theme looking at the origins of Armistice Day, we also round-up the recent Arleston Memories Day event and publish two thought provoking letters from Cllr Angela McClements and Clifton McGowan about life growing up on the streets on the Arleston estate. Plus lots more of your local memories . . .

08 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 8, 9 George Evans.indd 1

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The sad story of Cecil Elson His story This is a sad story of a young boy who died at the very outset of his enlistment as a boy sailor in the Royal Navy.

A mystery Cecil was born on the 20th May 1899 at 19 Burlington Road, Paddington, London. His mother’s name is given as Blanche Spearman with no detail of his father. On the 19th July 1899 he is baptised in the parish church of Wellington, Shropshire. The entry confirms he was born on 20 May but his mother’s name is given as Beatrice Spearman living at 17 Church Street, Wellington. Three days later, on 21 July 1899 his birth is registered in Paddington by George Johnston MD, ’present at the birth’ and living at 3 Montague Place, Marylebone, London. George Johnston, born in Canada, practised as a medical general practitioner in Wellington in the 1890s. It appears that Cecil stayed in Wellington, for in 1901 he is recorded as a boarder age 1 living in the household of Elizabeth Elson, a certified midwife living in Church Street. By 1911 Cecil had become an adopted son of Elizabeth and his place of birth had changed to Wellington! In 1915 he signed on for service in the Royal Navy. Because of his young age he did not report until 18 January 1916, having been accepted for training by the service on a 12 year engagement. In those days the parents or guardian of a would-be boy sailor were responsible for arranging the medical examination and other documents at their own expense. Cecil would have had to have his guardian’s written permission, a certificate as to his character and clean record and have passed an academic assessment. He stated that his civilian occupation was ‘clerk’. He enlisted as Cecil Spearman Elson, the adopted son of Elizabeth Elson. His medical examination found him to be 5 feet 9 inches tall, with brown hair, hazel eyes and of fresh complexion. He started his training at the Royal Navy’s training establishment H.M.S Impregnable moored at Devonport. Boys were exercised at fire stations (on board ship) and in abandoning ship procedures. The boys lived on board in crowded conditions in which diseases flourished. In February 1915 there were six deaths among the boys – four from infectious meningitis, one from acute tonsillitis and Cecil who died from diphtheria on 16 February. An Inquest found that he had died on board H.M.S. Impregnable from heart failure due to diphtheria. The powerful toxin (poison) produced by the disease enters the bloodstream to affect the nervous system and a paralysis may follow. But the most dangerous result of toxin in the blood and the commonest cause of death is heart failure. Cecil was laid to rest in the Ford Park Cemetery in Plymouth, Devon aged just 16 years.

This Month’s Detective Corner Do you know anything about these names? DE Shuker RC Bloomer also known as RC Oxley

How can you become involved? Meet us on our blog: www.wellingtonremembers.wordpress.com/ Become a researcher Join in the big conversation on Facebook:Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 Contact us on wellingtonremembers@outlook.com

How you can get involved

George

EVANS A letter to Wrekin News from George Evans

To James, Wrekin News and the readers,

Friends, I have to apologise for the lack of my usual kiloverb (1000 words) in this months issue. It is the ﬁrst break in nearly 20 years. I have a good excuse as I have been very ill indeed in the PRH from 16th September to the 20th of October I am still recovering from a lot of ailments, so many I will not bore you with them. It seemed a good idea to write a worms eye view of the PRH. It could be called “wake up for your sleeping pill”. That might be fun. Have fun!

George

Editor . . . Thank you for your letter George, there really is no need to apologise we have been so very grateful and lucky to have enjoyed nearly 20 years of your wonderful articles. May I take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Wrekin News to wish you a very speedy recovery and we all look forward to reading many more of your wonderful kiloverbs in future issues. I’m sure all of our readers will join me in sending you our very best wishes as you rest and recover. James Baylis

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8, 9 George Evans.indd 2

31/10/2016 18:21

Win The Wrekin News ENTER TODAY FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN OUR CHRISTMAS HAMPER!

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HOW TO ENTER . . . For your chance to win ALL of these fantastic prizes and get your Christmas oﬀ to a great start send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Christmas Hamper, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY. Or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk Closing date for entries: THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2016

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10 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 10, 11 WIN CHRISTMAS.indd 1

31/10/2016 18:30

THANK YOU! A big thank you to all of the following who have donated prizes to the Wrekin News Christmas Hamper . . . 1. Wyevale Garden Centre, Donnington 2. Wrekin Game 3. Shropshire Sugarcraft Guild 4. Morrison’s, Wellington 5. Meadowdale Nurseries, Horsehay 6. TESCO, Madeley 7. Handmade Hampers By Sharon

Handmade Hampers By Sharon I set up my small hamper and sweets business a couple of years ago providing hampers and sweets for all occasions from Valentines, birthdays to Christmas, as Christmas is always extra special we are carrying on our tradition of the Christmas Eve box, it’s a big hit with both children and adults with the reindeer food for Santa to ﬁnd his way, the magic key so he can get it to leave the presents, but mainly the personalised letter that santa leaves.

OF THESE NTASTIC RISTMAS RIZES!

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First established in 1988, Meadowdale Nurseries and Garden Centre is still owned and run by the same family. From the beginning we were known for our home grown bedding and basket plants and to this day the majority of these are still grown at our premises in Horsehay. We have since grown on to selling, Shrubs, Perennials, Aggregates and Garden Sundries. Over the years we have built up a respected reputation for our on the premises hand made Wreaths and Crematorium Pots for church yards all made using freshly picked foliage from sustainable sources and due to requests have extended this to decorative Door Wreaths with a variety of decoration to choose from. We also then expanded to selling Cut Norway Spruce Christmas Trees and as the Nordmann Fir became more popular due to its greater needle holding characteristics, we have added these to our range along with pot grown trees. We pride ourselves on the service and quality delivered to our customers at all times.

Shropshire Sugarcraft Guild The Shropshire Branch of the Sugarcraft Guild was formed in 1986 and is currently meeting on the ﬁrst of each month at the Methodist Church Hall, Wellington 7-9pm anyone who would like to visit us would be most welcome please contact maxi2vickers@gmail.com for more information.

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Morrison’s, Wellington Morrisons at Wellington is pleased to offer a festive hamper for the Wrekin News. Morrisons has a great range of festive foods in store. If you’re looking for something special, why not try our new Best range for all your Christmas essentials. From Christmas goodies and snacks, to your Christmas turkey and all the trimmings, we have it all. We look forward to seeing you in store and best of luck in the draw!

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Wappenshall farm, Wappenshall, Telford TF6 6DE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. Employees of Wrekin News or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition. 2. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition. 3. Closing date for entry will be Thursday 24 November 2016. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted. 4. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason. 5. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of circumstances outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter. 6. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. 7. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice. 8. The winner will be drawn from a hat at random. 9. The winner must be able to collect the prizes from the third party. 10. The winner will be notified by email and/or telephone within a week of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner. 11. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. 12. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. 13. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent. 14. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 11

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31/10/2016 18:30

YOUR WELL In memory of Dale Childs

Remembrance Day Parade and Service Wellington intends to hold its Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service on Sunday, 13th November 2016 and a separate service at 11.00am in the Market Square on Friday 11th November 2016. Arrangements for the Parade are generally as per last year: The Parade will leave The Nailor’s Row car park in the centre of Wellington on Sunday 13th November at 10.25am. It will turn right into New Street, march through Market Square and into Church Street, pass The Lychgate (in front of All Saints Church) in time for the short (outside) service, which, this year, will be held on the grassed area in front of All Saints Church. Following the service, at approximately 11.15am, the parade will march—by the same route in reverse—back to The Parade car park for dismissal at approximately 11.40am. The Mayor will take the salute in the Square as this is done.

Dale Childs was a young man from the Hollies estate in Wellington who sadly passed away several months ago. His friends came up with the idea of having a bench in memory of Dale located within the gas works park as this was where he liked to be with his friends. This group of enterprising young people organised and raised several hundreds of pounds from an under 18 years disco at The Industry Night Club in Oakengates along was a collection in Atwells store on Hollies Road. With support from Councillor Graham Cook, Telford & Wrekin Council, Devon Peart, Youth Worker and on the

invitation of Councillor Frank Burns, Wellington Town Council, these young people attended a Wellington Town Council meeting to seek the Wellington Town Council’s approval and support for their venture. The Town Council was pleased to support the young people and agreed to award a grant to cover any additional costs over and above the money they had collected. To the great satisfaction of the young people the memorial bench in now in place. They all miss their friend Dale Childs.

Christmas Lantern Parade Workshop Due to popular request, Wellington Town Council is having a Christmas Lantern Parade as part of the Christmas Light Switch on event. The Lantern Parade workshop is being held on 26th November from 10.30am -12.30pm at Wellington Methodist Church, New Street, and will be ran as ‘drop in sessions’ so that you can pop along when it is convenient to you. This event is FREE. Once the Lanterns are made we ask that your child / children return to the top of New Street to take part in the parade at 4.50pm. It is important that children are accompanied by an adult and we would recommend that you ensure everyone is wearing sensible clothing and footwear.

www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk 12, 13 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 1

31/10/2016 09:46

ELLINGTON

Christmas Light Switch on Event and Victorian ’Rascals’ Market Saturday 26th November 2016 10.00am – 18.00pm

‘Rascals’ theme Victorian Market in the Indoor Market, Market Yard and Market Approach

10.30am – 12.30pm

Children’s Lantern Parade Workshop – FREE event at Wellington Methodist Church

15.00pm

The Mayor of Wellington oﬃcially opens the evening with Shropshire events

15.00pm

Wellington Brass Band

16.00pm

Live Band Performance from ‘Mr Georges Famous Last Words’

16.50pm

The Christmas Parade will leave the top of New Street and move into Market Square

16.55pm

Mayor counts down 3...2....1....lights are switched on along with Oakengates Pantomime cast members

17.00pm

The Church Bells will ring a Christmas peal.

17.05pm

Opportunity for the Children to meet Santa courtesy of the Telford Lions

17.05pm

Christmas Music by Shropshire Events and entertainment by Leo’s Loco Circus

The 2016 Wellington Festival is now ﬁnished Thanks for your support! We did it! What a wonderful Festival we’ve had, and thanks to everyone who took part, came and watched, and helped make it the best Festival ever. We had record numbers of people participating in the Wellington Festival 2016 which launched with the opening night in the company of Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards. Audiences were entertained by our ﬁrst ever Comedy Night and inspired by guest authors, poets and performers. Audiences also joined in with workshops on travel writing, circus skills, dance and craft - we’ve had the most participatory festival ever and we couldn’t have done it without you. This year’s Festival played host to a range of superb artistes including the ever popular Lesley Smith and also new-comers such as Mia Cunningham – Shropshire’s Young Poet Laureate. With 31 events over 23 days in 19 venues across Wellington, there were far too many stand out performances to list individually. However, the Wellington Festival Committee would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who performed, attended, supported, hosted and helped us. We continue to welcome your feedback, comments, suggestions and ideas to caroline.mulvihill@ telford.gov.uk as we will now start putting the programme together for next year. We enjoyed your company and look forward to seeing you again next year.

Until then, from all of us, see you in 2017. Cllr Cindy Mason-Morris Chair of the Wellington Festival Committee.

www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk 12, 13 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 2

31/10/2016 09:47

MONT BLANC ! y r o t S Ou r

Th e sha dow of Mo nt Bla nc, tak en from the Sim mit.

Told in their own words this is an incrediable story of endurance, bravery and friendship as intrepid Wellington duo Anthony Nicholls and Stuart Richards set oﬀ on an adventure of a lifetime to scale the tallest summit in the Alps a feat made all the more remarkable as Stuart is registered blind!

bout a year ago my friend Stuart said to me “How do you fancy climbing Mont Blanc.” I think my reply was along the lines of “well I’ve not really thought about it but sounds like a plan, I’ll look into it.” After a fair amount of research, we decided to hire a guide with a company offering acclimatisation, and learning alpine skills as part of a week’s package. Meanwhile we did more research. As the highest point of the Alps and Western Europe, Mont Blanc reaches 4,810 metres above sea level, well in to altitude sickness elevation. Snowdon by comparison is 1,085m. The Wrekin over 10 times lower at 407m. On average 300 people a year die on the Mont Blanc Massif and 100 on Mont Blanc itself. Apart from that it’s just a walk up and down a mountain, which in Britain we’ve both done many times. However even the easiest route crosses crevasses which can be 30 metres deep and covered in snow thus hiding the gap. There are what’s described as razor edge ridges covered in ice and snow where accurate footwork is essential. Thirdly, the deadliest and biggest cause of injuries on the easiest route is rock falling from many metres above, particularly in the Grand Couloir. This is a gully between two steep ridges which must be

crossed as early as possible in the day before snow is melted releasing the ice splintered rock above. Mmm OK! Despite this, thousands of people each year ascend and descend without incident. Why not us? Well, despite Stuart being very ﬁt and making his living as a builder with his brothers, aswell as completing several half marathons, triathlons, and mammoth cycle rides (some of which are stories in themselves) Stuart is visually impaired; so much so that he’s registered blind! His cycle rides are on the back of a tandem and he’s often tethered to someone during open water triathlon swims. When we did the Longmymd 50 mile hike together he remembered the route from the previous year and was able to navigate several stretches of it for us. This would be impressive even with good sight, having only done it once before, a year ago, and mostly in the dark. In my opinion the man is somewhat of a marvel. On Saturday the 3 of September we set off for London in my £400 Mondeo. I’d replaced it’s leaking radiator two days previous in the dark and torrential rain. I’d never done one before but I was conﬁdent it’d be OK. It was, hurrah! My good friend Carl (a Hadley boy now living and working in London) kindly put us up for the night and after the obligatory pint(s) in his excellent local we retired to our

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Main Pic: Aiguille du Midi ridge with the French , Swiss and Italian Alps in the background.

