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April 2017 · Issue 216

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FASHION IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

FEATURE

!GE INN W ID R B N IRO

LETS BE LOYAL & SUPPORT OUR LOCAL TOWN

A EUM GORGE MUS ILY M ANNUAL FA T R O P S PAS T E K TIC

DAY’S OUT

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

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April 2017 · Issue 216

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FASHION IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

FEATURE

WIN! AN IRONBRIDGE

LETS BE LOYAL & SUPPORT OUR LOCAL TOWN

GORGE MUSEUM ANNUAL FAMILY PASSPORT TICKET

DAY’S OUT

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

EASTER BREAK IDEAS FOR FAMILY DAYS OUT & LOTS OF TICKETS TO BE WON!

WIN CINEMA TICKETS!

AND THEY’RE OFF!

EYTON RACES POINT-TO-POIN T PASS TO BE WON INSIDE FAMILY ...

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

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GEORGIA WILLIAMS TRUST NEWSLETTER · APRIL 2017

THEATRE TICKETS The Verdict - Theatre Severn Shelia Martin - Wellington The Little Mermaid - The Place Mrs Bennett - Shifnal CINEMA TICKETS Standard Odeon Ticket Alexandra Kudryl - Lawley Silver Screen Odeon Ticket Olive Davies - Ketley Bank MEALS OUT!

Meal for two at The Wheatsheaf Mr James Keen - Wellington

Congratulations to some of our many successful applicants: • Finley Davies (14) who is the West Midlands champion for his age group in Boxing. • Adam Summers (15) on his Bronze and Gold medals in Kick Boxing, having travelled to Croatia • Raheem Muhammad on being the National Boxing Champion for his age group. The Trust helped him buy his kit. • To our Immerse Diving Scholar, Ellie, who is had just passed her PADI Wreck Diving Course. Also, a big thank you to Abraham Darby for fundraising with Ellie and helping to raise over £800 for the Trust. • Gymﬁnity Gymnastics- The beginners Under 11 Mixed team and beginners Under 9 mixed team recently both became bronze medallists at the champions. Well done! • It was a pleasure to be able to help Snowboarder Joseph Adams in his bid for Olympic success by funding some of his training with the GB Team. • Good luck to Amy Doveston (18) who will be travelling to Zimbabwe for conservation work. Glad we helped in some small way to get you kitted out to go there! • The Trust recently paid for St Johns Ambulance to go into Ercall Wood School for a day and train up 90 pupils in First Aid. Well done to all involved!

Fundraising news . . . • A big thank you to Abraham Darby for fundraising over £1,500 for the Trust. • Thank you to Ellie and Adams Grammar School for fundraising over £800. • A huge thanks once again to Magna for their kind donation of the one of their ginormous chocolate eggs. New College students will be eager to fundraise on their GWT Day, 30th March.

VOUCHERS

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● Georgia’s Cycling Challenge - June 10th The website for this year’s Cycling Challenge went live on the 18th March, and can be found linked to our Facebook page. We’ve already had a fantastic response and can’t wait to see you all there! This time around it will be based at the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) in Coalport. There will be 3 different rides; a family ride which is totally off road to the Town Park (10 miles), a 25 miler, and a 50 miler. Additionally, there will be entertainment from 12 onwards from the YHA. This is all in association with the ‘Wheely Fun Day’.

● July Ladies Night We’re excited to announce another Ladies Night later on in the year on Saturday 8th July, at The Valley Hotel- Ironbridge. More details will be announced in the coming weeks so keep your eyes peeled!

● The Georgia William’s Christmas Ball This year’s Christmas Ball will be taking place at Ford Hall, Lilleshall Centre on Saturday 25th November starting 7pm. More details to follow.

● Quick Note If you are fundraising on behalf of the Trust please do let us know as we would love to support and promote your events.

WELLINGTON ROTARIANS ARE DISTRICT SNOOKER CHAMPS

In an exciting final of the 2016/17 winter district sports final for snooker which took place recently at the Sir John Bailey Snooker Club, Wellington, Wellington beat Cannock. Rotary District Governor John Sayer presents the snooker trophy to the sports officer for Wellington Rob Evans. In the other picture the jubilant Wellington team with their mascot.

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Good Luck! To everyone entering our April competitions!

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DATE NOW CONFIRMED FOR HANDOVER OF SUTTON HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE

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):

THE FUTURE OF YOUR HOSPITAL

E have a real opportunity to shape healthcare in Shropshire for future generations. Our doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are shaping proposals which you will have heard about to ensure our hospitals are sustainable for the next 20 years and beyond. Our proposals will ensure both PRH and RSH are sustainable and retain and grow services for the future. Our preferred option is for PRH to be the Planned Care site. Under our preferred option, the majority of people who currently attend our A&E departments will continue to go to their local hospital, as their conditions or injuries would be able to be seen and treated through Accident and Urgent Care Centres. For those patients that have more serious conditions or injuries they will be cared for in a state of the art Emergency Department (ED) at RSH. Most of the patients that will need to go to the ED will arrive by Ambulance and will already be receiving the skilled clinical care of the paramedics. This preferred option would see PRH provide specialist services for Bariatric Surgery, Breast Surgery and Cancer Services. Under the

OUR PROPOSALS FOR THE PRH

proposals there will still be some women and children’s services at PRH. Last year there were nearly 200,000 outpatient appointments at the PRH and this would continue under the proposals, whilst there were also around 28,000 planned day case or inpatient procedures at the hospital which will continue under the preferred option. Our proposals would bring a lot of beneﬁts for patients and staff: ● Shorter waiting times ● No cancelled operations due to the unavailability of beds ● More clinical space ● More consultants Our aspiration is also to create Centres of Excellence at our hospitals. It’s important to be aware no decisions have been made and all proposals will be subject to a full public consultation through the NHS Future Fit programme. We believe the public should have the opportunity to help shape the future of healthcare for future generations without any further delay. All of the options are currently still with the NHS Future Fit Programme Board and there has not yet been a ﬁnal decision. Find out more at: www.sath.nhs.uk/sustainableservices

New Director of Nursing and Quality appointed Deirdre Fowler has been appointed as Director of Nursing and Quality at SaTH. Deirdre, who is currently Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Quality at Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust will join SaTH on 1 May 2017. She has a wealth of experience in the NHS following completion of her nurse training in Dublin in 1988 and subsequently as a midwife in Croydon, South London in 1994. Deirdre replaces Sarah Bloomﬁeld who recently left the Trust. Colin Ovington will be interim Director of Nursing and Quality until Deirdre joins. Deirdre said: “I’m really passionate about making improvements for patients, their families and hearing their stories.”

> Deirdre Fowler

Sutton Hill Community Trust will take over the running of Sutton Hill Community Centre from Monday 24th April. Negotiations are now complete between the Trust and Telford & Wrekin Council and the community asset transfer arrangements are being ﬁnalised. The Trust has appointed its Centre Manager, Mike Crawshaw, who will be taking up the reins on behalf of the community. Additional staff are currently being recruited, including General Assistants, a Cleaner/ Caretaker and a Catering Manager for a new community café. The Community Trust has some exciting ideas for the future of the Centre and is appealing to local people to be supportive and to get involved. John McGrath, Chairman of the Trust said, “We are really looking forward to taking over the community centre for the people of Sutton Hill. It’s our centre and we want it to be somewhere all local people want to come to, to get involved in activities, classes, events or just to pop in for a chat and a cuppa. For the Centre to be a success we need people to come forward and to offer any time or support that they can. We are actively looking for volunteers to help out with the community café, putting on community events and activities, fundraising and to help us start up a new youth club. If you can help in any way please get in touch – we would love to hear from you.”

Trust announces plans to go smoke-free Proposals are being put forward to make PRH and RSH smoking-free areas by the end of the year. The move is part of SaTH’s mission to help the people it serves become the healthiest half million on the planet. Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of ill health and premature death in the UK and therefore, as part of SaTH’s mission, smoking will not be permitted by anyone coming onto the grounds of PRH or RSH, or any of the Trust’s other sites, from 1 January 2018. Simon Wright, Chief Executive at SaTH, said: “Tackling smoking is not only a key priority for us but also the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP). We have already stopped the sale of sugary drinks and sweets in our Women and Children’s Centre in support of moves to tackle diabetes and tooth decay. “The burden smoking puts on our hospitals, and the NHS as a whole, is huge. Annually, around 475,000 hospital admissions in England are attributable to smoking and the total annual cost is estimated at £2 billion, with a further £1.1 billion in social care costs.”

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27/03/2017 19:11

George

EVANS

LETS BE LOYAL & SUPPORT OUR LOCAL TOWN OUR TOWN CENTRE AND OTHERS OVER THE CENTURIES & OVER THE WORLD.

OODNESS knows where the first town centre was or how long ago but I suppose it must have been started when someone set up a stall by the side of the road several millennia ago. Naturally people who grow food trade their surplus and the best places to do that is where there are lots of people as customers. The best and most obvious places are river crossings, safe harbours and cross roads. These places grow into villages, then towns and cities as they become more popular, some of them fortify themselves with defensive walls and maybe a castle. Many grow into huge cities. Another popular place for a town to grow is at the crossing of two main routes or near a mine. These are the natural or organic ways in which settlements grow and the middle of a town is where business is usually done. That is a naturally formed town centre; there is usually a bit of planning involved in its growth. A newer and partly artificial way of starting a town is when it is planned. Planned towns are sometimes quite ancient; I read once that the first of the planned ‘new towns’ was Ur of the Chaldes in around 5,000

BC. Once I wanted to do a thesis on ‘Planned New Towns in Shropshire’, listing Viroconium (Roman), Ludlow (Norman), Newport (Medieval), New Dale (Industrial Revolution), Craven Arms (Railway Age) New Donnington (Last World War) and Telford (recent and ongoing). There are lots of other planned developments including New Town Wellington; I wonder who still knows where that was. Sometimes towns fail and can do so for odd surprising reasons. Harlech, for instance, was a Norman town and a port. The port area is now a caravan site because the sea level has fallen or the land has risen. This hasn’t killed the town but it’s no longer a port. Hodnet was once a market town but its trade was taken by Shrewsbury, Wem and Wellington. It’s now a village with a tourist attraction. Some towns like Chester were probably originally

Welsh, then founded by the Romans, fought over, refounded and renamed by the early English and Normans and are now surrounded by assorted housing estates and suburbs. Most of our older towns have ancient origins yet many of them show traces of some sort of town planning. Shrewsbury for instance has a Norman castle (replanned by Thomas Telford as a mansion) that had many houses demolished to make way for its construction, not to mention a railway station built over the river. Wellington had a market square in medieval times with streets like New Street and High Street laid out as burger plots along the street and long narrow strips behind, where traders lived and kept

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

27/03/2017 17:13

Severn Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus Would you like to try Barbershop singing? We sing four-part a cappella harmony and are currently recruiting new members. We meet on a Monday evening at Wellington Methodist Church and are very lucky to have a Barbershop champion as our Musical Director. Please contact us if you would like to come to one of our workshop evenings and find out more about us: severnharmony1@gmail.com www.severnharmony.co.uk their workshops, pigs, hens and apprentices (in order of importance). In High Street in particular many of these burger plots had rows of slums for the poor. All these, including Naylor’s Court (now a car park) were demolished under Government ‘Slum clearance’ laws though some local authorities confused slum clearance for making space for their latest council housing trend. When eventually the idea of a new town arrived in Dawley, Shropshire there had already been several new towns built for various reasons. Some of the best were for the workers in new, expanding industries; the best of these were often conceived by wealthy, religious, generous industrialists like the Cadburys’ Bourneville. The Quaker Cadburys intended to a build some sort of Utopia where their workers were comfortable, loyal and well treated, therefore a reliable team, keeping the factories, the firm and therefore themselves and their families prosperous and happy. This concept is a long way from the way many firms are run nowadays, and probably would be laughed at scornfully by most of the international and multinational businesses which dominate world trade now. Penny pinching treatment of the lesser employees as a means of accumulating huge unnecessary wealth for those at the top has replaced generosity and openheartedness. The world would be better run if we could change this rule by selfish individuals. After the Last World War a lot of Government inspired new towns had been built, especially in USA and USSR, where there was often plenty of space for them. These were discussed in universities and Telford was being designed by some graduates who had not realised that there were many well-established communities that stood in the way of a simple solution to the design of an implanted new settlement. Consequently a series of housing estates, industrial sites, business parks and a ‘town centre’ were squeezed into the farmland between the established settlements together with some needed superstructure. The houses were mainly filled with people from industrial towns in the Black Country and others who had been lured to ‘leafy Shropshire’. A small incident illustrates the ham-fisted attitude of the authorities. As the American mall called a town centre was being built a bus was stationed in Wellington town centre – in Market Square actually – offering free lifts to the Telford town centre, where one shop (Carrefour) had been built. The gormless organisers were amazed when I pointed out that they were actually in a town centre, not going to one. Unfortunately many people have adopted the name town centre for the Yankee out of town mall, not realising that the old towns had proper centres. Madeley town centre was cruelly smashed and replaced by badly designed and built trash, which I’m told has been bulldozed and replaced by something better now. Oakengates and Dawley were also vandalised; several attempts to interfere in Wellington have been resisted. Our real town centres can thrive but they need the loyalty of local inhabitants. Shop locally, buy from locals; support your own town. Trust your own neighbours; save petrol. You are the customers and can change things if you act now. Otherwise our towns will die. You can do it!

