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June 2017 · Issue 218
THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
LETTERS
Wellington
Gas Works pictured
GET YOUR BOOTS ON WIN TICKETS KILIMANJARO - ANOTHER AM AZING ACHIEVEMENT
WALKERS LIVE LONGER AND HAPPIER LIVES AND THIS COUNTY IS A WALKER’S PARADISE
Summer Days Out
WRITES OUR FRIEND GEORGE EVANS
Health & Wellbeing In later years
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26/05/2017 19:45
Wrekin
News Published by: Plus Two Media Limited, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY
Free
Wrekin
News PLEASE TAKE YOUR COPY
June 2017 · Issue 218
LETTERS
Wellington
Gas Works pictured
THE REGION’S FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
GET YOUR BOOTS ON WIN TICKETS KILIMANJARO - ANOTHER
WALKERS LIVE LONGER AND HAPPIER LIVES AND THIS COUNTY IS A WALKER’S PARADISE
Summer Days Out
WRITES OUR FRIEND GEORGE
Health & Wellbeing Daisy Park Front Page
EVANS
In later years
Banner Advert W-C 22.05.17_Layout
AMAZING ACHIEVEM ENT
1 23/05/2017 12:30 Page 1
FOOD FESTIVAL
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26/05/2017 19:45
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02 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 2, 3 Welcome.indd 1
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Welcome Tel: 01952 522562 · james@plus2media.co.uk
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Welcome to the June issue of Wrekin News!
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ELLO everyone and welcome to the June issue of your favourite monthly lifestyle magazine Wrekin News. We have another packed issue for you to enjoy and get involved with. Congratulations to the winners of our May competitions, who are as follows: Theatre Severn - Kath Hardman from Admaston, The Place - Nadine Hope from Priorslee. The five winners of the Odeon cinema passes are: Robert Blud, Rebecca Wilkinson-Smallwood, Ben Coates, Alan Munn and Malcolm Skelton. Liz Tipton from Eyton won the afternoon tea at Patisserie Valerie, whilst the lucky winner of the Sir Cliff Richard concert was Jon and Annie Kille from Wellington. Four runners-up each receive a signed Collabro CD and they are: Angela Davies, Eric White, Joan Griffin and Sheila Hester. Winner of the GB Dog Training competition was Deborah Fletcher from Donnington and finally Patricia Bucknall from Stone won the tickets to the Shropshire County Show. Thank you to everyone who entered May’s competitions, we have another fantastic set of great days out passes to be won in this issue, so good luck to all who take the time to enter! Please continue to support the magazine’s advertisers and tell them where you saw their advert. If you have a story to tell or want some help from our readers with a some local history then please do get in touch, the Wrekin News continues to be the number one local resource for printing your letters and memories! I hope you enjoy the issue..
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2, 3 Welcome.indd 2
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WELLINGTON H2A PUTS THE HOURS IN! For the last six months, the tiny but prolific voluntary group Wellington H2A has been very busy gearing up for the summer. Here’s what they have spent their evenings and weekends organising, ready for the summer...
Wellington Midsummer Fayre 10th June Wellington Midsummer Fayre takes place on Saturday 10th June, 10am-3pm in the centre of Wellington, with over 40 local food, craft and community stalls, and entertainment in Market Square, All Saints Churchyard and inside the church. Music will come from four choirs, Wellington Brass Band, Odd Socks Folk Band, Nathan Johnson and the Oswestry Street Band, along with the Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris Dancers. Jack the Jester will be wowing crowds with his fire show and Wynndebagge the Minstrel will be playing weird and wonderful instruments from the past. Children can have a go at circus skills throughout the day and bell-ringing between 1-2pm. The event is organised by a H2A volunteers with support from All Saints Church and funding from Wellington Town Council, Wellington Market Company and Parry Carver Solicitors. Free programmes can be picked up at Ken Francis Butchers or viewed online at www.wellingtonsoup. org. They will also be available on the day.
Big Wrockwardine Ceilidh The Big Wrockwardine Ceilidh & Barbecue, 10th June: With the Midsummer Fayre packed away for another year, Wellington H2A hosts it’s annual ‘after show party’ up the road at Wrockwardine Village Hall, with music, dancing, a real ale bar and locallysourced barbecue. Tickets are £10 (£5 for under 16s) available from Ken Francis Butchers or online from www.ticketsource.co.uk.
Wellington Summer Events Guide The volunteers of Wellington H2A have also just launched their 2017 printed guide to what’s going on in the town, including around 40 arts, heritage and community events. Copies are available at shops around the town or view it online at www. wellingtonsoup.org.
Wellington Makers’ Town Project Wellington H2A has launched a brand new website as part of its Makers Town Project, which celebrates the town’s historic and present-day makers - be they craftspeople, food producers, manufacturers or artists. The website features details of things to see and do around the town, including links to walking and cycling guides, information on the town’s markets, and an events calendar listing arts, community and cultural events taking place in the town. The website explores the stories behind the emerging mural trail around the town, and also features a directory and map list over 20 of the town’s modern-day makers - from brewers and butchers to potters and even a carriage-builder. Volunteers have put over 50 hours into creating material for the website - which is still developing - and technical support has come from local web company Runtime UK, funded through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Your High Street Fund. You can see the website at www.madeinwellington.co.uk
Catering returns to The Wrekin
V
ISITORS TO The Wrekin are once again be able to buy hot & cold drinks and snacks! Shropshire Wildlife Trust now runs a mobile catering unit on the site of the old Forest Glen pavilion. The Honeypot Cafe, will be there Thursdays to Sundays, plus Bank Holiday Mondays, from 10am – 4pm initially, serving drinks and snacks. Proceeds will support the work of the Wildlife Trust, a registered charity, particularly around The Wrekin. It is run by Karen Wood from Wellington, Telford, “I’m a regular Wrekin visitor and have often thought there’s a need for some catering. I’ll be offering simple, but good quality snacks that are locally sourced wherever possible,” said Ms Wood. “I’ll also provide maps
and information for visitors on some of the alternative walks on days when The Wrekin is busy. I hope that I’ll be able to make visits even more enjoyable” she continued. The Trust has been careful not to occupy parking spaces with the mobile unit. The Wrekin is a popular destination and can become extremely crowded at weekends. Shropshire Wildlife Trust
Busy time for local Brownies Joanne Martin, Brown Owl from the 1st Wellington Brownies has written to Wrekin News to tell our readers about the excellent work that they have been doing recently after receiving a grant from Wellington Town Council. 1st Wellington Brownies were lucky enough to receive a grant from Wellington Town Council and we have used it learn vital first aid skills with Medic First Training. Brownies were awarded their Medic First Certificate and First Aid Brownie Badges. As part of the training they learnt how to treat burns and scalds, sprains, how to stop bleeding and dress a wound, and how to put some in the recovery position and perform CPR is required. The girls did very well and I am very proud of them. The other part of the grant fund was used to visit the Jackfield Tile Museum and make a tile which we all thoroughly enjoyed. If you would like to join brownies or any of the groups within Girl Guiding UK or are an adult looking to volunteer please visit the website for information at Girl guiding Get Involved www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved
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is holding an opening day on Friday June 16th from 10.30am – everyone is welcome to join us! The Forest Glen pavilion served refreshment to visitors from the 1880s to the 1980s and was finally dismantled and rebuilt at Blists Hill museum in the 1990s. Shropshire Wildlife Trust bought the Forest Glen car park in 2005 and has owned most of The Ercall since 1999.
Art exhibition at Wellington Methodist Church
Pictured clockwise from left: Simi Aich, Beryl Taylor and Dave Morgan
The Art Group at Wellington Methodist Church are once again planning to hold an Art Exhibition of work created by their group members, and as previous years, is also open for local artists to exhibit their work. The exhibition will be held at the Church on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th July, 10am till 4pm each day. If you’re interested in exhibiting work please call Barbara Murray for an Entry Form on 07592 881108 (last date for entry forms to be submitted – 16th June, artwork to be delivered to the Church 4th/5th July). Refreshments will be served at the exhibition on both days and there will be the usual coffee morning on Saturday morning. Do come along to see the display, entrance is free.
04 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 4 News*.indd 1
27/05/2017 10:41
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Local business owners raise charity funds to say a big thank you
Wrekin News Picture Gallery Thank you to friend of the Wrekin News Ross Vickers for sending us some pictures from recent events from around Wellington...
1940s Day Wellington Market
Local business owners, Sue and Barry Deighton, (Choppin Block and Deighton Hair Salons), when faced with the devastating news their three year old granddaughter, Skyla Upton, had been diagnosed with leukemia, were so over whelmed by the support and kindness that was extended to Skyla and the whole family. So much so that this prompted them to give something back, and that they did, by raising £5,500! Skyla has had days of hospitalization and now aged four, though on the road to being fit and well, the treatment is still ongoing. With two charities stepping in to help bring a smile at the hardest times. Make a Wish and Molly Olly’s really did make a difference for Skyla and her family. By raising money from cake sales, raffle tickets, a marathon
hair day, street collections and a secret auction at Shifnal Golf Club. Sue and Barry would like to say a massive thank you to all who helped and took part, especially their staff! Molly Olly’s is a much smaller charity, but makes a big difference to families with emotional support and providing ‘Olly the Brave’ packs to support their journey through the treatment. On top of this they grant ‘wishes’ anything from an iPad to a first flight on a plane. Both charities could not continue without the support of people like Sue and Barry. From putting a few pennies in a collection bucket to arranging fund raising events, every bit is appreciated and put to good use.
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Arleston History and Memories Group announces 2017 annual event date Arleston History and Memories Group will be holding its annual event on 23 September at the Arleston Centre off Kingsland, Wellington. Time will be 11 am until 3 pm. The event will be called 'Curio’s from Yesteryear' and will include exhibits from all previous events, Prince’s Street School, Norah Wellings and Chad Valley factories, old Arleston businesses etc. The group will provide free refreshments including Paddy Ryan’s celebrated pork pies with all sorts of sandwiches and home made cakes, all provided by our willing team of wives (god bless them). We hope to have a wide range of exhibits on show and would like our usual exhibitors to bring their
cars, motor cycles, agricultural implements and anything you have got now. This will be our first show since the residents took over the running of the centre from the council, please help us to make it a huge success. All will be welcome no matter where you come from, we are a friendly bunch, always willing to talk and listen, bring your memories, bring your exhibits and join us for what people have called in the past a great day! For any queries please contact Angela McClements on 01952 380212, Bob Maddox on 01952 401850, Roy Corbett on 01952 247149 and finally Gill or Dave Barnett on 01952 244922. Best wishes Dave Barnett..
06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 06 News.indd 1
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26/05/2017 14:39
George
EVANS GET YOUR BOOTS ON WALKERS LIVE LONGER AND HAPPIER! O
VER the years I have been very fond of walking. Many people, some of them doctors, will tell you that it’s the ideal exercise, not only keeping your body in trim but also stimulating your mind. Best of all it can be extremely good fun. There’s much more to an enjoyable walk than the miles you travel, the height you climb and the time it takes. The faster you go the less you see and enjoy. One day, in my eighties, a chap asked how long it took to
walk up The Wrekin and back. I told him the record was about 25 minutes but I had just taken four hours. He was still puzzled until I explained that he was no more likely to break the record than I was but that I’d had several long chats with friends on the way. An hour is fine. This county is a wonderful, beautiful place to walk – a walker’s paradise. There’s such an amazing variety of possible walks; long, short, crowded, lonely, easy, difficult, gentle, steep, with a wide range of scenery including several thousand years of history and the most varied geology on Earth. We are all different and our ideas of an enjoyable walk are different too – as well as the weather, the scenery and
companions. What really matters when choosing your route for a walk or stroll is what kind you want – we will have it somewhere in Salop. The first really enjoyable walk I remember is when, aged 12, I walked from Admaston to the Ercall wood, past the Forest Glen to Wrockwardine and back home. Next was from Wellington to Church Stretton and most of the way back – 36 miles when I was 15. Later there were route marches in the Army wearing hob nailed boots, some of which I confess were horrible. The last time I climbed The Wrekin was at 89 ½ .That’s not a
The Wrekin’s favourite columnist! 8, 9 George Evans.indd 1
27/05/2017 10:38
The Mount, Wellington... Can you help George? Hello Wrekin News Team I would like to ask George Evans, if he is able to obtain, or direct me to be able to obtain early images of The Mount House (The Mount, Wellington). A lady called Lettice Riddings owned it in 1830’s. An article was written in The Wellingtonia in October 2010, Issue 9. Which is how I learnt of Ms Riddings name. But are there any images please showing off the gardens, entrances, etc? I am involved with The Mount and would really like to make up a ‘something’ for everyone to read about its history, but not just about when it was a work house. Thank you in advance for any assistance that your team, George or your readers maybe able to offer.
