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June 2018 · Issue 230

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THE REGION’S FAVOURITE MAGAZINE

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A Wellington man at home amongst the stars

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Community hub opens at Wellington Train Station Lioncourt (Wrekin News Banner) W-C 21.05.18_Layout 1 23/05/2018 14:28 Page 1

WELLINGTON MIDSUMMER FAYRE

BAND OF BROTHERS SATURDAY 9TH JUNE - 10AM - 3PM

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Wrekin

News Published by: Plus Two Media Limited, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY

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Wrekin

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June 2018 · Issue 230

THE REGION’S FAVOURITE MAGAZINE

Chris Ball

50 10 50

www.gocarz.co.u k

AIRPORTS

Or download the easy to use APP for priority booking!

WIN TICKE TS! See page 34

A Wellington man at home amongst the stars

SPORT

NEW BOSS FOR THE BUCKS!

LETTERS

Community hub opens at Wellington Train Station Lioncourt (Wrekin News

TELFORD AND WELLINGTON

’S LEADING TAXI COMPANY

01952

TAXIS, BUSINESS ACCOUNTS,

Banner) W-C 21.05.18_Layout WELLINGTON MIDSUMMER FAYRE 1 23/05/2018

14:28 Page 1

BAND OF BROTHERS

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29/05/2018 20:04

Tel: (01952) 248374

01952 248374

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 248374 · irene@plus2media.co.uk Specialist writers: George Evans, Richard Worton, Pete Jackson, Sue Ladds, Eve Nicholls, Robert Hudson, Anthony Nicholls and Syd Taylor Sports News: Lez Dean, Fraser Watson To subscribe to Wrekin News please call Tania Baylis on 07977 481186 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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Expert furniture stockists Stubley’s have the goods to accommodate all budgets Established in Wellington in 1977, Stubley’s has gone from strength to strength. Originally started by his parents as a secondhand business, Mark Stubley has just celebrated his 34th year of being sole owner. Since being totally refurbished, Stubley’s left the secondhand trade behind and now sell only brand new, A-grade ranges of oak and pine, the latter being made here in the UK. Apart from the solid wood ranges that they offer, there is also a huge selection of beds and mattresses, with stockists such as Dreamland, Julian Bowen and M’lily, (members of the National Bed Federation). Stubley’s are also the local stockists for the Cotswold Chair Company, who make armchairs and settees to order in a range of luxury, hard wearing fabrics, there are over 20 ﬁreside chairs in stock for immediate delivery. To accommodate all budgets a selection of ﬂat packed furniture is available, which can be offered built for a small charge. Stubley’s two-man delivery service means that they can put your new furniture, once unboxed, into the room of your choice and remove any packaging at no extra cost. For more information visit their showroom, view their website www. stubleys.co.uk or call 01952 257610.

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

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Welcome Welcome to the June issue of Wrekin News. We have another packed 48 page magazine for you to enjoy with lots of great content, letters and features and also plenty of great competitions for you to enter. Once again we thank all who have donated prizes and tickets.. Enjoy the issue, James

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Local news and events Art exhibition at Wellington Methodist Church

Email your news and stories to james@plus2media.co.uk

agreement was reached with the members of this benefit society to pursue alternative buildings. The team wish everyone to know that the cinema will be known as ‘The Clifton Suite’ thereby acknowledging the Clifton’s contribution to the history of cinema in Wellington. The team have been successful. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has been on this six year journey with us. We will shortly be announcing further investment, sponsorship and volunteering opportunities. Want to know more? You can contact us at enquiries@theclifton.org or by visiting our stall in Wellington market on Saturdays between 9am and 12 midday.

HE Art Group at Wellington Methodist Church are busy preparing for an Art Exhibition of work created by their group members, and as previous years is also open for local artists to exhibit their work. The exhibition will be held at the Church on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 July, 10am till 4pm each day. If you’re interested in exhibiting work please call Barbara Murray for an Entry Form on 07592 881108 (last date for entry forms to be submitted – 15th June, artwork to be delivered to the Church 3rd/4th July). Refreshments will be served at the exhibition on both days and there will be the usual coffee morning on Saturday morning. Do come along to see the display, entrance is free. Pictured clockwise from left: Anne Sumner, Carol James, Ann Byles, Maureen Burroughes, Dave Morgan, Jan McKittrick, Mauri Beardshaw, Nell Bailey, Teresa Killick, Jill Gough, Wendy Butler and Brian Livingstone.

HSBC building launches into Orbit The Board of the Clifton Community Arts Centre Limited is more than delighted to announce that the lease on the former HSBC building in Wellington has been signed and work can begin on converting the building into an arts and community space, including a cinema and a café/ bistro. The building will be known as the Wellington Orbit and within the next few days you will be able to contact us through our new website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. In November 2012 five people agreed to work with the community and local Councils to bring arts, exhibition, training and cinema facilities to Wellington. Although the initial target venue of the former Clifton cinema was unsuccessful,

Go Carz - a special relationship with Wellington

> Cindy Wilday of Go Carz.

Wellington Railway Station, which is now also the home of Wrekin News, has been hailed by company director Cindy Wilday as a big step forward for Wellington. She said: “Wellington was the starting point for Carl and became the catalyst for us becoming the largest private hire company in Shropshire and the West Midlands. “We felt we wanted to give something back and fully support the efforts of the Friends of Wellington Station Group - that is why we got involved with the new information point. It’s a way of saying thank you to the people of Wellington. “I believe this will encourage more people into the town through the busy railway station and those visitors now have information at their fingertips of where to go and what to do. “I really hope this is the start of seeing more visitors being encouraged to visit Wellington and more investment coming into the town. “By raising the profile of Wellington I am hopeful the town will be in a better position to hold its own and compete with Telford Shopping Centre in the future.” All drivers are checked by the Police and have a full Enhanced DBS as well as being fully insured. They are always willing to help you with access to and from the taxi, just inform the operator when you book. Officially the quickest dispatch time and most reliable in the area, just what you need for all your shopping trips and hospital appointments. To book a taxi, call 01952 501050 or download the Go Carz app to your smartphone.

O CARZ has a special relationship with Wellington - it was where managing director Carl Wilday started driving his first taxi 21 years ago. Wellington is still important to the company in terms of business but the connection goes much deeper and Go Carz is heavily supportive of efforts to encourage more visitors and trade to the town. The opening of the community information point at the Go Carz office on Platform 2 at

Muffin enjoys the view!

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6-10 HAYGATE ROAD WELLINGTON, TF1 1QA

01746 764334 01952 253522

Wrekin News reader Trish Fanthorpe from Lawley sent us this wonderful photograph of her dog Muffin enjoying the spectacular view from the top of the Wrekin. Muffin is a mixed Terrier and after being abandoned in southern Ireland found himself at the Dogs Trust, Roden. Taking in regular walks around the Rock and Spring Village, Muffin also enjoys exploring the rough terrain that a walk up the Wrekin offers. The photograph in question was completely impromptu as Trish sat down for lunch and set up her camera to take a picture of the view Muffin saw his opportunity to sit down in front of Trish and complete the scene perfectly!

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

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Grand Opening Present at the grand opening were Fay Easton from the Friends of Wellington Station, Carl and Cindy Wilday from Go Carz, Mayor of Wellington, Councillor Cindy Mason-Morris and Richard Brooks, West Midlands Railway Customer Service Director. They were joined by volunteers from the Friends of Wellington Station the Wrekin News team and invited guests from around the town.

Pictures by Malcolm Couzens

ening this “ We believe op ill be of w b hu ity commun neﬁt to the be us do en trem asset and town, a useful will have a ch something whi eﬀect for on koc kn positive ects ” oj pr other future

Cindy Wilday Go Carz

Community hub opens at Wellington Train Station

> The Wrekin News team of Tania, James and Irene toast the opening of the new ofﬁce.

N OFFICE has been officially opened at Wellington Railway Station with the aim of being a community information hub for local people and visitors to the town. The ceremony took place at the office of Go Carz and Wrekin News on Platform 2 at the station and was attended by volunteers, businesses and local dignitaries including the Mayor of Wellington, Councillor Cindy MasonMorris. It is part of an ongoing project by The Friends of Wellington Station to breathe new life into the station and at the same time offer a service to the local community and tourists. Cindy Wilday, Go Carz director, said: “The Friends of Wellington Station Group is committed to the revival of the station and Go Carz is proud to back their efforts by sponsoring the group. “We have had a booking office on Platform 2 at the station for some time but it wasn’t manned and we felt it could be put to better use for the community. “So we have teamed up with the Wrekin News who are now using it as their base, and the front of the office is now an information point to help promote all the wonderful businesses and activities taking place in Wellington.

“There will be leaflets and other useful information available on what’s on in the area for anyone who wants it and the office is in the ideal prominent location to help people arriving in the town by train. “We believe opening this community hub will be of tremendous benefit to the town, a useful asset and something which will have a positive knock-on effect for other future projects. “It will become a busy, thriving part of the station and will be the focal point for thousands of rail travellers each year.” The Friends of Wellington Station

group is made up of residents and businesses in the area and to date they have invested almost 1,000 hours cleaning overgrown areas and planting. The group is committed to the restoration of empty station buildings by creating commercial partnerships and by also providing a beacon for regeneration within the town. Fay Easton, of the Friends group, said: “Friends of Wellington Station was formed as an adopter’s group in May 2017, now the group boasts over thirty members, has undertaken work with a value of circa £40,000, created a much-loved lavender terrace feature for Platform One and installed timber herb planters, market cart planter and quality signage. “The commuters have been unstinting in their praise for the group’s work and we’re so grateful for the support of Go Carz. We’re looking forward to another busy and productive year ahead.” Alongside Go Carz funding for the work to date, the group has secured business sponsorship from other local companies including Wilko, Tesco, The Halfway House and The Buckatree Hall Hotel. Wrekin News editor, James Baylis, said: “Wrekin News is delighted to be working closely with The Friends of Wellington Station group and Go Carz

06 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 6, 7 Community Hub/Move.indd 1

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and would like to thank Carl, Cindy and Fay for all their help in making our move back into the centre of town possible. “We are really pleased that our new ofﬁce on Platform 2 is even more accessible for everyone to visit us with their news and stories. “For nearly 20 years Wrekin News has been the area’s leading monthly magazine right at the heart of the community and prides itself upon delivering local good news stories to thousands of Telford and Wrekin homes. “We are excited that our new location right in the heartbeat of Wellington with the town’s Information Point will allow us to continue to keep readers informed and entertained with our usual mix of local features, news and nostalgic stories.” James added: “The ofﬁce is open for all to visit, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and we have a new telephone number that you can call to speak to one of the team - 01952 248374.” Anyone interested in joining the Friends of Wellington Station can email fay-easton@outlook.com

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6, 7 Community Hub/Move.indd 2

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George

EVANS JUNE 1944 What really

happened . . .

IRST I feel I must apologise for occasional descriptions of horror in this kiloverb. As one of the few witnesses who are still alive I think it is my duty to tell the truth and far too many people think war is about heroism; it’s about horror. 1944 is now 74 years ago – three generations – and those of us old enough to tell the tale are getting fewer; in a few years we’ll all be gone. The ﬁlms we’ve seen were ﬁction and made Hollywood rich; so what was it really like? I feel we must to speak up. On D Day, 6th June I was home on leave, knowing we were going to invade Europe somewhere and that the PBI (poor bloody infantry) would have many killed and wounded. I was a private in the 1/7 Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, well trained to kill, would be sent abroad to kill or be killed. There was time to see my parents and walk up The Wrekin for perhaps the last time. We heard on the wireless about the Normandy landings. Dad and I went for a coffee and met some local councillors he knew. They wondered whether to build a new Memorial or add the names to the old one. I wasn’t in uniform so they didn’t realise one name might be mine. I said, “If you put my name on that I’ll come back and haunt you.” Embarrassed, they changed the subject. Very reluctantly I returned to my unit; I was scared.

We were sent to the London docks to wait for a ship on 22nd. and on 24th. it was my 21st. birthday. London Dockers got me very drunk but left me in the right tent, from which my mates helped me onto the ship. We sailed through the Channel to Normandy. Climbing down ropes and jumping into a landing craft alongside was terrifying; if I’d missed I’d have drowned. We drove in a tracked vehicle up the beach which stank of rotting body parts with occasional bullets whistling overhead. I was hungover drunk and frightened. Up a lane from the beach we dug in just before a cluster of rocket propelled mortar shells landed near us causing our ﬁrst casualties. The shrapnel tore men to pieces, ripping off arms, legs and heads. It taught us to keep our heads down. Up to the front line we settled into some trenches in an apple orchard. Many of our lads were hit by mortars. I was at the bottom of a trench shivering with fright, praying not to be killed. I vowed to stop trying to kill them if I lived.

At first light the mortars stopped. A machine gun stuttered at us from across a field and we returned fire. They hit my mate, who was taken off by the stretcher bearers. I emptied a couple of magazines at where the shots came from and moved trench before they replied. I’m fairly sure I hit one or two but don’t know. Our artillery and RAF Typhoons finished them off. We advanced across the field, through the hedge and up to a farmhouse. There was a large neat pile of stinking German corpses. We started to dig graves and bury them. They were boys aged 15 to17 years. Their faces were being eaten by maggots. “Poor kids” we said as we buried them. They were Hitler Youth, dedicated young Nazis, and very well trained killers but only children. From then on I was a pacifist with a

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

29/05/2018 20:50

machine gun; I fired over their heads. I didn’t want to kill any more of these boys though I had no objection to frightening them to keep their heads down. This I kept up for the rest of the war, through many battles. The war went on for another 11 months – until 8 May, 1945, (VE Day, which I notice was not celebrated this year). We saw many unreported events including US planes bombing US troops and our lads too, British and US planes and artillery flattening the city of Caen in which there were only French people, British troops attacking German trenches with flame throwing tanks which fried their bodies alive. We saw RAF Typhoon planes attacking and killing men of a British armoured column, despite the clear marking on the vehicles. Please don’t use the expression, “Friendly fire”; it doesn’t feel at all friendly; don’t say, “Unintentional casualties “ or any other soothing expression, especially when referring to women, children or other innocents, even when killed by our own side. Whatever you do, don’t believe the ‘holocaust deniers’ who hate all Jews so much they tell lies about what happened. I saw - and smelled - the poor

starving, disease-wracked wretches who were in BelsenBergen concentration camp when we liberated it. It was every bit as horrible as your very worst imagination can think up but at the same time it’s unfair to blame present day Germans for it. Nearly all of them weren’t born at the time. The only true thing you can say about any nation is that they’re individuals and all different from each other. Our ﬁrst battle lasted from about the end of June to the beginning of July. It was around the city of Caen. In that battle our 1/7 Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment lost over 70% casualties. Of our 800 men, 560 of them were dead or wounded, leaving 240 of us to be sent to other units to carry on ﬁghting. I was sent to the 1st. Bn. Herefordshire Regt. and spent the rest of the war with them in 11th Armoured Division. Please try to learn from the past and do your best to keep us out of another war. Folks who make mistakes and learn from them are intelligent; those who keep making the same mistake over and over are stupid, but the really brilliant people are those who learn from the mistakes of others.