All

H e l p a t Ha nd

sleeping bags on his comfy sofas and If you think we can you, asleep familythrough member or hoped wehelp wouldn’t the neighbour:alarm. Gatwick was still an hour and a half Call us onaway but apart from a hiccup with we (office were soon in view of Jet 01952 baggage 380924 hours) A service designed around you and your needs. We offer a D’eau, a 120 mph jet of water sent 140 A service designed range of household tasks to make your around home life easier. metres in the air from the point where Email you and your needs. We offer lake Geneva flows into the Rhône. We do the jobs you find difficult to do, helpathand@telford.gov.uk Our plane was delayed so we missed a range of household tasks to talk to us about: from Geneva to Chamonix Or write tothe ustransfer at make your home life easier. so we had time for a couple of cheeky ■ Food shopping - we can take you or we can Help at Hand pints. do it for you! Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre If you’ve ever been to Chamonix ■ Picking up pensions and/or prescriptions Larkin Way, andWellington not been stunned by it’s awesome ■ General cleaning - including dusting, Telford TF1 1LXand scale, then it was either beauty sm iles - Ton y and Stu art sweeping, vacuuming cloudy or you’re not human! No picture on the Su mm it. ■ Washing and ironing can do it justice. We were thrilled L et u s h elp mak e you r h om e l i f e e a s i e r. ■ Cleaning internal windows and a little nervous at the size of the If you think we can help you, aIf family member or help you, a family member or think we can ■you Making and changing beds Let us help mountains. From Chamonix neighbour: Valley neighbour: make your floor to the summit of Mont Blanc is D2531 home life Call us on in Call us on 3,800 metres. It’s the same difference Contact us Costs easier from 01952 380924 (office hours) 01952 380924 (office hours) height as Base Camp to the summit of £12.50 We provide a range of serv If you think we can help you, a family A service designed around A service designed around per hour Everest. It’s big! member of neighbour: Email Email home make things easie you and your needs. Weto offer you and your needs. We offer After gobbling up a huge delicious Call us on helpathand@telford.gov.uk helpathand@telford.gov.uk Servicea range of household tasks toa range of household tasks to pizza which was reassuringly post 01952 (office hours) Or write to us at Or write to380924 us at available from Welifedo the jobs youhome findlifedifficult make your home easier. Brexitly expensive, we met up with make your easier. Help at Hand Help at Hand Email a minimum our course host and got the keys to our Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre helpathand@telford.gov.uk of an hour Food shopping - we can ta apartment. It was B&B accommodation Larkin Way, Wellington Larkin Way, Wellington a week Or write to us at you! We provide a range offorservices within your o but not as we know it. In theTelford reamsTF1 1LX Telford TF1 1LX Help at Hand of website small print it says a starter home to make thingsPicking easierup forpensions you. and/o Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre e t u s h e lp ma k e y ou rLheome a s ie t u s hlifeelpema k er. y ou r h ome lif e e a s ie r. pack of continental breakfastLsupplies Larkin Way, Wellington is provided. What it didn’t say is cleaning including Telford TF1 1LX We do the jobs you find General difficult to do, talk- to us abo D2531 D2531 the starter pack was already started vacuuming amongst which was a 3/4 packet of Food shopping - we can take you or we can do cornflakes and some stale biscuit toasts. Washing and ironing We provide a range of within your own forservices you! Yummy! The best things about our flat internal windows home to make thingsPicking easierup forpensions you. Cleaning were the location and view. and/or prescriptions A one minute walk from our flat Making and changing beds cleaning including dusting, sweeping, We do the jobs you find General difficult to do, talk- to us about: you can reach the Téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi. The highest vertical vacuuming h e re Food shopping - we can take you orI s wet can do s it o m e t h i n g e l s ascent cable car in the world. Rising WE SUPPLY Washing and ironing w i t h ? Do n ’t b e a f ra i d for you! from 1,035m to 3,842m in 20 minutes. AND INSTALL: This is where our Tuesday started, I internal windows Picking up pensionsCleaning and /or prescriptions led our party of three venturing out l Televisions Making and changing beds onto the steep extremely exposed icy General cleaning - including sweeping, ldusting, Hard Drive Recorders ridge to Glacier du Geant which we vacuuming (Freeview I s t h e re s o m e t h i n&gHD) else you need h crossed roped together. As we first set l High Definition foot on the ridge I remember thinking Washing and ironing w i t h ? D o n ’t b e a f ra i d t o a s k ! Blu-Ray how impossible it looked to stay on Cleaning internal windows your feet due to the gradient of the DVD Players ridge let alone the sides of it. Our guide Making and changing beds bellowed at us to move so we did. A friendly, personal To the right is a steep drop of several I s t h e re s o m e t h i n g e l sservice e y o u that need help hundred feet in places, ending in jagged w i t h ? D o n ’t b e a f r a i d you t o adeserve! sk! rocks and a nearby crevasse. That’s the preferable side to fall! The alternative is to the left where Need to see it at home you gaze down the ice slope neary before you buy? 9000 feet to Chamonix below. All one Not sure what size you can do is hope that if something goes want or what model? wrong your partner will fall down the other side of the ridge in time to break WE CAN BRING your fall before too much momentum A RANGE OF gathers to be overcome and drag the PRODUCTS TO whole party down. AERIALS YOUR HOME TO SEE It was at this point Stuart said “can I SUPPLIED WHICH SUITS YOUR see what I think, I can see?” NEEDS BEST. AND FITTED I assumed he was referring to our view of Chamonix which was a giddying best part of two miles below us. “Yeah, just keep walking” I said, well

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Continued on page 16 > www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 15

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MONT BLANC tory!

The view from the Su mmit showing the fa mous shadow of Mont Blanc.

Ou r S

> Continued from page 15

that’s what I think I said. I was busy controlling my breathing and putting one foot steadily infront of the other. We’ve both tackled Crib Goch and other similar ridges many times with enough exposure to make grownups go pale and weak at the knees, with no worry at all but this was several times higher, it was steeper, icy, we had to pass people, and Stuart was wearing crampons for the second time in his life! We made it without incident, crossed the mighty Glacier with it’s stunning scenery. And scaled a small mound of ice shattered rocks similar to “Castle of the Winds” on the Glyders in Snowdonia, called Point Lachenal. After returning via the same route our guide disappeared which left us time to cross the same Glacier on the famous cable car on which dozens were trapped overnight above 3000 metres two days after our uneventful but amazing trip on it. We had coffee in Italy and returned suspended across this vast desert of ice, snow, and rock to prepare for Mont Blanc. The weather was perfect, low wind, and sunshine, A short car journey, one cable car and a rack and pinion train like Snowdon’s took us to 2,400 metres where we start walking. Our grumpy guide told us to catch up his colleage which we did across Tatooine like terrain up to the Tete Rousse Hut. Here we roped together for the next non stop two hour rocky ridge climb to the Goûter Hut. It’s the highest, most popular and excellent Base to attempt the summit from the following morning. We cross the Grand Couloir and reach Goûter Hut at about 1.30pm. We’re told to sleep if we can before an excellent three course meal at 6.30. Back to sleep now because we rise at 2am, breakfast at 2.30, and by 3.11am we’re walking again with crampons, on ice and snow in the dark with head torches across narrow ridges with huge exposure. It’s hard to sleep when your heart is pounding audibly in your chest from the exercise, large dinner and efffects of altitude combined; whilst in a dorm of 60 or so other nervous, windy souls! However I can’t remember feeling tired, we were unsure of our ability at this stage and still a little nervous but quietly conﬁdent of reaching the summit. It’s four hours of no talking, just breathing hard and putting one foot infront of the other; whilst pushing on your walking poles then swapping to ice axe and back again. There’s a large crevasse to step across but it’s no big deal. Eventually we’re on the ﬁnal section, an icy ridge shallowing on to a wider almost plateau summit. Four hours of hot hard work then as we pause on the summit at sunrise looking over countless Alpine peaks of France, Italy and Switzerland, the wind bites hard. I had worn just a base layer till now, even from three in the morning. On with the insulated jacket. I was very glad I’d bought a

Ton y on Gla cier Du Gea nt, Ita

ly in the backgroun d.

Stu art on the su mm it with pict ure s of his son s.

decent one. A few photos and a sip of icy water just holding it’s ﬂuidity even from deep in our rucksacks and our guide was chomping at the bit to get down. As we turned and looked where we’d come from I remembered another guides words from the previous evening. “You’ll turn to see a great triangular shadow streching out as far as the horizon. This is the shadow of Mont Blanc.” Again the pictures don’t do it justice but I took a few all the same. There was little pausing on the walk down, it’s the equivalent of three Ben Nevis’ to the Railway station but we reach it by 1pm in time for a couple of well earned beers in the afternoon sunshine. We saw rock fall in the Grand Couloir but luckily not as we crossed it. Later in the afternoon, as we sat in the comparitively thick atmosphere, we saw a huge thunderous rockfall oppoosite us. The afternoons we agreed were best spent drinking beer! We ﬁnished the week in Chamonix by taking an awesome high thrills tandem paraglide through the valley. We’re now safely back in Wellington and planning Kilimanjaro and the Matterhorn for next year!

Thank you for reading, Stuart and Tony.

The infa mous cable car above Mont Blanc’s Glacier du Geant.

16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 14, 25, 16 Tony Nicholls.indd 3

31/10/2016 18:13

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17

17 Adverts.indd 1

31/10/2016 13:19

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

The Nation remembers In this armistice and remembrance commemoration month of November, local author Chris Owen recalls both Wellington’s and the national response to the aftermath of The Great War

uring the following year to the armistice, signed on 11th November 1918, which brought about the ending of the Great War, the UK turned its attention to mourning its dead. Over 800,000 British service personnel, men and women, had fallen in the service of the nation. Added to the UK’s colonial volunteer deaths suffered by Australia, Canada and other colonies such as India and Africa the overall total rose to 1.2 million. The government decided to mark this event for the nation in a mass universal gathering of people not just service personnel but representatives from all walks of life across the land. Whitehall in London was chosen as the venue of this solemn event which was to be the ﬁrst demonstration of national grief. A competition was launched to design a suitable memorial as a focus to this outpouring and Sir Edwin Lutyens (designer of the Thiepval memorial) won with his design called: Cenotaph (meaning literally: empty tomb). It was originally constructed full size in wood and plaster as a temporary memorial for the event. However such was the outpouring on the anniversary

‘War does not determine who is right - only who is left’

Bertrand Russell English Philosopher, Mathematician (1872 – 1970)

All Saints Church Lych Gate, Wellington

We love hearing from you!

For 15 years Wrekin News has printed pages and pages of your letters and pictures and we want to publish more! Please keep our editor’s inbox full and send your letters and pictures to: The Editor, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your contributions to: james@plus2media.co.uk 18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, Letters.indd 1

30/10/2016 23:40

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on 11th November 1919, it was decided to make Armistice Day a permanent event in the national calendar. This decision instigated the construction of a permanent stone replica of the Cenotaph which is the impressive ediﬁce we see today. Locally around the nation it was deemed impractical to travel to London and block the capital’s streets so each community decided to mark the occasion with their own ceremonies. Such was the need for a focus to gather round to commemorate such catastrophic losses to their respective communities.

The construction of local monuments

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Wellington’s heartfelt grief was expressed quite early on in the aftermath with the construction in 1920 of the first memorial in the town at St Patrick’s church. This 23ft edifice comprised a figure of the crucified Christ mounted above a stone plinth bearing plaques listing the fallen catholic soldiers of the town. (see pic) It was to be 1922 before we saw a centralised urban focus for mourning Wellington’s dead in the construction of the Lych Gate memorial at All Saints Church on Church Green. It was paid for mostly by private subscription and which now forms the focus for the town’s annual commemoration ceremonies. (see pic) Remembrance Sunday was also inaugurated into the national calendar of mourning as a means of commemorating the dead of all wars and became standard annual practice after world war two. The best way to honour the local Wellington dead besides attending these events commemorating WW1 and all wars where this nation has fought in such as: Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and World War Two, is to diligently and repeatedly buy your British Legion poppy and wear it with pride.