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Kind Regards, Donna Stuart record. Now it’s a big adventure to propel my push-chair down to the pub, though I have been about ½ mile on the Attingham mile walk. In between those were thousands of great walks on Shropshire hills and Welsh mountains. Around this area there are lots of people and organisations wanting to give advice about all sorts of walks. Here are some of them and the leaflets they have produced but there are a lot more if you ask around. Wellington Civic Society produced an ‘Historic Town Map’ and ‘Woodland Walks’ by Ross Vickers and myself in the 1970s. Wellington Town Council updated that later in one large leaflet. Then a ‘Walkabout Wrekin’ was produced by ‘Walking for Health’ by Telford and Wrekin Council and the Ramblers with a programme of organised and led walks in the county of The Wrekin. There are Sunday walks by Walkers are Welcome and Wednesdays by Walkabout Wrekin. An excellent conservation organisation called LA 21 have some very fine free leaflets by Marc Petty of local walks and cycle rides; these are of exceptional quality and highly recommended for anyone who likes to study the environment as they go along. Dothill residents have worked hard and achieved recognition of a local nature reserve; their recent leaflet is a fine example of their enthusiasm. Apley Park action group have also earned commendation for their work on what was an overgrown arboretum with three lakes into a most enjoyable place to wander with friends, families and dogs. Some leaflets I found recently were called ‘Wellington 360’. There are 10 walks to Wrockwardine village, Admaston, Dothill, Apley pool and woods, Hadley locks, Leegomery woods, Wrockwardine village stroll, Burcot Row, Alscott, Admaston, Bratton, and Longdon Aqueduct. These are very clear in pointing walkers in the right direction to accomplish the walk but have no information about the fascinating scenery. This seems a pity, though as it’s a guided walk presumably the leader will be able to supply answers from personal knowledge.
Most of the above information can be found at Wellington Town Council offices or any local library. Unfortunately we haven’t any book shops any more. There are also leaflets and books from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, the National Trust and by the organisers of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, of which The Wrekin Forest is also a part. For those wishing to do some more specialist exploration the local organisations representing geologists, archaeologists, historians, ornithologists, naturalists and other scientific studies have periodically produced leaflets, booklets and fully fledged scientific tomes. If there isn’t one to suit you in your own specialism, then why not think about writing your own? It can be a great hobby and fun when it is published. Just don’t expect to make your fortune out of it. Allan Frost has published the beautifully illustrated book, The Wrekin Hill and my own publications include Secrets of The Wrekin Forest, Fern Ticket to the Magic Forest of The Wrekin and recently with a lot of help from my son Paul, A Little Mountain with Many Secrets published by the Royal Geographical Society and also on the web, www. discoveringbritain.org which you can download if you wish. This is part of a series called ‘the stories of our landscapes discovered through walks’. If you want to start walking or to be encouraged to enjoy it, then it’s hardly an expensive pastime. I’d recommend a pair of boots or sensible shoes, a leaflet, Ordinance Survey map or electronic map, a camera and especially a waterproof. Don’t forget to take your brains, especially the bits containing your senses of humour and curiosity; they don’t weigh much but make for a more enjoyable ramble. Although you should obey the ‘Country Code’ that’s no effort if you (and your friends and dogs) respect the beautiful scenery and other people’s rights. If you love The Wrekin as I do there’s no need to always go the easiest way. Above all enjoy it, have fun, don’t overdo anything; be really happy.
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8, 9 George Evans.indd 2
27/05/2017 10:53
YOUR WELLINGTON Bayley Mile
Wellington saw its 21st Bayley Mile take place on Wednesday 17th May 2017.
The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council
Car parking machines The new Wellington car park ticket machines have now been commissioned. Signposting is due to be installed on the 24th May and the legal orders are in force so we are almost ready to go with the new parking regime. Just to remind you that these machines issue FREE tickets for up to three hours. The disabled bays will not need tickets as long as they are displaying their blue badge. Look out for our launch date.
Even a day of rain didn’t dampen spirits and this year 134 runners and saw 6 new records set! List of winners are as follows: UNDER 11 GIRLS 1st – Rosie Kind - Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge 2nd Maya Griffiths – Apley Wood 3rd Ava Kind - Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge UNDER 11 BOYS 1st Charlie Preece – St Georges 2nd Matthew Buckley – Shortwood 3rd Josh Price – Old Hall UNDER 13 GIRLS 1st Charlotte Gilbody – Shrewsbury High School 2nd Megan Davies – Thomas Telford 3rd Libby Veitch – Thomas Telford UNDER 13 BOYS 1st Rueben Crombie – Wrekin College 2nd Nathan Cox – Wrekin College 3rd Luke Richards – Charlton UNDER 15 GIRLS 1st Jess Humphries – Thomas Telford 2nd Amber Gibb – Thomas Telford 3rd Keeley Sargent – Charlton UNDER 15 BOYS 1st Barney Bithell – Thomas Telford 2nd George Glover – Madeley Academy 3rd Josh Coura – Thomas Telford OPEN RACE 1st Ryan Heath – Wolverhampton and Bilston 2nd Asa Dean – Wrekin College 3rd Jo Lee – Wrekin College 1st Georgie Benbow – Wrekin College 2nd Elly Roberts – Shortwood 3rd Tess Sanders – Wrekin College
Whats on in Wellington – forthcoming events Wellington Town Council has now installed chalk boards to inform the public of when the next events are coming up. They can be found under the Market Square Community Clock and outside the civic offices.
NEW MAYOR OF WELLINGTON It is an honour to be elected Mayor of Wellington for the 2017-2018 Civic year. Particularly as my appointment, as the only UKIP Councillor, demonstrates just how well all our Councillors work together for the good of our town without letting Party politics interfere.
Your council is well aware of the problems facing Wellington caused by retail parks tempting customers out of town and the shortage of long-term carparks in the town Centre. On the positive side we have a wonderful market 4.5 days per week and we are attracting good
quality restaurants into our town. We intend to provide more car parking soon and thus encourage more people to visit our attractive, friendly town and enjoy its many social events. Wellington’s future is in good hands. Prepare to enjoy it. Denis Allen, Mayor of Wellington
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News in Brief By-Election results Following the recent vacancies that had occurred in the Arleston Ward and Dothill Ward following the resignations of former Councillors Ralph Perkins and Lisa Tillotson by-elections for these wards were held on Thursday 18 May which resulted in Giles Luter, Labour Party being elected to the Arleston Ward and Lisa Jinks, Conservative Party being elected to the Dothill Ward.
Wellington Environmental Services Team – keep it clean! If you see any areas within Wellington that need litter cleaning attention please call 01952 567697 and report them to the WEST team for action. Let’s keep Wellington clean!
Office opening Wellington Town Council celebrated the official opening of its new offices on Friday 5th May. An event was held to mark the occasion, attended by business people and local dignitaries. The town council was previously based within the Wellington civic and leisure centre but are now opposite vision express and TSB bank, bottom of Walker Street.
PCSO - tackling crime Officers Maximus Jones and Merrick Liston will now be present once a week in Wellingtons Market Square. If you have any local concerns they would like to hear from you.
Arleston Community Centre Arleston Community Centre in St Giles Close, Arleston. It is a very cost effective and friendly venue for: ● Parties for children and adults ● Wedding Receptions/anniversaries/christenings ● Private, Agency and voluntary organisations A six hour party at the weekend costs just £98 for up to 65 guests With free use of the excellent kitchen facilities; And you can bring your own drinks. This allows a very cost effective function. Also in the summer you can open the doors and use the outside community field which has a play area for children. Community groups can hire the small room for only £3.50 per hour and the large hall for £7 per hour. To find out more about this very cost effective Centre: e-mail arlestoncommunity@gmail.com or telephone 01952 380202 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 11
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ADVERTORIAL
News from your hospitals
A Wheelie good time for all the family!
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):
Ensuring the best experience for patients being treated for cancer SaTH hit all of its performance targets for cancer waiting times in 2016/2017. During 2016/17, 85.9% of patients received their first treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral (the target is 85%). GPs referred more than 20,000 patients with a suspected cancer diagnosis to SaTH during 2016/17, with 94.2% of these patients being seen within the two week wait standard of 93%. Furthermore, 95% of patients who required treatment for cancer following referral from a National Screening Programme were treated within the 90%
target, while the majority of patients who needed chemotherapy (98%) or radiotherapy (94%) as a second or subsequent treatment received their treatment within the 31-day decision to treat to treatment target. Dr Sheena Khanduri, Lead Clinician for Cancer Services, said: “We really can’t underestimate what a huge achievement this is. I hope it will reassure anyone referred to our hospitals with a suspected cancer diagnosis that they will receive prompt, effective, patient-centred care from staff who ensure our patients are at the heart of all they do.”
Eye appointment outpatient clinics moving location Eye appointments provided in the Outpatients Department at RSH are moving location. The following services are affected: ● Ophthalmology paediatric outpatient services delivered at Clinic 10 at RSH, including those seen with the Orthoptic service, which will temporarily move to PRH in Telford from 30 May 2017. ● Adult ophthalmology outpatient services provided in Clinic 10 at RSH which will move into a new Eye Department in the Copthorne Building at RSH from 26 June 2017. ● The urgent eye clinic for adults and paediatric patients, which is currently provided in Clinic 10 at RSH, will move into the new Eye Department in the Copthorne Building at RSH from 26 June 2017. The following services are not affected: ● Ophthalmology paediatric operations – these will continue to be provided at PRH. ● Adult ophthalmology services provided at PRH and ICAT at Euston House in Telford. ● Orthoptic outreach clinics for paediatric patients at Newtown, Welshpool, Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Market Drayton and Oswestry. Patients will be informed by letter or when your appointment is booked about where your appointment will take place.
Chief Operating Officer Debbie to retire in December SaTH’s Chief Operating Officer is to retire at the end of the year. Debbie Kadum will step down from her post on 17 December 2017 after five years at SaTH and more than 36 years in the NHS. One of Debbie’s most exciting projects upon retirement will be to start and develop her own vineyard in Croatia, where she has family. Debbie joined SaTH in 2012 from the Countess of Chester Hospital. Before that, Debbie spent 20 years
working at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital near Oswestry. Debbie, who has lived in Shropshire for more than 30 years and who is married with two children and a granddaughter, said: “Although I am excitedly looking forward to the next chapter of my life, I will be very sad to leave SaTH and the NHS. “The work has been challenging at times, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Trust and wish everybody all the best for what promises to be a very exciting future.”
Final details are being sorted for one of Wellington’s biggest events of the year –Lions Day on Wheels in Bowring Park. For 20 years the Lions Club of Telford have organised this free day out for the people of Wellington, this year it will be on Sunday 9 July 11am to 4pm. As the title suggests wheels play a big part and the day is built around an exhibition of classic cars and other motor vehicles. There is something for all tastes - some wonderful older cars on display, new cars exhibited by local car dealers, military vehicles and modern vehicles from the emergency services which always attract the children. Other unusual vehicles are expected too. A great day out starts with the opportunity to win a set of wheels with a bike as the lucky programme prize. There will be lots of entertainment in the arena including a dog show. A free circus skills workshop will run all day giving children a chance to have a go at a range of activities. There will be fairground rides, face painting and sideshows too. A wide variety of food and craft stalls will be offering their wares and many local charities will be raising funds for their cause. Lion President Jean Wordsworth said: “In the 1990s the event started out as a way of providing a fun day out for local people and has grown so that now, in addition, each year thousands of pounds are raised by and for a range of local charities. We hope this year will continue that tradition.” Call 08458339585 for more details.
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26/05/2017 20:06
MOUNT KILIMANJARO r e h t o n a t s u j s ’ “It ” ? t h g i r , y a d holi
Wellington adventurers Anthony Nicholls and Stuart Richards set off on their latest epic adventure, this time accompanied by Stuart’s brother Gary and partner Jo as they took on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
“If you read about our ascent of Mont Blanc in Wrekin News last year, thank you, I hope you enjoyed it. It was good to do as it gives us a written reminder of the ups and downs we encountered. Many thanks to James and the team for publishing it, and all the nice feedback Stuart and I have received since. If you did read it you may remember that Stuart is partially sighted and registered blind, and was very pleased when Jo (a mutual friend) asked if tales of his adventures could be used and quoted to inspire blind and partially sighted children in the area with whom she works.”
