County Woman August 2016 by Reviewmedia

FASHION * BEAUTY * EVENTS * PROPERTY * ENTERTAINMENT * PEOPLE

COUNTY ISSUE 39 AUGUST 2016 made in shropshire

MELLOW

YELLOW A SUNNY DELIGHT

homefirst

Creating your perfect day.. ...with wedding packages from just £1,250 for ceremonies of up to 1,000 guests, Lilleshall Hall caters for everything from small intimate ceremonies to large festival weddings.

WEDDING FAIR at Lilleshall Hall

Saturday 2nd October, 11am until 3pm

For further details contact Nichola Bowen on 01952 603 003 or email nichola.bowen@serco.com Lilleshall Hall, Near Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9AT www.lilleshallnsc.co.uk/weddings | /WedInLilleshall | @LilleshallNSC

Enjoy a glass of bubbly and canapés on arrival, see Chapters and The Duke of Sutherland in full wedding glory, take a tour of the site and gardens and speak to our friendly staff about your requirements. What’s more with a number of exhibitors also attending, you can be sure to find everything you need for your special day.

CONTENTS

AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 39 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/COUNTYWOMAN

t’s the season of lazy, hazy days, offering long summer evenings, barbecues, fetes, garden parties and country shows aplenty.

August is the perfect month for fun with friends or family,

you don’t even need to have booked a break – just check out our events section and you’re sure to find the perfect

day out. Whether you’re taking in the flora at Shrewsbury Flower Show

or heading to a music festival, there’s something for everyone right across the county.

WOMAN 5

Objects of Desire

Fashion – Festival style

Beauty – The matte look

Fashion – Mellow yellow

COMMUNITY 13

We’ve even got tickets to family-friendly Park Hall Farm and Shrewsbury Steam Rally up for grabs.

Bring a splash of sunshine to the rainiest days with yellow summer fashion, indulge in summer berry cocktails and bring out the barbecue for our round-up of the best summer lamb recipes. Feel the festival vibes with assessories fit for a rock star and check out our ‘Six of the Best’ camping and festival buys. Update your home for summer with our classic, neutral touches or bring the beach inside with our coastal inspired wishlist. Who needs a break in the Med when there’s so much going on here at home? Happy holidays!

Artist – Isobel Bushell

49 Health Chef – Andrea Birch

HOMEFIRST 14

Interiors – Put it in neutral

Down to Earth

LEISURE 31

Events listings

Shrewsbury Flower Show

FOOD + DRINK EDITOR

Summer cocktails

Welsh lamb recipes

Amber’s Woodfired Kitchen

MARKETPLACE 57

Six of the Best – Festival life

Travel – Spa breaks

COMPETITIONS 64

Win tickets to local attractions

LAST WORD 66

And finally – Alison Ashmore

The reproduction of any material in this magazine by means of electronic, photographic or print process is strictly forbidden without prior permission of the company. Views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the company. Advertisements contained within this magazine are subject to the normal terms and conditions of the company, copies of which are available on request. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information published herein but the company can in no way accept liability for omissions or incorrect insertions or any consequences arising therefrom nor can the company accept liability or responsibility for any consequence arising from use of this publication. The paper used for this magazine is a recyclable and renewable product that has been produced from wood grown in sustainable forests. The mills producing the paper all have third-party verified management systems such as ISO 14001, as well as Chain-of-Custody certification. © REVIEWMEDIA LTD 2016 All rights reserved. ISSN 2053-5449

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AUGUST 2016

FASHION * BEAUTY * EVENTS * PROPERTY * ENTERTAINMENT * PEOPLE

COUNTY ISSUE 39 AUGUST 2016 made in shropshire

homefirst

MELLOW

YELLOW A SUNNY DELIGHT

COVER: Yellow print dress £125, Lori clutch bag £65 from House Of Fraser see page 46 MANAGING DIRECTOR AND PUBLISHER: Martin Edwards contact: 01746 766848 medwards@reviewmedia.com EDITOR: Alison Ashmore aashmore@reviewmedia.com assistant editor: Justine Flavell jflavell@reviewmedia.com fashion and beauty: Robyn Moore rmoore@reviewmedia.com features: Eluned Watson production and design: Aileen Selkirk aselkirk@reviewmedia.com accounts and admin: Anita Desai adesai@reviewmedia.com ADVERTISING SALES: Advertisement Manager: David Lee-Birch dleebirch@reviewmedia.com Paul Kirkpatrick pkirkpatrick@reviewmedia.com Tracy Leonard tleonard@reviewmedia.com

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Reviewmedia Ltd. Media House Building 9 Stanmore Industrial Estate Bridgnorth Shropshire WV15 5HP

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AUGUST 2016

WISH LIST

8 OF OUR FAVOURITE FINDS THIS MONTH

of Desire

Objects

7 5

8 We take our inspiration from the colours of the seaside 1. ‘American Splash’ bowl in blue, from Black Bough in Ludlow, £12-14 Handmade by Duncan Browning in the Elan Valley, mid Wales, in two practical sizes. 2. Gabor Lanzarote sandal in indigo, £59.99 from Toggs and Cloggs, Newport Slip-on pair that are a reliable favourite year after year. 3. Rose gold embellished clutch, Wallis, £28 For evenings out. 4. Murlough Bay shells cushion, National Trust, £25 Created exclusively for the National Trust, the design of this cushion has been inspired by the great British seaside. 5. Large ‘Sun’ platter from Roobarb in Bridgnorth or www.LoveRoobarb. co.uk, £34 Hang it on the wall or use it on the table – ‘Moon’ version also available. 6. Tuscan Escape lemon verbena refreshing bath nectar from M&S, £4 Enriched with extract of acacia honey and sweet almond; made in the UK but inspired by the lemon groves of Italy. 7. Pure Colour cream nail polish, £2.99 from New Look A textured glitter polish for a light summery look. 8. Yaron Morhaim ring from The Silver Pear, Ludlow, £225 Unique rings in a range of designs, made to order. All are made from sterling silver, yellow gold or rose gold plating, and oxidized silver. Stones are semi-precious. From £120.

AUGUST 2016 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Where there’s a will...

Following the death of a close relation or friend, people often find themselves appointed as Executor of the deceased’s Will in order to administer their estate. Whilst this is a role that can either be accepted or declined, most people decide to respect the wishes of the deceased. Consideration needs to be given as to whether the Executor chooses to administer the estate themselves or appoint a Solicitor to do so. Very often people decide to deal with the estate themselves in the belief that this will save money but for the majority, instructing a Solicitor will be more cost effective in the long term. At Terry Jones Solicitors we can advise on Inheritance Tax saving measures and ensure that the estate is administered correctly. If the estate is administered incorrectly, for example the Will is misinterpreted or one beneficiary is favoured over another, the estate could be challenged and if already distributed, the Executor may find themselves personally liable. Claims for mishandling a deceased estate have tripled over recent years. Rachel Wood (nee Oakley) a Director at Terry Jones Solicitors who specialises in Wills and Probate matters says “I meet people at one of the most distressing times in their lives, following the loss of a relation or friend. I can offer them assistance in administering an estate in a professional and compassionate manner ensuring the deceased’s wishes are met at all times.” We provide an excellent service in providing assistance to Executors, whether they wish for help in administrating the whole estate from start to finish or assistance with the drafting of the Oath to apply for the Grant of Probate and Inheritance Tax forms, which need to be submitted whether or not the estate of the deceased is liable to pay Inheritance Tax. For more information, please contact Rachel Wood at our Bridgnorth Office, 62 Whitburn Street on 01746 768748

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AUGUST 2016

It’s festival season and here at County Woman we WOMAN know which high street buys will keep you looking as cool as a Hollywood A-lister at Coachella. Unlike that LA festival, UK festivals can be muddy and wet so find the perfect rain coat to keep your outfit dry, ready to showcase when the sun comes out. Printed wellies are always a must for a festival but a cowboy boot could be as reliable and look like a match made in heaven with your denim. Here are our top buys:

Think fringe, suede, tribal print and a cool back-pack.

Sunglasses, Next, £45 Raincoat, Topshop, £49

Gold top (perfect base layer), Primark, £8

Fringed belt, Very, £20

Faith black tassel rucksack, Debenhams,

£45

Flag print Wellies, George, £13

Denim pinafore dress F&F, £20

Lace dress (to wear over denim shorts and top), Accessorize, £32

ABOVE: White fringed knit, M&S, £35 Tribal top, Monsoon,

£49

Boho necklace, Matalan, £12

Top £17.99, shorts £14.99, bag, £17.99, red neck tie £4.99, New Look

Sleeveless patchwork print kimono, Evans,

£30

ELIFELYTS

NAMOW

Stylefile Robyn Moore on this

Embrace your face in suppor t of mental health

month’s local fashion new

has been with the salo n for 18 months, has entered the Midlan ds heats of the prestigious event. She says: “It feels great to have won – I wasn’t expecting to be placed first as the competition was so stro ng. “The salon team here in Shrewsbury have been brilliant, especially our training manager Lauren Foskett who spe nds so much time in London working wit h the national Toni & Guy art team and at London Fashion Week so this was a rea l advantage.” Alisha will be travelling to the capital in September in an atte mpt to lift the national title and salon manager Lauren wished her luck.

A Telford businesswo man is launching a marketing campaign in a bid to help change people’s attitu des towards mental health condit ions. Gemma Allies, owner and founder of skin care company Skin Sincere, is running the “Embrace Your Face” campaign and raising mo ney for mental health charity MIN D. SkinSincere is a natural, organic and paraben-free online skincare retailer, based in Telford . Ms Allies, 25, says: “I wa s inspired to fundraise as a result of my own struggles wit h anxiety and depression, as well as those of close friends and me Celebrating a decade mbers in business is always of my family. I would like a milestone but one hai to see r and beauty salon people get behind the has undergone a com campaign plete transformation and help to eliminate som to service its growing clientele and team of e of stylists, as the business this social stigma.” goes from strength to strength and enters Those who wish to its second decade! participate are asked to Indulgence Hairdressers make in Albrighton, run by Emma Parkes, will a small donation to MIN celebrate its 10th D, anniversary in August wit via text or Just Giving, the h a champagne and n canapés evening for clie encouraged to share a nts after unveiling a ‘selfie’ brand new look salon in on social media channe recent weeks. ls, expressing one thing the The 5* rated, Aveda and y L’Oreal salon, offers the comple love about their face wit te hair and h the beauty pampering pac hashtag: #EmbraceYour kages in a relaxing Face atmosphere under the and a friend they would guidance of Emma, like a hairdresser for over 20 to nominate to do the sam years. The team e. will celebrate their 10 yea r anniversary and business success later this year with a trip to Dubai.

Hairdressers celebrate 10 years

Hairdresser in national finals A young Shropshire hairdresser has won her way through to the national finals of a competition. Alisha Edmunds, 18, who works at the Toni & Guy salon in Castle Street, Shrewsbury, bea t off entrants from across central England to gain her place at the grand London final of the ‘Assistant of the Year’ contest. This is the first time that Alisha, who lives in Nesscliffe and

It’s all about the Jamberr y Nail!

If you are a social me dia fan then I am sur e you will have heard of Jamberry nails. I was given some sample s by Shropshire based sales rep Victoria Hurst and I must say, I am add icted. They are sticky sheets which go over the nail and appear as nail varnish. I have oily nails and nai l varnish lasts a few days if I am lucky, but the Jamberry nails lasted two weeks , a miracle for my nails! There are hundreds of patterns to choose from and they don’t cause any damage to the nail. To find out more contac t Vicky on Facebook: www.faceboo k.com/vicjamjams

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It’s time to get a place of your own! And with Help to Buy you can afford it: With a Help to Buy interest free loan, you can buy a new two bedroom semi-detached home at Heritage View in Hadley with just a 5% deposit - here’s how it works:

The purchase price is:

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Example based on plot 16, two bedroom Hawthorn, priced at £135,000

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Help to Buy

Showhome open 10am to 5.30pm daily. Telephone: 07496 244146 or 0845 873 2893†

www.lioncourthomes.com †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. Photographs show a typical Lioncourt home interior. *All offers are subject to terms and conditions. £6,750 deposit is based on a purchase price of £135,000 and is for example purposes only. There is no fee charged on the equity loan for the first 5 years. At the start of year 6 a fee is collected of 1.75% of the market value of the property at the time the loan is entered into multiplied by the outstanding percentage under the equity loan, the annual fee of 1.75% will be uplifted by RPI +1% p.a. Conditions apply and mortgage is subject to status. Please speak to our sales negotiator for more information..

AUGUST 2016

13 ARTIST

Art from the heart

elf-confessed horse fanatic Isobel Bushell’s latest works of art really come from the heart. Artist and designer Isobel has just released her latest collection of prints entitled the Hill Top Ponies Collection. Created as a celebration of the country, the countryside and of man’s relationship with horses, this collection reflects the joy Isobel gets from her art and her Shropshire

surroundings. Working from her studio in her home near Much Wenlock, Isobel is inspired by all that is around her. She says that Shropshire is integral to her work, giving her and her art “an essential energy”. This energy is derived from “Shropshire’s countryside but also from the people” and her work is meant to bring a smile of recognition and reflect a shared passion for animals and nature. Born in Wolverhampton, she studied visual communication and was employed as a graphic designer, alongside building a career as a freelance illustrator. In 1987, when she married fellow graphic designer John, she gave up the security of a job to concentrate on her freelance work. The couple crossed the border to Shropshire about 21 years ago. “The style of my latest work is one I’ve been working on for many years,” says Isobel; she sees it as a progression of her design and illustration work for a major food group in the area. As an illustrator, she created the pictures for Peggy the Pig – a book telling about Much Wenlock’s links to the modern Olympics – as well as an Ironbridge book and the pirate design for a new range of children’s wristbands. She also has a range of greeting cards. Isobel has two “hairy ponies” at her home, Misty and Rose, and says: “I’ve been vaguely obsessed with animals, but mainly horses, for as long as I can remember. They’ve been part of my life an awfully long time. The relationship you have with them is really special.” The prints are from originals created using a line and wash technique – ink outlines with a watercolour wash, and are printed in Worfield. “One or two are probably based on Misty and Rose, and my original pony Teddy, but they are also horses I’ve known or seen about,” she says. Isobel is currently selling her equine range of prints through Buy-From Shropshire, an online community celebrating creativity in the county. You can find her range of greeting cards at www.qwerkycards.com

AUGUST 2016

HOMEFIRST

Put it in neutral For a timeless look that comes up season after season, you can’t beat neutrals. Lace applique lamp from George Home, £17

Think white, grey, beige, cream – this is a trend that suits any and every style of house. “Naturals always stay on trend so no worries about ageing! You could add a splash of colour using cushions which is an inexpensive way to change the look regularly,” say the experts at Just Jayne in Bridgnorth. Light, neutral colours accentuate a feeling of space and brightness so are perfect for small rooms; but it’s a look that’s also stunning in a large, open plan environment. Unless you do want to add a standout pop of zinging colour though, we say that to really be effective, keep it as simple and tonal as you can.