Please note - The views expressed in Wrekin News by individual contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the editor of Wrekin News nor the publishers, Plus Two Media Limited.

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8, 9 George Evans.indd 2

29/05/2018 02:55

wellington midsummer

fayre

Saturday 9 June

ATURDAY 9 June will see this year’s Wellington Midsummer Fayre liven up the town, thanks to the support of Wellington Town Council and business sponsors Wellington Market Company and Parry Carver Solicitors. As they put the final touches to this year’s programme, organisers are promising visitors a packed five hours of good food, good company and great entertainment. Started in its current form eleven years ago by voluntary group Wellington H2A in collaboration with All Saints Church, the event is inspired by much older events, including the June fairs first recorded in the town’s Market Charter of 1244. Throughout the day, the church lawns will serve as an open-air tea room and market, with over forty stalls offering everything from a farmer’s hog roast and ice cream to vintage homeware and hand-turned wooden goods. Local choirs will be providing the music alongside Wellington Brass Band, Odd Socks Folk Band and ‘folk & roll’ trio Two Blank Pages. Young performers from TACT, meanwhile, will be dancing in Market Square, followed by fireeating from Jack the Jester and more dancing from the Ironmen & Severn Gilders In the churchyard… Morris. At 1pm the day will step back to the 18th 9.30 – 10.15am: A peall of bells welcomes visitors 10.15am: Wellington Brass Band Century as the costumed 12pm: Odd Socks Folk Band ‘Jubilee Procession’ makes 1pm: The 1773 Costumed Procession its way around the centre 2pm: Two Blank Pages – ‘folk & roll’ trio of the town, based on a procession first recorded Throughout the day: Circus activities; games and face painting; Shropshire Hog Roast and over 40 at the Wellington Jubilee food, crafts and community stalls; Wynndebagge pageant of 1773. the Medieval Minstrel; Beekeeper’s Observation ‘For us, the best thing Hive; and All Saints Prayer Tent. PLUS the about the event is the launch of the new Makers’ Dozen Trail! atmosphere it creates right in the historic heart of the town,’ says organiser Rob Francis. ‘Every year, people tell us how happy it makes them to see Wellington put on a show like this – and that’s really why we do it.’ For more details about the Fayre and other events in town this summer, visit: www.madeinwellington. co.uk

10 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 10 Mid Summer Fayre.indd 1

The Big Wrockwardine Ceilidh and BBQ The fun doesn’t end once the Midsummer Fayre gets packed away at 3pm. The H2A gang will be rounding off the day with the Big Wrockwardine Ceilidh and Barbecue - a night of live music, dancing and a locallysourced barbecue, all washed down a barrel of Wellington real ale. Tickets are £10, including food, or £5 for under-16s, and are available online via the Wellington H2A website (www. wellingtonsoup.org) or from Ken Francis Butchers in Market Street, Wellington.

At 1pm the 1773 Costumed Procession will start from outside the church, following the route shown in blue . In Market Square we might pause for a dance, and in Crown St you’ll see the Ale Taster take a short cut through The White Lion to get his tankard topped up before reappearing on Duke St. Then it’s on through the Market Hall, down Market St. via The Pheasant, and back up to the church.

Inside the church… 10.30am: ‘Above My Head’ Puppet Show 11.15am: Hadley Orpheus Male Voice Choir 12.15am: The Telfordaires Barbershop Choir 1-2pm: Have-a-go bell-ringing for children Throughout the day: Cakes & refreshments; displays about the life of All Saints, past & present

In Market Square…

In the Mark Market ket Hal Hall… ll…

10.45am: Musical Theatre Showcase from the young performers of TACT ~ 11.30am: The Telfordaires Barbershop Choir ~ 12.15pm: Jack the Jester’s Incredible Fire Show ~ 1.05pm: The 1773 Costumed Procession 2pm: The Ironmen & Severn Gilders Morris Dancers

Take a turn around our Victorian Market Hall and look out market traders dressed up for the day on the theme of ‘Wellington Market through the Ages’.

26/05/2018 12:35

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 11

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29/05/2018 08:03

YOUR WELLINGTON Wellington Regeneration Update The Wellington Regeneration Board is a partnership between Wellington Town Council, Telford & Wrekin Council and local business. Since the latter part of 2017 there has been lots of activity to aid the regeneration of the Town, including pulling together a refresh of the existing Wellington 2020 Vision Strategy. Everyone involved wants to see swift progress but making signiﬁcant changes will take a bit of time. Below we outline some areas of activity and action. • Business meeting Earlier this year we organised a meeting for local Businesses to attend and discuss their views on the town and what needs to be done. This was attended by 40 businesses and was on the whole a positive experience. A follow up will be arranged over the coming months • Meetings with the Market Company - The Market is an important part of our Town. We have met with the new management team at the Market Company on a number of occasions including a meeting with Traders. We continue to engage with the Market Company and work closely together on future initiatives. • Young High Street Challenge – Local schools including Wrekin College in Wellington are involved in a project funded through the Borough Council’s Pride Programme, aiming to give children the opportunity to forward their own ideas on how to regenerate Wellington Town Centre and the Market (there is similar activity going on for other Borough Towns). The school children will present their ideas to a Panel of judges including representatives from the Borough Council and Market at an event on 21st June at the Telford International Centre. The two winning projects will receive funding to develop their ideas in the local high streets. • PIYHS – (Pride in Your High Street funded by Telford & Wrekin Council) – So far c.60 requests for grants have been

received for start-up businesses, across a number of High Streets including Wellington, utilising empty shops/units, conversions of space above shops/ property façades, and take up of Market stalls. We are hopeful that over the next few months we will start to see some positive progress. However, in the meantime we have been encouraged by the number of new businesses setting up in the Town. Early on its work the Regeneration Board identified a number of buildings and sites which were empty, derelict or provided opportunities for conversion for residential development and to improve the look and attractiveness of the Town. Through the joint work the Town and Borough Council a number of these are now being completed and having a positive impact on the Town. We also continue to work with developers and the Borough Planning Authority to encourage developers to bring forward development as quickly as possible once they have planning approval in place. • Former Charlton Arms Hotel – The whole site was included as a Priority Site under the Town Council’s Action Plan and the restoration of this listed building offering new homes will contribute significantly to the regeneration of the town centre. • Former Wellington Library, Walker Street – Six new townhouses with a further 4 new build apartments are nearly complete. • Former Clifton Cinema site – A Planning application was submitted granted on 12th March 2018 for 52 residential units and 3 commercial units and is still being considered. • High Street – Progress on 27-31 High Street is going well with all 13 apartments nearing completion which are forecast for the end of June 2018. • Wrekin Road/Walker Street – The Borough Council granted an outline planning application for 14 mews type houses on the Peter Morris Garage site on 8th January 2018 and the site is for sale. • Former HSBC Bank, Station

Road – The Clifton Community Arts Centre Ltd has been granted planning approval for a change of use as a cinema, arts and community centre. We continue to work with the group on other opportunities and will hopefully have some good news on this soon.

Other Activities Planting

We have been working with the contractor responsible for planting in the Town to look at ways of making the displays more striking. Over the next two years we hope these changes will start to take eﬀect.

Chewing Gum Removal

Cllr Lee Carter has been working with The Borough Council to arrange a programme to remove chewing gum from the streets starting with the Market Square. It is anticipated this will take place over the summer.

The latest news and events from Wellington Town Council

Wellington Family Fun Day Wellington held its first Family Fun Day in the Market Square on Saturday 19th May. The fun began at 11.00am and included a disco bouncy castle, the Exotic Zoo, mascots, Jester Jack, sand and mug art, Fantasy Face painting, balloon modelling, the Slush Stop, candyfloss and popcorn, sumo suit wrestling and a large Connect 4. The weather was glorious which helped to bring the locals out in droves. Wellington can look forward to more family events with the introduction of six more scheduled over the summer school holidays (please see flyer opposite).

Funding has been secured to repair in the Lychgate and the ﬂoodlights which light up the Parish Church. News on the completion of this work will be coming soon.

We are currently working with many groups to make sure that Wellington commemorates this anniversary in a suitable way.

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New Visitor Website

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

TUE Bub 1-3

First World War Centenary

There are many more initiatives and work ongoing, and we will be announcing news through this paper as well as through Social Media.

TUE Fac Art 1-3

Parish Church and Lychgate

A key issue for the Board is to promote Wellington to visitors and locals alike and to support local businesses and the Market. We will be launching an exciting new website and social media campaign very soon and are also working with a range of partners to develop the annual programme of events and activities across the Town.

28/05/2018 16:34

Bro We

s and ington cil

Free

Summer holiday FOR KIDS

fun every Tuesday 1pm to 3pm at Bowring Park, Wellington

This is the schedule for summer holidays 2018 the events are every Tuesday 1-3pm starting on Tuesday 31st July at the Bowring Park Wellington, weather permitting. TUESDAY 31 JULY Face paint & kids Crafts, Badge-sand Art & Mug Making (Limited Supply) 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

TUESDAY 21 AUGUST Bouncy Assault Course 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

TUESDAY 7 AUGUST Bubble Football Fun 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

TUESDAY 28 AUGUST Family fun picnic with Disco and Bouncy Castle 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST Toddler fun disco & Bouncy Castle 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

Brought to you by Wellington Town Council

10, 11 Wellington Town Council DPS.indd 2

SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Bungee Run Fun 1-3pm Bowring Park, Wellington

28/05/2018 16:34

Wildlife Matters

Welcome to life our regular wild y and photograph column with Tim Preston

with Tim Preston

GIVING CREATURES A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE

HIS month’s article looks at a local charity that is solely dedicated to helping our local wildlife. I was fortunate enough to volunteer here a couple of years ago for a season. I learned so much from Fran and her team whilst I was here. Never have I seen so many people as passionate about wildlife as I have in this building. Cuan Wildlife Rescue was founded in 1990 by Megan Morris-Jones at her home in Much Wenlock. The charity has now moved to purpose built facilities on the outskirts of the town. This is the extremely busy season for them with a surge of ﬂedglings being admitted along with fox cubs, badger cubs, ducklings and hedgehogs. On my recent visit I was welcomed in reception by Nikki who informed me that admittances were already up by 20% compared to this time last year. In total in 2017 Cuan had over 3,300 admissions! Whether it is a Rodent or a Deer that needs assistance Cuan are equipped to deal with it, they will do their very best to

rehabilitate and release whatever comes through the door. I was taken through to Fran who was extremely excited to have had one of her favourite creatures in, a Red Kite. The Kite had been found on the A53 by a lorry driver. The stunning bird of prey, which is being spotted more frequently locally, had been in their care for a few days. He had been successfully test ﬂown the day before I visited and was due for release the following day. There was a real sense of genuine pride in Fran’s voice as she explained how they were able to help such a magniﬁcently graceful bird of prey have a second chance at life. Fran told me how busy they were and explained what they currently had admitted, each species was talked about with a facial expression which conveyed how successful or serious the patient’s condition was. For me the fox cubs were an absolute joy to watch. So, so curious yet very, very wary as they utilised their natural instincts to hide amongst the blankets and boxes in the enclosure that had been given to them. I had to sit and wait patiently to catch a glimpse of the much persecuted little mammals. Under a wooden crate which was raised at one end was a fox cub playing pee-po, out of sight under the same crate was a badger cub snoring contently as the sun shone through

the enclosure. Next door was a pen with some of the ducklings, there must have been 50 ducklings at Cuan when I visited and one solitary Gosling with an identity crisis. The mammal room had numerous Hedgehogs being rehabilitated, a couple of very young fox cubs and the splendid Red Kite. I wandered back into the bird room where Fran was thoroughly assessing the latest patient, a stunning Swift. These birds are so aerodynamically designed that a single damaged feather can seriously affect their ability to ﬂy. Swifts are summer visitors and are often exhausted when they arrive. They become grounded and often get cat caught, as was the case with this one. Once again you could see, hear and feel Fran’s passion for the wellbeing of the bird as she treated it. Talking to it she as looked at it thoroughly. As I left as another bird arrived, a blackbird this time. It was quickly followed by another Swift.

If you see sick, injured or orphaned wildlife then please call Cuan Wildlife Rescue on 01952 728070

14 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 14 Tim Preston Wildlife.indd 1

28/05/2018 10:10

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556460 www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 15

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29/05/2018 02:57

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):

SaTH’s new dementia fundraising campaign The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has announced a new fundraising campaign to support patients living with dementia. The Trust, which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital (PRH), has used Dementia Action Week (21-27 May) to officially launch a range of custom made, beautifully handcrafted steel butterflies. The beautiful blue butterflies, each measuring 20cm in diameter and 42cm in length, have been made by the Oswestry-based British Ironwork Centre. 1,000 of the butterflies go will on display at SaTH’s Charity Fun Day on Saturday 7 July – which this year celebrates the 70th anniversary of the NHS. All of the profits raised from the sale of the butterflies - which will go on sale at a special rate of £10 at the Fun Day and then £12 going forwards - will go to the SaTH Charity’s Dementia Appeal to assist our hospitals with the creation of dementia-friendly spaces and to buy equipment and resources that will help to reduce confusion, anxiety and distress for patients who have dementia. Karen Breese, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Dementia at SaTH, said: “Each individual butterfly has been handmade by the talented team at the British Ironwork Centre and will provide a fitting memento to help us provide improved care and support for patients living with dementia. “With 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK it is likely everyone knows someone who will benefit from this campaign. Anyone is welcome to purchase a butterfly, and the improvements we make today will go a long way to helping you and your loved ones in the future.” The blue butterfly is the official symbol of the Butterfly Scheme; an initiative founded by Barbara Hodkinson to help hospitals provide a system of hospital care for people living with dementia or who simply find that their memory isn’t as reliable as it used to be. Barbara, who is fully supportive of SaTH’s Blue

Picture caption: SaTH has marked the start of Dementia Action Week (May 21-27) to launch its Blue Butterﬂy Appeal. From left, Lucy Davies (Dementia Support Worker), Clive Knowles (owner of the British Ironwork Centre), Karen Breese (SaTH’s Dementia Clinical Nurse Specialist) and Sarah Brown (Dementia Support Worker).