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18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, Letters.indd 2

30/10/2016 23:44

Everything changes so rapidly . . . by Ingrid Finch

ver since man invented the wheel, he has had the unquenshable thirst for ways to improve the world and, indeed, himself. If we travel back in time for instance to the 17th century, when superstition and witchcraft was rife, some of our modern inventions would be dismissed as highly suspect and dubious. Anyone responsible for straying from what was considered ‘normality’ would be dragged off to the village pond and introduced to the ducking stool! The Witchﬁnder General would be working overtime if he witnessed some of the things we take for granted. Anyone walking along talking into a mobile phone would be accused of being in league with the devil and dealt with accordingly! Baths and showers on a daily basis? - I don’t think so! If a mans hand weren’t the colour of black velvet from constant toil it posed the question of how he did occupy his time. Even Queen Elizabeth the 1st only bathed once a month (whether she needed to or not!) and that was revolutionary. Mind you I don’t think anyone would argue with her for fear of their head being separated from their body! She was indeed her fathers daughter! Today we take for granted travelling around the globe which is a far cry from when man feared he would plunge off the edge if he ventured too far. Our predecessors would probably have recoiled in fear as they witnessed the ﬁrst locomotives with steam hissing and billowing from the engine with ear splitting ferocity. And what about air travel? Birds with engines?- not in your wildest dreams. Far safer with a horse and cart. Farmers too would never have envisaged using anything other than a horse or manpower on the land and would have been hard pressed to engage the skills of modern technology. Telecommunication is another area that has progressed beyond belief and the idea centuries ago of speaking to someone on the other side of the world would be bordering on the supernatural. What would a Victorian housewife have made of an automatic washing machine or tumble dryer? Correct me if I am wrong but in comparison to the toil and grind of the wash days of long ago she would probably have overcome scepticism and welcomed such a labour saving device with open arms. Even in my own lifetime which encompasses a more enlightened world, everything has changed so rapidly. I was born in the aftermath of the Second World War when the economy was struggling to recover and rationing was still in evidence. There have been many changes since then and superstition, though still adhered to, is now mainly limited to avoiding walking under ladders, and throwing spilt salt over the left shoulder. The pendulum has swung the other way but I wonder what life will be like a hundred years from now. If we could see into the future we would probably regard what we saw as WITCHCRAFT!

Arleston - the early years! Arleston Memories Event – Arleston, the Early Years - Saturday 24 September

Visitors look through scrapbooks at the Arleston Memories Day

Dave Barnett and Cllr Phil Morris Jones the Mayor of Wellington

Arleston Memories & History Group celebrated another successful memories event at the Watling Community Centre in Arleston on Saturday 24 September. The event was opened by Cllr Phil Morris Jones, Mayor of Wellington Town Council who thanked the Group for yet again putting on another great community event. This year the theme was ‘Arleston, the Early Years’, which covered memories of everyone who lived in Arleston during the 1950s and 60s. Some of those on display included Clifton McGowan who wrote down his memories of when he moved from Jamaica in the early 60s and his recollections of growing up in Arleston. Cllr Angela McClements spoke with affection about her time growing up in the area, what a great community spirit there was and still is today. The favourite attractions of the day was

Josie Corbett in a 1950s sitting room scene

an original Prince’s Street desk and a 1950s sitting room, which many people enjoyed looking around and remembering. Cllr Angela McClements said: “This was yet another wonderful memories event which celebrated the memories of Arleston in the 1950s and 60s and I would like to thank everyone who supported the event and especially those who brought along photographs and took the time to write about their memories of living in the area. There was certainly a fantastic community spirit then and that is still there today.” If you are interested, The Arleston Memories & History Group meet at 1.30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Watling Community Centre. Contact Cllr Angela McClements on Tel: 07794 213501 or Dave Barnett on Tel: 01952 244922 for further information.

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UNSUNG HERO! The story of Thomas Lawrence Walter Swift told by Jean Swift Lawrence was a Wellington man with a good job and loving family, then like most young men he was called to war. Lawrence was about to witness horrors that we could not imagine not even in our worst nightmares. He fought at the Somme and was eventually gassed by mustard gas. The effects of the gas were so severe that he was unable to continue hand-to-hand fighting. In today’s world he would probably be flown home for treatment, but then he was told his duties would be stretcher-bearer. It is impossible to say which was worse- fighting or carrying screaming solders with body parts missing. He was always running through the bombs, smoke, and barbed wire to wherever there was a shout or scream. At the end of the war he came home, some would call him lucky, but further tragedy was to follow. He had married after the war and eventually had two children but their life style was about to change. There was a strike at work and he lost his job. Still suffering from the effect of the war and no hope of a job in the 1930’s he

declined mentally. He was taken to hospital where he stayed for many years. Today we accept stress as an illness, but then you were regarded as useless and treated as a criminal. His wife and children visited him every week, but the children felt the stigma, they did not realize that their father was a hero. War does not always just affect the brave soldiers, but also their families. Lawrence’s wife worked in two jobs to support her two children; there were no beneﬁts in those days. Her family was in Bristol many miles away and could not help her. A gipsy once told her not to consider the suicide she was being driven towards. Very often by Friday she was forced to borrow a shilling to feed her children. Her struggles bore the best of fruit for her because both children went to grammar school and both got really good jobs that was sufﬁcient reward. After many, many, years they were told that Lawrence was voluntary and could have come out of hospital at anytime. It was too late; he was institutionalised and could not cope with the outside world. He took his own life-so was he lucky?

A MAN OF VIRTUE UNSUNG HERO (A Poem by JEAN SWIFT a member of Buttington Church) You would not give him a second glance A mildly mannered figure You would not know his war night mares Fought with young men’s vigor The rats, the noise-no turning back Orders are obeyed The barbed wire and flying shells Comrades dying as they lay He couldn’t fade into the crowed His injured body invaded He had to throw himself forward To walk along unaided Some children laughed at his clum sy gait But, how were they to know! His frost bitten toes all amputated Fighting the British foe He was a Weslayan Superintendent A man honoured and respected He laid down his life for us Let this be reflected Refusing whiskey for the pain During the operation His vows to God and principles Were more than reparation

ALL RESPECT TO A WELLINGTON SHROPSHIRE HERO

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556460 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21

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· 21

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters Life was hard, but life was good!

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL MEMO RIES AND PICTURES THROUGH THE MOST POPULAR PAGES OF THE WREKIN NEWS

Cllr Angela McClements (right) sits at an original desk from Prince’s Street School at the Arleston Memories Day

Fresh from attending the Arleston Memories Event Cllr Angela McClements was inspired to write down her own memories of growing up in Arleston.

rleston was a wonderful community when I was growing up – it still is, but in a different way. Growing up in Arleston in the 60s for children was exciting – we were free to play out on the streets, run through the ﬁelds from morning to dusk at the back of Arleston Avenue – now Manor Rise. Parents didn’t worry then – we always came back safe, although we had a good slap across the legs if we were late. We were always up to mischief! I can remember hiding in a tree at the Pump House in Arleston Village after a load of us went scrumping and falling from the tree with bad grazes to my legs. I was even worse later that evening when I got colic from eating unripe apples. I can remember warm summer evenings walking with my parents to Parkus Pool with our dog Sam – this was always a family event. We played hopscotch on the pavement and roller skated around the estate – I constantly had bruises on my legs due to falling on the uneven pavements. Playing ball in the streets was never a problem and there would be children of all ages playing together – up to 20 at times. It would probably be called anti social behaviour now!! Most people had coal ﬁres and I can remember the coal lorry coming up the road, delivering coal every Friday. Fog became smog and sometimes we had to walk to school not being able to see a yard in front of us. Snow seemed to fall thick in those days and I remember not being able to open the front door due to the snow being banked right up to the top of the door. I can remember making a home-made sledge and

sledging down the steep bank before Chartwell Road and Toll Road were built. I remember the ice on the insides of the windows, especially the bedroom window – mum and dad were lucky – they had a coal ﬁre in their bedroom and I loved sneaking in to their bed to get warm, although my sister Karen always made it into their bed before me! Bathtimes were only on a Sunday evening and we shared the same water – otherwise it was a top and tail every night. I remember chicklings, tripe & Onions, liver, rabbit stew, prunes, bread and dripping on Mondays made from the best piece of Sunday lunch topside, pork scratching from Pork, bread and butter pudding, rice

We love hearing from you!

For 15 years Wrekin News has printed pages and pages of your letters and pictures and we want to publish more! Please keep our editor’s inbox full and send your letters and pictures to: The Editor, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your contributions to: james@plus2media.co.uk 22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, Letters.indd 5

31/10/2016 18:32

pudding so thick the spoon would stand upright, tinned pears and carnation milk! My nan’s chips which were the absolute best. She used the same lard in the chip pan for goodness knows how long, but the taste was unbelievable especially with a large dose of salt and vinegar, which made my mouth tingle. We never got fat – we ran it off. Life was hard, but life was good. Chocolate treats from my granddad when he came home from Sankeys every Friday – paydays were once a week then. Friday and Saturday evenings at around 11pm were very noisy – I used to peer out of my bedroom window at Windsor Road listening to the men singing loudly returning from the Bucks Head. Their favour song was “Im tired and I want to go home – Im tired and I want to go to bed – I had a little drink about an hour ago and its gone right to my head” I can still hear them singing that song! I can vividly remember the 1966 World Cup final – my dad and my brother huddled around the small black and white television in the sitting room shouting and screaming. I did get a little fed up and went outside to see if anyone was around to play. I have never ever experienced it so quiet in Arleston, the streets were empty, not a sole in sight – it was eerie! Then all of a sudden a loud cheer came up from all of the houses in the street – I think we had won the World Cup!! I always remember the smell of the red mansion polish. My mum used to polish the step every Friday, ready for the weekend. It was gleaming when she had finished, but it didn’t last long when we arrived back from the muddy fields. Most swept the paths outside their house and I used to get really annoyed when they brushed away the chalked numbers of the hopscotch. The women used to wear headscarves and curlers in their hair in those days – they didn’t feel embarrased going out with curlers in their hair – it definitely wouldn’t happen today!! I could go on about so many memories, I made so many wonderful friends in Arleston and I would like to touch on a particular group that became my friends. It was the Bennett, French and McGowan family from the afrocarribean community. Clifton McGowan has written down his memories and I would like to finish on this today. It is wonderful and very thought provoking.

Th an k you W re ki n N ew s! Dea r Tania, On beh alf of the Brit annia Aqu edu ct Historica l Society I wou ld like to tha nk you for includin g the St Jam es’ open days in the Septem ber events diary. The open days were very successful with visitor num bers increased by more tha n 40% on previous yea rs.

Be st wishes, Joh n. Thank you for your message John, we are very glad that you had a successul event. To have your event or what’s on listing incl uded in our December magazine please send the details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk or call 01952 522562.

See page 24 for Clifton’s Arleston memories . . . >

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 23

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Life as it was then Well here I am again, back home with quite a lot of different memories and a very large number of thoughts, mostly of my life as it was then in Derbyshire, writes Rona Harris. I really believe that most of my childhood was extremely strict as I have mentioned in the past. However with living during WWII life was not easy for anyone there were shortages of everything around us and money or the lack of it played a huge part in all our lives. Mum always took care of her parents, both were rather (in my opinion) bad tempered and selﬁsh ‘old biddies’, and yes I am sorry about that but the way they treated my Mum was almost intolerable to me. As I say money was very tight in our little family, my Dad was calledup into the Army and consequently Mum’s allowance was much, much less than Dad’s wages had been, and Grandma and Granddad did not believe in paying Mum for doing their washing and scrubbing and cleaning their rather large farmhouse. As kids all our presents were quite sparse, usually something that really only cost pence, or passed on from older cousins in the family who had outgrown most of the stuff. I have mentioned in the past that my older sister Irene joined the WRNS (Navy), which then just left my younger sister Sheila and me at home with Mum, however it seemed to be an eternity but WWII came to an end. Dad was demobbed from the Army, and was transferred in his job on promotion to Wellington, and from then on there was an extremely bright light at the end of a very long dark tunnel, and it was the best thing that had happened to me, from then on I really loved and still do love Wellington very much indeed. At this time I was 16 years of age and really looking forward to all that life had to offer but needless to say, the parental restrictions placed on me were monumental. But I must say at this point that I will still consider my Mum’s life through the past ﬁve years (since Dad’s call-up) was not good at all, she was a very nervy person really but I have no doubts that all that she did was her absolute best to care and bring-up her two remaining daughters at home. She undertook so many tasks that were my Dad’s whilst he was in the Army, and some of those tasks were quite hard work. Sometimes I really believe that it is so easy to criticize but really what do we know about our nearest and dearest and are we really in a position to comment and try to put their world to rights? No I don’t think so. I must admit though that with all the hardship and restrictions in my younger life I am so grateful that was ‘my time’ and not the presentday, their were happy moments without the greed and ‘I want, and give me’ as of today. I have a photo I am sending of Sheila and me when we moved here, Sheila was 13/14 years of age and I was 16/17 we don’t have too many photo’s of our younger years, must have been something to do with a war that was going on at the time. All for now, I shall have my long-awaited coffee break and write again next time.