Subtle yet beautiful Harlequin fabrics from Just Jayne, Bridgnorth Urban Fusion picture, £85 from Alan Ward

BOTTOM LEFT: From pure white to grey, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to paints for a Neutrals scheme. French Grey Tales in Bridgnorth stocks Autentico chalk paints, from £5.95 for 100ml

Anya sofa in soft grey with button feature, £349.99 from Oak Furniture Shop, Oswestry

AUGUST 2016

HOMEFIRST

Neutral needn’t be dull – go for glamour with this Purity range by Harlequin, from £24 per metre at Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

ABOVE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Anoushka chair from Alan Ward, £1,199 Add a splash of colour with cushions; John Rocha chevron cushion £38; John Rocha velvet cushion £28, Jasper Conran Farringdon coffee table £340 and nest of two tables £260, all from Debenhams Medium twigs stand, £99 from Alan Ward Harlequin fabrics from Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

Ribbed vase, Debenhams, £16

Collection from Marks and Spencers including Malmo corner sofa, £799

AUGUST 2016 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Bovis Home trumps the rest FOR BRIDGE BUFF SUSAN

York where my daughter lives, and coming up hen Susan Maxwell to Shrewsbury whenever I could to look for a decided to move property.” back to Shrewsbury She knew she wanted a new build and having after 20 years away, bought off-plan before, she was familiar with the she chose a brandprocess. new Montpellier “At my time of life, I’m 65 now, I didn’t want home at Bovis Homes’ Bowbrook Meadows a project,” she says. “I didn’t want a house that location. needed anything doing to it. I’ve had the walled “I lived in Shrewsbury for 35 years and garden with the pretty cottage in the village but brought up my family in Shropshire,” says now I’m on my own, I wanted a place that’s plugSusan. “And then 20 years ago, I went to work and-play and ready to rock and in Aylesbury for the English roll!” Bridge Union, which is the She initially decided on The governing body of the game “There were lots Sheringham but finally settled of Bridge.” of landscaped on The Montpellier, which is She always planned to a four-bedroom detached. move back to the town at areas and where “I went to have a look and some point, however. “I have the first thing I noticed was two grandsons here, who live I am I’ve got this the wide open spaces on the close by; my sister lives here; parkland which is development. There were lots my niece; my nephew; and a landscaped areas and where lot of family friends, so I was absolutely lovely” of I am at the front and side of always going to come back.” me I’ve got this parkland which When the time came, she is absolutely lovely.” followed the advice of friends She was also very taken with the look of and family and sold up in Aylesbury before she the property. “It’s a pretty house. It looks lovely had a confirmed purchase in Shrewsbury. and from the front especially it looks absolutely “Everybody told me to do that so I would gorgeous,” she says. “The finishing on the have a bit more leverage, but what happened inside of the house is very much better than I then was that I sold my house and had nowhere thought it was going to be. The windows and the to live,” she says with a chuckle. “I was windowsills are very substantial, they all work and commuting between my job in Aylesbury and

they look super. This is my third new home on the trot now and the finish on the last one was nowhere near as good as Bovis Homes is on the inside.” She was full of praise for sales advisor Kerry Dolman and Rob Tarn, who was assistant site manager at the time but who has now moved on to a health and safety role. “Both Rob and Kerry were absolutely amazing. They did everything they could to get me in before Christmas and I moved in on 18th December,” she says. “They were wonderful – like family really.” She is now looking forward to her first summer in her new home. “It’s a super house; beautifully designed inside, it really is. I’ve had the garden landscaped separately that was finished last week. I’ve had a terrace put in at the back – just in time for summer!”

Pho to

17 What some builders call extras...

JULY 2016

Bovis Homes ‘it’s all included’

...we call standard

Specification available:

• Fitted kitchen with choice of finishes† • Integrated kitchen appliances - oven, hob and fridge freezer - washing machine and dishwasher

• Contemporary bathroom suite • For all bathrooms and en suites - half height tiling - ceramic floor tiles

• En suite and built-in wardrobe to bedroom 1

In addition to all the other benefits of new homes, from energy efficiency, which helps to save money on bills, to low maintenance.

Each Bovis Home comes with a wide range of high specification features at no extra cost saving you thousands of pounds!

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bovishomes.co.uk Photograph depicts a typical Bovis Home interior. The specification and features shown were correct at the time of going to press. Bovis Homes is continually reviewing and updating the specification on all housetypes and therefore reserves the right to change specification details. For full details regarding current specification and finishes, for the plots you are interested in, please refer to our sales advisor. †Subject to stage of build.

AUGUST 2016

Creating a beautiful environment for you and our family is one of life’s pleasures ‘Coming Home’ is an experience we value more and more in a world that is fast and noisy. Our homes are our greatest asset, not just financially, but also for our sense of well being and relaxation. So make your house a home, and surround yourself with beautiful things. We are constantly changing our shop floor displays to help inspire you.

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Leaving the EU will not stop the demand for property

here is understandably a lot of uncertainty around at the moment, following the UK’s recent decision to leave the European Union. But the decision could be good news for the market in Shropshire, as Ross D’Aniello, the head of Country Homes at Nock Deighton estate agents, explains... Ross says: “There is still demand for property and there is a shortage of stock, so the basic laws of economics dictate that this demand should keep blood pumping through the veins of the property market. “Of course, a lot hangs on the decisions made by Mr Carney and the Bank of England over the coming weeks and indeed the subsequent reactions of the mortgage providers. “For the Country Homes market in the counties within which we operate, this is the time to be thankful that we do not track the London market. It has been predicted that there will be significant falls in the South East and London markets – up to 20 per cent in some cases – and this could trigger a mass exodus.

Have faith, and trust your agent to provide the best advice and act in your best interests Ross D’Aniello “With three-quarters of our enquiries coming from the south east since the beginning of this year, this could increase further, thus stimulating the market and bucking the national trend. “Nock Deighton has a comprehensive list of qualified buyers and we have spoken to a large proportion of them and they remain positive in their search for a property and, despite the

Renovated to the highest standard

The featured property from Nock Deighton this month is a charming stone-built cottage with superb gardens in Much Wenlock. The four-bedroom house has a fifth ensuite bedroom above a detached garage and is on the market for offers of around £550,000. The property, in Shrewsbury Road, Much Wenlock, has a stunning open plan kitchen, dining and living area providing impressive space at an exceptional standard of finishing. Outside, the garden area is large and secluded, divided into various sections to provide a range of uses – including a decked courtyard, sun terrace and two vegetable gardens. Glyn McKenna, of Nock Deighton’s Ironbridge office, said: “It’s difficult to describe just how impressive this property is – it has been renovated to the absolute highest quality. We are expecting a great deal of interest so I would advise any potential buyers to get in touch as soon as they can to arrange a viewing.” For more details contact 01952 432533.

result and inevitable initial reaction, once the dust settles we have no reason to assume that this will change. “We anticipate the normal levels of activity in summer with the usual build-up of interest in from September. By and large those who have expressed an interest in purchasing a property are not going to suddenly disappear. “Have faith, and trust your agent to provide the best advice and act in your best interests. It is an important time in the property market and economy in general, we would be delighted to provide you with our impartial opinion.”

Immaculate property has been lovingly maintained Home Farm House, Ruckley, Shifnal is on the market with offers around £575,000. Home Farm House is an immaculate property nestling among mature manicured gardens in a serene setting. This property has been lovingly maintained inside and out by the present owners creating a wonderful family home. The property is approached over a gated sweeping gravel driveway providing ample parking and turning space. The reception hall with oak flooring gives access to all the reception rooms, the kitchen and guest cloakroom. The kitchen has a range of wall and base units, stainless steel sink and drainer and a central island. Integrated appliances include a fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Onto the breakfast room having dual aspect

windows and access to the rear garden. The sitting room has a feature bay window including double doors opening onto the garden. To the centre of the room is a slate fireplace with slate hearth and oak beam over with an open fire (provision for a wood burner). Glazed double doors open into the dining room having a wood burning stove. Double doors open into the conservatory having access to the rear garden patio. The study provides a quiet space with a front garden aspect and access to the integral garage. Stairs rise to the first floor landing from the dining room. The master bedroom has a range of fitted wardrobes and leads to an en-suite bathroom consisting of a bath, shower cubicle with wall mounted electric shower, bidet and vanity unit

The Gatehouse, Dallicot

with wash hand basin and wc. Bedroom two has a range of fitted wardrobes. Bedroom 3 again is a double bedroom with a rear garden aspect. The family bathroom consists of a bath, shower cubicle with mains shower, pedestal wash hand basin, bidet and wc. The gardens are enclosed with a combination of sandstone walling and hedging, mainly laid to lawn with wide borders and island beds planted with perennials, mature flowering shrubs and specimen trees including Metasequoia, Catalpa Aurea and Cornus Controversa. The kitchen garden has two vegetable beds and a heated greenhouse. Contact Nock Deighton’s Newport office on 01952 570 222.

£435,000

4 Abbey Mews, Much Wenlock

£285,000

An immaculate contemporary barn conversion with a wealth of charm & character set in a courtyard style. Energy Rating- D

Newly built, part stone cottage offers spacious accommodation and in a sought after location. Energy Rating- D

2 Kings Court, Bridgnorth

Glenhaven, Highley

The Barns at Riddings Farm, Chelmarsh A rare development opportunity to purchase a cluster of three barns with planning permission for conversion into residential dwellings. The barns occupy a particularly pleasant rural location with extensive views over surrounding countryside.

£500,000

£239,950

A delightful, executive style 3 bedroom semi detached property on the edge of an exciting newly built development. Energy rating- C

£279,950

An immaculately presented three / four bedroom detached bungalow which has been completely renovated and refurbished to the highest standard. Energy Rating- D

Warning over errors on legal documents

andlords are being advised to check that their letting agents are aware of some “serious mistakes” which have been made on official documents. Dawn Clarke, director of lettings and property management at Nock Deighton, said the errors were on the official form for serving a Section 21 notice and the How To Rent Guide. She said: “The errors have been made by the Government when producing these vital documents, which letting agents need to use on behalf of landlords. “For instance, there is nowhere for agents to put the landlord’s name and address on the form to serve a Section 21 notice, and while that might seem a small matter, it is a legal requirement. “The other error is in the How To Rent Guide where it states that the leaflet can be provided via a website link, but we are being advised that it would be unlawful to do so.”

Dawn Clarke

Lack of supply drives up prices

As the regional representative for ARLA (the Association of Rental Letting Agents), Dawn is kept well up to date on new legislation and she is keen to pass the updates on to landlords in Shropshire. She said: “The legal side of being a landlord can be complicated, so it is very useful to have a letting agent on your side who is on top of things. “I would advise anyone who owns a rental property to get in touch with their agent as soon as possible to check their views on these serious mistakes which have been made on two official documents. If these errors are not spotted they could prevent a landlord from serving an eviction notice because they are legal loopholes which could invalidate the action.” For more advice about lettings and property management, call Dawn or a member of her team on 01952 290163.

‘The legal side of being a landlord can be complicated, so it is very useful to have a letting agent on your side...’

April Cottage, Horton

House prices have steadily increased in Shropshire since the spring, according to figures compiled by Nock Deighton. Analysts at the estate agency produce a monthly House Price Index, based on Nock Deighton’s own figures and a cross-section of industry reports. The figures have shown an increase in house prices every month since March up to the last report in June. Michael Nettleton, director of sales and marketing at Nock Deighton, says the steady increase is mostly down to a lack Mike Nettleton of supply. “We have seen a strong market throughout the first half of 2016 with demand outstripping supply,” he says. “According to our figures, house prices have risen by an average of 0.5 per cent each month since March, which shows the market is in a pretty good state. “Summer is always a busy time for house sales so we are predicting that prices will continue to rise over the summer months.”

£399,950

37 Simpsons Walk, Horsehay

£367,500

A spacious well presented three bedroom detached period cottage set in gardens of approximately one acre. Energy rating – D.

An extremely spacious four bedroom detached family home in a popular residential location. Energy rating – D.

14 The Dingle, Doseley

1 Board Close, St Georges

Haleswood, Marsh Green This well presented house briefly comprises hall, living room with log burner, dining room, kitchen with log burner, breakfast room, family room with open fire, utility and cloakroom, four bedrooms with an en-suite to the master, family bathroom, double garage, self-contained anexe with living/dining/kitchen area, bedroom and shower room. The property sits within one acre (approx). Adjacent to the main house and garden there is a paddock with a further three acres (approx.). Energy rating - F.

£649,950

£199,500

A superbly presented three bedroom mid terrace modern town house with garden and parking. Energy rating – B.

£159,000

Well presented three bedroom detached family home, situated within a popular development. Energy rating – C.

The Stables, 4 Patton Grange, Bourton £475,000

Hilbre, Childs Ercall

The Stables is a spectacular family home converted to a high specification. The property is beautifully presented with the natural architecture of the building making for a particularly light and spacious residence. On entering The Stables you are presented with one of the key features which is the large open plan Lounge & Dining Room with its high ceilings, plenty of natural light, multi fuel stove and oak flooring throughout. Leading off the Lounge & Dining Room is a useful Utility room and separate WC to the rear, and of course the delightful breakfast kitchen area. The property also has the benefits of four good sized bedrooms, family bathroom and 2 en-suites. A particular feature is the superb Master Bedroom suite with its dual aspect windows. The approach to The Stables is via a long driveway which leads to a stone gravelled parking area with room for several cars and a pleasant patio area at the head. The main garden to laid to lawn, beautifully maintained with maturing shrubs, borders and a stone gravelled area with sun terrace in an elevated position taking advantage of the countryside views. Energy rating – E.