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 09

8, 9 George Evans.indd 2

26/03/2017 19:38

Calling all parents and grandparents!

Artisan events for Wellington Town Centre

Could You Spare a Few Hours a Week to Help a Local Family?

Vintage, collectibles, arts, crafts and more are on their way to Wellington as new monthly Artisan Markets launch in the town on Saturday 22nd April. A joint venture with Wellington Market and Wellington Town Council, the Artisan Markets will be held in Market Square and each one will have a different theme. The ﬁrst one on Saturday April 22nd falling as it does between the Queen’s Birthday and St George’s Day is based on ‘The Best of British’ theme. Shoppers can enjoy entertainment and competitions including ‘Best Dressed British Dog’ and a Penny Farthing Bike riding display! Food will be a key element at these markets with an array of street food, homemade cakes, local pork pies and Shropshire Brews alongside a range of artisan stalls which will include Teen Market Stands providing the young entrepreneurs of Wellington with the opportunity to showcase their work. Fay Easton, event manager said “It’s a joy working in the heart of Wellington and meeting so many people who yearn for the regained glory of this market town. These events have been designed to entertain and bring street life to the town centre while providing an interesting shopping array for visitors and locals alike. We want to restore the glory to this historic market town and build on the long heritage of ‘markets’ and artisan independent trades.” ARTISAN EVENTS IN WELLINGTON 2017: ● Saturday 22nd April – The Best of British ● Saturday 20th May - Shropshire Veggie & Vegan Fest (part of National Vegetarian Week 2017) ● Saturday 24th June - Going Global ● Saturday 22nd July - Summer Jazz Picnic ● Saturday 25th August - Arts & Crafts ● Saturday 23rd September - Harvest Festival ● Sunday 1st October - Oktoberfest & Craft Beers ● Saturday 25th November - WinterFest & Christmas Market & Lights Switch On

Being a parent can be hard work!! Things don’t always go to plan and sometimes we could all do with a little extra support to give our children the best start in life and to enjoy the precious time when they are small. Home-Start Telford and Wrekin is a local charity supporting families who may be struggling with issues such as loneliness, depression, developmental or health concerns, poverty, bereavement, etc. We recruit and train volunteers, who are usually parents themselves, who then visit the families for a few hours each week offering friendship, advice, emotional and practical support. We offer our volunteers ongoing training, support and traveling expenses, plus a Safeguarding Certificate and current DBS. We have a volunteer preparation course starting on 27th April at Hadley Learning community (HLC). This course covers everything you would need to know to support a family eg equal opportunities, mental health awareness, safe guarding and child protection, confidentiality, professional boundries, positive parenting etc If you think you could become a Home-Start Volunteer, please call the Home-Start Office on 01952 872280 or visit our website: www.homestarttelfordandwrekin.co.uk

If you want a stall at any of Wellington’s fabulous Artisan Markets contact: fay@wellingtontowncentre.com

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10 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 10 News.indd 1

27/03/2017 10:35

YOUR WELLINGTON Grant applications an update . . .

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

ELLINGTON Town Council every year awards Minor Grants to local organisations and charities to assist them to achieve their aims and objectives and this year was no exception. The Town Council is keen to assist and support the valuable work these types of organisations undertake in the Parish as they play a vital role in the local

community. The Grants Panel recently met to consider the Grant applications that had been received and over 27 grant applications were recommended for approval with the total amount of grants in this round totalling nearly £8,000. A very large number of grant applications had been received in this round with the total amount applied for totalling over £30,000. However, the Grants Panel members were determined to help as many applicants as possible, all of whom play a very important role within the local community. All successful applicants have been invited to attend the Annual Town Assembly and Grants Presentation Evening to be held at the Wellington Civic Offices, commencing at 7:00pm on Tuesday 18th April 2017.

Spring Festival It’s almost here and tickets are almost all gone! Book you free ticket at: www.eventbrite.co.uk to reserve yours today. FRIDAY 7TH APRIL: POEM AND PINTS at the Old Wrekin Tap at 7.30pm SATURDAY 8TH APRIL: PAPER AND BOOK MAKING WORKSHOP for Children and Adults at the All Saints Parish Centre from 11.00am WELLINGTON WALKERS ARE WELCOME – Exploring Dothill Local Nature Reserve, Market Square at 2.00pm TELFORD STAMP AND COIN FAIR – Belmont Hall at 10.00am SPECTACULAR COMEDY NIGHT at the Live Lounge and Arena from 8.00pm

THE CLIFTON will be showing the film ‘Carol’ at the Belmont Hall at 7.30pm (tickets available for this at the Clifton Stall or at www.theclifton.org) SUNDAY 9TH APRIL: LESLEY SMITH performance as ‘Queen of Scots’ – SOLD OUT MONDAY 10TH APRIL: WELLINGTON WALKERS ARE WELCOME – Geology of the Ercall, Market Square at 2.00pm or the Ercall car park at 2.30pm

Easter Egg & spoon race Come and join in the fun on Thursday 13th April 2017 at 12 noon in Wellington’s Market Square for Wellington’s Easter Egg and Spoon race. Prizes will be given to winners in each category and entries can be made on the day.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Wellington Market 1940’s day – May 13th 2017 – Period dress, vintage vehicles, entertainment and NAAFI

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

25/03/2017 08:33

Local businessman’s support for boxing club helps keep youngsters off the streets

USINESSMAN Patrick Smitheman has been explaining why he decided to put money into a boxing academy and continues to support them – three years on. Patrick, Managing Director of Harwood The Estate Agent, of Broseley, makes monthly donations to Wellington Boxing Academy which has its gym in Regent Street, Wellington. Head coach Mo Fiaz says he doesn’t know how the academy would survive without Patrick’s continued support which he described as ‘amazing.’ “Without Patrick we wouldn’t have got where we are today and the academy can’t thank him enough for his generosity and support.” Said Patrick: “For me the academy is tremendously rewarding. I can see so many beneﬁts from the support I am privileged to give. This is such a tremendously healthy and inspiring community project. “Because it is helping to

eliminate potential trouble – and provide something positive for these youngsters to enjoy and fulﬁl.” He has been chairman of the academy for the last three years and Shropshire’s all-time greatest boxer, Richie Woodall, is its president. The academy, which has been running for six years, provides opportunities for 60 young boxers and gymnasts from the age of six to 75 and currently has England’s champion at bantamweight – Shabaz Masoud, 20. Shabaz, who boxes at 56 kgs, won the national championship title last December and will be defending his title later this year. He is Mo’s nephew. Said Mo: “The police have said we are keeping youngsters off the streets and out of crime situations. The police say trouble has gone down since we provided this facility because kids are training ﬁve nights a week. “What is also great is the number of young boxers from different nationalities which include

Jamaicans, Polish, Pakistani, Indian, Russian and of course English. They all get on so well together.” Added Shabaz, who has been boxing since the age of six: “It’s like a big happy family in the gym and the ring and it is so encouraging to see groups of boxers from different countries hugging each other at the end of their training.” > Patrick spars with Shabaz

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

27/03/2017 17:16

Talented local stylist Stacey Wheaver opens the Hair Boutique

HE Hair Boutique salon based in Ketley has recently opened its doors to the members of the

public. The unisex salon provides hair expertise and a range of services such as; Blow-drying, cutting, perms, colouring, shampoo and sets for clients of all ages. Business owner Stacey Wheaver said: “I have a bubbly personality with a passion for creating different styles using cutting or colouring techniques to complement the client’s personality. “I am absolutely conﬁdent that I can meet client needs and provide a unique salon experience.” Stacey holds over 13 years of experience in the profession, previously working in Denise’s Salon in Wellington for ﬁve years so her face will be familiar to a lot of you already. Stacey has decided it’s time to take her career to the next level by running her own salon. The grand opening took place on March 27 with appointments already booked well in advance.

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She added: “It was great to see the salon was in high demand before it had even opened. “The phone hasn’t stopped ringing with customers asking for appointments, spaces are ﬁlling up fast.” Stacey is offering 15 per cent off on any service for the ﬁrst week. A ten per cent off voucher is being offered which is valid from 2nd April to 27th May. Please mention Wrekin News when you book your appointment. Loyalty cards are also available. To book appointments or for more information call 07399973371.

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07399973371 Ketley Park Road · TF1 5FH * No need to cut the coupon out of the magazine, just mention Wrekin News when you book your appointment. Stacey Wheaver.indd 1

(within the Millennium Village, Ketley)

27/03/2017 17:19

Buckatree Hall pledges support for runners Staff at a Telford hotel recently gave their backing to an historic race run by schoolchildren across the borough by offering to sponsor the event with free refreshments. Buckatree Hall, at the bottom of the Wrekin, has pledged its support for this year’s Bayley Mile event, taking place on May 17 from 12pm to 2.30pm. The team - who also sponsored the drinks for 2016’s race - will be located on the Wellington Leisure Centre (Swimming Pool East) car park handing

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out refreshments to all the children taking part in the mile-long run. First held in the 1930s, the Bayley Mile was revived 21 years ago and sees runners taking part from schools across Telford - with Paralympian Mickey Bushell MBE handing out the medals at last year’s 20th anniversary event. After the children have ﬁnished their run, there is an open race at the end of the day for anyone else who would like to take part. Buckatree general manager Wayne Jenson said: “Everyone at the hotel is passionate about getting involved in community events. “The Bayley Mile is a fantastic event and the organisers work extremely hard prior to the event and also on the day. “It encourages fun, ﬁtness and community spirit and that is a great thing to be involved with.

“As a local business we believe it’s our duty to give something back, and being just down the road from Wellington means the Bayley Mile is a perfect event for us to sponsor. “We’d like to encourage as many residents as possible to come out on the day and support the children running this race - and get involved in the open run at the end. “We’re keen to get involved in even more charity and community events this year so we’ll be on the lookout for anything we can help with in 2017.” Any schools interested in taking part in the council-run event should call Caroline on 01952 567696 or email caroline.mulvihill@telford. gov.uk. Visit www.buckatreehallhotel. com/ or call 01952 641 821 for more information about the Buckatree Hall Hotel.