Clifton’s life on the estate by Clifton McGowan

here were six other children with me being the eldest. I arrived from the Caribbean aged just nine. It took me quite a while to understand the culture, and the meaning of many of the words which other children used when I first started school at Prince’s Street in Wellington. The head teacher was also named McGowan, and I thought he was one of my family who came to live here and because of the length of time, he changed and became white! The first time I saw fog, I remember thinking, was that because where I used to live in Jamaica and you look up on a cloudy day, you will see white cloud and England was up in the cloud because I had to get on the aeroplane that took us through the cloud so my believe was, the sky came down and we were moving higher up into the cloud and that was my first time seeing fog. It was even funnier when I saw snow for the first time because I believed the clouds were falling to the floor in little bits. It was not until we did science at school that I understood about hot and cold. Life on the estates - There were only a few Caribbean families living on the Arleston estate. The White, Bennett, French and the McGowan’s, we were all very well known! A lot of the elderly would tell us to go home back to our country and we were always in fights because of insults from other children, parents and teenagers. But the one thing we were

My life as one of the ﬁrst young black people to live on the Arleston estate in Wellington.

all good at was sports so when it came to playing football, badminton and rugby you could guarantee that whatever their prejudice were, while we were playing on the same team, we were all equal! But the other team would insult us and try and put us off our game. Over the years as we grew up there was more acceptance towards us by children of our own age - going to school, cinema, travelling to Motown and Northern soul events were all things we liked to do. Our parents were quite strict and we had work around the house to do, keeping the house clean, cooking, washing, ironing and we were all made to take on different tasks and had to do them to a very high standard or we would have to do them again and again and again. After leaving school, I enrolled at Walker Technical College (now TCAT) to do engineering in tool making working for GEC as an apprentice. After qualifying I decided to go and work for Hoover and slowly started to work in the sales ofﬁce because I was able to talk to anyone about anything and I sounded very English. I got married when I was 20 and had a ﬂat at Carlton House on Mill Bank, Wellington. When I look back overall I had a great life living on the estate because everyone got to know me and my family we were all well known throughout Wellington and all the surrounding towns such as Oakengates and Madeley.

Your Christmas memories Can you believe the festive period is nearly upon us already! We have always enjoyed reading your Christmas memories and this year will be no diﬀerent, we’d love to hear from you with your festive memories. Send your letters to: The Editor, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email: james@plus2media.co.uk... Thank you!

24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, Letters.indd 7

31/10/2016 18:35

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SERVICE With a smile www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 25

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SLEEPING BEAUTY Sat 07 - SAT 28 JANUARY 2017

BOX OFFICE: 01746 766477 This sparkling and fun ﬁlled version of the traditional tale of SLEEPING BEAUTY is delightfully brought to life by the Theatre on the Steps company. The beautiful Princess falls victim to the evil spell cast on her by the wicked Carabosse, and falls asleep for 100 years, the only thing that can save her is a kiss from a handsome Prince. Will that Prince arrive to deliver that kiss? The very best of traditional pantomimes packed full of hilarious comedy, great music, great scenery. A great family show for children of all ages.

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WIN A FAMILY Tickets to see the best local pantomimes only in the Wrekin News! TICKET TO SEE ILY SLEEPING BEAUTY SLEEPING BEAUTY TICWKINETA- SFAEEMPA GE Wrekin News has teamed up with the Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth to oﬀer one lucky winner a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to see Sleeping Beauty. For your chance to win send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Theatre on the Steps, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk

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CINDERELLA Don’t miss this year’s fun-ﬁlled family pantomime, CINDERELLA, starring Shropshire’s favourite Dame BRAD FITT as you’ve never seen him before! The show is written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution, the same team that brought you previous Box Ofﬁce smash hits Dick Whittington, Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty. Last year’s pantomime was almost a complete sell-out and was seen by over 38,000 people, so early booking

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is recommended. The legendary ERIC SMITH (BBC Radio Shropshire) returns as Baron-Hard-Up, alongside the formidable Ugly Sisters IAN SMITH and MATT DAINES. Completing the hugely talented cast are PHIL BUTLER as Dandini, JOANNE HEYWOOD as Fairy Godmother, VICTORIA McCABE in the title role, and RYAN BENNETT as Prince Charming.

26 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 26, 27 Entertainment.indd 1

31/10/2016 09:44

big screen

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WIN PANTO TICKETS! HOW TO ENTER Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates and Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury to offer two lucky reader’s the chance to win a FAMILY TICKET (2 adults, 2 children) to see this season’s Panto’s! All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, (INSERT NAME OF PANTO - SLEEPING BEAUTY OR CINDERELLA), Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry with all of the above details to: tania@ plus2media.co.uk - You are welcome to enter to win tickets for both Panto’s, but please remember to send separate entries for each one.

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WIN CINEMA TICKETS

the s teamed up with Wrekin News ha one er off to rd lfo Te Odeon Cinema, ema ir of standard cin lucky reader a pa choice. ur yo of lm fi a tickets to ne me and telepho Just send your na kin re W s, Bayli contact to: Tania , kets, Bridge Road News, Odeon Tic ail: em or Y 1R 1 TF rd Wellington, Telfo ia.co.uk tania@plus2med

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Wrekin News ha s teamed up with the Odeon Cinema, Telford to offer on e lucky reader a pa ir of Odeon Silve r Screen Cinema tickets (Over 55 ’s only please) to a film of your choice. Ju st send your name and telephone co ntact to: Tania Baylis, Wrekin News, Od eon Silver Screen Tic kets, Bridge Road , Wellington, Telfo rd TF1 1RY or em ail: tania@plus2med ia.co.uk

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26, 27 Entertainment.indd 2

31/10/2016 18:23

Diary November 2016

Saturday 5 November Shifnal GRAND FIREWORK event. Shifnal Cricket Club 5.00 till 10.00pm Sunday 6 November Bonfire and Firework at Weston Park. Gates open at 3pm Bonfire lit at 5:30pm Fireworks at 6pm and 7:30pm On the night price: £18 per car (up to six people per car) Book tickets in advance call 01952 852100 Saturday 12 November Donnington BONFIRE, FUNFAIR AND FIREWORK DISPLAY Gates Open at 4:00pm First firework display is at 7:00pm Bonfire lit at 8:00pm Grand Firework Display 9:00pm Saturday 12 November Bridgnorth CHRISTMAS FAIR Castle Hall, Bridgnorth WV16 4AB Free Entry Open 11am till 4pm Sunday 13 November WARTIME CABARET SHOW £15pp call 01952 606588 arrival 6pm dinner for 7pm 17 November 10:00 till 4:00 Severn Valley Country Park

Christmas textile workshop with Georgia Jacobs. Adult £15 (£25 for two) Call 01746 781192 17 November Cordingley Hall, Wellington Psychic Supper Night BOOK EARLY Tickets £15 per person to include a hot two course supper. 7pm till 10pm 01952 606588 19 November Wellington Methodist Church Christmas Fayre Opens 10am There will be a variety of stalls along with refreshments and admission is free. Contact 01952 247965 24 25 and 26 November The Little Theartre ‘Scrooge’ The Musical Tickets £9 each Family £34 To Book call 01952 407959 19 and 20 November Dudmaston Hall, Quatt, Bridgnorth. A weekend of Christmas Festivities. 70 stalls of local craft and foods. 11:00 till 5:30 26 November Apley Farm Shop Christmas food and craft fair 01952 730345

Space Wars - The Panto Fights Back! The 7th annual pantomime by The Buildwas Players is raising money for Telford Guide Dogs for the Blind. Including the evil Garth Varder, robots, strange aliens, and great music, this panto is going to be out of this world! Lots of great musical numbers and a good time for all the family! Includes a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm - ideal for younger children. £6 adults, £3 children (aged 16 and under): - Thursday 9th Feb 2017 7.30pm - Friday 10th Feb 2017 7.30pm - Saturday 11th Feb 2017 2.30pm (matinee) - Saturday 11th Feb 2017 7.30pm Each performance lasts ~2 hours, with a half hour interval where refreshments and raffle tickets will be on sale (£1 each). Evening performances finish at 10.00pm. Saturday matinee finishes at 5.00pm.

NOVEMBER 2016 Saturday 5th

F1-11

Thursday 10th

KIRVANA, THE MACHINE RAGES ON & DEAD FREQUENCY Friday 11th

THE BEAST INSIDE & AFTER THE RIOT Saturday 12th

HARD RIDE

Thursday 17th

FUNKE AND THE TWO TONE BABY Friday 18th

MISS-LED

Saturday 19th

THE PISSTOLS

Wednesday 23rd

COLLAPSED LUNG & THE EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN Friday 25th

POKER JACK

Saturday 26th

THE ORIGINAL WANTED

26 HAYGATE RD, WELLINGTON, TELFORD, TF1 1QA - 01952 247333 FACEBOOK.COM/THEHAYGATE

28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28, 29 Just The Ticket.indd 1

Ticket JUST

THE

To advertise in

JUST THE TICKET Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email

irene@plus2media.co.uk

Experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas

ake this Christmas Blists Hill Victorian Tow extra special and visit n 3rd – 4th and Blists Hill Victorian 10th – 11th Town, near Ironbridge December with friends and 2016 family over the two weekends of 3rd – 4th and 10th - 11th December. Soak up the fabulous seasonal Victorian atmosphere and revel in traditional celebrations and entertainment as the townsfolk busily make preparations for Christmas, 1800s style. Be transported to a bygone era as you stroll around the town; listen to tales of life more than 100 years ago as you visit the cosy cottages, hum along to cast-iron seasonal music from brass bands and choirs and paperweights and doorstops, handmade plaster decorations, perfumed soaps, hand printed gift tour the Town on a horse-drawn cart. No visit wrap, traditional sweets and Victorian Christmas will be complete without a visit to see Father cards. Christmas in his wonderful grotto. You can even One of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums in pet his reindeer before they start their mammoth Shropshire, Blists Hill will be open from 10am journey around the world on Christmas Eve. to 4pm on these Victorian Christmas weekends. The most perfect Victorian ‘Christmas card Entry is £17.95 for adults, £13.75 for 60 plus, scene’, with a stunningly decorated Christmas £11.85 for children 5 - 18 years. A special tree, will be the centrepiece in the Goods Shed Christmas Family Ticket (2+2) is available at where you can also make paperchains, write a £55 and under 5s are free. A visit to Father letter to Father Christmas and leave a note on our Christmas is £3.50 extra per child including a Wishing Tree. gift to take home. Print-at-home tickets can be The air will be ﬁlled with music and laughter purchased online or you can pay at the gate on around the Town with brass bands, carol singers and Punch & Judy shows. Don’t miss the dastardly arrival. Annual Passports are not valid for these weekends but current Passport holders will receive villain, his principal enemy and the comical a 25% discount on presentation of a valid Annual quack doctor, all dressed in garish garb in our Passport Ticket when paying on arrival. traditional Shropshire Christmas Mummers Play. For further information, call the Ironbridge The Victorians loved these early forms of panto, Tourist Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or and so will you. visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily A visit will be a great excuse to call in to the reached via the M54 motorway exiting at Telford shops around the Town, where you will ﬁnd some junction 4 or 6. unusual Christmas gifts like traditionally made

Win tickets to the Victorian Christmas! Wrekin News has teamed up with Ironbridge Gorge Museums to oﬀer one lucky reader the chance to win a FAMILY PASS to the Victorian Christmas. For your chance to win a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Victorian Christmas, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email: tania@plus2media.co.uk - Entry closes on Thursday 24 November 2016.

