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January 2018 · Issue 225
THE REGION’S FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
To all of our friends around the Wrekin
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WIN AN ANNUAL FAMILY PASSPORT TICKET TO ALL TEN IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS!
A NEW BOOK BY GEORGE EVANS MOTORING
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Wrekin
News Published by: Plus Two Media Limited, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY
Free
Wrekin
News HAPPY NEW YEAR PLEASE TAKE YOUR COPY
January 2018 · Issue 225
THE REGION’S FAVOURITE MAGAZINE
To all of our friends around the Wrekin
PRIZES TO WIN
Loyalty card scheme WIN AN ANNUAL FAMILY PASSPORT TICKET TO ALL TEN IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS!
A NEW BOOK BY GEORGE EVANS
MOTORINGBanner) W-CFOOD 20.11.17_Layout
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OUT NOW - SEE PAGE 21 FOR MORE DETAILS
LETTERS
1 24/11/2017 14:30 Page 1
why was aste te money on rent?
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24/12/2017 04:23
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER
Tel: 01952 522562 Fax: 01952 522567 Editor: James Baylis james@plus2media.co.uk Editorial Support: Tania Baylis tania@plus2media.co.uk Publisher & Design: James Baylis Contributing Photographer: Malcolm Couzens Contributing writer: Dwayne Forrester
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Contact our Advertising Sales Manager: Irene Winning 01952 522562 · irene@plus2media.co.uk Specialist writers: George Evans, Richard Worton, Professor Ralph Early, Sue Ladds, Eve Nicholls, Robert Hudson, Russell Blakey and Syd Taylor Sports News: Lez Dean, Fraser Watson To subscribe to Wrekin News please call Tania Baylis on 01952 522562 Printed in Telford by PCP Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Wrekin News but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and opinions of contributors, advertisers and interviewees to Wrekin News are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions. © Plus Two Media Limited 2018 - All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.
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02 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 2, 3 Welcome.indd 1
24/12/2017 04:40
Welcome Tel: 01952 522562 · james@plus2media.co.uk
Welcome to the January issue of Wrekin News!
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TELFORD’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF SOFAS AND SUITES
ELLO everyone and welcome to the January issue of your favourite local lifestyle magazine Wrekin News. I must start these notes by wishing you all a very happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year, I hope it has been a good start to 2018 for you. We have hopefully started the year as we mean to carry on by producing for you another exciting and interesting issue of Wrekin News. I hope you enjoy the articles, letters and features and please remember to tell our advertisers were you saw their advert. Our letters pages are once again full, bursting at the seams with some wonderful contributions from plenty of our regular scribes. However we are always on the lookout for more of your memories, stories and pictures so please do find the time to sit down and share your memories with us no matter how old or young you are - we are waiting to hear from you! Once again our December issue was fill of some great competitions and prizes to be won and we offer our congratulations to the following winners: Caroline Leigh from Randlay who won the Penkridge Market hamper. Kate Bayliss from Aqueduct was the lucky winner of the Panto The Place, Oakengates. Helen Brooks from Shifnal won the Message in a Bottle show at The Place. Mary Lewis from Wellington won the Patisserie Valarie Afternoon Tea voucher. Pauline Williams from Dawley was the winner of the Annual Festival Pass, whilst David Bone from Madeley won the tickets to Vampires Rock at the Theatre Severn. Mrs K Nicolaus from Arleston was the lucky winner of the Odeon cinema tickets and finally Chris Whittall from Telford won the Panto tickets for the Theatre on the Steps performance. If you have a story to tell or want some help from our readers with 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 and keeping people throughout our community connected!
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TEL: 01952 257610 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 03
2, 3 Welcome.indd 2
24/12/2017 05:02
New ownership for Man About Town
M
AN About Town, in Queen Street, Wellington, has been a permanent fixture for over 37 years. In fact, the longest standing barbers in the town! Anne Price, who owned it for thirty-seven years, prided herself on great customer service and a friendly welcoming atmosphere that we all came to love. Well, no need to fear, as new owner, Nicola Wakeley holds dear the same principles and has worked alongside Ann for the last five years. Man About Town still has the same great staff. Gail Jones who has been with them for twenty-seven years
and Scott Buxton for over two years. ‘My passion is barbering. Creating new looks and I love doing skin fades. My aim is to provide the best customer service.’ Says Nicola. ‘We have a great mix of clientele, from toddlers through to granddads. We provide traditional and modern haircuts, with the same Man About Town walk in service, everyone expects.’ Take a seat and enjoy the free customer WiFi when you visit. Please see our Facebook, Google and Twitter for updates and offers. Facebook.com/ ManABoutTown www.manabouttown.biz Twitter @MATBarbers
> Scott Buxton, Nicola Wakeley and Gail Jones of Man About Town
Local photographer and friend of Wrekin News Tim Preston has once again been out and about with his camera. Tim has sent us this wonderful picture to share with you of Dothill Local Nature reserve. Tim took the picture during the early winter snowfall in December. Thank you for sharing the pictures Tim, please do continue to send your pictures to us.
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04 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 4 News.indd 1
24/12/2017 05:42
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23/12/2017 09:20
Oakengates History Group
G
WYN Hartley from the Oakengates History Group writes to Wrekin News; “I started the Facebook, Oakengates History Group page in 2012 and it now has well over 4,000 likes. From that success, Alison Hinks, Gilly Reynolds and myself along with members from the Oakengates Town Council set up Oakengates and surrounding areas History Group. Our next meeting is on 1st February 2018, held in the Wakes building, Theatre Square, Oakengates, TF2 6EP, at 7pm. So please come along and share your
memories and if you have any old photos or newspaper cuttings of the area, please bring them a long with you. The Facebook Oakengates History Group page has many posts of old pictures on, and they evoke so many memories from other group members, who share them by commenting on the picture. It is a great way of learning about the history of Oakengates, Wombridge, Trench, Ketley Bank, Wrockwardine Wood, Priorslee and St Georges, and can also be a lot of help with those tracing their Family Tree. You can find the Facebook page by searching Oakengates History Group.
> Postcard date stamped 1908 looking up Market Street, Oakengates
Wildlife Forum date announced The Wrekin Forest Volunteers, Telford’s Shropshire Wildlife Trust volunteers, will be holding their first Telford Wildlife Forum of 2018 at 7:30pm on Tuesday 23 January at Horsehay Village Hall, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford, TF4 2NF when Pete Lambert, Shropshire Wildlife Trust Rivers Project Manager, will be giving an illustrated talk: The Magnificent Severn. Pete was part of the team who walked, cycled and paddled the length of the River Severn in 2016. He will take us through the highs and lows of life on the river as encountered on this epic trip. There will also be a round-up of local conservation news. Entrance is £2 for Shropshire Wildlife Trust members and £3 for non-members, which includes free coffee, tea and biscuits. For further details see attached poster or contact Stephen Mitchell - 01952 590820 / 07842 137410 or Rob Doran - 01952 407021 / 07926 387733.
We love hearing from you! For 17 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 The Wrekin Forest Volunteers Telford’s Shropshire Wildlife Trust volunteers Presents
Telford Wildlife Forum
Speakers, wildlife and volunteering news, and good company!
The Magnificent Severn An illustrated talk by
Pete Lambert
Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Rivers Project Manager
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06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 6 News.indd 1
24/12/2017 02:48
Free Will Writing Service
Parry Carver Solicitors are supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Free Will Writing Service, which is available for those aged 55 and over. Whether you are looking to make your first Will or update an existing one, it’s important that you properly plan your financial affairs to ensure your loved ones are looked after. Talk to us at Parry Carver today about having your Will written for free, for that extra peace of mind.
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Parry Carver full page advert.indd 1
23/12/2017 09:21
George
EVANS
Life in Wellington ninety years ago A
FEW years back, while giving a talk on Wellington a centenarian in the audience said, “I remember Mabel Fail married Eric Evans and they had a fat baby.” “That was me,” I said. The first story I know happened the day I was born. Dad, a countryman, introduced me to the family dog, Rex. He brought this tough-looking Alsatian mongrel upstairs and held him firmly by the collar while he sniffed at the new baby. Rex then sat down on the floor. He understood. From then on Rex guarded me. I was often put in my pram outside the shop with the dog guarding. People complained that he wouldn’t let them near me. We lived over the shop (‘slop’ I called it) and over the four years we were there I remember some things that we sold. There were crockery cups, saucers, plates and so on called ‘Blue Band’ (no mugs then), and all sorts of furniture including small desks. I saw several of these desks on sale in Wellington Market and told the stallholder I remembered they were 12s 6d (62 ½ p). He hoped to get more. There were armchairs too, new and second hand. One day Dad offered to give a ‘gosunder’ (a pot to go under the bed) free to a man if he’d walk down the street carrying it unwrapped. Dad wore a khaki cotton coat in the shop for moving furniture. His shirt was long, more like Muslim men wear now, with a separate white collar, starched and held onto the striped shirt by front and bone back studs. There was always a dark coloured tie. Mum’s clothes were always made by herself and parts were also of bone. There was no plastic. There was a black and gold sign saying “E. J. Evans, Furniture Dealer.” High Street was a respectable place with many small shops and pubs but there were many dreadful slums at the backs. Chapel Lane, where the Health Centre is, was notorious for crime and policemen went there in fours. I wasn’t taken to the ‘rough areas’ like ‘Little Ireland.’ Poverty was rife for many unemployed folks.
Our car was kept in a shed at the back of the shop which was recently demolished; it was painted green and I’m sure the same paint was on it 90 years later. The car was a Ford with a removable hood so that furniture could be stacked in it and it had a padded wooden box for me. One day Rex fell out of the car on a tight turn but was unhurt. I was said to sleep as soon as the car started. I called it Tin Lizzy; it had a honking bulb horn which I squeezed until told not to. His next car had a Klaxon which was even more fun. We had a girl called Gladys, about 14 I think, who helped Mum in the house
and looked after me. I was especially fond of Gladys and cried bitterly when we left; I was then four. Gladys took me out in my pram or pushchair and on my feet as I grew. She would always stop when asked. I remember spending my Saturday penny at Peacock’s penny Bazaar in the market and the woman who would give you a free sample of cheese gouged by her filthy black thumbnail, also a man who noisily
The Wrekin’s favourite columnist! 8, 9 George Evans.indd 1
23/12/2017 16:34
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clashed plates and broke them to attract a crowd. She ran into anyone’s garden on Mondays when a herd of bullocks were being driven past. We watched the lamp lighter on his bike with his long hooked pole switching the street gas lamps on. Mum’s father, Gramp, lived round the corner in Victoria Avenue, a ‘posh’ smart street at the time, and also took me out for walks along the streets. There were wounded ex-soldiers with wooden legs and arms or blinded by gas. He was a very strict teetotaller and we had to cross the road to avoid the smell of beer from pubs. He was a small man with a big moustache who dressed smartly in suits and bright waistcoats with a gold
chain and a large watch. He took me to the railway station, where he used to work. I loved the snorting steam trains, the huge coal store, the repair shed and the wonderful turntable where a massive engine could be reversed by hand. We saw the water tower supplying the engines that could also suck it up from a gutter as they roared past; also the bay, where the ‘slip coaches’ pulled in silently without engines, had tea in the overheated porters’ cabin and felt the whole world shake as a ‘through train’ thundered past at 60mph. Gramp’s signal box was a puzzle of big levers, bells clanging and something going, ‘pip, pip’ or ‘click, click, and clump’ and Gramp said they were going to install a telephone. He could signal ‘stop’ or ‘slow’ to a train or move points to put them on another line. Dad was mostly working but sometimes on Wednesday afternoons pushed me in my pushchair as proud fathers do. One day a friend said, “Oh Mr Evans, what a pretty little girl you have!” Dad was shocked I’d been mistaken for a girl so we went straight into Barlow’s barber shop and off came all my blond curls. They regrew as brown. I went to Constitution Hill School aged 3 ½ . Two girls took me and I remember pulling up my socks on the hill. The school was big and I was scared, there were high windows in the classroom and red tiles on the walls, also cards with letters – Aa for apple, Bb for ball, Cc for cat and so on. The slates were scratchy and a kindly lady was in charge. On the day we left I remember sitting on the back doorstep drinking tea from a sugar basin because we’d packed all the cups.