Situated in the village of Childs Ercall, Hilbre is delightful barn conversion offering spacious well proportioned accommodation. The layout lends itself to modern family living while the Farrow and Ball decor, oak doors and oak flooring allow a contemporary country feel. Dual aspect windows to the ground floor provide views across the rear garden and countryside. Hilbre is perfect for rural country living with the convenience of commuter links nearby. Approached over a gravel driveway, a pathway with well stocked borders either side leads to the front door. The reception hall with built in storage and guest cloakroom leads to the breakfast kitchen with a range of wooden wall and base units and integrated appliances including a range and utility room, the dining room, the sitting room with log burner and the study/additional reception room. On the first floor is the large master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, bedroom 2 which again is a large double with en-suite, 2 further bedrooms and the family bathroom. Outside the rear garden is fully enclosed and private, mainly laid to lawn with a paved patio area, a log store and timber summerhouse. The garage has light, power and additional roof storage. Energy Rating - C.

White Cottage, The Alley, Little Wenlock

£575,000

Huntington Lodge, Little Wenlock

£529,950

Millbrook, Hinstock

£387,000

£349,995

Briar Cottage, Bromstead

£325,000

Idyllic Grade II listed four/five bedroom cottage in a sought after village, with rural views towards the Ironbridge Gorge.

A substantial four bedroom detached dormer bungalow which needs to be viewed to appreciate just how beautiful its location is. Energy rating – E.

A well presented family home sitting within mature gardens in the village of Hinstock. Energy Rating – C.

A spacious character cottage with private gardens in a secluded countryside location. Energy Rating – D.

1 Stretton Close, Sutton Hill

38 The Grove, Shifnal

Kiln Bank Cottage, Market Drayton

72 Vineyard Road, Newport

£260,000

Spacious four bedroom detached family home in popular residential cul de sac. Energy rating – E.

£220,000

Immaculately presented modern three bedroom, three storey end terrace town house in the heart of Shifnal. Energy rating – C.

£299,950

A beautiful cottage full of character and charm and hidden amongst magnificent gardens. Energy Rating – E.

£182,000

A deceptively spacious property in the popular market town of Newport. Energy Rating – D.

AUGUST 2016

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AUGUST 2016

DOWN TO EARTH

Each month the team at Meadowdale Nurseries in Telford will be offering you lots of handy tips and advice on how to make the best of your garden

The family-run nurseries, which is now run by brothers John and Rob Anderson, have been growing plants for the last 27 years.

AUGUST TIPS FOR THE GARDEN

Graceful grasses Plant grasses for texture and form, says The Horticultural Trades Association

From dainty Blue Fescue Grass to majestic Miscanthus, ornamental grasses provide texture, character and form unmatched by many other hardy perennials. Their presence develops through the seasons as bright and colourful foliage is joined by graceful swaying flower heads that last well into winter. From green to gold, purple to a host of patterned and variegated forms, ornamental grasses come in a wide range of colours, sizes and growing habits. As well as selecting grasses to suit your colour scheme always consider their other qualities, positioning grasses close to paths and seating areas so you can run your hands over their feathery foliage and flowers as you pass.

Top tips for planning and planting: 1. Be generous and plant grasses in drifts or bold groups rather than as lonely individuals. 2. Some large potted grasses can be divided into two or three pieces at planting time, each with roots and shoots attached. 3. Grasses grow well in patio pots, but make sure tall varieties are planted in large, heavy pots to prevent them blowing over in strong winds. 4. Line terracotta pots with plastic from old compost bags to help conserve moisture. 5. The tops of some perennial, like miscanthus, die over winter. Promptly cut away all old growth to avoid damaging new shoots that start emerging in early spring. 6. Many ornamental grasses can be raised from seed in spring.

Join in with Heritage Open Days Green-fingered folk from community allotments to private gardens and civic parks across Shropshire are being encouraged to celebrate the Year of the English Garden as part of Heritage Open Days this September. The festival is joining in with the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown by showcasing some of the most stunning public and private gardens in England. There will also be free access to the gardens and houses at a selection of National Trust properties as well as lesser known private and public secret green spaces and community gardening projects with fascinating stories to tell. Registration for organisers closes on 1 August with hundreds of green spaces already listed including the National Trust’s Benthall Hall near Broseley and the Willow Community Garden in Oswestry. For more information, visit the website or email info@heritageopendays.org.uk

Well, it’s supposed to be the last month of summer, but if it’s the same as last year it carried on through to September, so I hope you’re all enjoying your gardens to the fullest and that your hanging baskets are in bloom and full of colour, and you’re enjoying the fruits of your labour from the fruit and vegetable patches. However there’s still work to be done to keep it all in tip top condition. Keep up with the watering and feeding, especially baskets and containers; and as it’s the holiday season, if you’re planning to go away make sure you have someone to water for you. It’s hard to bring back plants that have dried out too much. Better still install an automatic watering system, this could save you time too. Ensure camellias and rhododendrons are well watered, they need it for producing next year’s blooms, and add hydrangea colourant (for blue hydrangeas) to water now for a true blue bloom next year. There’s still weeding to be done. Hoe the borders just under the soil level, if it’s dry the weeds lying on the surface will die off from the warmth of the sun. Wisteria can now be slightly pruned back (around 3”) and perennials such as penstemon and salvia should be cut back to encourage new growth for the rest of the season. Dead head other flowering plants and store seeds for next year. Traps should be set for earwigs on dahlias and chrysanthemums, they love to nibble on these. If your roses are showing signs of black spot, which can be rife at this time of year, spray will not help now. Pick off any affected leaves and burn or put into the green waste (do not put on compost heap). Any fallen leaves should be picked up as they can spread the disease if left. You can still sow vegetables such as turnips, radish and lettuce and keep all vegetable patches well-watered. Change feed to a high potash (such as a good tomato feed) for any container grown vegetables, as watering will wash away any nutrients in the soil. It’s best to set traps for wasps around fruit trees, especially apple and pear, as they will ruin any ripened fruit. Lastly keep the lawn trimmed, it won’t be long now before its last cut. But most of all enjoy your garden – it’s well worth the effort, stand back and admire it. For further information please see our website www.meadowdale-nurseries.co.uk or why not visit us at our nurseries in Telford, where our staff will be happy to help you with any gardening questions you have.

AUGUST 2016

DOWN TO EARTH

Long summer days in a Shropshire garden August is an idyllic time for humans and wildlife: lazy buzzing bees and flitting butterflies abound in the garden, gathering nectar for the autumn and winter months ahead, whilst humans reflect on the hard work put into their gardens during spring and summer. And there are plenty of gardens to enjoy in our beautiful county, many of which open their gates to visitors in August as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) in Shropshire which raises money for nursing and caring charities. Late summer beauties to enjoy this month include: Upper Shelderton House, at Shelderton near Clungunford on the outskirts of Ludlow, opened last year for the first time for NGS, to great acclaim. This 6.5 acre garden changes in late summer to a highly productive one with its newly designed kitchen garden full of interesting fruit and vegetables complementing the woodland and pond areas and large sweeping lawns. Open from 2-5pm each day over the August Bank Holiday (Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August), admission is £4 for adults, free for children. Ever-popular NGS gardens that look wonderful all year round include Windy Ridge at Little Wenlock near Telford, packed with exciting

n Garden sculptures

at Windy Ridge, Little Wenlock, which is open to visitors on 14 August and 4 September

and rare plants in a cohesive, attractive design and interesting – sometimes quirky – sculptures, enhancing this lovely green space. Open on Sunday 14 August (and Sunday 4 September) from 12-5pm, admission is £5 for adults, free for children. Another popular late summer garden is the five acres of mature garden, including a huge productive garden packed full of produce in August, at Goldstone Hall, near Market Drayton: a lovely place to visit on a summer’s afternoon

Petals perfect for bees Each summer, the Shropshire countryside is awash with brightly coloured fields of delphinium and wild flowers grown by Shropshire Petals. These flowers are grown predominantly to dry and become confetti for weddings and events, but the fields also become home to a number of bees as they collect pollen from them. According to Friends of the Earth, the UK has lost a shocking 20 species of bees with a further quarter on the red list of threatened species. Bees depend on flowers for food, and in the past 60 years 97% of wildflower meadows have disappeared. Shropshire Petals’ flowers bloom through July and August providing plenty of food for bees for several weeks each year. The firm grows a wide range of flowers, including delphiniums, calendula and cornflowers in an array of colours, including blues, purples and yellows in a variety of different shades, which are particularly attractive to a range of bee species. Bees prefer flat or shallow blossom, making the calendula perfect as they open fully to show off their centre, making it easy for the bees to get to, and the petals make a great landing spot. Delphiniums are also renowned as a favourite for bees due to their nectar spurs. Jim Bubb, managing director at Shropshire Petals, says: “Good pollination is important to our flower field development and likewise, our flowers are important to increasing the bee population – they go hand in hand and we are proud to be able to help such an important cause. “We don’t use any machinery for picking our flowers as they are all picked by hand. Our pickers are very careful to ensure that bees are kept safe by checking each flower they pick is free from bees. If there are bees collecting pollen on flowers when they are picking, they carefully encourage them to move on.” To see the pretty Shropshire Petals fields, you can view them from the A41 near Newport.

especially to see its double herbaceous border which looks magnificent in late summer. There are three opportunities to visit: Wednesday 10, Wednesday 17 and Wednesday 31 August (2-5pm). Admission is £4.50 for adults, free for children. So get out and about in the lazy, late summer and enjoy a Shropshire garden – and raise money for important charities at the same time. For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk

AUGUST 2016

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AUGUST 2016

LEISURE

Four days

Wedded Blists

In bloom

of festival fun

gypsy celebrations at Blists Hill

Gizzi Erskine

August Until 29 August

SUMMER FAMILY FUN Sunnycroft, Telford Mondays only, each week there will be a different activity for families to participate in, from croquet to a spot of historic washing! 11am-3pm, www. nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands

Until 31 August

POND DIPPING Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd Wednesdays only, 11am-12.30pm, 2-3.30pm, discover what creatures live in the pond and stream. Child £1, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands

Until 1 September

SPORTS CAMP Much Wenlock Leisure Centre Football and multi-sports fun for boys and girls aged four to 12 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the school holidays. Full or half day sessions, 07506 342885.

Until 2 September

SUMMER CERAMIC WORKSHOPS Coalport China Museum Drop-in family workshops for the summer holidays. Paint a china flower or fridge magnet, and join in with paper activities. Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday you can model or sculpt with air-dry clay. 11am-4pm, museum charges apply, ceramic painting extra charge of £1 and £2 for clay items. www. ironbridge.org.uk

� 9 JUNE RAF Cosford Air Show. Cosford, Shifnal

Events

Until 2 September

SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge Family drop-in tile decorating workshops Monday to Friday. 10am-3.15pm, museum charges apply plus £5 per tile. www.ironbridge.org.uk

Until 2 September

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens A six-week programme running every Friday. Young people aged 11+ will have the chance to learn basic camera techniques, on location and in the studio. 1-3pm, £7.50 per person. www.albrightontrust.org.uk

Until 3 September

MAMMA MIA! Birmingham Hippodrome Set on a Greek island, a story of love, friendship and identity told through the timeless songs of Abba. Tickets from £28, 7.30pm, Saturdays 2.30pm. www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Until 4 September

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT WORKSHOPS Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Make an electric buggy up to 14 August, or a boat between 15 August and 4 September. Drop-in workshops run daily between 10.30am and 3.45pm. www.ironbridge.org.uk

Until 4 September

DINSOAUR TRAIL Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Follow the clues around the park and

solve the puzzle for a small prize. Maps for this self-led trail are £2. Under 8s must be accompanies by an adult.

and run by staff from Little Owls Nursery. 10.30am-12.30pm.

Until 30 September

OSWESTRY FILM SOCIETY PRESENT ‘REMEMBER’

MAIZE MAZE

2 August

Park Hall Countryside Experience, near Oswestry Have some serious fun in the summer holidays by getting lost in Park Hall Farm’s Maize Maze before challenging your parents to a spacehopper race in the sunshine. www.parkhallfarm.co.uk

Kinokulture cinema, Oswestry Christopher Plummer stars in this film where an elderly man searches for the Nazi guard who killed his family during World War II. www. oswestryfilmsociety.org.uk

1 August

Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens Mask-themed arts and crafts sessions for children aged three and up. 10am-12 noon and 1-3pm. £4 each. www.albrightontrust.org.uk

BIG FRIENDLY READ Oswestry Library Storytime, quiz and drawing competition for children aged 7-11 years old. 2-3pm. Free event, but please book your place with library staff.

1-18 August

DIGITAL DAYS WORKSHOPS Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Teacher-led workshops for children aged six to 15. On 1 and 3 August there is a two-day robotics project for children aged 9-15, £40. 4-16 August, children aged 6-13 can take part in Minecraft workshops, from £20. There are two days of Lego workshops on 5 and 17 August (£20), and on 18th a Claymation workshop will look at animation (six to 13, £30). www.ironbridge.org.uk

1-19 August

SUMMER PLAY SCHEME Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley Free scheme for children aged five to 11, organised by the town council

2, 9, 16 August

SUMMER CRAFT SESSIONS

3 August

ANIMATION WORKSHOP The Hive, Shrewsbury Create your own colourful clay characters and create your own animation in just one day. For 8-13 years. 10am-3pm, £29 per child. www.hiveonline.org.uk

3 August

CODE CLUB Oswestry Library Programming activities for children aged 7+ years. 4-5pm. Free event, but please book your place with library staff.

3 August

HEARING AID CLINIC Oswestry Library Staffed by NHS Audiology trained volunteers. 10am-12pm. Free drop-in event.

� 1-18 AUGUST Digital Days workshops. Enginuity, Coalbrookdale

Information on these pages is provided in good faith but we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. Please phone the contact number to check on dates and times. Events online at www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk

AUGUST 2016

LEISURE

Information on these pages is provided in good faith but we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. Please phone the contact number to check on dates and times

3 August

6 August

RIVER BUGS

OSWESTRY SHOW

Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Join the Severn Rivers Trust to find out more about creatures such as the Mayfly and Caddisfly. 10am-12pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Child £3.50, 01746 781192 to book.

Oswestry Showground One of the largest agricultural shows in the county. The day promises something for all the family including arena events and trade stands. www. oswestryshow.co.uk

4 August

6 August

BURWARTON SHOW Burwarton, near Bridgnorth One-day agricultural show with arena events, classes, funfair and much more. 8.15am-7pm. www. burwartonshow.co.uk

4 August

OSWESTRY WINE CLUB Willow Gallery, Oswestry Sample some of Twelve Green Bottles’ huge selection of wines matched with nibbles in an informal and fun setting. www. twelvegreenbottleswine.co.uk

Market Square, Wellington Expect a party atmosphere as the regulars from The Wrekin Inn’s weekly open mic night take to the stage for their annual outdoor marathon of music. 11am-2pm.