I
N AN effort to find out if people meant what they said and weren’t merely being nice to us before Christmas, we decided to share our recent African Adventure. In the previous article I mentioned climbing Kilimanjaro as a future possibility, it became a reality but only just! We will get to why it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in a bit. We’re also planning to climb the Matterhorn, so last December in an effort to gain experience and challenge ourselves, we had a sea cliff climbing day on Anglesey. Very ably guided by Karl Smith from Newport Rock indoor climbing centre, and having
from below unable to see a hand or foothold to guide Stuart to as I had done a couple of times for the first 8-10 metres. However Karl expertly having chosen pitches to stretch Stuart but not leave him defeated should be applauded as no sooner had Stuart swiftly moved an arm and a leg he was on a firm footing providing a breather to compose himself A reli eved Ton y an d Stu art aft er a tra ini ng clim b and continue. His heart now pounding and senses heightened by adrenaline he scaled confidently, skill fully driven by the will to succeed to Karl at the top of picked a glorious day of to be clinging to a rocky the pitch. When I reached the same point as where sun trap, we abseiled 70 metres till we were on Stuart had a moment of unease I realised why, I a ledge just above the sea; on South Stack near could see that this was the crux of the pitch with the most westerly point of the Island. We climbed very few hand and footholds. I managed it but am and abseiled several pitches which at least once in awe of Stuart who whilst perched on little but thin took Stuart a little out of his surprisingly extensive air, and ledges as wide as my toast for breakfast comfort zone. A concerned call of “HAVE YOU was thick, had found the courage to grasp into the GOT ME?” From Stuart to Karl who was belaying unknown hoping to find good purchase to haul many metres above was met with a very calm himself up and managed it. Bravo I remember and necessarily reassuring reply of “I’ve got you, thinking as I too pushed and pulled my way up you’re doing fine” It was obvious from Stuart’s tone this fabulous crag feeling lucky to share this great that he thought he was definately not okay but experience with such cracking company. the dead calm of Karl seemed to quell the fear in Stuart suggested climbing Kilimanjaro as our Stuart’s mind and he scrabbled for the next hand next “holiday” mmm. The usual online research or foothold that may take him from his currently ensues. It’s a sizeable dormant volcano, its last small and increasingly sweaty points of purchase recorded volcanic activity was around 200 years to something a little more stable. I was watching
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Karl Smith from Newport Rock Indoor Climbing Centre dropping rope
Th e sun set s on a perfect da y’s
trai nin g in An gle sey
ascent I didn’t deviate from my usual regime of work and the odd wander up the Wrekin. Stuart on the other hand is a keen indoor rower, runs regularly and attends a weekly circuit training group, which surely can’t do any harm! From the moment it was booked Gary became abstemious and Jo cut down her smoking and drinking to compliment their training which included carrying rucksacks of bricks, climbing the Wrekin regularly, the Stretton Hills and Snowdon. It’s generally accepted that fitness bears no relation to how the effects of altitude are dealt with by your body, there is a school of thought that smokers suffer less because their body already manages in an impeded supply of air, perhaps we all should have started smoking. The best way for your body to cope as many of you’ll know is to acclimatise. This takes time to achieve, more time than we had, but the Machame route is favoured for it’s high climb in the day and sleep low at night which is the quickest and best acclimatisation ritual. We had four days of this on the mountain before the final 7-8 hour push for the summit starting around midnight at the end of day four, followed by about two and a half to three hours down. Ideally one would spend at least two weeks acclimatising; maybe next
ago. It’s the highest point of the African continent making it one of the seven summits of the Earth rising 16,732 feet or 5,100 metres From the surrounding Plains of Tanzania. The highest point, “Uhuru peak” which is the Swahili word for independence, and was so named after the end of British colonial rule in 1961 reaches a literally dizzying height of 19,341 feet or 5,895 metres above mean sea level. Mont Blanc in comparison is a mere 15,774 or 4,808 metres. Put another way, if you add nearly the height of mount Snowdon on top of the highest point of the Alps you’re there! There’s nothing technical about this ascent so it’s just a walk in the park, that is until the combined effects of continually lowering air pressure and temperature take their toll on your body and enthusiasm. What got us through it then? It was just as much a case of who. I booked online with an outstanding company called Popote through an equally expert third party called Alien ADV. The Popote team not only guided us expertly, safely, and with great cheer and spirit up to the highest point of Africa but I now regard several of the 20 man team and Sabino the owner of the company as new found friends. Stuart’s brother Gary and his partner Jo were inspired and jealous of our French Alps escapade and decided to join us for the Kilimanjaro attempt. Pallav of Alien ADV promptly replied to my email at 9.15pm and I paid the 12% deposit via a secure link. I was a bit dubious sending money for four of us to a company I’d only researched a bit online. You’re never quite sure if some of these companies and their reviews are legitimate or trustworthy. We had a bad experience with the company and guide for our Mont Blanc trip and they were a well respected British company. Popote were different altogether, lovely people, eager to please, and earning a lot less than their European equivalent, worked day and into the night several times in tent trashing weather ensuring their clients were always well nourished, hydrated, comfortable, at ease, safe and happy. I can’t say I did much training for Mont Blanc, I’m very lucky to have a physical job standing on my feet all day and I don’t tend to put weight on so I winged it and got to the top. Bearing this in mind the six day Machame (pronounced matchamee) route up Kilimanjaro is much less physically demanding in terms of fitness than Mont Blanc, so apart from a one- off where Stuart and I met at midnight and walked the Wrekin, Ercall View from the plane of seemingly and Maddock’s Hill till 4am then went to work in an effort to emulate the last leg of
endless African plains
time! Marginal gains are popular in sport these days and this trip was no exception, the sleep low idea is taken even further by sleeping one inch from the stony ground in a tent! I regularly camp throughout the year so this didn’t bother me, but I’m sure four nights in a tent in below freezing temperatures isn’t a part of the excursion that aids the likelihood of success for most people. I left work at 4.30 on Friday the 10 of February with two large rucksacks and my trusty manbag and walked the 200 metres to Wellington railway station to catch the 4.46 to Birmingham International. I could see Mick and Edna, (Stuart and Gary’s parents) but not Stuart, Gary or Jo. Normally I’m the late one but they soon appeared. Stuart had much less luggage than me, Gary and Jo even less than that! They had a medium rucksack each, which was easily half the volume I had, and they were staying an extra week for a safari! I was pretty sure all I had was everything on the list sent from Popote plus a few spares, but the size of my bags said differently. We were warned that hold bags often get lost or delayed on this journey so we all had essentials in our carry on luggage and wore our walking boots just in case. Gary and Jo were glad of my very large rucksack as their walking poles didn’t fit in their bags so we squeezed them in mine. Thankfully my bag didn’t go missing, Stuart’s did! An evening flight took us to Dubai followed by a morning flight then from the land of the worlds tallest building, gleaming in the sunshine to the land of the worlds tallest freestanding mountain basking in the same sun, yet seeming defiant of it with it’s large glaciers visible from many miles away. Kilimanjaro sits a mere three degrees from the equator which due to the time of year meant the sun was almost directly above us. Although the snows of Kilimanjaro are world famous, climate change has lessened them significantly leaving the glaciers as the only constant visual reminder to the onlooker of how cold it is at that altitude despite it’s latitude. Continued on page 16 > www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 15
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MOUNT Let us help you discover KILIMANJARO your family history
W
E HAVE recently completed a family tree for a customer whose family roots are in the Black Country. We discovered her grandmother was in a children’s home, along with three brothers; an old map showed us that the home was in the country at that time, although today the site is in the town. Our customer had no idea her beloved grandmother had had such an unsettled start in life. This is the feedback that our customer has agreed we can publish: “I was absolutely amazed at how much detail Family Ties had managed to find, given the tiny amount of initial information they had to go on - my Family Tree was given to me by a work colleague as a surprise retirement present. All the information was presented very professionally and included explanations of the resources used to trace my ancestors. This was particularly interesting and useful for someone like me who would not have had a clue how and where to start searching.” I felt that they had taken a personal interest in my family history and I loved the additional comments they made e.g. ‘there is one sad note to your family tree’, ‘you may have family information or papers that solve this mystery’. There were numerous footnotes giving additional and valuable insights into my family.” It has been a wonderful and fascinating experience sharing our family’s history with other family members, from my 24 year old nephew to my 80 year old aunt.” I urge anyone who is thinking about tracing their family tree to go ahead and get it done and I cannot recommend Family Ties highly enough. They did such a fantastic job of producing such a precious gift that it reduced me to tears. It will be treasured by my family for generations to come.” Let us help you discover your family history. Contact us via our website, or give us a call.
Family Ties Genealogy We are family history researchers with a joint 50 years experience. As we are located in Shropshire, we have easy access to local Shropshire records, which are not online, located at Shropshire Archives, and in our local libraries, for those looking to research parish records and records pre 1837.
“It’s just another holiday. . . right?” > Continued from page 15
The third and final flight was a one hour trip southwards from Nairobi Kenya, to Kilimanjaro airport taking us between Mount Meru in Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro. Gary remarked on how our cruising altitude of 17,000 feet was nearly two and a half thousand feet lower than we’d be walking to in five days time. We landed at about 6pm Saturday Tanzania time at the very small airport amid a room the size of Wellington library, in a daze that long haul flight travellers know well, Jo had mislaid her mother’s insulated jacket lent to her for the journey, and we were soon to discover that Stuart’s bag had been mislaid by baggage handlers at some point in the previous 22 hours. This realisation was soon overshadowed by a concerned operative of the xray security scanner. The humourless gentleman hiding well any airs and graces he may have, wanted to know what was in my bag. “Walking poles” said I, he counted them for me. He couldn’t say six in English but illustrated with his fingers and conveyed an expression of confusion and disgruntlement at why I should have so many. I acted out walking with an imaginary pair of poles, repeated Kilimanjaro a few times and pointed to Jo and Gary who’s poles they were. “Their bags are too small for poles,” this didn’t solve the problem for him. He’d started something and couldn’t have it solved with such a quick and easy explanation. Meanwhile on the other side of the room Gary and Jo were busy helping Stuart provide the paperwork and barcodes that would hopefully help someone locate his missing case. I offered to open my case but that was met with a shake of a head and a point to suggest he wanted to check the poles indeed belonged to my companions. Then he asked which company I
was with and gestured I should go and fetch the person assigned to pick us up. I duly did but as I walked back in with our driver he was almost lynched by another guard asking why he was accompanying me back in the airport. It took several minutes of me explaining to our driver, who relayed to the guard in a most humble way often gesturing praying hands and apologising profusely, who wasn’t looking at all convinced, to be allowed to reproach the x-ray operative to make our case. We accepted our scalding humbly, and left his presence as you would leaving the headmaster’s office after a detention. I was joined by Stuart, Gary and Jo at this point and rapidly but quietly brought them up to speed whilst the poor driver still probably recovering from his rollocking from the door guard. He then answered what seemed a lengthy interrogation almost culminating in a smile from the x-ray man. All in all it took about 40 minutes of bored people exercising a little power to ensure we felt even more drained, but hey! That’s travelling and all part of the experience. Look where we are guys, we’re in Africa! It was a beautiful warm evening, the driver had a large bottle of chilled water for us each and drove us the hour to our lovely hotel. We had a briefing shortly after arrival from two of our guides Ohmar, Dickson and company owner Sabino who then checked our gear for suitability and completeness. They listed everything we didn’t have that they thought was needed and brought it the next morning when they picked us up. The roof top bar of the hotel had a stunning view of Kilimanjaro and we marvelled at it before our breakfast that morning, I was feeling the same nervous excitement I had before my first ascent of Snowdon over 25 years ago.
● We offer a selection of packages ● We also undertake research at an hourly rate. ● Your package can be tailored to suit most pockets. ● We can assist you, on a one to one basis, if your research has hit a brickwall. ● See our website for details, or give us a call.
Telephone: 01952 303091 (until 9pm, 7days) Email: enquiry@familytiesgenealogy.co.uk
Family Ties Genealogy (DRS), 13 Victoria Road, Shifnal, TF11 8AF
www.familytiesgenealogy.co.uk
Gary and Jo size up Kilimanjaro from the roof of our hotel To be continued in our next issue (July, 219) . . .
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Dea r Editor . . .
Letters
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL MEMO RIES AND PICTURES THROUGH THE MOST POPULAR PAGES OF THE WREKIN NEWS
Wellington Gas Works pictured circa 1930s
Wellington Gas Works pictured Regular contributor to the letters pages Hayley Easthope visited the office last month with two wonderful pictures of the former Wellington gas works.
H
AYLEY’S grandfather, Harry Scott, born in 1891 was the son of a coachman who worked for Mr Clay at Donnerville Hall. Residing in Donnerville Cottage in Admaston, Harry didn’t follow in his fathers footsteps and chose not to work at the Hall, instead he took a job working at the coalyard. When the First World War broke out Harry was aged 27, he joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI) and was the far left deployed to the frontline. r is pictured on Hayley’s fathe colleagues his of me He survived fierce fighting in France and with so is picture th (wearing a cap) s ve lie be . Hayley also fought the Turks at Salonica on the at the gas works in the early to mid-fifties. was taken Macedonian Front. Whilst fighting in France Harry was the victim of a mustard gas attack, he survied the inital attack but the effect of the mustard gas on Harry’s lungs would play a significant part in his untimely death from lung cancer in 1956. Returning from the war, Harry took employment as a stoker at the Wellington Gas Works. He worked his way up through the ranks of the workforce and was soon rewarded for his efforts and made works Foreman. Harry retired from the works in 1956 and sadly passed away in 1960. Harry is pictured on the left of the first picture, he is wearing a hat and Hayley believes this picture was taken towards the end of his empolyment at the gas works so could be dated in the mid-1950’s. The other picture is a wonderful snapshot of how the gas works used to look in the 1930’s. You can just about see the mounds of coal on the left and the men at work on the right-hand side. Harry’s son Frederick Scott (Hayley’s father) spent most of his working life as a motor mechanic and some of our readers might remember Frederick from his time working at Pearce’s Garage in Wellington. Just like his father before him, Frederick also served in the armed forces and in 1943 he was conscripted to join the newly formed unit of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). Frederick’s vehicle mechanic skills were of high value to the Allied cause and he was put to good service in Egypt. Hayley has some more photographs to share with us all next month including some pictures of her father Frederick serving in Egypt.
Hayley’s grandfa ther Frederick worked as a co achman at Donn who erville Hall
Hayley also found this servic e sheet from the funeral of Joseph Clay from Donnerville Hall
Hayley’s father Frederick Scott pictured in his uniform.
WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!
For 16 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
www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 17
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Wellington History Group
Mrs Moore’s Soldiers’ home
W
E GET many queries about Wellington’s past, but not all relate to ‘our’ Wellington. This postcard of Mrs. Moore’s Soldiers’ Home, Wellington, is often sold on eBay and sellers say that it’s of Wellington in Shropshire. Prospective buyers, like the sellers, don’t do any research and are disappointed to discover they’ve wasted money on a card which has no local connection. Our magazine editor, to prevent further misunderstanding has delved into the history of this card and made some fascinating discoveries.
World War One legacy
M
Effects back home
100 Years On ANY people will have seen, in the last couple of years, parades and memorial services marking 100 years since the start of The Great War or World War One as it is often called. In addition, the major battles in which there was so much loss of life, have been remembered. The Battle of the Somme which commenced 1 July 1916 and finished on 18 November causes over 420,000 casualties of which 19,240 were killed on the first day. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele fought between 31 July and 6 November 1917 we grapple to comprehend the magnitude of the losses – in this case over 276,000. By the end of the war almost no family escaped the grief of losing a husband, father, son, fiancé, uncle, cousin or friend. Over 5,700,000 men from the British Isles had been mobilised of whom some 750,000 were killed or died and 1,643,000 were wounded.