31/10/2016 15:19

OPEN Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm until Sunday 18th December 2016

THROUGHO

Spend some quality Christmas time with your family at Arley Father Christmas and his elf have agreed to stop at Arley Arboretum each weekend in December to ﬁnd out what presents all the children in the local area would like. Along with a pre-arranged time to go and have a chat with Santa and collect a gift to get your little ones in the Christmas spirit, we also have free entrance for all children into the arboretum to meet our new baby peacocks and other animals. Or pay just £2 per child to complete our new snowman trail and claim a prize at the end (adult admission is £5 per person). Spend some quality family time walking around the 40 acres of specialist trees, stop for a while on the playground or get lost in the maze, then pop in to our tea room to warm up with a lovely cuppa and a mince pie. Tickets to see Father Christmas are £5.50 on the day or £5 if prebooked through the estate ofﬁce on 01299 861368 or email info@ arleyarboretum.co.uk

UT DECEMBE

Meet Santa & Elf Every weekend in December!*

Santa’s Grotto £5 pre-booked BOOK NOW on 01299 861368 (£6 on the door)

FREE Christmas Trail ALL DECEMBER* Follow us on Facebook for

events, news & offers!

k www.arleyarboretum.co.u *T&C’s apply. Open Weds - Sun 11am-5pm. Closed 19th Dec 2016 - 17th Feb 2017. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467

BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN 3 & 4 and 10 & 11 Dec 2016, 10am - 4pm

Victorian CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS TO: FROM:

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS!

VICTORIAN TRADITIONS!

IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK

10 AWARD WINNING ATTRACTIONS IN A WORLD HERITAGE SITE Buy tickets online or on arrival. Annual Passport Tickets not valid. Annual Passport Ticket holders get 25% discount off entry. (T&C’s apply). www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 29

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31/10/2016 15:19

Ticket JUST

THE

Gorgeous Christmas Gift Fair at Enginuity

xperience an early taste of Christmas at Gorgeous, a contemporary designer craft fair held in Enginuity at Coalbrookdale, one of Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge Museums on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November. Hosted in conjunction with the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft, the event will see skilled craftspeople and artisans from across the West Midlands showcasing a huge variety of handmade designs and individual artworks. There will be a wealth of Christmas gift ideas with items to suit all

Nestled inside The Holiday Inn, The Olive Tree is the perfect dining choice. Enjoy the finest, locally sourced food, prepared by our talented Chef and his team. Come and discover the best kept secret in Telford.

To book, please call 01952 527319 The Olive Tree Restaurant Holiday Inn Telford – Ironbridge, St Quentin Gate Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4EH

pockets from magnificent one-off designer pieces to affordable goods. Designer-makers will be selling their exquisite and unusual pieces of jewellery, glassware, ceramics, textiles, fine furniture, prints and metal work in the festively decked main hall, while talking to visitors about their trade. In addition, tasty delights from a selection of the region’s renowned food producers will also be on offer. Throughout the weekend visitors can also enjoy watching a range of expert demonstrations delivered by master craftspeople. This year exhibitors include Emily Richard, who makes jewellery in precious metals and is influenced by geometric patterns and shapes, and Amanda Hillier whose limited edition linoprints, cards and gifts are inspired by Shropshire. There will also be a selection of unusual handmade glass and gemstone beadwork jewellery created by Sam Hemming. Now in its 12th year, Gorgeous is a celebration of creative skills, promoting the work of designers and craftsmen in the region, many of whom enjoy status as internationally recognised artists. It also builds on The Gorge’s rich heritage of creativity; the place where early industrialists mined for raw materials to make iron, tiles and porcelain goods, many of which are still produced and displayed at the museum sites today. Gorgeous is open 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am-4.30pm on Sunday. Entry is £2.50 per person (all ages), under 5s free, including

Enginuity, near Ironbridge 19th and 20th November 2016

admission into the Enginuity hands-on interactive design and technology centre; admission is also free for Ironbridge Annual Passport ticket holders For further information, contact the Ironbridge Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).JOIN in the fun for our 21st year at the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR! The biggest and best Christmas shopping Fair returns to the NEC for four days from 10-13 November. The run up to Christmas Day involves a lot of planning and the hardest and often most time consuming part is buying the presents, so get it all done in one day at the Festive Gift Fair and make it FUN! Christmas starts here with plenty of choice, unique gifts, and a fun and easy shopping day out. For our 21st year we have a whole NEW line-up of fantastic LIVE music to entertain you through the day. So easy to visit, all in one hall, all on one level and there’s even a courtesy shuttle service to and from Birmingham International station. When your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Creche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy all the great entertainment. 350 stalls overﬂowing with fabulous decorations for the home and present ideas for all – from babies to teenagers, parents to grandparents, for him, for her and even the pets!

Win tickets to the Christmas Craft Fair! Wrekin News has teamed up with Ironbridge Gorge Museums to oﬀer one lucky reader the chance to win a FAMILY PASS to the Christmas Craft Fair. For your chance to win a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Christmas Craft Fair, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email: tania@plus2media.co.uk - Entry closes on Tuesday 15 November 2016.

30 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 30 Just The Ticket.indd 1

31/10/2016 11:47

Jingle all the way

to the buckatree

LUNr CH TRIB30UthTNEovem be rson £16.50 per pe

FRANK SINATRA

TRIB6tUh TDecEemLUbeNr CH

TRIBUTE LUNCH

rson £16.50 per pe

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We‘ve got Christmas all wrapped up!!! Elvis Presley

Cilla Black

30th November

6th December

3 Course Lunch £16.50

Mid-Week Party!

Tribute Lunch

Available throughout December, up until the 21st, excluding Fridays and Saturdays. 4 course dinner and disco. £29.95

Festive LET IT SNOW Princess Party Lunches 21st December

Throughout December

2 Courses - £10.50 3 Courses - £13.50

£10.95 Adults £5.95 Children

Frank Sinatra

Doris Day

Festive Sundays 27th November. 4th, 11th & 18th December New Year’s Day

3 Course Dinner £24.95

Vera Lynn

Buddy Holly

Tribute Lunch

8th December

12th December

15th December

3 Course Lunch £16.50

All Inclusive Party Nights

Christmas Day Lunch

Boxing Day

New Years Eve Gala Dinner

25th 26th November 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th & 22nd December

£49.00

Tribute Lunch

5 Course Lunch Adults £62.00 Children £29.00

3 Course Lunch £23.00 adults £12.00 children

Throughout December

£14.95 Adults £8.95 Children

Tribute Lunch

Festive Dinner

Tribute Lunch 19th December 3 Course Lunch £16.50

1970’s Christmas show 6 Course Gala Dinner, Live Music £99.00

Buckatree Hall Hotel The Wrekin, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire. TF6 5AL or visit our website

www.buckatreehallhotel.com

Tel: 01952 641821 www.BuckatreeHallHotel.com

Buckatree Hall Hotel Advert.indd 1

31/10/2016 09:06

WIN

CLIFTON TEAM ASKS – “IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?”

TICKETS FOR THE FANTAST IC SANTA TRAIN ! SEE BELOW . .

Fantastic Santa Train! At the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, for just £10 per person in advance (and babies free) children get a quality gift from Santa right in their railway carriage with complimentary refreshments at the station. The ride is a sensible 45-minute round trip, in spacious heated carriages, and a heartwarming cheer when Santa boards

the train. The railway is easy to get to, with free parking and four or ﬁve departures a day from Llanfair Caereinion (SY21 0SF). Trains run 10th-11th and 17th-19th December (two weekends plus a Monday), but book early at www.wllr.org.uk or on 1938 810441 – every train sold out last year.

Wrekin News has teamed up with The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway to oﬀer one lucky reader the chance to win a FAMILY TICKET to ride on the Fantastic Santa Train! For your chance to win this prize please send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Santa Train, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - Closing date Thursday 24 November 2016. Good Luck!

to save the Clifton building 18 months ago which was submitted to Telford & Wrekin Borough Council who, if they invested £10 each would give the Clifton project £30,000? Over 600 people have already joined the group of people who are members of the community benefit society Very recent newsletters to members and publicity requests to Vote for Us in the Aviva Community Initiative ending 18th November 2016 and “Grow your Tenner” launching on 24th October until 17.00 on 5th November 2016 Some 150 people signing up to volunteer once a building is obtained Endless articles in the local press covering everything the daily and weekly newspapers to the monthly “glossies” An item on BBC Midlands Today that has a reach of some 650,000 viewers Frequent interviews and “What’s On” information on BBC Radio Shropshire and Midlands community station Big Centre TV Inclusion in “Shropshire What’s On” and “31 Days” entertainment magazines and items in the national press Nomination as the Wellington Town Council Mayor’s charity for 2015/2016 financial year and Inclusion in the Wellington Festival together with six film festivals held at the Belmont with approximate audiences well over 70 people over four/five nights Wellington Town Council Charity of the Year 2015 Registered Office: c/o Wellington Town Council, The Clifton Community Arts Centre Limited Civic Centre, Wellington, Telford TF1 1XL is a Registered Society, number 32224R under the Directors: W Graham, L Dargue, R Hughes, F Hunter THREE MEN IN A BOW TIE Co-Operative Community return in Pop-Up Clifton at Benefits Societies Act 2014 Belmont Hall, TF1 1LT A stall in Wellington Market every Saturday 26th NOVEMBER 2016 from 9:00 until at least at 7.30 p.m.(Doors open 7.00 p.m.) midday for people to gain information Attendance at events as wide ranging as the Lions Day on Wheels and the Senior Citizens Forum A monthly Group meeting at King Street Café in Wellington Frequent Tweets, “Likes & Shares” on our Facebook page – “Save the Clifton” and a web site www. theclifton.org that is updated often with news and information and how their investment can help us . . . …. we are still hearing Tickets £10 available now at www.theclifton.org “We didn’t know about or from our stall in Wellington Market your project” far too often! from 9:00 until 12.00 midday each Saturday Thank you.

an your readers help solve the mystery and tell us at enquiries@theclifton.org or at our stall on Wellington Market, or on our Facebook page “Save the Clifton” WHERE THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION ON LOCAL PROJECTS AND EVENTS - because we frequently wonder “Is anybody out there?” We still hear “WE DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT!” from the local community. We have a potential reach of 25,000 people in and around Wellington itself in our quest to provide a cinema, arts centre and ultimately a theatre in the town but it seems that we have only reached 20% of this population and we need your help. With the very real likelihood of obtaining a local, town centre building to provide ﬁlm and other arts projects (though not the Clifton at this stage at any rate) by the New Year – we naturally want to tell this exciting news to the local people in Wellington and environs and obtain their support, their ﬁnancial investment and/or in giving their time as volunteers. More information about this on our web site www.theclifton.org To help us hear the words “We didn’t know about…” far less frequently we would appeal to your readers to tell others about us using any appropriate media available or even consider buying a postcard from our stall for 25p and sending it to one of their friends or a local business because in spite of: Articles like this in the Wrekin News and endless articles in the local press covering everything the daily and weekly newspapers to the monthly “glossies” Nearly 3,000 people signing a petition

32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 32 Just The Ticket.indd 1

31/10/2016 12:35

Open Daily from 8.00am

CARRIAGES COCKTAIL BAR : RESTAURANT : ROOMS Christmas Menu Three Courses for £29.99 (From November till 22nd December)

STARTER

Creamy Mushroom and Stilton Soup with Crusty Bread Chicken liver pate with red Onion Marmalade and Crostini Beetroot and goats Cheese Tartlets with dressed mixed leaves Smoked Salmon and Chorizo Fish cakes with poached hens egg and hollandaise

MAINS

Traditional Roast Turkey or beef served with all the trimmings and Lashings of home made gravy Honey and Mustard glazed Baked ham with Goose fat Roast Potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables Herb Crusted Salmon fillets with Crushed new Potatoes, Balsamic glazed shallots and dill infused hollondaise Rib eye Steak with Pont Neuf Potatoes, Roast Red Onion, Confit Cherry Tomatoes and your choice of Sauce Tiger Prawns, Crab and Chorizo Linguine with a Chilli, Coriander and Garlic Glaze

DESSERTS

Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Brandy Sauce, Double Cream, or Vanilla ice Cream Apple and Cinnamon Charlotte Served with Creme Anglaise or Vanilla Ice Cream Baked White Port Poached Pear and Custard Crumble Selection of local Cheeses and Breads with Home Made Chutneys

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33 adverts.indd 1

31/10/2016 17:54

Winter Warmers Keeping warm and looking stylish has never been easier

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34 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34, 35 Fashion.indd 1

30/10/2016 23:12

Discover the next big thing at Britain’s biggest fashion and beauty festival

CLEANTEX LINEN AND WORKWEAR RENTAL

Laundry collection or drop off at B3 Stafford Park 11, Telford, TF3 3AY

Tel: 01952 292393

Autumn cleaning of bedding, clothing,curtains and rugs

9. £24. .