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DESIGNED BY JAMES BAYLIS JON LARTER FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION BY
BY GEORGE EVANS
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BY GEORGE EVANS
by
news publishers of wrekinLimited
A friendly, personal service that you deserve!
A thoughtful collect iontful of A though timeles s kilover ion ofbs collect written the bs kilover timeless by wrekin’ s favouri te by the written column ist wrekin’s favourite columnist
Published by Plus two media limited publishers
DESIGNED BY JAMES BAYLIS FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION BY JON LARTER
Now 41 years in business...
ROUN UNDD RO TH THEE WR EKIN IN WREK IN IN KILOVERBS BS KILOVER
Read the memories of a well-know n Wellington man who has the world change over the watched last ninety years. People, shops, homes, cars, schools, clothes and especially communications have all greatly altered over the years. Few things are as they used to be. Was it better watched has worse man whoor ‘Good Old Days’? back in the Wellington n of a well-know Read the memories Can you imagine years. ninety the last lives the of over your own change ancestors? the world written by someone and especiallyHere’s a book schools, livedclothes homes, cars, who through andyears. People, shops, can remember the changes to ordinary all greatly altered over the havepeople. in the communications Canare Was it better or worse back you to be. imagine used going they as into the things market Few to buy penny a wonderful toy from Peacock’s with your Saturday Days’? a book ‘Good Oldyour Penny Here’s Bazaar? A penny for thoughts? of your own ancestors? Can you imagine the lives remember the changes who lived through and can Here written by someone are 1,000 thoughts for under a tenner! penny to ordinary people. Saturday your with market the Can you imagine going into A penny for Peacock’s Penny Bazaar? from toy wonderful a buy to your thoughts? under a tenner! Here are 1,000 thoughts for
Published Plus Two media limited twoMedia Plus
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ROUND THE WREKIN IN KILOVERBS
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ROUND THE
WR EK INEIN A new book D TH ROUN KILEK OV ER INBS IN WR by George KILOVER BS Evans is OUT NOW . . . See page 21 for more information
WITH the rightTHIS carpetADVERT choices for VALID UNTILor 1-12-2015 your home business
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T: 01952 620 200 Stafford Road Oakengates Telford TF2 6JH www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 09
8, 9 George Evans.indd 2
23/12/2017 16:34
YOUR WELLINGTON
Christmas in Wellington The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council The recent Remembrance Parade and Service, remembering the fallen, was also extremely well attended despite the terrible weather.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in the organisation of, and those who attended, the Wellington 2017 light switch on event. As you can from the photo above it was thoroughly well attended and enjoyed.
PLEASE HELP US SHAPE FUTURE WELLINGTON EVENTS FOR YOU! We need your help to ensure that we are providing the events that you, the public, want to see in Wellington. We would be most grateful if you would take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire opposite... Once complete you can either post it to us at: Wellington Town Council, Civic Office, Larkin Way, Tan Bank, Wellington TF1 1LX or you can also complete on line at www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk. Facebook www.facebook.com/WellingtonTCShropshire and Twitter www.twitter.com/WellingTCl
www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk 10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 1
24/12/2017 05:34
N
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL
PUBLIC QUESTIONNAIRE
In 2017 Wellington Town Council provided the following events to the public: WELLINGTON ARTS & CULTURE SPRING FESTIVAL, MAYORS CHARITY BALL, BAYLEY MILE ROAD RACE, WELLINGTON ARTS & CULTURE OCTOBER FESTIVAL, ARMISTICE DAY SERVICE, REMEMBRANCE PARADE & SERVICE, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON, BEST DRESSED WINDOW AND MARKET STALL COMPETITION, MAYORS CIVIC CAROL SERVICE, CAROLS IN THE MARKET SQUARE. ** NEW FOR 2018 - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, ST. GEORGES DAY & TELFORD 50 ** Name: ________________________________________________ Age:
17-29
30-44
45-65
66+
Email_________________________________________________ Resident
Are you a resident to Wellington or a Business Owner? Do you attend events in Wellington?
YES
Business Owner
Both
NO
What type of event do / would you choose to attend? __________________________________________ Have you ever recommended an event to family or friends?
YES
NO
What did you like about it? ________________________________________________________________ What did you dislike about it? ______________________________________________________________ How well organised did you feel the event was?
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
How do you hear about Council led events? __________________________________________________ How do you feel Council led events can be promoted more? ____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ What additional events would you like to see in Wellington? ____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you see value in the FREE events the Council provides? Would you pay to attend Council events?
YES
YES
NO
NO
Are you happy for us to contact you via email regarding your feedback?
YES
NO
Thank you for completing this Questionnaire, your opinions are very important to us. Please return to: Wellington Town Council, Larkin Way, Tan Bank, Wellington, Shropshire TF1 1LX YES
Would you like to assist in organising Wellington Town Council’s future events? Do you belong to any community groups that are based in Wellington? Would you like us to visit and speak to your community group?
10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 2
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
22/12/2017 10:43
Fashion Blog WITH EVE NICHOLLS
Cosy and chic this winter
Whatever the weather this winter you can keep warm and stay on-trend with a stylish knitwear look. It’s easy to update your winter wardrobe with just a few carefully choosen knits. Over-sized styles look great paired with skinny jeans and offer an easyto-wear casual look that’s just the thing for the weekend. Bold colours and striking prints are not only on-trend but perfect for brightening up those dull winter days. Whether you favour a chunky cable knit or luxurious cashmere design, make sure that you treat yourself to something new this season.
Model wears:
Fairisle Knit Jumper £42 Fairisle Knit Scarf £20 Oasis
Model wears:
‘Cosmic’ Jumper £59.95 White Stuff
Model wears:
Plaid Knitted Jumper £45 La Redoute
12 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 12 Fashion.indd 1
24/12/2017 01:47
Allums The Jewellers ALLUM’S 70th ANNIVERSARY SALE!
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ADVERTORIAL
News from your hospitals Bringing you updates from The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH):
Pulling out all the stops! “So impressed with all our staff who have been willing to do anything and everything asked of them in keeping our patients safe.”
T
HEY say you express everything you need to in a well-crafted Tweet - which of course has become a lot easier since the introduction of additional characters - and that is exactly what The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SaTH) Chief Executive did in the midst of the heavy snowfall that blighted the region in December. The Tweet from Simon Wright was just one of many similar messages as doctors, nurses, health professionals and support staff pulled out all the stops to ensure the safety of patients. Debbie Kadum, Chief Operating Officer,
SaTH helped to bring a little cheer to those who found themselves in hospital this Christmas
Ian Stuart, from SaTH’s catering team, worked on a project to make Christmas Day lunch special for those who find themselves at PRH or RSH. After securing charitable funds through the Trust, he made it possible to offer a more exclusive range of Christmas crackers and napkins, along with a slice of Christmas cake and a healthy fruit juice drink for patients this year. Ian said: “No one wants to spend their Christmas in hospital, so I wanted to do something to try and cheer patients up a little bit while they are here. I thought I would try and make Christmas Day lunch a bit of a treat with a few little extras for our patients.” The catering team also served-up breakfast baps for all Trust staff who were working on Christmas Day.
added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our dedicated staff who braved the weather to get into work during the snowfall.” Services at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) started returning to normal on Tuesday 12 December after severe weather caused the cancellation of Outpatient appointments and non-emergency operations on Monday 11 December. The decision to cancel appointments was taken due to a combination of factors including advice from emergency services for people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Staff at SaTH provide excellent, friendly care for children and young people That is the finding of the latest Children and Young People’s Survey published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). PRH and RSH scored 8 out of 10 or higher in almost 80% of questions in the survey. The results included scores of more than 9 out of 10 from both young people (aged 8-15) and the parents of children (aged 0-7) for the questions: “Were staff friendly?” and “Were you (or your child) well looked after in the hospital?” SaTH also scored ‘better’ than other trusts in two categories: “Did the hospital change your child’s admission date at all?” and “Was your child given enough privacy when receiving care and treatment?”. There were no areas where SaTH performed worse than other trusts. Other highlights from the report include a score of 9.9 for children being treated on the most appropriate ward, a score of 9.6 from young people saying staff had answered their questions and scores of 9.7 for questions about whether staff explained what would happen before an operation or procedure and whether staff gave parents enough information about their child’s medication. Jo Banks, Women and Children’s Care Group Director at SaTH, said: “We are delighted that the findings of the latest Children and Young People’s Survey show that our young patients, and their families, believe they are receiving the safe and kind service we want for everybody.”
Star Award for brave Skyla Skyla Upton, aged five is like all little girls, enjoying school and dancing at her Mums Dance Studio, (Deightons Dance Studio). However, unlike most others, she has just received an award for her courage during her treatment for cancer. It’s unbelievable that back in February 2016, Skyla was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cancer, and is still undergoing treatment until March 2018. ‘I burst into tears because I just thought the worst. The consultant explained the survival rate for Skyla’s type of leukaemia was really high and that helped a bit, but I was still terrified.’ Says Laura, Skyla’s mother. ‘She had really blonde hair with little curls in it, so it was absolutely heart-breaking to see it fall out.’ Laura nominated Skyla for the Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards. The award is for under 18’s who are currently being treated for cancer or have been under treatment in the last five years. Laura said: ‘She was absolutely thrilled with the Star Award, and we’d encourage anyone who knows an eligible child to nominate them.’ ‘When you see what these children go through day in day out, you begin to get a sense of just how incredibly brave they all are. That’s why the Star Awards are so fantastic – they enable all children with cancer to be recognised.’ Paula Young, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens in Shropshire said: ‘We want to bring forward the day when no young person dies of the disease, and ensure that those who do survive, do so with a good quality of life.’ ‘So we’re calling on people of Shropshire to nominate inspirational youngsters for this year’s Star Awards.’ All nominated children will receive a trophy, £50 TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and certificate signed by celebrities including Emma Thompson, Una Healy, Aston Merrygold and Peter and Emily Andre.