7 August

SHREWSBURY CLASSIC CAR FESTIVAL

4 August

Longden Village Hall Classic car festival to raise funds for Severn Hospice. Food and drink, stalls, classic cars and motorbikes, trade stands, live music in the evening. www. shrewsburyclassiccarfestival.co.uk

NGS GARDEN OPEN

7, 12, 14 August

Avocet, Plealey, Shrewsbury Cottage style garden open for charity. 2-5pm, £3.50, children free.

4, 11, 18, 25 August

COACHED ANGLING SESSIONS Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens Qualified coaches will be on hand to help young, novice or inexperienced anglers have a go at fishing, learning skills such as baiting a hook, casting a line and landing and unhooking a fish. Final session will also include a friendly fishing competition. Morning session 10-12pm and afternoon session 1-3pm. £4 a person includes all fishing equipment required. www.albrightontrust.org.uk

‘CAPABILI-TEAS’ AFTERNOON TEAS Weston Park, near Shifnal To celebrate the 300th birthday of the legendary landscaper Capability Brown, head chef Guy Day has created a menu inspired by 18th century recipes served in the beautiful surroundings of the Orangery. £26 per adult, to book call Emily Thompson on 01952 852106.

7, 28 August

CAR BOOT SALE Whittington Castle From 10am-1pm, £5 per car, free entrance to public. Refreshments on site. Telephone 01691 662500.

9 August

5 August

BEATRICE ET BENEDICT

PERFECT YOUR POTTERY Bridgnorth Library With Bridgnorth Pottery, £2 per pot, drop-in between 10am and 1pm. For ages 5+.

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock Live from Glyndebourne, this fully staged opera is inspired by Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. 6.30pm, £11/10, www.edgeartscentre.com

5 August

9 August

AARDMAN FILM SEASON: FLUSHED AWAY The Hive, Shrewsbury Children’s story of an uptown pet rat who gets flushed down the toilet to the sewers of London. 4pm, £4 children, accompanying adults free. www.hiveonline.org.uk

5 August

SHREWSBURY FARMERS’ MARKET

Events online at www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk

SOUNDS IN THE SQUARE

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Shrewsbury Castle Touring production by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Bring chairs or a blanket and a picnic; gates open at 6.15pm and the play starts at 7.30pm. £16.50, some concessions, 01743 358516.

10 August

FILM WORKSHOP

The Square Held on the first Friday of each month from 9am-4pm.

The Hive, Shrewsbury Learn how to produce and direct your very own short films. For 8-13 years. 10am-3pm, £20 per child. www. hiveonline.org.uk

5 August

10 August

CAMOUFLAGE COUNTDOWN

BACK TO THE IRON AGE

Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Using the natural items around you, camouflage yourself so you are unspottable in the undergrowth! Have a go at silently stalking the rangers, learn a tracking code and lay trails through the woods. 10am-12 noon. Child £3.50, 01746 781192 to book.

Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Go back in time and see how people lived over 1,000 years ago. Make a mini fort using sticks and wattle and daub walls. Have a go at grinding wheat with stones to see if you can make flour, and make a thumb pot from clay. 10am-12 noon and 1.30-3.30pm. Child £3.50, 01746 781192 to book.

10 -11 August

PICTURE THIS WORKSHOP Oswestry Library Drama and visual art workshop with professional artists. Suitable for children between 11-14 years old, with public performance on 11 August. £10 for two days of workshop. Both days must be booked together.

10, 17, 31 August

NGS GARDEN OPEN Goldstone Hall Gardens, Market Drayton Mature five-acres setting of Goldstone Hall Hotel with kitchen garden, raised beds and herbal walkway of one acre. £4.50, children free. www.ngs.org.uk

11 August

A VOICE REACHES ACROSS THE WAVES Shrewsbury Museum and Art Galley Worcester Theatre Makers present a seaside themed drama and craft workshop from 11am-4pm. Join your children at 3.30pm to watch a mini drama performance. Suitable for 6-12 year olds, £25 per child, booking essential on 01743 258881.

AUGUST 2016

LEISURE

n 12-13 AUGUST The Christians at Shrewsbury Flower Show Quarry Park. Photo courtesy of Dave Turley.

13 August

LLANFYLLIN SHOW Bodfach Park, Llanfyllin A family day out with showjumping and gymkhana, vintage machinery, trade stands, food and drink. www. llanfyllinshow.co.uk

13 August

TERN VALLEY VINTAGE MACHINERY TRUST ANNUAL SHOW Chetwynd Deer Park, Newport Some 700 exhibits including vintage and modern vehicles, trade stalls, entertainment for children, and a craft marquee. £8/7/4.

13 August

MADE IN SHROPSHIRE The Square, Shrewsbury Market featuring arts, crafts and artisan produce, 9.30am-5pm.

13 August

ANTIQUE AND COLLECTOR’S FAIR St Mary’s Church, Dogpole, Shrewsbury Monthly fair with jewellery, clocks, china and more. 10am-4pm.

13-14 August

STEAM ON THE ROAD Severn Valley Railway New event for this year, with steamrollers, traction engines, steam wagons and of course steam trains. At the end of the line, Kidderminster Station will hold a mini beer festival. Advance tickets £18/12, www.svr.co.uk

14 August

NGS GARDEN OPEN Sambrook Manor, Sambrook, Newport Garden surrounding an early 18th century manor house, open for charity 12.30-5pm. £4, children free. www.ngs.org.uk

14 August

NGS GARDEN OPEN 11 August

SUMMER HOLIDAY POTTERS The Hive, Shrewsbury Create a seagull to display in your garden in this holiday workshop for four to nine year-olds. 10.30-11.30am, £6.50 per child, £5.50 siblings. www.hiveonline.org.uk

12 August

AARDMAN FILM SEASON: THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS The Hive, Shrewsbury Part of a children’s film season. 4pm, £4 children, accompanying adults free. www.hiveonline.org.uk

12 August

ROCKET DAY Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Explosive fun! Have a go at designing a pop bottle rocket. Make some rocket fuel using cola and mints and see how big an explosion you can get. Child £3.50, 01746 781192 to book.

12 August

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley

Rain or Shine Theatre Company present Shakespeare’s most magical play. £13, £11, £6. 7.30pm, bring a picnic. 01746 781192 for tickets.

12-13 August

SUMMER TALK AND TOUR: ENGLISH LAVENDER Percy Throwers Wyevale Garden Centre, Shrewsbury Enjoy a talk and tour with the nursery manager. Free event, booking recommended online or in store.

12-13 August

SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW Quarry Park, Shrewsbury The world’s longest running independent flower show is the ultimate summer day out. Live music on Friday night from The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and on Saturday from The Christians, both followed by a stunning fireworks display. Tickets £24 in advance; on the gate £27, from 2pm £22, from 6pm £15, over 60s £2 discount (except evening), accompanied children under 16 free. www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

13 August

CODE CLUB Oswestry Library 7+ years old. Free event, but please book your place with library staff. 3pm-4.30pm

13 August

BRIDGNORTH JAZZ Black Boy, Bridgnorth Clarinet Maestros and The Craig Milverton Trio. 12.30pm, tickets £15, www.bridgnorthjazz.co.uk

13 August

MAMMAL TRACKING Wenlock Edge Learn the skills you need to track the mammals that can be found on Wenlock Edge. Led by the chairman of the Shropshire Mammal Group. Adults only, £6, booking essential on 01694 725000.

13 August

MUCH WENLOCK FOOD MARKET Corn Exchange, Buttermarket and The Square Selling a range of locally produced and delicious products. 10am-4pm. Contact Much Wenlock Town Council on 01952 727509.

Windy Ridge, Little Wenlock Multi-award-winning village garden open for charity. 12-5pm, £5, children free, www.ngs.org.uk

14, 28 August

SUNDAY HANDMADE MARKET High Street, Bridgnorth Twice monthly market held under the town hall, showcasing artisan products and vintage goods.

14, 28 August

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS TOUR Weston Park, near Shifnal Discover the inner workings of one of England’s grandest stately homes with a ‘behind the scenes’ tour. The guided tour through areas not usually open to the public gives a glimpse into the lives of the Victorian 3rd Earl and his family, as well as the army of staff. 12 noon and 2pm, £5.50 in addition to standard admission, payable on the day.

15 August

TEXTILE CRAFTS Oswestry Library Various textile crafts – free drop in sessions throughout the day. 10am3pm. Children to be accompanied by an adult.

AUGUST 2016

August ‘Ice’ Factor Sing-a-Long on Ice Friday 5 August 5.15pm - 9.30pm and Saturday 6 August 1pm - 3pm

R E M M SUENTS EV

Have you got the ‘Ice’ Factor? Show us your star potential at our sing-a-long on ice event. Whether you have a soloist number in mind or want to share the spotlight, see yourself and others on the big screen as you belt out your favourite songs at this special event.

Superheroes on Ice

Saturday 13 August 1pm - 3pm Dress up as your favourite Superhero and get 50% discount off entry. Take a ‘Superhero Selfie’ at the rink and post on our social media for a chance to win a FREE family ticket.

Aloha Hawaiian Themed UV Foam Party

July

Friday 12 August 5.15pm - 9.30pm

Schools out UV Foam Party

Friday 22 July 5.15pm - 9.30pm Celebrate breaking up for the summer with us at Telford Ice Rink with special effects, foam, smoke and laser lighting it’s the best way to launch yourself into summer holiday mode.

Summer Holiday Skateathon Sessions

If you are not on holiday this week come and enjoy the vibes of being in an exotic paradise with our Aloha Hawaiian Themed party. Get your Lei or Hula Skirt at the ready for a tropical themed night.

Onesies on Ice

Friday 19 August 5.15pm - 9.30pm and Saturday 20 August 1pm - 3pm All for Onesies and Onesies for all! Grab two mates and be the three ‘ice-skate-teers’ by digging out that winter onesie and joining us on the ice. Entry £5 when wearing a onesie.

Monday 25 July – Friday 2 September 10.30am - 3.30pm Join the skateathon every weekday during the summer holiday. Enjoy up to 5 hours of daytime public skating a day for the price of one session. Our resident DJ will be around Wed-Fri 12-3pm playing the perfect summer soundtrack.

September Back to School Foam Party

Friday 2 September 5.15pm - 9.30pm card holder discount

Get ready for the new school year at our back to school foam party.

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AUGUST 2016

LEISURE

15 August

Family fun day to raise awareness of fibromyalgia. Fun and activities, refreshments. 1pm, free entry.

includes Bill Baily, Adams Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Katherine Ryan. www.vfestival.com

fun at Whittington Castle. www. whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Bridgnorth Library Free craft session for children, no need to book. 2.30-3.15pm.

19 August

20 August

RIVER MEANDERS/DROP-IN CRAFT SESSION

SOUNDS IN THE SQUARE: COOL AND UKE

NGS GARDEN OPEN

17 August Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Find out which pond creature is the fastest swimmer, who can jump the highest, who would win at long jump. Collect snails and take part in the great Severn Valley Snail Race. Child £3.50, 01746 781 192 to book.

Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Make a 3D model of the river valley, paint meandering patterns and get hands-on with the landscape. 10am12 noon. £3.50, 01746 781192. From 1.30-3.30pm there’s a drop-in session using marbling ink to create patterns on paper or fabric. Each card £1.50.

Market Square, Wellington Enjoy summer strumming from the massed ranks of Coalbrookdale’s feelgood ukulele band. 11am-1pm.

Mynd Hardy Plants, Diddlebury, Craven Arms Commercial nursery within old walled garden, featured on BBC Gardeners World. £4, children free. www.ngs. org.uk

20 August

22 August

WWI COMMEMORATION

ILLUSTRATING WORKSHOP

17 August

19-29 August

DELIGHTFUL DREAMCATCHERS

MINI BEAST OLYMPICS

ORGAN RECITAL St Mary’s Church, Alveley With organist Edwin Guard. 2.30pm, free.

BRIDGNORTH MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Presthope car park, Wenlock Edge Explore the woods and search for clues on the trail. Child £2, www. nationaltrust.org.uk

Various venues, Bridgnorth Entirely free festival with something for everyone. Catch live acts in the High Street and Quayside; Jazz in the Castle on 20 August; art exhibition in St Leonard’s Church; food fair and vintage market in the High Street, and EDG Rock Stage featuring 10 hours of non-stop music. www. bridgnorthfestival.org.uk

18 August

20 August

17 August

WILD WOODS ADVENTURE TRAIL

DELIGHTFUL DREAMCATCHERS Broseley Library Craft activity for four to 11 year-olds at 11am.

19 August

ANTIQUES MARKET Bailey Head, Oswestry Huge collection of antique and vintage stalls.

19 August

SHREWSBURY FIBROMITES FAMILY FUN DAY Bayston Hill Memorial Hall

PUNCH AND JUDY PUPPET SHOWS Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery Classic seaside entertainment to delight the young and young at heart from a leading performer in Punch and Judy. Half-hour shows begin at 11am and 2pm. Included in normal admission charge.

Cambrian Heritage Railways, Oswestry At 12 noon, Cambrian Railways will remember the Cambrian men who fell in 1916. Steam trains will run every weekend throughout the summer. www.cambrianrailways.com

Oswestry Library Have a go at illustrating with local archaeologist and illustrator John Swogger. Free drop-in event. 2-4pm.

20 August

The Hive, Shrewsbury Renowned singer-songwriter and a favourite of Shrewsbury Folk Festival. 8pm, £15. www.hiveonline.org.uk

CLIMB LORD HILL’S COLUMN Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury Groups of 14 will make the 172-step climb every half an hour. Adults £5. 01743 244668.

20-21 August

BLISTS HILL IN STEAM Blists Hill Victorian Town Discover how the Victorians harnessed steam with an eclectic collection of steam powered machines in full working splendour. www.ironbridge.org.uk

21 August

DRUMROOTS Cae Glas Park, Oswestry Music from Drumroots from 2-4pm, free event.

20-21 August

21 August

V FESTIVAL

TEDDY FUN DAY

Weston Park, near Shifnal Headliners this year are Justin Bieber and Rihanna; the Glee Comedy Tent

21 August

Whittington Castle, near Oswestry Bring your favourite soft toy along for a day of picnics and

23 August

RICHARD SHINDEL LIVE

24 August

CODE CLUB Oswestry Library Programming activities for children. 4pm-5pm. 7+ years old. Free event, but please book your place with library staff.