he Clothes Show in association with Alcatel will return to the NEC Birmingham from 2-6 December 2016 with a new, exciting line-up of fashion, beauty, live music and industry experts. Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe, discover fresh new music, find inspiration to kick start a career in fashion or meet industry experts, prepare to immerse yourself in Britain’s largest fashion and beauty festival, where you’ll find all of this and more. Renowned for discovering talent across its 27 year history, The Clothes Show is recognising and celebrating the talent of young people within the music industry. 2016 will see the launch of The Clothes Show Discovers - a search to find a male and female artiste who will become the headline acts in the iconic Alcatel Fashion Theatre, in association with Capital FM. Shop in the Boutique Boulevard, where you will find pop up stores from the likes of Sugarhill Boutique and Lavish Alice. Fashionforward collections from Oasis, Maniere De Voir, South Beach, Claudio Lugli, Adanola, Pretty Lavish, Gymshark, In Love With Fashion and Shoe Embassy will add to the line-up while the Designer Outlet will return with the most sought-after labels. You’ll also be able to shop from a host of Hair & Beauty brands including Rimmel, Elemis, Barry M, W7, Lee Stafford, Models Own, Spectrum Collection, Bomb Cosmetic and Cocowhite. Having launched the careers of many top models, designers and TV presenters over the years including Cat Deely, Holly Willoughby, Vernon Kay, Oliver Cheshire, Rosie Tapner and Erin O’Connor, this year The Clothes Show in association with Alcatel will once again be on the lookout for Britain’s next big names. Select Model Management will be scouting at the show, searching for the next ‘Face Of’ The Clothes Show. Make your day extra special and book a Diamond ticket, NEW for 2016! The package offers a truly unique VIP experience with exclusive celebrity meet and greets for you and your friends. Available on Saturday and Sunday only. For more information, please visit: www.clothesshow.com

Win tickets to the Clothes Show

The Wrekin News has teamed up with The Clothes Show in association Alcatel to offer two lucky reader’s and their ‘plus one’s’ the chance to attend Britain’s biggest fashion and beauty festival on Saturday 3 December. To enter please send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Clothes Show, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry along with your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk Closing date for entries is: Thursday 24 November 2016

34, 35 Fashion.indd 2

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31/10/2016 18:18

Your Community

e d i S y b e d i S y a l p l l i w s e Uk for you

lford based Side Ukes a Te by de Si od ed form arities and go Jack Pritchard for free for ch s year ay is pl th at th ity ar Ukulele band eir chosen ch ted onths ago. Th ar m st n ey ve th se ce es caus , but sin st Cancer care Side by Side has been Brea e months ago re th st ju g Cancer in gg 00 for Breast busking and gi raise over £1,0 tion to da un ed lp Fo rt he British Hea Ukes have K, U s te be ia D an, Care, Macmill r Care. ic is a known and Sue Ryde homes as mus re ca sit vi so fferers. Side by Side al Alzheimers su rs ementia and eight membe of s ist ns therapy for D co ly nt rre g. cu in p rm ou rfo The ukulele gr really enjoy pe r age) and they ck to enquire about Ja (all of pensione to e to speak xt event please If you would lik kes for your ne U de Si by . On de booking Si cebook page rough their Fa th t ac nd nt Ba co ke e mak SideU ch for: SideBy Facebook sear

Call Tania today on 01952 522562 to include your event on our Community Noticeboard

AKE AHE M P L E TO HRENCE IN T ITY DIFFEL COMMUN ome s to bec LOCA ers a range of oppowrtituhnaitideministradtivoicne

lp itizens A ering oﬀ ddie, he Volunte er, budget bu d reception. C ves of people an advis lephone, IT an lp make the li interested te are he duties, ance to etter, so if you rested in b u the ch te gives yo al community o would be in day to: h to loc in your ow someone w send an e-mail en .uk or kn th , g n ri a e dc b.co volunte @telfor

raham valerie.g

Pin your notices on our Commun ity Noticeboard All you have to do is email your notic e to:

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36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 33 Community Notice Board.indd 1

31/10/2016 18:16

The Telford Whitehouse Hotel invites local residents to events this season

FUNDS RAISED BY GREAT DAWLEY TOWN COUNCIL Malcolm Randle, San Sekou and Mayor Jane Pinter.

On 30 September Great Dawley Town Council held an afternoon tea party in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support, at Dawley House. The afternoon was well attended by over 100 people who raised a sum of £780. The Mayor Jane Pinter and Deputy Mayor Malcolm Randle were the hosts and also judged the cake competition. There was also a rafﬂe and cake auction.

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The Award winning Telford Whitehouse Hotel plays host to a string of events for the Telford community. The events include festive three-course carvery lunches with a 25 per cent discount for leisure members. Themed nights such as a: Bavarian Christmas Party, Schools Out 80’s fancy dress party, lunches where children can meet their favourite superheroes, princesses and visit Santa’s grotto. The Hotel has developed further links within the community by joining forces with the England Illegal Money Lending Team and Citizens Advice Telford & Wrekin to ensure the local community are well informed on loan sharks. The focus of the event is to share information to the public and make them aware of the pitfalls.

A drama piece will also be performed to entertain and show the possible outcome of borrowing money from a loan shark. Spokesperson for Citizens Advice Telford & Wrekin, Valerie Graham said: “A theatre production is currently being planned which will be staged at the Whitehouse Hotel in early 2017. “This free drama will see the play, ‘It’s only a few quid’, being performed which tells the story of Gill who borrows money from the wrong source which leads to life changing consequences.” The loan shark team will be there on the day to offer advice. To raise concerns about loan sharks contact the team on 0300 5552222. For more information on all events contact the Telford Whitehouse Hotel on 01952 250700.

Bavarian Evening Thursday 8th December 2016

Domestic electrical installations, repairs, rewires, new sockets lights, CCTV Install, small jobs accepted Call Anthony Carline to dicuss your requirements Manor Rise, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2ND

www.carlineelectrical.co.uk

PART P REGISTERED

Celebrate the festive season with one of the best Bavarian Oompah bands with traditional Bavarian dinner and your first stein of German beer included in the price.

£18.95 PER PERSON

including food and first stein of beer.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ROOFING SERVICES

Bars open at 7pm, take your seats at 7.45pm, bars close at 12am and carriages at 12.30am To book your places call or email Kelly on 01952 250700 / kelly@telwhitehouse.com

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Tel: 07498 176 204

The Telford Whitehouse Hotel Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 2NJ (01952) 250700 / enquiries@telwhitehouse.com ? Telford Whitehouse Hotel @ @TelfordHotel

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37

37 Telford Whitehouse Hotel.indd 1

31/10/2016 17:48

Free Your

Love Food

spirit

Join In

Dates for your diaries!

Professor Ralph Early

Trust Christmas Party

Friday 18th November 2016 at the Shropshire, Muxton £20 per person. For ticket sales contact Lynnette Williams via the Trust Facebook page.

@ProfRalphEarly

Football

A big thank you to the local Telford & Wrekin police. A great game with a ﬁnishing score of 3-3 which went to penalties, and Warwickshire Police came out ‘the victors’! Thank you to those who braved the cold to support the two teams and helped to raise over £350.

Golf

Thank you to all those who attended and participated in our annual Golﬁng day which was sponsored by ‘Frog Rentals’. Another great day enjoyed by all, and you all managed to raise over £2000!

Fundraising efforts

Thank you to Whitchurch Girls Allport football club for raising £250 for the Trust. We are also very grateful to Ercall Wood for their end of year ‘Walk up the Wrekin’, and for raising over £800 for us.

Buckatree Hall Hotel

Tel: 01952 641 821

Sunday Lunch Fantastic Value

£13.95 3 Courses

S with all other biological organisms, human beings need food in order to survive. This is obvious. However, unlike the animals with which we share the planet, the ways in which human beings acquire food have been transformed over many generations. Initially human beings behaved much as other species do; seeking out food in their immediate environment and eating anything they could ﬁnd that appeared to be edible and nutritious. Indeed, humans have evolved as omnivorous organisms able to consume a wide variety of food materials, somewhat similar to rats in this respect, and unlike animals with more specialised diets such as cattle conﬁned to eating particular plant species. Early humans were hunter-gatherers, but eventually they devised agriculture some 10,000 years ago. This may have occurred when, for instance, collected grains were spilled and subsequently grew in concentration, sparking the idea that sowing seed and harvesting crops is a better way to obtain nutrition than foraging in hazardous environments with predators keen to make humans their food. Over time agriculture developed

Professor Ralph Early is head of the Department of Food Science and Agri-Food Supply Chain Management in Harper Adams University, Food Sector Champion for the Telford Business Board, a Council Member of the Food Ethics Council, and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. from its craft based roots into a sciencebased technology which today provides millions of people with work and feeds very many millions more. Signiﬁcantly for us, the industrialisation of agriculture, and with it food processing, has meant that a small number of multi-national food businesses now dominate the global food system. In this one can see speciﬁc dangers, as we are now dependent on a few very powerful food businesses to feed us. To a great extent it is they that decide which foods will be allowed into the primary food marketplace – the marketplace controlled by the supermarkets – and this is a thread we

THE WREKIN, TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE, TF6 5AL Email: reception@buckatreehallhotel.com

38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 38, 39 Wine and Dine.indd 1

31/10/2016 18:12

True heroes of food production Enjoy your food, but don’t forget the British farmers that produced it

will follow another time. For the moment our focus is on farming, for farmers are and always have been the true heroes of food production. They produce the raw materials that are processed by the food industry into the products sold by food retailers and food service businesses (fast food outlets, cafés, restaurants etc.) to end up on our plates. The work of farmers is far from easy. Apart from having to be out in all weathers many labour seven days a week, particularly if they raise livestock. They are also under constant pressure from market forces to increase outputs and reduce costs, which has consistently reduced farm incomes in recent decades. This is a consequence of the UK’s cheap food policy which actually means the absence of an intelligent, coherent and just national food policy – a failing of successive British governments – and continual supermarket price competition. Some 35 years ago around 23% of household average income was spent on food, but today the ﬁgure is nearer 9%.

Indeed, many households spend more on leisure and recreation than they do on food. Sadly, as farmers ﬁnd it increasingly difﬁcult to make ends meet many go out of business, which is a national food security threat. As a nation we need to value farmers very much more, but as consumers we have become disconnected from the sources of our food and, consequently, from farmers. This is hardly surprising in a society where most food is processed in factories and home cooking from raw materials is rapidly declining. So, next time you navigate a supermarket’s displays give a little thought to the farmers that feed you and instead of always seeking out the cheapest, imported food products, make the decision to buy British. It is in your interest and that of your children to do so. Global food insecurity is an ever present threat to the UK and food imports cannot be guaranteed. Just think, if we lose our hardworking British farmers who will keep us fed?

The Tipple! by

Sue Ladds

‘DOWN THE HATCH!’

T THIS time of year our customers start looking smug, and turkeys start looking worried. lf you’ve not already worked out the benefits of homebrewing you still have time before Christmas to make beer, wine, liqueurs and spirits and enjoy good quality and great savings. Session beers can start at 25p per pint, moving to craft beers at 60p per pint, whilst supermarket standard wines can be made for £1.25 per bottle. Liueurs and spirits? From £3.00 - £5.00 per bottle. Our customers deserve to look smug. Should you feel suitably encouraged we have starter kits with full instructions. Many will head outdoors for Halloween and Bonfire Night. Poor Guy Fawkes! Never has a salesman done so much for a product (fireworks) and been treated so shabbily. After shivering and dripping for a couple of hours a mug of a hot drink is most welcome. Mulled wine, mulled cider, hot punch for the adults but try mulling spices on apple or other fruit juice for the younger folk. Some of your colleagues may announce that they have been wassailing. Not a criminal offence (yet) but the rural equivalent of a pub crawl. It’s tramping from one apple tree to the next, spashing the tree with cider and offering thanks for the tree’s yearly bounty. This may be accompanied by strange costumes. The clown outfit is a bit of a no-no this year but skin tight lycra can be a bit scary too.... With Harvest Festivals and Remembrance events at this time of year be grateful that we live in relatively prosperous and peaceful times. Amen to that and down the hatch!

