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March 2017 · Issue 215

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THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Spring

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GARDEN VOUCHER

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FEATURE

3 FOR THE PRICE OF 1 Read George Evans! The Wrekin’s favourite columnist inside . . .

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News PLEASE TAKE YOUR COPY

March 2017 · Issue 215

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Step into

Spring

With our home & garde feature and n great fashio n picks

WIN £100 GARDEN VOUCHER

See Page 23

FEATURE

3 FOR THE PRICE OF 1

Read George Evans! The Wrekin’s favourite columnist inside . . .

CHOCOLATE EASTER HAMPER TO BE WON!

TROTFIELD WINDOWS CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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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

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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 2017 - All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.

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

27/02/2017 18:43

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

Welcome to the March issue of Wrekin News!

ELLO everyone and welcome to the March issue of your favourite monthly lifestyle magazine Wrekin News. We have another packed issue for you to enjoy and get involved with. There are plenty of competitions with some great prizes to be won! We have teamed up with Morrisons in Wellington to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a chocolate hamper just in time for Easter. Continuing the chocolate theme we also have a sweet prize to be won from the Chocolate Counter in Market Street, Wellington. The nights are drawing out and Spring is nearly upon us so what better time to run a competition with our great friends and supporters at Meadowdale Nurseries. Turn to page 23 to ﬁnd out how you could enter our word search challenge and be in with a chance of winning a £100 voucher to spend in the garden centre and nursery. We also invite you to enter our competition to win a fantastic meal for two at the Wheatsheaf in Shifnal. See page 35 for more details and our recent review of a great evening spent in the restaurant. Elsehwere we have more of your favourite local news stories and features including another excellent kilverb from George Evans. Enjoy the issue and good luck to all who enter the competitions!

Ja m e s

Tel: 01952 522562 james@plus2media.co.uk

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TEL: 01952 257610 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 03

2, 3 Welcome.indd 2

27/02/2017 16:59

Residents of Arleston Community Centre oﬃcially opened!

ESIDENTS OF Arleston ofﬁcially celebrated the opening of Arleston Community Centre last month. The Mayors of Telford & Wrekin and Wellington Town Council were in attendance to cut the ribbon. Telford & Wrekin Council handed over the Community Centre to a group of local residents in November last year after they agreed to run the facility following the council’s budget consultation. Cllr Angela McClements, together with residents formed a charitable organisation called Arleston Community Centre and took over responsibility for the facility on 1 November last year. Cllr Angela McClements commented: “We are very grateful for the support we have had from the Telford & Wrekin partnership fund and Wellington Town Council, which has enabled us to build a sustainable future for the centre and the community of Arleston. An enormous amount of work is being carried out by fantastic volunteers who are giving their own time to support the centre and I would like to thank them for their backing and commitment. “It was an honour to have both the Mayors of Telford & Wrekin and Wellington Town Council celebrate the opening of the centre with us. This is a great community initiative – the sign at the entrance of Arleston Community Centre reads “Bringing Communities Together” Everyone is welcome to use the centre and I am looking forward to a thriving and successful community facility for the beneﬁt of Arleston and the surrounding community!”

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Trustees outside Community Centre cutting the ribbon with Cllr Angela McClements (Trustee), Cllr Rae Evans (Mayor of T&W) and Cllr Phil Morris-Jones (Mayor of Wellington Town Council) Cllr Rae Evans with Mary Lewis enjoying coffee and cake.

A Shropshire taxi firm is offering a lifeline to people who are being made redundant from their jobs. With companies continuing to feel the stresses and strains of the economic climate and with the full impact of Brexit still unknown, jobs are being affected as firms strive to make savings. But as one door closes another opens and Go Carz, Shropshire’s largest private hire firm, have reported more people turning to taxi driving with the company after losing their jobs. Cindy Wilday, area director at Go Carz, said taxi driving seemed to be the go-to profession at the moment with so much uncertainty in other areas. “We had a number of enquiries from people who were made redundant at AGA in Telford and were happy to speak to them about coming to work for us,” she said. “There are a number of our drivers who lost their previous jobs through redundancy and have now found a new role with us. “It is nice to know that we are able to offer a bit of a lifeline to people at what is a very traumatic time in their lives. “Many people find the flexibility of working for us a great incentive but it is also fair to say that a lot of people who have been made redundant need to find employment pretty quickly. “Most of us can drive today so it seems like a natural progression to think about taxi driving. “We had a chap who used to work in the furniture trade. He came to us and slotted in well. It is a fast-growing industry and we are always looking for drivers. “It is one of those jobs where people will always be looking to be ferried here and there. I don’t see that ever changing. “If anyone would like to know more about becoming a taxi driver with us they can give us a call on 01952 501050.” Go Carz takes some 100,000 phone calls and carries out about 75,000 journeys a week across Shropshire and the West Midlands. For more information about Go Carz, visit the website at www.gocarz.co.uk

04 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 4 News.indd 1

27/02/2017 15:09

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February’s Lucky Winners! Congratulations to all of our prize winners from the February issue, if you didn’t win this time don’t worry there are plenty of opportunities in this issue to win some fantastic prizes! THEATRE TICKETS Camille O’Sullivan - Theatre Severn Pam Singh - Bratton Tommy Fleming - The Place Nikki Clarke - St Georges CINEMA TICKETS Standard Odeon Ticket Nathan Picken - Telford Silver Screen Odeon Ticket Marian Buttery - Malinslee DAYS OUT! Wedding Show, NEC Louise Whitley - Kiderminster Sophie Yorke - Telford Kim Tonks - Shawbirch Vivien Yorke - Muxton Heather Roberts - Leegomery Katy Atherden - Wellington Christine Sheldon - Ketley Lindsey Tempest - Telford Ruth Brown - Worcester

World bronze for Shropshire rower A Shropshire optician has won a bronze medal at the World Indoor Rowing Championships in the US. Martin Skehan (55), who runs Specsavers in Wellington, rowed his way to a medal in Sunday’s (feb 12)event held in Boston, Massachussetts. He competed against 12 other rowers in the over 55’s age group won by Germany’s Bernhardt Koehler, a silver medallist last year. Preparing for the world championships, Martin rowed between six and seven days a week, training with Gym Mostyn rowing group at Wrekin College in Wellington and MSF Fitness in Stafford Park, Telford. He thanked Jim Mostyn and ﬁtness guru Mark Fenn, along with wife Lynne, also a keen indoor rower, for their help. Martin, a father of two, from Admaston said: “I’ve focussed my training towards these world championships for the last six months and I plan to repeat the effort next year to try and improve my performance.” More than 2,000 competitors, in different age groups, took part from around the world.

Win an Easter Hamper! Wrekin News has teamed up with Morrisons, Wellington to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Morrisons Easter hamper full of goodies. The hamper will include, a wide range of Easter goodies and eggs, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate to appeal to everyone’s tastes. If its eggs or spring gardening you are after we have it covered! Just pop in to store and check out what we have down our seasonal aisle. We also have a wide range of turkey, beef and lamb joints available for that special Easter Sunday lunch, all prepared by our skilled butchers in store. Try our hot cross buns baked in store by our bakers, We look forward to seeing you in store and best of luck in the draw! To enter the prize draw please send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Easter Hamper, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries 23 March 2017.

Accident & Emergency equipment purchased by The Friends of the Princess Royal

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06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 6 News.indd 1

27/02/2017 14:23

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7 Adverts.indd 1

25/02/2017 11:17

George

EVANS

3 FOR THE PRICE OF 1

SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2017

“Usually I write about just one subject but this month there are three things I want to say, so they are all squashed into my kiloverb. This month there’s Charter Day and Community History Day, both on 4th March and there’s a promise I made to write about my attempts to ﬁnd a new GP after the practice where 8,000 of us are registered went out of business.”

WELLINGTON CHARTER DAY - SATURDAY 4TH MARCH 2017

REAL live bit of fun history comes to Wellington Market Square; do come and look if you possibly can. We will be celebrating the arrival on horseback of the Messenger of King Henry III with the Market Charter of 1244. Do come and cheer them on. First at 11am there will be some Medieval-inspired street theatre by Shrewsbury Mummers. 11.30 The King’s Herald arrives on horseback to deliver the charter to the Lord of the Manor. 11.45 Morris Dancing by The Ironmen and Severn Guilders will strut their stuff. 12.00 The Ale Taster, Town Crier and Clerk of the Market are appointed by the Manor Court. 12.20 More Morris Dancing by the Ironmen and Severn Guilders. Do come along if you possibly can. It’s a celebration of Wellington’s

unique history but not in the way we were taught at school. This is all music, dancing, parading, shouting, acting and occasionally asking you to join in. Just spare as long as you can; remember, once it’s gone it’s gone, there’s no chance of saving it except on your camera. Don’t expect to be able to ‘watch again’ except next year, when it’ll be different. Wellington is a special, unique town, different from anywhere else. It’s a ‘people town’, where many of us are very proud to belong. We don’t choose our ethnic background or place of birth but as adults we can decide where to live. I was born in High Street, Wellington, Salop because that’s where my mother was at the time. There’s little I can be proud of in that, though I have to admit it was very fortunate. I am proud to belong to Wellington because I chose to stay here with many friends. Wellington has been very good to me and I have tried to repay some of the favours I have received from our town. You don’t have to be born here to feel part of Wellington. Many proud Wellingtonians were born in other places, sometimes a long way off. Many of these and among the folks who made this town what it became. I’ve only been here for 93 years so what do I know?

ALSO ON 4TH MARCH COMMUNITY HISTORY DAY (AT ALL SAINTS PARISH CENTRE)

This event will be between 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. On the same day. A small, hard-working group of historians have been researching the long and fascinating story of Wellington’s past. They have researched in many archives and newspaper and magazine articles, often ﬁnding hidden gems from the town’s history. Several of them will be at the Parish Hall with the amazing stories they have discovered and the magazines, maps and books they have written. Any of them will be happy not only to answer as many of your questions

The Wrekin’s favourite columnist! 8, 9 George Evans.indd 1

27/02/2017 00:28

Co ffee Mo rning

tea or coﬀee and to enjoy with your s ke ca d ke ba Freshly and take home. cakes to purchase ADE MS AND MARMAL l HOMEMADE JA ts af cr e mad l Various hand l TOMBOLA l RAFFLE Y CENTRE, ON COMMUNIT Where…ARLEST lford TF1 2AB Te n, to les St Giles Close, Ar 21 MARCH 2017 When…TUESDAY w ng funds for a ne isi ra e Why… We ar e th r fo e summerhous mentia unit residents in the de ton. ing ell W at Farcroft in

as possible but also to hear any information you may be able to supply. It’s all free and generous; you will find yourself amazed at the tales of old Wellington that they can tell. Go along to this important open meeting any time you can between its opening times of 10.30 and 2.30. Don’t miss and have to wait until next year. Nobody knows all about Wellington; certainly I would never make a claim that I did. In fact, despite having spent a long life learning I am sure that everybody I meet knows something that I don’t know. Our History Group is composed of enthusiasts who have studied local history and found it so fascinating that they want to show you the story of Wellington, The Wrekin Forest and The Weald Moors. Listen to them a while and you’ll find their enthusiasm infectious. They are not trying to make money except for printing Wellingtonia, their magazine, running the web site, printing their fascinating books and running the Group. Be proud of your town and find out about its past. Go and ask about your own part of the town and especially the people who have made it into what it is. Don’t be one of those who have neglected it by not using the shops and other businesses that bind the town together. This is not just a shopping centre full of big business where many huge and often international firms scrabble for your money. Support the individuals who have set up in business here. You may well find that shopping locally may be cheaper than trailing round the supermarkets or perhaps there isn’t very much difference in prices, especially when you have been ‘conned’ by the many special offers big business is tempting you with. AT THE PHEASANT – The Battle of the Bakers, midday, and the Ale Taster’s Pub Crawl starting at a quarter to two. You think that might be fun? Try it if you like.