25 August

AWESOME ORIENTEERING/ ROCK AND FOSSIL HUNT Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Follow landscape markets on the map to plot the quickest route to each control point. 10am-12 noon, £3.50. From 1.30-3.30pm join the rangers and local expert to try to find your own fossil. Child £3.50. 01746 781192 to book for both.

25-28 August

INTERNATIONAL GOLDWING OWNERS MOTORCYCLE RALLY Oswestry Showground Enthusiasts meet up at the showground at Park Hall. www. gwocgb.co.uk

26 August

n 26-29 AUGUST Shrewsbury Folk Festival. West Mid Showground

ZUMBA FITNESS FOR CHILDREN Oswestry Library 2pm-3pm. £2 each. Please book with library staff.

26 August

OSWESTRY FARMERS’ MARKET Bailey Head Held on the last Friday of the month from 9am-1pm.

26 August

MOTORBIKE MEET British Ironwork Centre, near Oswestry The centre welcomes riders and pillions from far and wide at the meet that takes place on the last Friday of every month. Contact Kenny at info@britishironworkcentre.co.uk

26-29 August

SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL West Mid Showground One of the country’s top folk festivals, this year featuring Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack and Andy FairweatherLow, among many others. www. shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

AUGUST 2016

26 -27-28 -29 AU G

2016 Photo by: Paul Hutchinson, Virtual Shropshire

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SME579 Ironbridge Advert_Shropshire Review_128x92_21_07.indd 1 SSF 2016 - Half Page A4 (Colour).indd 1

14/04/2016 13:11

07/07/2016 13:31

AUGUST 2016

LEISURE

27 August

� 27-29 AUGUST Gypsy wedding celebrations. Blists Hill Victorian Town

DIZZY DRUMMING Bridgnorth Library Sessions at 10-10.30am or 10.4511.15am. £2 per child, for ages 7+. Please book in advance at the library.

27 August

BAT WALK Dudmaston Estate, near Bridgnorth Join the National Trust ranger on a nocturnal walk to detect the variety of bat species that reside at Dudmaston. 8-10pm, adult £6, child £3, booking essential on 01746 780866.

27 August

WELLINGTON MAKERS’ MARKET Market Square, Wellington Food, drink and crafts from around the Wrekin. 9am-2pm. From 11am until 1pm enjoy music from accordionist Richard Adey.

27 August

SHREWSBURY FAKE FESTIVAL The Quarry, Shrewsbury Featuring three professional tribute bands covering Queen, Foo Fighters and The Jam, plus five top local bands from the area. 12.30pm-11pm. Advance tickets £21, £25 on the door, 10-17 years £11/15, under 10s free, from The Old Post Office pub and The Vaults pub, or www.fakefestivals. co.uk

ELLESMERE ROCKS

27-28 August

ATTINGHAM CAMP Attingham Park A host of family activities and a night on the sports field, from 2pm on Saturday to 11am on Sunday. Adults £30, children £10, booking essential on 01743 708162.

27-29 August

WILDLIFE WEEKEND Percy Thrower Wyevale Garden Centre, Shrewsbury Chat to an expert from Shropshire Wildlife Trust and enjoy a free children’s gardening activity. 11am3pm.

arrangements, paper trail, refreshments, face painting, music at The Boat Inn and more. 12-5pm. Find them on Facebook.

28-29 August

SHREWSBURY STEAM RALLY Onslow Park, Shrewsbury This year’s rally will showcase over 1,000 exhibits including working steam engines and classic vehicles, arena events, working field with shire horses, tractor pulling, trade stands, olde time fair and craft marquee. £12, pensioner £11, child £1, under fives free. www. shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk

28-29 August

NGS GARDEN OPEN Upper Shelderton House, Clungunford Naturalistic and evolving garden in a stunning tranquil position, kitchen garden, ponds, woodland walk and sweeping lawn. £4, children free, www.ngs.org.uk

SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL Jackfield Trail starts at St Mary’s Church. Enjoy children’s activities, sunflower

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GYPSY WEDDING CELEBRATIONS

28 August

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27-29 August

Blists Hill Victorian Town Join the residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town near Ironbridge as they celebrate a traditional gypsy wedding. See the elaborate gypsy waggons on The Green, watch the recreated ceremony at 2.30pm each day and then join in the fun and merriment. www.ironbridge.org.uk

TYRES

OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm Saturday 8am-12noon

27 August Creamore Gardens, Ellesmere Live music festival with free entry and pub priced drinks. Music from bands including Dave McCabe of The Zutons. www.facebook.com/ ellesmererocks

BILLINGHAMS MOT&TYRE CENTRE

29 August

THE HOO-LYMPICS Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, Telford Family fun with competitions throughout the day, 10am-5.30pm, wwww.hoofarm.com

30 August – 2 September

IN THE SHADOWS DARK AND GRIMM The Hive, Shrewsbury Shropshire Youth Theatre invites young people aged 8-13 for a shadowy exploration of stories by the Brothers Grimm. Experiment with shadow puppetry, physical theatre and Foley art. £65 per young person. www.hiveonline. org.uk

31 August

SCRUMPTIOUS SCENTED PAINTING Bridgnorth Library Craft session for children from 10am-10.45am. Free, no need to book.

28-29 August

31 August

SUMMER GIN FEST

JOURNEY STICKS AND TREE SPIRITS

Sweeney Hall Country House Hotel, Oswestry Bank holiday fun filled with gin, music, barbecue, other drinks, games and a fireworks display. 3-11pm. Free admission, £5 a G&T. Telephone 01691 652450.

Unit 2C Building 11 Stanmore Ind. Est. Bridgnorth WV15 5HR

Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Join the ranger as he tells a tale which weaves through woodlands and meadows. 10am-12 noon and 1.30-3.30pm. Child £3.50, 01746 781192 to book.

The Whole Life Centre, Cabin Lane, Oswestry Monday group 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Saturday group at 8.30am & 10.30am For more information call CLAIRE on 07882174539 Memorial Hall, Oswestry Wednesday group 9am, 11am, 1pm. 5pm & 7pm For more information call EMMA on 07581458656

AUGUST 2016

FAMILY SUMMER SAVER

£39 ONLY

A WHOLE DAY OUT FOR 2 ADULTS + UP TO 4 CHILDREN!

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There’s So Much To See...

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AUGUST AU A UG U GU G US ST TB BA BANK ANK KH HOLIDAY OLID DA AY AY tth h Sun 2 28 8 ~ Mon 2 29 9tthh ONSLOW PARK ~ SY3 5EE

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Horse orss

GATES OPEN - 9.15am

The

O U R F AV O

Enjoy the Sights, Sounds & Smell of Steam

AUGUST 2016

A FARM L

Adults: £12.00 ~ Senior Citizens: £11.00 Children: ONLY £1.00 ~ Under 5’s FREE

Over 1,000 Exhibits including a Superb Working Field

Email: info@shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk

Tel: 01743 792731

www.Shrewsbur ySteamRally.co.uk

Tel: 01691 610952 Whitehall, Aston, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 4JH

AUGUST 2016

Shrops Review2016L.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2016 11:59 Page 1

Shrops Review2016L.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2016 11:59 Page 1 Shropshire Horticultural Society Charity Number: 501564

Friday 12th & Saturday 13th August 2016

Flowers, Fireworks & Fun for all the Family Performances by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Musical Ride Friday Evening

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Celebrity Gardener

Sarah Raven

Upholstery Upholstery Courses Courses and and Upholstery Upholstery Supplies Supplies

2 Day courses: These courses suit mixed abilities from beginners to inter-

2mediates. Day courses: Thesesuitable coursesforsuit mixed abilities beginners They are also those wishing to topfrom up their skills. to 2 Day courses: coursesfor suitthose mixed abilities beginners to interintermediates. They areThese also suitable wishing tofrom top up their skills. mediates. They are also suitable for those of wishing top up their skills. Qualification Courses: Association MastertoUpholsterers & Soft Furnish-

Qualification Courses: Association Softmonths ers, upholstery levels 1, 2 and 3 are each runofonMaster 3 daysUpholsterers a month over&10 Qualification Courses: Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft FurnishFurnishers, upholstery levels 1, 2 and 3 are each run on 3 days a month over 10 culminating in a Diploma which is recognized in the industry for those wishing to ers, levelsinor 1,astart 2Diploma andtheir 3 are each on 3 daysinathe month over for 10 months months which isrun recognized industry those takeupholstery upculminating employment own business. culminating in aup Diploma which isorrecognized thebusiness. industry for those wishing to wishing to take employment start their inown take employment or start their business. Fabrics, braids andown general supplies. FREE sundries catalogue. MailupOrder:

Mail Order: Fabrics, braids and general supplies. FREE sundries catalogue.

Celebrity Chef

Gizzi Erskine

Tel: 01691 624023 Tel: 01691 or visit our 624023

Saturday Evening

on lineor shop visit our on line shop

The Christians

Call us on: 01743 234050 or visit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

www.jamilton.co.uk

Oriental Carpets Tribal Rugs Handicrafts Open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm

Shrewsbury Flower Show Stand 106 12&13th August

Bespoke service Order your own design, colours & size Family business for over half a century (Since 2002 in the UK) Home service for sizes over 8ft x 6ft (Free of charge and with no obligation to buy) Free Delivery for shopping over £300 Provide maintenance Repair, Restoration & Cleaning

www.heavenonearthimports.co.uk Tel • 01743 236436 Mob • 07865 051928 info@heavenonearthimports.co.uk

8 • Riverside Shopping Centre • Shrewsbury • SY1 1PH

For a huge range of natural and ethical gifts, from ladies clothes to skincare and firm support of local producers, visit the Enjoy! clothing and gift shop located in the popular Wyle Cop.

occasions l l a Gifts for Like us on Facebook:

t: 01743 241533

Enjoy Fair Trade

e: info@enjoypeponi.co.uk

69A • Wyle Cop • Shrewsbury • SY1 1UX

AUGUST 2016

SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW

Flowers, fireworks and family fun

hrewsbury Flower Show is the world’s longest running independent flower show. Nearly every year since 1875 – the only exceptions being during both world wars – the show has been held in the heart of Shrewsbury’s town centre. On 12 and 13 August the beautiful 29-acre Quarry Park will be awash with wonderful flowers, fabulous food and live entertainment – the ultimate summer day out! This is one of the country’s premier flower show events, attracting top exhibitors from all over the country so expect fantastic floral displays, horticultural competitions and high quality trade stands. With children 15 years and under admitted free when accompanied with an adult, and a dedicated children’s area which features lots of activities, unusual animals to see, ponies and ducks to pet, plus much more, Shrewsbury Flower Show is an ideal family day out. The large Quarry Marquee is home to the top national nurseries and growers who create stunning displays to admire and inspire, whilst the Severn Marquee is full of home grown flowers and vegetables. Advice is on hand from many exhibitors and horticultural organisations. The Dingle is awash with beauty with spectacular floral art creations on display. The arena offers a variety of entertainment to suit every taste. The major attraction for 2016 is The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry

Mounted Regiment who will perform twice each day with 24 horses. Other highlights include Grade A showjumping and Dingle Fingle comedy car act. There’s live music on Friday night from The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and on Saturday from The Christians. Throughout the event will be performances from choirs, while a massed band finale and stunning firework display wrap up the show on both nights. For the green fingered visitors, horticultural expert Sarah Raven will be sharing gardening tips and advice. Sarah has written for The Daily Telegraph, Country Living, Gardens Illustrated, Gardeners’ World Magazine, The English Garden and Sainsbury’s Magazine. Her gardening and cookery books have won her a number of awards. Sarah has presented on BBC Gardeners’ World and had a well-received TV series in 2012 called Bees, Butterflies and Blooms, following her attempts to flower up the nation to hugely increase insect habitat and food supply. Over in the dedicated Foodhall celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine will be creating mouth-watering, indulgent but healthy food. Her edgy attitude has caught the attention of the fashion world and she regularly makes the fashion pages of the UK’s style magazines. There are lots of great shopping opportunities in the large trade stands area and wonderful unique gifts are on offer in the craft marquee and artisan crafts and farmers’ market.

n Above, Gizzi Erskine, below, Sarah Raven

AUGUST 2016

ALL NEW MENU NOW AVAILABLE e new menu has been created to infuse our most popular dishes from our A La Carte and Bar menus to make one modern, creative and accessible menu. Our tasting menu is still available Friday and Saturday unless pre booked and set lunch and early dine menus start from £12.95.

B R A S S E R I E AVAILABLE TUESDAY - FRIDAY 12.00 - 14.30, 17.30 - 21.00 SATURDAY 12.00 - 21-00 | SUNDAY 12.00 - 16.00

FROM THE LAND Roast chicken breast, roast Mediterranean vegetables, sweet potato wedges (g) Grilled lamb chops, dauphinoise, glazed vegetables, spiced honey jus (g) Spiced cola glazed ham hock croquette, fried duck egg, cheddar mash (g) Townhouse 8oz Burger, bacon, cheese, toasted brioche bun, triple cooked chips Con�t pork belly, burnt leeks, herb purée, rosti (g) STEAKS Served with a roasted �eld mushroom, plum tomato on the vine, triple cooked chips Fillet £22.50 Ribeye £19.95 Sirloin Choose your side sauce

£12.95 £14.95 £9.95 £8.95 £14.95

£18.95

Peppercorn, diane, port and stilton, beef and red wine

STARTERS Chicken liver parfait, toasted campagne, fruit chutney

£7.95

Roast scallops, apple, pea, pancetta vinaigrette, apple and ginger bread

£13.95

Garlic prawns, fennel salad (g)

£7.95

Tomato and goats cheese bruschetta (v)

£3.95

Duck and black pudding scotch egg, spiced ketchup

£5.50

Soup of the day (v)

£4.50

Sardines on toast

£3.95

Pint of prawns, charred lemon (g)

£5.95

Nachos, beef chilli, guacamole, cheddar cheese, soured cream

£5.45

Farmhouse terrine, pickled summer vegetables, sauce gribiche

£6.50

Seared tuna, Asian �avours, yuzu gel, tempura oysters

£13.95

Teriyaki salmon, Asian salad (g)

£9.95

Pan-fried chicken breast, waldorf salad (g)

£9.95

Warm ham hock and Shropshire blue cheese salad

£8.95

Summer garden salad (v)

£8.95

PLATTERS TO SHARE Charcuterie, selection of cured meats and salamis, gherkins, olives, bruschetta and oils

£14.95

Ploughmans, homemade piccalilli, duck scotch egg with black pudding, ham, cheese, apple and candied walnut salad, artisan pickle, crusty bread