Butterfly Appeal, said: “The Butterfly Scheme reaches out to people living with dementia and anyone needing memory support. We are delighted to support this fabulous campaign and I look forward to joining Team SaTH at the official launch on 7 July.” The SaTH Butterflies, priced £12 each, will be available to buy from SaTH’s catering outlets at RSH and PRH as of Monday 9 July. Visitors to SaTH’s Charity Fun Day on Saturday 7 July can purchase them at a discounted price of £10 each. The British Ironwork Centre has been a huge supporter of SaTH during 2018 – the 70th year of the NHS – and will have a large presence at the Trust’s Fun Day having already agreed to create a sculpture to mark the anniversary using obsolete hospital equipment. Clive Knowles, owner of the British Ironwork Centre, said: “It’s a privilege to support our local acute hospital Trust and we will look to increase our efforts throughout the 70th year of the NHS.” Chief Executive of SaTH, Simon Wright, who recently presented Mr Knowles with a Community Champion Award, added: “I am thrilled with the company’s continuous support. The British Ironwork Centre is a truly generous corporate partner and a real asset to the community.”

Legal corner By Toni Laycock

What is a Lasting power of attorney (LPA)?

This is a lifetime document which will help you live your life if you become physically or mentally frail. This legal document allows you choose a person (or people) you trust to act in your best interest and on your behalf, if you reach a point in life where you are no longer able to act for yourself. The LPA gives you the opportunity to decide who should represent you if your capacity fails you. If you have planned ahead by making an LPA, life becomes a little easier for family and friends if they find themselves dealing with your incapacity. If you do not make an LPA and you lose your capacity then the court will appoint someone to represent your best interests and this can be someone you don’t know or maybe someone you may not have picked yourself. What are the different types of LPA? There are two types of document and these are called a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Finances and a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare. You can have one of these documents or both depending on your circumstances. Property and Financial Affairs LPA Your attorney can make decisions about your finances and property on your behalf., for example paying your bills, collecting your income and benefits, or selling your house. Health and Welfare LPA Your attorney can make decisions about where you live, your day-to-day care, including your diet and what you wear. You can also give your health and welfare attorney the power to accept or refuse life-sustaining treatment on your behalf. Who can make a LPA? Anyone mentally capable and aged over 18 years. Who can be my attorney? Most people rely on family or close friends. Sounds complicated, what do I need to do? The documents need to prepared in a particular format and then signed by you in front of a witness and you need someone to be your “certificate provider” to sign that you have the required mental capacity to make a Lasting Power of Attorney. Your attorneys must also sign in front of an independent witness to show they understand the nature of the obligations they are potentially taking on. The completed forms then require registering with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used. It takes an average 12 weeks for the form to be registered, so manyParry people find it Solicitors helpful toare register the Midlands Air Am Carver supporting LPA straight away so it is ready when is needed. There which is available fo Charity’s Free WillitWriting Service, is a fee for registering if you are registering agedeach 55 LPA, and so over. Whether you are looking to make a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health Will or update an existing one,andit’s important that you p Welfare LPA, you will to pay affairs twice. to ensure your loved ones are loo yourhave financial What if I change mind? Talk toyour us mental at Parrycapacity Carveryou today about having your W Provided you still retain change foryou free, forsigned that extra peace of the mind. your mind even after have and registered document.

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16 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 16 News NHS.indd 1

29/05/2018 20:52

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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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29/05/2018 08:05

The Big Interview

Chris Ball A Wellington man at home amongst the stars

Richard Worton chats to Chris Ball about his real-life journey from a childhood in his beloved Wellington to establishing a successful career amongst Tinseltown’s movers and shakers

F SOMEONE pitched to you an idea for a film about a boy from Shropshire who, through a series of twists of fate, ended up as a Hollywood movie producer, what would your reaction be? A bit far-fetched, perhaps? Then let me introduce you to Chris Ball. His real-life journey has taken him from a childhood in Wellington to establishing a successful career amongst Tinseltown’s movers and shakers; however, Chris is down to earth, hugely engaging and a man clearly proud of and close to his roots in Telford. He was recently back in the UK visiting family, and to also lend his support to the Clifton Project, now the Wellington Orbit, which aims to breathe new life into the former HSBC (Midland) Bank building. That took a further step closer to being realised just days after we met, when the board of the Clifton

Community Arts Centre Limited announced that the lease on the building had been signed, giving the green light for work to begin on converting it into an arts and community space, including a cinema and a café/bistro. The cinema will be known as ‘The Clifton Suite’, acknowledging the former Clifton cinema in Bridge Road, which the group had originally sought to revive. His career credentials mean Chris is probably the ideal person for the group to bring on board. We sat down for a chat, perhaps no more than a hundred yards from the Wellington Orbit site, and I took the opportunity to learn how he made his trans-Atlantic transition, as well as finding out what motivated him to become involved in the project. “I was born in Wellington, the Wrekin Hospital, and all my formative years were spent there. I went to school at Orleton Lane, at Wrekin Road, then Park Junior, and ultimately Wellington Grammar school. I left school in 1977 at the age of 16 and started work at Lloyds Bank in Telford Town Centre, although funnily enough I also had a job offer from Midland Bank here on the corner in Wellington, where the new cinema will be built.”

You might imagine that a young man might dream of a career in the movies and end up working in a bank, but for Chris it was quite the opposite: “I’d always had an interest in finance and economics, it was something I was intrigued by and something I’d always wanted to do. Strangely, I’d always sat and looked at the advertisements inside the Financial Times and thought “wouldn’t it be wonderful to be involved in international banking?”, and I think at some point I must have mentioned that to someone working in Lloyds Bank. When you’re working in Donnington or Shrewsbury you don’t expect to get that call from head office, but that’s what happened.” Chris was working in Queen Square in Wolverhampton, when he was offered a chance to work for Lloyds in the United States. Chris and his wife Marion, who left her own banking job at TSB in Wellington, were within a week or two of leaving for Chicago when he was told: “We’ve made a terrible mistake, you’re going to Los Angeles.” Instead of the Windy City, Chris landed in the City of Angels – how did he feel about the change of destination? “My story would have been very different if we had moved to Chicago instead of Los Angeles as there is no film business in Chicago, it would just have been a two-year secondment to gain international banking experience”. And that was how long ago? “Well, we moved to Los Angeles in ’89, so it’s almost 30 years.” Already I was struck by how much a twist of fate can change your life; much like the Gwyneth Paltrow movie of the same name, Chris has experienced his own ‘Sliding Doors’ moments, when destiny takes a hand. However,

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29/05/2018 20:53

Chris pictured at his beloved AFC Telford United, he watches games when he can on return to the UK. He’s an avid follower of the club, keeping an eye on results online and via the club’s Twitter feed.

much like a Hollywood script, success for our main character didn’t happen overnight, and there were some big plot twists still to come: “I went to Lloyds in LA, and literally after maybe two or three months Lloyds decided to sell up and move out of the US. We finagled a secondment from Lloyds to the people who were buying their operations in the US, Daiwa Bank. We managed to stay an extra two years, but I did eventually come back.” But not for long. Chris had established a working relationship in LA with colleague Will Tyrer, and from the highly successful film financing division they established within Lloyds and Daiwa grew the beginnings of their success. “Will was the manager of the Lloyds LA branch at the time, I met him on day one there. We’d been doing film finance for a couple of years, both at Lloyds and Daiwa, but when my secondment in the USA ended and I had to return to Lloyds in the UK. In the spring of ‘91 I was sitting at my desk at Lloyds Bank in Sutton Coldfield, still quietly working on LA film deals, when Will called and asked me to think about leaving Lloyds in order to return to the USA with the intention of starting of own film finance company“. “My wife and I had to make a big decision. After much heart-wrenching contemplation I left Lloyds and we returned to Los Angeles after only 4 months back in England.” The pair were taking a big gamble, particularly with both having young families to support, however the business they created, Newmarket Capital Group, was to transform their lives. “For both of us to leave the stability of the bank was a big risk. We spent two very difficult years trying to raise the money for a film finance business; a pretty tough task, as it’s a crazy business. Finally, in late 1993 and after perhaps twenty “Sorry, but no“ meetings we had a meeting with a visionary hedge fund guy in San Francisco, and after all of five minutes he said “Yes, I’m in, I’ll do this “. With their own company, a Beverly Hills office and now, crucially, the financial support, Chris and Will set about establishing themselves, building up their business. Newmarket was originally a private film finance company, and their first success came with Bryan Singer’s cult classic ‘The Usual Suspects’, a clever, character-driven crime mystery, that ultimately garnered two Academy Awards. “We went to Cannes, wondering “Is anyone ever going to want to do business with us?”; there were no film finance companies at that time, and

Chris pictured outside the front door of the former HSBC (Midland) Bank Building - now the new venue for the Wellington Orbit.

we were literally walking down the street when two people we knew approached us and said: “can you lend us $100,000 to secure the rights to The Usual Suspects?” We were so excited that someone wanted to do business with us that we loaned them the money, they got the rights, Polygram made the film and it went on to be this huge cult success. We didn’t see any real upside from the film, but it was a great way to learn. Here we were, out on our own, and we were so happy to be repaid, like a bank, and to get interest.” Between 1994 and 1998 Newmarket financed some 75 feature films, before expanding into the production and distribution side of the business with their own creative team on board. They forged a reputation as champions of ‘indie’ cinema, distributing moves such as ‘Memento’, ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Whale Rider’, ‘Monster’, ‘Downfall’ and Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion Of The Christ’, with production credits for, amongst others, director Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Prestige’ and ‘The Mexican’, starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.

Chris estimates his involvement, whether it be through financing, production or distribution, in around 350 movies to date, however when pressed to name which he was most proud to be associated with, Chris nominated ‘Memento’. Starring Guy Pearce and Carrie-Ann Moss, it follows a man suffering from short-term memory loss who, as he tries to trace his wife’s killer, is tattooed with pieces of information he uncovers, so as not to forget them. The film’s innovative structure and narrative style marked Christopher Nolan out as a director to watch, a reputation he has since cemented with commercially successful but thought-provoking movies like ‘Inception’, as well as three ‘Batman’ movies and 2017’s ‘Dunkirk’. “That was one of our proudest achievements, but fortuitous again. We’d hired this young guy to help find and develop scripts, who was a friend of Chris Nolan, and Chris came in with this idea for ‘Memento’, almost literally laid out on a napkin. He was explaining the story arc, and from that we paid him to write and develop the script.” I wondered how he had felt when he saw his name on the screen with an ‘Executive Producer’ credit for the first time – was it hard to take in? “Yes, very much so. I think everyone in the film business takes themselves way too seriously, so I thought to myself I was very fortunate. Almost every day I wake up and think “how did we end up here?” And is it true that everyone in Hollywood is trying to make it in the movie business? “Absolutely so. Every waiter, every car mechanic and every plumber; everybody’s got a script, and even my doctor was a child actor, so it’s quite remarkable, and you can’t get away from it. That’s one of the things I enjoy about being here (Wellington), that no-one’s in the film industry.” With so much success, I asked Chris if he has developed a feel for what will be a box-office success, and is it easy to spot them? “No, it isn’t, and I think a lot of people think they can. You can have a great script, great director and actors but it can be a terrible film. It is so difficult to predict; people make all these films, they produce them and they finance them, but the truth is that most films lose money. We hear about the big hits, the successes, but if you go to a film festival, to Cannes or to Sundance, there are hundreds of films there that will never see the light of day.” So, for all the huge successes there have been some failures? “We were fortunate, a lot of those films didn’t work out but a lot of them did. I always liken it to the oil business; you dig wells and one or two will spout up, and a lot of them don’t, but people only hear about the good ones.” Chris and his business partners eventually sold Newmarket in 2009 to Exclusive Media Group, becoming chairman, before then setting up Wrekin Hill Entertainment in 2015, the name obviously a huge nod to his Shropshire heritage. “We set up Wrekin Hill, having done well out of Newmarket. We’ll only do anything going forward which we are completely passionate about, and possibly projects that give something back. That’s why we’ve become involved in the Clifton project. It fits what we’ve done, and everything is right about it for us.” I do suppose that if you’re going into Orbit, then who better to have on board than a man at home amongst the stars?

The Wellington Orbit The Wellington Orbit will shortly be announcing further investment, sponsorship and volunteering opportunities. If you’d like to know more, you can contact them at: enquiries@theclifton.org or by visiting their stall in Wellington Market on Saturdays between 9.00 am and 12.00 midday.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 19

18, 19 Chris Ball Interview.indd 2

29/05/2018 09:03

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29/05/2018 03:03

Morgan’s crowned Shropshire’s Butcher of the Year for 2018

The

Butchers Daughter’s

Cookbook

Pictured with their awards are: Ryan Baker, Lauren Morgan, Sam Morgan, Darren Morgan, Sue Morgan and Dewi Myatt.

ARREN Morgan and his team at Morgan’s Country Butchers of Waters Upton have been awarded the county’s most prestigious title ‘Butcher of the Year 2018’. Darren started his career in the 122 yearold family business over 45 years ago and he sill strives today to provide his customers with the ﬁnest quality locally produced Shropshire meat. Darren prides himself upon selecting the best livestock and applying craft butchery techniques ensuring provenance and passion in every cut. Darren is a familiar face in Wellington, having been a market stallholder in the 1980’s and early 90’s where Morgan’s were the oldest family on the market before moving to the shop on Market Approach, Duke Street. The family business still has a real connection with the old market town and the people who live there. Morgan’s left Wellington four years ago to focus on their Country Farm Shop in Waters Upton. (Only six miles from Wellington, the pony and trap made the journey each market day morning with ease!) Winning this award means a lot to Darren and his team. Darren has worked tremendously hard over all these years, and the recognition is fully deserved. His

traditional methods and patience to hang meat on the bone, break down whole carcasses to curing his award winning bacon and home smoked bacon have paid off. Darren also prides himself on his famous homemade award winning sausages and he still insists upon buying his own stock using his experienced eye at the local auctions. Darren’s award winning team also includes wife Sue, daughter Lauren and butchers Dewi Myatt and Ryan Baker. Darren told Wrekin News; “We are pleased as punch to have won this award, it’s an honor. I’m so proud of what our butchery has achieved so far this year. Winning this award and gaining the recognition is just wonderful.” Lauren added; “We are thrilled, Shropshire’s best butcher - its just so lovely. We are all so passionate about what we do, and being recognised for doing it so well is just brilliant. I’m so proud of dad and the whole team. We have had a fantastic year and have lots of exciting things in the pipeline too.” There was more good news for Morgan’s Family Butchers as they were regional (Midlands) ﬁnalists in the Countryside Alliance Butchers Shop of the Year competition. Finishing in second place and highly commended it was another proud moment for Darren, Lauren and the team.