November’s competition winners
Congratulations to all of our November winners! Unfortunately we ran out of space in the December issue to print all of the names
Carol Decker....... Joan Griffin Luke Jermay...... Linda McCririck Christmas Eve Box..... Katie Roberts £25 meat voucher....... Shirley Whitehead Christmas Cake.... Andrew Lysons Christmas Tree..... Mark Pearce Odeon...... Sian Halliwell and Colin Sedgwick Drayton Manor..... Danny Phillips Snow White.... Emma Norry Christmas Wreath..... Cheryl Sands Buckatree ..... Cathryn Crawshaw Advent Charm Calendar..... Andrea Middleton Morrisons Hamper.... Mrs Skitt Santa Train Ride..... David Hughes
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Letters
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL MEMORIES AND PICTURES THROUGH THE MOST POPULAR PAGES OF THE WREKIN NEWS
Spotlight on
Hadley A nostalgic walk around the Hadley Village I remember from the 1930/40’s by Kath Parton
T
HE second hairdresser in Hadley was Mr Witton, his shop being in the front room of his house but I have very little recollection of him. Across the road from here was Case’s fish and chip shop where people would queue all around the inside and outside of the premises, waiting for what I think were the best fish and chips I ever tasted. At the back of Case’s was the old Conservative Room where in 1942; my husband Jack and I held our wedding reception. Does anyone remember what other events may have taken place there? Mention has to be made of the imposing black and white timbered Manor House at Hadley and the old Mulberry tree in front of it. How sad that this beautiful and historic building was pulled down and lost to the village forever. A few yards further up the road was the Cross Keys pub and across the other side of the road was a further butcher’s owned by the Spencer family, one of whom now lives in New Zealand. Standing back off the road was Adam’s shop although I do not recall what they sold apart from my daughter Diane remembering the iced lollies she used to buy when shopping there with her Grandmother, Mrs Annie Parton. Just beyond Adam’s, was a row of cottages which used to run round the corner into Station Road and a lady named Mrs Bolas had a wool shop in her front room. One ball of wool was called “rainbow!” wool and it consisted of many colours mixed together – I used to buy this to do cork work on a cotton reel with four springs knocked in the top. This would then be stitched together to make tablemats. Down Station road was the railway bridge which, when there was heavy rain used to flood the road underneath and we often went to school with wet shoes and sock after wading through it. The old Victorian school building was on the right hand side of the road, opposite to a footpath, which led up to Hadley Station, now long gone
PART TWO Gilberts Shop
from the village. Returning up the village on the left-hand side of the road on the corner was Speak’s shop, again selling groceries and round the corner and going up the High Street, standing back from the road were more cottages. Bircher’s garage was the next building and as well as repairing cars, he sold petrol and also charged the acid accumulator batteries needed to run our radios – the charge for this service being around 6d (2.5p now) The Bircher family lived in a long wooden building by the side of the garage. Continuing along the High Street, a brick wall bordered the footpath and behind the wall was a field belonging to Billington’s Farm. The farmhouse was a black and white house, which stood opposite to the King’s Head. Next to Billington’s farmhouse, a lane led down to a row of cottages called Railway Terrace. By the farm was a quite large house occupied by another well-known
village character named “Sponse Davies” who used to take a water cart around the village cleaning the roads. This house was later bought by my in-laws, and as there was a large garden attached to it, we had a bungalow built there in 1950 – unfortunately this had a compulsory purchase order on it by Telford Development Corporation in 1974, together with my parents in law’s home and this area is now the new Hadley Centre. On the same side of the road, next to my inlaw’s house, were two shops. The first, selling women’s and children’s’ clothing was run by Miss Freda Jennings and in the room at the back Miss Jenning’s father had a cobbler’s shop. Ernie Austin selling newspapers, magazines, tobacco, etc ran the second shop. This was later to be known as Pedley’s. Another large house “Dalvay” was occupied by, I think, a Mr Page who used to come to Hadley School to test us with mental arithmetic. Next to
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For 17 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 16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Letters.indd 1
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him was Mr Smith (known as the school baby hunter) and woe betide any child he found wandering in the village, who should have been at school. A well-known shop was Harris’ cake shop where people would come for miles and stand in queues waiting to be served the delicious cakes for which they were renowned. Miss Agnes Harris used to help her father in the bakery and Miss Eleanor served in the shop. I am not sure whether their brother was in the business with them. Johnny Walker’s parents had the next shop and I know many people will have fond memories of a lady called Lily who used to live with the Walkers and served in the shop. They sold, amongst other things home made ice cream and treacle toffee, both of which were delicious. The only shoe shop in the village was on the end of Dicken’s Lane and was owned by Mr Stanley Woodfin, whose two sons worked in the shop at a later date. I think his other brother had a shoe repair shop down Castle Street. A little further on was the “Co-op” whose head office was at Oakengates. If you were customer here, you would be given a number – ours was 3740 – and this would entitle you to a “divi” off goods bought The third pub was the Green Dragon, which had an empty room at the side – possibly used for village events. Attached to the Green Dragon was a row of cottages. Am I correct in thinking a lady called Moore had a small sweet shop in her front room? At the end of the row was a bay windowed shop where Mr. Watkins ran a wallpaper and paint
business, later run by his son Archie Councillor Kearton, also a school governor, had his living accommodation and premises next to Watkins and both he and his son were tailors, having another shop in Wellington, which later was managed by the son. “Flossie” Mr Kearton’s daughter helped her father in the village premises, selling men’s and ladies’ clothing. Corfield’s grocery shop (also known as Mason’s at one time) was managed by Mr Pearce, ably assisted by Miss Hughes. They always wore immaculate white coats. Did Mr Pearce and Miss Hughes eventually get married? Attached to Corfield’s was a bay windowed house occupied by Mrs Robinson where again you could take acid accumulators to be charged. In later years, her son Ben moved from his Wellington premises to set up a gent’s hairdressers in their front room. Mr Bateson was in charge of the Post Office reached by climbing three steps and it always appeared dark inside. This adjoined the Bush Hotel, which was managed by Mr George Heineman, who at one time played football for Wellington Town. At the back of the pub was a blacksmith’s shop and many times on my way home from school I would stand and watch him at work. This pub was on a corner leading from the High Street into Castle Street and this led to an area called the Square, where on VE night crowds gathered around a huge bonfire. One of the Heenan family, whose parents had a shop close by, brought his accordion out and the people were dancing and singing to celebrate the end of the
war. Mr Hodgekinson, a farmer brought bales of straw for people to sit on. Mrs Henn who was mentioned previously as living in the village had a fish and chip shop and next to this was, I think, “Nellie” Onions florist and fruit store. She also made bridal bouquets and wreaths. Mr Wolfe, who lived in New Hadley, used to cycle to his premises adjacent to Mrs Onions. This was a double fronted shop and on the one side he sold hardware and paraffin and the other side he sold groceries, sweets and cigarettes. Crossing the main road was Heenan’s, a family run business, where again, they sold groceries as well as having their own bakery in a yard at the side of the shop. Does anyone remember if they had a bread round run by either Mr Priest or Mr Tipton – someone used to go round the village with a horse and cart selling bread and cakes. I remember the cakes were in a drawer at the back of the cart. Across the New Hadley road was another grocery/bakery shop owned by Mr Tom Harris, a brother maybe to Mr Sam? The last shop was Bates and Hunts, the chemist being Mr Laddiman with Betty Perkins assisting in the shop. This was eventually taken over by Mr Howells. These are my recollections of the village and perhaps other people have different recollections and photographs that will put Hadley in the ‘Wrekin News.’
Kath Parton
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Hope for a new year A
S WE welcome in another New Year in 2018, we acknowledge the uncertainties of what may develop during the year. Whilst we anticipate change in 2018 as the UK prepares to leave the EU, how much more uncertain were times in Wellington as 1918 dawned? The country had been at war since August 1914, and conscription had been in force for almost two years. Many men had returned home wounded, and were seen wearing their Silver War Badge to show that they had answered the call but were no longer fit to serve as a result of their military service. Some men had enlisted right at the beginning of the war, and after four Christmases on the battlefield, were still serving, not knowing when or if they would ever get back home. Others had only recently been called up, or volunteered and their families would be experiencing the same anxieties as those of the seasoned soldiers. Yet other families were mourning the loss of their son, husband or father who had been killed, died of wounds or still missing. In all too many cases- more than one. At the beginning of 1918 three hundred and forty five men who had been born, lived or enlisted in Wellington had died in the service of their country; news of the latest
By Jacky Cooper
loss wouldn’t yet have reached Wellington. George Davies and George Henry Scarratt were killed in action on 30 December 1917. Corporal Joseph Healey died of wounds the following day. All three served in 1st/4th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. Hopes that the conflict would be over by Christmas 1914 were no more than a distant memory. For four years, small organisations around the country had raised money to send comfort packages to their local troops, particularly in the festive season. This practice was to continue throughout 1918, not knowing whether or not peace would be achieved by the end of the year. Celebrations were restrained around the country and in many places the ushering in of the New Year passed very quietly with neither Watch Night service nor bells tolling the old year out. In others, the church bells sounded a muffled peal. 1918 promised to be another year of rationing – tea, butter, margarine and meat would remain in short
❂
WELLINGTON REMEMBERS supply. As the young men of the town reached the age of 18 they would be conscripted into service, and the local tribunals would be kept busy through the year, hearing the cases of those who appealed for their sons to be allowed to stay at home. Military weddings would continue, as servicemen took advantage of a brief period of leave to commit to their loved one. Occasional military funerals would still be held as wounded men, brought home, succumbed to their injuries. No-one would know the ferocity of the fighting still to take place before the end of the New Year, but few can have been under any illusion that would take a toll on the town. Amidst the strains and anxieties, there must have been hope that one day in the not too distant future, the war would be over, and Wellington’s men would be coming home. The German military high command attempted a large-scale offensive on the Western Front
in the spring, but suffered heavy losses. The allies began a counter offensive in August, supported by over a million fresh American troops. By autumn the German Army was no longer able to continue fighting and Germany’s political leadership petitioned for an armistice. Sadly, before that day arrived, the death toll of men connected to Wellington would rise to almost 500. Edward Blakemore & Thomas Vaughan from Dawley and George Fox from Chetwynd Aston, who all enlisted in Wellington and served with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, died on 11 November 1918, the day the guns fell silent on the Western Front. There would be more deaths associated with the conflict but by the end of the year many men were home, and the rest of the survivors could look forward to the day they would be arriving back at Wellington station to re-start their family lives in the shadow of the Wrekin.