£14.95

Seafood platter, garlic gambas, sardines on toast, tempura squid, smoked salmon bilinis, Artisan cheese platter, seasonal chutney, crackers

£16.95 £7.50 £12.95

Chargrilled tuna steak, roast vine tomato, honey soy glaze (g) Lavender and vanilla salt baked whole seabass, garden salad, cajun lime butter (g)

£13.95 £18.95

FROM THE FIELD (v) Risotto of violet artichoke, lemon and Grana Padano, charred courgette (g)

£11.95

Saﬀron papardelle, heritage tomato and basil emulsion, glazed goats cheese

£11.95

Pot au feu, potato and chive vinaigrette

£9.95

Cheddar risotto, new season asparagus, crispy quail eggs, English mustard foam

£11.95

SIDES

SALADS

torpedo prawns, oysters, mackeral paté

FROM THE SEA Grilled sole, caper, fennel and brown shrimp butter (g) Haddock goujons, skinny fries, pea purée, add a ciabatta for a �sh �nger sandwich Pan roasted hake, braised celery, roast apple, tarragon butter sauce (g)

£27.00 For one person £8.95, for two £16.95

Mixed salad Seasonal vegetables Baby jacket potatoes Triple cooked chips/skinny fries

£2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95

Tomato and mozzarella Cheddar mash Heart attack chips Onion rings

£3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £2.95

Baked blueberry cheesecake, blueberry compote, bourbon vanilla ice cream

£6.00

DESSERTS Roasted new season peaches and �gs, thyme crème fraîche sorbet (g)

£6.00

Classic lemon and bay brulée, poached pears (g)

£6.00

Dark chocolate malt and honeycomb delice, macadamias, malt shake

£7.50

Hot and fresh doughnuts, cherry jam, clotted cream ice cream

£6.00

Mojito, muscovado sponge, rum crème fraîche, kaﬃa lime granite

£7.95

Rum baba, kaﬃr lime and yoghurt sorbet, baby pineapple tatin

£7.95

Rhubarb crumble, real custard

£6.50

A tasting of dessert (to share) Artisan cheese platter, seasonal chutney, crackers

£22.95 For one person £8.95, for two £16.95

35 Willow Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1AQ www.townhouseoswestry.com | 01691 659499

35 WILLOW STREET, OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE. SY11 1AQ

AUGUST 2016

ONE HOUR DENTURE REPAIR

ember 23rd July - 4th Sept New daily guest trail for Summer... Alice in Wonderland Kid’s Trail!

Forestry Adventure Club

(2-12yrs)

Come and spend time outdoors with Bug Hunts, Mud Kitchen, Crafts, Campfire Cooking & More!

Relines/Copies/Additions

Morning & Afternoon sessions on select days throughout the school summer holidays See our website for dates, prices and booking info

VISIT US AT WELLINGTON AND BRIDGNORTH 8-10 Haygate Road, Wellington TF1 1QA TEL: 01952 253522 27 West Castle St, Bridgnorth WV16 4AD TEL: 01746 764334

OSWESTRY SHOW SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST PARK HALL SHOWGROUND

WHITE HELMETS THE ROYAL SIGNALS MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM Sponsored by

events, news & offers!

uk www.arleyarboretum.co. *T&C’s apply. Forestry Club’s not included in the ‘Kids go free’ offer. Some events on select days only. Some features are an additional cost. Please check website for more info. E&OE. The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust. Reg. No. 1154467

Supporting People, Businesses & Communities

We don’t just sell time; we sell experience, expertise, know-how and results.

BOB HOGG’S SHEEPDOG AND DUCK DISPLAY Schedules available from May and Pre Show tickets from 1 July For all details please contact: SHOW MANAGER, OSWESTRY SHOW OFFICE, OSWESTRY SHOWGROUND, PARK HALL, OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE SY11 4AS

Tel/fax: 01691 654875 e.mail:mandy@oswestryshow.co.uk www.oswestryshow.co.uk

0800 652 3371 www.lblaw.co.uk Shrewsbury | Hereford | Ludlow | Oswestry | Telford

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MOBILE PHOTO BOOTH HIRE WEDDINGS FESTIVALS PRIVATE FUNCTIONS CORPORATE EVENTS Guests can get snap happy with Great Gatsby and racing themed accessories or choose additions such as karaoke, fun backgrounds and instant Wifi to upload photographs straight to social media sites. Telephone 07578 736475 Email info@oldbeanphotobooth.co.uk Website oldbeanbooth.co.uk @oldbeanbooth Old Bean @oldbeanbooth

AUGUST 2016

WOMAN

IT’S GOODBYE SHINE,

HELLO MATTE

hiny, glossy lips are perfect for a daytime look but when night comes, take your lips over to the matte side and make a bold statement. Matte lip glosses and lipsticks are available from most cosmetic companies. They are easy to apply and look great in an instant.

HOW TO CONQUER THE MATTE LOOK: Tip 1: Always brush teeth before applying your lip colour and stroke your toothpaste-free brush over your lips once or twice to gently exfoliate any dry skin. Tip 2: Apply a lip balm 10 minutes before your matte lip product application, then remove all traces of the balm before putting it on. Tip 3: Apply a concealer to your lips.

2 1

£1 .50

£1

Tip 4: Use a matching lip liner, preferably the same brand as your lipstick, to successfully match the colour. Remember by using lip liner you can make your lips appear smaller or larger. Draw slightly over the line to achieve the illusion of bigger lips and just inside the line to shrink lips.

£2 .99

Tip 5: Apply the matte lipstick or lip gloss and give it a few seconds to dry, then repeat. Sometimes you may need to repeat again. Once it is dry, do not apply any other products to your lips. Matte lips feel dry and it takes some getting used to but avoid licking your lips. Can’t get enough of the matte look? Then try the matte look nail varnish.

OUR FAVOURITE MATTE PRODUCTS: 1: a range of lip pencils (red wine), Primark, £1 2: hot pink matte lipstick, Primark, £1.50 3: matte velvet lip colour (cocoa), M&S, £10 4: matte nail polish in a range of colours, New Look, £2.99 5: Velvet matte lipstick crayon, New Look, £3.99

£10

3 £3 .99

AUGUST 2016

WOMAN

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AUGUST 2016 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

BANK OF MUM AND DAD MAKES MORTGAGE TOP 10

he ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ now lends children so much money to get them on to the property ladder it stumps up the equivalent of one of the country’s top 10 mortgage lenders. Margaret Rowe, a Partner with FBC Manby Bowdler’s Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team, says that with parents and grandparents coughing up the cash to the tune of £5 billion towards an estimated 300,000 deposits in this year alone, it pays to know where you stand if you want to help towards a property purchase. “Research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research and the Legal & General financial services group says parents now finance 25 per cent of all UK property purchases. “There are several options available to the Bank of Mum and Dad if they are

supporting their off-spring. They can give a Potentially Exempt Transfer of any amount they like, but these financial gifts still count as part of their estate for seven years and could be subject to Inheritance Tax if the parent dies in that period. “Each parent can also give up to £3,000 per year to a child tax free which can help if they are saving towards a deposit. Parents can also make cash gifts that are tax exempt on the occasion of a wedding, as can grandparents. “There are other options available to the Bank of Mum and Dad too. They can buy the property with their child but that would be classed as a second home and have its own tax implications for parents. “They could also buy a property via a trust. In all cases I would recommend seeking financial and legal advice so parents know exactly what the implications are, for themselves, their children and for inheritance tax purposes.

“With any financial support provided to children or grandchildren, people should also make sure they keep a record of the sums given and when they were donated.” If you’d like to know more, you can contact Margaret on 01952 208433 or by email at M.Rowe@fbcmb.co.uk Margaret is a Partner with the firm’s Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team, specialising in all aspects of private client work and elderly client matters including estate planning, powers of attorney and disputed probate. Margaret is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and also a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

Margaret Rowe, Partner at FBC Manby Bowdler

T: +44 01202 88 99 E: office@questguardians.co.uk www.questguardians.co.uk

We need caring host families to look after out boarding students during half term and occasional weekends Quest Guardians Ltd. (Est. 1993) is a professional, friendly and efficient guardianship agency. We look after students from China, Russia and around the world who attend independent boarding schools nationwide.

• Learn about new cultures • Training given • 24/7 Emergency support line • DBS checks undertaken • Housekeeping allowance from £40/night for full board • Wireless internet access required • Non-smoking household preferred www.questguardians.co.uk

AUGUST 2016

HEALTH

signs you may need a knee replacement

Is a bad knee getting in the way of the things you love? Mr Peter Gallacher, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury, reveals four signs you may need a new one. Knee osteoarthritis develops over time and can sneak up on you. Here are four signs you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Pain points Pain with activity. Knee pain manifests in many ways. Pain that comes on with activity and limits what you can do is a clear signal to seek help. Delayed pain. Pain doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks to be serious. Pain that comes on after activity, also known as ‘payback pain’, can be a warning that your knee isn’t performing as it should. Pain that interrupts sleep. If you find knee pain prevents you from falling asleep or you wake up because of pain caused by your movements during sleep – talk to someone about it.

2. Visual changes Changes in the appearance of your knee can be a sign of inflammation. If your leg swells or looks markedly different from the other then it may be time to speak with a specialist.

3. Limited movement Difficulty sitting down in a low seat because your knee refuses to bend is a common sign of osteoarthritis. Seizing or catching of the joint during movement can also indicate advanced deterioration or that a loose bone fragment has become lodged in the joint.

4. Lifestyle limitations It doesn’t matter if you want to climb a mountain or simply prune the garden – any symptom that prevents or limits your ability to do the things you love is cause for concern. Most knee problems don’t require a full knee replacement. There are a number of treatments available which may better address your symptoms.

Laura joins chiropractic team

Shrewsbury Family Chiropractic has a new member of its team. Dr Laura Beaumont joined in July and likes to provide chiropractic care that helps restore health to a level that is optimal for each patient. Your brain, spinal cord and nerves make up the communication system of your body which controls and co-ordinates the rest of your organs and tissues. From running around playing football to digesting your lunch, you need to ensure that your nervous system is working at its best, for your body perform as it should. Says Laura: “By locating and correcting misalignments (subluxations) in the spine, the nerves will maintain normal communication between the body and the brain. This enables the body to function at its optimum. To help prevent further functional issues, we can help you make healthier choices that will prevent repeated stress on the nervous system.” Dr Laura studied chiropractic at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic just outside Cardiff. Since graduating she has been practising in Manchester. A regular runner, often taking part in half marathons, this has inspired her to have a keen interest in sports chiropractic. She understands the importance of regular care and nutrition as well as when to rest and n Dr Laura Beaumont when to train.

THE CHANGING FACE OF HEALTHCARE Dr Simon Carvell Over the last month I’ve attended a number of meetings. The most useful of these meetings was and is the MDT meeting. The MDT meetings are weekly. MDT stands for the Multidisciplinary Team. This is a useful meeting attended by two GPs (that includes me), a senior social worker, a member of the enablement team, an integrated plus worker, district nurses, long term conditions nurses, a specialist heart failure nurse, mental health workers and a member of the clerical staff from our surgery to keep order. There is a great emphasis on avoiding hospital admissions and providing appropriate care for patients with long term conditions. Our surgery has over 7,000 patients with long term conditions that range from asthma and COPD to heart disease and strokes. We have over 400 patients with individualised care plans that require regular review to keep them out of hospital. The MDT meetings are vital and most GP surgeries will run weekly meetings to sustain vulnerable patients at home or in an appropriate care setting. I had no idea what an integrated plus worker or an enablement team offered before I was co-opted into the MDT meetings. The integrated plus worker is employed by the council and has a remit to help patients access voluntary and community services that will improve their wellbeing, both mentally and physically. By doing this it is hoped that they may become less dependent upon medical services. The adult enablement team supports elderly people by helping them to find social and leisure opportunities that they may enjoy and gain confidence and fulfilment from. The breadth of services available to people is hard to keep up with and these two members contribute to the success of our MDT. Similar services exist to support people across England. The more traditional MDT members are our district nurse team who provide care to our patients 24 hours a day, every day. Their role is diverse and specialised from dressing wounds to supporting patients with terminal illness. The specialist heart failure nurse helps to manage patients with heart failure to remain at home. The heart failure team review patients who have recently been discharged from hospital and are able to advise changes in medication that may be required in order to avoid readmissions. Poor physical health can impact on mental health and our two mental health nurses support patients at home with psychological therapies. The reason for my ramblings on the MDT is that GPs recognise the importance of holistic care – considering the whole patient and increasingly there are a host of skilled health care workers supported by social care workers who can really make a difference. This is the changing and improving face of healthcare in England.

AUGUST 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A simple deck can transform a garden Chris, who has always worked in a design orientated environment, began Shropshire-based Decking and Pergolas two years ago, ﬁnally making the decision to go it alone and to leave a multi-national company in search of a better quality of life. “I have enjoyed a wide and varied career but have always been centred in and around building, engineering and design,” says Chris. “My student days took me towards architecture but one thing led to another and I ﬁnished up working in reclamation on heritage sites for the West Midlands County Council. Typical projects included moving an historic pub for the Black County Living Museum for example.” After a spell in the bullion industry in Birmingham, facilitating engineered precious metal products for jewellery making, he ended up working in specialist steel, as Operations Director

for a petrochemical supplies business in Wolverhampton. After 20 odd years, he decided it was time to move on and undertake a new challenge. “A couple of years ago, life took another turn and I was presented with an opportunity to establish my own

� Chris Nichols

It’s been a long and winding path that has led Chris Nichols to a relocate to a new county and launch a fresh career making him truly happy.

‘I can give customers a whole new outdoor space to dine, entertain. . .’

business, designing and building garden decking and pergolas; my factory experience proving invaluable.” He began in his home-town of Solihull but has now set up in Shropshire, moving to Telford. Using his architectural design skills, Chris is transforming gardens across Shropshire with his timber structures. “I don’t just build decking and

pergolas, I collaborate with clients to provide an individually designed, lifeenhancing experience which can be shared and enjoyed for years to come. “A simple deck can transform a garden, particularly if it counters a garden slope or forms a link between awkward shapes. I can give customers a whole new outdoor space to dine, entertain, or perhaps create a safe children’s play area. Chris’s only regret is that he didn’t start his business sooner. “It is so rewarding seeing a project through from the beginning to the very end. “Seeing the joy in people’s face when they see the ﬁnished scheme is so rewarding. This business brings me a huge amount of pleasure. It has been life changing for me, and without exaggeration, it can be life changing for my customers.” For more information email chrisnichols@btconnect.com or visit www.diggersdeckingandpergolas.com. Tel:07739 546167

‘Detail by Design’ FORE BE

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• TIMBER DECKING • PERGOLAS & GAZEBOS • WATER FEATURES • LIGHTING • GARDEN LANDSCAPING • BESPOKE DESIGN & BUILD SERVICE • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE • FULLY INSURED

For more information and to arrange a FREE quotation call Chris Nichols on: 07739 546167 www.deckingandpergolasltd.com Email • chris.nichols@btconnect.com

AUGUST 2016

COCKTAILS

k n i r d s et’

TO SUMMER

Make summer even sweeter with our selection of seasonal berry cocktails, ripe for the drinking. With a wide variety of juicy soft fruit available throughout August, there’s no excuse not to pick your beverage, add liquor of choice, and create a party atmosphere on your patio.