Early days
To begin with, the photograph has nothing to do with Wellington in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Somerset or, in fact anywhere in Britain. So, where is it from? The answers to this and articles covering aspects of our town’s history are to be found in the latest issue (22) of our ‘Wellingtonia’ magazine which will be available at our stall in All Saints churchyard at the Midsummer Fayre on Saturday 10th June. There will also be a range of books and historic memorabilia, including reproduction maps, mugs, etc., at the Fayre and our public talks. Also on the History Group stall will be the latest book by Allan Frost in his series covering twenty-year periods of Wellington images during the twentieth century: ‘Wellington in the 1980s and 1990s’, published by Wrekin Books at a retail price of £12.99 … but at a special reduced price at the Fayre. If all this isn’t enough, you must pay a visit to our web site at https:// wellingtonhistorygroup.wordpress. com/ where you’ll find a variety of free-to-download magazines and books, under the Publications tab. If you have any comments or queries, please email Chairman Geoff Harrison ghdl19768@blueyonder.co.uk
The initial patriotic fervour saw a large number of men flock to the recruitment centres throughout the land. They were encouraged to sign up by their families and friends. However the realities, of a war that for the first time had more casualties caused by enemy action than disease, began to trickle back home. Letters from the front put a brave face on the conditions endured but casualty lists of killed and wounded, men on leave, wounded men returning to hospitals and the increasing demands for more re-enforcements served to bring home the grim realities of what was happening on the battlefields. By 1916 the supply of volunteers had all but disappeared and so the government brought in conscription to access more of the nation’s manpower. The logistic demands of keeping millions of men fed, equipped, armed and tended was an increasing burden upon the resources of the country.
Government controls In order to harness and direct the war effort, the government increasingly imposed measures to meet the demands of food production, rationing, energy consumption, manufacturing (especially munitions) and movement of goods including shipping. New government departments and ministries were created with a consequential great increase in civil servants. The government enacted a series of measures under The Defence of the Realm Act (DORA), first in 1914 and again in 1915 and 1916.Some may appear petty and mean today but they had justification then: No-one was allowed to buy binoculars, buy a round of drinks in a public house, give bread to chickens or talk about military matters in public. Two thirds of the nation’s workforce was subject to government regulations.
Food Food was a great issue. By 1917 food reserves were down to three weeks. Butchers were only open two full and two half days a week with reduced stock. County War Agriculture Committees were not always effective in controlling shortages so central government stepped in under the Ministry of Food with further edicts including: No hoarding, no sugar in scones, no ornamental cake or bun to be made. Sugar rationing came into effect in 1918. Communities were encouraged to increase potato production to prevent shortages of bread made from potato flour. But farmers were suffering from a
Is pleased to announce
A free-to-attend illustrated talk by
Allan Frost
7:30p.m. on Wednesday 21st June 2017 in Wellington Library. Admittance is free but donations in support of Wellington History Group are welcome.
18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 17, 18, 19 Letters.indd 2
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Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 shortage of manpower and even horses as conscription and requisitions emptied the fields of agricultural labourers and plough horses. Even getting in the annual harvest became a real problem. In 1917 the Women’s Land Army was established to ease the chronic shortage of farm workers. Women were becoming more involved and an indispensable part of the nation’s workforce. Women in the workplace Against the backdrop of the Suffragette Movement which demanded a greater say and the Vote, the war saw women answering the call to support their menfolk in their hour of need. Women became essential to maintaining output in munitions factories, providing nurses at the front, office staff and many other occupations previously closed to them. They played an important role in raising money for the war effort and in voluntary work, which provided to soldiers 1,574,000 pairs of mittens, 12,250,000 bandages, 16,000,000 books and 232,600,000 cigarettes. Increasingly though, their role in the home became even more crucial where finding food to feed a family became a relentless struggle. Their role of breadwinner gave them a collective voice
in society and an increased standing in the family which was not without strain as men returned from the war.
Changing Times Some businesses could not survive the stripping out of their workforce. Small businesses were especially vulnerable to losing men with key skills and expertise. Those without the capability to adapt to changing customer demands withered when faced with others who embraced change.
The Aftermath Reminders of the horrors of war were visible for years to come. Death was not the only human sacrifice. In 1922 over 900,000 war pensions were being paid to those who suffered lasting consequences of the war. In 1928, there were 48 special mental hospitals looking after 60,000 sufferers of shell-shock. The losses in families, challenges in personal relationships and inadequate staffing in nearly every local and national institution were to be felt for years. Low taxation which was some 6% in 1914 rose to 25% in 1918. National debt was 4 times the 1914 figure by the end of the war and continued to rise. The immediate post war burden upon the landed estates and their country squires resulted in a stock remark in 1919 that ‘England is changing hands’. And yet the aristocracy had been in the thick of combat. In the first year of war, six peers, sixteen baronets, six knights
and 84 sons of knights had lost their lives in battle. The breakdown of class in the face of a common threat at the front was irreversible. However the psychological gap between politicians and generals persisted with soldiers and sailors having little confidence in either. Britain became more democratic. Women and the working class became better organised and more powerful. But the growth of ‘white collar’ jobs saw a decline in numbers employed in traditional working class industries. Ship building, steel production and coal contracted despite Britain having lost 40% of its merchant fleet. Manufacturing fell while US increased its by 22% and Japan by 79% between 1913 and 1920.Politicians began to talk about ‘reconstruction’; of a changing society and of ‘a country fit for heroes. The latter failed to materialise due to debt serving and deflation. However, living standards and productivity levels generally improved. As a result of the ‘War to end all wars’ Britain and its people were all affected and it changed the nation and every family that lived within it. While some changes were bad, others were beneficial. The indisputable fact is that it changed us as a nation and its impact remains with us now. Acknowledgements: Women of Britain say go © IWM (Art.IWM PST 2763) QMAAC needs © IWM (Art.IWM PST 13167)
www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19
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Health & Wellbeing In later years . . . A special Wrekin News feature full of tips and advice for those in our community who are in their later years but wish to stay active with a healthy mind and body.
Top tips for staying sharp as you get older
W
E KNOW that looking after our physical health is important to ageing well. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that we can look after our brain health too. Losing thinking skills is among most people’s greatest fears about growing older. The good news is that more evidence is emerging on what helps to protect our brains and thinking skills as we age. ● Keep active Get moving throughout the day and do physical exercises and activities that you enjoy – or try new ones. ● Don’t smoke Smoking is linked with having a thinner cortex, the brain’s outer layer that is crucial for thinking skills. ● Have regular check-ups Have check-ups to see if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. These conditions are associated with higher risk of decline in thinking skills. ● Eat a healthy diet Eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, beans and cereals; moderate in fish, dairy products and wine; and limited in red meat and poultry. ● Maintain a healthy weight Manage your weight through healthy eating and physical activity. Being overweight may be a risk factor for accelerated decline in thinking skills. ● Take up a new activity New activities might help improve thinking skills in later life as they challenge us in new ways. Many older people take up volunteering once they retire. ● Look after your sleep Aim for an average of seven to eight hours sleep a day as this amount is related to better brain and physical health in older age. ● Learn another language Learning and using more than one language is linked with better thinking skills in later life. And it’s never too late to start – if anything, the benefits of speaking multiple languages might increase with age.
Stay Sharp with Age UK Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is a local charity which supports local older people. We have a range of services to support people in later life such as our Help at Home service, free information and advice on a range of issues, Day Centres, Dementia Drop Ins, Benefits Advice, Befriending and lunch clubs. Our Living Well activities such as walking and reading groups, exercise classes and walking football help to keep you physically and mentally active whilst also providing a chance to meet friends. We also have a wide range of volunteering opportunities. To find out about more about the services or volunteering opportunities available at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, ring us on 01743 233123 or go to www.ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford/
Lake View Residential Care Home offering residential and dementia care At Sanctuary Care we support our residents to live happy and contented lives full of wonderful experiences. Our dedicated and caring team offers care with kindness, providing quality residential and dementia care in the comfort of delightful surroundings. Our welcoming care home includes spacious bedrooms, lounge and dining areas where our residents enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, along with landscaped gardens and a hairdressing salon.
Invitation to C Home Open Daare y
Friday 16 June 10am to noon and 2pm to 4p We will be wel m coming the loca l community to summer garden a vintage party as part of The annual ev Care Home Op ent, which is in en Day. its fifth year, in into care homes vites the public to help forge lasting links be and their local tween residen communities. Jo ts in us and meet residents as w e host a range our staff and of free activities with musical en for all the fam tertainment an ily, d an assortmen of refreshments t available. We look forwar d to meeting yo u.
Brookside Aven ue, Brookside,Te lford, Shropshi re TF3 1LB Tel:
01952 594 11 0
20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 20, 22, 26, Wellbeing Feature.indd 1
27/05/2017 11:00
‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’
Lake View Residential Care Home Residential
Care Ho m Open D e ay Fr iday 16
June 10am to noon an d 2pm to 4pm
Dementia
Our dedicated team offers care with kindness, supporting residents to live happy and contented lives full of wonderful experiences. Join us at our Care Home Open Day Vintage Summer Garden Party with entertainment, sandwiches, mouth-watering cakes and refreshments available.
Tel: 01952 594 110
Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, TF3 1LB
www.sanctuary-care.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 21
21 Adverts.indd 1
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Health & Wellbeing In later years . . .
Do you know a relative or friend that may need a Meals-on-Wheels service?
A special Wrekin News feature full of tips and advice for those in our community who are in their later years but wish to stay active with a healthy mind and body.
It’s never too late to start a fitness programme with Gymophobics!
Community Meals
Call ICare Community Meals
to try a complimentary meal and sweet!
01889 584444 0845 604 1125
www.icarecuisine.co.uk | www.icaregroup.co.uk
Remember years ago when people were told they were ‘past it’ once they got to 50 and were supposed to slow down and take things easy? How times have changed! Today we have a totally new philosophy about the ageing process with an active lifestyle being encouraged at any age and studies showing that strength, mobility and fitness can be improved no matter what our age may be. At Gymophobics roughly half of our members are aged 50 plus with some in their 80’s and at least three ladies in their 90’s! The key to slowing down the ageing process is to bombard the cells with nutrients and a sensible exercise regime that promotes blood circulation is the way to do this. Exercise at any age prevents muscle loss, increases oxygen transportation to the muscles which boosts energy and increases joint mobility. We are all well aware of the role that exercise can play in maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease and diabetes
and nowhere is this more relevant than in the older age group. In fact a recent study showed that it is never too late to start a fitness programme and that the over 50’s actually gain more from exercise than younger people! At Gymophobics our Instructors are highly trained at our National Training Academy in Stafford. They study all aspects of anatomy, physiology and nutrition which means that they can prescribe a personalised programme of exercise and diet for each member regardless of their age. Most ladies lose a dress size in the first few weeks and report that they sleep more soundly too. Typically, older members see reductions in blood pressure, BMI and resting heart rate and sufferers with back pain report that it is relieved. Non exercisers should always check their suitability to commence exercise with their GP. For further information on Health in the Elderly, contact Gymophobics on 01952 872150 or visit : www. gymophobics.co.uk/Telford
Help at Hand - helping to make things easier for you!
Make your home life easier We offer a range of household tasks to make your home life easier. If you think we can help you, a family member or neighbour ask us for a quote. We are flexible and available as long as you need us for at least an hour a week.
Choose the services to suit you
| Food shopping | Visiting | Washing and ironing | | General cleaning | Cleaning internal windows | | Making and changing beds |
01952 380924 (office hours) email helpathand@telford.gov.uk
A
RE YOU struggling with a mountain of ironing or maybe you have a friend or relative who would be grateful for a little assistance. Is it difficult getting out of the house to pick up your prescription? Then help is at hand! Help at Hand run by Cleaning Services team within Telford & Wrekin Council provides a number of friendly, reliable and professional services within your own home to make things easier for you. Help at Hand provides a flexible service where you can choose the services which would benefit you the most from food shopping, washing and ironing to general cleaning and more.
What are the benefits of using Help at Hand? l We can help you to live independently at home l The same support worker will be sent each time unless they are sick or on holiday – then cover will be provided l The security of knowing all workers are DBS checked, fully insured and fully trained l You can use the service for a long as you need with a minimum of 1 hour per week – no contract required l We can provide the service on a weekly or fortnightly basis depending on your needs We even offer a “Home from Hospital” service which helps you to settle back into your home by helping you out with tasks. Contact our helpful team today to find out more on 01952 380924 or email: helpathand@telford.gov.uk
22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 20, 22, 26, Wellbeing Feature.indd 2
27/05/2017 10:42
WARNING!
Joining US this June WILL drastically improve your health!!
Join in June for FREE!*July
Achieve the f igure y ou deser ve! Telford
56 MARKET STREET · WELLINGTON TELFORD · SHROPSHIRE TF1 1DT Tel: (01952) 872150 email: telford@gymophobics.co.uk
Results may vary and are dependant on attendance and physiological make up. Weight loss is achieved in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet.