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

27/03/2017 19:05

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27/03/2017 10:13

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL MEMOR IES AND PICTURES THROUGH THE MOST POPULAR PAGES OF THE WREKIN NEWS

First Fourths Battalion K.S.L.I.

HE King’s Shropshire Light Infantry was our local force before, during and after World War One. At the outbreak of war there were two battalions and the territorials. As the war grew, so did our force and by the end 12 battalions had been raised, eight of which saw active service. Despite the name not all soldiers were sons of the county. About one third of the force was local lads, whilst the bulk of the remainder hailed from Lancashire, Hereford, Radnor and South Wales. Of the names we see on Shropshire’s War Memorials 39% were serving with the K.S.L.I. In amongst the Battalions we find the “first fourths”. This group of men had been Territorials before war broke out and these soldiers, along with a few others, volunteered to travel overseas at the start of the war. They obviously thought they would be sent to France, but instead they were sent to replace to the professional soldiers serving in overseas garrisons. Those full time soldiers were then sent to France to fight the first battles of the war. In October 1914 the 1/4 set sail for the Far East. The experience was unusual and the outward journey took them past Gibraltar, Marseille and Malta then on

Wellington Remembers by Wendy Palin through the Suez Canal. They saw many wonderful sights that in their normal lives were beyond their wildest dreams. They headed ﬁrst to India, then to Singapore. Elements of the posting were gruesome as they were involved in putting down a mutiny. This concluded with military style executions which the men, quite understandably, found very grim. Some went to the Andaman Isles, some to Hong Kong. A small group went to Canada and others found a trip to Australia was part of their duty. It is not recorded clearly which soldiers were sent to which outposts. As the war dragged on the men who had completed their time returned home and the numbers at the garrison fell to around 700. Due to this deﬁcit a large draft of men, around 400, was sent to Singapore in May 1916. There is no complete list of men who made this journey and this is where we are appealing for your help. If you know of a man who spent time in Singapore, Hong Kong or any of the other places mentioned with the KSLI during WW1 please contact us. Names are a great start, but if you know their service

Thomas Henry Turner, (centre) number or when they enlisted then this will help us to compile a more comprehensive list. One of the best clues to this posting is a photograph of a K.S.L.I. soldier in tropical uniform, although this is no guarantee that Singapore was the ﬁnal destination. On the Wellington Lych Gate we have identiﬁed eight men who served with this battalion. Any information you can help us with would be gratefully received. The names are W. Joseph Green, George Davies, George Scarratt, Henry Emery, Cpl Percy Wilkinson, William Stokes and Cpl Joseph Healey and Reuben Cotton. Many thanks to Neil Evans for the statistics quoted.

Tanglin Barracks, Singapore 1916/17 16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16, 17 Letters.indd 1

26/03/2017 22:41

A letter from Harry Adderley Following the Wellington Remembers article about Harry Adderley in the March issue of Wrekin News we have received a letter from Harry’s son Harry. Harry lives in the North East and writes . . . Hello my name is Harry Adderley There are a few things Harry Adderley in I would like to add to his uniform, showing the recent story of the the KSLI cap badge on his hat Adderley family. My father was Harry Adderley and he died when I was about 4 years old. The pub that my mother and father kept was called the ‘Glebe’ on Glebe street. My mother then married my fathers best friend Samuel Butler. On leaving the Glebe we lived at Amberley house in Admaston. In 1939 we moved to Little Dene, Mill Bank. I lost one brother and one half-brother in the Second World War, Joseph Beech 1944 and Albert Adderley DFM in 1942. I now live in the North East having moved in 1978. A friend sent me the cutting from your paper. On the back of this cutting is the Chapel in Admaston that I attended. One of the teachers was my brother Albert’s girlfriend Elsie Harley. Sincerly Harry Adderley

Wellington Remembers responds . . .

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Dear Mr Adderley Thank you for responding to our piece on your father Harry. Most of our time is spent telling the story of the 185 people who died and are named on the All Saints Lych Gate. But when a member of the Adderley family told us about Harry’s war-time story and provided a photo, we thought it was a story that should be shared. We appreciate you telling us that Harry ran the Glebe in Glebe Street. Our informant will be pleased to know this too. All the other details you have provided, help us to enrich his story. We would be very interested in talking to you further. We think you can help us to complete the stories of two of our Lych Gate soldiers. Their names are Frederick Samuel Adderley who married Lucy Hoof and William Beech, Edith’s ﬁrst husband, who had a number of children, about who we know very little. We look forward to hearing from you. Wellington Remembers

MORE OF YOUR LETTERS START ON PAGE 24 >

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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69 New Street, Wellington, Telford (opposite B&M) & Madeley Shopping Malls, High Street, (opposite TESCO) Open 9am - 6pm - 6 days a week www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17

16, 17 Letters.indd 2

26/03/2017 22:41

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DAY’S OUT

EASTER S BREAK IDEA Y IL M FA R FO DAYS OUT & BE TICKETS TO WON!

It’s serious play time at The Crocky Trail Looking for something fun to do over the weekend? Stuck for school holiday ideas and need to keep the kids entertained? Why not bring the whole family and get down and dirty with us at the Crocky Trail outdoor adventure playground in Cheshire? The fun starts the moment you arrive; with all the rides, the trail and the challenges it’s the perfect way to have some quality family time and get that all important exercise for everyone. Get the whole family outdoors and enjoy a mile long adventure of pure adrenaline-drenched fun as you run along the famous Crocky

WIN A FAMILY PASS

Trail scrambling through trees, climbing over crooked bridges and swinging over the fast ﬂowing Crocky stream. New for 2017 - the new look Crocky Bites, a superbly designed cafe with plenty of bright seating areas. Mum can enjoy a freshly made Latte whilst the kids are off enjoying the nearby slides; order a pizza, a hot dog, a pastry or one of the other tasty light bites for a welldeserved lunch break; or just nip in for a thirst quenching cold drink before getting back to serious play time. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Wrekin News has teamed up with The Crocky Trail to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family pass. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and telephone number to: Tania Baylis, The Crocky Trail, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 26 April 2017.

18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Out and About.indd 1

27/03/2017 19:04

Restaurant relaunch for Country House

WIN A THREE COURSE MEAL FOR TWO!

LAKELANDS Country House near Bridgnorth, truly is one of this area’s hidden gems. Located in Halfpenny Green, amidst beautiful countryside, it is a stunning location and provides the perfect place to relax and unwind. Dating back to 1500, the House has a rich history, making it an impressive and romantic setting, with the formal gardens, paddocks and lake to explore. Now a wedding venue and restaurant, this family-run business has been the home of the Morgan family for the last 36 years. This month they will be launching their new and exciting Spring a la carte menus. Customers will be able to taste a variety of local produce, plus a range of fantastic British wines, ales and spirits. Located in a former hay barn and cart store, the restaurant offers fantastic views across beautiful open countryside, with a separate bar and lounge area, that also spills out into the gardens during the Summer months. The restaurant has gained an excellent reputation locally and has built up a loyal following from the surrounding area, with people returning time and time again, for every occasion from Sunday lunches to delicious afternoon teas.

They also hold special themed weeks and from the 6th – 8th April, they will be celebrating the great British pie, with a special Spring Pie Menu, consisting of delicious dishes such as Chicken, Ham Hock and Buttered Leek Pie to the more traditional choices such as Steak and Kidney and Fish Pie. Please see their website for details of all of their seasonal menus at www.blakelands.com If you would like to sample some of the restaurants delicious food and drink, it is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday lunch times. Pre-booking is essential. Blakelands Country House is located in Halfpenny Green and is signposted off the A449 and A458 (postcode DY7 5DP). For further information please telephone 01384 221000 or log onto their website www.blakelands.com

Your answer

B ertie The Blakelands word search To enter our fantastic Blakelands Country House competition to win a three course meal for two all you have to do is ﬁnd the words in the word search and with the remaining letters spell out the words below, we’ve given you a head start to help! T

V R

S R

How to enter Send your entry with your answer on a postcard to: Tania Baylis, Blakelands, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY. Or email your entry along with your address and daytime phone number to: tania@plus2media.co.uk closing date for entries - Wednesday 26 April 2017. Terms and conditions apply.

Here’s a hint . . . The Blakelands Mascot

B B

Can you find the following words? AFTERNOON TEA.......... ■ BEDROOMS ................... ■ BESPOKE ....................... ■ BLAKE ............................ ■ BRIDE ............................. ■ CHRISTENINGS ............. ■ CHURCH ......................... ■ CIVIL LICENSE ............... ■ DINE ............................... ■ DJ.................................... ■ DRESS ............................ ■ FAMILY RUN .................. ■ FISH................................ ■ GARDENS....................... ■ GROOM .......................... ■ HISTORIC HOUSE .......... ■

✔ Tick the ■ when you find the word

HOTEL ............................ ■ LAKE ............................... ■ LOFT ............................... ■ LOVE ............................... ■ MARRY ........................... ■ MENU ............................. ■ PERSONAL SERVICE ..... ■ PROMS ........................... ■ REFURBISHMENT ......... ■ RESTAURANT ................ ■ RING ............................... ■ STAY ............................... ■ TOAST ............................ ■ UNIQUE .......................... ■ VICTORIAN BARN ......... ■ WEDDING VENUE.......... ■ www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19

18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Out and About.indd 2

27/03/2017 19:03

Military aircraft doors open for evening visitors

DATE: 19 - 20 MAY 2017 TIME: 6.00PM - 9.00PM COST: £12.50 PER PERSON

HE DOORS to military aircraft will be opened up to visitors at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 19-20 May 2017, during a special two night event. Aviation fans will be able to view inside a collection of the Museum’s historic aircraft, with everything from Cold War mainstays to unique prototype jets that pioneered the way for many of the world’s most iconic defence aircraft. With just 300 tickets available per evening, organisers are anticipating the event will be hugely popular with aviation fans eager to get on-board the aircraft. Visitors can experience what it feels like to sit inside a military aircraft that’s seen action around the world and marvel at the advanced technologies on unique airframes. So whether it’s a fast jet to spark interest in the younger generation, or a nostalgic wartime aircraft that brings back memories with older visitors, with the mix of aircraft available there is something to please everyone. ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ ticket holders will also have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum from 6pm to 9pm. To make sure visitors get the most out of the event, there will be a team of Volunteers manning each aircraft on the night to answer any questions from visitors. Tickets are now available to purchase through the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford and cost £12.50 per person which includes parking. Minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply. The Museum will close at 5.00pm both days; however the Visitor Centre and Refuel Restaurant will remain open for ticket holders serving a selection of meals and refreshments.

Ironbridge Gorge Museums celebrate 50th anniversary and opening of refurbished Museum of Iron 2017 is going to be a signiﬁcant year of anniversaries for Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge Museums as its not only 50 years since the founding of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust in 1967, but also 300 years since the death of Abraham Darby I, widely recognised as the man who started the Industrial Revolution.

S PART of the anniversary celebrations Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron will be reopening in time for Easter 2017 following a massive refurbishment of all three ﬂoors. The all new museum will tell the complete history of the iron industry, from explaining how the geology of the Gorge provided all of raw materials needed for iron to be made there from medieval times, all the way through to the modern steel industry. Different zones will explain how the discoveries made in Coalbrookdale changed the world forever and celebrate the lives of the different characters, including the Darby dynasty of ironmasters and ‘Iron Mad’ Wilkinson. Visitors will discover more about the important role played by women in the management of the Coalbrookdale factory and the hard conditions that the workers faced to help make Ironbridge one of the most important industrial locations in the world. Wonderful examples of the varied ironware made in Coalbrookdale will be on display including a giant whaling pot, an anchor from a Napoleonic Warship as well intricate and beautiful statues, furniture and everyday household goods such as door stops, cooking pots and ﬂat irons. Children will be able to follow their own interactive trail around the museum and work out fun puzzles.