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

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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THIRDLY – WHO IS MY DOCTOR?

As one of the 8,000 people who were patients of Malling Health Wrekin when it was announced that the practice was going out of business, I promised to write in Wrekin News an account of my attempts to ﬁnd another GP. Unfortunately I can’t do that. One of the rules I made for myself when I started writing many years ago was that I wouldn’t say anything bad about anybody; if I couldn’t say something good I wouldn’t say anything. I have come across several helpful people, especially one on the ‘phone but the systems in place and the organisation has so far frustrated me. Sorry, I can’t say anything positive so I’ll simply be what the system calls me – PATIENT.

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8, 9 George Evans.indd 2

27/02/2017 00:29

YOUR WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS . . .

Presentation to Reverend Grice

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

At the Full Council meeting on 14th February members acknowledged that this was Reverend Grice’s last meeting with a small memento as he was leaving for a new parish. Councillors thanked him for his warmth and for all the work he had done in the parish. Everyone wished him all the best in his new role.

Anti-social behaviour

The Chairman invited Inspector Wade to update members on the joint efforts being made to improve things in the town centre. ● CCTV and lighting around the area is being assessed and the Police and Crime Commissioner is keen on ensuring it is ﬁt for purpose. ● It was noted that Police were

working with licensees to try to stem the supply of strong cheap alcohol. ● The Police need a concrete evidence base before legislation and prosecutions can be made so it is so important that all incidents are reported either directly to the Police by telephone on 101 or to the Town Council on 01952 567697.

Town Council signed up for the ‘Hate Not Here’ campaign: ● Members, Oﬃcials and employees of this Council reject all forms of racism, discrimination and intolerance.

● This Council, through its own work and through working with others across our Community, will always make it clear that those seeking to visit our Parish to undermine the unity of our unique community will never be welcome. ● As a small but tangible demonstration of this commitment, this Council will sign up to, support and actively promote the West Mercia Police ‘No Hate Here’ campaign.”

Town Council on the move! It was agreed that it would be in the best interests of the Town Council to move to the Lower Library subject to the agreement of the leases and terms and conditions. The benefits are:● Provides an office location closer to the town centre with direct access from Walker Street; ● Provides us with additional office floor space ● Removes us from the noise associated with the exercise classes

at the current location ● Replaces the ‘Council Chamber’ with identical ﬂoor space ● Gives the Town Council a much larger usable Committee Room. ● Offers the opportunity to generate income from room rental whilst keeping associated costs low ● It will enable the borough to provide enhanced leisure and ﬁtness centre provision for the residents of Wellington.

Artefacts Resolution Members were shown items donated to the Council by Mr & Mrs Turreﬀ, a certiﬁcate and commemorative Key. It was agreed to formally present the donated artefacts to Donnington and Muxton Parish Council.

NHS MALLING GP PRACTICE It was proposed and agreed by all Councillors to instruct the Clerk to write to the appropriate authorities to express the Councils’ extreme concern at the proposal to close the Malling GP practice and WalkIn services located on the Princess Royal Hospital site. (Copy of letter available on the website)

THE DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING WAS AGREED AS 14TH MARCH 2017.

www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk 10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 1

27/02/2017 19:39

Spring FESTIVAL

VOLUNTEER’S FOR THE FESTIVAL AR E ALWAYS NEEDED, PLEA SE CONTACT CAROLINE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED ON CAROLINE.MULVIHILL @ TELFORD.GOV.UK

Due to the success of the October 2016 Wellington Festival, Wellington Town Council and the Wellington Festival Committee bring you the new Wellington SPRING Festival!

Friday 7th April 2017

Poems and Pints with Tony Stringfellow at the Old Wrekin Tap at 7.30pm. Published Author and Poet Tony Stringfellow hosts an informal celebration of poetry in all its forms. An evening where you can read your favourite poems, maybe read something that you have written yourself, or simply relax and listen to others.

Saturday 8th April 2017

Paper / Book Making Workshop with Jonathan Korejko All Saints Church Parish Centre, pre booked sessions are 11.00am and 1.45pm for children / families and 3.15 for adults. Spaces are limited. Please wear old clothing.

Saturday 8th April 2017

Wellington Walkers are Welcome – Exploring Dothill Local Nature Reserve. Walk starts at 2.00pm from Wellington Market Square

Saturday 8th April 2017

Spectacular Comedy Night at the Telford Live lounge and Arena, 8.00pm. MC Aaron Twitchen, Jon Pearson, Masai Graham, Marshal B Anderson, Moses Ali Khan and Jay Islaam.

Saturday 8th April 2017

The Clifton will be showing the film “Carol” a 2015 Drama Romance at 7.30pm at the Belmont Hall. Tickets are £5.00pp and available from www.theclifton.org or at the Clifton Stall at Wellington Market on a Saturday morning.

Saturday 8th April 2017

Telford Stamp, Card and Coin Fair Belmont Hall 10.00am – 3.00pm. Free Entry. Further details please contact Richard Camp on 01952 247783

Sunday 9th April 2017

Live performance from the ever popular Lesley Smith as ‘Queen of Scots’. Wrekin College Centenary Theatre at 4.00pm

Monday 10th April 2017

Wellington Walkers are Welcome – Geology of the Ercall Walks starts at 2.00pm from Wellington Market Square or 2.30pm on the Ercall Car park

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TICKETS ARE FREE BUT REQUIRED FOR CAPACITY PURPOSES. PLEASE VISIT WWW.EVENTBRITE.CO.UK TO RESERVE YOURS TODAY. Full event details can be found at www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk or by contacting caroline.mulvihill@telford.gov.uk

10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 2

27/02/2017 19:35

Hand pick your favourites The Chocolate Counter is brand new to 15 Market Street, Wellington and has been very well received by people who enjoy a lovely rich tasting treat. Belgium Chocolates with beautifully balanced flavors. You hand pick the ones you would like to enjoy and have them in a bag or presentation boxes for gifting. We are constantly adding new tastes to our range, some of the latest include a chocolate crème doughnut chocolate, a cookie and Ccrème

chocolate, a coconut ganache to accompany our coffee carmel and fruits of the forest ganache The Chocolate Counter has some lovely chocolate lolly pops and some amazing hot chocolate drinks just pop the spoon in your hot milk and stir into an amazing drink. Come and have a look we are open 9-6pm every day expect Sunday at 15 Market Street.

Win some Chocolates!

The feedback from our customers has been fantastic and we would like to give you a chance to win a selection of some of our Chocolates worth £5.99 you can have one of our pre made boxes or even come in and choose a selection! To enter our fantastic give-a-way please send your name, address and daytime telephone contact details to: Tania Baylis, Chocolate Counter, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY. Or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk Closing date for entries is: 23 March 2017.

12 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 12 News.indd 1

27/02/2017 11:48

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Shropshire’s oldest orchestra announce concert date E LIZABETH Bailey has written to Wrekin News to ask us to highlight a forthcoming concert at St Michael’s Church in Madeley (TF7 5BN) that the Telford Orchestra are performing. Telford Orchestra are the oldest orchestra in Shropshire having been formed in 1862. The concert which takes place on Saturday 25 March at 7.30pm will be conducted by guest conductor Tom Payne. Tickets cost £8, students are free, the musical programme includes; Sibelius, Valse Triste, Haydn Cello Concerto and Schubert Symphony No. 3.

Thomas is delighted to be conducting the Telford Orchestra this term. He is Musical Director of the Ludlow Orchestra, Shrewsbury, Cantata Choir and Leamington Sinfonia. Recently Thomas was the assistant conductor for British Youth Opera’s 2016 season and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The King Dances. This summer he will be Chorus Master for Longborough Opera Festival’s Tristan and Isolde and Fidelio. In addition to this he is CoConductor for Hereford String Orchestra. If any string players would like to join the Telford Orchestra you would be very welcome. Rehearsals take place at Chilcott Gardens, Bridgnorth Road, Madeley TF7 4LU on Monday evenings at 7.30-9.30pm. Due to illness the orchestra are on the lookout for a bassoon player for the concert. Is there any one out there who can help out? If you can then please get in touch with Elizabeth via the website: www.telfordorchestra.org.uk

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A little bit of history about the orchestra

St Georges Orchestra rehearsing in the 1950s The story began in 1862 when St Georges and District Orchestral Society was founded in the ‘new town’ of St. Georges. 1862 was the year that both Delius and Debussy were born. A few years later the new orchestra amalgamated with the local choral society to become St Georges and District Choral Union and St Georges Orchestral Union. We know this from the names and dates stamped on music in our library. From the start the orchestra gave concerts and accompanied local choirs. In 1962 New Zealand operatic soprano Dame Joan Hammond took part in the orchestra’s centenary concert. A few years after the new town of Telford was formed the orchestra changed its name to Telford Light Orchestra and later our current name.

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The size of the orchestra has varied widely over the years: in the 1930s the orchestra could muster eighteen first violins, as well as its full complement of other orchestral instruments; it later shrank to just five members, but its fortunes have substantially revived since then! For many years the orchestra performed regularly at the Majestic Ballroom (now demolished) in Wellington. For much of that time the orchestra was directed by William (Billy) Shuker, only the fourth conductor in over 100 years. More recent conductors have included George Raxter, John Phillips, Ruth Matthews, Michael Davey and local composer Rory Freckleton. Oldest Continuous Amateur Orchestra in the Country? We have tried to find an older continuous amateur orchestra – so far without success. There are older choral societies, and both the Hallé and the Royal Liverpool professional orchestras are a few years older. There are also amateur orchestras formed before ours which have been disbanded and reformed, but at the moment we claim to be the oldest continuous amateur orchestra in the country. If you think otherwise, let us know! William Shuker Billy Shuker stands out as the most dedicated of the orchestra’s members. He became conductor in 1918 and continued for the next 65 years.