Gymophobics Full Page Advert.indd 1
26/05/2017 14:18
Telford care home reveals summer events R ESIDENTS at a Telford care home are in for a busy summer with a packed schedule of fun and fundraising events. Lightmoor View in Telford will host a series of activities including dementia awareness training and a nostalgic trip back in time between June and September. The 75-bed home, one of 14 homes in the county operated by Coverage Care, specifically caters for older people with dementia. Last month, during Dementia Awareness Week, Lightmoor View hosted a Dementia Friends information session and afternoon tea on May 20. The Dementia Friends programme, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about the condition. The charity wants there to be four million Dementia Friends with the know-how to help people with dementia feel understood and included in their community. On June 24 and 25, there will be a 1940s Memories Weekend with activities from 1.30pm to 5.30pm each day including games, entertainment, cake stall, make stall, lucky dip, tombola, raffle and afternoon tea, all on a theme from the decade. And two of the home’s activities co-ordinators Georgina Bedding and Jenni Ellis will take part in a fundraising 5.5km Memory Walk in Sutton Park, Birmingham, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society on September 16.
Easter bonnet creations and cake baking during recent Easter weekend celebrations, some of the many activities at Lightmoor View in Telford. Home manager Diana Wall said: “As a home that caters specifically for people with dementia, raising awareness of the condition and getting involved in fundraising activities to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Society is something we all feel passionately about. “The 1940s weekend will be a great way to spark some memories for our residents and their friends and family and raise funds to support our activities programme.” Advance tickets for the 1940s Memories Weekend can be bought by contacting 01952 432412. To learn more about Coverage Care and its work in Shropshire, visit www.coveragecareservices.co.uk.
Discover near you
Making care a positive and rewarding choice Coverage Care – a not for profit, multi award winning organisation with care services throughout the region – improving the lives of those using our services by providing quality, innovative and inclusive care that respects the individual.
locations to feel at home.
Lightmoor View Telford Tel: 01952 432 412
Barclay Gardens Donnington Tel: 01952 605 321
Farcroft Wellington Tel: 01952 223 447
Cottage Christian Newport Tel: 01952 825 557
24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk Coverage Care page.indd 1
26/05/2017 14:17
Stylish apartments for the over 55s
C
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Withywood
The Coppice
Ashwood
Shrewsbury
Bicton
Oswestry
Our rented ShireLiving apartments offer peace of mind and security for those looking to enjoy a hassle free retirement. Our restaurants, lounges and landscaped gardens offer space for relaxation and socialising. 24-hour staff offer flexible care and support.
www.shireliving.co.uk l 0800 0232244 l info@shireliving.co.uk For job opportunities visit www.shireliving.co.uk ShireLiving is a partnership between The Wrekin Housing Trust and Choices 25 Adverts.indd 1
26/05/2017 14:22
Transform your loft into a well-lit accessible space with RevalaSpace
And Make It Work For You FREE SPACE CREATION TIPS
£299 We will fit you a loft ladder and hatch, flooring and lighting in less than a day
BEFORE You already have the space we make it usable!
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Call for a free quote 01952 426099
www.revealaspace.co.uk
As we get older and we walk up the stairs wondering if the creaking noise is our knees or the floorboards, with a sense of dread after finally giving in to the numerous requests to “get the suitcases down from the loft”. Why didn’t we follow through on our self-promise from our last visit to get a sturdy loft ladder fitted for easy access? Once again we are risking our neck: hoisting our self like a gymnast on parallel bars, tightrope walking across the beams and the voice below encouraging you not to put your foot through the ceiling! The suitcases will be at the back or buried beneath a dirty dusty pile. Then, once we’ve found them, we’ve got to get back down and there’s that awful feeling as our legs dangle through the hatch, past the point of no return, adrenaline pumping and sweaty palms as we try to find the ladder with our toes. It doesn’t have to be this way. We at RevealaSpace get lots of calls from customers because they’ve decided their gymnast days are over or worse, they’re bruised from tumbling off a poorly balanced step ladder. We specialise in the lowest cost way of transforming your loft into a well-lit, easily accessible and boarded storage space.
Give us a call today - Tel: 01952 426099 Website: revealaspace.co.uk - Email: sales@revealaspace.co.uk
26 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 20, 22, 26, Wellbeing Feature.indd 3
26/05/2017 16:40
Health & Wellbeing In later years . . . A special Wrekin News feature full of tips and advice for those in our community who are in their later years but wish to stay active with a healthy mind and body.
Could WATCH increase your independence?
W
ATCH offers peace of mind and help when needed. The service is about independence and can benefit individuals, couples or families that are looking towards technology to enhance this. WATCH is ideal for people with disabilities, medical restrictions, life-limiting conditions and vulnerabilities. The alarm simply connects to a phone line and is operated by the touch of a button, via a pendant worn around the neck or wrist. A powerful microphone on the alarm unit means that help can be called from anywhere in and around the property. Customer, Miss Egan explains: “I’m epileptic and with my WATCH alarm I know that if I have a fit my mum will be called or a paramedic can get in if necessary. means I can14:28:43 live Wrekin NewsThis NEW 17.pdf 1 that 31/03/2017 independently with my little boy.”
WATCH has recently received accreditation from the TSA (Telecare Services Association). The Code of Practice aims to put service users at the heart of their standards and compliance with these standards provides real assurance to WATCH’s users that they are delivering quality in what is otherwise a largely unregulated industry. Emma Dickenson, Service Manager says,” We’re thrilled to receive accreditation from TSA. It shows that we can meet their standards and innovate while continuing to place our customers at the heart of everything we do. In addition to our telephone alarm our users in Telford can also benefit from a Mobile Response Officer Service. This is very popular with people who don’t have friends and family nearby.” For more information and a free demonstration contact Sarah Martin on 01952 217151 or email enquiries@watchalarms.co.uk
27 WEST CASTLE ST, BRIDGNORTH, WV16 4AD
6-10 HAYGATE ROAD WELLINGTON, TF1 1QA
01746 764334 01952 253522 ‘Yo
ur life loca ala line l se rm rvi ce ’
Independence and peace of mind at the touch of a button C
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A WATCH lifeline pendant alarm provides reassurance and help when needed, 24 hours a day through a dedicated monitoring centre and response team. @WATCHalarms
facebook.com/WATCHalarms
To book a FREE home demonstration please call 01952 217151 www.watchalarms.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 27
20, 22, 26, Wellbeing Feature.indd 4
26/05/2017 17:04
The
Stage
this months picks MONDAY 10 - SATURDAY 15 JULY 2017
SHIRLEY VALENTINE
BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281
STARRING JODIE PRENGER
Shirley is a Liverpool housewife. Her kids have left home and she makes chips and egg for her husband while talking to the wall. Where has her life disappeared to? Out of the blue, her best friend offers her a trip to Greece for 2 weeks and she secretly packs her bags. She heads for the sun and starts to see the world and herself very differently. Willy Russell’s heart-warming comedy premiered in 1986 and took the world by storm. It was adapted into an Oscar nominated film. Now, on its 30th anniversary, Jodie Prenger stars in the first major revival of this national TICKETS treasure. “Jodie Prenger has warmth, comic flair and a beguiling twinkle in her
WIN
Legendary singer excited to be heading to Shropshire
Cliff Richard says he’s looking forward to heading to Shropshire this summer as he prepares for his Just Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour. The UK’s most successful hit maker is visiting castles and historic locations across the country in a series of fully seated outdoor summer concerts. Tickets are on sale now from www.livenation. co.uk And speaking ahead of the tour Cliff said he’s particularly looking forward to heading to Shropshire’s Walcot Hall on Wednesday June 21. Speaking about the Walcot date, Cliff said: “It’s great to be getting back on the road. We are all looking forward to a fabulous few weeks of Rock ‘n’ Roll and I am especially pleased to be heading to historic Walcot Hall. “I believe this is the first time there has ever been a Rock ‘n’ Roll concert in the grounds of this beautiful country estate so it’s going to be a lot of fun. Tickets are available now from www.livenation.co.uk For more information head to: www.cliffrichard.org
eye.” The Times***** “Jodie brings Shirley to life with wonderful skill and delightful comedy timings, thoroughly deserving the inevitable standing ovation. Birmingham Mail
WIN THEATRE TICKETS! £13
STRICTLY ABBA
GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM
Friday 16th June
8pm
A BLACK COUNTRY FAIRYTALE AY IT
£15
7.30pm
‘…tugs the heart strings…moments of enchanting comedy…splendidly faithful to the book…a big success.’
A NEW FLAME - SIMPLY RED TRIBUTE
Saturday 15th July
8pm
Fizzog Productions Presents... The Froggatts & Cotterills in - ‘A Black Country Fairytale... ay it!’
MONEY FOR NOTHING
£16
£20
Friday 21st Saturday 22nd July
7.30pm
“unpretentious, unpredictable, unbearably funny” Broadway Baby. SUITABLE FOR AGE 14+
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Thursday 22nd June to Saturday 1st July
“What a fantastic night!” “Absolutely brilliant” THIS SHOW ALWAYS SELLS OUT - SO IF YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT - BOOK NOW!
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ATOMIC BLONDIE
Friday 15th September
Saturday 16th September
8pm
8pm
MONEY FOR NOTHING – EUROPE’S NO 1 DIRE STRAITS TRIBUTE
Celebrating over 40 years of Blondie, and their induction into the rock n roll hall of fame in 2006, do not miss this explosive tribute!
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 Shirley Valentine and Country Superstars Experience. 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 21 June 2017. Terms and condition apply.
GOOD LUCK!
COUNTRY SUPERSTARS EXPERIENCE Sarah Jayne and award-winning vocal impersonator Andy Crust take us on a journey back through time meeting some of the most influential icons who shaped country history and the music. Each artist not only looks and sounds like the country star they portray, these professional performers transform themselves through hours of practice at their craft. Every detail is taken into consideration from script, choice of songs, hair, make-up and mannerisms, as well as professional costumes and props.
WEDNESDAY 12 JULY 2017
BOX OFFICE: 01952 382382
W IN TICKET S
Kenny Rogers himself stated on his website that Sarah Jayne and Andy Crust’s tribute to Kenny and Dolly is Europe’s leading tribute act.
28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 30, 31 Entertainment.indd 1
25/05/2017 12:30
GO LIMITLESS . . . SEE ALL THE FILMS YOU WANT, AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE!
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Sit down, relax and enjoy a drink in Costa before your film.
Why not try our Limited Edition Old Paradise Street NO.24 Coffee Blend for only an extra £0.20!
Welcome
Odeon, Telford General Manager Annette Small welcomes you to 10 screens of film magic screening stunning RealD 3D. You can treat yourself to an exclusive entertainment experience with our Premier seats, cafe culture at Costa or icy indulgences at Ben & Jerry’s. Parking is available at the cinema for the perfect spot!
ODEONSAYS Diana is princess of the Amazons, a race of women living in isolation. And when the Great War comes to their island, Diana takes up the mantle of ‘Wonder Woman’. Sworn to defend the world, she leaves her home with dashing American pilot Steve Trevor to fight in the War and try to bring it to an end. But even the princess of a race of warriors can’t be prepared for the horrors waiting for her in the trenches. All the world is waiting for ‘Wonder Woman’, an eagerly-anticipated superhero epic that brings the origin story of comics’ greatest heroine to life.