BREW ie Gen Large range of beer and wine making kits including starter kits and equipment. Plus all distilation requirements. Very competitive prices at all times. Delivery service throughout UK and Europe. Enquiries please to: sales@brewgenie.co.uk

www.brewgenie.com

Church House New Church Road Wellington, TF1 1JX 01952 250771

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39

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31/10/2016 18:15

Get out in your

Andy Allmark Painter & Decorator

Sheds Made to Order Erection & Delivery Available

Garden

CALL NOW ON: Tel: 01952 248119

Mob: 07816 781196 OR EMAIL AT

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01952 242916 Unit 1, Hadley Business Park, Telford

Written by

Robert Hudson

of Lilyhurst Plant Centre

TIME FOR EVERGREENS TO COME INTO THEIR OWN

OW that the deciduous trees and shrubs are losing their leaves the evergreens come into their own after having been in the background during the summer, a number of them have the added benefit of flowering well during the winter. One of the most spectacular is the mahonia, which has long yellow flowers which are heavily perfumed, the leaves of this plant do, however, have sharp points which sometimes put

Telford Timber Supplies

Mahonia, which has long yellow ﬂowers

people off including them in their garden. This one disadvantage can be overcome by planting them at the back of the border where their leaves are well away from anyone. Another good winter ﬂowering evergreen is the viburnum tinus, this will ﬂower from October right through until March so covering the dullest of the winter months. If you are planting a new garden a frame work of evergreens can be incorporated at the very beginning so that there is interest at all times. Even small gardens can have an

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evergreen tree included and it need not just be one of the conifers. Holly can form a small tree and if a female variety is chosen it has the added beneﬁt of berries in the winter. The variegated varieties are slow growing but are so much more colourful and easier to control. A holly hedge with a few variegated varieties mixed in makes an attractive alternative to the conifers which are often used and is far easier to keep under control when fully grown, needing attention only a couple of times a year. In small gardens medium sized evergreen shrubs can be used to create a sense of space and many have colourful foliage and winter ﬂowers to add to the interest. A few years ago box was in vogue

and was planted everywhere the one used tended to be the plain green variety, which is useful for box hedges. There are, however, other coloured forms and even a large leaved variety which has plan dark green glossy leaves ,however when it grows, the new growth is a dull pale green giving the impression of the plant having a two tone foliage so again adding an interest to the garden. You can also use some of these plants in your pots and tubs during the winter instead of, or as well as, bedding plants and when they grow too large they can be planted out in the garden and the pot can either be planted with a different shrub or revert to its original use for bedding.

40 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 38, 39 Gardening.indd 1

30/10/2016 23:18

Dear Reader, thank you . . .

. . . for picking up your free copy of Wrekin News the region’s favourite monthly lifestyle and news magazine. We really do hope you have enjoyed reading our exciting mix of news and new features. Please don’t forget to enter our great competitions and support the advertisers who are supporting Wrekin News.

NEXT ISSUE

The next issue of Wrekin News will be in all of our usual distribution outlets on:

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 41

38, 39 Gardening.indd 2

31/10/2016 09:35

Loyalty card scheme Pay for 7 cuts and get the 8 th FREE!

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WALK IN SERVICE! The ChopShop are proud to announce our support of the blue light services and our armed forces by offering 20% discount on production of a membership card

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WE CUT LADIES HAIR AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE OF TRADITIONAL HAIR DRESSER WITH NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

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Emails us breweryinn@btconnect.com Visit our website @ www.breweryinn.co.uk

The Brewery Inn 42 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42 Adverts.indd 1

31/10/2016 09:57

LIONCOURT HOMES SITE MANAGER WINS QUALITY AWARD Lioncourt Homes site manager, Andy Addis, has been given reason to celebrate by receiving a prestigious Pride in the Job Quality Award. Andy not only received a Top 100 Quality Award for his development at Saxon Meadows in Kempsey, Worcestershire he then went on to scoop two further awards that place him as one of the top performing site managers in the UK and his development as one of the highest quality sites in the UK. At the Award Dinner at the ICC in Birmingham on Friday night, Andy received a Seal of Excellence and this was followed by being crowned as the Regional Winner for the West Region of the country. This is an incredible achievement that now sees Andy go forward to the ﬁnal in London to compete against the winners of the other 9 UK Regions, to be crowned Supreme Champion for 2016. Lioncourt are one of only 14 housebuilders in the UK to be holders of the 5 Star Quality Status and this latest award for Andy further endorses the quality reputation of the Lioncourt Group. This 5 Star Quality Status requires over 90% customer satisfaction and is based on direct and independent customer

feedback to NHBC, and is awarded by the House Builders Federation. The award was given by National HouseBuilding Council (NHBC), the leading standardsetting and consumer protection body for new homes in the UK. The awards are held annually and awarded to homebuilders who develop the highest quality new homes across the UK. NHBC Inspectors judge developments over 12 months, scrutinising site managers and marking their development against 38 criteria including site organisation, quality control, technical ability and professionalism. Andy overcame stiff competition from approximately 13,000 site managers to be awarded this coveted Pride in the Job Quality Award and his development can now proudly display a Pride in the Job ﬂag so new homebuyers know that it is an award winning site with some of the best homes in the UK today. Lioncourt Homes is the fastest growing housebuilder in the UK with a number of sites in local area. The Company was also recognised by the Sunday Times as the 25th

fastest growing company in the UK during 2016. Colin added ‘we have ambitious plans to grow this business and we have great support throughout the business from our loyal team of employees and committed team of contractors. Behind everything that we do is a desire to maintain our quality ethos which makes this an integral part of our success.’ In the local area Lioncourt Homes are building new homes at Heritage View, Hadley which is a select development of just 61 new homes off Sommerfeld Road, Hadley TF1 5RY. There are an exciting range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes remaining. The sales executives can be contacted on 0845 873 2893 or visit www.lioncourthomes.com for more information.

A New Home for the New Year... Start the New Year in style in a 5 star award winning home at Linley Grange in Broseley. Choose from an exciting range of three and four bedroom homes in a fantastic range of different designs, all built to Lioncourt Homes’ 5 star award winning standards. Got an existing property to sell? We may be able to take it in Part Exchange.

3 & 4 bedroom homes from £205,000

Linley Grange, Coalport Road, Broseley, Shropshire, TF12 5AW

Help to Buy

Showhomes open daily 10am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0845 873 2881†

www.lioncourthomes.com †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. *All offers are subject to terms and conditions, please ask our Sales Executive for full details. Photographs show a typical Lioncourt home.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 43

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Take your first steps onto the property Volunteer van ladder with The Wrekin Housing Trust drivers needed

(left) The Trust’s shared ownership properties available on Wellington Road, Newport and (above) shared ownership homes are also available on Coppice Green Lane, Shifnal.

The Trust’s shared ownership schemes help aspiring home owners get onto the property ladder, even if they are not financially able to purchase 100% of a property on the open market. Shared ownership works by the potential homeowner sourcing their own mortgage and purchasing a property in shares, initially 50% of the property. Charlotte Hayward-Prince, Commercial Lettings Agent for The Wrekin Housing Trust, said: “The current housing market often means that many first time buyers are unable to afford to save forLawley a deposit purchase even a small phase 8to - 198 x 136 Wrekin News.pdf 1 26/10/2016 home. Shared ownership makes it much more

affordable for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder. It’s not just for young people buying their first home, shared ownership can be for anyone. I have a lot of interest from retired people looking to downsize from their existing homes, and move closer to their families.” With a number of shared ownership homes available later this year in and around Newport, Shifnal and Lawley, The Wrekin Housing Trust also have properties available in wider Shropshire and Staffordshire. For more information about the Trust’s shared ownership homes, visit www.wrekinhousingtrust. 14:36:46 org.uk or call Charlotte on 01952 217103.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is urgently appealing for volunteers to help with its successful charity furniture shop. Their shop in the Riverside Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury, has recently celebrated its first anniversary of trading and customers have been flocking to the store to snap up high quality second-hand furniture at great prices. Due to demand, the charity is now also opening furniture shops in Wellington and Oswestry this autumn and it is seeking volunteer van drivers (who will be based in Shrewsbury) and van assistants (based in Shrewsbury, Wellington or Oswestry) to help collect and deliver furniture. Scott Frampton, Manager of the Age UK STW Riverside charity shop, said: “We have many kind people who would like to donate furniture and we also have customers who need their items like sofas, beds, tables and wardrobes delivered to their houses. They collect and deliver furniture and without them we are stuck. We urgently need people who can either drive a van or who would be happy to go out with the drivers and help to load and unload the furniture”. Volunteers will receive support and training in their roles and expenses are provided. For further details and an application pack, please contact Janice Williams, Age UK’s volunteer recruitment officer on 01743 588 570, email volunteering@ageukstw.org.uk or visit the website www.ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk

Shared ownership

CMY

44 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 44 Wrekin Housing Trust Strata.indd 1

30/10/2016 09:33

Life in Lake View

Upcoming Events

“It’s my home now and I love everything about it. All the staﬀ are lovely. They are like my family. I couldn’t ask for more.” - Resident

Our home offers a range of attractively furnished, spacious en-suite bedrooms, a music room and a coffee shop, where residents and their loved ones often spend their time socialising and a hairdressing salon where residents can sit back and relax while being pampered. We believe in being part of our local community and invite you to join us at our upcoming events.

Festive Christmas Fayre!

Join us on Saturday 10 December between 11am to 4pm for our Christmas Fayre! There will be live music, plus stalls selling everything from cards, crafts and cakes.

Free Dementia Support Group

The team at Lake View will be offering support to those caring for a loved one living with dementia. Join our next support session on Wednesday 9 November between 10am – 12pm.

Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, Shropshire TF3 1LB Tel: 01952 594 110

Lake View Residential Care Home Residential

Dementia

‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’

“I would highly recommend this care home. The care my mother has received since moving in has been simply exemplary.” Daughter of resident

up with friends and family, being pampered in the hair and beauty

Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, Shropshire TF3 1LB

salon, taking part in activities or relaxing in the landscaped gardens.

Tel: 01952 594 110

Our residents spend their time enjoying the things they love; catching

Did you know we host monthly Dementia Cafes? Call us to find out how we can support you.

www.sanctuary-care.co.uk Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 45

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Calling all Penguins, Bluebirds & ‘Erbs Your Museum Needs You! 2018 marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force.

HE award-winning Royal Air Force Museum will celebrate and commemorate this anniversary through a major transformation of our visitor experience sharing the RAF story on site and online. New, innovative galleries (at the museum’s London site) will explore the first 100 years of the RAF, its roles today and invite visitors to imagine its future contribution and technology. A new digital sharing project will promote a conversation with a global audience and help connect people to the RAF story. For the past two years the Museum’s curators, have been researching our world-class collections to select stories and objects that will best enable our visitors to engage with the story of the Royal Air Force. As a result, gaps in our collections have been identified and we are calling upon current and ex-Service personnel, who served in the RAF from 1970 to 2015, their families and members of the public to assist us in filling them. If you served with the RAF during this time, and particularly in Northern Ireland, the Falklands War, the First or Second Gulf Wars, Libya, Afghanistan or on any humanitarian mission since the 1970s, we would love to hear from you. We are focussing on collecting personal papers, photographs, recent campaign medals from RAF sources, and any operational kit or clothing which can be linked to specific operations or stories – particularly any ‘Black Bags’ received from Operation HERRICK or TELIC. Nina Hadaway, Archive Library and Research Manager for the RAF Museum, explains: ‘We are aware that our current holdings are quite thin for the most recent 40 years of RAF history. As we look towards the RAF’s Centenary in 2018, now is an ideal time to try and fill these gaps. With theNews help of public, and 1current serving17:10:10 personnel we hope to strengthen the Wrekin Octthe 2016 - halfformer page.pdf 07/10/2016

Museum’s collections. This will enable us to share more fully the experiences of those serving in the RAF from the 1970s to the present day with all our visitors.’ We would also welcome contact from volunteers who would be happy to be interviewed about their RAF experiences. If you are able to assist us, please email us in the ﬁrst instance at: collections.donations@ rafmuseum.org This will enable us to arrange for a member of our curatorial team to contact you. Alternatively, please complete a ‘Donate an Artefact’ form in the Support Section of our website. For a full list of the items that we are searching for, please visit the Museum’s website at: http:// www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/donate-an-artefact.aspx.

Rig h yo t on do ur ors tep Promoting independence in Telford and Shropshire C

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To book a FREE home demonstration please call 01952 217151 www.watchalarms.co.uk 46 Cosford.indd 1

31/10/2016 15:26

Residents and their families celebrate at fun day A supported housing project in Telford marked its 16th anniversary with a fun day for residents, families and friends. Chillcott Gardens in Bridgnorth Road, Madeley, which is run by Coverage Care, opened in 2000 and is now home to 62 people aged over 55 who live independently in individual flats, supported by a range of on site services. The fun day included a display of vintage vehicles, along with wartime tunes from singer Chloe-May. Councillor Paul Watling volunteered to be placed in the stocks so people could donate money to give him a soaking.

Coverage Care Activities Co-ordinator Trina Pooler said: “The anniversary was a chance to celebrate the community we have built at Chillcott Gardens over the years. “A grand total of £500 was raised, but more importantly we had lots of families come and enjoy the day with us. We had singing from Chloe-May, local ukulele band, Cool & Uke, played for us and we ended the evening with dancing to the fantastic Tom Wenlock. “We had a face painter, balloon modelling, the local fire brigade came in to show the children the fire engine, an ice cream man, and a fabulous

Councillor Paul Watling stands in the stocks ready for a soaking

slight of hand magician called Jack Dent who thrilled people with his magic!! He was absolutely amazing! A local Harley Davidson group also brought their bikes to show the crowds.” Coverage Care Services is Shropshire’s leading independent care home provider, run on a not-for-profit basis and cares for mainly older people in 14 homes across the county. If you’re interested in finding out more about our homes, please give us a call on 01743 283200. To learn more about Coverage Care, visit www. coveragecareservices.co.uk.

painting Children enjoying the face dens Gar tt llco Chi at at the fun day

Chillcott Garden volunteers Jill and Chris Slack with resident Iris Workman (cent re)

Discover near you

Making care a positive and rewarding choice Coverage Care – a not for profit, multi award winning organisation with care services throughout the region – improving the lives of those using our services by providing quality, innovative and inclusive care that respects the individual.

locations to feel at home.