14 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 14 News.indd 1

27/02/2017 11:27

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16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16, 17 Helen Taylor.indd 1

26/02/2017 14:04

ADVERTORIAL

News from your hospitals Bringing you updates from The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH):

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We have launched our Sustainable Services Programme to ensure two vibrant hospitals for the next 20 years and beyond. In January we published a newsletter about SaTH’s preferred option. This is one of a number of options that are currently still with NHS Future Fit. A full public consultation would take place before any ﬁnal decision is made. Our preferred option, following extensive engagement is: • A Planned Care site at PRH with approximately 350 beds (240 for inpatients including frailty and elderly care, rehabilitation, planned orthopaedic surgery and breast services and 110 for day case patients) together with specialist centres for cancer and bariatric surgery. There would still be Maternity Services (Wrekin MidwifeLed Unit, Early Pregnancy Assessment Service [EPAS], Antenatal Care, Outpatients and Maternity Scanning) and Children’s Services: (Outpatients and appointments services). Existing buildings would be utilised. • A new Emergency Centre at RSH with approximately 510 inpatient beds for a variety of services including critical care, acute stroke, coronary care, women and children’s, orthopaedic trauma, acute medicine and complex planned surgery. The proposed Emergency Centre would treat patients with life and limbthreatening conditions. The majority of patients who currently attend our A&E Departments would continue to access A&E services at their local hospitals under the proposals (see the images to the right for the types of conditions that would be seen at the Emergency Centre and through A&E Services under our preferred option). You can read our newsletter at www.sath.nhs.uk/sustainableservices, where you can also ﬁnd further information about the programme.

Recognising the importance of birth choice for women Women whose births are considered low-risk in Shropshire will continue to have choice about where to give birth in the future, Head of Midwifery Sarah Jamieson has vowed. Sarah made her comments following a highly successful “Better Births” Shropshire and Beyond conference hosted by Sath in February. It looked at how the national “Better Births” Maternity Review could be implemented in Shropshire and Powys. Sarah said: “Times have changed and we have seen a shift in where women are choosing to give birth. We need to be bold and imaginative to keep abreast of these changes, to listen to our communities, to engage with our users and our Commissioners to enact the changes necessary to implement ‘Better Births’. “Our aim, when implementing the recommendations of the review, is to maintain choice for all low-risk women, giving them the option of giving birth at home, at a Midwife Led Unit or at our Consultant Led Unit. “We will soon be going out to meet people in our communities to gather the views of users and other key stakeholders to explore the possibilities of how we might begin to implement the recommendations of the Maternity Review. “This is a great opportunity to take our service forward whilst ensuring we provide birth choice for women in the county and beyond.”

Trust launches ‘crutch amnesty’

SaTH is urging former patients to return unwanted crutches and walking frames. Emergency teams get through hundreds of pairs of crutches every year and many are never brought back to hospital. Unreturned equipment can cost the NHS thousands of pounds a year. Crutches are only used for a short period of time, however, they are designed to be used over and over again. Many patients simply forget to return them once they are no longer needed. Even those that can’t be used can be recycled, so SaTH is asking anyone who has crutches or other walking aids in their homes that they no longer need to bring them back to either PRH or RSH. SaTH issues around 100 pairs of crutches a month, at a cost of about £9,000-a-year. The numbers that are returned are quite small. SaTH’s ‘crutch amnesty’ will run throughout March. During that time equipment can be returned to the Plaster Rooms in A&E at either hospital.

High fives all round Caffe Bistro at PRH has been awarded a five-star hygiene rating. Environmental Health Officers gave the rating following a recent visit. The main kitchen at RSH, including the Mytton Restaurant, was also given a five-star hygiene rating. Inspections are due to take place for the main kitchen at PRH, including the Apley Restaurant, and Coffee City at RSH in the near future. Shelley Gooding, Food Safety Compliance Manager at SaTH, said: “This achievement is a testament to our staff who work really hard to ensure the best cleanliness and hygiene standards are achieved.”

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17

16, 17 Helen Taylor.indd 2

27/02/2017 15:43

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

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

Alan and Barb celebrate 50 happy years Wrekin News readers and occasional contributors Alan and Barb Heighway from St Georges are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday 4th March. Married on 4th March 1967 at All Saints Church, Wellington the happy couple who were both just 19 years-old at the time held their wedding reception at the Good Companions Hall in Ketley. Alan originally from Madeley and Barb (nee Smitherman, from Arleston) first met when they were 16 years-old on a Saturday night at the Majestic Dance Hall in Wellington. Coincidence struck the young couple when the following Monday at work Alan found himself ‘clocking on’ at the Ever Ready factory in Dawley next to Barb who was starting her first day at work. Once married Alan and Barb settled down and made their family home a cottage on farmland in Dark Lane. Children duly followed with Helen and Brett. Having served his apprenticeship at the Ever Ready factory Alan moved on and joined the Horsehay Works before working in Shrewsbury and Coventry. In the meantime Barb enjoyed a career in hairdressing and she also worked for the local youth club. Then some 22 years-ago Alan and Barb developed their passion for line dancing into a very successful business forming the dance company ‘Feel the Beat line dancing’. Alan and Barb were soon running seven weekly classes and also taught overseas and throughout the UK in various Pontins and Butlins Holiday Camps. Locally Alan will also be well known by many for his wedding photography. Running Telford Photo Services for 35-years Alan was also Chairman of Wrekin Camera Club for five-years. Now happily retired Alan and Barb have enjoyed a wonderful life together and look forward to many more happy years together. Congratulations from everyone at Wrekin News!

Alan and Barb on their wedding day

. . . and back at All Saints Church today

George at his best! Dear James, So good to see my old friend George Evans still going strong. We go back a long way as we were both teachers in Wellington many moons ago. His memories of Christmases as a boy struck several chords with me, but his reference to failing chemistry in “School Cert” really took me back. I also came a cropper in that same subject. I hated the subject anyway-all those chemical formulae-much preferred physics. I achieved the grand total of 8% in “School Cert Chemy” which was apparently the lowest score ever achieved by anyone at Wellington Grammar School. Our chemistry master, “Lenny” Marshall, thought I should have gone on the school honours board in the hall. I got one chemical formula right, which was a miracle because I hadn’t the faintest idea what the question was about! It is obvious that both George and I, having failed chemy were destined for great things. He’s certainly sharing his talents to the beneﬁt of ‘Wrekin News!’ I ended up as head teacher in a former mining village in deepest Somerset. The reminiscences of that would make a good sitcom! One memory of George’s sense of humour was when he was appointed chairman of Wellington UDC, back in the days when local councils had a bit of clout. I met him the day after, and with a broad grin he said ‘me village headman!’ George at his best! Yours Sincerely Mike Clay

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 Letters.indd 1

26/02/2017 17:28

Gillian’s pictures from the past

RS GILLIAN McLeod of Doseley visited the Wrekin News offices recently to drop in some pictures that will be of interest to our readers. The first picture shows a group sitting down for dinner in what looks like a function room or public house. Gillian is unsure who are group are but her mother Millie McLeod is sitting first on the righthand-side as you look at the picture. On the back of the photo some names are mentioned including Nora Shoebotham, Mrs Bradley and Ernie Whittingham. If you know anyone on the picture or know why the group who could have been members of the Tan Bank Methodist Church were meeting we would love to hear from you. Gillian thinks the photo possibly dates back to 1958.

Gillian’ s mum is on this picture but we are not sure what the occasion was. Could it have been a social gathering for members of the Tan Bank Methodist Church group?

The second picture is of Princes Street School and is a picture of Class 1A taken in 1957. Gillian can name most of the children on the photo as follows: Kathleen Dicken, Carol Round, Linda Leedham, Margaret Hordley, Gillian McLeod, Jackie Williams, Denise Gutteridge, Brenda Lipscombe, Tony Ward, David Everson, Boddy Dalton, Ian Devey, Geoffrey Jones, Christopher Beresford, Nigel Barr, David Daker, Alan Davies, Adrian Felton, David O’Brien and Charles Lowndes. The third picture (below) is of the Admaston Methodist Chapel Sunday School anniversary celebration. Gillian is unsure of the year but does remember Mr Wynn who is sitting on the front row.

Painting time for Class 1A at Princes Street School. Gillian and her classmates are told not to look at the camera . . . but it’ s too hard to resist a peek for one student!

Admaston Methodist Chapel Sunday School anniversary celebration Are you on Gillian’s picture? Please write in and let us know. (Details on page 2)

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19

18, 19, 20 Letters.indd 2

26/02/2017 17:28

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters WREKIN NEWS GALLERY

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

WELLINGTON REMEMBERS 1914-1918

The First World War disturbed the life of every family

AST MONTH we asked readers to tell us anything they knew about Frederick Samuel Adderley and Lucy Hoof. We received a reply from Edna, a descendent of Lucy and her second husband James Lowe. We had an interesting conversation with Edna at the Plough in Wellington. We were able to tell Edna about Frederick and with Edna’s help, we now know that tragedy stuck the family again in the Second World War when Frederick and Lucy’s daughter Winifred lost her husband Harold Ball.

Harry Adderley in his uniform, showing the KSLI cap badge on his hat

The Adderley Family

Thank you to John Dyson from Apley who has sent us these pictures as he walked through Apley Woods recently. John took the pictures with his Nikon Coolpix Compact camera as he was enjoying the winter sunshine. Thank you very much for sending them in John. If you have a picture or two of our wonderful ‘Wrekin region’ that you would like to share with our readers please send it to: james@plus2media.co.uk for inclusion in the Wrekin News Gallery.

The Adderley family take centre stage again this month. This time we are looking at Frederick’s nephew Harry Adderley. This ﬁne picture of Harry was provided by Ian Adderley. (As its Ian’s property it should not be copied without his express permission in writing.) Harry was born in 1890 in Blymhill a village just off the A5 near the entrance to Weston Park. His father Joseph, was Frederick Samuel Adderley’s brother. By 1911, Harry is 21, a cowman just setting out in life and lodging at 13, Stone Cottage, Edgmond with William and Edith Beech. The First World War disturbed the life of every family. The Adderley’s were no exception. Harry joined up on 29 October 1914 and fought in France with the 5th Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. He was seriously wounded on two occasions. His name is recorded on the daily list of the wounded in the Times for 21 October 1916. We are told by an Adderley family member that he was transported back to England on HM Hospital Ship Asturias. Once he recovered he was back among the ﬁghting, appearing on the daily list of the wounded on 16 Nov 1917. Adderley family records show that on this occasion he was treated in the Bishops Palace Red Cross Hospital in Gloucester. We don’t know how long he was in Gloucester, but his Silver War Badge record shows that he was discharged from the army on 7 September 1918. – The Silver War Badge was given to those discharged from the armed forces by reason of illness or injury. William Beech also enlisted in 1914 into the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, serving with both the 2nd and 1st Battalions in France from 4 May 1915 until he died of wounds on 30 May 1917. His name is recorded among the fallen on the All Saints Wellington Lych Gate. When he died Edith Beech not only lost her husband, but also her income, and according to the 1911 census had 4 children to support. With so much responsibility, it is not surprising that on 23 April 1919 she married Harry Adderley at the parish church in Wellington. The Adderley family tell me that after the war Harry and Edith lived in Mill Bank running the Railway Inn.