Wellington Remembers is supported by Heritage Lottery Funding
18 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Letters.indd 3
23/12/2017 13:47
Time does go along more quickly as you get older My Story by Rona Harris Hi Everyone. Well here we are again almost into another year, and yes! time does go along more quickly as you get older, but never mind there is very little any of us can do about it As I have mentioned before I have time now to sit and think of my past life and yes! I do stay with some of those thoughts, wondering if whatever it was in those thoughts,and if I could have done anything any differently. I do recall times that have been very lonely for me too, like when my first marriage fell apart and for so many reasons managed to live through so much unhappiness and uncertainty, I had become pregnant with my son and from then on my husband’s attitude changed completely. However, the outcome was fine, my little boy was born, he was “grizzly” but I was told that he would be fine and don’t worry about him, and yes he was and still is. I thank God for my lovely caring son who, in his life has been “through the mill a bit” as the saying goes. I have no doubt that you will gather that I am extremely proud of him in every way, and people who meet him always say that I did a good job with his upbringing on my own too and considering that he was a “latch-key kid”, he has never brought any trouble whatsoever to me. You see I had to go to work full-time and I was very determined that I would that we would be fine. I have worked overall for over sixty years of my life, and can honestly say that we “never went anything short”. We are very close to each other, but having said all of that I did always try teach him “right from wrong” , and despite all of his ups and downs I have reached the conclusion that he must be like me in so many ways. and like me he came out a winner eventually. Anyway, with all of this thinking, I do believe that I am a very lucky person, my health is OK, but not quite so much energy that I had twenty years ago, and I keep ‘plodding on’. and am very grateful fo have my lovely son in my life. I am hoping as always to send a photograph, well a collage really that he did for me last Christmas, it contains my immediate past family and hangs very proudly in my lounge. and I will always treasure it too. I must go now, and would like to wish you all that is good for you in 2018.
Dates discrepancy Dear Editor, Regarding the photo of Old Wellingtonians football team (issue 219) there seems to be a slight discrepancy in dates. Jim Duffett was indeed sports master at the Grammer School during the war years. He was there when I started WGS in 1944 and didn’t he make us sweet! I left school in 1951 by which time ‘Mr Duffett’ was no longer there. It would seem that he had stepped in to either coach or support the old boys’ team when the photo was taken. His son Don originally had a hardware shop in the Walker Street area but subsequently moved to teacher training and we were both on the staff at Wrockwardine Wood School in the 60’s. I receive my Wrekin News in lumps, posted by our good friend Ruth Clarke in Stafford who has links with Wellington, so I am usually a bit behind! (come to think of it, the story of my life!!) Sincerely Mike Clay
❂
WELLINGTON REMEMBERS
Can you help us reach 100? At Wellington Mid-summer Fayre in 2016 I set myself a small task; to try to collect a photograph for each man named on the First World War list on the Wellington Lychgate Memorial. Many of you will know that this project grew into the Wellington Remembers project which gained Heritage Lottery funding in May this year, writes Wendy Palin. Since then our group has been working to write a short biography for each of 184 names, telling of their early life, their link to Wellington and how they were killed. We have been thrilled to meet many local families who told us of their relative and in some cases were able to provide a photograph. Other photos were found in the old Wellington Journals with assistance from Neil Evans who helped compile the Shropshire Roll of Honour. At the time of writing we have almost 100 images showing the faces of the men who fought for their country but never returned home. That leaves over eighty men and one woman for whom there is no picture. The list below includes the names of those for whom we are trying to locate photographs. Adams, George Adderley, Frederick Samuel Arnold, Ernest William. Birch, Laura M. Bowen, Charles William Bradley, Isaac Thomas Brisbourne, Graham OscarLloyd Cadman, Maurice Danks Cartwright James Challoner, Arthur Chilton, Hubert Churm, Arthur Cotton, Job Cruise, William Henry Davies, William Davies, George Davies, Alfred Edwards, Herbert Gordon Elson, Cecil Emery, Charles Thomas Evans, Rowland Evans, John Fleming, Henry John Fletcher, John Foulkes, Herbert Fox, Charles Thomas Fox, Allen William Fox, George Francis, Edwin Richard Green, W Joseph Gough, Joseph Careless Gough, Albert Hall, Sidney Harold Harvey, William Mitchell Albert James Harper, John Francis Harris, James Henry Horton, William Percy Horton, John Norman Hotchkiss Richard Charles Humphreys, William Edward
Hayward, Richard Jarvis, John Massey Jarvis, James Henry Jones, John Samuel Jones, Richard William Jones, Sidney William Langley, William Leigh, Samson Lloyd, Sydney Jesse Lucas, Cecil Magness, Alfred George Mason, Francis William Moore, John Morris, Reginald Harry Newns, William Palmer, William H. Pankhurst, Arthur William Peake, James Plant, John Thomas Poole Harry William Poulter, Campbell Victor Price, Robert Henry Price, Walter William Price, Charles Harry Pritchard, Arthur William Pritchard, John Pye, Thomas Henry Robertson, William Wallace Rogers, George Webster Russell, John Richard Smith, Richard Howard Bailey Spicer, Samuel Spencer, Tom Taylor, Charles Albert Weaver, Albert Edward Welsby, Richard Weston, John Wicks Francis William Wicks, James Harold Wilkinson, Percy Woodfine, Charles Stanley
If you are able to provide any help with our search or can volunteer some time please contact us either by email wellingtonremembers@outlook.com, write to Wellington Remembers c/o The Old Granary, Limekiln Lane Lilleshall or ring 07944 435978. www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19
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The Golden Age of Stagecoaches W E take it for granted that it’s easy to travel between towns across the country. We can catch buses, trains and even aeroplanes which run to regular schedules. We may also use our own cars or bikes. Generally, distance is no object and costs are reasonable. It wasn’t at all like this before passenger railway services began in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. In fact, until then, very few people ventured more than a few miles from their homes during the whole of their lifetimes, and thought nothing of walking several miles to and from work, or visiting local markets and fairs, or joining the throng stumbling along the road to witness special community events, such as public hangings at Shrewsbury. Poorer folk needing to visit distant towns and villages might catch slow-moving waggons pulled by up to eight horses, cadge a lift or take Shanks’s Pony. By 1750, stagecoach services had established themselves and enabled folk to travel to larger towns … provided they could afford the high fares. It was cheaper (about half price) to cling to the coach roof or sit in the straw-filled luggage basket at the rear than inside. For example, in 1787, it cost 12s (today’s equivalent about £70) to travel ‘inside’ from Shrewsbury to Birmingham, while ‘outsiders’ paid 6s. Because coaches travelled between four and seven miles a DAY, journeys could be long and painful, especially in inclement weather. Matters got better as time went by. Main roads tended to improve with the arrival of turnpikes but could still turn into churned quagmires whenever it rained. The design of coaches also led to slightly more comfort and greater safety, but the most notable changes came with the introduction of Royal Mail coach services from 1784 and, shortly after the Napoleonic Wars had ended, major improvements using MacAdam’s or Telford’s road building techniques. Because coach services relied on horsepower, numerous posts, or ‘stages’, were used to replace one team of four horses with a fresher team, with regular distances between each post, located every ten miles or so. Because of the logistics involved, staging posts were at inns and hotels, some of which also provided overnight accommodation, or ‘fast food’ facilities. In Wellington, the main staging posts varied
Wellington History Group
at times, as did the coaches making use of them. The Bull’s Head in New Street became the hub for Royal Mail as well as private coaches, all of which were anointed with memorable names such as ‘Tally Ho!’, ‘Hark Forward’, ‘Queen Omnibus’ and ‘Old Salopian’. The Pheasant in Market Square (not the present day Pheasant in Market Street) seems to have been an up-market inn and handled visits from the ‘Shamrock’, whereas the Raven Inn catered for ‘Salopian’ and the Sun Inn in Walker Street handled ‘Prince of Wales’. Cock Hotel provided services for ‘Old Prince’. Perhaps the most notable inn was the Falcon on Holyhead Road, variously known as Royal Oak and Haygate. With origins as a farm, the Falcon’s main claim to fame was being part of Mr. Taylor’s daily service to London (and return) from Lion Hotel at Shrewsbury, and the remarkably speedy ‘Wonder’ coach of the 1820s which could do this arduous journey in about sixteen hours! This article gives a brief insight into coach services but doesn’t show what the experiences of passengers were during the Golden Age of Stagecoaches. Believe me, you’ll want to know more about the trials, tribulations, dangers and disasters which lay in store (what would you do if a lioness attached the coach?), so make sure you don’t miss the History Group talk on 18th January. > Tally Ho! The Royal Mail coach
Comments If you have any comments or queries, please email Chairman Geoff Harrison:
ghdl19768@blueyonder.co.uk
20 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Letters.indd 5
23/12/2017 14:52
KILOVERBS
RBS ROUND THE WREKIN IN KILOVE
A NEW BOOK BY GEORGE EVANS
ROUND THE WREKIN IN
ROUND THE WR EK IN IN ROUND TH KEILOVER BS ROUND WR EK IN IN D N U O R K ILOVER BS THE
Read the memorie s the world change of a well-known Wellington ma n who has watche over d People, shops, hom the last ninety years. es, cars, school communication s have all greatly s, clothes and especially altered over the Few things are yea as they used to rs. be. Was it better ‘Good Old Days’? or worse back in the Can you imagin thewatc liveshed man whoehas ngton of you Welli n r wri know own tten wella ancest by someone who Read the memories of lived through and ors? Here’s a book last ninety yearsto. ordinary people the over can e chang rem world emb ially the espec . er the changes schools, clothes Canand youyears imagin People, shops, homes, cars, . e going into the the greatly altered over to buy a won backfroin the market with your Saturday communications have all wors fule toy r or der it bette pen m Peacock’s Pen be. Was you to used they as are r s tho ny Bazaar? A pen ny ughts? Few thing ny for s a book ‘Good Old Days’? HerHere’ of your own ancestors? e are 1,00 es 0 chang tho the Can you imagine the lives ugh ts for under a ten gh and can remember throu lived ner who ! one written by some day penny to ordinary people. the market with your Satur Can you imagine going into A penny for Peacock’s Penny Bazaar? to buy a wonderful toy from your thoughts? for under a tenner! Here are 1,000 thoughts
THE WREK WREK IN IN IN INKILOVE KILOVERBS RBS
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By eorg s e Evans By George EvGan 14/12/2017 14:24 14/12/2017 14:24
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Read the memories of a well-known Wellington man who has watched the world change over the last ninety years. People, shops, homes, cars, schools, clothes and especially communications have all greatly altered over the years. Few things are as they used to be. Was it better or worse back in the ‘Good Old Days’? Can you imagine the lives of your own ancestors? Here’s a book written by someone who lived through and can remember the changes to ordinary people. Can you imagine going into the market with your Saturday penny to buy a wonderful toy from Peacock’s Penny Bazaar? A penny for your thoughts? Here are 1,000 thoughts for under a tenner!