Hello fellow food lovers, many of you will know my lovely Master Butcher dad – Darren Morgan! Well, im his eldest daughter Lauren. I work alongside my dad at our family butchery in Waters Upton. Im not only passionate about our Shropshire meat, but passionate about what we do with it once we get it home! Join me as I give you my tips, experiences and some family favourite recipes! So lets start with something I absolutely adore and is a little different, the Porchetta. Porchetta is traditionally an Italian cut consisting of the loin and belly of pork which is then stuffed and rolled. I like to stuff mine with sage, lemon zest, fennel seed and garlic. Creating a fresh and flavourful compliment. (We do this for you at Morgan’s Butchers)

To Cook

Place your Porchetta on a bed of seasoned 1” potato slices with onions. Add 200ml of cider and 200ml of white wine. Add some extra sage leaves. Cover with foil and cook very slowly, 4 hours at 150C. Uncover and turn heat up to 220C for 30mins. Allow to rest for 20mins. Your pototoes and onions will be beautifully infused from the ﬂavour of the meat. Delicious! The best thing about Porchetta is its just as wonderful cold, so enjoy some exquisite Porchetta sandwiches or Porchetta salad the following day! What makes our Porchetta extra special is the rare breed free range pork that dad selects from our Shropshire farmers. Heritage pork is sweeter tasting and the fat creamier. It is truly scrumptious!

WHAT’S ON

Arleston Show date announced

Good friend of Wrekin News Dave Barnett has been in touch to remind us that the date of the annual Arleston Show will this year be on Saturday 29 September 2018. The theme of the show will be celebrating victory and the end of the Great War (1914/1918). Memorabillia from that period will be on display. Simon Jarman MBE will be giving a talk about the conﬂict. We hope all our supporters will come along once again we are hoping to have other people available with specialist knowledge also many exhibits from that era. As always a warm welcome to all, once again free refreshments with Paddy Ryans pork pies. A chance to meet people, renew acquaintances from previous shows and meet old friends. All this takes place on September 29th at the Arleston Community Centre off Kingsland Wellington. Times will be announced later.

Love,

Lauren The Butchers Daughter

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Chris Owen 1914-1918 / 100th Centenary of the end of WW1

Weapons of mass destruction: June - August 1918

HE Germans enjoyed a brief superiority over the allies at this point in 1918 on the Western Front after the collapse of the Eastern Front. The new Bolshevik Soviet government of Russia had ceded for peace with the Brest Litovsk Treaty signed with Germany on 3rd March 1918 thus effectively removing them from the war. The German High Command was now able to transfer troops to the Western Front and to field 192 Divisions as opposed to 156 on the Allied side. General Erich Ludendorf then launched his Kaiserschlacht campaign with Operation Michael on March 18 which was to wrong-foot the Allies and cause them to retreat. Since April when BEF CIC Earl Douglas Haig had steadied the ship the Allied fight back had begun culminating in the battle of Amiens in August and the gradual defeat of the German land forces. In 1918 this war of firsts had undergone a revolution in Allied strategical tactics with the further application of all the new weapons technology. Chemical warfare in the shape of Poison gas and Tanks had been developed and introduced during the war for the first time in any conflict. Gas was first used surprisingly by

In his exclusive Wrekin News Series about the great battles of the Great War and its effects on the UK and local communities Chris Owen continues documenting the faltering steps on both sides towards securing the ending of the war.

Read more about the war WELLINGTON WWI cvr

WELLINGTON WWI cvr

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To read more about Wellington and its servicemen in the Great War you A can help Chris raiseAextra funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal fund by purchasing a signed copy of his book: ‘Wellington in the Great War’ - Stop Press: Come and meet Chris on the Wrekin News Stand at the Wellington Midsummer Fayre on Saturday June 9 - we look forward to seeing you all there!

graphic account of the courage and sacrifice endured by a small market rural Shropshire, during: town in The Great War. Wellington in community loyally town and its surrounding gave so much in terms endured by a small market of manpower in its support courage and sacrifice Discover surrounding of the war effort. and itshow ultimately it paid a heavy graphic account of the price in terms, not only The Great War. Wellington but a generation effort. of the war of the loss of life – simply rural Shropshire, during: wiped out or destroyed in its support by long-term ill-health of life – so much in terms of manpower notcataclysmic loss which caused by this only of theevent was labelled as the ‘War community loyally gave terms, to end all Wars’. it paid a heavy price in by this Read detailed caused ultimately how personal Discover stories of local serving by long-term ill-health men – as recounted by wishing to preserve their wiped out or destroyed their relatives memory and set against but a generation simply to end all Wars’. the backdrop of the particular in which by was labelled as the ‘War relatives their which they event fought and mostly sadly died, battles cataclysmic men – as recounted contrasted with the arrogance of the officers battles stories of local serving ignorance and Read detailed personal commanding the British the backdrop of the particular war effort on the front directed by ignorance and memory and set against line – as in Whitehall. wishing to preserve their contrasted with the the mandarins Read the front and mostly sadly died, line – as the fascinating in which they fought war effort on about story of local colleges and schools which offered training courses and their commanding the British officer direct contribution of arrogance of the officers officer material to the in Whitehall. officer Most poignantly, offeredread fighting force. about the war’s devastating directed by the mandarins and schools which story of local colleges businesses force. effect on local families infighting Wellington to the Read about the fascinating – as mentioned in local and officer material newspaper reports and and people’s local families direct contribution of accounts includes local effect on personal training courses and their of living through what the war’s devastating radically and was local about to read become includes permanently changed an event which Most poignantly, newspaper reports and the social structure of the legacy of which – as mentioned in local the town and also the an event still which affects us even up to the businesses in Wellington UK – was to become present day. Although of living through what UK – of commitment also the towns typical in terms other of the town and as people’s personal accounts spread across the UK, Wellington and district’s changed the social structure numbers revealtypical in terms casualty radically and permanently present day. Although a story of stoicism and the determination Read how district’s casualty affects us even up to the to survive catastrophe. remembrance the legacy of which still of its war dead and the UK, Wellington and the ultimate debt of honour owed towns spread across the sacrifice catastrophe. was evidenced in the town’s to survive to their of commitment as other determination the many and dedicated their Discover stoicism to of war memorials. the localowed wartime scandal attached debt of honour numbers reveal a story to one of its biggest memorials of its war dead and therevealed by memorials. war the simple act of the official which was Read how the remembrance many dedicated dedication ceremony and was arguably memorials evidenced in the town’s whichdisaster biggest single commemoration of ultimate sacrifice was of its biggestthe scandal attached to one on of to affect this largely rural farming community. Discover the local wartime ceremony and commemorati act of the official dedication Chris is acommunity. freelance writer and member farming ruralOwen revealed by the simple of the society of authors; disaster to affect this largelyand lives with his wife an IT Graduate and son in Shropshire. arguably the biggest single He is a local war historian other of towns an IT Graduate in Shropshire who is covering authors; for this the society origins stemming fromis covering Pen & Sword series. Specialising in WW2 writer and member of the Great War, he has and its Chris Owen is a freelance a local war historian who is He written Shropshire. in its devastating conflict. a logical prequel to this and son in WW2 and equally and lives with his wife series. Specialising for this Pen & Sword equally Living near to thisfor Wellington prequel a logical other towns in Shropshire 20 years also piqued his written interest in the local area devastating legacy of the the Great War, he has Great War on what was and origins stemming from once an independent industrious the area and the town. devastating conflict. his interest in the local town. for 20 years also piqued Living near Wellington once an independent industrious Great War on what was devastating legacy of the

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the BEF at the Battle of Loos 1915. and was manually released at a point when the wind favoured the attacker. However it was not altogether successful as the wind changed direction and blew back some of the gas towards BEF lines. Later deployments became more effective with the development of specially adapted artillery shells. The aeroplane from its crude beginnings had rapidly developed into a diverse tactical weapon and the UK’s ﬁghter squadrons were inaugurated on April 1st 1918 as the Royal Air Force independently within the armed services. The Tank Corps (soon to be renamed the Royal Tank Reiment in 1923) was ﬁrst formed in 1916 and absorbed into the BEF in 1917. It was used as part of the standard infantry assault set-piece lamnd battles of 1918 whereby tanks led the attack ahead of allied infantry to offer cover and protection. Wellingtonian George Teece as a Tank Corps serviceman was to receive honours from the French by winning their highest bravery honour the Croix de Guerre during a French-led joint operation at the battle of Moreuil Wood in July 1918.

SPECIAL OFFER Wrekin News has teamed up with Chris Owen to offer readers a very special combined book purchase deal. On Saturday 9th June at the Mid Summer Fayre in Wellington you can purchase Wellington in the Great War and Round the Wrekin in Kiloverbs by George Evans for the special price of £20 that’s a saving of £4. (Both books will also be on sale individually)

22 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 28 Chris Owen.indd 1

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Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

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WELLINGTON HISTORY GROUP

Latest local interest books

OTH of these books are available from good bookshops and from Wellington History Group’s stall in All Saints churchyard Wellington’s Midsummer Fayre from 10 until 3 on Saturday 9th June. We are fortunate that Wellington History Group encourages folk to research all sorts of historical subjects, including family genealogy, aspects of British history and, of course in-depth detail on subjects much closer to home.

Industries of East Shropshire Neil Clarke, for example, has long been an expert on east Shropshire’s transport and industrial history but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he was persuaded to ‘go into print’. The results of his research, supported by help from others with similar interests able to supply meaningful images and additional detail, he has seen three books on the Roads, Railways and Waterways of East Shropshire published in recent years. His latest subject has just been published: Industries of East Shropshire. As with his earlier works, it is highly and colourfully illustrated by numerous images, including many which have rarely been included in books before now. They are supported and explained with clear background information which will appeal to readers with an interest in the history of this area. But that’s not all. When we think of local industries, we think of all the usual ‘heavies’ (Sankeys of Hadley, Lilleshall Company, Court Works at Madeley, Coalport tileries, brickworks, etc.). There were also small, long-forgotten businesses which played an important part in promoting prosperity in this part of the county (toy makers, glass works, chemical factories, clothing manufacturers). Luckily, our district has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources (water, coal, iron, limestone, clay, etc.), all of which provided effective launch pads for an enormous range of industrial and manufacturing enterprises. This book more than does justice to the subject and cannot be praised too highly. It’s recommended to everyone wishing to discover more about our Past. Published by Amberley Publishing, ISBN 978-1-4456-702302. 180 illustrations, 96 pages, £14.99.

Wellington 1900 - 1919 The second book is by prolific author Allan Frost and represents the fifth and final book in his twenty-year period series of Wellington’s history during the twentieth century. Information in the book was first collected some fifty years ago since when the author has amassed a large collection of illustrations, more than a few from private collections as well as from his own. The fact that some never-before-seen images are included in the pages of this book that will appeal to anyone fascinated by the history of Wellington and wanting to find out more. Or, of course, they may want the book just to complete the set before they go out of print. There are, of course, some images which have found their way into other publications over the years but not always with meaningful explanations. This is probably where Mr Frost’s works are most

appreciated. One of the reasons that he decided to make this particular period last in the series is because of difﬁculties in tracking down accurate information up to 100 years after the events, people and places portrayed within its pages. However, the longer he left it, the more images and information was offered or came to light, all of which needed further time-consuming research. It’s all here. Notable people, buildings and street scenes. The Royal Visit of 1909. The effects of the Great War on town and people. Industries, shops and other businesses. Local Government, sports and schools. Whatever your interests, readers will ﬁnd these superb illustrations and perceptive commentary exactly what you would expect from someone who has spent much of his life delving into the nooks and crannies of Wellington’s Past. Published by Wrekin Books, ISBN 978-1872989-19-8. Over 300 illustrations, 160 pages, £14.99

Book review Wellington 1900-1919 by Allan Frost

his attractive fifth volume completes the author’s series of books on the history of twentieth century Wellington in twenty year periods. Its 160 pages, over 300 images and informative commentary provide an insight into the way the town was governed, its flourishing range of businesses, notable buildings, social, sporting and educational activities, and (appropriately, at this time of its centenary) the impact of the Great War on the town. The book reveals a town that emerged from the nineteenth century as the commercial centre of the adjacent East Shropshire Coalfield, with a vibrant economy and a wide range of activities, very different in character from the Wellington displayed in the later volumes in the series. A native Wellingtonian, the author has researched the town’s history over many years and has built up a large collection of images which, together with many previously unpublished examples from private collections, we are privileged to see in this volume. His expert knowledge is revealed on every page. The book will appeal not only to local people but to a wider audience, and will provide valuable material for future social and economic historians. As such, it is highly recommended. Wellington 1900-1919, by Allan Frost. Published by Wrekin Books ISBN 978 1 872989 19 8 Price £14.99, available from good bookshops or directly from the author.

reviewed by Neil Clarke

WIN A SIGNED COPY OF ALLAN’S NEW BOOK Wrekin News has teamed up with Allan Frost to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a signed copy of his new book ‘Wellington 19001919’. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Allan Frost book, Wrekin News, Unit 2 Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY. Or email your entry to: tania@ plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 20 June 2018, good luck! Please visit our website for terms and conditions and to read our privacy statement.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 23

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Letters

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Lost in 1918 and reunited in 2018

This week I had the pleasure of talking to Judith Beastall and Bill Johnson, great niece and nephew of Alf Davies who died on 11 June 1918. This is the story of how their love for the young Wellington lad who died 100 years ago has reunited branches of the Davies family.

The Family LF’S father William was born and raised in Wellington. He was still living in the town in 1881, but by 1883 he had moved to Walsall, met a London girl called Annie and the couple had a daughter named Alice. William, Annie and Alice moved to Wellington in time for the birth of a second child called Harry in 1885. The young family lived at Back King Street (sic) in 1891 and William worked in a local quarry as a “stone rock getter”. The work was heavy and potentially dangerous. He was one of a gang of 2-4 men blasting, breaking and hauling stone from the gang’s own discrete part of the quarry. They loaded it into skips or drums that were pushed on light railway tracks or horses to loading bays within the quarry. To amuse the family on ‘Bonﬁre Night’ William used his knowledge of explosives to make his own ﬁreworks. However one year the display was interrupted when he blew up the communal ‘privy’, depriving both his family and neighbours of their facilities. William and Annie had 9 children, Alfred their sixth child, affectionately known as Alf was born on 23 January 1895.

where he caught malaria. Sometime after he enlisted, he met and was photographed with ‘Mary’ who is shown wearing a Kings Shropshire Light Infantry ‘sweetheart’ brooch. Alf’s service record is not available, but based on a soldier with a similar service number, it is likely that he was posted to the 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry in April 1918. He remained with the battalion until he was killed on 11 June 1918. His story will be told in more detail by Wellington Remembers later in the year. On the anniversary of his death Mary wrote in the Lest we forget column of the Wellington Journal and Shrewsbury News: - ‘In loving memory of Pte A Davies (44520), killed in action June 11 1918. “For honour and freedom his life he nobly gave”. Ever remembered. Mary. After Alf’s death the Davies family in Wellington, treasured his photograph and the ‘Dead Man’s Penny’ issued to the family of every soldier who had died as the result of the war. The ‘Penny’ was embedded in a piece of Groom’s timber, and each successive generation was told about the young man who went to war and now lay in a foreign ﬁeld.