20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20 Letters.indd 3

26/02/2017 19:18

New College Chorale - the end of an era

HE concert on Monday 3rd April will be the last one with Bob Wysome as conductor. Twenty two years have elapsed since he founded the choir, based at New College. During this time the choir, with a membership of ﬁfty has performed major works in Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Abbey and many local churches. Programmes have ranged from Mozart’s Requiem to the songs of Edward Lear – from the sublime to the ridiculous, and have introduced the choir and audiences to many exciting musical works. Last year the Chorale moved to the newly refurbished Christ Church and has become established here, with an increased team of conductors and accompanists to allow for a smooth transition as Bob steps down as principal conductor. He will remain involved planning programmes but feels that the progress of Parkinson’s disease has now made effective conducting too difﬁcult. The Chorale is planning a concert for June, one of a sequence of concerts in Christ Church by local choirs in “The Festival of the Voice”, and looking forward to an imaginative Christmas programme. New members who would like to be part of this friendly and supportive community choir are welcome. Rehearsals are on Mondays at 7.15pm in Christ Church. The event on Monday 3rd April at Christ Church will be a short concert offering contemplative music in the approach to Easter. Allegri’s Miserere is well known; this haunting piece is a moving start to the concert. Karl Jenkins Requiem has not been performed in the county before. It is as melodic and appealing as his better known works such as “The Armed Man” and will be accompanied by small orchestra. Bob feels that this concert will be an appropriate event to mark the end of this period of community music making, and the beginning of the next phase in the life of the Chorale. Monday 3rd April 7.30pm Christ Church, Wellington Allegri “Miserere” Karl Jenkins Requiem Tickets £7 from Chorale members or on the door

New College Chorale Music for Passiontide Monday April 3rd at 7.30pm Christ Church · Wellington Allegri ‘Miserere’ Karl Jenkins Requiem

WELLINGTON REMEMBERS 1914-1918

Detective Corner

Can anyone provide any further details of Harry and Edith Adderley’s life? They had at least one child called Albert. Please contact us through our email: wellingtonremembers@outlook.com Our blog https://wellingtonremembers.wordpress.com/ or Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ wellingtonremembers/

Tickets £7 from Chorale members or on the door www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21

18, 19, 20 Letters.indd 4

26/02/2017 18:59

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You can make your loft a little neater and tidier. It will make it much easier for you to find things that you may have thought were lost for many years. But where do you start? Firstly bring everything out of the loft. Don’t be afraid to throw things away or give them to a charity shop. If you don’t see yourself using it in the next 6 months, and it’s been in the loft for years why keep it? If you hire a skip it will encourage you get rid of an awful lot.

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Wrekin Paving Services offer their expertise this March

REKIN Paving Services offer their services this March to contractors and members of the public in the Telford and Wrekin area. The family business provides their expert knowledge in: Paving, fencing, decking, landscape gardening, astro turf and conservatory bases. Also they provide discounts on specific jobs for elderly customers in need of their services. Business owner, Wayne Paddock said: “Business is currently fantastic and we are involved with a number of big contractors on commercial sites. “So our knowledge and experience can be trusted to ensure the best possible service for our clients.” The business also specialises in block paving with employees holding over 25 years of experience in the process. Recently Wrekin Paving Services uncovered an old feature during construction at The Hop and Vine restaurant in Telford.

Mr Paddock added: “Whilst we were digging at the site, we came across an old wishing well. After discussion with the client we converted the wishing well into a nice water feature for the restaurant. “Even though we weren’t expecting the structure, we can happily adapt a job to suit any client and make sure their needs are met.” For more information call 07528 238099 or email wrekinpavingservices@gmail.com

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26 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 Home and Garden.indd 5

27/02/2017 18:46

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FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL: 01952 249773 or call in for professional, friendly advice

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 27

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27/02/2017 15:21

The

Stage

this months picks TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2017

THE VERDICT

BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281

STARRING CLIVE MANTLE, JACK SHEPHERD and RICHARD WALSH... The powerful best-selling courtroom thriller that inspired a multi Academy Award-Nominated ﬁlm. Frank Galvin is a washed up veteran lawyer and an alcoholic. He is presented with one last chance to redeem himself when he is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win. Up against the unforgiving medical establishment and the all-powerful Catholic Church, he courageously refuses an out of court settlement, believing it is negligence that has condemned a young mother. Smelling a cover up, he instead takes the case and the entire legal system to court.

MARILYN £12

W IN TICKET S

£10

MUMBO JUMBO & DAVE ONIONS

Saturday 4th March

Consessions £10

Friday 3rd March

8pm

7.30pm

An exciting new play based on the true story of Marilyn Monroe

Wings over Abbey Road £13.50

Two top acts come together for a evening of acoustic vaudeville sketch show

Saturday 18th March

Saturday 11th March

8pm

Top class musicians and vocalists performing and celebrating top class songs

DORIS THE DRAGON SHOW

£19

SENSATION - The Who

£9

Saturday 25th March 2pm & 5pm

The greatest hits of The Who plus songs from Tommy and Quadrophenia in one show!

Saturday 1st April

8pm

FAMILY TICKETS FROM £7.50 EACH Join Doris and her fiery friends in a brand new fun packed show. Suitable for families and children 3-10

£10

CHRIS QUINN

Concessions £9 Chris Quinn with his own brand of solo acoustic folk and roots music

CONTACT

01746 766477

admin@theatreonthesteps.co.uk www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk Stoneway Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4BD

WIN THEATRE TICKETS! HOW TO ENTER

Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates and Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury to offer lucky reader’s the chance to win a pair of tickets to see The Verdict and The Little Mermaid. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, (INSERT NAME OF THE SHOW THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE), 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 Shows, but please remember to send separate entries for each one.

GOOD LUCK!

LULU ANNOUNCES BIGGEST EVER UK TOUR Due to phenomenal demand, legendary singer Lulu has confirmed that she will embark on the biggest tour of her incredible career this autumn, including a date at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn on Wednesdy 25 October. The ‘All About The Music Tour’ will see the Grammy-nominated singer play 39-dates across the UK. Performing hits from a career spanning over 50-years, fans can expect to hear huge hits such as ‘Shout’, ‘To Sir With Love’, ‘Relight My Fire’ and ‘The Man Who Sold The World’, amongst many others. After a ten year period of relative inactively on the live scene, the release of Lulu’s most critically acclaimed album to-date, 2015’s selfpenned ‘Making Life Rhyme’, sparked the most prolific touring period of her entire career, leading to sell-out tours in both 2015 and 2016. Lulu said, “I absolutely love playing live and can’t wait to be out on the road again in autumn this year. My life has always been all about the music, so come and join me again or for the first time and let’s have a great night of music.” Priority booking opens to Friends of Theatre Severn from 10am on Wednesday 15 February. Tickets are now on general sale and available from www.theatresevern.co.uk

THE LITTLE MERMAID **TWO PAIRS OF TICKETS TO BE WON!**

MONDAY 10 APRIL 2017 The classic tale of The Little Mermaid is brought to the stage BOX OFFICE: 01952 382382 in a brand new production by the internationally acclaimed Panto Company. Following a sell-out tour of China, The Panto Company bring you their adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s story. It follows the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water. Joined by a handsome prince, an TICKETS evil baddie and a funny side kick there will be bucket loads of laughs on this adventure. With stunning scenery, eye catching costumes, fantastic songs and loads of audience participation, this show makes for a thoroughly entertaining family day out.

WIN

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

27/02/2017 01:46

GO LIMITLESS . . .

big

SEE ALL THE FILMS YOU WANT, AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE!

Imagine being able to see all the ﬁlms you want, week in, week out. Mid-week romcom? Saturday night blockbuster? With huge potential savings and access to exclusive member treats, joining Limitless means you can watch all the ﬁlms you want as often as you like for one monthly fee.

screen Welcome

Odeon, Telford General Manager Annette Small welcomes you to 10 screens of ﬁlm magic screening stunning RealD 3D. You can treat yourself to an exclusive entertainment experience with our Premier seats, cafe culture at Costa or icy indulgences at Ben & Jerry’s. Parking is available at the cinema for the perfect spot!

In association with

YOUR TICKET TO THE GREATEST SHOWS . . . Lose yourself in the action of the world’s greatest performances, brought to you live via satellite or recorded, straight onto the big screen. From captivating theatre, opera, music and dance, to exhilarating sporting and gaming events, you’ll never miss a moment. Get ready for edge-ofyour-seat shows like you’ve never seen them before, with

breathtaking surround sound for an unforgettable, larger-than-life experience. With ODEON Event Cinema you’ll always have the best seat in the house, with close-up action so real you’ll feel like you’re there. ENCORE, ENCORE! Missed the live event? Some of our shows are replayed as a special ‘Encore’ performance the following week so keep an eye out on our Event Cinema page.

ODEONSAYS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

No online booking fees - Book your visit with us online and don’t pay a penny in fees!

Retelling the timeless tale for a new generation, ‘Beauty And The Beast’ is the story of Belle, a spirited, intelligent and beautiful woman who is taken prisoner by a beast. Trapped and alone, she gradually begins to befriend the castle’s enchanted staﬀ – Cogsworth the clock, Lumiere the candlestick and Mrs. Potts the teapot. And over time, she learns to look past her captor’s monstrous appearance, beginning to fall for the kind-hearted prince he once was. Be our guest for ‘Beauty And The Beast’, as an all-star cast brings the tale as old as time to life in this live-action remake of the animated classic.

ODEON Newbies

Take time out with baby-friendly screenings of the latest releases . . . We understand that being a new parent is a rewarding, yet sometimes demanding, experience. ODEON Newbies are our special ﬁlm screenings designed for you and your little one. This is a place to leave behind your stresses, escape from the everyday and lose yourself in the latest releases. Remember, while you’re with us, you’re our guest. From the moment you get here to the moment you leave, we’ll do everything we can to make you and your baby feel welcome and comfortable. These screenings are only for parents and guardians and their babies. So there’s no need to worry about disturbing other guests while your ﬁlm’s playing. Softer volume. Ever-so-slightly brighter lights. Our special in-screen conditions are a lullaby to your baby. This is a peaceful setting, where you can gently rock your little one away to the land of nod and ease yourself into the world on-screen.