Plus Two Media Medi edia Limited
Wrekin
News Available now from the Wrekin News offices please call 01952 522562 or 07977 481186 for more information 21 George Evans Book.indd 1
Only £9.99
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23/12/2017 11:10
Open Day Sunday 28 January 11am to 3pm
Park Inn by Radisson, Forgegate Telford Town Centre, TF3 4NA New & Resale Villas, Town Houses & Apartments for Holidays, Retirement, Relocation & Investment
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Overseas property open day in Telford
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ROPERTY hunters searching for their perfect home in the sun will be able to get expert advice and guidance at an event this month. Brits are continually heading to the sunny shores of Spain and Cyprus as they seek the holiday lifestyle on a more permanent basis. The great value property prices in the Mediterranean and continued low savings interest rates in the UK make buying a property under the Mediterranean sun extremely attractive. Once again, a locally based overseas property specialist is offering his services to those who want to know more. Christopher Morris, director of long established Shrewsbury firm Simply Overseas, said: “Perhaps you want first class entertainment on your doorstep or to set up home in the heart of a quaint, traditional village. “Thousands of Brits and other foreign buyers have been taking advantage of the situation and are snapping up the best bargains and last year (2017) continued the trend of increasing sales in most areas and judging by the continuing good level of enquiries being received, the trend seems to be ongoing.”
“So, it’s time to stop dreaming and start deciding on your next move. “One way to find out what you need to know to buy safely is by visiting our Open Day on Sunday 28 January. “We will take you through all the facts to give you a much clearer idea of what the process is about and your realistic options. “Simply Overseas can help you realise your dream, whether you are after a villa to seek refuge twice a year, an apartment for investment purposes or a place to spend your twilight years.” If you have ever dreamt of owning your own property a stone’s throw from beautiful sandy beaches, azure waters and spectacular mountains then make sure you seek out the advice of Simply Overseas. The company offers a wide choice of property, ranging from apartments and townhouses to luxury semidetached and detached villas. There are properties in fine locations to suit every taste and budget. The event will focus on Spain and Cyprus and takes place between 11am and 3pm on January 28 at the Park Inn by Radisson, Forgegate, Telford Town Centre, TF3 4NA. For more information, call Simply Overseas on 01743 343634 or email sales@simplyoverseas.co.uk
Selection box collection
Staff and customers of The Plough in Wellington had a Selection Box collection and in total 263 boxes were donated. These were distributed to The PRH Childrens Ward, The Shropshire Hospice The Lakelands Centre Dothill, Farcroft and Morris Care. The Tinsel Dog Walk had to be postponed due to snowy conditions and has been rearranged for Sunday 14th January Further information from The Plough, King St. Wellington.
22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 22 News.indd 1
23/12/2017 23:35
Why have a consultation? At MBB Health we believe prevention is better than any cure. For many people a medical disorder is only detected when they have displayed physical symptoms, often over a prolonged period of time. That’s why a health & wellbeing assessment is so important, it can help you to identify potential health concerns before they get any worse. All assessments undertaken by a registered Nurse Consultant with over 25 year’s clinical experience. We pay For many people medical disorder is onlycar detected when why they not have fora an MOT on the family every year ourselves, what’s & wellbeing displayed physical symptoms, oftenyour over health a prolonged period ofworth? time. At The NHS is struggling to cope andany GP waiting timeswhy are ever MBB Health we believe prevention is better than cure. Thats a especially over theiswinter period, it’s itmore health growing, & wellbeing assessment so important, canimportant help than ever to stay healthy. Assessments can be individually you to identify potential health concerns before they get any worse. All tailored to suit your requirements and we offer a wide range assessments undertaken by a registered Nurse Consultant with over of health & wellbeing services. 25 years clinical experience. We pay for an MOT on the family car every For more information year why not ourselves, what’s your health & wellbeing worth? The NHS and a confidential, is struggling to cope and GP waiting times are ever growing, especially consultation contact over the winter period, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy. us now. Assessments can be individually tailored to suit your requirements and we offer a wide range of health & wellbeing services. For more information and a confidential, consultation contact us For now. appointments &
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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 23
23 Adverts.indd 1
23/12/2017 22:50
Places for People Leisure acquires three Simply Gyms
L
social purpose of creating ‘active places and healthy people’. This exciting new acquisition will now take the social enterprise to six Places Gyms within its leisure portfolio, with other Places Gyms located in Preston, Sheffield and Corby. Sandra Dodd, Chief Executive of Places for People Leisure said, “Our Places Gyms are designed to offer a more convenient and inviting place for people of all abilities to come and enjoy a more active lifestyle. As part of the acquisition significant investments are planned within the three clubs for next year which we hope will ensure that we create vibrant, attractive and imaginative places that can’t help but encourage people to be more active.
Handover of the three Simply took place on 15th December last year with staff transferred under TUPE and all memberships carrying on as usual. For information on memberships and any other queries please contact enquiries@placesgymtelford.co.uk Andy Hastings, Director at Simply Gym said, “We are very pleased to have concluded this sale but will be sorry to lose three gyms which have run very successfully for us. We are grateful to the staff and members who have contributed to this success, we know the gyms will go from strength to strength under Places for People and their plans for investment and development will be welcomed by everyone involved.”
Jo i
n Mem no w be P at rsh lac pl ip es ac fr G es om ym gy £ T m 16 el .o .9 fo rg 9 rd
EISURE operators Places for People Leisure have exchanged contracts to acquire three Simply Gyms in Telford, Hinckley and Chesterfield to run under its Places Gym brand. Places for People Leisure are a social enterprise that is passionate about improving opportunities for communities to be physically active. They are one of the largest leisure operators in the UK managing a portfolio of over 100 leisure facilities for local authorities across the country. The company entered the low-cost gym sector in May 2015, launching its community gym brand ‘Places Gym’ to expand its reach and further its
Made to move you 24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 24 Advert and Must Edit.indd 1
23/12/2017 21:04
Do something for you this year and make 2018 count!!!
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23/12/2017 11:51
The
Stage
this months picks
CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2018
The legacy of Jake and Elwood has been jump-started for a new generation. The Chicago Blues Brothers are on a mission once again... taking you back to 1980 to finish the concert at the Palace ballroom hotel. “Tight Classy and Brassy” – Time out “Fun and Infectious” – The Stage
BOX OFFICE: 01743 281281
WIN THEATRE TICKETS! HOW TO ENTER
Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the Johnny Cash Roadshow. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Johnny Cash Roadshow, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry with all of the above details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk Closing date for entries is Wednesday 24 January 2018. Terms and condition apply.
GOOD LUCK!
W IN TICKET
Wrekin News has teamed up with Theatre Severn to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Chicago Blues Brothers. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Blues Brothers, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry with all of the above details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk
S
Closing date for entries is Wednesday 24 January 2018. Terms and condition apply.
PETER PAN (The Panto!)
FROM
£9
CALIFORNIA DREAMERS £20 Release your inner hippie and join us for an unforgettable night of Live Music
By James Barry Based on the book and play by JM Barrie.
Saturday 6th January 2018 2pm & 7pm to Saturday 27th January 2pm & 7pm Pantomime at its best with Peter Pan brought to life by the Theatre on the Steps Company
WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG
£15
Sunday 11th February 2018 7.30pm California Dreamers is a night not to be missed, “I’m a Believer” are you?
THE PINK FLOYD SHOW
Friday 2nd February 2018 to Saturday 10th February 2018 7.30pm Don’t miss Fizzog’s hilarious parody of Wicked and the Wizard of Oz (Age 14+)
£12
NO FINER LIFE
Friday 16 February 2018 to Saturday 24 February 8.00pm Darkside, The Pink Floyd Show, is a tribute to the music of Britain’s greatest progressive rock band
WITH LOVE FROM ST TROPEZ £15 Shazia Mirza’s new show ‘With Love From St. Tropez’
NO FINER LIFE BY GRAHAM HARVEY PERFORMED BY REBECCA BAILEY
Saturday 3rd March 2018 7.30pm
Friday 2nd March 2018 7.30pm “When peace is won, we fight for the land we love”…
£18
Darkside performing The Pink Floyd Show
JOHNNY CASH 22 FEBRUARY 2018 ROADSHOW THURSDAYBOX OFFICE:
The UK’s No1 Tribute, fronted by respected singer/songwriter Clive John
01952 382382
Johnny Cash Roadshow, a show not to be missed by avid fans or the casual listener. Also the only show to be endorsed by the CASH family! This year prepare for a musical and emotional rollercoaster, unrivalled by any other that truly celebrates the career of a music legend, Johnny Cash. The UK’s No1 Tribute, fronted by respected singer/songwriter Clive John, re-creates with astounding accuracy and truly captures the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash show! Also featuring the best ‘June Carter’ in the business, all aspects of Cash’s life are covered with impeccable taste. The show takes the audience from the 1950’s right up to 2002 and all the stops in between. All the greatest hits are included, along with songs from the latest five decades of the man in black’s career. All this accompanied by emotive and evocative screen images
W IN TICKET S
Shazia’s new show, a satire on Brexit, French beach wear and a bipolar White House, is about lies, lies and more lies, the truth is so 1980’s.
CONTACT
01746 766477
admin@theatreonthesteps.co.uk www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk Stoneway Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4BD
26 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 26, 27 Entertainment.indd 1
23/12/2017 19:46
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Odeon, Telford General Manager Annette Small welcomes you to 10 screens of film magic screening stunning RealD 3D. You can treat yourself to an exclusive entertainment experience with our Premier seats, cafe culture at Costa or icy indulgences at Ben & Jerry’s. Parking is available at the cinema for the perfect spot!
ODEONSAYS
Brilliant parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier returns once more for ‘Insidious: The Last Key’, which sees her tackle her most terrifying and personal haunting yet: in her own family home. To break the curse, she first needs to find out what the monster that’s menacing the house actually is. And to do that, she’ll need to travel deeper into the Further than she’s ever gone before. Fear comes home in ‘Insidious: The Last Key’, the latest and deadliest case for Elise. She’s faced many evils in her time, but nothing quite like this.
ODEONSAYS ‘Coco’ follows the adventures of a 12-yearold boy named Miguel, who finds himself in the Land of the Dead while on a quest to prove his talent as a musician. His family has banned music for generations, but Miguel is determined to defy them and follow in the footsteps of his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. But when he’s magically transported to the vibrant and colourful Land of the Dead, he sets out to discover the true story of his family’s history. From the director of ‘Toy Story 3’ comes Pixar’s ‘Coco’, an extraordinary journey into the afterlife to solve an ancient family mystery.
26, 27 Entertainment.indd 2
Amp up your popcorn with some sweet treats at ODEON. Add M&Ms, Minstrels, Mini Oreos or Pretzels to your favourite flavour! Terms and Conditions apply.