Gin and blueberry twist Blueberries and gin are the best summer combination. The black pepper perfectly complements the blueberries and the lemon gives this cocktail a zingy twist. Makes

Ingredients 1 punnet blueberries (approx. 150g) 1 tbsp caster sugar Juice of half a small lemon 2 grinds of black pepper 120ml gin 30ml Limoncello Ice, for shaking Soda water

Method Put the blueberries, caster sugar and lemon in a cocktail shaker and mash with the end of a rolling pin. Add the black pepper, gin, Limoncello and some ice and shake well. Put a large ice cube into each glass along with 3 blueberries and pour the cocktail in through a sieve. Top up with soda water.

Strawberry daiquiri This refreshing and easy cocktail is bound to be a showstopper. Perfect for parties, summer barbecues or any occasion this fruity number will definitely impress. Makes

Ingredients 8 fresh strawberries, plus 1 strawberry to garnish

4 tsp caster sugar 70ml light rum The juice of two limes and slices to garnish

Method Chill your glasses by filling with ice. Put the strawberries, caster sugar, rum and lime juice into a cocktail shaker and mash with the end of a rolling pin. Add ice, place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain the mixture into a glass and garnish with half a strawberry and a slice of lime by placing them on the side of the glass.

Blackberry Mint Mojito A fantastic flavour combination – the mint and the blackberries go perfectly together for a fruity twist on this classic cocktail! Makes

Ingredients 20 blackberries 160ml water 4 tsp sugar 12 whole mint leaves plus extra to serve The juice of one lime 100ml white rum Ice, for shaking A splash of soda water

Method Put the blackberries, water, sugar, mint and lime in a cocktail shaker and mash with the end of a rolling pin. Add the rum and some ice and shake well. Put the extra mint leaves and some ice into a glass and sieve in the cocktail adding a splash of soda

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:

• Gin and Blueberry Twist • Raspberry Spritz • Blackberry Mint Mojito • Strawberry Daiquiri All recipes and images by www.berryworld.com

water. Garnish with lime wedges, mint and blackberries by scattering on the cocktail.

Raspberry Spritz This bright and flavoursome cocktail not only looks great but tastes fantastic. Makes

Ingredients 20 raspberries 2 tsp caster sugar 80ml water 4 mint leaves 100ml Vermouth Bianco 150ml Prosecco 50ml soda water Raspberries and mint, for garnish

Method Put the raspberries, water, sugar and mint in a cocktail shaker and mash with the end of a rolling pin. Put 2-3 ice cubes into two large wine glasses with a few raspberries and pour the raspberry mixture over through a sieve. Add the Vermouth and Prosecco, top with soda and stir.

AUGUST 2016

FOOD + DRINK

Succulent summer

Recipes courtesy of www.eatwelshlambandwelshbeef.com

any think of spring as the traditional season to eat lamb but summer is the ideal time to enjoy local lamb at its best. Lamb’s deep flavour makes it perfect for strong seasoning – not just mint and rosemary but lemon, garlic, coriander or chilli. The fat also makes it just right for summer grilling; lamb is great on the barbecue whether quick and easy kebabs or slow-roasted over coals. So let’s celebrate summer with Welsh lamb.

Summer Welsh lamb with blueberry, red wine and rosemary Ingredients ½ lamb leg joint or shoulder joint 3 cloves garlic, crushed 5 sprigs fresh rosemary 150ml (¼pt) red wine 150ml (¼pt) blueberry juice 15ml (1tbsp) set honey 450g (1lb) new potatoes 2 onions, peeled and cut into wedges 1 bulb garlic

Method Take a lean boned ½ lamb leg joint or use a boned and rolled shoulder joint, remove the string and lay flat. Place the flat joint into a dish and add garlic and rosemary. Rub into the lamb then pour over red wine, blueberry juice and honey. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Remove from the marinade and thread metal skewers criss crossing through the meat to keep flat. Cook on a lidded or covered barbecue: place flat on to the barbecue grid not too close to the coals, turning frequently for about 40-50 minutes. Alternatively place directly on to the shelf in a preheated oven (Gas mark 4-5, 180°C, 350°F), placing a tray underneath to catch the drips, for about 40-50 minutes until browned on the outside and still a little pink in the centre. Thoroughly boil the remaining marinade for at least 5 minutes and serve poured over the lamb joint, as a thin ‘gravy’. If using the oven roast new potatoes, onion wedges and garlic bulb at the same time for approx 40 minutes until roasted and golden. Squeeze garlic purée from the skins and add with the onions to 60ml (4tbsp) mayonnaise. Serve the lamb carved into chunks with new potatoes, garlic and onion mayo, and heaps of seasonal green salad.

Welsh lamb and feta burgers Ingredients 450g (1lb) lamb mince 30ml (2tbsp) fresh mint, chopped Black pepper 75g (3oz) feta, crumbled Guacamole

Method In a bowl mix together lamb mince, fresh mint, black pepper and feta, combine well together. Shape into 6 medium sized burgers and cook under a preheated grill or barbecue for approx 12 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Serve in toasted ciabatta rolls with a dollop of pre-made guacamole, large seasonal salad and a side dish of olives.

AUGUST 2016

FOOD + DRINK

Racks of Welsh lamb with rosemary, lemon and garlic Ingredients 2 lean racks of Welsh Lamb 2 large sprigs fresh rosemary 1 lemon, rind removed and juice 3 garlic cloves, cut in half 30ml (2tbsp) olive oil Black pepper

Method Preheat the oven to gas mark 4-5, 180°C, 350°F. Take 2 lean racks of lamb and calculate the cooking time: Medium - 25 minutes per 450g/½kg (1lb) plus 25 minutes; Well Done - 30 minutes per 450g/½kg (1lb) plus 30 minutes. Mix together rosemary, lemon rind and juice, garlic, olive oil and seasoning, and rub into the racks. Cook on a preheated barbecue with a lid or place on to a rack in a roasting tray and oven roast for the calculated cooking time.Serve the lamb with new potatoes and a rocket and grape salad.

Leg of Welsh lamb with coconut, chilli and coriander Ingredients 1 boneless leg of Welsh lamb 400ml (approx) can reduced fat coconut milk

2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed Fresh coriander, roughly chopped 1 lime, grated rind and juice

Method Remove strings and flatten out lamb. Place boneless leg of lamb into a shallow dish and add the marinade ingredients. Thoroughly combine together, cover and place in fridge for 1 hour. Remove from the marinade and thread metal skewers crisscrossing through the meat to keep flat. Cook on a lidded or covered barbecue – place flat on to the barbecue grid (not too close to the coals) turning frequently for about 40-50 minutes. Alternatively place directly on to the shelf in a preheated oven (gas mark 4-5, 180°C, 350°F, place a tray underneath to catch the drips) for about 40-50 minutes until browned on the outside and still a little pink in the centre. Take reserved marinade and boil thoroughly until thickened slightly (about 5 minutes) and serve drizzled over the lamb. Serve with Chinese stir-fry vegetables.

It’s not all about the flora at Shrewsbury Flower Show from 12-13 August. There’ll be plenty to tickle the tastebuds in the food hall, including the popular Flower & White (formerly Little Round Cake Company), who’ll be tempting visitors with sweet threats including their Merangz, Tweenerz and Muffinz. North Shropshire gin fans are invited to celebrate the perfect G&T at Oswestry Sweeney Hotel’s Summer Gin Fest. Promising entertainment, barbecue, fireworks and plenty of drinks (not just gin), the party takes place from 28-29 August from 3pm-11pm. G&Ts priced £5. Free admission but booking is essential. Telephone 01691 652450. Catering students from New College Telford earned high praise from the judges for their performance in the final of the UK’s Young Seafood Chef of the Year competition. Callum Moffat and Adam Ashley made up one of just nine teams from across the British Isles which qualified for the final, held in Grimsby. Hospital food isn’t often given rave reviews but the quality of food at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, near Oswestry, has been highlighted in a national patient survey – which rates it as the best in the country. Patients selected to take part in the Care Quality Commission’s adult inpatient survey 2015 gave an average mark of 7.9 out of 10 for catering. Shropshire’s Kerry Vale Vineyard is celebrating for a third year running after winning two awards in this year’s UK wine industry national competition. The vineyard, just outside Montgomery, won two awards for its wines at the UK Vineyard Association’s prestigious National Competition. The vineyard won a Silver Award for its ‘Shropshire Lady’ (also known as Solaris) dry white wine and a Bronze Award for the ‘Summer Days’ medium white wine. Shrewsbury College’s Origins restaurant has been ‘highly commended’ in the AA College Rosette Scheme. AA hotel and restaurant inspectors commented: ‘The team here are very professional and service is structured and well-paced. All the team were immaculate in their presentation, giving a professional impression in line with industry standards.’ A former Oswestry restaurant has been put on the market. The historic Dining Rooms, formerly known as The Walls, is for sale following the retirement of owners Geoff Hughes and Kate Bottoms.

AUGUST 2016

It’s all happening at It’s all happening at It’s all happening at

TASTER Dinner Served TASTER Dinner Served to Saturdayto Saturday MENU NIGHT Monday Monday MENU NIGHT

TASTER casual dining Dinner Served or sit on or sit casual dining on our undercover heated Monday to Saturday our undercover heated MENU NIGHT riverside terrace

Choose restaurant, Friday September Friday September 23rd23rd Choose restaurant,

7 courses £38, 7 courses £38, 6 wine6ﬂwine ight £18ﬂight £18

riverside terrace

rd WhiteHartIronbridge Lunch Menu servedChoose restaurant, Friday 23 The White September Hart, 10 Wharfage, daily from noon.

Ironbridge, TF8 7AW whitehartironbridge.com casual dining or sit on 7 courses £38, Lunch Menu served Sunday Lunch 12 4pm 01952 432901 ournoon undercover heated WhiteHartIronbridge 6 wine ﬂight £18 daily from

whitehartironbridge.com

riverside terrace

Sunday Lunch 12 – 4pm 01952 432 901 WhiteHartIronbridge Lunch Menu served

FREE BOTTLE whitehartironbridge.com daily from noon. WHEN OF WINE FREE Sunday Lunch 12 - 4pm 01952 432901 TWO DINE BOTTLE OF WINE

WHEN TWO DINE*

both must have the 3 course £29 menu, Any wine off the menu up to the value of £20, not with any other offer, *exc. Sunhave and the bank holidays, until August 31st 2016. BothSat, must 3 course £29valid menu. Any wine off the menu up to the value of £20, not with any other offer, exc. Sat, Sun and bank holidays, valid until August 31st 2016.

FREE BOTTLE OF WINE WHEN TWO DINE both must have the 3 course £29 menu, Any wine off the menu up to the value of £20, not with any other offer, exc. Sat, Sun and bank holidays, valid until August 31st 2016.

Advert Proof Approval

ase check the proof of your advert above and send your approval or amendments by return email. ur attention is drawn to the terms and conditions below.

/Aug 2016 Issue : Half Page : The White Hart : Version 1 : 13 June 2016

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AUGUST 2016

AMBER’S WOODFIRED KITCHEN

FIRED UP FOR FESTIVITIES

nce hidden away in a hot, stuffy kitchen, over the past few years Amber and Jolyon Iles have become used to meeting their customers at festivals, food fairs, weddings and fetes. Cooking up woodfired pizzas and mezze at events across the county, Amber’s Woodfired Kitchen, based in Oswestry, has become a familiar sight at local festivals and gatherings. But the decision to launch the company in 2013 was a leap of faith for owners Amber and Jolyon, who had previously worked together as chefs. The idea came when they were asked by a vegetarian friend to provide a wedding feast for 160 guests. “She was on a tight budget, but with our cheffing background and knowledge of world foods and flavours, I knew we could deliver the food she wanted,” says Amber. It was such a huge success that Amber began to think that it might be possible to pursue her dream of self employment, combining something that she was both good at and passionate about. They worked hard during that first year to build the business. They invested in a wood fired oven, focusing their menus on world foods and Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes, and built a reputation for producing high quality, tasty and fresh food. They also helped crowd fund a small, family friendly music and arts festival called ‘Ymuno’ (which means unite) in North Wales. “Being the sole caterers on a site of 1,000 people was exhausting and a huge learning curve,” remembers Amber, “but the feedback we received from customers that weekend was amazing!” Last month they returned to the festival as catering managers. In 2016, as well as popping up at festivals and events, weddings and parties, Amber’s Woodfired Kitchen was proud to cater at Hope House charity’s 21st birthday staff party and enjoyed being part of Oswestry’s popular food festival. The pair have also joined forces with Oswestry’s Stonehouse Brewery as they launch their new Sweeney Mountain cider. Amber has developed a new bbq pulled pork pizza to complement the cider, and will be offering this, along with their usual pizza menu, at Stonehouse Brewery in Weston, near Oswestry on Friday evenings 5pm-7pm and Saturdays 12pm-5pm throughout the summer (except where they are at weddings and festivals, check the Amber’s Wood Fired Kitchen Facebook page). “I’m so pleased I made the decision to go self-employed,” says Amber. “It’s incredibly hard work, but we love creating dishes with the woodfired oven and I’m passionate about producing fantastic food for people to enjoy. My

ultimate goal is to have a restaurant of my own in Oswestry or Shrewsbury one day.” For more information or enquiries amberswoodfiredkitchen.co.uk

Amber’s Woodfired Pulled Pork Recipe

Our pulled pork recipe makes a great pizza topping, particularly with a homemade BBQ sauce base. Or alternatively, serve in a fresh white bap with a crunchy coleslaw, such as yummy apple & fennel. Enjoy!