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WIN CINEMA TICKETS

the s teamed up with Wrekin News ha r one fe of to rd lfo Te Odeon Cinema, ema ir of standard cin lucky reader a pa . ce oi ch ur yo of tickets to a film e on ph le te me and Just send your na kin re W s, yli Ba contact to: Tania ad, ckets, Bridge Ro News, Odeon Ti ail: em or Y 1R 1 rd TF Wellington, Telfo k .u ia.co tania@plus2med

WIN CINEMA TICKETS

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 Ti ckets, Bridge Ro ad, Wellington, Telfo rd TF1 1RY or em ail: tania@plus2med ia.co.uk

27/02/2017 00:14

Diary March 2017

March 5 ANNE REID Festival Drayton Centre Market Drayton £19.50 call 01630 654444 March 11-19 WENLOCK OLYMPICS LIVE ARTS Event website (http://www.wenlockolympian-society.org.uk/live-artsfestival/) March 12 TELFORD LUXURY WEDDING FAYRE Great Hay Email mailto:contact@ sayidoweddingfayres.co.uk March 17 SPRING GREEN GALA Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley DY12 1BG March 18 St Patricks day LACE MAKING Forge Urban Revival 11am 07715667979 March 21 COFFEE MORNING Arleston community centre 10am till 12:30pm raising money for a summer house for the dementia unit at Farecroft Wellington

March 23 WINE AND BOTTLE AUCTION 7:30pm Lion O’Morfe, Bridgnorth 01846 710528 March 24 VICTORIAN MUSIC HALL EVENING £25.00 Blist Hill Victorian Town March 24 RED NOSE DAY Decorate a cupcake, Donations to red nose day. Forge Urban Revival 4 Crown Street, Wellington 11am 07715667979 March 25 MOTHERS DAY WORKSHOP Card making, brooch making Engrave glass, decorate a cupcake Forge Urban Revival 4 Crown Street, Wellington 11am 07715667979 March 26 and 31 CAR BOOT SALE Car £8, Van £10 Large van £13 Stafford Common, Stafford, ST16 1NS No need to book 07831 192116

To include your event in our Diary for February please contact Tania - tania@plus2media.co.uk or call 01952 522562

Telford Stamp, Card and Coin Fair

Telford Stamp, Card and Coin Fair is on Saturday 8th April 2017 at Belmont Hall, Wellington centre, Telford, TF1 1LU from 10am to 3pm, free entry with a good range of stalls, free valuations, buy and sell, home made refreshments. Free adjacent car park, train station close by, bus via Telford Centre to nearby local bus station. Further details from Bob Pilkington, Tel: 01299 211737 or email: sbpilkington02@outlook.com. (Tables may be available)

MARCH 2017

SAT 4TH - A PIG CALLED EGGS & BEAR MAKES NINJA SAT 11TH - PAUL PARKER & ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS FRI 17TH - THE WORDS SAT 18TH - SCREEMER & SUPPORT FRI 24TH - EASTFIELD, GEN N, SWAKTANG, THE MIFFS & DEVILS EASTER BANK HOLIDAY - 13TH - 17TH APRIL MINI CIDER & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Every Sunday the Oddballs MCC club meeting 7pm Tuesday 7th & 21st, Fun Lovin’ Flat Fours VW club meeting 8pm Saturday 11th & 25th, Shropshire Loves Sewing club, 1pm-4pm £2 26 HAYGATE RD, WELLINGTON, TELFORD, TF1 1QA - 01952 247333 FACEBOOK.COM/THEHAYGATE

Ticket JUST

THE

To advertise in

JUST THE TICKET Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email

irene@plus2media.co.uk

Concert to celebrate 100 years of Lions This year 2017 marks the centenary of the formation of the ﬁrst Lions Club in Chicago in 1917. Since then the organisation has spread around the world and currently has about 1.4million members in 200 countries. The regular Lions motto is “We serve” and to commemorate the anniversary Lions members set themselves some ambitious targets to help others and the environment; a few examples - internationally to support over 100,000,000 people; nationally to recycle 1,000,000 pairs of spectacles; locally to plant 10,000 bulbs. All of these have already been achieved but as clubs keep working there is a possibility the numbers could be doubled by the end of the year. Having already planted the bulbs Telford Lions Club have decided to further mark the occasion by promoting a concert – 100 years of Music - for up to 500

senior citizens, carers and cared for people. It will take place at The Place, Oakengates on Thursday 6th April. The Jackfield Brass Band and the Shifnal and District Male Voice Choir will be performing a range of pieces composed between 1917 and the present day. The club’s event organiser Shirley Vaughan explained “One of the difficulties we have is letting people know what is happening. As many appropriate groups and societies as we could find contact details for have been sent information about the event to pass on to their members, but we are aware that not everyone belongs to these so we are hoping others who are eligible will follow up information in the local press.” The Lions will act as waiters fetching refreshments for anyone whose mobility problems make it difficult to get out to the bar area during the interval. There is ample free car parking on site.”

“The club are grateful for a Big Lottery Fund Celebrate grant which will cover most of the costs of the event. For administration purposes there is a minimal charge per ticket but this money will be returned to those attending on the night by means of a seat number draw. The lucky winners going home with £20 each. “ Tickets cost just £1 which includes a programme and refreshments during the interval. “We are hoping for a full house to enjoy an evening of entertainment and good company,” said Shirley “the band and the choir are both well known for the quality of their performance so we look forward to a great night.” Anyone wishing to attend should book their tickets direct with the theatre either on line or at the box ofﬁce. To ﬁnd out more about the Lions and their work call 0845 833 9585 or email telford.lions@yahoo.com

Top Gold accolade for Victorian Town

Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of Shropshire’s 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums where life over 100 years ago is recreated, has received the highest Gold accolade from VisitEngland in recognition of the quality of its visitor experience for the second year in succession. The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is also celebrating its own golden anniversary this year having been founded 50 years ago in 1967. Introduced by VisitEngland in 2014, the accolades are only available to attractions which are members of the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme. They are allocated through a scoring system based on an annual and unannounced assessment by VisitEngland and highlight elements that matter most to visitors. The scheme recognises attractions that go the extra mile to create an enjoyable and memorable experience. There are ﬁve categories including Welcome, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food & Drink and Gold for top-scoring attractions. Delighted with the accolade, Paul Gossage, Director of Engagement at the Ironbridge Gorge

Museum Trust commented: “The staff, trustees and volunteers are all thrilled that our hard work has been recognised with a second VisitEngland Gold accolade. This is especially welcome in 2017 as we celebrate our 50th Golden Anniversary year.” The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are spread across six square miles of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site; together they attract over half a million visitors annually; for more details, visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).

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

27/02/2017 11:02

AFP003:- 07/02/2017 07/02/2017 11:32 11:32 Page Page11 AFP003:-

BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL

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EVENT CALENDAR 2017 2016

EVE EVENT ENT C CALENDAR ALEND DAR 2017 EVE EVENT

JANUARY JJANUARY ANU UA A AR RYY sundaY JJANUARY ANU U AR R easter easter sundaY Lunch Lunch

£13.95pp

16th april april 16th

traditionalroast roast AAtraditional Sunday lunch the Sunday lunch atatthe

BuckatreeHall Hall Buckatree withchildren’s children’s with entertainment,Easter Eastereggs eggs entertainment, FEBRUARY andLavazza Lavazzacoffee coffee and £14.95per per adult adult £14.95 £6.95per per child child £6.95

Glitter and and eyeliner eyeliner at at the the ready! ready! Glitter

APRIL

Enjoy aa main main course course and and dessert dessert then then dance dance the the night night away away Enjoy to our our Diva Diva inspired inspired disco disco with with the the glamorous glamorous sounds sounds of of to Beyonce, Whitney, Celine Dion and many more... Beyonce, Whitney, Celine Dion and many more...

Friday 28th 28th April April Friday

ROD STEWART

T obook bookany anyofofour o events eventscall: call:01952 952641821 641 821email: email:sales@b sales@b uckatr katreehallhot eehallhot otel.com el.com visit: visit: www www .buc uckatr katree eehallhot hallhotel.com el.com To 01952 641821 sales@buckatreehallhotel.com www.buckatreehallhotel.com T To o oour 00 11952 641 821 ee sales@buckatreehallhotel.com uc ot www.buckatreehallhotel.com .b

TRIBUTE DINNER

Two course evening meal, main course and dessert

Friday 12th May

Adele Tribute Dinner

Celebrating a Birthday?

Special Overnight Party

Saturday 13th May Package Free birthday cake for the

£17.50 MARCH Live music and dancing per person

until midnight.

Celebrating a Birthday? Free birthday cake for the birthday guest (must be pre-booked and minimum party numbers of 10)

Two course meal, main course and dessert. birthday guestevening (must be Includes check-in from Live music and dancing until midnight. pre-booked and minimum 2.00pm, party night party numbers of 10 apply). accommodation with full English breakfast and a box Hen Party? of chocolates in your room Brides go free on parties (based on 2 people sharing of 20 or more (entrance per person a double or twin bedded to the party night only, not standard room – upgrades accommodation). available at an additional cost). Gift Vouchers

£17.50

FROM £15.00 single Gift Vouchers supplement £34.50 Personalised vouchers Brides go free on parties of 20 or Looking for the perfect gift? applies. PER PERSON available for all events at the more (entrance to the party night Personalised vouchers available for all hotel plus much more. events at the hotel plus much more. only, not accommodation).

Looking for the perfect gift? Hen Party?

To book any of our events call:01952 641821 email:sales@buckatreehallhotel.com visit:www.buckatreehallhotel.com

Buckatree Hall Hotel FP.indd 1

27/02/2017 18:51

Charter Day Saturday 4th March The annual display of historically-themed daftness returns as Wellington celebrates the granting of its 1244 market charter with music, Morris dancing and a drop of medieval real ale.