WIN CINEMA TICKETS
the Odeon s teamed up with Wrekin News ha ader’s a pair re ky offer TWO luc to rd lfo Te a, m Cine of your choice. a tickets to a film of standard cinem e and telephone contact to: m Just send your na kets, Bridge News, Odeon Tic kin re W s, yli or email: Tania Ba Y 1R 1 n, Telford TF Road, Wellingto ia.co.uk tania@plus2med
! ETS TO BE WON 2 PAIRS OF TICK
23/12/2017 20:03
Ticket JUST
THE
To advertise in
JUST THE TICKET Please call Irene on 01952 522562 or email
irene@plus2media.co.uk
2018 Set to be exciting year as colleges agree merger North Shropshire College (NSC) and Herefordshire and Ludlow College have agreed to seek a merger. The proposed merger will enable students in both communities to benefit from good quality education, availability of a broader range of courses and facilities, and it will secure a sustainable and prosperous future. The merged college will maximise the opportunities of being a major regional educational provider. Gillian Richards, Chair of Governors at NSC, comments, ‘NSC’s governors are unanimous in the decision to join Herefordshire and Ludlow College. The merged organisation will offer more for all our students, communities, businesses and other key stakeholders. I look forward to the exciting developments ahead.’ Igor Andronov, Chair of Governors at Herefordshire and Ludlow College comments, ‘This is very good news. I am looking forward to working in close partnership with North Shropshire College to secure a bright future for the students, who I believe will stand to benefit from this merger. My personal involvement in previous successful mergers with Herefordshire and Ludlow College convinces me that we have much to offer to the future of North Shropshire College.’ Both colleges will now work together, with the support of the Government’s Treasury Transaction Unit, towards achieving the merger, aiming to complete.
Win tickets to Aladdin Panto! Wrekin News has teamed up with The Little Theatre to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket (for 4 people) to enjoy the Sunday matinee performance on Sunday 21st January. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Aladdin Panto, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1RY or email your entry to: tania@plus2media.co.uk closing date for entries is Wednesday 17 January 2018 so please do hurry and enter and good luck!
NSC CAREERS FAIR VISIT US AT OUR OPEN EVENTS FOR 2018 Walford Careers Fair Thur 1st February 2018 2pm - 6pm
OPEN EVENTS
Walford Campus, near Baschurch Sat 10th February 2018 - 10am-2pm Shipley Campus Wed 7th February 2018 - 5pm-8pm
SPRING LAMBING DAY Walford Campus - Sun 25th March 2018 - 10.30am-4pm
WWW.NSC.AC.UK 01691 688 000
Telford Intl Centre
24th & 25th Feb 2018 THE most fun for kids ages 0-14, including huge inflatables, sorbing, roller disco, foam disco, massive arts and crafts zone, obstacle courses, giant games, circus skills, trampolining, bubble football, under fives zone, storytelling, nerf shootout and MUCH MORE!
shropshirekidsfest.co.uk
28 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28, 30 The Ticket.indd 1
24/12/2017 00:10
www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 29
Buckatree Hall Hotel Advert January 2018.indd 1
23/12/2017 16:37
Shropshire Kids Festival – It’s coming to Telford International Centre February Half Term!
S
HROPSHIRE Kids Festival has seen huge success over the past 2 years with the event attracting over 10 000 families having THE best fun for kids aged 0-14 years old. In fact the event has been so successful that demand has bought them to Telford International Centre for February 24th & 25th February half term 2018. So what can you expect? There will be HUGE inflatable fun for all ages enabling youngsters to burn off excess energy. A huge roller disco will keep them rolling and a mini trampoline area will give them a chance to bounce to their hearts content or even take a quick class with mum or dad. The massive arts and crafts area will be glittery, sticky and messy with lots of take home creations. The music zone will enable them to have a go on a new instrument or just create some noise. The ‘have a go’ zone will enable them to have a go at some ‘grown up’ jobs. What would they like to be when they grow up and what do they need to do to get there? Have a go at operations in Haygate vet surgery or simply pet the baby lambs, learn to be a chef, a doctor or even a window cleaner…. Competitive types will love the inflatable obstacle course and the ‘wacky races’, which will include a laughter inducing water balloon race and the highly anticipated space hopper race. While the races are free, there will be a chance to do good while having fun, by making a donation to the Harry Johnson Trust. If they still have the energy after all that, there’s also a circus skills bigtop, storytelling, go karting, bubble football, zorbing, nerf shootout, gaming van, and to top it all, a not to be missed foam party! Even the youngest children have been catered for with baby sensory sessions, baby yoga, baby singing and toddlers tumble play area. And did we mention it’s all undercover, in the warm and with lots of carparking right outside the door. Creative and fun filled the event promises to answer parents prayers during the long cold holiday. Organiser Beth Heath said: “This event really is going to be something special. There will be a number of zones with activities for kids of all ages from babies through to early teens. The weekend is all about trying something new, getting hands on, discovering a new passion and learning, but in a totally fun way.” Tickets are priced at £10.00 per child and £3.00 per adult, which entitles a child to participate in almost all activities for free. Book in advance and get VIP entry an hour before the gates open so miss any queues! Where there is a charge, a percentage will go to the events chosen charity, the Harry Johnson Trust. A local charity which offers help and support to children, who receive care from the Oncology team at The Princess Royal Hospital in Shropshire, as they go through their journey with childhood cancer. For more details and tickets visit the festival’s website www.shropshirekidsfest.co.uk info@shropshirefestivals.co.uk
Ticket JUST
THE
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irene@plus2media.co.uk
WIN AN ANNUAL FAMILY PASSPORT TO THE TEN IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS WORTH £68
W
REKIN News has teamed up with the Ironbridge Gorge Museums to offer one lucky reader the chance to win an Annual Family Passport Ticket. The lucky winner can enjoy 12 months of incredible family fun, with unlimited daytime visits to all 10 award-winning museums. Fill your year with laughter; step back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town and chat to the Victorians in their homes, shops and places of work and tuck into some Victorian fish ’n chips. Then let your imagination go wild as you play with huge interactive exhibits and move a 10-ton locomotive by hand at Enginuity. Marvel at magnificent china in Coalport China Museum and walk through period room settings adorned with decorative tiles at Jackfield Tile Museum. Special events are held at the museums throughout all school holidays. During February half-term the theme will be ‘Create Another World’ when you can go back to the Jurassic period at Enginuity between 19 and 23 February. See yourself on the giant screen side-by-side with a T-Rex, the Diplodocus, a pack of Raptors and other amazing dinosaurs at this cinematic augmented reality experience. Annual Family Passport Tickets offer unlimited daytime admission to the 10 museums, so you can return as often as you like for one year. If after 12 months you have still not visited every site, you can pop back at any time in the future to make one free visit to a museum that you’ve missed. T&Cs apply, check the website www.ironbridge. org.uk or call 01952 433 424 for details and opening times.
How to enter All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Ironbridge Gorge Annual Family Passport Ticket, Wrekin News, Bridge Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk, closing date for entries is Wednesday 24 January 2018, good luck!
30 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28, 30 The Ticket.indd 2
24/12/2017 00:55
Wednesday 14th February 7.30pm
Valentines by Candlelight
Table for two · Three course meal Bottle of Prosecco · Live Singers Beautiful Valentines Decor
Just £60 a couple
Advanced Bookings Only www.caseysvenues.co.uk/tickets Call 01952 606588 - BOOK EARLY!
UK’s Number 1 Entertainment Venue - 2 years running
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www.caseysvenues.co.uk Caseys Advert.indd 1
23/12/2017 20:31
The Tipple! by
Sue Ladds
Tougher justice will save more young lives
C
ERTAIN Police forces are soon to be spending even less time recording and prosecuting drug crimes. No, I don’t pretend to be suprised. Having lived in Telford since 1976, I have been assaulted, my pets have been shot and this last year I have been deliberately hit by cyclists twice. I can honestly say that no crime I have had personal knowledge of, has ever been sucessfully resolved. At festivals armed police are highly visible but do they shoot the dealers in death when they found them? No, drug dealers caught with deadly substances are evicted, cautioned and sent home. My verdict? If a terrorist shoots, stabs or blows you up that’s bad, but if a dealer supplies some seriously harmful substance which kills after a few doses, well thats OK. No I don’t exagerate, that is EXACTLY what is happening now. The dealers will kill thousands nationally this year, terrorists maybe a couple of hundred. When the police raid a cannabis farm the public are assured that we’ve been saved from a massive problem on the streets. Nonsense. The dealer just buys elsewhere. When the prosecutions start to increase and sentencing is no longer a joke, then lives may be saved, but while the authorities treat us like fools then death is no stranger.
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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.
Towards sustainable food production: gardeners can point the way by
T
ELEVISION gardening programmes, like TV cookery programmes, are very popular and the associated books often sell very well, especially at Christmas, but TV cookery programmes do not however significantly cause viewers to tie on aprons and practice their culinary skills, and books written by celebrity chefs often pile up on shelves accumulating dust. With TV gardening programmes and gardening books it’s a different matter. Amateur gardeners watch the programmes eagerly and read diligently, absorbing information and thinking about how best to apply it in their little patch of Britain. Indeed, at this time of the year, as they use the winter months tidying and preparing for the next season, many gardeners refer to their knowledge gained and plan for the next season with the detail of military campaigners. Television gardening programmes and books can certainly feed passions for growing plants that decorate spaces around and inside homes, creating beauty and manifesting aesthetic values. Perhaps more importantly they are a rich source of intelligence about back-garden food production, stimulating desires to grow fruit and vegetables for the pleasure and sustenance of families, as well as neighbours when abundance occurs. And as most gardeners will confirm, there’s nothing more pleasing and organoleptically satisfying than home grown food in the form of fruit and vegetables. Gardeners like farmers face many challenges, not least from the weather. Also, like farmers, they must learn to deal with various pests and diseases that threaten productivity and the quality of produce. Top of the list are troublesome insect and bug species that threaten capacity to produce food which resonates with public health advice that we should each consume five fruit and vegetables a day. Also problematic are the terrestrial gastropod molluscs – slugs and snails – which can be a destructive nuisance, especially in damp and overgrown corners. Lurking out of view in the soil are nematodes waiting to attack crops such as potatoes, and we should not forget the invisible bacteria and fungi ever-present in soil, rotting vegetation and wood, some of which are capable of bringing a rapid end to prized garden produce. Concepts of what constitutes a pest depends on their nature and our perception. For instance, some parasitic nematodes are as damaging physically and economically to home-grown fruit and vegetables as they are to extensive commercial production. Others are critically important to pest control itself, because they predate on insect pest larvae and nematode species that spread bacterial and viral infections between plants. Even weeds which are thought of as botanical pests and the bane of
Professor Ralph Early
amateur gardeners’ lives are simply plants in the wrong place. In the right place they may be regarded as a thing of beauty and when left to grow many provide important winter food for birds that help control insects, bugs and other invertebrate pests. Amateur gardeners have commonly sought the aid of synthetic chemicals to control pests, including weeds. However, it’s becoming clear to thoughtful and enlightened gardeners that these compounds can be disruptive and even highly destructive to garden and wider ecosystems. Precisely for this reason the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has this year declared that it will support restrictions on the class of insecticides known as neonicotinoids, because research indicates they are indeed harmful to insect pollinators. Many environmentalists and other experts have also highlighted concerns about the negative effects on biodiversity and human health of glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide. The World Health Organisation has classified this compound as a probable carcinogen, so it’s thought provoking to learn that research has shown glyphosate to be present in the urine of 93% of Americans and 99.6% of German citizens. Recognising the environmental and possible health issues associated with synthetic pesticides, and encouraged by the presenters of TV gardening programmes, many amateur gardeners are now beginning to seek alternatives to commonly used pesticides. Aware of the fact that whenever they apply insecticides to fruit and vegetables, or herbicides to weeds, the possibility exists that residues may end up in the food they and their families eat, such gardeners appreciate the words of the late E.F. Schumacher who said “Modern man talks of a battle with nature, forgetting that, if he won the battle, he would find himself on the losing side.” They will inevitably reflect on the common sense of alternative methods of gardening when it comes to protecting the environment and biodiversity and exercising caution in matters of food related health. As we proceed into the 21st century, awareness of issues such as global climate change will become more strongly embedded in the public’s consciousness. We can also expect increased understanding that changes in agriculture are needed if we are to achieve truly sustainable, global food production. In their own way vegetable gardeners can play their part in this revolution in ecological thinking, particularly when it comes to care for the soil. Indeed, given that research shows that back-garden soil is healthier than most farm soil, we may even find the humble domestic gardener becoming something of an exemplar of good practice in national food production.