Amp up your some popcorn with DEON. O at ts ea tr sweet strels, in Add M&Ms, M or os re Mini O ur Pretzels to yo ur! favourite flavo . nditions apply Terms and Co
WIN CINEMA TICKETS Try it in your : Espresso: A floral, honey-like aroma, and a balanced bittersweet caramel taste Americano: Soft roast-caramel aroma, and perceivable sweet-bitter taste Cappuccino: Soft almond-like aroma on the coffee ring, complemented with a smooth bittersweet and milky taste Flat White: Caramel and honey-like aromas, and a thick sweet-creamy texture 30, 31 Entertainment.indd 2
the s teamed up with Wrekin News ha e on r fe of to rd lfo Te Odeon Cinema, a em cin d ir of standar lucky reader a pa . ce oi ch ur yo of tickets to a film e me and telephon Just send your na kin re W s, yli Ba contact to: Tania ad, ckets, Bridge Ro Ti n eo Od , ws Ne ail: em or Y rd TF1 1R Wellington, Telfo k .u .co ia ed 2m tania@plus
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
25/05/2017 14:47
Diary June 2017
2 June Wellington Methodist Church Thirteenth series of LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERTS David Griffiths Organist from St Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham, Church open at 12:30pm tea and coffee available. Bring your own lunch, FREE admission 7 to 11 June English Haydn Festival, St Leonards Church, Bridgnorth 07547 289704 10 June Wellington Midsummer Fayre, All Saints Church and Market Square 10am-3pm www.wellingtonsoup.org for details 10 June The Big Wrockwardine Ceilidh and BBQ 7:30pm Wrockwardine Village Hall, Nr Wellington Tickets £10/£5 under 16s from Ken Francis Butcher, Or buy on line via www. wellingtonsoup.org Christ Church Festival of Voice; Concert 2 Choral and Wrekin & Telford Singers. 7.30pm start, Christ Church, New Church Rd £7.50 or £25 for the four concerts 10 June Proms in the Park, British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry 7pm till 10:30pm 0800 6888386 11 June CAR BOOT Stafford Common - 07831192116 11 June RAF Cosford Air Show, RAF Cosford Museum 01952 376200 16 June Strictly Abba Theatre on the steps, Bridgnorth £13 01746 766477
16-19 June The Daimler Revealed, Sunnycroft 10.30am till 5pm 18 June Shrewsbury Half Marathon - 9am till 2pm 21 June Wellington History Group: 600 years of Crimes and punishments, A talk by Allan Frost, 7.30pm Wellington Library 24 and 25 June Shrewsbury Food Festival, Quarry Park, Shrewsbury 01952 432175 24 June Armed Forces Day, RAF Cosford - 01902 376200 24 June Artisan Market: Going Global 9am till 4pm Market Square 24 June POW! People Of Wellington Street festival 10am till 10pm Market Square www.peopleofwellington.co.uk 24 and 25 June Alveley Open Garden Weekend Alveley, Honeybourne Rd FREE 11am till 6pm 24 and 25 June Step Back to the 1940s, Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, 01562 757900 25 June Newport Open Garden, Tickets on the day from NEWPORT COTTAGE CARE, Tickets in advance from THE GUILDHALL TEA ROOM 11am till 4:30pm 24 and 25 June Shrewsbury Flea Market, The Greenhous West Mid Showground 8:30am till 3:30pm
To include your event in our Diary for June 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 July 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)
JUNE 2017 FRIDAY 2ND - THE ZOOBS SATURDAY 3RD - COLLISION FRIDAY 9TH - THE DREAMING TREE SATURDAY 10TH - PRIVATE EVENT FRIDAY 16TH - SAVANNAH SATURDAY 17TH - GEHTIKA & AGHAST FRIDAY 23RD - PAUL PARKER AND ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS SATURDAY 24TH - THE ORIGINAL WANTED FRIDAY 30TH JUNE - SUNDAY 2ND JULY
DEGENERATION SKA & PUNK FESTIVAL 26 HAYGATE RD, WELLINGTON, TELFORD, TF1 1QA - 01952 247333 FACEBOOK.COM/THEHAYGATE
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Ticket JUST
THE
To advertise in
JUST THE TICKET Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email
irene@plus2media.co.uk
FLOWERS, FIREWORKS & ENTERTAINMENT
S
HREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW is the worlds’ longest running independent flower show. Nearly every year since 1875, the only exception being during both world wars, the Shrewsbury Flower Show has been held in the heart of Shrewsbury’s town centre. On the 11th and 12th of August the beautiful 29-acre Quarry Park, with The Dingle, a magnificent sunken garden providing a colourful centrepiece , will be awash with wonderful flowers, fabulous food and live entertainment- the ultimate summer day out! The show is one of the country’s Premier Flower Show events, attracting top exhibitors from all over the country so expect fantastic floral displays, horticultural competitions and high quality trade stands. With children 15 years and under, admitted free when accompanied TICKETS with an adult and a dedicated children’s area which features lots of activities, unusual animals to see, ponies and ducks n chucks to pet, plus much more’, the Shrewsbury Flower Show is an ideal family day out. The large Quarry Marquee is home the top national nurseries and growers who create stunning displays to admire and inspire. Whilst the Severn Marquee is full of home grown flowers and vegetables. Advice is on hand from many exhibitors and Horticultural organisations. The Dingle is awash with beauty with spectacular Floral Art creations on display full of vitality and vivid colours. Our Arena offers a variety of entertainment to suit every taste. The major attraction for 2017 is The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team – The White Helmets, who are undertaking their final tour. They last came to the Shrewsbury Flower Show in 2011. Other highlights include Grade A Showjumping, duck and dog agility and aerial display from some of the world’s most amazing birds of prey. There will be live music on Friday night from London Community Gospel Wrekin News has teamed up with the Shrewsbury Flower Show to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair Choir and Saturday from The Overtones. Performances from the Shrewsbury of tickets for the show. All you have to do to enter is send Male Voice Choir and Of One Accord with a Massed Band Finale and stunning your name, address and daytime telephone number to: firework display both nights wrapping up the show. Tania Baylis, Flower Festival, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, There are lots of great shopping opportunities in the large trade stands area Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry to: tania@ plus2media.co.uk, terms and conditions apply, closing and wonderful unique gifts are on offer in the dedicated Craft marquee and date for entries is Wednesday 21 June 2017. Artisan Crafts and Farmers Market.
WIN
WIN TICKETS TO THE SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW!
Cosford serves up another tasty festival Date: 22-23 July 2017 / Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm / Cost: £5 adult / £2 child (5-15 years / under 5’s free) / £14 family (2 adults and up to 4 children) A tasty line-up of over 90 local producers has been announced for this year’s Cosford Food Festival, which promises to serve up the very best food and drink the Midland’s has to offer. Popular favorites on the food festival scene as well as brand new local producers are all on board for this year’s festival, which takes place on 22-23 July 2017. Held in the unique setting
at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, a bustling food market will showcase some of the region’s finest artisan produce and locally brewed beverages. Now in its fifth year, the festival is firmly established on the Museum’s events calendar, attracting thousands of foodies each day. With additional entertainment and live music being lined up for festival goers, organisers are confident the
WIN TICKETS TO THE RAF COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL
event will not only appeal to food lovers but also families who are looking for an enjoyable day out. Tickets to the festival are now available to purchase in advance via the Museum website www.rafmuseum. org/cosford. Keep up to date with the latest Cosford Food Festival event info by following the event on Facebook @ CosfordFoodFestival.
WIN
TICKETS
Wrekin News has teamed up with the RAF Cosford Food Festival to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Food Festival, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, terms and conditions apply, closing date for entries is Wednesday 21 June 2017.
27/05/2017 11:06
IN
KETS
Win tickets to The Shropshire Family Vintage Show The Annual Family Vintage Show is celebrating its 30th anniversary as it returns to the Westmid/Shropshire Showground. The show is a two-day vintage vehicle extravaganza on the first weekend in July and draws exhibitors from all over the UK to showcase their vehicles, including every type of classic car, motorbikes, Land Rovers, military vehicles, steam engines, tractors and more. It also features shire horses, craft and trade stands, fairground rides, food, a bar and much more for all the family. The event is run by the Mid Shropshire Vintage Club, which has been running for three decades and is seeking new members to help grow the show and other events. Club and show chairman, Richard Haynes, said: “My dad and show treasurer, Les Hayes was one of the founding members. It costs £15 per year and members get free public liability insurance to enable them to showcase their vehicles at the annual show and other events. “We also host a number of other events throughout the year, including monthly meetings with speakers, an annual BBQ and presentation evenings. Proceeds from these events go to charity and we have been able to give over £150,000 to charities over the years, including the Severn Hospice and Hope House. Information is available on our website. “We would love to attract people of all ages who have an interest in vintage vehicles – you don’t have to own one, just be an enthusiast! The show runs from from 9.30am to 5pm on July 1 and from 9.30am to 4pm on July 2 at the Greenhous West Mid Showground. Advance tickets have been frozen at last year’s prices and can be bought in advance for £8, by visiting www.midshropshirevintageclub.com. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate and are priced at £10 for adults and entry is FREE for under 16s! For more information, visit www.midshropshirevintageclub.com and follow the show on twitter at MSVCshow and on facebook at Shropshire Vintage Show.
HOW TO ENTER
Wrekin News has teamed up with the Shropshire Vintage Show to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Vintage Show, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, terms and conditions apply, closing date for entries is Wednesday 21 June 2017.
Plant hunters’ Fair Sunday 11th June 10am-5pm
Nostalgic Fun Fun for for the the Whole Whole Family Family Nostalgic
1st and 2 nd July, 2017 • Vintage Vehicles, Machinery and Clothing • Steam Gallopers Activity Zone • Kids • Craft Stalls, Trade Stalls
o p sh i r e r h S
and More !
e h T
Y L I M FA
ere ! ou th See y
Purchase tickets online at:
www.westmidshowground.com Kids under 16
FREE when accompanied by a paying adult
at The Greenhous West Mid Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF The Greenhous West Mid Showground is managed by the Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society Charity Number: 702372
Half Price Ent r y into the Pla nt Fair, Gardens & Arboretum on Sunday 1 1 t h Ju n e Adults £2.5 0 Children £ 1.00 Under 3s F REE
Come and speak to the specialists at our summer plant fair surrounded by the beauty of Arley Arboretum... Combine a wonderful walk round our arboretum with a visit to our annual plant fair. A range of local nurseries will be joining us for you to pick up lots of interesting and unique plants.
A wonderful day out full of inspiring ideas to take back with you to your own garden! events, news & offers! Follow us on Facebook for
uk www.arleyarboretum.co. *T&C’s apply. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. Please check website for more info. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467
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The UK’s biggest food and gardening show returns to the NEC this June
B
BC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show, sponsored by Lexus, return together, with what promises to be the best show yet. For over 20 years these Shows have taken up residency at The NEC and have entertained over two million visitors in this time. Quite simply, together they’re one of the biggest and best events of the summer, packed with garden inspiration, artisan food and drink, the UK’s most famous gardeners and food experts including Monty Don, Mary Berry, Alan Titchmarsh and James Martin to name a few, plus magic moments around every corner leaving visitors spellbound. Every ticket includes entry to both BBC events - the perfect combination for all food and garden lovers. Visitors can get up close and personal with household names in food and gardening as the experts take part in live interviews and demos, mix with the crowds, sign books and have a thoroughly great day out. Each year the BBC Good Food Show, brings its Supertheatre experience to the NEC, showcasing some of the UK’s favourite top chefs cooking live in a unique 30-minute theatre experience. 2017 will see Michelin masters Tom Kerridge and Michel Roux Jr taking to the stage, queen of baking Mary Berry back by popular demand, firm Show favourite James Martin, the fantastic Two Greedy Italians, Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo, and star baker Nadiya Hussain. Taste and try before you buy in the Producers’ Village, BBC Good Food Champions area, Eat Well Pavilion, Drinks Cabinet, plus discover regional treats in the Ludlow Producer Market. When two of the country’s most loved brands, BBC Gardeners’ World and BBC Good Food, come together with a line-up of their most famous faces, you know it’s going to be an exceptional day out - it’s the most unmissable food and gardening experience. For more details, including free weekend tickets for under 18s, visit bbcgardenersworldlive.com or bbcgoodfoodshow.com.
WIN
TICKETS
HOW TO ENTER
Wrekin News has teamed up with the BBC Good Food Show and Gardeners World Live to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, BBC Gardeners/GoodFood Show, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media. co.uk, terms and conditions apply, closing date for entries is TUESDAY 13 JUNE 2017. - (Tickets must be collected from the Wrekin News office) Tickets valid for anyday except Saturday 17 June 2017.
Fashion and beauty festival tickets to be won!
British Style Collective, presented by The Clothes Show in association with Alcatel, is offering Wrekin News lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the hotly-anticipated fashion and beauty festival this summer in Liverpool. Taking place from 7-9 July, British Style Collective will embrace some of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks as part of a citywide event. Whether in search of summer wardrobe must-haves or the latest hair and beauty products, expect a truly immersive shopping experience. River Island, Oasis, Elemis, Andrew Collinge, Monsoon and Accessorize will join a line-up of more than 300 high-street, online and boutique brands in Exhibition TICKETS hair and beauty 6 new church road wellington 01952 253367 Centre Liverpool. Albert Dock Liverpool will pay homage to both Deighton Hair/Beauty iconic styles of a bygone era and future trends as HemingwayDesign – founded by Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway – bring their newly created 6 new church Road · wellington TF1 1JH festival to British Style Collective, Fine Tuned. Expect fiercely independent designer makers, street 243809· 01952 6 new church01952 road wellington 01952 253367253367 food vendors, classic motors, vintage traders, and performers. imaginative creative hairdressing with out compromise For more information and to buy tickets visit www.BritishStyleCollective.com
WIN
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Wrekin News has teamed up with the British Style Collective to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Style Collective, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, terms and conditions apply, closing date for entries is Wednesday 21 June 2017. T&C’S: British Style Collective tickets are standard tickets only / Ticket will be valid for Saturday 8th July (Experience A) Experience A includes: Access to Shopping Halls at The Exhibition Centre, Liverpool (9am - 1pm), Alcatel Fashion Theatre Show: 2.00pm, All day access to St George’s Hall (recommended time 2.30pm - 6pm) BSC Show Guide
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27/05/2017 11:08
Tribute Dinners All are £24.50 per person inclusive of a 3-course dinner with
Events Calendar MAY - DECEMBER 2017
BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL
coffee and live entertainment
EVENT CALENDAR 2017 2016
Wednesday 6th December
ABBA June
Saturday 16th Motown Magic Tribute Stop! In The Name of Love’ –there’s a ‘Heat Wave’ of an evening for you! Your evening starts with a two course evening meal followed by tribute and dancing with our in-house disco until midnight. £17.50pp
JANUARY
Thursday 14th December
Sunday 18th Elvis Presley v Elton John Fathers Day Look after the old man this father’s day and treat him to Sunday lunch! Dads get Thursday 21st December a free pint of beer or glass of house wine Rod Stewart v David Bowie from the Buckatree. £15.95pp
October
Friday 30th Tribute Dinner Special Overnight Party Package Free birthday cake forYour the evening starts with a two course check-in from 2.00pm, birthday guest (must be evening Includes meal followed by the finest pre-booked and minimum party party night accommodation English-breakfast and a numbers of 10 apply).tribute towith thefull‘King’ Elvis Presley box of chocolates in your room followed by dancing until 11.30pm. Hen Party? (based on 2 people sharing a £17.50pp Brides go free on parties of 20 or double or twin bedded standard Elvis Celebrating a Birthday?
Friday 6th All Inclusive Party Night Rock ‘n’ Roll 50’s, Flower Power 60’s, Funky 70’s, Electric 80’s, Alternative 90’s and Naughty 00’s. Enjoy a two course evening meal and an all inclusive bar with all these magical decades rolled into one night of nostalgic musical heaven from our disco. £34.95pp
FEBRUARY
more (entrance to the party night room – upgrades available at an additional only, not accommodation). cost). FROM Gift Vouchers £15.00 single Looking for the perfect gift? supplement Personalised vouchers available applies. for all events at the hotel plus much more.