We are excited to announce that this years Trust Cycling Event will be taking place on Saturday 10th June. We look forward to seeing some of you there taking part. More details to follow shortly

Free Your

OME lively medieval street theatre from The Shrewsbury Mummers kicks off the morning’s festivities at 11am, followed by the arrival of the charter courtesy of King Henry III’s messenger. Enjoy dancing from the fearsomely-face painted Ironmen Morris Dancers and their companions, the Severn Gilders, and at midday see the convening of the ancient Court Leet – complete with 18th century costumes – as they appoint the Clerk of the Market, the Town Crier and the Ale Taster for the year ahead. After another set from the Morris dancers, it’s off to the The Pheasant in Market Street where ‘Jerry the Ale Taster’ will be judging the Great Charter Day Bun-Baking contest, and no doubt giving his opinion on Rowton Brewery’s special edition medieval ale. And amid all this jollity, don’t forget to drop in on the Community History Day at the nearby All Saints Parish Hall 10.30 to 2.30pm, where you can ﬁnd out lots more about the area’s past from a range of local heritage groups.

spirit THE

Join In

SWAN

Christopher’s Restaurant Bar and Rooms at

The Swan Hotel SPECIALS

Free House

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR

Mother’s Day SUNDAY 26 MARCH £10.95

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Pie & Pint Night £7.95 Sizzler Night £7.95 All Day Carvery 12-9 £3.95 Steak, Chicken & Fish Night £7.95 or any two for £15.00 All Day Carvery 12-9 £3.95 FULL A LA CARTE MENU AVAILABLE Three Course Carvery 12-6 £8.95 Kids Under 10 £5.95

SATURDAY - FULL A LA CARTE MENU AVAILABLE Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire

www.swan-hotel-telford.co.uk · Tel: 01952 223781 E mail: chris .witton@aol.com

SKY & BT SPORT SHOWN HERE 32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 32 Just The Ticket.indd 1

27/02/2017 12:28

is our brand new healthy meeting concept ‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’

Telford Whitehouse Hotel is host and winner at top industry awards Sunday lunch available every Sunday

ELFORD Whitehouse Hotel was in the spotlight recently as it played host to one of the hospitality industry’s top awards ceremonies. And as well as providing the venue for the glittering occasion, the hotel scooped a prestigious award on the night. The UK’s leading independent hotel management company, Redefine|BDL Hotels, which operates Telford Whitehouse Hotel, chose the Shropshire venue to stage its annual awards ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of top hotels, teams and individuals from across the country. The awards recognised outstanding performances in nine categories, with Telford Whitehouse Hotel winning the ‘Transformation and Innovation Award’, beating off stiff competition from 44 other RBH properties at the glitzy event. The Telford hotel clinched its award after implementing a number of innovative ideas and exciting new programs to improve the guest experience in 2016. Jason Petty, General Manager at Telford Whitehouse Hotel, said: “We were delighted to host the Redefine|BDL Hotels annual awards ceremony and thrilled to also pick up an award on the night. “We have a great team here at Telford Whitehouse Hotel and I’m extremely proud of their efforts in achieving this award.” Located in the heart of Shropshire, Telford Whitehouse Hotel boasts excellent facilities for both leisure and business guests, and for those seeking outstanding conference and events facilities. With the medieval town of Shrewsbury just a few minutes’ drive away, the Telford Whitehouse Hotel provides the perfect post-sightseeing retreat for guests, with a large swimming pool, sauna, solarium, Jacuzzi and steam room. For business travellers, the venue is ideally located within five minutes of the Telford Town Centre, plus a stone’s throw away from The International Centre, the area’s premier business hub. The hotel also provides stateof-the-art conference and event facilities for up to 400 delegates, offering the perfect venue for meetings, conferences and away days for businesses of all sizes. For more information, please visit www.telfordwhitehouse.co.uk

What is Food For Thought? • • • •

It’s healthy balanced dishes It’s full of energy boosting goodness It keeps your team focused for longer It results in a more productive meeting!

Exc

Events We host a wide range of social events throughout the year. Visit our website to download our latest programme of events!

Programme of events all year round

is ou con

We also have a host of packages available whatever the occasion: weddings, birthday parties, christenings, Wha Christmas parties, themed evenings, Sunday lunch available every Sundayanniversary celebrations or celebrating the life of a loved one. • It’s h • It’s fu • It kee • It res

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Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 2NJ We ho (01952) 250700 | enquiries@telwhitehouse.com | Telford Whitehouse Hotel | @TelfordHotelthe ye progra www.telfordwhitehouse.co.uk

Programme of events all year round

We als the oc Christm celebr

Mother's Day Lunch with a Gift for Mum!

Watling Street, Wellington, Telfo | T Treat Mum this year and allow the chefs at the Tel(01952) ford Whi250700 tehouse to| enquiries@telwhitehouse.com do the cooking for you. Great value Carvery available from 12.30pm to 3.00pm - 26th March 2017 www.telfordwhiteho Main Course £9.95 2 Courses £13.95 3 Courses £16.95 children under 12 half price. Advance booking is advised

Call us on 01952 250700 or email enquiries@telwhitehouse.com www.telfordwhitehouse.co.uk T: 01952 250700 E: enquiries@telwhitehouse.com Watling Street, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 2NJ

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 33

33 Whitehouse Hotel.indd 1

Heal

Whether it’s for just 2 or up to 400 delegates with 14 different sized meeting rooms to choose from, we can match any of your requirements!

25/02/2017 10:05

Animal magic for care home residents

Mel Jarvis with her dog Rosie who lives at Coverage Care’s Innage Grange in Bridgnorth and below: Innage Grange’s Becky Whitehouse with resident Marjorie and her cat Stacey

Care provider supports call for clearer pet policies

HE CHIEF Executive of Shropshire’s leading notfor-profit care provider has welcomed a call for more residential homes to implement a pet policy to make the transition into care an easier process for older people. David Coull from Coverage Care says he supported the campaign by the charity Blue Cross for all care homes for elderly people to have a specific pet policy. Blue Cross says its research found that 40 per cent of UK care homes claim to be ‘pet friendly’ but, in practice, this often isn’t clear or consistent. The charity is recommending that care homes have clear criteria on where they stand regarding residents keeping their pets and the responsibility of residents living with their pet in the home. Coverage Care runs 14 residential and nursing homes across Shropshire in Telford, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Wellington, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth, Bishops Castle, Newport and Market Drayton. At Briarfields in Shrewsbury, the home has two resident cats Kirby and Leia who share the building with residents.

Manager Denise Morris said: “We have had Cats Protection visit the home for some time which the residents really enjoyed so we thought we would have our own pets. The two girls have settled in very well and are real characters.” At Bridgnorth’s Innage Grange when resident Marjorie moved in she brought her cat Stacey with her as did Mel with her dog Rosie. At Farcroft in Wellington, resident Edna arrived with her two budgies Billy and Bobby that she cares for. Mr Coull said a transparent policy would make moving into

care easier for people who don’t want to part with their pets. “Moving into care is a life-changing decision and it can be stressful so anything that can allow it to be a smooth transition should be welcomed. It would make it easier for people to choose the best place for them to live if every care home had a clearly stated policy. “We are happy to accept pets in our homes under most circumstances and work with potential residents so, wherever possible, they can bring their animals with them and they know what we expect from them in terms of their responsibilities as pet owners and neighbours. “We value the difference that keeping their pet with them makes to the lives of our residents,” he added. Coverage Care homes are: Barclay Gardens, Chillcott Gardens, and Lightmoor View in Telford; Barleyfield House, Briarfields, Coton Hill House and Montgomery House in Shrewsbury; New Fairholme, Oswestry; Farcroft, Wellington; Greenfields, Whitchurch; Innage Grange, Bridgnorth; Stone House, Bishops Castle; The Cottage Christian Nursing Home, Newport; and Woodcroft in Market Drayton.

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

34 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk Coverage Care page.indd 1

27/02/2017 00:11

Fabulous Food

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s teamed l for two. Wrekin News haader the chance to win a mea dress ad re e, y m ck na lu nd your offer one do to enter is se ylis, All you have to contact number to: Tania Ba rd and daytime ge Road, Telfo rekin News, Brid Meal for Two, W 1 1RY. Or email your entry to: Shropshire TF plus2media.co.uk tania@ years or older to You must be 18 d conditions enter, terms an apply.

The Wheatsheaf A very friendly welcome in a traditional pub W

E VISITED the Wheatsheaf in Shifnal for a bite to eat on a Wednesday night, which happens to be their Grill Night where you can choose a free drink with your meal, prices starting from £7.25 per person. We were greeted by a really friendly member of staff, who took the time to explain how the menu works with the drinks offer, which was a really appreciated touch. She also said that we were welcome to choose our own table. We had a table for two in the lounge called “Kissing Corner” which is lovely and cosy with traditionally low beams and fireplace. Presented with the menus, which have an excellent choice of starters, mains and small but very tempting dessert menu. I opted for the 10oz Gammon Steak with a free range egg and chips. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed, the gammon was cooked to perfection and beautifully lean. I didn’t even need the steak knife as the meat was so tender. Served with plenty of chips and garnished with petit pois peas. Overall a very well presented dish that would satisfy a good appetite! My partner chose the Mixed Grill, opting for the steak to be cooked well done and upgrading the chips to curly fries. The grill consists of a 4oz Rump Steak, 5oz Gammon Steak, half a chicken breast, sausage and onion rings, all of which are topped off with a free range egg and a wedge of beef tomato. I am also reliably informed that everything tasted as good as it looked. We also had a side dish of Sauteed Mushrooms, one portion was more than enough for us to share as there was plenty of them and packed full of flavour. The waitress who served us was also very attentive, asking whether we would like any additional sauces, all done with a smile. For dessert my partner ordered the Jam Roly Poly with Custard. This came out beautifully presented on a plate with a small jug of lovely thick custard. After trying some, I can confirm it tasted wonderful. EE FRIN For real ale connoisseurs there is an DR K excellent selection on offer, that evening to name just a few, Banks Bitter, Banks HT Sunbeam, Ringwood Boondoggle, TUESDAY NIG rson

Burger+ Nig ht £6.25 per pe prices start from

Wytchwood Hobgoblin and Marstons Lancaster Bomber……. Heaven. Overall, the Wheatsheaf is a lovely traditional style pub, with a really friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and at such excellent value for money, we will deﬁnitely be back. We also enquired about the other specials they offer from the menu, that have a free drink offer. Tuesday nights is Burger night and Curry night held on Thursday is extremely popular, so I would recommend booking a table.

RUSSELL by BLAKEY

Grill + Nig ht

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Y NIGHT

THURSDA£5.95 per person prices start from

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27/02/2017 18:52

Your Community

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WREKIN HISTORICAL GROUP MEETS

The Wrekin Historical Group meets on the ﬁrst Thursday of the month at St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council Rooms, London Road, St Georges, TF2 9LH. The meetings are scheduled to start at 7.30pm and last until approximately 9pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Visitors - £2.50. Refreshments - free. The meeting scheduled for Thursday March 2nd will be given by John Minshall who will talk to the Group about ‘Medieval Weapons and their Use’ - with a display of replicas. The meeting for April 6th, following the AGM, will be given by Shelagh Norton. She will talk to us about ‘Weald Moors and Wall Camp’. See us on Facebook and at www.THAS.co.uk

36 Community Notice Board.indd 1

25/02/2017 11:00

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27/02/2017 00:07

Love Food Will Brexit driven trade change the food we eat? The United Kingdom is around 60% self-sufficient in food, although some 40 years ago the figure was over 80%. The ability of our national food system to feed our population has been declining at an alarming rate, so being able to trade freely – meaning the avoidance of tariffs and trade barriers – with our EU partners across 23 miles of the English Channel has been important to supplementing our own, fragile food system. With Brexit this may change. Britain’s unelected prime minister, Theresa May, seems intent on sourcing goods globally if the EU’s leadership cannot accommodate her demands: ideally that we retain the benefits of EU membership without being a member of the club, but it actually looks like complete cessation or hard-Brexit lies ahead. So how might this affect the food we put in our stomachs?