32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 34, 35 Wine and Dine.indd 1
23/12/2017 21:59
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23/12/2017 20:09
home
garden and
MAKE PLANS NOW FOR YOUR SPRING PLANTING
L
AST MONTH I wrote about pruning, there are shrubs which many people think should not be pruned at all. Two that immediately spring to mind are the Magnolia and Camellia family. These can be pruned but they then take two/three years to reshoot, so there is no instant re-growth. This means more care is needed because mistakes will remain visible for a few years. With the Camellias the flower buds are visible at this time of the year so if, as many people do, you lightly prune all over you will lose all this year’s flowers, so be careful and do not remove them all. Always prune these immediately after flowering in the spring when, if you want to reduce the size, you should take out some of the older shoots. If the weather permits carry on with any digging which is needed, but not when frost is present. Check for weeds, they will still be growing, and if you catch them now they will not have had time to set seed so saving work in the spring and through the remainder of next summer. You will not want to spend long in the garden at this time of the year, much better to sit back and plan any alterations you wish to do in the coming year. Get everything worked out in your mind, or on paper, so that when spring does arrive you will be all ready to start. If you need help we can make suggestions to suit the situation you have so do not be afraid to ask for advice. Written by Just a reminder that from time to time, on one of the better days, walk around to check the fences, stakes, ties etc. It is much better to repair or replace small things than be faced with a major task which will no doubt be far more of Lilyhurst Plant Centre expensive. Do not let snow weigh down trees and shrubs, most if not all will probably fall off if Andy Allmark the plant is given a gentle shake, just remember not to stand underneath when you do so. Painter & It is most important to keep an eye on any Decorator new trees and shrubs which you have planted, in particular the bare root plants which are planted while dormant. Even though they have no leaves to support it is necessary to keep the soil at the roots moist so they will not dry out and as soon as the weather warms in the spring CALL NOW ON: they will begin to grow. I have just planted some Tel: 01952 248119 trees and about a foot down the soil was bone Mob: 07816 781196 dry so these will need to be looked after all OR EMAIL AT winter. d.allmark@sky.com
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34 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40, 41 Home and Garden.indd 1
23/12/2017 18:39
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40, 41 Home and Garden.indd 2
23/12/2017 18:29
6 top tips for new pet owners
D
ID you know that on average a medium-sized dog may cost over £20,000 to care for over the course of its life? Food, vaccinations, insurance and vet bills can soon add up. Fortunately, there are several ways you can minimize and spread that cost.
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Tip 1: Get insurance as soon as possible Purchase a policy early in your pet’s life - pre-existing conditions are usually not covered. Consider lifetime insurance, especially if you are concerned about chronic or recurring illness. Tip 2: Get them vaccinated
as they can often include the basics at a significant discount. Tip 4: Get them neutered Having your pet neutered is another important way to prevent serious health problems, especially in female dogs. Of particular significance is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus called Pyometra, which vets have to deal with very frequently. Older entire male dogs often struggle to pass faeces because of prostate problems which could have been prevented by castration. Often neutered dogs are much more easily trained. In cats, the main reason for neutering is the prevention of increasing numbers of unwanted kittens.
All dogs, cats and rabbits need to be vaccinated to protect them against common ailments. Dogs and cats also need worm treatment, as worms can cause a blockage of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in puppies, and represent a health risk to humans, especially young children. Cats in particular require flea treatment, not only because they themselves suffer if they’ve got fleas, but also because this can lead to some very unpleasant problems for their owners. Think flea bites and having to spray your entire house.
Tip 5: Give them a good diet
Tip 3: Make sure they’re microchipped
Finally, try not to reward inappropriate behaviour. It will make your life a lot easier in the future. As a classic example of how inappropriate behaviour can be reinforced, think of the owner who, after his or her dog has just tried to bite the vet, pets the dog and, in a wellintentioned attempt to calm it down, praises it “Good dog!” It happens all the time!
Microchipping makes it extremely easy to identify a pet if they are lost and from the 6th of April 2016, all dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. Ask your vet if they offer puppy or kitten packages
It is vital that pets are not fed scraps of human food, because this will almost invariably lead to obesity and dental problems. Every day, vets also treat patients because of diarrhoea and vomiting due to dietary indiscretion. One fatty meal, for example roast pork, could be enough to give your dog a very serious bout of pancreatitis, requiring it to be hospitalised. Tip 6: Don’t reward inappropriate behaviour
Remember - each pet is different and there is an element of learning whether it is your first or tenth. Always contact your vet if you have any concerns – they’re here to help!
36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 36 Severn Edge Vets.indd 1
23/12/2017 17:11
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23/12/2017 09:56
Care & Community In later years . . .
Landmark event aimed to make society a better place to grow older Anne Wignall, Chair of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin organised an Age Friendly Summit in Birmingham last month to lend support for making society a better place for older people. Lord Filkin, CBE, Chair of the Centre for Ageing Better spoke at the summit, highlighting the great opportunities and challenges as people in the West Midlands live much longer. He went on to express the urgent need for local policy makers, the voluntary sector and older people’s groups to work to create Age Friendly Communities and an Age Friendly West Midlands so that many more will benefit from living longer. Speaking to an audience of over 80 people representing local councils and organisations working with older people, the former Government Minister and Chair of the Lords Committee’s challenging report – Ready for Ageing, set out where change is needed so that many more people will enjoy their longer lives - emphasising the need to plan, prepare and collaborate between local authorities, the NHS, voluntary and business sectors – and older people themselves. Liz Kershaw, Patron of Age UK Warwickshire was also at the event speaking passionately about the subject. Anne Wignall, Chair of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “We were delighted that so many speakers with experience of developing age-friendly communities agreed to support the Summit and to help promote this vital work in the region. It was nice to see the support of local councillors from Shropshire and Telford in attendance.” If you would like to know more about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, and the services > Liz Kershaw, Patron of Age UK Warwickshire and Lord Geoffrey Filkin CBE, Chair Centre for Ageing Better available then call 01743 233123 or visit their website www.ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford
38 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 39 Community.indd 1
23/12/2017 10:31
Care & Community In later years . . .
Residential and dementia care at Lake View Residential Care Home
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T 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. We regularly welcome the local community into our home and over the next 12 months we will be hosting specially themed events to celebrate our 20 years delivering care - visit our website for more information. We look forward to meeting you. Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, Shropshire TF3 1LB Tel: 01952 594 110 www.sanctuary-care.co.uk
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39 Community Sanct.indd 1
23/12/2017 10:55
Three Dyslexia Awards 2017 for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
S
HROPSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has won three awards for their “trailblazing” work to support staff with dyslexia. They were hailed as “super champions” for being proactive and supportive employers at the Dyslexia Awards 2017. Winner of the Supportive Employer Award, they were praised by judges for having a positive impact on their employees and changing perceptions of dyslexics and dyslexia across Shropshire. “They are super champions and role models and deserve recognition for all the work they have and are doing,” said Kay Heald, of Kay Heald HR, who presented the award at the 2nd annual awards ceremony held at Ironbridge Gorge’s Enginuity Museum. Muhammad Younis, the Service’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, said: This is a great achievement not only for the Service but also for those staff who have supported colleagues and helped them deal with the barriers that dyslexia can create. “We have a good support mechanism in place that can help colleagues things like screening and putting things in place to ensure that they can perform at their best. This is a great example of inclusivity and we would be happy to speak to other organizations if they would like to know more aboutWrekin what weNEW do17.pdf to make this happen,” News 1 31/03/2017 14:28:43 he added
Laura Kavanagh-Jones, who helped to set up a dyslexia support programme for fire service employees, won an award for her Equality and Diversity support. While Sam Titley, who joined the fire and rescue service as an apprentice two years ago won the Apprentice of the Year Award. Fire and rescue services have > Muhammad Sajid Younis accepts an award a higher ratio interviews with firefighters and support staff to of dyslexic staff than the 10 per cent population raise awareness. average. They tend to attract people with dyslexia Over the past few years, more than 70 skills to problem solve, lead, innovate and with employees have been assessed and given practical heightened visual skills. help and tuition including visual enhancement Shropshire FRS started a support programme aids and a range of IT equipment and software. more than a decade ago, which has been Many labelled as low achievers at school, have acclaimed for changing the lives of staff with gained confidence, taken promotion exams and dyslexia and Meares Irlen syndrome. They have are leading more fulfilling careers. also made a film about dyslexia containing
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23/12/2017 16:25
Mobile team to tackle staffing challenges
S
HROPSHIRE’S largest independent care provider has launched a new initiative to tackle the quality and cost issues of bringing temporary or agency staff into its homes. Coverage Care Services is creating its own team of standby (or peripatetic) staff, headed by a dedicated manager, to respond to home staff being on leave or unexpected non-attendances through illness and other issues. The move will allow it to sidestep the common industry solution of turning to more expensive agency workers to fill gaps at short notice. Maintaining safe staffing levels is critical for care providers, including Coverage Care, which operates 14 residential and nursing homes throughout Shropshire. Coverage Care chief executive, David Coull, explained: “There are many very good reasons for
us to move in this direction, not least that as a not-for-profit care provider we can ensure our costs are reasonable and predictable, rather than spending valuable resources on agency fees. It also means that the mobile staff we can send in where they are needed are recruited because they are people who share our values and who can benefit from the same continuous development as the staff based at homes. “There is a concern that agency staff will become more scarce and therefore more expensive as numbers of workers from Europe lessen due to Brexit. Our approach also preempts that issue, which is very important to the people who choose to live with us.” Newly-appointed peripatetic team manager, Leslie Mason, will oversee a department that is expected to reach upwards of 20 in number, with seven already
recruited and more nurses and care staff still being sought to complete the team. They will work across the organisation’s homes in Shrewsbury, Telford, Bridgnorth, Oswestry, Whitchurch, Newport, Bishop’s Castle and Market Drayton.