£34.50
PER PERSON
APRIL
BUCKATREE JulyHALL HOTEL 01952 641 821 | sales@buckatreehallhotel.com The Wrekin, Wellington, Saturday 15thTelford, Shropshire, TF6Tribute 5AL Doris Day Dinner
Your evening starts with a two course evening meal followed by the finest tribute to Doris Day as we take you on a “sentimental journey” followed by dancing until 11.30pm. £17.50pp Friday 21st End of School Disco Celebrate the end of term and let your hair down! Dress to impress and party the night away in style. A three course evening meal with a glass of house wine and disco entertainment is included. £19.95pp Friday 28th Elton John Tribute Dinner Are you ready for love? Your evening starts with a two course evening meal followed by the finest tribute to Sir Elton John followed by dancing until 11.30pm. £17.50pp
MARCH
Celebrating a Birthday? Free birthday cake for the birthday guest (must be pre-booked and minimum party numbers of 10)
BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL August
01952 641 821 | sales@buckatreehallhotel.com
Saturday 26th Abba Mania Tribute Dinner Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! - Great food and the chance to sing your heart out. Your evening starts with a two course evening meal followed by tribute and dancing with our in-house disco until midnight. £17.50pp
September
Friday 20th West End Musicals Tribute Your evening starts with a two course evening meal followed by a fabulous tribute to the classic hits of the West End. £17.50pp
November
Celebrating a Birthday? Special Overnight Party Friday 8th Package Free birthday cake for the Gin Tasting with be Includes check-in from Moonshine & Fuggles birthday guest (mustSunday 12th pre-booked and minimum 2.00pm, party night Join us for a fun and informative Remembrance Lunch party numbers of 10 apply). accommodation with full evening as we sample a selection of To commemorate the contribution of English breakfast and a box Hen Party? gins accompanied by a selection of British and Commonwealth military and of chocolates in your room Tapas. In-between each tasting willgobe servicemen and women in thesharing two World Brides free on parties (based on 2 people a short quiz. Money raised of on20 the night Wars and later confl icts we are offering or more (entrance a double or twin bedded will go towards our nominated charity FREE Sunday lunch to our veterans. to the party –night only,a not standard room – upgrades Homestart. £25.00pp accommodation). T&C’s apply. available at an additional cost). Gift Vouchers
Hen Party? Looking for the perfect gift?
FROM £15.00 single Gift Vouchers supplement £34.50 Personalised vouchers Brides go free on parties of 20 or Looking for the perfect gift? PER PERSON more (entrance to the party nightfor all events at Personalised vouchers available for all available the applies. only, not accommodation). hotel plus much more. events at the hotel plus much more.
To book any of our events call:01952 641821 email:sales@buckatreehallhotel.com visit:www.buckatreehallhotel.com
Buckatree Hall Hotel FP.indd 1
25/05/2017 14:50
Your Community
EVENTS LTD
Is pleased to announce
A free-to-attend illustrated talk by
Allan Frost
7:30p.m. on Wednesday 21st June 2017 in Wellington Library. Admittance is free but donations in support of Wellington History Group are welcome. Shropshire Rural Support
Do You Have What it Takes to Become a
Home-‐Start Volunteer? PTM Summer Social Flyer.indd 1
24/05/2017 21:54
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.
Join Telford Patients First
Pin your notices on our Community Noticeboard - all you have to do is email your notice to: tania@plus2media.co.uk
Telford Patients First are a volunteer patients group who care about the health and wellbeing of all patients within Telford and Wrekin. We care about your health. The Telford Patients First group aims: • to proactively canvass residents’ and patients’ feedback/opinions/ views to deliver the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for all the residents of Telford and Wrekin based upon best possible and available evidence. • to challenge the Clinical Commissioning Group ( CCG) Commissioners, local authority and other health support agencies. We do this by setting up small Task and finish groups to look into areas of concern – some examples are the Stoma Campaign, poor performance of Macmillan Pod at PRH, Hypertension Project, Medicines Management, Patient Group Awareness and many more • to encourage and promote healthier lifestyles that will help to increase life expectancy and reduce health inequalities across Telford and Wrekin. • to support and promote the health needs of vulnerable people across Telford and Wrekin. You can become a member or simply contact us about any concerns you have around healthcare issues. Membership is open to individual patients and representatives drawn from the GP Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) within Telford and Wrekin. For more information please contact members Lynn on 07954077199 or Patrick on 07770353685.
34 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34 Community Notice Board.indd 1
25/05/2017 21:21
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GB Dog Training Advert.indd 1
25/05/2017 19:42
The Tipple!
by
Sue Ladds
SHROPSHIRE IS CLOSING!
A
H JUNE! The official start of summer. Bees humming, icecream vans tinkling and balls hitting glass (sorry willow!) Or: hayfever, traffic jams, red lights and the sweet smell of asphalt. Summer this year will be a glass half full or glass half empty event. If your life consists of pulling the odd weed and defending the midday sarnie from the dog in your own back garden, give thanks. If however you have to venture out on the roads for work, holiday, days out or hospital appointments gather together all your rabbits feet, crucifixes. St Christophers even a Horcrux may help. What am I yapping about? Well, Shropshire is closing. Fast. Road closed is the summers catchphrase. If you have a place to be, start out yesterday. Businesses, unfortunately
take the brunt of the damage done by these chummy agreements between councils and contractors. Whilst your local coucillor will throw his/ her hands up in brotherly horror there can be no sensible answer to this madness. Locals have noted that traffic lights have not been altered to move increased flow from different directions and where said lights have been switched off and replaced by large GIVE WAY signs, traffic moves with ease. Our councillors and multicoloured polititians are due back in hibernation very shortly but if you get the chance ask why Shropshire, relient as it is on tourism is being damaged in this manner. I hope your day out isn’t ruined by tailbacks but remember to be courteous. Other motorists and roadworkers didn’t plan this mess, higher powers are responsible.
Food labels: useful information, often overlooked by
W
HEN YOU buy food products do you assiduously read the labels and note the food ingredients and additives that you will ultimately consume, as well as information such as calorie content? In relative terms few people read food product labels and of those that do it is likely many will be unfamiliar with much of the terminology. This is a pity. Food labels communicate useful information about food products, such as who makes them, what they consist of and their nutritional content. This information is required by law to be displayed on most packaged foods and understood sufficiently it can serve as a guide to decision making about which products to buy – or not. When raw food materials are purchased and transformed into meals in the home there is little need to know about the technical composition of foodstuffs. Cooks choose materials which, on the whole, are by definition ingredients whether raw or processed, and processed foods may contain additives. This is where more complex considerations can intrude. The term ‘ingredients’ generally applies to foodstuffs originating in the major food groups (vegetables, fruit, grains, meat, dairy products) or derived materials e.g. olive oil. Food ingredients contain the macro-nutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and trace elements) that provide our nutrition and energy. A breakfast fry-up of eggs, bacon, bread, mushrooms and baked beans would be prepared from ingredients, some of
Professor Ralph Early
which contain no additives. But some may incorporate additives to improve quality, extend shelf-life, enhance food safety, etc. Dry-cured bacon can be made using only salt and possibly sugar, but some bacons also contain the additives sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite used to protect against botulism. Artisanal bread may contain no additives, but plant-baked bread can contain calcium propionate, amylase, chlorine dioxide, L-cysteine hydrochloride, various emulsifiers, ascorbic acid and soya flour along with the ingredients, wheat flour, fat, yeast and salt. Baked beans may contain a variety of ingredients apart from Navy beans, plus additives such as organic acids to protect against botulism. Additives are non-nutritional components of food products. They are incorporated into processed foods for technical reasons and while many are important to the existence of products, public health concerns may exist about the safety of some. For example, sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are considered marginally to increase the risk of cancer and limited consumption is advised. But this has to be set against the risk of food poisoning and even so, when weighing risks, how many bacon lovers would be prepared to forego completely this most pleasing of foods? Of the various foods we consume, there are some that one might consider questionably nutritious as they appear to be mainly additives: for instance carbonated beverages based on water, sugar, flavourings and phosphoric acid. These drinks offer pleasure in their consumption but are
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25/05/2017 19:40
Love Food Ralph Early is Professor of Food Industry in the Department of Food Science and Agri-Food Supply Chain Management in Harper Adams University, a Council Member of the Food Ethics Council and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. inconsequential to a healthy diet. Indeed, some may be more significant to unhealthy diets and in recent years concerns about diet related diseases have impelled manufacturers to reformulate, replacing calorie-rich sugar (an ingredient) with artificial sweeteners (additives). This may influence consumers’ purchasing decisions one way or the other, because of perceived unnaturalness or, alternatively, because of the absence of calories. Of course, the inclusion of phosphoric acid may also influence choice because the mineral acid tends to attack tooth enamel. Issues and concerns about food additives highlight a central challenge for the food industry and regulators. Consumers trust food manufacturers and retailers to safeguard them when it comes to the food they buy and eat. They assume that providing healthy, safe food will be of paramount importance to those that make and sell the products. But although food businesses strive to comply with the requirements of legislation, questions can still occasionally arise about the safety of some food additives. These materials are highly regulated and controlled by law, but regulation depends upon good science and effective risk assessment. There have been instances when approved additives have been withdrawn after years of use, because new evidence has come to light of possible health risks. This was the case when synthetic azo dyes, which had been used as food colourings for generations, were withdrawn in 2003 under an EU regulation to protect consumers from
Free will writing offer from DanJo & Co
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ANJO & CO – The Will Writing Company have just launched their new legal services practice in Wellington. To celebrate this, they are offering a FREE Will writing service (worth £159) for a limited time only. However, they also specialise in Estate planning, lasting Power of Attorneys, funeral plans, Probate, unlike most other companies, all their Will Writers are qualified financial advisers assuring you get the best advice possible and a more professional service. Specialists in pre-paid funeral plans, the average cost of a funeral in the UK has more than doubled since 2004. In 2016, the average price of a funeral was £3,897 and this is predicted to rise to £4,779 by 2021*.
Why Pre-Pay for a funeral Now? (apart from reducing stress for family and friends) The incredible cost of funerals means that one in four people landed with the bill after a loved one passes away have ended up having to take out some kind of loan to pay for it. Some people are able to borrow from family and friends, while others have been able to use personal loans. However, plenty more have had to turn to expensive credit cards, and a worrying 1.2 million people have borrowed a total of £576 million from payday loan companies. With funerals plans starting at just £1745, or £10per month call DanJo & Co today on 01952 919210 or visit their website www.myfreewills.com *The SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2016
possible carcinogens. The EU has been very effective indeed in regulating what goes into food and protecting consumers from food related hazards. Even so, the supermarkets have detected a trend by which consumers desire the avoidance of additives, wishing to eat as naturally as possible. Their response has been to strive for ‘clean labels’ whereby additives in processed foods are reduced or removed, as long as food safety is not compromised. Food manufacturers, retailers and regulators all work diligently to safeguard consumers’ interests, but consumers are not themselves completely without responsibility. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn something about food and to read the labels, so that informed choices can be made about what to eat.
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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37
36, 37 Wine and Dine.indd 2
27/05/2017 11:09
SPONSORED BY
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Expert home improvement ideas and solutions including good gardening tips for everyone to try . . .
Time to do some summer pruning
I
T HAS been good to see all the spring flowering shrubs come back into life they really did make a lovely show this year. Now they have finished flowering it is time to take stock. Prune out any dead branches then stand back and view the shape and size. If they are becoming too large for their position it is best to select a few branches follow them back into the plant and remove them completely. By doing this the plants natural shape will be maintained and it allows enough space for new vigorous growth to supply next year’s flowers. This process can be used even on rhododendrons which will allow the larger hybrid varieties to be grown in the smaller modern garden without them taking over or becoming a manicured dome shape. It is often thought that the magnolia, which is probably the most spectacular of the
Written by
Robert Hudson
of Lilyhurst Plant Centre
spring flowers, and haven’t they done well this year, cannot be pruned. It can but large cuts should be kept to a minimum especially in the deciduous varieties such as soulangeana and stellata because although they heal well it often takes two seasons for any regrowth to occur. Those who have trained fruit on fences and walls may now need to start summer pruning. This just involves reducing vigorous new growths so the plant does not loose shape. All tree fruits may need thinning later in the month if there has been a good set. But wait until nature has done its own thing with the June drop. This is when the plant will naturally thin any excessive crop being carried. Nature may not, however, thin some crops sufficiently to
> Pictured - Magnolias, but different types - the small petaled one is called Stellata.
produce large fruits so where this is required further selective thinning by hand can take place. Another of the popular herbaceous perennials which should be giving their performance now are the astilbes these flower for a long time and even when finished it is possible to leave the flowers on as through the winter they provide an attractive structure. These are easy to grow although they do like moist soil so sandy sunny sites are not suitable but a shady patio can be the perfect place for a pot full, this is a difficult place for the more popular bedding plants which prefer a sunny aspect. Many of you may have lost one or two shrubs during the last winter, some damage may only have appeared recently as the weather has warmed up, and will be wondering how to replace them. Our shrubs at Lilyhurst have spent at least one winter outside, so you will know they are really hardy. They have proved themselves in conditions at least equal to your own garden. They are not grown under protection to produce a perfect looking plant but are grown to be garden ready.