Eating healthily may become a lot harder

Professor Ralph Early @ProfRalphEarly

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E ALREADY know that our food system is broken. It is not ﬁt for purpose. If it were we would not have such high levels of diet related disease in Britain. And why do we have this? Signiﬁcantly, because many years ago we imported the concept and products of the American junk-food industry and have Americanised UK food culture such that convenience now outweighs health when it comes to food choice for many consumers. Food experts and nutritionists know that an Americanised diet can bring health problems and reduce life expectancy, and they consistently advocate a Mediterranean-style diet as the one that can lead to good health and longevity. Surely it makes sense then to look to Europe and trading with European countries when it comes to accessing healthy foodstuffs? However, because of Brexit, Mrs May’s strategy places trading with America centre stage and eating healthily may become a lot harder if we are destined to see ‘made in the USA’ on many food products in our supermarkets. The American food system is markedly different from that in Europe. Anyone with any

expertise in matters food will indeed be very cautious about which American foodstuffs they might eat if we end up importing from across the Atlantic. Of all the nations in the world the Americans have most expertly replaced traditional, wholesome and naturally nutritious foodstuffs with cheap, highly processed, chemically modiﬁed, industrial food products. But this has been at great cost to the health of their nation and also to the sustainability of their farming environment. So, is this a cost that the British Government is ready to accept for the British people if we cease to trade with the EU? American agriculture pioneered industrial food-animal production which has resulted in the routine use of antibiotics. US farm animals are given more than twice the amount used in human medicine and over 70% are vital to human health. Consequently, antibiotic resistant bacteria are increasingly common and endangering human life. Some 2 million Americans suffer antibiotic resistant infections each year and nearly 25,000 die. As well as the proliﬁc use of antibiotics in animal production, the Americans widely use hormones to promote animal growth, which raises many human health

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

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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.

Will Brexit compromise aspects of food safety?

and animal welfare questions. Around 80% of the cattle in US feedlot systems are injected with hormones, of which the EU’s Scientiﬁc Committee on Veterinary Measures Relating to Public Health considers that a number of artiﬁcial and natural growth hormones used in US beef production pose a potential risk to humans. The EU has been very effective in protecting the health of its citizens. Will Mrs. May’s government perform as well, especially when the pressure exists to place world trade at the highest priority? American agriculture is also a consumer par excellence of pesticides, with some 136,000 tonnes of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup™) used in US crop production each year. This has risen from under 5,000 tonnes in 1987 due to the widespread cultivation of genetically engineered, herbicide resistant crops which have come to dominate US farming. An unexpected outcome has been that glyphosate residues are now common in US food, including honey, as

well as the urine of many US consumers. In 2015 the World Health Organisation declared that glyphosate is a probable carcinogen: a matter ﬁercely disputed by the pesticide industry. Even so, the question arises: If US foodstuffs become common in the UK will British consumers be sufﬁciently informed about what is American in origin and then be able to exercise autonomy and freedom of choice? Indeed, will there be the same freedom of choice that we have come to take for granted as a member of the EU? As a nation we trust our government to manage food safety competently, and take it for granted that they will. The Brexit-related pressures that the government now faces to access as fast as possible new, global markets may however change the nature of the food we eat and perhaps compromise aspects of food safety, especially if UK food safety law is changed to accommodate US exports. What changes will occur it’s too early to say, so all we can do is wait and see.

The Tipple! by

Sue Ladds

Getting home safely - a worthy goal! This may seem a strange departure from the usual light hearted column, but with hindsight this is the recount of an interesting day. On a Sunday late last year, husband and I, made a trip to Bolton, Lancashire to visit friends. we stopped with them for a couple of hours and then went Christmas shopping. Bolton has some great shops and the staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgable. A late lunch of tea and cake and we started back at 4pm. A very pleasant day. So far. By five-o’clock it was dark. We were on an unlit part of the M6 and the traffic was solid. Brakelights started flashing ahead as many drivers realised potential braking distances were inadequate. We were in the righthand lane. The car in front did an emergency stop. So did we. One almighty crunch later we knew the vehicle behind hadn’t. The force of the impact sent us into the car in front and we sat there for a few seconds waiting for any other impacts. The drivers could get out of the three cars involved having edged as near as possible to the central reservation. Passengers, myself and other were too close to the traffic to do anything except watch and wait. After about ten minutes a gantry about half a mile ahead had the ‘end’ sign visible, implying a warning had been placed. And the orange lights of Highway Patrol. Salvation! Our Jaguar had died at the scene and was going nowhere. After briefly assessing the situation one patrol officer opened my door and suggested it may now be safe to emerge. Well the sight of a wall of traffic, headlights blazing, fifty yards back was astounding. “They’ve been told not to move until I say so”. He did sound pleased with himself. The cars were then transfered to the hard shoulder and the officers made all the checks necessary and organized recovery trucks. No blood, no broken bones but lots of bruises. The reason for this story? Just to add my thoughts to the debate on smart motorways. Overhead gantries dictating speed, warning of congestion and reducing lane changing may have helped. Big Brother? Yes. But all of us getting home safely is a worthy goal.

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39

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26/02/2017 10:04

Your elderly feline friend

N PRACTICE we are seeing an increasing number of senior (11 to 14 years) and geriatric (15+ years) cats, this is likely due to an improvement in nutrition, veterinary care and home life. Despite being able to provide better care for our cats we still cannot prevent aging, it gets to us all. As our cats age their senses become less effective, we may notice changes in their sight, (so no surprise changes in layout of the house please), decreased hearing capabilities, (or selective deafness in some cases!) and reduction in smell and taste (which is an excuse for some premium titbits). Their immune system is also affected by age and they become more susceptible to illness and infection. We see and treat a number of diseases in older patients but the most common in our opinion are: 1. Kidney Disease: affects between 20 – 50% of cats aged 15+. It is a very common condition and unfortunately is progressive, as kidney function slowly deteriorates. But with the appropriate treatment they can still enjoy a good quality of life. As the kidneys regulate ﬂuid balance in the body and removal of some waste products many of the signs seen are related to this; these can include, increased thirst, weight loss, decreased appetite, weakness, poor coat and bad breath. 2. Hyperthyroidism: another very common condition. The thyroid gland is found in the neck and produces hormones that have an effect on your cats’ metabolism. A cat with this condition has an over active gland and therefore their metabolism is in overdrive. As a result the following clinical signs can manifest; weight loss despite a ravenous appetite, increased thirst, restlessness, changes in coat condition, vomiting and diarrhoea. The good news is there are a variety of different treatment option available that will manage this condition effectively for a long time. 3. Arthritis: we know that this is commonly seen in dogs but is also common in cats, but due to their nature it is much harder to diagnosis. Cats are predators by nature and so hide their pain very well, but it has been seen on x-ray that between 60-90% of cats have some degree of arthritis. Things that you may notice at home would include; reduced mobility, this can present as a reluctance to jump on/ off high places, stiffer movement, change in the amount of activity and a change in their grooming habits. People often worry about administering medication but with modern drugs, most will now be in a palatable formulation. Early diagnosis is often key to maximising quality and length of life allowing our pets to grow old as gracefully (or as disgracefully in some cases!) as possible. Should you be concerned with anything in this article then please contact your vet for some advice.

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40 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40 Severn Edge Vets.indd 1

26/02/2017 12:12

The easy, effective and local way to claim compensation Three questions I am frequently asked regarding both PPI and Packaged Bank Account fees are; 1. Is it worth paying you, when I can do it myself? 2. After all this time can I still prove what happened? 3. What do you charge, and what happens if we draw a blank? I hope my responses below give you an insight into both the process and how I can help you; 1. It is possible to look into this yourself, download the forms from the internet, fill them in and apply for the money you are owed, but what if the myriad of forms blows your mind, you simply don’t have the time, or you have enquired at your Bank and they are saying their records only go back 6 or 7 years? Is that right, do you just leave the matter alone and take their word for it, or do you turn to an expert? I established Acorn Claim Assist to offer to an easy, effective and local way to claim compensation for mis-sold financial services. Prior to early retirement I worked in senior management. for a top high street bank for over 30 years. I’m familiar with how Bank services were sold and mis-sold and have dealt with such claims for over 12 years. During that time I have learnt how to present your claim in the best possible way, and just

as importantly how to help you access your account records, in many cases going as far back as 1990. Acorn Claim Assist is unique in the fact that I personally deal with your claim from start to finish, which includes a free initial consultation, in the comfort of your own home, to establish if you have a valid claim, so what do you have to lose? 2. Our average settlement figure on agreed claims is just over £4,500 and remember that this is your money, not the banks, and it should rightfully be returned to you. I will work with you throughout the process, and will use my expertise to help you get the information you need from the Bank. 3. Most firms offering the same service charge between 20-40%, often with an upfront fee, however Acorn Claim Assist charges are inclusive at 12.5%, so how do we offer this? We are a family run business, we don’t need a large telesales team or processing centre, and that’s how we can keep our fees at 12.5% and offer a quality, local and professional service. We also work on a no win – no fee basis, meaning there are no nasty shocks should it turn out you are owed nothing, and you don’t have to pay anything until you actually have the compensation in your Bank Account.

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 41

41 Adverts.indd 1

25/02/2017 11:15

Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

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Volvo V60 CROSS COUNTRY D4 AWD Lux Nav

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HAT A difference a day makes. On Tuesday evening I was stuck behind the steering wheel of a ‘Brexit box’ - that is to say a venerable British classic car of the pre EU era - sat for an eternity in the heart of a grid-locked provincial city hoping against hope that I would survive the experience. The petrol gauge hovered menacingly around absolute zero while the temperature gauge pointed Heavenwards. Hellish bubbling noises came from under the bonnet. A chain of tail lights curved away up the hill in front going nowhere, like fairy lights in a shop window. Cocky city cyclists weaved in and out through the gaps, dancing a smug tango. I just wanted to open the door, get out and be guided by my size thirteens to the nearest chapel of rest. The very next day I was experiencing heavenly twenty ﬁrst century motoring as I twisted my way through honey-coloured Cotswold villages en route to a rendezvous with an old friend. The classic car experience now a mere memory, I felt like a timetraveller testing the fruits of futuristic technology. ‘This is the life’ I thought. Or to put it another way, this is the Volvo V60 Cross Country: the car to be in. This is the dream come true. Volvo designers have never rested on their laurels. The company knows that the true way to perpetuate tradition is to innovate. A V60 Cross Country is the hiking boots and socks equivalent of the standard estate car. It rides slightly higher, has four-wheel drive, of course, for gentle adventures off-road, straddles the

carriageway more broadly and beneﬁts from being beefed-up front and rear with a little armoured protection against scuff-inducing projections of off-road terrain manifestations. Altogether it’s a tougher, more adaptable proposition aimed squarely at motorists who value versatility along with quality. I have to say that this Volvo looked very much at home in the Cotswolds. Whenever enterprising people put down considered lifestyle roots you will ﬁnd motor cars of the enviable sort. A car like the V60 Cross Country transforms travelling and connects with connoisseurs of practical servility. This model starts at £38,025 but the test car came fully loaded with all the option packs for every aspect of comfort, convenience and safety - bringing the price to £45,000. With the 190bhp, 5 cylinder diesel, owners are guaranteed a smooth powerful passage irrespective of the

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

25/02/2017 10:04

Put the Spring back in your step Dr Hilary Jones’

5 ways to stay healthy

“Spring has ﬁnally sprung! For many, this creates the perfect opportunity to ‘spring clean’ our health,” explains TV medic Dr Hilary Jones. “Here are my healthy top tips for the new season ahead!”