Win tickets to the Open Cockpits evening at RAF Cosford Museum Wrekin News has teamed up with Royal Air Force Museum Cosford to oﬀer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets for the Open Cockpits Evening on Friday 19 May 2017. To be in with a chance of winning the tickets please send your name, address and daytime telephone number to Tania Baylis, Open Cockpits, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk closing date for entries is Wednesday 26 April 2017. Wrekin News standard terms and conditions apply, please see the website for more information. Please also note that minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply.

The Trust will also be marking its 50th anniversary by holding a community art competition, with all Shropshire residents invited to submit artwork that has been inspired by the museums. The piece can be created in any medium such as paint, wood, metal, ceramics textiles, photography, ﬁlm, multi-media and more.

Submissions are required by March and winning entries will be displayed across the museums from late spring. There are different age categories and entries can be by professional or amateur artists as well as schools and colleges. Other highlights across the year will include new special events such as animal inspired activities over the Easter holidays, summer events themed around Fire, Furnace and Steam while, later in the year, Halloween will take centre stage at the October half-term workshops. 2017 is going to be a fantastic and exciting year to visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museums and discover how much the museums have changed over the last 50 years. A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing unlimited entry into all 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums costs £25 per adult, £20 for seniors, £15 for children under 18, £68 for a family of two adults and all their children and £50 for a family with one adult; under 5s free (terms and conditions apply); Passports can also be bought online in advance saving 10% and individual entry tickets are available at each museum. For further information, call the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge. org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M54 motorway exiting at Telford junction 4 or 6.

20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Out and About.indd 3

27/03/2017 11:21

WIN A ANNUAL FAMILY PASSPORT TICKET To help celebrate the 50th anniversary in style Wrekin News has teamed up with the Ironbridge Gorge Museums to offer one lucky reader the chance to win an Annual Family Passport Ticket in our grand prize-give-a-way. All you have to do to enter is send you name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Family Passport Ticket, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY. Or email your entry details

to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 26 April 2017. Good luck! Our standard terms and conditions apply which can be found on the Wrekin News website. The terms and conditions which apply to the use of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Annual Family Passport Ticket can be found by visiting this website: http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/ plan-your-visit/ticket-prices/

IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK EASTER FAMILY FUN 8 - 23 APRIL

TO: FROM:

MEET THE ANIMALS! At Blists Hill Victorian Town

ANIMAL MAGIC!

Exotic Zoo comes to Enginuity 10 AWARD WINNING ATTRACTIONS IN A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

www.wrekinnews.co.uk Â· 21

22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Out and About.indd 4

26/03/2017 13:59

THE COUNTRYSIDE IN STYLE by Eve Nicholls

A day out in the countryside doesn’t mean compromising on style.

It’s easy to combine practicality and fashion with on-trend pieces that’ll ensure you’ll look chic and be suitably dressed, whatever the weather. So, before you head out to enjoy the great outdoors this spring, make sure that you ﬁnd the perfect fashion look.

NJOY A day at the races this Easter Monday, 17th April, as the South Shropshire Hunt Point-toPoint takes place at Eyton. This popular race day promises to be a great day out for all the family! In addition to the excitement of the races and betting with Bookmakers, there will be a great selection of local food, including Fordhall Farm hog roast, ice cream and crepes, a licensed bar, stalls selling country clothing, equine accessories and more! The Point-to-Point at Eyton is an amateur form of steeple chasing, set in beautiful rural Shropshire. Panoramic views include Wenlock Edge, the Wrekin and the Long Mynd. A

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22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Out and About.indd 5

26/03/2017 13:59

Easter at Arley and it’s free for all children!

popular venue for local jockeys and trainers, this year sees the return of many experienced point-to-point riders as well as a host of new, young jockeys, hoping for wins for the first time at Eyton. James Tanner, Joint Chairman of the Point-to-Point Committee commented, “For 94 years Eyton has been a firm favourite for all in the racing calendar. We are looking forward to an exciting race day, with something for everyone – whether they enjoy the thrill of the races, betting on the horses, the superb food, or the funfair! “We can’t think of a better way to enjoy the end of your long Easter weekend with a fantastic family day out in the glorious Shropshire countryside.” Racegoers will be pleased to learn that the popular ‘Best Dressed Lady Race-Goer’ Competition will be held at the Easter meeting. So why not pull out all the stops and dress up for race day! The judges don’t mind hats and wellies, just so long as they are combined with a touch of race day glamour! The winner of the Best Dressed Competition will receive a £250 voucher to spend at Shewsbury based Templeton Jones, a family owned, independent retailer of classic and contemporary country clothes. The second prize winner will receive a pair of Ariat Storm Stopper Wellingtons and the third, a £50 Templeton Jones voucher. The gate opens at 11am, with the first race taking place at 1:00pm and the last at 4:05pm. Admission is £10 and free for under 16’s. Dogs on a lead are most welcome and car parking is

free. For further information about the races, visit www.eyton-races. com. Event: Eyton Races South Shropshire Hunt Point-to-Point, Date: Monday 17th April 2017, Time: Gate opens 11am. First race 1:00pm; last race 4:05pm, Location: Eyton-on-Severn, Wroxeter, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 6PW. Eyton-on-Severn is located 7m SE of Shrewsbury, off the B4380 via the A5 and the M54 (exit 7). Postcode location: SY5 6PW. Event: Eyton Races North Shropshire Hunt Point-to-Point, Date: Monday 1st May 2017, Time: Gate opens 11am. First race 2:00pm; last race 5:40pm. Location: Eyton-on-Severn, Wroxeter, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 6PW. Eyton-on-Severn is located 7m SE of Shrewsbury, off the B4380 via the A5 and the M54 (exit 7). Postcode location: SY5 6PW.

Calling all parents, grandparents and child minders, Easter is coming to Arley Arboretum and gardens. So, grab some walking shoes as Kids get FREE entrance from the 8th to 23rd April 2017. We are open every day during the Easter holidays from 11am to 5pm. This year we will have an Easter trail with a chocolatey prize (£2 charge applies), with a weekly Easter bonnet Facebook competition and an Easter Egg colouring competition to win family passes. There will also be additional activities in the marquee for the children do whilst the adults catch their breath. Easter wouldn’t be Easter without something small and cute, so look out for the times that the children can get up close and personal to some newly hatched chicks. At Arley Arboretum and gardens, we have something for every age, with the Easter trail joining our Woodland Creature trail for preschool children

Open EVERY DAY throughout the holidays 11am-5pm

Kid’s Easter Trail* FREE Activity Tent *

May day at Eyton Races! Point-to-Point racing returns to Eyton on May day (Monday 1 May) as the North Shropshire Hunt Point-to-Point takes place. Another popular race day that promises to be a great day out for all the family. The gate opens at 11am, with the ﬁrst race taking place at 2:00pm and the last at 5:40pm. Admission is £10 and free for under 16’s. Dogs on a lead are most welcome and car parking is free.

Win a family pass for Eyton Races Wrekin News has teamed up with Eyton Races to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family pass for the Point-to-Point races on Monday 1 May 2017. The family pass is for two adults and three children (children must be under 16 years-of-age). All you have to do to enter our prize draw is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Eyton Races, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY. Or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 26 April 2017. Good luck!

and the fairy and dinosaur trails for the older children, to unique trees and plants that will make you go wow! We also have our playground and maze. Arley Arboretum is a great value day out, that will not only amuse, but will also educate and exercise your children. Our tea room has had a makeover and is now licensed. So you can now enjoy a nice cold glass of beer or wine along with the hot and cold drinks and food, or you can bring your own picnic. You can even bring the dog too.

Easter Holidays 8th

- 23rd April

Forestry Adventure Club (2-12 yrs) Bug Hunts, Fire Lighting, Arts and Crafts, Mud Kitchen, Songs & Story Telling, Campfire Cooking and more! £5 (Additional siblings £4.50) Morning & Afternoon sessions on select days throughout the holiday BOOK ONLINE NOW

, news & offers!

www.arleyarboretum.co.uk *T&C’s apply. Easter Trail is £2 per child and includes a prize. Forestry Club’s not included in the ‘Kids go free’ offer. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. Please check website for more information. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 23

18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Out and About.indd 6

27/03/2017 19:01

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

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

Thank you . . . Hi Wrekin News,

Just to say a big ‘thank you’ for the page on New College Chorale in the March edition of Wrekin News. It was an impressive page, nicely put together and easy to read. I will certainly make good use of you in May’s edition, when I will be advertising our new Festival of the Voice’. With thanks and all good wishes, Bob Wysome

Part of the 1832 map of Wellington that Mr Colley spent hours tracing for a friend. We have highlighted Jarrats Lane which is now called Glebe Street.

Jarrats Lane appears on Mr Colley’s 1832 town map

R REGINALD COLLEY and his wife Rhoda from Ketley visited the Wrekin News oﬃces recently bringing to our attention a plan of Wellington that Mr Colley traced from a damaged original. Back in the December issue (No.212) we received a letter from Phil Lewis who resides in South Wales. Phil had spent a weekend in Wellington researching his ancestors and spotted a copy of Wrekin News. He wrote to us asking for help. We pointed Phil in the direction of local historian Allan Frost as well as asking our readers to help. Since that issue we have printed some of your wonderful responses including photographs of the Purcell family who could be relatives of Phil. In his letter Phil mentioned that his ancestors lived

on Jarratts Lane and that he was led to believe that Jarrats Lane was now called Glebe Street and that the name change occurred at the turn of the century. Back in 1964 Reginald Colley was working as an engineer and had a passion for drawing. He was approached by a friend and asked to repair and trace an old plan of Wellington that he had in he procession. The plan was very detailed and on it was written; ‘To His Grace the Duke of Sutherland this plan of Wellington is respectfully awarded by his obliged and obedient servant John Wood, 1832.’ The plan also mentioned that market day was on a Thursday and that the population of the parish in 1831 was 9,161. Reg was up for the challenge and agreed to repair

and trace the plan. He spent hours and hours, weekson-end painstakingly repairing and tracing the plan in Indian black ink. We have taken a photograph of a section of the plan that clearly shows what is now known as Glebe Street was indeed called Jarratts Lane. We don’t as yet have an explanation as to why the name was changed, I wonder if any of our readers can shed any light on that? Rhoda Colley was born at number 60 in Glebe Street in the 1930s and lived on the street for eight years and can vaigly remember Mr Purcell who owned the grocers shop on the corner. She can remember him always turning out very smartly dressed with a clean and matching apron.