Coverage Care’s Operations Director, Debbie Price (left) with newly-appointed peripatetic team manager, Leslie Mason.
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.
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Cottage Christian Newport Tel: 01952 825 557 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 41
Coverage Care page.indd 1
23/12/2017 09:54
Syd
Taylor
The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist
New
Renault
Captur Dynamique S dCi 110
ONE SIZE FITS ALL
H
OW often have you looked in the mirror and concluded that what you need is just a little face lift? A nip (Ouch!) here and a tuck there and then you are free to take on the world. Your chassis is still classy and your vim and vigour operate like the bubbly star team they always were. A smart new look always captures attention and the new Captur is bound to attract buyers new and old on account of its excellent tried and tested qualities now wedded with fashionable flair to contours sleek and sophisticated and absolutely ‘up to the minute’. Few compact urban crossovers can match the Captur when it comes to promoting practicality while projecting a stylish approach to living - and few would realise at first glance that it shares the same platform, engines and mechanicals as the ubiquitous Clio. Too many of todays family cars are tainted with vulgarity of appearance, coming across like pink shell suits zipped tight over bloated innards. By
42 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 1
23/12/2017 09:29
from Bose audio to a rearview camera. So why not relax in accommodating seats while you access sat nav, blue tooth and DAB technology - safe in the knowledge that you are sitting in a 5 star safety rated haven? If you hanker after tranquility behind the wheel you’ll find it here and you sit up high and benefit from excellent visibility. There’s a choice of engines: a 1.2 petrol with either 90PS or 120PS or a 1.5 diesel with 90PS or 110PS. We chose the higher powered diesel mated to a six speed manual transmission. What a ‘cracking’ engine it is. A ‘proper’ engine: not one of those three cylinder model aeroplane engines of eggcup capacity that are pushed to the point of heart failure by turbochargers the size of Jupiter and which use more fuel than a Typhoon on full afterburner. Renault have got it right here. A top speed of 112mph, low pollution of just 98g/km and a claimed fuel consumption of over 76mpg that you can realistically achieve if you drive gently testify to this. Best of all you will be surprised at how much car you get for £21,075. No wonder it’s a winner with very healthy sales in the UK. Often it’s intangibles that add up to instant attraction. As I encountered the inevitable diversions replete with impossible signage I wondered why I was not shouting in anger at the infernal chaos on our roads. Surprisingly my pulse was beating temperately while my normally furrowed brow had the appearance of smoothly trowelled plasterwork. It was disconcerting. Why was I so unaffected by temporary traffic lights and signs which pointed the way to perdition? Then it became clear. Contentment reigned on account of the comfort bestowed on me by the responsive and user-friendly Captur with it’s compliant ride and secure handling. A lesson indeed in how intangible benefits derive from well-conceived design. A subjective appraisal for sure. But in the end isn’t all choice down to subjectivity? For me, the Captur was tantamount to the motoring equivalent of a stylish suit that is nonetheless as comfortable and well fitting as an old friendly jacket. Todays cars are indisputably the best ever made and the Captur is one of the best of the current batch. There’s nothing it doesn’t do well and so you feel a whole lot better for having spent time with it. As a tail piece, I happened to glance at the number plate and found, rather spookily, that the letters spelled the name of the immortal French writer, Monsieur Hugo. But there’s nothing miserable about the Captur - apart from my mate Les who kept badgering me for a drive. contrast the Captur imposes an understated assertiveness. It doesn’t shout; it shows. The broad bonnet and accentuated grille proclaim its presence while seductive combination of planes and curves combine in a contoured body that pleases the eye from all angles. Once smitten, you’ll want to try it on the road. Never before has the saying ‘one size fits all’ seemed so apt, for the Captur offers abundant space - much more than a Clio - allied to generosity of appeal. It has a comfortably appointed
interior tailored to every reasonable requirement. In the £21,075 Dynamique S dCi 110 diesel you get lots of airbags, a seven inch touchscreen, DAB radio, cruise control and - interestingly - special removable seat covers. (patented by Renault). Customer options (and plenty of them) prompt manufacturers to roll out barrels of goodies - at a price, of course. But nothing is free: not even the air that we breathe if carbon taxes are taken into account. On this Captur menu, extras range
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42, 43 Syd Taylor.indd 2
23/12/2017 09:29
Pride as Wellington’s Young Artist in Residence awarded bursary
Home Services
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING IN THE WREKIN NEWS
> Cllr Lee Carter, Jacob Chandler and Cllr Angela McClements.
L
OCAL Councillors in Wellington have expressed their pride at the news that young Wellington Artist, Jacob Chandler, has recently been awarded a Bursary from Telford & Wrekin’s Young Person’s Scheme. Jacob, 22, is a self-taught artist who works from home in Wellington and will be exhibiting at ‘Exhibition in The Mall’ in London this week. He was awarded a bursary from the scheme which is funded by Telford & Wrekin Cabinet Members who have taken a voluntary reduction in allowances. ‘The scheme provides grants of up to £1000 per young person, to enable them to pursue their goals and aspirations, and fulfil their potential. Arleston Councillor Angela McClements said “It’s really pleasing that a youngster from Wellington has received this bursary and even more pleasing that it’s gone to such a talented youngster as Jacob. We hope this award will help him progress an already impressive progression further.” Councillor for College Ward, Lee Carter, said; “The talent we have in the Wellington Community is phenomenal and I’m very pleased that we have been able to support Jacob who is clearly a talented individual who is putting Wellington on the map in an extraordinary way. We hope to continue with the Bursary Scheme for many years to come. Jacob won his award to help with the production costs for his upcoming ‘invitation only’ London Exhibition and Wellington’s talented artist is the youngest selected applicant to the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and has also been highly commended by the Society by peer artists. Jacob is an active member of the community in his hometown and is an energetic volunteer with Wellington’s Station Adopters Group, where the long term hope is to install a stunning sculpture at the station. You can find out more about Jacob at; www.jacobchandler.co.uk
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44 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 44 Home Services.indd 1
23/12/2017 20:28
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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 45
45 Adverts.indd 1
23/12/2017 11:05
Sport WREKIN NEWS
email your sports story to: james@plus2media.co.uk
2018 - A YEAR TO LOOK FORWARD
T
LEARN Authentic Japanese Shotokan KARATE
Kihon - Basics Kata - Forms Kumite - Sparring Bunkai & Oyo - For self defence Taiso - Stretching & conditioning At Wrekin College Sports Hall Wed 6.30pm & Sat 10.30am
Afiliated: SKIF Japan (Shotokan Karate-do International Federation, soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, 10th dan)
Contact Tony 07841 839372
January fixtures Sat 6 Tues 9 Sat 13 Tues 16 Sat 20 Sat 27
Curzon Ashton Spennymoor Town Salford City York City Nuneaton Town Harrogate Town
Home Away Away Home Home Away
HE LAST twelve months has seen dramatic changes at AFC Telford United. Relegation haunted at the beginning of the year the Bucks end 2017 looking up rather than over their shoulders. That will have come as a relief to the club’s fans who had come to accept nothing more than a perennial struggle, writes Lez
Dean. As season 2016/2017 drew to a close there was little indication that there would be a change to the old order. The popular figures of Rob Smith and Larry Chambers were still in charge and had once again performed a near miracle to steer the club away from the relegation places. This was done on a meagre budget and against a backdrop of concern regarding the financial
T: 01952 820810 62 High Street Newport TF10 7AQ
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> AFC Telford United manager Rob Edwards
well being of the Bucks Head club. It was then in mid-summer that the news filtered out that Telford were to let Smith and Chambers go. The news was met with mixed feelings as the pair had, over two spells, shown an affection for the club and had been an integral part of it. It appears tough decisions were being made behind the scenes. A new vision for the club’s future was taking shape. Part of that vision involved the employment of a new manager. That man was Rob Edwards. It was generally accepted that the decision to give the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man was not without risk. Whilst Edwards had coached Wolves on a temporary basis he, on the face of it, had little knowledge of the new level at which he would ply his trade, the National League North, some five divisions below where he had worked previously. The Bucks began the new campaign with mixed results notably struggling badly at home as they sought to play with a more
expansive and exciting style. Slowly things improved and Edwards men climbed the table even flirting with the play-off positions. The Bucks connections with Wolves (the Molineux side’s second string play at the Bucks Head) and Edwards own links seem to have enabled Telford to achieve a more solid footing. The arrival of Sylvan Ebanks Blake is perhaps the most potent result of Edwards influence as the striker who scored at the highest levels for Wolves signed for the Bucks and promises so much. The upcoming year could be a definitive one in AFCTelford United’s history. The club is attempting to halt a decline and push in a new direction. The appointment of Edwards and all that goes with it, was a bold move and perhaps one that had to be taken. The next twelve months will tell us a lot, Bucks fans will hope that whatever story it tells, 2018 will be a year worthy of optimism and will promise hope for the future both on and off the field.
46 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 46 Sport.indd 1
23/12/2017 22:34
• Vertical • Roller • Wooden • Roman
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B LINDS We also tailor -make curtains
make the ROOM the view All our blinds are childsafe
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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 47
BobBlind Advert.indd 1
23/12/2017 09:23
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www.lioncourthomes.com †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. *All offers †Callstowill be charged at sevenThere pence minute fromon a BT andfor may cost more mobile andis other phones. Contact your service provider for more at details. *All offers are are subject terms and conditions. is per no fee charged thelandline equity loan the firstconsiderably 5 years. At the startfrom of year 6 a fee collected of 1.75% of the market value of the property the time subject to terms conditions. is no feepercentage charged onunder the equity loan loan, for the first 5 years. start ofbe year 6 a fee collected 1.75% of the market of theisproperty atstatus. the time the loan the loan is entered into and multiplied by theThere outstanding the equity the annual feeAt ofthe 1.75% will uplifted byisRPI +1% p.a.ofConditions apply andvalue mortgage subject to entered intoExecutive multipliedfor byfull thedetails.The outstanding percentage under the equityimages loan, the annual feehomes. of 1.75% will be uplifted by RPI +1% p.a. Conditions apply and mortgage is subject to status. Please ask Pleaseisask our Sales pictures shown are indicative of Lioncourt our Sales Executive for full details.The pictures shown are indicative images of Lioncourt homes.
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23/12/2017 11:03