Alf’s Work and Military Service

Rediscovering Alf

By 1911 Alf was working for Groom’s timber, living with his sister Beatrice and brother in law John Robert Johnson at 1 New Square, a few doors away from his parents. He enlisted in 1915, serving with 8th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in France and Salonika,

After the war some family members, including Alf’s brother Bill, moved to Cheshire, whilst others remained in Wellington. Moving forward to the 2008/9 Bill’s granddaughter Judith Beastall, started to research Alf’s life. She says ‘I met Peter Threlfall, chairman of

By Mary Rogers

> Judith Beastall and Bill Johnson

the Merseyside Branch of the Western Front Association. He helped me a lot with my research and is as passionate about Alf as Bill and I. We have made him an ‘honorary’ Davies! Searching for Alf was a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle, all the information was available I just needed to ﬁnd it and then piece it together. I started with his name and regiment from the Lych Gate and this enabled me to search the Commonwealth War Graves database to ﬁnd where he was buried. Piece by piece a picture of his life emerged, but I couldn’t visualise him as I didn’t have his photograph. Meanwhile in Wellington Bill Johnson, grandson of Alf’s sister Beatrice, had Alf’s photograph and his Dead Man’s Penny in his sideboard, but knew very little about Alf’s life. The Reunion In 2017 Judith very kindly provided Wellington Remembers with much of the information it needed to write Alf’s biography. In 2018, prompted by an article in the Wrekin News, Bill Johnson sent Wellington Remembers copies of Alf’s photo and Dead Man’s Penny. Now came the tricky part, was Bill happy to share the photo with Judith and would they wish to meet? I sent emails to each person and the answer was an emphatic yes! They were soon arranging to meet and now keep in regular email contact. Over the last 100 years their families had drifted apart but now, united by a love for Alf the family was reunited.

Wrekin News Readers Can You Help Us? If you know the identity of Mary, the young lady in Alf’s photograph please contact Wrekin News or Wellington Remembers. wellingtonremembers@outlook.com Acknowledgment Judith Beastall and Bill Johnson for photographs and family history.

24 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 23, 24 Letters.indd 2

29/05/2018 20:54

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The

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IOLANTHE Sasha Regan’s All Male Sasha Regan’s all male, award-winning company return with Gilbert and Sullivan’s topsy-turvy love story between the most unlikely of couples... fairies and members of the House of Lords! Torches flash in the darkness as a party of naughty schoolboys venture into the magical surroundings of an old theatre. Amid all the backstage paraphernalia they discover a Narnia-like wardrobe and a dusty copy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe. What follows is pure magic! This classic operetta is kicked into new, fizzing life, as Sasha’s inimitable inventiveness combines with Gilbert and Sullivan’s inherent barminess and a beautiful score to make for an unmissable night out. IOLANTHE became the fourth consecutive major success for Gilbert and Sullivan. It was the first work to premiere at the Savoy and first new theatre production in the world to be illuminated entirely with electric lights!

THURSDAY 19 - SATURDAY 21 JULY

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WIN THEATRE TICKETS! HOW TO ENTER

Wrekin News has teamed up with The Place, Oakengates and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see our feature shows. All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, (Name of show) Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington Telford TF1 1BY or email your entry with all of the above details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - you may enter both draws. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 20 June 2018. Terms and condition apply.

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With a breathtaking explosion of dance, fire and illusion, Company of Dreams transports you to the exotic, dangerous and magical world of the Arabian Nights. In this brand new production of one of the greatest stories of the ancient world, Scheherazade and her magical tales of genies, ghouls and faeries, of Sinbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba, are retold in thrilling dance. Scheherazade and 1001 Nights is set in ancient Persia, where King Shariyar driven mad by his wife’s infidelity, vows to marry a new young bride each day and in the morning execute her. The women of the land are saved from their fate by the bravery and resourcefulness of Scheherazade, who captivates the king by telling him a fantastical new story each night. The stories she told, of genies in lamps, of magic carpets, of magicians, sorcerers and famous characters such as Sinbad and Aladdin, have captivated generations of people in every corner of the world for hundreds of years. The international cast of Company of Dreams uses a unique blend of jazz, bellydance and Latin dance, plus fire and illusion, all set to powerful music, to create a truly exciting evening of dance.

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

29/05/2018 02:46

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Debbie Ocean has just got out of prison on parole. And she’s heading right back into the family business, putting together a team – ‘Ocean’s 8’ – to rob the Met Gala. Every con has its pros, and if she’s going to have a chance at pulling off this seemingly impossible heist, she’s going to need the perfect crew. The risk has never been higher for her – but with a potential payoff of $150 million, it’s definitely worth it. An all-star cast gets together for the heist of a lifetime in ‘Ocean’s 8’, including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and Rihanna.

WIN CINEMA TICKETS

the Odeon s teamed up with Wrekin News ha ader’s a pair re ky luc to offer TWO your choice. Cinema, Telford of a tickets to a film of standard cinem e and telephone contact to: m kets, Unit 2 Just send your na News, Odeon Tic kin re W s, yli Ba Telford n, Tania to ing ell W , Station co.uk Wellington Train ia. ed m : tania@plus2 TF1 1BY or email

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26, 27 Entertainment.indd 2

BE WON!

29/05/2018 02:46

Martin Scholes It’s a very welcome return to the pages of Wrekin News for former news editor Martin Scholes in what will hopefully become a new regular column . . .

Dea r Editor . . .

Letters

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Wellington Train Station

HILST waiting for the 8.05am Arriva Trains Wales Wellington to Chester train recently on his way to the offices of Laduma in Liverpool (change at Chester for the electrified underground railway to the centre of Liverpool) Martin Scholes got to thinking about Wellington Train station. There used to be two bay platforms, the island platform, two signal boxes (there was, however, a third signal box in Wellington) an engine shed and can anyone recall the location of the devices for filling the tanks of the steam engines? At present there are at least two businesses based at the station, Platform 2 the station restaurant and the Wrekin News. Years ago the restaurant premises had the name the Beacon Buffet and it had a licence to serve alcohol. There were even optics on the wall behind the counter. There was also a newsagents on the platform near, I think, the booking office. If I’m wrong as to the location, please forgive me. And do tell us if it were somewhere else. I was also wondering about the ghostly apparitions at Wellington station, including a gentleman in Victorian clothing seen on the platforms. Has anyone seen him or any other ghosts? And what about the grisly incident when an express train carried the remains of a tragic railway accident victim to Shrewsbury station? And when, I wonder, was the name of Stafford Junction changed to Donnington Junction? Should it be re-named Stafford Junction? Please let the Wrekin News know what you think.

Famous travellers through Wellington I also thought of famous people who travelled to and from Wellington. Charles Dickens travelled through Wellington to Shrewsbury by train. Did he ever make a stop at Wellington, perhaps staying at the Station Hotel? It’s also reported that Patrick Moore came to Wellington by train and that Boris Karloff also made the same journey. Do you know of any famous people who came to Wellington by train? If you do, please let us know. And if you have any photographs, please share them with us, but please don’t send them by post as they can become damaged.

Part One

The Welsby family during World War One

What an incredible band of brothers!

- The story of the Welsby brothers in WW1 by Tony Woodhouse

RTICLES about the nine brothers who served in the Great War have appeared before – some during the war and others much later. However, with access to records on-line, previously only accessible by visiting the repository and then not easily searchable, we can now give a far more accurate account of their lives and amazing service to King and Country. Their parents were George and Julia. George came from Wolverhampton and Julia from Birmingham. George was a hawker by trade. (A hawker was a travelling salesman or pedlar. Unlike a pedlar who plied his wares on foot, a hawker used a horse or other beast of burden). Their family was large but not unusually so in those times. After ﬁrst living in Aston, Birmingham, the growing family moved to Leominster but by 1891 had moved again – this time to Shrewsbury. By 1901 they had settled at 152 The Glen in Frankwell. George was working at home as a cork cutter (cutting stoppers for bottles). By 1900, twelve children had been born into the family – ten brothers and two sisters. Let us look at each of the brothers, starting with the eldest:

❂

WELLINGTON REMEMBERS George Joseph was born on 24 June 1878 in Birmingham. In 1897 he joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (KSLI) militia but probably ﬁnding the military to his liking and working as a groom, he enlisted in the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) on 17 November 1898. He was a tall man – over 5 feet 11 inches – ideal for ceremonial duties in London where he was stationed. In April 1907 he joined the Army Reserve and later that year married Annie Miriam Hodges at All Saints in South Lambeth. By then he was a Police Constable in the Metropolitan Police. At the beginning of the war he was recalled and mobilised, landing at Zeebrugge with his unit on 7 October 1914. On 1 November he sustained a gunshot wound to his knee and was evacuated back to England on 13 December. He remained in England until January 1917 when he returned to the war, ﬁnally returning home in April 1918. In January 1919 he was released from the Army as a Reservist having served over 21 years. He returned to the Metropolitan Police, leaving on 8 May 1933. In 1939, George with his family were living at 47 Woodyates Road in Lewisham. He died on 13 March 1962.

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William Richard was born on 17 February 1880 in Leominster. By 1901 he was, like his father, a cork cutter. But on 6 January 1902 he enlisted into the Imperial Yeomanry and was soon in South Africa with the Westminster Dragoons at the tail end of the 2nd Boar War. Before he returned to England in November he had earned the Queen’s South Africa Medal. He was discharged on his return and went back to Shropshire where in 1906 he married Ellen Burrows in Wellington. By 1911 there were three sons, the family living in New Church Road and Richard working as a hawker and general dealer. He re-enlisted on 14 September 1914, this time into the 7th Battalion KSLI. The battalion went to France on 29 September 1915 and saw action in the Ypres salient that winter. He fell victim to the appalling conditions and was in hospital with trench fever until 6 April 1916 when he re-joined his battalion. After the Battles of Bazentin Ridge and the Ancre in 1916, Richard again fell ill and was returned to England in early 1917. In June he was deemed fit to fight and rejoined the battalion on 17 June. After being transferred to the 5th Battalion in August his ill health again forced his evacuation back to England in October. Richard was eventually diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and discharged on 7 January 1918. He survived the war but died of his illness at 6 New Church Road on 20 July 1919. He is buried in the Wellington cemetery. John Alexander was born on 18 September 1885 in Shrewsbury. He was registered as Alexander Menzies John Aitchson Welsby. John enlisted on 5 September 1899 into the KSLI at the young age of 14 years and 6 months. He weighed just 79 lbs and was less than 4 feet 11 inches in height. Two years later on 18 October 1902 he enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery (RFA) giving his civil occupation as cork cutter. He had grown to 5 feet 7 inches and weighed 125 lbs. Three years later he was placed in the Army Reserve. He married Harriett Burrows in 1906. By 1910 they had moved to London where he joined the Metropolitan Police on 21 November. The following year they were living at 59 St Christopher Buildings in Wigmore Street with their baby girl, Gladys. At the outbreak of war he was mobilised and a year later on 13 July 1915 went to France with 79th Brigade RFA as a sergeant. In March 1916 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in action. Part of his citation reads ‘worked a gun under heavy concentrated fire within 200 yards of the enemy trenches.

When mud and earth thrown up by enemy shells caused the breech to jam, they continued firing as long as their combined efforts could close the breech.’ In July he was promoted to Battery Quartermaster Sergeant. He was wounded shortly after in one of the Somme battles and was evacuated to England arriving 26 October 1916. He remained in England and was discharged on 28 February 1919.He returned to the Metropolitan Police on 31 August 1920 and was retired on medical grounds on 20 August 1937 as a Police Sergeant living at Ilchester Mansions, Kensington. He served 26 years 273 days during which he received a total of 49 Commendations. John died in the General Hospital, Birmingham on 21 October 1937. Claude Ernest was born on 22 August 1887 in Shrewsbury. He lived with the family working as a general dealer. In early 1910 he married Annie Phillips in Wellington but by April 1911 they were living at 2 Prices Passage in Frankwell. He enlisted, shortly after the war broke out, on 19 September and was posted to 7th Battalion KSLI. This unit trained at Bournemouth, Romsey and Aldershot. At each location Ernest fell foul of military discipline usually as a result of a few too many beers! Eventually he embarked with his battalion on 28 September 1915 for France. His service was interrupted by transfers to hospitals in Boulogne, Etaples and Rouen when suffering from undiagnosed fevers. He was with the battalion from 1 April to 19 May and 7 September 1916 to 4 May 1917 when in the Third Battle of the Scarpe he was wounded in action. Soldiers’ casualties for 3-5 May were 7 killed, 34 wounded and 57 missing. He was evacuated back to England on 6 May and spent time recovering in Wakefield Hospital. He was finally released from military service on 2 January 1919 just 6 weeks before his father, George died. He returned to Shrewsbury to live at 3 Water Lane, Frankwell. By 1939 he was living at 98 Frankwell with his wife and large family. He was working as a scrap iron and metal merchant. He died in the Royal Salop Infirmary, Shrewsbury on 12 May 1963.

Helping you find that business you can rely on Are you looking for a trader you can trust but struggling to find the right one? Telford & Wrekin Council’s Trading Standards team has launched a new accreditation scheme for local businesses. The aim of the Trading Standards Accredited Scheme (TSA) is to offer support to our businesses and give consumers access to traders they can rely on. This new scheme follows on from the very successful Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register which operated for more than 10 years. TSA includes businesses such as plumbers, painters and decorators, electricians, builders and gardeners who offer services ranging from simple repairs to large scale projects. Building on the success of the previous scheme, TSA now welcomes applications from all business sectors. Members sign up to a Code of Practice which sets out minimum standards for customer care and standards of workmanship. In the event of a problem, members have agreed to work with Trading Standards in accordance with a Complaint Resolution Procedure. Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for enforcement said: “This isn’t one of those schemes where traders simply pay their fee and are automatically allowed to join. Our Trading Standards team will check all the businesses that apply for this scheme. The checks will include making sure they are who they say they are, that they have all the insurances, accreditations and certificates they need to do their work and whether there have been any complaints against them. “Even if they pass those initial tests, they will continue to be monitored by our Trading Standards team” Don’t be a victim! Do your homework and look for that business you can trust. Visit: - www.tsaccredited.co.uk If you have any queries about the website, feel free to email us at tsaccredited@telford.gov.uk

End of Part One – to be continued . . .

Next time . . .