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 24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 24, 25, 26 Letters.indd 1

26/03/2017 17:56

Wellington History Group

Introducing Wellington History Group

HE GROUP was formed 10 years ago with a purpose of assisting research and publicising the history of the town of Wellington and its neighbourhood, including The Wrekin Hill, The Wrekin Forest and The Weald Moors. In addition the Group is available to advise and help others with local history work. No doubt many of the readers are familiar with our seasons of regular talks about subjects of interest to the area and our publication Wellingtonia. Indeed very often the ‘feedback’ we get indicates that these efforts are well appreciated; we can assure you that each article or talk involves much research. Many issues, plus much more, are available for free download from our web-site; https:// wellingtonhistorygroup.wordpress.com. One aspect of our research is when we get enquiries and requests for help from many people from both this country and abroad, typically; Hope you can help. I’m trying to find out where Terry Heath’s Town House is. Thanks for your help… or I wonder if you could help me? I am searching for any photos of St John Street, Wellington, where I lived as a child from 1949 to 1957; or request for family history information. Is there something you would like to know about this town or area? We cannot guarantee an answer but we will try to find one. Enquiries are passed around the Committee and most frequently one of us knows the answer, or where to find it. Often enquiries we get lead to articles in Wellingtonia. In researching for articles, talks or to respond to enquiries it is often very difficult to identify where resources are; if you have a collection of photographs or documents that would help us, we would be delighted if you could loan them to us. The next illustrated talk due to take place at 7:30 on Wednesday 19th April is ‘Thomas Telford and the Holyhead Road – What you miss if you drive.’ This time, the speaker is Rev. Richard Hayes who will reveal fascinating facts and features of this important route which you don’t realise are there when you speed along on your journey. Afterwards, donations will be sent to the ‘Friends of the Lord Hill Column’ at Shrewsbury of which Rev Hayes is chairman. Geoff Harrison Chairman / e-mail: ghdl19768@blueyonder.co.uk

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 25

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26/03/2017 17:57

A wonderful tribute for a special Wellington couple

HE HIGGINS family would like to highlight in The Wrekin News a very special and much loved couple who have lived in Wellington for over 55 years and who have both contributed so much to the town and surrounding areas. Their names are Albert and Ann Higgins of Meese Close, Wellington who are not only celebrating their 80th birthdays; Albert 27th April and Ann 6th May, but their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in September. Albert was born in Hadley and Ann in Rushbury in 1937 and through their love of dancing when teenagers were regulars at The Majestic in Wellington: a popular venue for courting couples at the time. They married in Rushbury Church on the 7th September 1957 and the following year their ﬁrst son was born. Albert and Ann went on to have two more sons and were one of the ﬁrst families to move into Dothill Maisonettes in Severn Drive; moving to Meese Close in the early sixties when their youngest son was three months old. To date, as well as their three sons they have seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren; four of whom they have adopted as their own through a son’s marriage. Since living in Wellington for all these years they have been active members of All Saints Church. Albert sang in the church choir for many years, as did their three sons as choir boys. In the past Albert has been a church warden and the Christmas crib which still can be seen in the church every Christmas was made by him. Ann taught in the Sunday school and until a while ago was on the church brass cleaning rota.

Today they remain loyal to their beloved church and are not only members of one of the Home Groups, but Albert regularly leads people in prayer whilst Ann often invites church members to Sunday lunch. As a young man Albert worked in the

Congratulations to my good friends Bill and Beryl Dumbell Dear Editor James, It is a few years ago that I last wrote to the Wellington News, when Mr David Gregory was the editor. My name is Joan Biddulph (nee Smith). I was bought up on a farm in Longdon-up-onTern. In 1950 I moved with my father, mother and sister Barbara to live in Wales, my eldest sister Betty married to John, stayed in Shropshire and reared their family. It was through visiting them I was able to catch up with Wellington News and again of late, Wrekin News. The reason I am writing to you is to ask if possible you would print please CONGRATULATIONS to my best friends Bill and Beryl Dumbell, on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. They were married on 9 March 1957, I have known Beryl since we were three years old and we have corresponded for 67 years. I think she must have given me a nudge as I married my late husband Clyde in June of the same year, Beryl was one of my bridesmaids. I wish you all success. Thanking you. Yours Sincereley Joan Biddulph

greenhouses at Roden Nurseries. He then went to Walter Davies’ as an apprentice plumber. In his time, he also worked at Wellington Brewery driving the trucks before moving to Bates and Hunt Agricultural, then T.A. Jervis before ﬁnishing his working life at Bates and Hunt Petroleum where he drove their tankers. Ann was a lunch time supervisor at Dothill Primary School for many years, the school where all their three boys attended. She was also a cleaner at the Blessed Robert Johnson School, a role she continued until retirement. Albert has been a member of the Hadley Orpheus Male Voice Choir for forty years and Chairman of the choir for many years: Ann is on the choirs ladies committee. The choir is associated with The Rotary Club and people who have heard of or seen them perform know the choir, along with the choirs other members have raised thousands of pounds for various charities over the years and still do today. During there married life they have been enthusiastic dog owners and caravanner’s, being members of the Caravan Club where they travelled far and wide until a few years past. To their family and friends they remain very young at heart and in their outlook on life: nothing is too much trouble for them. On Monday afternoons they can be found as volunteers of a local Altzeimers Support Group where they serve and befriend those in need of support. Today Albert and Ann still host their growing family for Boxing Day lunch and remain keen gardeners: Albert has recently relaid their dining room ﬂoor and erected a new greenhouse in their garden: a beautiful garden which is full of blooms each and every year. We, their family, are so proud of them and love them more than could be put into words and so believe they are deserving of our tribute to them. May our God continue to bless them in abundance over the coming years.

26 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 24, 25, 26 Letters.indd 3

27/03/2017 17:20

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

BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL

BUCKATREE UCKATR TR REE HALL HALL HO HO HOTEL OTEL TEL BB BUCKATREE UCKA REE HOTEL O

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

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16th april april 16th

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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

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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

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Buckatree Hall Hotel FP.indd 1

25/03/2017 15:54

Jason Donovan Monday 30 October 2017 The Place, Oakengates Theatre

Tickets: www.jasondonovan.com

Cliff Richard

Wednesday 21 June 2017 Walcot Hall, Shrewsbury Tickets: www.livenation.co.uk

JASON AND HIS AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS

JASON DONOVAN

An evening of musings, music and mischief

ROM Neighbours to a charttopping music career, from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to an appearance on I’m A Celebrity that sealed our affection, Jason Donovan has consistently captured the hearts of his adopted country and entertained us all along the way. This Autumn, Donovan will take to the road on a 34-date UK tour for his autobiographical show ‘Jason and his Amazing Midlife Crisis’. The ‘in conversation’ style show will be filled with stories, laughter and music spanning Jason’s amazing career. Tickets for the tour are on sale on Friday the 24th March at 10am via www.jasondonovan.com The show will examine every aspect of Jason’s life, from where he began to where he is today as we revisit his past, present and future. Donovan’s self-effacing, mercurial story telling will shatter your illusions of the ‘teen heart throb’ in a witty and entertaining show. Jason’s relentless enthusiasm and a refreshingly blunt compulsion towards honesty will reveal all about his rollercoaster life. The show will be a rare chance to get up close and personal with the star with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. Jason will also perform some acoustic versions of his classic hits. Join Jason Donovan in conversation as he shares moments from the last four decades that he wasn’t able to tell us about on daytime television! He was the ultimate 80’s heart-throb who commanded an audience of 22 million in ‘Neighbours’, dated Kylie and went on to score no fewer than 16 hit singles, sell over 30 million records worldwide and appear in a series of hit West End musicals. But at the time, it didn’t make him happy… Meeting his wife and the subsequent birth of his children forced Donovan to reevaluate his life. He reinvigorated his career on reality TV programmes I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and Strictly Come

Dancing. Eventually Jason re-found his love of performing with leading roles in Sweeney Todd, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Rocky Horror Show and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds, The Sound of Music, and Annie Get Your Gun. He also toured the UK in the highly acclaimed play The King’s Speech. Now aged 49 ½ and with a wealth of tantalising tales under his belt, Donovan’s autobiographical show takes the singer’s looming 50th birthday as its starting point and zigzags back and forth through a life in which becoming a heart-throb at 18 and falling from grace at 27 plays only a tiny part.

Cliff Richard The world’s most successful musical theatre group Collabro will be the support act for Cliff Richard on his nationwide Just Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll tour this summer. Cliff will be performing at some of the UK’s most beautiful castles and historic locations for a series of fully seated outdoor concerts. Tickets are on sale now from www.livenation.co.uk Collabro first rose to prominence in 2014 when they won Britain’s Got Talent. Since then they have released a Number 1 debut album “Stars”, followed by “Act Two” which peaked at Number 2 in the charts in 2015. Made up of Jamie Lambert, Michael Auger, Matthew Pagan and Thomas Redgrave, Collabro are delighted to be supporting Cliff Richard.

Speaking about the tour they said: “Cliff Richard is a true music legend and we are thoroughly honoured to be given this opportunity to support him on tour. The Just Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour celebrates Cliff’s 102nd album ‘Just… Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and sees the legendary singer return to his roots with a celebration of his favourite songs. These include Cliff’s renditions of seminal tracks such as Roll Over Beethoven, Great Balls of Fire, Sweet Little Sixteen and his very own debut single, Move It. The album also features a duet with fellow idol Elvis Presley on Blue Suede Shoes. For more details and to book tickets go to www.livenation.co.uk

28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28 Cliff Richard.indd 1

27/03/2017 19:00

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29 Adverts.indd 1

27/03/2017 11:57

HSBC BUILDING : PROGRESS REPORT

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WIN

The Clifton team are now in a position to provide a progress report with regard to the HSBC building. Our supporters might remember that Just before Christmas the agents advised us that they were able to receive offers for a short term lease on the building not exceeding five years. We approached Barbers in Wellington to obtain a professional opinion on the open market rent for the building on a tenant’s repairing and insuring lease of five years. Barbers have undertaken a detailed inspection of the property and have prepared a report for us setting out their opinion of an open market value of the property reflecting its condition and the current trends for the rental of commercial property in Wellington. On that basis we have now made a formal offer to the agent for a five year lease setting out not only the level of rent offered but also various terms and conditions that we will be seeking for the transaction to proceed. As promised at our last AGM the Board will not enter into a contract on behalf of the Clifton project (Clifton Community Arts Centre Ltd) unless we have members’ approval and that is one of the conditions attached to the offer. If necessary, we will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting to obtain an approval of the contract, but it is more likely that we can combine that with our AGM. Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2016 are in draft form and are awaiting approval. We are hopeful of having our AGM by the end of April 2017. For completeness, we would confirm that this step does not signify the abandonment of our quest to make use of the Bridge Street properties.

WIN THEATRE TICKETS! £10

CHRIS QUINN

with Maria Kesselman

Saturday 1st April

Saturday 8th April

8pm

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

JANIS JOPLIN & FRIENDS

£20

A wonderful cavalcade of songs, anecdotes and marvellous memories spanning the musical stage, cabaret and even a touch of opera.

INTO THE SHADOWS

Friday 14th to Saturday 15 April

8pm

Be sure to get your tickets early and have the chance of a meet and greet with the cast. Get your hippy on!

£13

8pm

Come along and relive and enjoy those wonderful memories, from the magical 60’s!!

VIVA LA COLDPL AY £12 Saturday 6 May

Friday 28th April

8pm

“Close your eyes and you’ll think it was the real thing!”

“They sound so like them it’s unreal” Glastonbudget This is a simply unmissable show that is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

£12

Friday 21st April to Saturday 22nd April

THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE WORLD PREMIER AT THE THEATRE ON THE STEPS, BRIDGNORTH

PET SHOP BOYS TRIBUTE

£14

WITH A SONG IN MY HEART

This is a show that will delight both fans and novices alike.

CONTACT

01746 766477

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

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 Not Dead Enough and The Simon & Garfunkel Story. 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. Closing date for entries - Wednesday 26 April 2017. Terms and condition apply.

GOOD LUCK!

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY THURSDAY 4 MAY 2017 Direct from its success in London’s West End, a sold out UK tour BOX OFFICE: 01952 382382 and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos and original ﬁlm footage, this 50th Anniversary Celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits including ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. Get your tickets fast as this is an evening not to be missed! TICKETS “Fantastic” - Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2. “Authentic and Exciting” - The Stage

WIN

30 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 30, 31 Entertainment.indd 1

26/03/2017 19:57

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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!