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38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40, 41 Home and Garden.indd 1
25/05/2017 16:09
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Let it grow, let it grow…
M
EADOWDALE Nurseries in Telford are encouraging children to get out in the garden and grow their green fingers by launching a competition today, to see who can grow the tallest sunflower. The competition which is aimed at children, hopes to inspire young people to get out into the garden more and grow their own flowers and vegetables. Anyone under the age of 16 can enter and the winner will receive £50 of Meadowdale vouchers to spend in the garden centre. John Anderson, co-owner of the Nurseries, said: “We are constantly looking for ways that we can inspire children to get out into the garden and when we received this photo from one of our customers, Emily Back (from Lilleshall), it gave us the idea to run a competition. Sunflowers are so easy to grow, are very cheap and you don’t need any special equipment to grow them, so we thought it would be something that children of all ages could do.” Indeed sunflowers are one of those great plants where there is minimum effort, for maximum return. John continued: “Now is the time to start planting your sunflower seeds… or you can even buy a plug from a garden centre, which has already started to grow. Plant in a sunny position if possible and keep moist. They normally flower between July and September and may need some support, as they can grow extremely tall.” All you have to do to enter the competition is simply send in a photo of you with your sunflower, giving the exact height in meters or centimetres of your sunflower and e-mail it to enquiries@meadowdale-nurseries.co.uk with you name, age and contact details. The closing date for entries is the 16th August, giving you plenty of time to tend to your plants. The Nurseries also run several gardening workshops throughout the year, aimed at getting children interested in gardening and teaching them how to grow their own. Meadowdale Nurseries is open Monday – Saturday between 9am and 5.30pm and Sunday’s 10am – 4pm. It is situated on Wellington Road, Horsehay, on the A5223 (postcode TF4 2PU). From junction 6 of the M54
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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39
40, 41 Home and Garden.indd 2
25/05/2017 15:36
Keeping your horses legs healthy Written by:
Kate Maxwell
BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS
L
AMENESS is one of the most common causes of a vet visit for a horse. The equine lower limb is comprised of bone, joint and tendon which don’t have a lot of protective muscle, making them vulnerable to damage. By following a few simple steps, you can go a long way in keeping your horses legs healthy. Warm Up involves gradually raising your horse’s heart rate to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Adequate warm up is essential to avoid injury to muscles, ligaments and tendon as it increases the mobility and elasticity of muscles, which in turn minimise the amount of strain placed on tendons and ligaments. Choosing the best way to warm your horse depends on the discipline and the ground conditions, but the basic approach should always be the same and a regime that is regular and repeatable is best enforced. A similar Cooling Down session after exercise is fundamental to give time for lactic acid to be released from tired muscles which will reduce the risk of injury post exercise. Leg Protection is always worth the investment. Generally boots are a more favourable choice for horse owners as they are easy to fit, keep clean and are quick to remove. However, there are a few problems with boots that owners need to be aware of; specifically heat build-up, weight, restriction of movement and poor fit. Remember that badly fitting boots are worse than no boots at all. There is a lot less choice when it comes to bandages, but when fitted correctly, they can help protect and support the ligaments and tendons in the horse’s lower legs. The main disadvantage to bandaging is that they are frequently fitted incorrectly and if they are uneven or too tight then the pressure can cause tendon injuries. No matter which form of leg protection you have chosen for your horse we would always recommend it is removed immediately after work to prevent any injuries caused through excessive heat build-up in the tendons and ligaments. If your horse has undertaken hard work (galloping or jumping on hard ground or exercising on an excessively hot day), cold hose its legs for a good 5 minutes and then give it a gentle walk around before returning it to its box. Any evidence of your horse being lame after exercise is an immediate indicator that they may have sustained an injury during exercise. The most common injuries sustained at exercise include over reach or brushing injuries, bruising and inflammation as a result of knocking fences and tendon or ligament injuries due to excessive extension of the lower limb. As well as assessing your horse for lameness after exercise it is also important to assess your horse’s legs carefully to try and establish if there are any early signs that something may be wrong. Prevention is always better than the cure, so if you have any questions or concerns about community community your horse’s legs, speak to your vet!
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40 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40 Severn Edge Vets.indd 1
25/05/2017 22:16
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
38 Acorn.indd 1
25/05/2017 14:55
Syd
Taylor
The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist
Jeep
Renegade Trailhawk
IT’S GOT A BIG HEART B
REAKING with tradition is never easy. Now and again some bright spark comes along bearing like a firebrand the promised ‘Great Tomorrow’ that the Next New Idea is sure to bring. We are urged to forego the wisdom of our ancestors, jettison the venerable way of doing things and embrace the new. Driverless vehicles anyone? And yet sometimes the persuasive power of tradition just won’t let go. Like the mighty roots of towering Wellingtonia some things just can’t be shifted. Call it intransigence. Call it plain stubbornness. Another word for it might simply be ‘excellence’. The uncompromising stance of the perfected icon.
Such is the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Here is pedigree. Born in wartime. Honed to practical perfection through the kind of American engineering that saw the fabled arsenal of democracy spread its wings over the dark threat of tyranny, to emerge into a blaze of victorious sunlight. All this is what the Jeep label tells you. And for millions of customers over the years, that in itself was more than enough. A Jeep represents a product with a big heart plus the steely determination to ‘do right’ by its owner. Such were my thoughts when I tried the £22,555 Trailhawk. Yes, we must consider all options - and there might even just be a need for (one hesitates to say it) electric cars. But one must always remain ‘true to oneself’ (Polonius). Unless one is a stick-thin misrerabilist of a Puritan one needs to enjoy using a car - and boy, by the bones of Geronimo, - did I enjoy using the Renegade. Here was a lusty 4wd super capable off-road version of the Renegade: the one that gets you through when pretend off-roaders fall by the wayside.
With the ‘Active Drive’ system that offers low range and diff locks and the wondrous electronics to calculate how to cater for whichever mode you select from snow, mud or rocky ground - there’s no stopping one of these. And, of course, the smooth nine speed automatic takes the strain on or off-road while under the bonnet the lusty 168bhp 2.0 diesel churns away. Long on-road trips are quiet and relaxing and should you ever need it, top speed is more than 120mph. It did seem to hang on to the lower gears when driving gently though. Manually overriding the automatic and getting into ninth early certainly helped economy which is an easily achievable 45/48mpg overall. Inside the high-riding comfortable cabin with room for five, there’s storage capacity for scores of trips to The Great Lakes and back on fishing expeditions, with the odd bear hunt thrown in. Here is a vehicle that ‘is what it is’. No namby-pamby apologist of a car but a brawny, handsome, wide-shouldered hunk of motoring heaven. Best of all you feel like a winner with a shiny
42 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 1
25/05/2017 12:07
medal pinned to your chest as you bowl along brandishing that badge that says to all who want to know..’Jeep’. A friend - a literal-minded sort - looked the car over and asked “Why is it called a Trailhawk?â€? “Dear Buddyâ€? I replied, “The explanation is straightforwardâ€?. Here, I confess, I faltered. I ransacked my brain in order to recollect whether the handbook explained the etymology of the nomenclature. Drawing a blank I took refuge in fancy. “A hawkâ€? I began, “Circles its domain like a prince of the air, seeking out prey amongst the lesser creatures of the earth. In America this bird detects its prey in a manner reecting intelligence and an ability to predict the natural ow of trafďŹ c - or rather
the natural ow of living things which move according to ďŹ xed and habitual patterns. Are you with me?â€? My friend looked blank but light had dawned. “Here is a carâ€? I declaimed authoritatively, “That dominates the highway, brooking few equals in its estimation of passenger needs. It’s a trailblazer that leaves competition behind and is a persuasive force of automobilist assertiveness, second to none in its capacity to demand respect.â€? These words kept him quiet. At last he said in a whisper of veneration “I wouldn’t mind one of these but the wife wants a hybridâ€? ‘Each to his own’ I replied. The Trailhawk is the kind of vehicle that settles arguments. Like it or not, it’s here to stay.
Coffee break It’s time to take a break! Make yourself a brew, coffee or tea, sit down and take some time-out and try your luck with the Wrekin News crossword and Sudoku puzzle . . .
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CLUES ACROSS
CLUES DOWN
1. Calming drug (8) 5. Musical composition (4) 9. Suffer anguish (7) 10. Play guitar (5) 11. Accepted practice (5) 13. Mild (6) 15. Scornful expression (5) 17. Jot (4) 19. Container (3) 20. Ill-bred person (4) 21. Social customs (5) 23. Domestic fowl (6) 24. Strained (5) 28. Apart (5) 29. Insulting (7) 30. Look for (4) 31. Eternal (8)
1. Bridge (4) 2. Worthless material (5) 3. Articles (6) 4. Opinion (4) 6. Colonnade (7) 7. Theological college (8) 8. Escort (5) 12. Get pleasure from (5) 13. Soft, flat hat (5) See page 14. Food (8) 44 for the 16. Listening organ (3) answer s to our 18. White ant (7) Coffee Break 21. Scrimmage (5) crossword 22. Deuces (anag.) (6) 25. Portion (5) 26. Dry river bed (4) 27. Muddle (4)
Sudoku CHALLENGE
There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
See page 44 for the answers to our Coffee Break Sudoku puzzle
www.wrekinnews.co.uk ¡ 43
42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 2
27/05/2017 11:10
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Sport WREKIN NEWS
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SOLID START FOR WELLINGTON CC Wellington have made a solid start to the 2017 campaign. Simon Topper, club spokesman, commented, ‘This season we are planning to maintain a place in the top half of the league. We have a couple of new players and with the younger players coming through we are quietly confident we can make good progress this season.’
W
ELLINGTON welcomes Samit Gohel as this season’s overseas professional. The 26 year old Indian is a fellow team mate of Bhargav Merai, who was retained in India and unavailable for 2017. Samit is famous for having the remarkable record for the highest score as an opener who manged to carry his bat in a first class game. The astonishing innings, 359 not out was scored in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final in December 2016 and broke a record that had lasted 117 years, even surpasses one WG Grace’s score of 318 not out from 1876! "He started in fabulous form, scoring a bucket of runs in the pre-season games and then hit 64 off 45 balls in the first league game of the season," Topper continued, "It’s such a shame he actually broke his finger so has missed a few games but we should have him back for the 3 June." Following some notable bowling retirements last year Jack Twigger has taken up the mantle and taken useful wickets. The quickie has complemented fellow opening Wendell Wagner and took four wickets against Leamington. Unfortunately, Twigger strained his hamstring and has been forced to miss a couple games. One player who will bring genuine firepower to the bowling attack is Worcestershire’s Jack Shantry. Wellington are hopeful he will be released from duty for more than a handful of games.
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Cricket round-up with Fraser Watson In the first game of the season Wellington played host to Walmley. Losing the toss they were asked to bat first and promptly put 300 for five on the scoreboard. Dan Lloyd continued where he left off last season and top scored with 83. Samit Gohel showed his class with 64 and was ably supported by Captain Wagner (79). All Wellington’s bowlers chipped away at the Walmley innings and the visitors were always behind the rate, finally succumbing to 180 all out. A great first win and a useful 20 points. Away at Leamington proved to be an extraordinary game. Wellington were delighted to restrict Leamington to 168, mainly thanks to four for 42 from Jack Twigger. Wellington appeared to be coasting to victory at 134 for three. Simon Topper continued, "Charlie Mackleworth was promoted to four in the batting order and top scored with 67. When Charlie was out we only needed 20 odd runs with plenty of overs left. Alas, we had a little wobble and were very disappointed when the last man was given out LBW when the scores were level. We were left with a tied game but should have won it really." The third game of the season was at home to a strong Barnards Green. The bowlers could not cope with Worcestershire’s George Rhodes. He scored a run a ball hundred while Ryan Tongue also scored a century. The Wellington bowlers stuck at their tasks and managed to take late wickets to limit the final
> Wellington CC skipper Wendell Wagner score to 291. In a straight win - lose scenario the batters had to score freely but they couldn’t keep up with the run rate. Dan Lloyd took the game to the opposition with a quick fire innings, which included five boundaries, but Wellington were well short and finished on 133 all out. The game against Tamworth was washed out after 20 overs. Simon Topper commented, "OK, we have made a reasonable start. When we get Samit and Twigger back fit and we get another couple of wins we are confident we can climb the league table."
FIXTURES FOR JUNE
The season continues at home against Bromsgrove 3rd of June, away at Moseley 10th June, home to Attock 17th June and at home to local rivals Shifnal 24th June. All games start at 12 noon.
Players wanted for Wanderers' Under 15s Wellington Wanderers FC are a newly formed club giving young local players the chance to succeed. Manager Kevin Munroe has sent Wrekin News this following letter as the club look to recruit new players for the new season... Wellington Wanderers FC, members of the Midlands Junior Premier League. PLAYERS WANTED for the 2016/17 SEASON at Under 15’s. We play in the same league as Birmingham, Coventry, AFC Telford, Stafford Rangers, Lye Town, Shrewsbury Town and Hednesford Town to name a few . . . Are you at a decent standard in your football ability, but not playing Saturday in the MJPL? Do you want the chance to play at this higher
level? If you have the desire and commitment to succeed, then this may be for you. 80% of all MJPL matches are regularly attended by Premier and Championship Scouts. Our ethos is to always encourage any progress shown by a player to be rewarded in obtaining them a trial with a League Club. We are Shropshire based, but have players from the Wolverhampton and Walsall areas in our current squad. Please also note it will not affect your son, if he currently plays Sunday Football. All coaches are CRB Checked and FA Levels 1 & 2 Qualified. Please feel free to contact me – Kevin Munroe, manager on mobile 07850 986866 or email Kevin.munroe@btinternet. com for more information.
46 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 46 Sport.indd 1
26/05/2017 21:51
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47 Adverts.indd 1
19/12/2016 18:51
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48 Adverts.indd 1
25/05/2017 21:27