Lightmoor View Telford Tel: 01952 432 412

Barclay Gardens Donnington Tel: 01952 605 321

Farcroft Wellington Tel: 01952 223 447

Cottage Christian Newport Tel: 01952 825 557 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 47

Coverage Care page.indd 1

31/10/2016 09:32

Home Services

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FREE ADVERTS . . . FREE ADVERTS . . . FREE ADVERTS . . . Beurer Living COSY FOOT warmer never been used £6 01952 402106 Cat watching Untitled-1 book DESMOND MORRIS cost 1 £14.99 Good condition £1 01952 402106 2 Round SEAT CUSHIONS size 14 inches across, Fawn, excellent condition £5 telephone 07889 906016 Pine CORNER UNIT £15 REVOLVING UNIT, grey, with mirror, shelves,and cupboard £15 GIRLS pistol size NERF GUN new in box £3 All enquiries 0798064246 Wooden EXTENTION LADDER good condition £50 Ladies BICYCLE 21” frame Excellent condition (good Christmas present) £50 GOLF Travel bag used once £15 Tel 01952 253080

DINNER JACKET, trousers, dress shirt chest 48” NAVY Suit chest 48” Black and White small check JACKET chest 48” £150 ono 01952 255490 COMPUTER work station. Beach effect. Excellent condition with Slight cosmetic repairable damage at base. H92xW75xD57 £20 ono ELECTRIC HEATER, Oil ﬁlled four ﬁn heater in working order. £20 ono 3 SEATER SETTEE. No chairs. Excellent condition. H95xL1750xD90. £100 CHEF chopping block. Beech wood. Single drawer and shelf beneath. As new with minor stain £90. TABLE LAMP x2. Brushed metal. Art Deco style.£25. Central 5-bowl light and wall lights. Gold. £65 ono. Contact 07575 604640

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48 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40 Home Services.indd 1

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Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

SAFARI OF SERENITY I

T’S difficult in today’s noisy world to hear a nightingale sing in Berkley Square: too much city din. Equally difficult I discovered recently, is to find anything approaching a cross word when appraising the new S Cross. What the sound of the nightingale is to the poet, so the sophistication of this superb ‘crossover’ is to the motoring scribe. Both induce rhapsodic mood. I pondered deep into the candle-lit night, quill poised over parchment, ink fairly drying until, as dawn approached, it occurred to me to question the labelling of this car. Surely ‘crossover’ implies compromise, I thought. A better label should be found - for example, ‘Gloriana’. For rarely have motoring developments been so effectively wrapped into one pure package of progress. This Suzuki represents motoring at its zenith, doing everything asked of it so superbly that it is a near motoring utopia. Such is the extent of the ‘cross words’ I could muster. There’s no puzzle as to why it’s set to lead its sector. To drive it is to love it. That is if you had not fallen for its charming looks. You know it’s your friend from its ‘chumminess’ - yet it’s impossible to deny its classiness. And its big-hearted, big-shouldered capabilities are suggested by the muscular roundness of design. Beneath all this subjective delight lie facts. Three choices of engine -

new three cylinder ‘mighty atom’, 111ps 1.0 litre or four cylinder 140ps 1.4 litre Boosterjet petrol engines or a four cylinder 120ps 1.6 litre diesel. All with low emissions. There are three model grades - SZ4, SZ-T and SZ-5. The interior design is updated and new ‘soft touch’ material is used. There are enough airbags to re-ﬂoat the Titanic and there’s enough space to store a couple of dismantled Shards. Options are so irresistible that you just want to have them: in short, there’s a super abundance of the best gear. And the S-Cross Price? Well - all models are at a price guaranteed to maintain that approving grin on the face of The Mona Lisa. The range starts at £14,999 and rises to £24,349. Did I mention 4wd technology? It’s so advanced that Isaac Newton would struggle to comprehend how it works but he would certainly award an apple to the engineer behind the delightful driving experience. Want that airy ‘open’ experience for bright and balmy summer spins? Try the optional double sliding sunroof. Mediating the gap between engine and wheels are transmission systems offering yet more choice. Go manual with carefully chosen ratios to provide performance without shooting you in the wallet at the pumps (The 1.0 will return around 55mpg overall, the 1.4 around 50mpg overall and the 1.6 diesel between 65 and 70mpg) or go ‘automatic’. This is a case of boxing clever - for the ratios are adroitly

50 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 1

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Have you ever considered volunteering to help others? Have you ever considered volunteering? Do you have as little as two hours that you could spare a week? Are you good with people and nonjudgmental? “I became a volunteer because I wanted to give something back. I chose YSS as I was particularly interested in volunteering within the criminal justice ﬁeld. Volunteering with YSS has allowed me to support people who are living locally to me, but perhaps have not had the same life chances. My outlook on life has really been broadened” John. YSS based in Priorslee has grown so much since it started 30 years ago, and in recent years, the charity no longer just helps vulnerable young people but also adults and families too. YSS currently operate four projects

within the Telford & Wrekin area and they are on the lookout for volunteers for each project. 1. Meet and Mentor – working with adult offenders 2. ARC – supporting young adults (1624) within the community 3. Enhance –supporting parents and their children 4. Appropriate Adult – supporting young people in police custody As a volunteer you have a 24hour helpline for support, full training and DBS check at no cost to you. YSS are also there for guidance throughout your time as a volunteer. For more information about how you can help YSS and volunteer some time please call Mandy Gray on 07977987386 or email: mandy.gray@ yss.org.uk

> Providing advice and support to adults in the criminal justice system including collecting from the prison gate; > Supporting young adults aged 16-24 to access resources in the community; > Helping people break down the barriers to employability; > Supporting young people (10-17) in Police custody; > Supporting parents and their children.

Contact Mandy Gray on 07977 987386 · email: mandy.gray@yss.org.uk

adapted to requirements from zippy acceleration to stately cruising. Naturally you may also change gears manually using the steeringmounted paddles: another example of the ‘double beneﬁt’ stuff from Suzuki. On the highways and byways it handles beautifully rides very well and goes fast enough (near 125mph for the 1.4) rewarding driver and passengers with stately progress, not of the snobbish kind but of the democratic kind. It’s an all-round proper motor for today. ‘Does it do absolutely everything?’ I hear you ask. Possibly not. But what it does do is turn every drive into a safari of serenity - a regal progress which makes aspiration redundant. When driving the new SX4 S-Cross you are certain of one thing. You have already arrived.

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42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 2

30/10/2016 23:06

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What have you got to lose? Two of the questions I am asked most frequently are; 1. How far back can you go with PPI Claims? 2. How long do I have to make a claim? There is no time limit on PPI claims, especially against the major lenders who were subject to regulation from the 1980s onwards. However the ability to claim will depend on what evidence we can ﬁnd regarding the policy. If you still have the original documents great, if not then we will have to rely on their records which should be available to us under the Data Protection Act, all of which I can help you with, and which will not cost you a penny until such a time as we are able to make a successful claim. PPI was heavily sold by all the major high street Banks on both Personal and Business Loans, Credit Cards, Mortgages and even Overdrafts from the late 1980s until around 2010. I ﬁnd that these insurances were frequently added to both new and existing lending, and to date I have been able to recover compensation for the hundreds of the cases I have pursued.

If you have held a Bank loan, Mortgage or Credit Card I suggest you to contact me, remember this is your money not theirs and making a claim will not in any way affect your current Banking relationship. You may have seen in the press at the end of last Month that the Financial Conduct Authority intend to set a deadline for such claims, and this is likely to be announced in December this year. As a consequence if you have been wondering whether or not you may be affected then I urge you to get in touch now to ensure that you do not potentially miss out. I initially established Acorn Claim Assist back in 2012 to offer an easy, cost effective and local way to claim compensation for mis-sold PPI. Prior to early retirement I worked in senior management for a top high street bank for over 30 years. I’m familiar with how PPI’s were sold and have dealt with PPI claims for over twelve years, and now have more than 500 happy clients, many of whom either did not know they had PPI, or were not confident of getting back what was really due to them.

Have you taken out a loan, credit card, finance agreement or mortgage in the last 20 years? You may have been mis-sold a Payment Protection Plan (PPI) and could be due compensation of hundreds or possibly thousands of pounds!

52 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 44 Acorn.indd 1

30/10/2016 23:07

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Sport WREKIN NEWS

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COSTLY RED CARD SETS BUCKS BACK A LL the headlines regarding AFC Telford United in recent weeks have concentrated on off the ﬁeld affairs. The issues surrounding the ownership model of the club have dominated. Now with the supporters trust voting to relinquish control it is hoped that the New Bucks Head club can once again move forward and footballing matters on the pitch will once again become the focus for supporters. by Lez Dean

Bucks fans will have been pleased to see that recent performances are the cause for much optimism. The on loan signings of Wolverhampton Wanderers youngsters, striker Bradley Reid and wing back Ben O’Hanlon have proved to be pivotal in an upturn in results and consequently the club climbing to a comfortable mid-table position. Following draws with Chorley and Bradford Park Avenue the Bucks went on to extend their unbeaten run with a > Ben O’Hanlon in action hard fought but deserved victory over FC United of PICTURES BY JAMES BAYLIS > United’s Ben Bailey fends off Salford City’s ex-Buck Mike Phenix Manchester. The single goal win was secured thanks to a stunning sixty-sixth minute strike from Connor McCarthy. The former Southport man volleying home superbly from just inside the box repaying the efforts of a healthy 1,700 plus crowd who had heeded the call to support the club in its hour of need. Next up Telford travelled to face Altrincham. The although Scott’s wonder strike into the top corner put Telford back on Tigers chief Tom Watkins singled out Dan Scott’s first period goal as struggling Cheshire side were totally dominated level terms with three seconds of the first period left. a ‘game-changer’ in his side’s 4-1 victory over Guildford Flames on by their visitors as the Bucks could have more than The second session, meanwhile, saw Telford take the lead though Sunday, October 30th, writes James Shaw. doubled their two goal haul. First to strike was another defenceman – this time Sam Oakford – on 25 minutes. Telford put the previous day’s 6-0 loss in Hull behind them with McCarthy who made the most of a defensive mix A fight involving forward Phil Hill gave the county men a further a much-improved display in Surrey, maintaining their three-point up to nip in and shoot home early on. Bradley Reid powerplay advantage just moments later, but they were unable to cushion at the top of the English Premier League. doubled the lead in the second period as he lifted the take advantage. The Tigers did, however, fall behind to the Flames after just five ball over the advancing Alty keeper to deservedly bag Corey McEwen extended the visitors’ advantage with a goal on minutes – but it was defenceman Scott’s goal, on the stroke of the his first goal for the club after he had been denied by 52 minutes, before Danny Rose sealed victory with an empty net goal period break, that gave them crucial momentum. the woodwork earlier in the game. just before full time. Watkins said: “Dan’s goal at the end of the first period was The Bucks were quick into their stride against Watkins added: “It was important for us to bounce back after last phenomenal and it changed the whole night for us. big-spending Salford City at the Bucks Head. A night and we came to the rink this morning with a good buzz. As a “It gave the guys momentum, as we had started quite slowly James Hurst effort was brilliantly tipped over by City group, we weren’t hanging onto that game in Hull. again and Guildford were probably the better side until then. keeper Jay Lynch before Jonathan Royle crashed the “Guildford is a tough place to play, so to come and take two points “We got much better as the game went on and it was a great ball against the bar. McCarthy too went close as he is big for us and gets us back into it.” disciplined display. We took our chances and scored a goal on the wriggled free only to be denied by Lynch close in. A The Tigers return to action next weekend against second-placed powerplay, which was important. goal in each half from the visitors and the dismissal Milton Keynes Lightning. They travel south on Saturday, November “It was a big performance from the guys tonight, especially those of Hurst soon after the break sealed defeat for the 5th, before the return encounter at Telford Ice Rink the next day in defence.” Bucks in a game where arguably a point apiece (6pm). For tickets, go to www.tigershockeyuk.com Guildford opened the scoring through Matic Kralj early on, would have been just.

Tigers at the top

54 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 46 Sport.indd 1

31/10/2016 12:42

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SKY & BT SPORT SHOWN HERE www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 55

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