Release Date: 07/04/2017

Join Peppa in this exciting new preschool cinema experience, with plenty of snorts, giggles and jumping up and down in muddy puddles! Leading with Peppa Visits London, the ﬁrst of the neverbefore-seen episodes, Peppa and her friends hop on board a double-decker red bus as the Queen takes them on an unforgettable tour of iconic London landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square. The other new ‘oink-tastic’ episodes include ‘The Police, ‘Canal Boat’, ‘The Zoo’, ‘Move to the Music’ and a four-part story in which viewers will join Peppa on an Australian holiday to visit her old friend, Kylie Kangaroo. Join Peppa for her ‘First Cinema Experience’ during opening weekend and you get something a little extra for your little ones, free Peppa Pig sticker sets. Simply book Peppa the Pig: My First Cinema Experience and then show your ticket in cinema over the opening weekend to claim yours.

Amp up your popcorn with some sweet treats at ODEON. Add Minstrels, Oreos and Pretzels to your favourite ﬂavour! Terms and Conditions apply.

Keep the whole family happy with our great value Family Feast. Get 1x regular popcorn + 2x regular drinks + 2x Kids Mix for just £10.99! Kids Mix includes: Kids popcorn + kids drink + treat. Pick up the Family Mix in your cinema today to enjoy the full ﬁlm experience! Terms and Conditions apply.

WIN CINEMA TICKETS

the s teamed up with Wrekin News ha e on r fe of Telford to Odeon Cinema, ema cin d ar nd sta of ir lucky reader a pa of your choice. tickets to a film e me and telephon Just send your na kin re Baylis, W contact to: Tania s, Bridge Road, et ck Ti n eo Od News, 1 1RY or email: TF rd Wellington, Telfo ia.co.uk 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

Expires: 09/04/2017

30, 31 Entertainment.indd 2

25/03/2017 15:47

Your Community

RD OF TELFO S D N IE R F RK TOWN PA n Park lford Tow

Te the Park at Spring into to 4pm 17 11am nd April 20 22 ay rd Satu family. for all the TP Activities romote FT p to l stal ill have a lanting, p g ve d Friends w e ﬂower an We will hav gh activity , play dou plant sale park.org ordtown ndsoftelf www.frie

Art and craft for pre-schoolers Fun and creative weekly sessions without the mess at home. Wellington Methodist Church, New Street, Wellington, TF1 1LU Fridays 11.00am-11.50am For more details:

Call Kirsty on 07741 066858 Email kirsty@art4tots www.art4tots.com Art4tots - Telford

ay on Call Tania tod

522562 0195o2r em ail:

edia.co.uk tania@plus2m r r event on ou to include you oticeboard Community N

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Do You Have What it Takes to Become a

Home-‐Start Volunteer? Raising a family can be tough, especially if there are added pressures like poverty, bereavement, poor mental or physical health, domestic violence, developmental concerns, isolation etc.

Do you think you could help a family like this? Can you spare a few hours each week to visit a family offering friendship, emotional support, advice and guidance? If so we’d love to hear from you! Please call 01952 872280 to find out more.

Weald Moors and Wall Camp talk 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 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

h hodist CCohncuertsrc t e M n o t g in Well enth Series of Lunchtime Organy Pinel

thon Thirte ay 2017 - An Friday 19th M St Chads Shrewsbury usic Director of M id Grifﬁths ne 2017 - Dav , Birmingham Ju d 2n ay Frid ng Ri ll Bu Martin in the hn Bowen Jo Organist at St 17 20 ly Friday 21st Ju rganist at Christ Church usic and O ury. ct ire D or of M Oxon Shrewsb soft drinks Shelton with d an ee ff co a, 12.30pm Te at en h nc op lu ch n Chur ing your ow are of available · br d an pm 00 n at 1. Concerts begi es duration N 40 minut G COLLECTIO

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32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 32, 33 Community Notice Board.indd 1

25/03/2017 14:31

All

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Saturday 13th May 2017 at 7.00pm The Salvation Army, Lion Street, Oakengates, Telford Tickets £6.00 (£5.00 Concessions) Under 16 Free! Available from 01952 620263 or pdaplin@talktalk.net or the office in Lion St

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Emergency Flood Water Extraction with Deodarisation 2 Bedroom semi-house All carpets from £85 3 Bedroom semi-house All carpets from £95 4 Bedroom semi-house All carpets from £105 We offer a price promise to beat any ‘like for like’ quote on upholstery or carpets (economy or deluxe clean.) 7:3 0pm – 9:3 0pm Tue sda y 25 Apr Hor seh ay Vil lag il 201 7 e Hal l, Bri dge Roa d, Hor seh ay, Tel for d, TF4 2NF All wel com e: £2. 00 Shr ops hir e Wil dli fe Tru st mem ber s; £3. 00 non -me mbe rs Fre e cof fee , tea and bis cui ts For fur the r det ail s ple ase con tac t: Rob Dor an – 019 52 407 021 / 079 26 387 733 Ste ve Mit che ll – 019 52 590 820 / 078 42 137 410 www

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32, 33 Community Notice Board.indd 2

25/03/2017 14:31

Diary April/May 2017

2 April - RAF Cosford Annual Shropshire Modellers show 4 April - Jackﬁeld Tile Museum Drop in tile decorating workshop. Adult £9.75, Child £6.25 Concessionaire £8.75 6 April - Lyth Hill and Longden Srewsbury, SY3 OBT Adult £3.50, Child £2.00 Meet at 9:15 for a 9:30 start A countryside walk, with views over the shropshire hills. Walking boots and bring lunch. 8 April - TELFORD STAMP, CARD AND CION FAIR Belmont Hall, Wellington 10am till 3pm FREE entry 8 and 9 April - Severn Valley Railway OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND Kidderminster DY10 1QR 8-23 April - Blists Hill Victorian Town Animal Themed Holiday Activities, Meet Sheep, follow a tail, Dog Show, Come wearing an Easter Bonnet. 8-23 April - EXOTIC ZOO come to Enginuity

Adult £9.75, Child £7.65 Concessionaire £8.75 25 April - SHROPSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST Telford Wildlife Forum Shropshire’s Fabulous Flora An illustrated talk by Dr Sarah Whild 7:30pm-9:30pm Horsehay Village Hall, TF4 2NF All Welcome. Members £2 None Members £3 FREE Tea and Biscuits Contact Rob Doran 01952 40702/07926 387733 27 April - New Singing Beginners Choir in Telford for animal and nature lovers! Meet like minded people, Learn new songs, Lots of fun, Join of tea and biscuits at; Leegomery community centre, TF1 6NA 7pm till 9pm, Call 07507486532 6 May - Admaston House CRAFT FAYRE 11am till 3pm local craft stalls, childrens crafts and activities, refreshments. 50p entrance fee and rafﬂe Proceeds go to HILBRAE KENNELS To book a stall contact cindy or Shannon 0785 2256993

To include your event in our Diary for May 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)

Ticket JUST

THE

To advertise in

JUST THE TICKET Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email

irene@plus2media.co.uk

Challenging steam road run of historic machines

N ECLECTIC collection of over 30 machines will take part in a challenging road run around the Ironbridge Gorge on Saturday,13th May when engines and drivers will be tested with steep climbs and gentle descents. It will set out from Blists Hill Victorian Town, where they will also be ‘in steam’ on Sunday 14th May for all to see. The spectacular Steam Road Run will visit many of the Museum’s sites and historic monuments in The Gorge. Part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the spectacular Steam Road Run will visit many of the Museum’s sites and historic monuments in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. The 32 steam machines* will include a variety of makes and types ranging from traction engines and steam lorries to road locomotives and ploughing engines with Sentinels, Fodens and Fowlers. Some of these engines are especially rare, particularly The Chief, a huge early Victorian ploughing engine, as well as the Lord Doverdale, one of the last commercially working steam road engines. The only surviving Agri Tractor from the six originally built will also be joining the Road Run along with the Gold Medal Tractor, which took part in the Land’s End to John O’Groats race. Many of the drivers will be wearing Victorian costume and some will be pulling period living vans and tractors. The crews and engines will also be judged by roving assessors on their historical accuracy, time keeping and even crew cleanliness. All the engines will be available to view on Sunday, 14th May to visitors at Blists Hill Victorian Town where steam enthusiasts get to meet

13th & 14th May 2017

the crews and see the magniﬁcent machines. Open 10am to 4.30pm Blists Hill is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing unlimited entry into all ten museums costs £25 per adult, £20 for seniors, £15 for children under 18, £68 for a family of two adults and all their children and £50 for a family with one adult; under 5s free (terms and conditions apply); Passports can also be bought online in advance saving 10% and individual entry tickets are available at each museum. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge. For further information, call the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.

Model show returns The popular Shropshire Scale Model Show will be returning to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Sunday 2 April 2017. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors each year and takes place nestled amongst the world-class collection of aircraft and military vehicles on display at the Museum. Thousands of intricately detailed models of aircraft, cars, bikes, trucks and science ﬁction items will be spread across the whole site, ﬁlling the Museum hangars with a world of model making. Over 100 modelling clubs and traders from across the country will be attending the one day show this year. With modelling clubs displaying their creations, many of which have taken years to perfect, and traders selling everything any dedicated modeller could ever want or need,

model making fans are guaranteed to enjoy the show. Items on offer will include a range of modelling materials and kits to suit modellers of all abilities, from young children who are just discovering their passion for modelling, right through to the avid modellers who have been building kits for many years. There will be everything from kits in various sizes along with glues, paints and other detailed sets available to purchase on the day. To make reaching the Museum even easier, there will be a free park and ride for the day to cope with the additional visitors, running from Cosford train station. The show will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm and entry to the event is FREE of charge. For further information, please visit the museum website at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

34 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34 Just The Ticket.indd 1

27/03/2017 09:53

‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’

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25/03/2017 12:54

Love Food FOOD FRAUD: A THREAT UNSEEN by

Professor Ralph Early

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.

Buckatree Hall Hotel

Tel: 01952 641 821

OW DO you know that what you eat is genuine? That it’s what it’s supposed to be? That it’s what it says on the label? Actually, often you don’t. You hand over your hard-earned cash and put your trust in whoever sells you food that they will uphold their moral and legal obligations to provide products that are genuine and will not harm you. Sadly though, we live in a world that contains countless crooks hoping to make a fast buck by exploiting food retail and food service businesses, such as restaurants and cafés, and the consumers who buy and eat food. Villains come in many guises. Close to home unscrupulous cold-callers pester us by phone or at our doorsteps, offering suspect services and dodgy goods. In more rareﬁed environments smoothtalking bankers sell fraudulent investment schemes and chief executives honoured with knighthoods loot their company pension funds. We know the threats are out there and we exercise caution, but we don’t expect or perhaps even think about being the victim of food fraudsters when we drop into our local supermarkets. However, we are

all at risk of food-related crime, even when we shop at the largest and most professional of food businesses: as demonstrated by the Horsegate scandal of 2013. If food fraud is an issue for our time, which it is and a growing one at that, what exactly is it and how can we protect ourselves? Food fraud takes many guises. The sale of farmed salmon as wild salmon would be deceptive and a fraud, as would the labelling of New Zealand lamb as Welsh lamb. In these examples no physical harm would come to consumers but their money would be taken deceptively, which in itself is a form of harm. In other instances psychological harms could result, such as hiding pork in a lamb-based product which would offend religious sensibilities should the deception be discovered. Most worryingly,

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36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 36, 37 Wine and Dine.indd 1

27/03/2017 19:09

The Tipple!