1. Set Yourself a Challenge Challenging yourself can reveal qualities you didn’t know you had, and spring is a great time to get outdoors and set yourself a new goal that you can work towards. It might be a 10K run, a parachute jump or the London to Paris bike ride, and why not get some friends on board too for added fun and motivation! Convincing yourself that you will conquer the challenge will make you believe it, whilst boosting your self-esteem and selfconﬁdence in the process!

2. Banish Unnecessary Stress Having too much on our plate can leave us feeling drained and anxious so it’s important to create a balance. Take 10 minutes to reﬂect on the things you ﬁnd stressful in life and think about ways to limit them or get rid of them altogether! Unclutter your mind before bed every night and give yourself time to think about the things in your daily routine that are really important to you.

3. Spring Clean Your Senses

hazards of carriageway and climate. An six speed automatic gearbox is a joy and if you really must, you could reach near 130 mph. (On your own private estate, of course). Volvo optimistically claim near 50 mpg overall - but expect less than that if you choose to enjoy ‘sport’ mode. Even in ‘eco’ mode it would be hard to achieve that. Remember this is a 4wd car that is solid, substantial and no lightweight. (And all the better for it. Think Volvo: think safety). ‘Avoid stress’ is what I always say - and here is a car that takes stress out of driving. Even on narrow twisty roads I felt as relaxed as a platoon of sleeping policemen. The driving seat represented a throne of serenity: purpose made for people of consequence. Need I point out that the interior offers lots of space and unparalleled comfort and security courtesy of Volvo attention to detail. The end result is one of the most sumptuous and yet safest places to be - on or off road.

Arriving at my friends gaff, the huge electrically operated gates opened and I scrunched up the gravel driveway to the sizeable porch. At the door Victoria Pemberton - former United Farmers Dairy Queen - greeted me with a warm and milky smile. At once, however, her attention was diverted away from her old friend towards the new Volvo, its perfect paintwork gleaming in the sharp sunlight. Suddenly I was being given the third degree regarding this ‘fabulous’ cars speciﬁcation. In no time at all I was performing the duties of a salesman, pointing out the virtues to such good effect that only a test drive would satisfy my friend. After a ride around the district, she said with a good-humoured twinkle in her eye. “And to think that I used to hate cross country. But no longer, darling. Now it seems you have converted me into a true aﬁcionado.” “Not I” I replied. “The Volvo V60 Cross Country did all the talking.”

Staying connected with the world around us is key to our happiness, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Whilst many of us visit our optician and dentist regularly, we wrongly neglect our hearing health – with research showing people can wait up to 10 years before taking action on a hearing problem! Don’t waste time wondering whether your hearing is what it should be — get the facts by getting a free hearing test. This spring hearing specialists Hidden Hearing is oﬀering a 3 month supply of Healthspan Multivitamins and a copy of Dr Hilary Jones ’50 Tips to a Healthier YOU’ with every free hearing test. www.HiddenHearing.co.uk

4. Get Health Wise Do you know your cholesterol level and your ratio of good fats to bad fats in your blood? What’s your blood pressure reading? What is your height-weight ratio and what is your body fat percentage? Staying on top of your health and taking positive steps to look after yourself today will help to protect your health in the years to come whilst giving you a baseline to compare with in the future.

5. Perfect Portioning Most of us know what we should be eating in order to stay healthy but portion size is something that many us don’t give much thought to. According to the British Heart Foundation, our portion sizes have increased by more than 50% in the last 20 years1, so try using your hand to measure your portion sizes: A portion the size of the palm of your hand should be your protein, two ﬁst-size portions for your vegetables/salad, one ﬁst or less is your carbohydrates (potato, rice, pasta etc.). Chewing your food properly and putting your fork down between mouthfuls will also allow your brain time to register that your stomach is full.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 43

42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 2

26/02/2017 14:33

Forget Me Not ﬂowers on sale at Lakeside Plant Centre

Home Services

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Leeanne Morgan, Sister at Severn Hospice, with our forget me not flowers at Lakeside plant centre Garden lovers can now purchase their Severn Hospice forget me not flowers as they browse for their spring plants at the Lakeside plant centre in Telford. The charity’s handcrafted iron presentation flowers cost £25 each and are a wonderful way to commemorate a loved one this spring. Elodie Home, Legacy and In Memoriam Advisor at Severn Hospice, said: “We’re very grateful to Lakeside Plant Centre for supporting our Forget Me Not campaign and selling our beautiful handcrafted flowers. These lovely iron forget me nots make a wonderful addition to any garden and have the added benefit that you don’t even need to have green fingers! “Our forget me not flowers continue to be incredibly popular and the money raised from them is already making a difference to the thousands of families that need our support. Each individual flower has been handmade by the talented team at the British Ironworks Centre and is a loving reminder of those who are no longer with us. Smaller versions of the flowers are also available to buy costing £4.99 each and are perfect decorations to hang in the home. The Severn Hospice forget me not flowers, priced £25 each, are also available to purchase via the charity’s website www.severnhospice.org. uk/forgetmenot. Alternatively, flowers can be purchased at any local Severn Hospice shop and at either of the hospice sites in Shrewsbury and Telford.

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25/02/2017 11:03

Sport WREKIN NEWS

March ﬁxtures Sat 4

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Brackley Town

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(HOME GAMES IN BOLD)

BUCKS SET FOUNDATIONS FOR A MID-TABLE FINISH

Rarely is there a quiet month at AFC Telford United, and February was no exception. There were ins and outs, ups and downs, but at the end of it all Bucks’ boss Rob Smith seemed content that, on the ﬁeld at least, the foundations were in place for a ﬁnish in a safe, mid-table berth.

games in four days, sandwiched by a shareholders meeting to further discuss the off-ﬁeld direction and ﬁnancing of the club. A rescheduled visit to Stalybridge Celtic on the 28th came after a visit to Salford City, the team backed by the ‘Class of 92’ players from Manchester United and featured in the BBC’s ‘Out Of Their League’ documentary. With Urwin injured, Smith had to draft another goalkeeper and Shrewsbury Town’s Callum Burton, hailing from Newport, made his bow in a 2-1 defeat. Overall it was a pleasing performance, Hughes again on target to reinforce Smith’s belief in his signing and his team, the manager saying “We’ve got a completely different feel to us at the moment, we’re a completely different team to how we were at the start of the season. We’ve got something back now; the supporters can see it, and we can feel it”. Two months of the season remain, and with Hughes’ arrival the catalyst Smith is looking up, not down.

Richard Worton reports

CHAMPIONS! TIGERS SECURE SECOND TITLE IN THREE YEARS

“A remarkable achievement” – those were the words of coach Tom Watkins, after Telford Tigers were crowned English Premier League champions on Saturday night, writes James Shaw. The county men sealed their second title in three years with a 7-3 win over Bracknell Bees, while second-placed Milton Keynes Lightning lost to Swindon Wildcats. And after watching his players secure top spot with a virtuoso third period performance, Watkins paid tribute to their efforts over a testing 2016/17 campaign. He said: “It was a tough game, but tonight it’s all about Telford Tigers and a remarkable achievement by a fantastic group of guys. “The fans were great tonight as well. The noise in the rink was absolutely phenomenal and the

PICTURE BY STEVE BRODIE

S EXPECTED, goalkeeper James Montgomery departed for an undisclosed fee to Gateshead, closer to his home in Sunderland. Smith pulled a rabbit from the hat in lining up Fleetwood Town custodian Matt Urwin as his replacement, on loan for the rest of the season. He also extended the loan of steady Blackpool full-back, 20 years old Luke Higham. Urwin took his bow on the first Saturday of February against Gloucester City, but was powerless to prevent a strangely listless Bucks going down to a 2-0 defeat in a meek fashion, the impressive visitors with a goal in each half. That result meant fears about the club being sucked into a relegation battle resurfaced, and Smith had to act. All season long the club have lacked a consistent scoring threat, but they acquired one when Worcester City’s managerial and financial woes meant that prolific ex-Premier League striker Lee Hughes became available. Within hours, he was a Telford player. Hughes has a chequered history, one that began when working as a bricklayer and playing for at Kidderminster Harriers, but it is one in which he has scored over 300 goals at an average of one every two games. That was the key factor for Smith, and Hughes arrival sparked an upturn in results. He made his debut away to the league leaders, AFC Fylde, and a headed goal from Hughes just shy of the hour rewarded his side with a richly earned point from a game they could easily have won. The whole team seemed energised by his arrival, and they carried that form into a home meeting with play-off contenders and local rivals from along the A5, Tamworth. This time the scoring hero was another builder, as popular defender Paul McCone (pictured) popped up to head home a first-half winner, then put up a solid wall to keep Tamworth out and secure a 1-0 win. McCone has fought back from a potential careerending injury, and deserved the glory. The month’s end saw a busy period of two

atmosphere was excellent. “I can’t fault the boys at all over the season and especially during October and November, when it could have been a different story.” The game started with a goal for Bracknell, however, on just 13 minutes, although Telford equalised within seconds, thanks to Corey McEwen. The visitors added a second at the start of the second period, although the Tigers again equalised within minutes, this time through Milan Kolena. Two goals at the midway point of the game, from Jason Silverthorn and Gareth O’Flaherty,

gave the hosts some breathing space, but Bracknell hit back on 34 minutes. The ﬁnal session saw Telford secure victory – and the EPL title with a hat trick from forward Doug Clarkson. Watkins added: “We put a good shift in tonight, especially in the third period. Bracknell battled hard and made it tough for us. “We were looking at the Milton Keynes score during the period breaks and Les kept us informed, so we knew what was going on.” The Tigers take on Hull Pirates at Telford Ice Rink on March 5th (6pm). For tickets, go to: www.tigershockeyuk.com.

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