Be sure to get the next Issue of the Wrekin News to ﬁnd out why the Palace wrote to their father and to see if any reader can solve a mystery concerning the youngest brother. If you have any further information on this family please contact: - wellingtonremembers@ outlook.com or the Wrekin News www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 29

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Business spotlight

Email your news and stories to james@plus2media.co.uk

Stand out from the crowd with sponsorship packages for all at AFC Telford A

FC TELFORD United is a football club based at the New Bucks Head, a modern and well appointed stadium in Wellington, Telford. The club is currently a member of the National League North, the sixth tier of English football. In the last eight years the club have also had three seasons operating at the level above, the fifth tier of English football and that is a level that they aspire to get back to. AFC Telford United have recently appointed a new first team manager Gavin Cowan and this opens a new era for the club. Gavin and his management team are currently forming a playing squad for the 2018/19 season, that starts in August 2018. The club has a large band of passionate loyal supporters and for their last home game of the season just ended, they had an attendance of 1,495. In the upcoming season starting in August 2018 AFC Telford hope to build on this further and welcome new supporters including families to the New Bucks Head ground to enjoy home matches. The fixture dates will be available in July. The club also have packages on offer to suit all. You could enjoy their Lillywhites Players Lounge, ideal for family get-togethers or friends parties. They can also set

Carline Electrical

packages to suit your booking whether it be buffets, hot meals or just drinks. Enjoy the great atmosphere of the club’s lounge. Or how about trying the club’s corporate hospitality for that special occasion? Executive Boxes are situated in the West Stand and ideal for client entertainment, business groups, special birthday treats and much more. They don’t just cater for families, friends and fans why not bring your work colleagues along and try something different for your business by being the principal match sponsor. Match sponsorship packages provides you with high proﬁle advertising and the ideal way to make your company stand out from the crowd. As the principal matchday sponsor you and your party play a very important role, you will have the honour of choosing the ofﬁcial AFC Telford United man of the Match and presenting them with their post-match gift, access for ten guests in the hospitality suite as well as seating in the impressive University of Wolverhampton stand, match day programmes to take home, a mention in the matchday programme, tannoy announcements, exclusive behind the scenes tour with the matchday

Competitive prices Call now for a

New AFC Telford United manager Gavin Cowan - busy preparing his squad for the new season at the New Bucks Head stadium.

host, hot and cold fork buffet served in the Telford Suite and if all that is not enough you will also receive a framed photograph of your party with the man of the match. Other packages include Match ball sponsorship, this is an excellent way to raise your company proﬁle and entertain clients or reward staff and you also receive the match ball signed by the players after the game. There are so many other sponsorship opportunities available at AFC Telford United including; ● Pitch and crowd facing advertising boards ● Season long programme adverts ● Stand sponsorship

● Away travel sponsorship (spread the word of your business when the Bucks travel) ● Dugouts sponsorship ● Player sponsorship ● Goalzone sponsorship ● Score board sponsorship To make an enquiry about how you can host your business, clients, family or friends in the club’s excellent hospitality suites or if you are just interested in sponsorship or advertising with them then please contact Aimée Lauder by either email or phone - sales@afctu.co.uk / 01952 640064 or better still just pop over to your local football club and speak to one of the team.

Win a family ticket for AFC Telford United’s first pre-season friendly! Wrekin News has teamed up with AFC Telford United to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to the clubs first home pre-season friendly of the 2018/19 season. Top opponents are set to be announced soon and you and your family could be standing on the terraces or sitting in the West Stand cheering on your favourite AFC Telford United players! All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Football ticket, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY. Or email your entry details to: tania@ plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 20 June 2018, good luck to all entrants. Terms and conditions apply, please see our updated privacy statement.

FREE

estimate

Tel: 01952 257275 · Mobile: 07704803657 Domestic electrical installations, repairs, rewires, new sockets lights, CCTV Install, small jobs accepted Call Anthony Carline to dicuss your requirements Manor Rise, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2ND

www.carlineelectrical.co.uk

PART P REGISTERED

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BUCKATREE HALL HOTEL JUNE JANUARY

AUGUST

Sunday 17th June Father’s Day Lunch

£15.95 adult’s £8.95 child Treat dad to Sunday lunch. Includes a delicious 3-course lunch and a gift for the man himself.

Sunday 17th June Fathers Day ‘Hobson’s Best’ Afternoon Tea

£16.95pp We have teamed up with Hobsons brewery to bring dad a special afternoon tea which includes a Shropshire ale sample board and a selection of savoury treats.

FEBRUARY

Saturday 30th June ABBA Tribute Night

£21.00pp ‘Take a chance on me’ and book for our Mamma Mia evening. Enjoy a 3-course evening meal then ‘gimme gimme gimme’ your best moves on the dance floor to our ABBA inspired disco.

Sunday 15th July Afternoon Tea Dance

£11.95pp ‘Tango for your Tea!’ We will be serving a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones followed by a dance demonstration and your opportunity to ‘Twinkle your Toes!’ 3.00pm – 4.30pm.

Friday 27th July End of School Disco Party Night

£19.95pp Schools out for summer! That only means one thing... time to let your hair down and dig out your dancing shoes! Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival followed by a 3-course evening meal then dance the night away to our disco entertainment.

Special Overnight Party Package

Includes check-in from 2.00pm, party night accommodation with full English breakfast and a box of chocolates in your room (based upon 2 people sharing a double or twin bedded FROM standard room - upgrades available at an additional cost). £15.00 single supplement applies.

Friday 10th August Telford’s 50th Birthday Celebration

DON’T MISS!

Sounds of the 60’s featuring Tom Jones tribute £25.00pp To celebrate our great towns 50th birthday we are taking you back to 1968. Enjoy a 3-course evening meal followed by a 1960’s inspired disco and Tom Jones tribute act. Fancy dress encouraged!

Sunday 26th August Wedding Open Day 11am – 3pm

An opportunity to view our newly refurbished function suite set for a wedding breakfast. You will also have a chance to meet our wedding co-ordinators and selected suppliers.

Friday 31st August All-Inclusive Party Night

APRIL

£39.00pp Ready, steady, BOOK our All-Inclusive party. Enjoy a 2-course evening meal (main course and dessert) and a FREE bar throughout the evening whilst you dance the night away to our disco.

JULY

MARCH

EVENT CALENDAR 2018 2016

£34.50

PER PERSON

SEPTEMBER Sunday 9th September Wedding Fayre 11.00am - 3.00pm Experience for yourself the magic of weddings at Buckatree Hall. A complimentary drinks reception is served on your arrival as you explore options with our wedding co-ordinators and selected wedding specialists.

Friday 21st September Celebrating Birthday? Special Overnight Party Star Bursta Party Night

Package £15.95pp Free birthday cake for the Your evening includes 2-courseIncludes eveningcheck-in buffet (main birthday guest (musta be fromcourse and a dessert),and thenminimum enjoy a night2.00pm, of discoparty entertainment and pre-booked night dance night away. partythe numbers of 10 apply). accommodation with full English breakfast and a box Hen Party? of chocolates in your room Friday 28th September Brides go free on parties (based on 2 people sharing Macmillan Coffee Morning of 20 or more (entrance a double or twin bedded Join teanight and coffee in aid of Macmillan Caner Support. to us thefor party only, not standard room – upgrades A selection of cakes along with freshly brewed coffee will be accommodation). available at an additional available. cost). Gift Vouchers

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

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

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

01952 641821 or email: sales@buckatreehallhotel.com visit: www.buckatreehallhotel.com

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Double celebration for local wedding venue

Loyalty card scheme Pay for 8 cuts and get the 9 th FREE!

WALK IN SERVICE! NEW TOWN CENTRE SHOP NOW OPEN!

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

37A, Sherwood Row, Telford Shopping Centre, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4DZ (opposite Next)

Call: 01952 929009 www.facebook.com ChopShopTelford

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

69 New Street, Wellington, Telford (opposite B&M), Madeley Shopping Malls, High Street, (opposite TESCO) & Telford Shopping Centre (opposite Next) Open 9am - 6pm - 6 days a week

A Shropshire venue Hannah Hall and Darryl Ann is marking a double Brooks, from The Wroxeter celebration after being revealed as finalists in the prestigious Shropshire Business Awards - and discovering one of their wedding couples had won West Midlands Wedding of the Year! Staff at The Wroxeter, a wedding and events venue between Shrewsbury and Telford, hosts hundreds of weddings each year both extremely proud of our team and how within the hotel, in their hard they work to ensure that we meet woodland wedding and tipi area, and at the needs of all of our guests. a nearby county farm. “All of this makes a major contribution Over the course of 2017, the team at to tourism and the leisure industry in Your West Midlands Wedding Magazine Shropshire,” Hannah said. “We have scoured the region for inspirational had the family of the couple from Ibiza weddings, with readers voting online visiting Ironbridge and climbing The for their favourites, and this week it was Wrekin the day after the wedding, announced that the Wedding of the Year companies from Hertfordshire and title went to Stacey Morrison and Aaron Birmingham hosting away days, and Sumner who married at The Wroxeter guests enjoying afternoon tea before on February 18, 2017. visiting the nearby English Heritage site.” The news came shortly before the The Wroxeter will be visited by the team at the hotel were notified they Shropshire Business Awards judges were one of four finalists in the Travel, before the winners are announced Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality category of the 2018 Shropshire Business during a prestigious ceremony at Telford International Centre on Friday, June 15. Awards. Visit http://www.thewroxeterhotel. Owner Hannah Hall said: “It has co.uk/ for more information. been quite overwhelming but we are

Wedding’s at Wroxeter

The Wroxeter Wedding Fayre

Wedding Open Day

Sunday 10th June

Sunday 15th July

The Wroxeter Hotel will be opening its doors on the 10th June from 11.00am till 3.00pm, to over 40 Award Winning wedding suppliers, who will be showcasing their wedding products and ready to discuss your big day with you, offer professional advice and special on the day promotions. From photographers,videographer, cakes, dresses, grooms wear,hairdressers,wedding cars, photo booths to live bands and makeup artists....... There will be lots to see as you prepare for the finishing touches to your big day.

We hold regular Open Days and Evenings at The Wroxeter & Morrells Wood Farm, when function rooms are dressed in their best and open for informal viewings. Our award winning wedding team are always on hand to show you round and answer any questions you may have or feel free to wander at your leisure. Our next open day is Sunday 15th July 2018 from 12.00 till 4.00pm. See you then!

This event will offer Free entry.

For more information on events & oﬀers, then please contact us on TEL: 01743 761256 OR EMAIL: INFO@THEWROXETERHOTEL.CO.UK / WWW.THEWROXETERHOTEL.CO.UK 32 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 32 Comps.indd 1

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Voted the best The Shropshire Family in the region! Vintage Show returns Voted THE BEST Festival in the region Shrewsbury Food Festival will once again welcome more than 26,000 people to Shrewsbury Quarry Park on June 23 and 24, 2018. This year, this mouthwatering event has a star-studded line-up, more than 200 amazing producers and a packed programme of entertainment for all the family. As the biggest and now notably the best food festival in the region this is a family event not to be missed. Shrewsbury Food Festival encourages everyone to get involved - no matter what their age! You can learn something new, from rolling sushi, to roasting ingredients over an open fire. The FBC Mamby Bowdler Cookery School will run throughout the festival weekend and focuses on making dishes that are quick and easy. Or if sitting back and taking it all in is more your style then come along and watch Michelin chefs at work on the Wenlock Spring Demonstration stage Shropshire’s biggest festival is getting even bigger. this year sees some exciting developments such as a new BBQ competition and stage, plus an opportunity for the more adventurous to learn bushcraft skills. Foraging anyone? Explorers childcare will be offering classes to a range of young budding chefs. And, if cooking is not quite to their taste, the huge children’s area will keep them occupied for hours. It is full of activities such as the climbing wall, a creative area, a “Have a Go” music tent, and new this year the Tortoise nursery under five’s area There is also a large sports zone with football, dodgeball, dance and to enjoy this really is a festival with something for the whole family. Taking over the entire Quarry Park in the centre of Shrewsbury this festival is a real favourite with so much to do for the entire family, they even have a giant screen for the World Cup on the Sunday of the festival. Entry is just £10 for adults, £2 for kids or £20 for a family ticket Everyone is advised to arrive hungry.’ All of the details – as well as pre-booked tickets – are available from the festival website www. shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

to Shrewsbury June 30th and July 1st

Come to the Annual Charity Family Vintage Show on 30th June and 1st July at the West Mid Greenhous Showground and see displays of vintage vehicles of every kind including cars, motor bikes, tractors, military vehicles, steam engines, stationary engines, Land Rovers, Commercials and many interesting static exhibits. Each year a special tractor is featured and in 2018 it will be the Nufﬁeld and Leyland tractors. There is something of interest for all the family at this Shrewsbury event, including craft and trade stalls, autojumble, fairground rides, go karts, face painting, juggling, shire horses, music and entertainment and the well-frequented beer tent and refreshment stands. The show starts at 9.30am and ﬁnishes at 5pm on Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. An auction of vintage machinery and parts by H.J Pugh & Co will take place on the Saturday at 10.30am. The amazing spectator sport

WIN A FAMILY TICKET

Tractor Pulling will also be back by popular demand! The Club has been holding an annual Charity Vintage Vehicle Show since 1988 and for the last 29 years this has been a two day event at the Greenhous Showground in Shrewsbury. It has grown into one of the major events in the West Midlands and is a ﬁrm favourite with exhibitors and the public alike, many of whom travel long distances to attend. One of the aims of the event is to raise funds for local medical charities and since the formation, the club has donated in excess of £160,000. Tickets are £10 and under 16s are free or just £8 if purchased in advance via The Ticket Factory at www.theticketfactory.com and searching for The Shropshire Family Vintage Show, or online at the West Mid Showground website www. westmidshowground.co.uk where more information can also be found. See you there!

For your chance to win a family ticket to the Shropshire Family Vintage Show send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Vintage Show, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY. Or email your entry details to: tania@ plus2media.co.uk closing date for entries is Wednesday 20 June 2018, good luck to all entrants. Terms and conditions apply, please see our updated privacy statement.

Nostalgic Fun Fun for for the the Whole Whole Family Family Nostalgic

30th June & 1st July 2018 •Vintage Vehicles, Machinery & Clothing • Kids Activity Zone • Craft Stalls, Trade Stalls & More !