“So, how can we protect ourselves from food fraud? An immediate and easy answer is to buy from reputable food retailers; and as a rule of thumb the simpler the food product and the shorter the associated supply chain then the likelihood of fraud will be lower. “

hazardous forms of food fraud are always lurking in the shadows and many examples have been exposed over the years, with some causing great human tragedy. In 1981, in Spain, a rapeseed oil intended for industrial use and which had been denatured by the addition of aniline, was reﬁned illegally to remove the aniline and released to the marketplace as olive oil. Over 600 people were killed by the product. The production of counterfeit spirits containing toxic methanol instead of the normal ethanol is common in some parts of the world and an issue of constant concern to reputable distillers. In 1985 it was discovered that some Austrian wines had been adulterated with diethylene glycol, an antifreeze, which made the wines sweeter with a fuller body, but which is toxic. In 2008, melamine, which is used in the manufacture of Formica, was added to baby milk in China to increase the apparent protein content, affecting some 300,000 victims and killing six babies. Last year customs ofﬁcials in Nigeria seized a shipment of rice from China, but the grains were actually made from a plastic processed to cook and taste like rice. As the global food system has developed, longer and more complex food chains have resulted which present fraudsters with greater opportunities to ‘get rich quick’. Additionally, compound food products containing many components can provide fraudsters with opportunities to pass off false ingredients as genuine. Consumers may

Sue Ladds

Kitten chaos at Church House

then be at risk of purchasing products in which authentic ingredients have been replaced by cheaper, substitute materials of poorer quality. Of course the label will give no hint of the swindle as the manufacturer, buying ingredients in good faith, is also a victim. So, how can we protect ourselves from food fraud? An immediate and easy answer is to buy from reputable food retailers; and as a rule of thumb the simpler the food product and the shorter the associated supply chain then the likelihood of fraud will be lower. However, as with so many things today there can be loopholes. One might think that fish is about as simple a food product as one can get, yet it is an extremely troublesome material when it comes to authenticity, as many surveys have shown. This means that cod may really be whiting and worse, scampi may be deceptively moulded fish meat waste. When we buy food products, whether from a food retailer, a café or a restaurant, we rely on the honesty of traders, their suppliers and those that police the food system to protect us. The phrase ‘eat simple, eat local’ expresses the best form of protection, but this may not be possible all of the time. Consequently, whenever, wherever and whatever we eat we will find ourselves to a certain degree at the mercy of the fates and of the food fraudsters, but hopefully not too often.

Y THE time you read this our family of fuzzy kittens will have been to the vet to reduce their breeding potential. Two boys and two girls according to said vet. Most people check other animals from the front and coo “Aren’t they cuuuute”. Vets however look at the rear end and comment “That looks interesting!” I’m not sure our Editors heart could stand the headline “Incest and Church house” so to the vets it is. Over a few months the kittens have developed into a voluptuuous starlet, a model, a bruiser and a philosopher and despite near beheadings when found eating the dogfood, they have reached young adulthood intact. Of course the teenage times can be difficult. The catarazzi photos of sixteen furry white feet partially hidden by a blanket, entering the Priory Clinic was dismissed by a spokeskitt as the worst of gutter journalism. When presented with photos of the group smeared with white powder, the same spokeskitt assured the press that this was merely a talcuum powder fight at home and obviously not misuse of any controlled substances. After reasonable recuperation from the neutering operations their thoughts may turn to future occupations. Whilst the family pest control business will always have openings for the quick and dedicated feline, the outside world is cold, wet and a long, long way from their canteen. Restaurant reviewing would suit the ravenous little beasts, but this is obviously an oversubscribed meal ticket. Pun intended. The only criticism ever raised would be for short rations. For now though, there’s snoozing in the sun, annoying the dog, eating every crumb, fighting to the death, almost, and falling downstairs the hard way. Funniest sight so far? Four kittens fighting over one slice of toast. The toast won!

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Church House New Church Road Wellington, TF1 1JX 01952 250771 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37

36, 37 Wine and Dine.indd 2

27/03/2017 19:09

SPONSORED BY

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REKIN

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Expert home improvement ideas and solutions including good gardening tips for everyone to try . . .

Plenty to be done this month

UCH will be happening in the garden this month. However do remember if the weather is dry, we can hope, any new planting (that includes anything planted late last year) will require regular watering. Climbing plants should be actively growing now and will need to be coerced into the right position and tied into it. Those shrubs which have already ﬂowered should, where necessary, be pruned back to restrict their growth and encourage a more bushy habit. If you have not already done so now is the time to remove the skeletons of the herbaceous plants which have given interest during the winter because soon the new shoots will be entangling themselves in last year’s growth. The lawn will also need regular mowing and as the frequency of mowing increases the height of the blades can be gradually reduced. Many trees and shrubs should be

Andy Allmark Painter & Decorator

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Written by

Robert Hudson

of Lilyhurst Plant Centre

> Pictured - A Deciduous Azalea in flower

coming into flower now the cherries, magnolia, camellias, osmanthus, pieris, rhododendrons and daphnies. The latter give a small flower but a heavy strong fragrance which is delightful. The shrubs grown for their foliage colour can be hard pruned now this will encourage new growth which is the best for the coloured foliage. Probably the most overlooked spring flowers are the deciduous azaleas. Firstly most of them have flowers very similar to rhododendrons, secondly they are often fragrant, and thirdly in the autumn they usually give a rich fiery display with their foliage. The mention of azaleas tends to elicit the response, ‘you mean those funny plants which need special soil I think I will avoid them thanks’. This is not true, deciduous azaleas will grow on most soils they will even tolerate chalky soils the only special treatment is the need for a mulch each year. The good weather we had in the middle of March started some keen gardeners thinking and we have had the first hanging baskets returned for re-filling, much cheaper than buying new

each year. It is much too early for them to be put outside yet, which needs to be after the risk of frosts, but it is never too early to be thinking about the summer which is to come. A great deal has been written recently about encouraging wild life especially the bees which are so very necessary for so many fruits and vegetables in fact almost everything we eat. During a spell of almost spring like weather the bees have been very busy. Our corylus contorta which is just outside the back door has been alive with bees taking the pollen from the catkins so if you are adding to an existing garden or planning a new one do bear in mind all the plants which are available to help these vital insects. There has also been much said about the fact that a great many of the showy annuals used in the gardens are actually of little, if any, use to the insects. So think about their use and try something in conjunction with them rather than just swathes of the same item, ﬁtting in with the more relaxed look which has become the latest theme in the garden.

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38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 38, 39 Home and Garden.indd 1

25/03/2017 11:09

Simon Bradbury Tel: 07725 040408

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LACE UP FOR NATIONAL WALKING MONTH

IVING STREETS, the UK charity for everyday walking, is urging the public to ‘Try20’ during National Walking Month during May. The campaign encourages people to walk for 20 minutes every day throughout May and observe the big differences small steps can make. Last year, Living Streets’ Try20 campaign saw thousands of people across the UK pledge to walk for 20 minutes a day. A follow up survey in December found that 75 per cent of pledgers were still walking for 20 minutes a day and reporting stories of weight loss, money saving, improved social life and increased fitness. Living Streets recommends walking as a free, easy and fun way to improve your health. From a lower risk of contracting heart disease, certain cancers, depression and type 2 diabetes, to aiding weight loss and reducing feelings of stress and isolation. This year, Living Streets will also be commissioning an extensive survey to try and find the best cities in the UK for walking judged on a range of criteria, including safety, air pollution and street clutter. A leader board will be announced in time for the launch of National Walking Month 2017.

Anyone across the UK will be able to ‘Rate their city walk’ throughout National Walking Month in an online quiz. The charity will then oﬀer recommendations on action participants could take to make their city more walking-friendly.

Key messages: Try20 this May: add a 20 minute walk into your day. This small change makes a big difference to your health and wellbeing; 20 minutes of walking a day is a good step towards achieving 150 minutes of physical activity a week as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer; You don’t have to go out of your way to exercise: walk your daily journey to work, to the shops, or the school run – or skip a stop on public transport; Getting people out of their cars and onto their feet is part of the solution to the UK’s congestion and air pollution problems; ‘Rate your walk’ and help us improve spaces and create a walking nation where everyone can enjoy the benefits this simple act brings on streets that are fit for walking. For more information, visit www.livingstreets. org.uk/nwm and follow us on Twitter: @livingstreets #Try20

S Office Hours - Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm · Friday 9am-4.30pm General Public Factory Outlet (collection only) Saturday 9.30am-12pm*

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39

38, 39 Home and Garden.indd 2

25/03/2017 11:09

The mobile vet service that comes to you! Who we are and the services we offer The mobile vet service is offered by Severn Edge Veterinary Group to its registered and new clients. It is staffed by a qualiﬁed vet and a nursing assistant who are available 9am till 3pm Monday to Friday. We carry the necessary equipment and medication to enable us to provide a veterinary consultation in the comfort of your own home. The service we offer ranges from routine vaccinations and nail clips to blood sampling and euthanasia. The cost of a home visit under the Mobile Vet Service Zone Scheme is only £10 and any medication or service fees are exactly the same as when your pet is treated at any of our branches.

Is my area covered by mobile vet service? > Anastasia Roberts MRCVS

As we cover such a large geographical area we group our planned visits accordingly. Hence on each day of the week we cover speciﬁc postcode areas: Monday - SY6 7, SY6 9, SY8 9, SY8 3, WV16 Tuesday - DY14, DY12, DY11, DY10 1, DY10 2 Wednesday - WV16, TF13, SY5 6 Thursday - TF12, TF7, TF8, TF11, TF 1, TF2, TF3, TF4, TF5, TF5 6, WV15 Friday - WV15, DY7, DY6, DY3 4, WV6, WV7

> Julieann Harris

Is a mobile vet visit right for you and your pet?

How to book a mobile vet visit?

If you would prefer us to treat your pet at home and you live in one of the postcode areas we cover, then simply get in touch and we can discuss your requirements! On occasions we may recommend a pet is best seen at a local branch or a more urgent home visit is necessary. For example: if we suspect your pet’s condition requires more prompt attention or may need access to hospital equipment. We are more than happy to provide help and guidance if you are unsure. Some of the more common reasons our clients choose to use Mobile Vet Service are listed below: ● Multiple pets and litters of puppies ● Pets with long term mobility problems ● Pets with fear or dislike of travelling ● You are unable to travel to one of our branches

Just phone 01746 713 914 and leave us a message with yours and your pet’s details. We will aim to get back to you within 24hrs. Alternatively, contact your local branch. Please allow 48hrs notice for your Mobile Vet appointment. We endeavour to arrange your visit when it suits you best, so we ask if you would prefer us to see your pet in the morning (9-12) or afternoon (12-3) at the time of booking. We then contact you on the day of the visit to provide you with a more speciﬁc time if possible. Please have a collar and lead available for your dog, and please restrict your cat to a safe small room. We look forward to hearing from you! by Anastasia Roberts MRCVS Severn Edge Veterinary Group

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

26/03/2017 20:44

City watchdog sets deadline date for PPI complaints The City watchdog is to draw a line under the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) mis-selling scandal with a deadline for complaints set for August 2019. It will bring to a close a scandal that has cost Britain’s biggest lenders more than £30bn in provisions to cover compensation payouts, with the bill still rising - though at a slower pace than before. The final deadline for complaints of 29 August 2019 was set by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA said it would launch a twoyear awareness campaign this August to encourage consumers to consider taking action. Chief executive Andrew Bailey said: “Putting in place a deadline and campaign will mean people who were potentially mis-sold PPI will be prompted to take action rather than put it off. “We believe that two years is a reasonable time for consumers to decide whether they wish to make a complaint. “We have carefully considered the feedback we received and we still believe that introducing a deadline for PPI complaints and a communications campaign warning of the deadline will benefit consumers.”

Banks are still putting aside billions to cover the costs of compensating those who were mis-sold PPI products but Barclays and Lloyds saw their 2016 proﬁts surge as the provisions were lower than the year before. Overall Lloyds has made provisions totalling £17bn so far, with HSBC’s bill standing at just over £3bn, Barclays at £8.4bn, and Royal Bank of Scotland on £4.9bn. It is estimated that up to now only around half of those eligible to claim have actually done so, and for many the issue is that they did not know that they had been sold a policy, or that it was so long ago they have simply forgotten. If between 1990 and 2010 you took out a loan, credit card, store card or mortgage it is possible that you may be due compensation which for many runs into £thousands. With the deadline now set I fully expect that the Banks may well be swamped, and I strongly urge you to act quickly to make sure that you do not miss out. 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?

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 41

41 Adverts.indd 1

25/03/2017 11:46

Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

driving special

Ford

Fiesta ST200

SOMETHING

HE THRILL of speed - one of the twentieth century inventions that shines out like a beacon of progress - appears at present to be under threat from many directions. Getting around our crowded island has never been so frustrating. Decades of underinvestment in infrastructure has resulted in near gridlock. Some say it’s scandalous while others would have us dress like colourful insects in helmet and lycra and peddle our way through puddles, oblivious to the queues of cars behind. What is certain is that as cars have got better, the same cannot be said for carriageways. These reflections were prompted at the wheel of a Fiesta ST200. If ever a car deserved to be allowed its proper use, unfettered by speed bumps, speed cameras, ‘smart’ lane allocation, congestion, potholes and all the rest, it’s this fabulous Ford. Give it a decent road and it will turn every journey into a delight. If it proves one thing it’s this: that when it comes to motoring machinery the modern driver has never had it so good. So it is that the ST200 reaffirms a policy of sporting intent long associated with Ford, representing the latest incarnation of that sporting philosophy. It’s the hottest Fiesta - moreso even than the popular Fiesta ST - and only about 400 have come to the UK. Remember Ford RS hot rods? Well, it isn’t quite up to RS spec but it comes within a fleas whisker. Believe me: it is the dusty cobwebs deadliest enemy. It’s a live galvanisation of inanimate metal, a quicksilver twinkling of dashing performance. But at the same time, oh so civilised. As safe as houses but as dynamic as a supple heptathlete, capable of coping with every challenge. Technical types look away now. Yes, there’s a

superabundance of cutting-edge engineering parcelled in this rapid package. But frankly my dears, I don’t give a monkey-wrench. For me the proof of the pudding is in the eating - or in this case the treating of the driver to an invigorating dose of motoring ozone. This sharp-looking road rocket makes the years fall away. It’s a recipe for rejuvenation if ever there was one. Batman never hopped into the Batmobile with anything like the enthusiasm I felt. Neighbours had never seen me so animated - not even when beating off the bailiffs. Nestling into the Recaro seats I ﬁred up the 200bhp 1.6 4 cylinder turbo engine and the reverberation

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

25/03/2017 09:07

Used stamps raise money for charity of its potency set up an expectant tingle of anticipatory pleasure. A lovely quick throw gear change, a well-weighted clutch and we’re away. All that was needed was an empty open road - so it was a dawn start. The difference between old-style and modern performance cars is this: modern cars feel docile and tractable but give them their head and they’ll knock the old sort into a cocked hat. (An E Type would be left in this Fiestas dust!). Every now and then there came subtle indications that I was driving something special. Yes it’s firmly sprung and, yes, it takes bends as if on rails. But only when conditions permitted me the licence to thrill myself did I induce an involuntary gasp of astonishment as the ‘boosted’ engine (Up to 215 bhp is available on ‘overboost’ for twenty seconds - like the afterburners on an F15 ) drew breath and catapulted the ST200 forward. Oh yes. This is one seriously quick car with a near 145mph top speed. At the same time you feel confident that Ford have got it right, for the car always feels glued to the road, subservient to your every need. Soon the straight road ended in a sharp turn. I zipped round the bend, impressed with my own artistry; that is before I realised the car, not the driver, deserved the credit. With a car like this, compromises are inevitable. Yes, it’s a firm ride and no, it won’t win acclaim for economy at around 35mpg (Ford claim 46 mpg). But it is very civilised, with all the extras todays drivers demand. And for the money (£22,745) you just won’t find a better class of performance motoring. All we need now is a better class of highway. The better to ensure that in tomorrows world we aren’t robbed of these motoring thrills, courtesy of far-seeing Ford and the Fiesta ST200.

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> John Anderson, Lynn Godwin and Caroline Lowe of Meadowdale Nurseries with some of the stamps that have been collected Meadowdale Nurseries in Telford, have recently announced that they have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to their fundraising campaign for the British Legion. The garden centre put out an appeal for people to bring in their used stamps so that they could be sold and converted into money towards the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in Shropshire. John Anderson, co-owner of the Nurseries, said: “We have been delighted by the number of people who have collected stamps for us and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to bring their stamps into us. We even had one gentleman who very kindly donated his collection of foreign stamps to the appeal. The British Legion is such a worthwhile cause and we hope that we can continue raising money in this way for the foreseeable future.” Indeed the garden centre are appealing to people to continue bringing in their used stamps, for as long as possible. All you have to do is simply tear oﬀ the stamps you receive in the mail and take them with you on your next visit to the garden centre and they will do the rest. Kiloware, as it’s called, is the generic term for used stamps collected by charities and fundraising groups, which are then sold on to dealers and stamp collectors by weight. The Royal British Legion is the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. If you would like to get involved, then simply take your used stamps to Meadowdale Nurseries, which is open from Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5.30pm and Sunday’s 10am – 4pm. It is situated on Wellington Road, Horsehay, Telford, on the A5223 (postcode TF4 2PU). From junction 6 of the M54 take the A5223 towards Ironbridge Gorge and the Nurseries are located on the right, immediately after Horsehay Village Golf Course. For further information please telephone 01952 502470 or log onto the their website www.meadowdale-nurseries.co.uk

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 43

42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 2

25/03/2017 09:07

Pedal power brings the pounds in for ﬁrst responders

Local cyclists taking part in an event organised by Newport Shropshire Cycling Club raised hundreds of pounds for Newport’s Community First Responders. On what proved to be one of the wettest days of the year, more than ﬁfty riders set off on the club’s Reliability Trial, battling heavy rain and biting winds to complete the routes of 30 and 50 miles. Every entry fee included a contribution to the Community First Responders and the Club also raised funds by inviting donations for homemade cakes offered to the wet and hungry cyclists on their return to the base at Newport Junior School. The event raised more than £200 in support of the town’s appeal for a new response vehicle for the volunteers who respond to nearby medical emergencies while a blue-light ambulance is on its way. Club chair Nick Jeggo congratulated the hardy riders on their commitment to the cause: “Conditions were very far from perfect and under the circumstances it was a great turnout. I’d like to congratulate these hardcore heroes for completing the event and for their generosity.” Newport CFR coordinator Russell Brooks is pictured with cyclist Stephen Grice.

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45 Adverts.indd 1

25/03/2017 09:11

Sport WREKIN NEWS

April ﬁxtures Sat 1

Worcester City

Home 3pm

Sat 8

Boston United

Away

3pm

Fri 19

Stockport County

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7.45pm

Vanarama National North League Vanarama National North League Vanarama National North League

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email your sports story to: james@plus2media.co.uk

3pm

(HOME GAMES IN BOLD)

SMITH REINFORCES BUCKS FOR SURVIVAL CHANCES

AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith has been unambiguous in the criticism aimed at his squad following recent results.

Lez Dean reports

E IS A MAN who is never scared to ring the changes when things are not to his liking and once again he has moved for reinforcements prior to the close of the nonleague transfer window. In through the New Bucks Head door come Joe Fitzpatrick, a midﬁelder who had a short spell at Telford earlier in the campaign, striker John Marsden who arrives from Stockport County and perhaps most intriguingly Dan Westwood, a forward who has been plying his trade at Wolverhampton Sporting FC, a club who operate four divisions below the Bucks. On the face of it, it would appear to be unlikely any player could successfully bridge such a gap, but Westwood boasts a remarkable scoring record. The 26-year-old has bagged over 100 goals in less than two years and earlier this season scored ﬁve hat tricks in consecutive matches. A remarkable achievement at any level and one that surely earns the former Burton Albion youngster a crack at a higher level. One thing is for sure, Telford will need plenty of goals if they are to escape the clutches of the relegation spots. A six goal defeat at home

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to Brackley was a low point in an already dismal campaign and this was a result that was to herald a slide toward the National League North danger area. Despite a more spirited display next up at Chorley a defeat by the odd goal in three saw the Bucks looking even more anxiously over their shoulder. Telford avoided a third defeat in a row and some respite from their relegation woes as they captured the Shropshire Senior cup with a 2-0 win over a youthful Shrewsbury Town side. In itself not the most significant pointer to any improvement in league form but it was hoped it would send the Bucks into an important home encounter with Bradford Park Avenue with improved confidence. However, it was not to be as Smith’s men slipped to another disappointing defeat by three goals to one. The return fixture against Brackley saw another loss as Telford fell to a narrow 2-1 loss. A reverse which saw them precariously perched just three points above the drop zone.

Tigers stay in play-off contention Telford Tigers had a first period goal blitz to thank for their 8-3 win over Sheffield Steeldogs in the EPL play-offs on Sunday night. Victory at Ice Sheffield means the Tigers remain in contention for a top-two spot in their four-team group, and a place at the finals tournament next month, writes James Shaw. Five goals in the opening 20 minutes laid the groundwork for victory on Sunday, as Telford gave their Yorkshire hosts few opportunities to hit back. Tigers coach Tom Watkins, who watched his men beat Peterborough 7-0 the night before, said: “It was a good four points overall this weekend and obviously needed after dropping two points at home to Guildford in midweek. “We have shut teams out in one period over the last two games, but we’ve got to play for the 60 minutes. “We’ll come up against some good teams who will make it hard for those 60 minutes and we have to make sure we play well for three periods. “It was nice to get in front and play with a lead tonight. But I do feel we took our foot off the gas again, and we have to keep ploughing ahead.”

The first period at Ice Sheffield saw Telford get off to a good start after just two minutes, as Jason Silverthorn latched onto a pass in front of the net to open the scoring. That advantage was doubled two minutes later, thanks to a well-worked goal from Corey McEwen, following a pass from Matty Davies. The Tigers found themselves 3-0 up on the eight minute mark, when Doug Clarkson scored with a long-range shot through a crowded goalmouth. Defenceman Sam Zajac added a fourth goal on twelve minutes with his own longrange effort, and then a fifth with a similar strike just four minutes later. Watkins added: “I am really pleased with how we played in the first period and we were clinical with all our scoring opportunities. “It was kind of a different game in the second and third periods, and we were able to use that advantage the first period gave us. “It wasn’t the best overall performance tonight, but we were excellent in the first period.” The second session was a much more even-handed affair, as the Steeldogs hit

back with their first goal of the game on 21 minutes by Arnoldas Bosas. The visitors struck again just 60 seconds later, however, thanks to Jonathan Weaver’s cool finish to a sweeping Tigers passing move. Milan Kolena was on target from close range to score Telford’s seventh on 38 minutes, while the Steeldogs added their second of the night at the end of the period through Macaulay Heywood. The final session was again evenhanded, with the Steeldogs adding a third on 49 minutes, courtesy of Stanislav Lascek, before Corey McEwen rounded off the scoring for Telford with a late breakaway goal. The EPL champions now go on to play Guildford Flames in Surrey on Wednesday, before games against Peterborough Phantoms and the Steeldogs next weekend. “It is another huge game on Wednesday night,” Watkins said. “Guildford are a team with the experience and ability to do well in these play-offs. I think they are dark horses.” Next Sunday’s return game against the Steeldogs, at Telford Ice Rink, faces off at 6pm. For tickets, go to www. tigershockeyuk.com.

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

26/03/2017 23:33

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