IN THE QUARRY PARK & AROUND TOWN

e Th

o p sh i r e r h S

LY I M A F

23 - 24 JUNE

! there u o y See Purchase tickets online at:

200 Food, Drink & Craft Exhibitors, Free Kids Activities, BBQ Demos, Chef School, Demonstration Stage, Live Music Save money when you book in advance online!

shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

www.westmidshowground.com Kids under 16

FREE when accompanied by a paying adult

at The Greenhous West Mid Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, SY1 2PF The Greenhous West Mid Showground is managed by the Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society Charity Number: 702372

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Michael and Emma are all set to open Telford’s first Micropub

ACK IN late December 2017 Michael Young (36) and his partner Emma Dean (33), viewed a former jewellers on Ironbridge High Street with a view to opening Telford’s first Micropub. They fell in love with the characteristic property and promptly put pen to paper on the lease contract. Little did they know that the planning process for change of use on a Grade II listed building within a World Heritage Site could be such a difficult one! Michael (a Technical Architect currently working in Coventry) and his partner Emma (a Test Team Lead in Lichfield) have little or no experience in the pub trade, however have a passion for good beer which they hope will stand them in good stead alongside the skills they have picked up from their usual day jobs. “Our first Micropub experience was at The Whippet Inn when we both worked in Lichfield. We just loved the amalgamation of the friendly atmosphere and excellent quality beer!” explained Emma. Michael continued, “There were occasions where I needed to stay over in Lichfield and my first port of call was The Whippet. It was somewhere I felt confident that I could visit alone, stand at the bar and spark up conversation with any one of the people already there.” So, what is a Micropub? They are commonly described as being a small freehouse which listens to its customers, serves good quality cask ales, promotes conversation and dabbles in pub snacks. Other local Micropubs include Platform Ale house in Albrighton and Hail to the Ale in Wolverhampton. The Coracle is due to officially open on Thursday 31 May, and can be located on Ironbridge High Street, opposite Cleo’s. They will have five hand pulls which will be constantly rotating, most of which should have a local influence. In addition to this, there will be eight taps upon which you should find a selection of local, national and international craft beers. In the fridge you will find around 80 cans and bottles, with some additional ‘specials’ in the cellar. There will be a small, but excellent quality,

selection of spirits and wines. The Coracle will be working closely with other local businesses, including Eley’s of Ironbridge who will be supplying the pork pies and pork scratchings, and Grays of Shropshire who will be providing some carefully constructed cheese boards. Michael and Emma are keen to work closely with the local community and hope that this new venture appeals to not only local residents but also Telford residents from a little further aﬁeld, not to mention the many tourists who visit each year. “We hope that everyone would feel comfortable to visit, whether alone or as part of a group. We aim to provide a friendly, cosy atmosphere throughout the year. The Museum Library have provided some great Coracle related photos which we will use in the back room and we hope that this will be a comfortable space. We will be dog friendly and will also invite customers to bring their own hot food.” If you’d like to keep up to date with the goings on at The Coracle, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by searching for TheCoraclePub.

Climbing has never been so accessible! Located in Shrewsbury Climbing The Walls have +8000 sqft of huge climbing space. Their purpose built centre caters for all ages and abilities. Designed together with market leaders, each section caters perfectly for all requirements. New climbers of all ages can learn in a safe and fun environment. One of the most exciting areas of the centre, the Action Walls, are ingeniously designed to challenge all ages and provide hours of fun. Perfectly suited for beginners or experienced climbers looking for fun competitive challenges, the 25 elements ensure age is not necessarily a guarantee of

success. Perfect for birthday parties, corporate team building and family fun. Utilising the latest technology auto belay ropes which allows children the freedom to clip themselves on to our walls under the supervision of our qualified instructors, the biggest challenge is to feel the fear and do it anyway. New climbers and people who are looking to experience climbing as a family for the first time can come along and have a go. Climbing has never been so accessible, for those who are looking for something to do as a one off whilst in the area, to those who are looking to develop into climbing.

Win a pass! Wrekin News has teamed up with Climbing the Walls in Shrewsbury to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pass! All you have to do to enter is send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Tania Baylis, Climbing Pass, Wrekin News, Unit 2, Wellington Train Station, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BY. Or email your entry details to: tania@plus2media.co.uk - closing date for entries is Wednesday 20 June 2018, good luck to all entrants. Terms and conditions apply, please see our updated privacy statement.

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29/05/2018 18:31

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29/05/2018 11:52

Summer concert planned

NEW COLLEGE CHORALE PRESENTS: MUSIC FOR A SUMMER’S EVENING A MUSICAL MISCELLANY MONDAY JUNE 11TH 2018 7.30 PM

New College Chorale is ending the current season with a concert in Christ Church on Monday June 11th at 7.30. This will include favourite pieces from our current repertoire, including O Magnum Mysterium by Lauridsen and Magniﬁcat by Pachelbel. There will be some new pieces appropriate for a summer’s evening and some well chosen poems to complete the miscellany. We hope that the audience will appreciate our choices and join us. The concert will be in our usual format, lasting a little over an hour with no interval. This community choir has now been established at Christ Church for a second year, with regular rehearsals on Monday evenings. There are no auditions and new members are welcome to get in touch if they would like to join. After the concert we will have a long summer break, resuming early in September. A joint concert with the Telford Orchestra is planned for November, as well as our usual Christmas events. We still have several conductors but Andy Slater is taking the leading role with John Soper in support and Bob Wysome contributing at the planning stage. Our website has more information, and we are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Cool off at Telford Ice Rink! The team at Telford Ice Rink have taken on board the feedback from recent customers and have improved their skating experience just in time for summer 2018. Telford Ice Rink have invested in 50 new skating aids as a result of high demand and usage at the rink; the popular snowmen and penguins currently in the rink are designed to assist skating and aid balance on the ice. Joining the skating aid family will be the ever popular seals and polar bears! Families are encouraged to pop down to attend public skating sessions and check out the new skating aid characters themselves. To book or for more session times please visit: www.telfordandwrekinleisure.co.uk/icerink

CHRIST CHURCH WELLINGTON

Admission £5 on the door

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36 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 36 Comps.indd 1

29/05/2018 15:09

Mind, body & soul

June 2018

by Joanna Summers

with

Joanna Summers from the Sacred Healing Centre

Spotlight on meditation Meditation is a wonderful way to relax and find mindfulness. So what is mindfulness? Best way to describe mindfulness is to explain the way our brain works. We have a database of knowledge, experiences and information; we lay the formative aspect of this in our early years. As we grow basically we work from our database testing that out in our environments as we make alterations and fine tube our database, this continues until we are in our adult life, as we have new experiences and add to our database; it is said that by the time we are in our middle life we won’t have any new thoughts, all our thoughts are aligned to our personal database. So how do we have new thoughts? Or experience those potential thoughts from a different perspective? Mindfullness is one way. Have you heard of the saying ‘empty your mind’ in relation to mediation? Or follow the breath? These are cunning tricks to help and assist the part of our brain that puts us in touch with new thinking and developing a sense of mindfulness. Filling the mind with something other than the chit-chat thoughts that take up the day. So why do we want to do that? Well, you might not! To be fair…but the reason why mindfulness is taking off in such a way, we believe is because it is a very simple way to achieve peace of mind, refocus the thinking and enable people to be in charge of they’re thinking… so when you get cut up by that terrible driver or your internet goes down or… you are able to stop, refocus and find the place where you are back in the driving seat, not caught up in feeling annoyed or upset for hours… The studies show that each time we find ourselves caught up in those stress responses we release cortisone into the bloodstream, there are many scientific findings that link this regular release to physical, emotional and psychological conditions or expressions. Have you ever been stressed only later to find your jaw is tight, your shoulders are sore or you get a headache…these are all symptoms of unused cortisone being in the body. As part of our adrenal cortex, we would use it in our fight or flight response, but we have not run away or fought so it stays in the system. As part of our active meditation class we clear the systems with movement and breathwork. You can try this at home, find a quiet comfortable spot, sitting with your back supported and make sure you are warm as your temperature drops slightly as you relax. You can close your eyes or keep them open looking at a flower or the birds in the garden. Begin to notice your breath, coming in to your body then follow it naturally out again. This will happen very easily, begin to follow the length of the breath as it comes in and out. As this happens you will begin to feel very relaxed. This is when your body starts to say, hey brain what’s going on? And the brain begins to notice things that it recognises from its database. But remember you are in charge and by following that breath and taking less and less notice of the mind you begin to train the mind to listen to you and your body. This is practice and this is the first stage, well done if you managed a few seconds of nomind as you listened to you breathing, if you want to know more contact Joanna Summers. Joanna Summers is a natural empath working in Alternative and holistic health in Shropshire at The Sacred Healing Centre. You can find her on Facebook www.facebook.com/sacredhealingcentre8/ l We run weekly classes and monthly groups and circles. l Gentle Kundalini Yoga and meditation classes l Shropshire Drumming Circle l Shropshire Womens group A red Tent. For these and other upcoming events, workshops and classes find us on Facebook.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) Moving through the month there is an accumulation of your need to reach out, meet deadlines where it is increasing important for you to cross the T’s and dot the I’s. Typical of Aries, you are a passionate and a committed goal setter, if you are finding yourself running out of time with your projects, ideas and inspirations ,include the word delegate as a mantra for the rest of the month and get the most done, enabling you to come out smelling of Roses, rather than limiting yourself and your potential outcome and letting yourself or others down. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) It is all about pleasure for our Taurians, loving the finer pleasures in life you may find yourself over indulging and becoming a little self obsessed! ‘What me’, we hear you say…and then add ‘what is wrong with that!’ Nothing…but you may find this could be potentially alienating to your loved ones and associates. Heed the advice and know that this time of year it is more about we than I and this will influence your perspective some. You are talented and supportive, with particular natural skill set at problem-solving and fixing things…be generous with your resources as you make clear choices about where to honour your commitments and follow up on the promises made to others. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) Stop! Give yourself a breather, your natural razor sharp mind could be all scatterbrained if you continue to be everywhere and no where. Focus on the importance in your world, listen to your internal logical mind. See this as wake-up call to grow and improve- often its in slowing down and admitting you do not have all the answers that allows you to take your foot off the pedal and choose the direction you really want to move towards. Soon your enthusiasm, charisma and optimism will steer you forward. CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Ok Cancerians it is time to take stock of where you are and where you are going. Your big heart-your greatest gift-can be your greatest biggest challenge. Often you give, give and then some, finding yourself giving from your internal stores. Pause just for a moment, retreat into yourself or your ‘shell’ disconnect from the things, people and situations that are heart centred and reestablish your connection to what is really important to you, the challenge for you is to do this logically-thinking before you act. Once this piece of astrological advice is in action you will find life becoming more fun, bringing with it a real sense of heart felt connection in your interactions with family, friends and loved ones. LEO Leos find themselves enjoying every little moment throughout the next month, bursting filled with energy and really unstoppable. You are a social butterfly in work and play. Be careful to keep your thoughts positive and try not to get caught up in any dramas-keep, the advice this month is to keep it light-as you leap courageously into each new moment as your natural fun-loving character brings the sunshine and joy into the lives of other and is simply irresistible-how can anyone resist your full of life company! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) Virgo characters are hard working in everything they do, it is done to the max. This is the time of year that you may find yourself running out of steam and this has a tendency to illicit a trait within people born under this sign seen as a fog of negativity-where on occasion-an inability to see good or the potential in anything is greatly restricted. The life lesson is in recognising this trait and know it does not have to be this way, notice the tendency to be critical as a first step to understanding that you can be okay with life not being perfect. Remember not to shy away from your humour as you take life less seriously and use your natural cheeky humour and bright mind to dazzle those around you.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Libras ruling planet is Venus, which is strongly associated with love, beauty and pleasure, as well as art and culture. You are known as the great romantic of the Zodiac. At this time of year you may be so attracted to what is going on around you that you may leave little time for yourself, and when you find yourself needing that down time, you may come to a crashing halt. The trick is to see this as a ‘heads up’ before it happens. Your very full diary or difficulty in say no to another invitation is distracting you from well, ‘You’… A bit of self care and TLC is needed, recharging your batteries then you can get back to the business of being busy. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) You are charismatic and kind to a fault and know when others are in need and how to comfort and empower them to see their situations in a more positive light. It is your natural forgiving and generous characteristics that literally transform the lives of others around you- in fact you are unstoppable at the moment so allow this to be the fuel in your motor, to get in, smash things down and rebuild something much better. This month is about transformation! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) With your mind-blowing combination of adventure, dazzling smarts and lots of fun, you are full of heaps of positivity. You literally are on fire this month getting things done, finding the fun or bringing it with you wherever you go. You are wise and knowledgable and utterly honestsometimes a little too honest- and tell it as it is but there is no changing you, so accept what is and blow the troubles away with your brains rather than brawn, there is no joy in losing your cool, use that quick wit to your advantage! CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) The overwhelming desire to stay in control of all you do this month, could see the strong minded Capricorns among you restricting yourself! Where is the magic of life and the delight in being spontaneous…the advice this month is to be true to your love of rules and structure as you dance with being flexible to change with the differing circumstances that come your way. Try -if you dare- to embrace your spontaneous side, stand up to your more serious side… invite love, light and humour into your life…do not worry what the neighbours think…Do you know you are ruled by Queen Saturn and she bows her head to nobody! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Typically the rebel of the Zodiac this month could lead you into problems as you find some restriction within your relationships, loved ones and friends. The trick is to tap into your natural kind nature and welcome that intellectual-flexibility in your thinking as you soon readdress the imbalance. You, more than any other sign, have the power to change the game. Any worry will melt away as you experience lasting contentment knowing that a change in perspective breathed life into choices rather than restriction ,as you move through this month, with an inner smile. PISCES (February 19 - March 20) This month you will notice that you are being more thoughtful and warm hearted than normal, but be careful not to let people and situations take advantage of your boundaries and kind nature. Yes, by all means be there for others but learn to be as generous with yourself! Take time to escape in your true Piscean way, whether that be getting away for a few days, walking being in nature or heading off to a relaxing destination, you find this motivates you to think of yourself for a time to recoup away from all chaos, before getting back to what brings joy to your life. By retreating you enable those high expectations you have of yourself, others and situations to be infused with the integrity you are respected and valued for.

Wrekin News Horoscopes provides no guarantees or assurances of any kind, and will not be responsible for any interpretation made or use by the recipient of the information and data mentioned above.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 37

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29/05/2018 20:59

Wrekin News NEW 17.pdf 1 31/03/2017 14:28:43

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29/05/2018 08:08

Care & Community In later years . . .

Help at Hand celebrate 14 years in service is too much trouble, she is an absolute gem and a credit to your service”. Mr. W – Wellington comments “Very happy with our support worker, she comes in every week to help with housework and ironing”. Cllr Lee Carter – Cabinet Member for Finance, Commercial Services & Economic Development said “Help at Hand is a fabulous initiative that provides a highly reputable service to the local community. “The work that our support workers provide inside client’s own homes really contributes towards extending their independent living within the community.” If this service would help you around your home or you know of someone who would be interested please call 01952 380924 for a free quote or to arrange a free home visit to discuss the service further.

Telford & Wrekin’s commercial services started Help at Hand in 2004 with a clear vision to provide a service to the elderly in the community; helping people to continue to live independently in their own homes. The service provides help with general household tasks, visiting services, grocery shopping, washing and drying laundry, ironing and cleaning internal windows. Help at Hand pride themselves on a consistent and professional approach, clients have the same support worker each time who are fully DBS checked and trained to deliver a friendly service. Clients from the local area have commented about the Help at Hand service, Mr. R – Sutton Hill “I am very pleased with the Help at Hand Service and I’m very happy with my support worker, she works hard when she is here and nothing

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www.sanctuary-care.co.uk www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 39

39 Help at Hands.indd 1

28/05/2018 23:26

home

Time to relax and enjoy your garden this June

garden and

Written by Robert Hudson of Lilyhurst Plant Centre

ILYHURST > Pictured - Iris, have this year, been giving an excellent display

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LAMING JUNE. This should be a time to relax and enjoy your garden so let us hope that this month does live up to its reputation but, given the weather so far this year, anything could come our way! The Mayday weekend was a very welcome respite from the cold wet weather we had been getting and the weather has generally been improving, although slight frosts have occurred, so here is hoping that we are able to sit out enjoy our gardens and just do some light weeding and deadheading (removal of the faded ﬂowers) to keep everything spick and span. There will of course still be the mowing to do but if we get a dry spell even that will slow down. Any new plants should be checked carefully and watered if necessary do this as late in the day as possible because then the water will not just evaporate but will be available for the plant during the cooler evening and night. If the garden appears dull and uninteresting it is quite easily remedied by introducing a few new plants even the simple act

Simon Bradbury

WE WE ARE ARE HERE HERE

Sheriffhales Sheriffhales

of refilling a container can often achieve the desired result for little effort. If you have got hanging baskets from earlier years just lying idle get them refilled and add a splash of colour from now until the first frosts. Early flowering clematis such as the Montana’s can be pruned now, or as soon as they have finished flowering if they are running late. These plants are very vigorous and can easily outgrow their allotted space. If the pruning is left until later they may well not flower next year as their growth will not have hardened enough. Flowering bulbs which finished some time ago can now be lifted and divided before the foliage dies down completely, and you lose their position. If your daffodils did not flower well this year it can be due to the bulbs having risen over the years and when they come

close to the surface they stop flowering. Just re plant the bulbs deeper and the desired effect should occur next spring. The Iris have, this year, been giving an excellent display and these too may need to be lifted and divided once they have finished flowering as they can become congested and shade their rhizomes, so inhibiting their flowering in future years. At Lilyhurst we are always happy to discuss your gardening issues/problems. We provide free advice tailored to your situation. People are surprised when they ask what shrubs they can grow that the first question we ask is ‘which way does your garden face’. Plants, like anything, have their likes and dislikes and some will tolerate full sun while others need shade and the way your garden faces is a major determinant in this. Even if the shrubs you would like will not tolerate the exact condition you have we can usually suggest something very similar that will. So do not be afraid to ask, you will not be the first and it is what our whole business is founded upon.

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40 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 40, 41 Home and Garden / VETS.indd 1

28/05/2018 21:07

Improving your Rabbit awareness

Telford T50 50 mile trail opens Kate Ashbrook

Written by the team at Severn Edge Vets 2nd – 10th June will see Rabbit Awareness Week arrive with events and special offers throughout the UK. Social media was buzzing with knowledge, advice and tips so we thought we’d share a few of the more interesting facts that we shared at our rabbit clinics. Did you know that rabbits are ‘fibrevores’? This means that fibre is essential for their dental, digestive and emotional health. A massive 85% of your rabbit’s diet should be grass or good quality hay. Rabbit teeth grow continuously and the only natural way for them to maintain short and smooth teeth is through chewing grass and hay. A lack of fibre in their diet often means that they are unable to grind their teeth and as a result overgrowths can form, producing painful ulcers on the tongue and cheek. A general anaesthetic and specialist dental surgery usually is needed to resolve this problem. On the topic of pain, did you know that when rabbits are in pain they can become anorexic and their gut functions can slow down, causing a condition known as Ileus? Ileus causes an imbalance of bacteria, producing excessive gas and severe

pain, perpetuating the problem. In severe cases the gut can stop functioning completely, resulting in an untimely death. Did you know that it’s coming up to ‘Flystrike’ season? Eggs from the Blowfly are laid in a rabbit’s fur and within 12 hours the disease can be severe, with maggots consuming the flesh. Flystrike can occur in any rabbit, but those with intestinal disease or dental disease which result in a ‘claggy’ bottom are more susceptible. Did you know? A common misconception is that rabbits that aren’t in contact with their wild kin don’t need to be vaccinated. Unfortunately diseases such as Myxamatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease can spread through many vectors, including midges. It can be very rewarding to own a rabbit, but they are quite unique in their requirements, habits and health needs. By being aware of what your rabbit needs you can ensure they have a long, happy and healthy life. If you have any concerns or questions about the health of your rabbits and how to care for them, make sure to contact your vet.

Telford T50 50 mile trail opens at 10am on Saturday 16 June. Inspirational speaker Kate Ashbrook, chair of Ramblers Trustees, Patron of Walkers Are Welcome and General Secretary of The Open Space Society, together with the Mayor of Telford and representatives of Telford and Wrekin Council, will open this exciting new continuous walking route near the Town Park Information Centre. The grand opening will start at 10am with speeches from the mayor and Kate Ashbrook followed by the unveiling of the trail information board at the start of the trail. Then at 10.30 the walks will start. Why not join in for a fun morning or a full day out; just walk around the park or walk to Ironbridge and beyond. There is a choice of great, guided and self guided walks and runs to suit all ages and abilities, whether you are an ambler, a rambler or a runner, everyone is invited to come along and join in the fun. For more information go to: www.telford5050trail.org.uk

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 41

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28/05/2018 21:12

Syd

Taylor

The region’s nu mber one motoring journalist

A JAQUAR TO POUNCE UPON

“Help me!” eighbour Sally Winstone looked at me with pleading eyes. She and her husband live over on the shady side of the exclusive cul-de-sac, Sanctuary Vale. My own humble chateau occupies the prime spot in that location, of course. (Just saying). “Whatever’s the matter?” I asked. “It’s Alexander. He’s been perched on the dishwasher all morning in a catatonic state. Talk to him will you? He promised to take me to the Wellness Centre but he’s just not moving and won’t say a word.” Clearly this was a job for a top motoring journalist, so I didn’t hesitate to tear myself away from feeding my lawn with a Spring tonic. I simply had to attend to Alexander. I found him as described; his back to the dishwasher and with vacant eyes ﬁxed on a minor blemish on the wall.

“That’s where a picture fell off. It pulled a bit of plaster away” explained Sally. I wasted no time in addressing the man himself. “Now then old chap. Pray account for your present incommensurate behaviour. You haven’t had bad news I hope.”

Jaguar

F Pace R-Sport 2.0 250PS AWD Auto

“That’s just it. It’s the news. All this fake news stuff. I’ve been saying for years not to believe a word of it. I’ve been telling them it’s all fake. Isn’t that true Sally?” She nodded. “But now” he continued “They’re telling us on the news that there’s all this fake news about. So if the news is fake and they’re telling us about fake news, then how do we know that the fake news they’re going on about is, in fact, fake?” I laughed. “Worry not! You’re simply in the grip of an existential crisis of belief. Remember Dr. Johnson?” His response to being told that the world was not real was to go out and kick a stone. Now I can’t offer you a stone to kick but I can offer you something far more exciting. A Jaguar to pounce upon!” At once he was a changed man. His eyes brightened. He stood up straight. He was ready for anything. Offer him a shepherds hut for the price of Blenheim Palace and he would have snatched my arm off. It was the power of the Magic Word wot dunnit. “Jaguar!” he exclaimed in an emotional voice.

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

28/05/2018 21:05

“Grab your coat and grab your hat” I ordered. “Leave your worries in the dishwasher. Follow me for the experience of a lifetime.” The car in question could not be seen immediately - being partly hidden behind the wheelie bins. Only once we were up close and personal was its true splendour disclosed. “That, dear neighbour” I said, “Is the Jaguar F Pace”. He fell silent. If a picture is worth a thousand words then the F Pace R Sport all-wheel-drive 8 speed automatic at £44,460 is, in reality, worth a thousand Andy Wharhols. (Had that great champion of modern consumerist imagery ever turned his lithographic machines to the task of celebrating the Jaguar motor car). Or to put it simply: this is a Jaguar SUV to blow away the opposition. What it brings to the table is Jaguar performance and reﬁnement coupled with SUV practicality. Success is achieved via the most advanced engineering. Lightweight aluminium underpinnings guarantee strength and security while enhancing through weight beneﬁts, performance and economy. The 4 cylinder 250PS 2.0 petrol engine can propel it to 135mph yet return 38.2mpg. Computer systems get the best out of the driver whatever

The Tipple! By

Sue Ladds

Brewgenie - everything for your distilling needs

the style of driving but never at the expense of that all-important ‘feel’ that distinguishes a ‘drivers car’ from a dullards dream motor. Some drivers will want to do their homework - the better to comprehend the cleverness behind such things as ‘Adaptive Dynamics’, ‘Conﬁgurable Dynamics’, ‘All Surface Progress Controls’ together with other systems. Of course, there is the expected range of engines and transmissions allowing selection according to that delightful balance of purse and purpose. Some, like Alexander Winstone, will just want to go along for a great ride - marvelling at the silk glove smoothness while enjoying a powerful punch of performance and excellent handling: the hallmark of Jaguar. My neighbour was itching to get behind the wheel but insurance and safety issues prevented that. An extensive ride alleviated his disappointment as I put my foot down. “Gosh!” He cried. “There’s nothing fake about this cars eagerness. It just wants to go!” “You want to go?” I responded. “Yes” came the reply. “I want to go and buy one now.”

ESPITE Winter, Spring and Summer all rolling into one this year most of nature seems to be coping very well. I’ve seen the first elderflower sprig, so in shop the stampede will begin! Elderflower champagne, wine and cordial are the regular uses, and jams and jellies may also benefit. First picking. Obviously! Rub a handful of flowers under your nose. If these small catty, try another bush. When you get them home, shake onto clean paper and pick out green stems and insects. Steep in hot water overnight. Never put very hot water into a demijohn, use plastic jugs or Pyrex quality glass bowls for this. For cordial, just add water, sugar and lemon juice or citric acid. Any glass bottles are fine, but sterlise and rinse first. Elderflower champagne is usually fermented in a glass demijohn, with 3lb of sugar and additional fruit or grape juice concentrate, citric acid and

a champagne yeast. Allow to ferment for two - three weeks under airlock, then bottle in pressure capable bottles ie champagne, beer and Grolsch type glass bottles. Add half teaspoon of sugar per 500ml bottle and continue a gentle ferment in the bottle. After three weeks try a bottle, however leaving for a week or two longer may be beneficial. For wine, more grape concentrate will be required to increase body and potential alcohol. Following fermentation stabilise with potassium sorbate and use a fining agent to clear your wine before bottling. Ordinary glass wine bottles with suitable closures are fine. As you may suspect, at Brewgenie we have all the products mentioned, demijohns, assorted bottles, yeast and bottle brushes and many more you hadn’t thought of. We have everything for wine and beer making and distilling. And even Elderflower kits, if someone got to your bush first!

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Please note - The views expressed in Wrekin News by individual contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the editor of Wrekin News nor the publishers, Plus Two Media Limited.

www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 43

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28/05/2018 21:05

Book review

The Wrongful Rights by JJ Roberts

Home Services

Call 01952 248374

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING IN THE WREKIN NEWS

NEW LOOK

Andy Allmark Painter & Decorator

(INTERNAL DECOR ONLY)

It could have been any one of them. They were all at breaking point.

HEN pensioner, Kenneth Woods, had to convalesce at his family’s home following an operation, it was inevitable tensions would be high for everyone. A bitter man, owed thousands of pounds, demanding repayment and answers. An exploitative stepson, expert in evading his questions, and able to hide the money for his underhand dealings. Two years on, Kenneth’s murder remains unsolved, but when a witness commits suicide and a suspicious death quickly follows, there’s a suggestion lies were told and a confession was lost. Whilst battling to repair the relationship with his unforgiving brother, private investigator William Bailey is unwillingly drawn into the mystery. As his inquisitive mind probes deeper, William discovers a menacing collusion which reaches deeper than he could have imagined. But when his brother suddenly disappears, can William unearth the tragic circumstances of Kenneth’s death in time to save Eddie from their past and right the wrongs they made? The Wrongful Rights by JJ Roberts is available now on Amazon for Kindle. You can also purchase In Their Absence by the same author on Amazon for Kindle or in paperback too.

Can you help Farcroft? Farcroft Residential Home is a non-proﬁt home relying donations and help from the community. Their garden needs to be a lovely place to escape for residents but the garden has unfortunately seen better days and Maria Armstrong from Farcroft is asking for your help. Can you donate some ﬂowers or plants and help in general to make the garden a great space for residents once more? Please contact Maria Armstrong at Farcroft Residential Home for more information.

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44 · www.wrekinnews.co.uk 44 Home Services.indd 1

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26/02/2018 15:55

Sport WREKIN NEWS

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NEW BOSS COWAN TAKES THE HELM

NCE again we ﬁnd ourselves in the close season and it is all change at the helm for AFC Telford United. Former manager Rob Edwards has parted company with the club. The reasons why the former Wolves man has left are not wholly clear but the split was conﬁrmed soon after a post season meeting with Chairman Andy Pryce. Mr Pryce may have given a clue to the move as soon after he issued a statement

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confirming that the Bucks would not be going full-time, which would have undoubtedly been disappointing news for Edwards, who has worked at the highest level. The managerial vacancy was soon filled as Gavin Cowan was swiftly slotted into the position. Cowan should not find it too difficult making himself at home as he was on Edwards’ coaching staff and was also a former captain at the Bucks Head. One of Cowan’s first moves was to announce Telford legend

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> The new AFC Telford United management team of Gavin Cowan and his assistant Phil Trainer

Phil Trainer as his number two, a popular choice amongst the club’s fans. Cowan was also quick to sign up a core of players whose contracts had come to an end. Skipper Shane Sutton returns at the heart of the defence where he will be ably assisted by former Wrexham and Southport man Ross White. In midfield, the creative Henry Cowans will be partnered with the tough tackling Jonathan Royle as both men put pen to paper. Ellis Deeney, who has a year of an eighteen month contract to fulfill completes a useful central trio. The first new face Cowan brings into the club is 30-year-old Darryl Knights who joins from Tamworth.

Knights is an experienced winger who formerly plied his trade at Kidderminster Harriers and Cambridge United. Boss Cowan suggested “on his day he is one of the best players in the league in his position. It is now up to me and Darryl to make sure his day comes regularly.” Having signed a number of players who were already at the club will help Cowan to quickly mould his side in time for the new campaign in August. An important pre-season beckons for the Bucks. The ﬁrst news of opponents sees a return of a Bucks Head favourite as Sam Ricketts brings his Wrexham side to Shropshire on Saturday July 21st.

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

29/05/2018 10:35

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www.wrekinnews.co.uk · 47

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26/02/2018 16:02

THE WALNUT WITH THE WOW FACTOR Our wonderful four bedroom Walnut showhome is now open

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