Amber x Ingredients 1.8kg – 2kg joint of pork shoulder (score fat with blade or ask your butcher to do it) Marinade 880ml Sweeney Mountain Cider 440ml water 55ml Worcestershire sauce 40g soft brown or muscavado sugar 40g sea salt Dry rub 2 tbsp good quality smoked paprika 1 tbsp fresh ground pepper 1 tbsp sea salt 1 tbsp mustard powder 2 whole chipotle chillies (ground in spice blender or use 1 tbsp chili powder) 1 tbsp cumin 1 tbsp soft brown sugar 1 tbsp garlic powder

Method The idea is to cook ‘low and slow’. We use our wood fired oven, which gives it even more flavour, but you can still cook in a regular oven. Mix the marinade ingredients together until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Add the pork, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Preheat the oven to gas 7, 220°C, 200°C fan. Remove the pork from the liquid, pat dry and allow it to come up to room temperature (approx. 15 minutes). Save the liquid for the cooking process. Rub 1-2 tablespoons of the dry rub into the meat until covered. Save the rest of the rub in a small mason jar (or other sealed container) for next time. Place the pork in a roasting tin. Roast uncovered, for 30 minutes, to seal and brown the meat. Remove the joint from the oven and reduce the temperature to gas 2, 150°C, 130°C fan oven. Cover the meat with foil and seal it tightly around the edges of the tin. Return to the oven for 51/2 hours and baste every hour with the cooking juices to help keep the meat moist. Baste with the marinade liquid if needed. Once cooked allow meat to rest for 20mins. Set aside the cooking juices. Pull the meat apart using 2 forks. Spoon off any fat that has risen to the top of the cooking juices and discard. Moisten shredded meat.

AUGUST 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Treasure trove

with time for tea

� Above: Make a style statement with a Union Jack chair.

� Take the weight off your feet with

coffee and cake at the Coffee Lounge

Whether you’re accessorising your home or seeking that perfect, unique gift, Cambrian House Emporium is your ideal shopping destination. The Aladdin’s cave of antiques, collectibles, vintage and retro treasures, is situated in the old Cambrian works on Gobowen Road, Oswestry, offering more than 8,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles. From fine period furniture, retro industrial accessories to shabby chic you’re sure to find something that suits your style. Owner Darrell Kerr says visitors include a mix of professional dealers and shoppers, visiting from all over the county and often beyond. Darrell has seen Cambrian House Emporium grow beyond recognition since it opened in 2012. “We started with five stalls and now have 64,” says Darrell. Featuring the wares of more than

40 dealers from across the region and Europe, the store offers an eclectic mix with stock changing on a daily basis. No visit is ever the same. Despite dealing in the past, the business has a modern approach and a keen social media following; ‘Like’ The Cambrian House Emporium on Facebook to check out their latest offers and competitions. What’s more, the Cambrian Coffee Lounge is proving quite a draw, providing buyers with home-made cake, tea and coffee, offering welcome refreshment while shoppers ponder on that next purchase. With free parking, sevenday opening and a broad mix of furniture and collectibles from the best antique dealers in the region, Cambrian House Emporium is an essential visit for dealers and shoppers alike, just ask their recent visitors who reviewed them online ...

� Interesting finds from 40 dealers

Fantastic place. Aladdins cave of goodies, just everything and anything can be sourced here, there’s even a £1 stall. The cafe is superb, homemade cake, posh hot chocolate and great staff. What a little gem with the most fantastic array of cakes and tasty treats you could ever want. The hostess certainly make everyone welcome.

CAMBRIAN HOUSE EMPORIUM

THE LARGEST ANTIQUES, VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES, ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTRE IN OSWESTRY

SPACES AVAILABLE TO RENT HOUSE CLEARANCE SPECIALISTS CAMBRIAN WORKS, GOBOWEN ROAD, OSWESTRY SY11 1HS Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

TEL: 01691 652257 • MOBILE: 07837 245769 EVE: 01691 778607 Email chemporium@hotmail.com

find us on facebook - follow us on twitter

AUGUST 2016

SIX OF THE BEST

CARRYONCAMPING 2 Six of the best buys for festival life

1 3

1. Small striped cool bag, M&Co, £10 Keep your sarnies fresh 2. Trespass 6 man teepee, Argos, £99.99 Room for all the family, with mosquito nets and sewn-in groundsheet 3. Starter kit bbq, Homebase, £19.94 Comes with tools and cover

5 6

4. Jolene Wow embellished backpack, Accessorize, £37 Decorated with mirrorwork embellishments 5. Red foldaway sling chair, TK Maxx, £14.99 Travel light, stay comfortable 6. Fern ankle wellie, White Stuff, £29.95 For when you don’t need to go the whole way to being a farm girl

AUGUST 2016

TRAVEL

n Main picture, the conservatory; from left, the thermal suite, relax in the spa lounge, bedroom in the original house

Time to kick back and relax

pas are big business. Apparently more than 35 million Brits spend £5.2bn on spa services and treatments each year, with the hotel spa market tempting more and more of us to unwind, de-stress and treat ourselves to a relaxing break that’s good for mind and body. Hence the £1.4m spent refreshing the spa at Macdonald Craxton Wood, just north of Chester. The spa here is self-contained, rather than leisure facilities and a couple of treatment rooms at a hotel, so you can treat yourself to a genuine spa day or, as we did, stay over too. The major investment has created a lovely space in which to while away the day. Fancy a dip in the 18m pool with its two walls of windows overlooking the gardens? Why not dry off afterwards in the cute courtyard-style garden or on a sun lounger on the lawns? At the heart of the spa is the thermal suite. Here there are two spacious saunas – one herbal, with a fixed temperature. A good-sized, sweetly scented steam room has colour-changing mood lighting. There’s also a foot spa and, to boost your circulation, a constantly refreshed supply of ice

to wipe over your body after you’ve had a hot treatment. Invigorating stuff. We enjoyed a healthy and tasty lunch in the light and airy spa café before heading off for our treatments. I was booked in for a facial. My 75 minutes also included a head, arm and hand massage and was a really enjoyable experience that left me looking, and feeling, better than when I went in! My husband was equally pleased with his back massage which he said was one of the best he’d had. After easily whiling away a good six hours at the spa, we checked into our room at the hotel itself. Formerly a country house, it has had the standard hotel extensions you’ll find at most large hotels, and we were in one of the ‘Classic’ rooms in the modern wing. Upgrades (including rooms in the original manor house) are available but our room was large, comfortable and had everything we needed. Styling was traditional rather than contemporary but furnishings were fresh and new. Our deal included dinner, for which we got two courses from a short menu which nonetheless covered most tastes. You can pay extra to add a starter or dessert, or use an £18 allowance against the rather pricy a la carte menu. Our meal was very well cooked but the portions were a little on the small size.

Breakfast was also served in the dining room’s conservatory extension overlooking the gardens – the hotel is beautifully surrounded by gardens and woodland, giving a really secluded and peaceful feel. There was a good choice of cereals, yoghurt and fruit, plus a full cooked breakfast and toast, setting you up nicely for the day. And there are plenty of options for filling a day. You’re close to the city of Chester, Cheshire Oaks outlet shopping village and Chester Zoo. Blue Planet Aquarium just up the road in Ellesmere Port has Europe’s largest collection of sharks, or visit the National Waterways Museum. The county styles itself as having the best gardens in England, so that hackneyed phrase ‘something for everyone’ does seem to be covered by this corner of Cheshire. Macdonald Craxton Wood is a comfortable, attractive hotel with a spa that certainly won’t disappoint. It also had some of the friendliest staff I’ve met. As 35 million of us are finding, a spa break is perfect for recharging the batteries. Alison Ashmore Spa break packages are from £129 per person, including dinner, bed and breakfast, full use of the spa and an hour long treatment. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

New Summer & Kids’ Menu Join us today! New early bird menu (Tues–Sat 12 till 5) 2 courses £4.95 – 3 courses £5.95

Fine cask ales and a large selection of premium wines and spirits • Homecooked food, freshly prepared using local ingredients

AUGUST 2016

Part of the Rotherwood Group Part of the Rotherwood Group PartPart of the of Rotherwood the Rotherwood Group Group new standard in healthcare

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EMAIL EMAIL

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Part of the Rotherwood Group Part of the Rotherwood Group Part of the of Rotherwood the Rotherwood Group Group new Part standard in healthcare

aa new standard in healthcare a new a new standard standard in in healthcare healthcare If you’d like to arrange a viewing If you’d like to arrange a viewing or just need some - we’re here to help: If you’d If you’d like like toadvice arrange to arrange a viewing a viewing or just need some advice - we’re here to help: or just or just need need some some advice advice - we’re - we’re herehere to help: to help:

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EMAIL EMAIL

Roden Hall admin.rodenhall V I S IV T I S I TE M admin.rodenhall AEI LM A I L Roden Hall Nursing Home, @rotherwood-group.co.uk Roden Roden Hall Halladmin.rodenhall admin.rodenhall Nursing Home, @rotherwood-group.co.uk Roden, — Nursing Nursing Home, Home,@rotherwood-group.co.uk Roden, —@rotherwood-group.co.uk Telford, TF6 6BH 01952 770 130 — Telford,Roden, TF6Roden, 6BH — 01952 770 130 Telford, Telford, TF6 TF6 6BH6BH01952 01952 770 770 130 130 W W W. R O T H E R W O O D - H E A LT H C A R E . C O . U K W W W. R O T H E R W O O D - H E A LT H C A R E . C O . U K W WW W. O TRHOETRHW OD HD E -AHLT HLT C AHRCEA. C UO K.UK WRW. EO RW O-O EA RO E .C

AUGUST 2016

61 CHEF

Andrea’s recipe for success

s a child Andrea Birch watched with interest as her grandmother conjured up comfort food classics such as cheese pie for the children of north Shropshire. Andrea’s nan was a cook for pupils at schools in villages near Baschurch back in the 1970s, and it was spending her summer holidays helping out at her home in Grafton that inspired her to become a professional chef herself. Now heading up a team at one of the county’s most renowned country pubs, the award-winning New Inn at Baschurch, Andrea is excited about a new chapter which has opened in her ever-progressing career. The pub has recently been acquired by Clare and Graham Jenkins, the couple behind wellknown Shrewsbury restaurant and bar Henry Tudor House off Wyle Cop. They have given Andrea their full backing to continue with her outstanding culinary work, at a pub which is listed in the Good Pub Guide and recommended by a range of other organisations such as the AA, the Campaign for Real Ale and Alastair Sawday. Andrea, who is Shropshire born and bred and who originally trained for two years at Radbrook College in Shrewsbury in catering and hospitality, sees this as an opportunity to evolve and develop in her profession. “It is a really exciting time here as although I have been asked to continue with my own menus and dishes, I am enjoying the challenge of working with some new faces,” explains Andrea. One of the new personalities she is working alongside is Chris Conde, Our steak and ale Shrewsbury before taking a executive chef at Henry short break when her son, now pie here is a best- 19, was born. Tudor House and the New Inn. A well-known name She was then recruited by seller and I think Gerry in the county’s culinary and Ann Bean to work at circles, he previously beat off the Burlton Inn, later spending there would be a hundreds of other chefs from three years setting up and revolution if we throughout the country to overseeing the kitchen at the reach the quarter finals of the took it off the menu Battlefield 1403 food centre prestigious BBC programme before being asked to move Masterchef the Professionals. with the Beans again to the He is spending some time partnering Andrea New Inn three years ago. at the New Inn and it is proving to be a winning And how would she describe her style of cooking? combination. “I guess I would say that it is traditional home “Chris is very good – really interesting to talk cooking with a twist. Our steak and ale pie here to and to watch. We are enjoying bouncing ideas is a best-seller and I think there would be a around between us and as he is younger than revolution if we took it off the menu but I also me and a little more innovative and bold he has like to experiment and love cooking fish dishes as taught me some new cooking techniques and we have a daily supply of fresh seafood. skills which I am embracing,” she says. “Our regular holiday destination is Crete so After qualifying at Radbrook, Andrea worked I do allow Greek food to influence my cooking, at several town centre cafes and restaurants in with lamb kleftiko and beef stifado appearing

� Andrea Birch runs the kitchen at one of the county’s most renowned pubs; one of her dishes

here occasionally and I also love tapas so that is another favourite.” She lives in the centre of Shrewsbury with partner Paul who is a butcher, and they join forces professionally on occasions, for instance being asked to stage a food demo at the County Show. As well as her son she has a daughter of 16, which meant a huge amount of careful management when they were younger and she was building up her career. “Being a chef, which involves a lot of hard work and unsocial hours, as well as a mother meant a lot of juggling when the children were younger which I would not have managed if it wasn’t for my mother.” Although clearly very content in this busy and demanding role, she is not without further ambition. “I have no plans to move but with my partner being a butcher maybe one day we will get to work together and there will be room for another great place to eat in the county!”

AUGUST 2016

‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’

Lake View Residential Care Home

“I would highly recommend this care home. The care my mother has received since moving in has been simply exemplary. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff who are all very concerned to ensure the well being of residents.” Daughter of resident

Caring with kindness Our dedicated and caring team are committed to providing the highest quality residential and dementia care for our residents in the comfort of welcoming surroundings. A stone’s throw from Holmer Lake, Lake View is within easy reach of walking routes as well as being close to shops, a GP surgery and on the main bus route into Telford town centre.

Life in Lake View Our home offers a range of attractively furnished, spacious bedrooms, all of which are en-suite and available with a television, DVD player and mini fridge. We encourage residents to make their rooms their own by bringing personal ornaments, pictures and small items of furniture. The landscaped gardens, which include raised flower beds and a greenhouse are a delightful retreat, especially for residents who like to do a spot of light gardening. The home also has a music room and a coffee shop, where residents and their loved ones often spend their time socialising and a hairdressing salon where residents can sit back and relax while being pampered.

We believe in being part of our local community and invite you to join us at our upcoming events:

Summer Fete! Come along to our circus-themed summer fete on Saturday 20 August from 11am - 3pm. There will be live music from 11am - 1pm and our first ever staff cake competition, stalls and delicious food and refreshments.

Dementia Support Group

Every first Monday of the month between 10am and noon, the team at Lake View will be offering support for those caring for a loved one living with dementia. Join our next support session on Monday 1 August.

LAKE VIEW RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, Shropshire TF3 1LB

Tel: 01952 594 110

AUGUST 2016

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Keeping kindness at the heart of our careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Lake View Residential Care Home

Invitation

To our Summer Fete Saturday 20 August 2016, 11am - 3pm Come along to our circus-themed summer fete and enjoy stalls and games galore. There will be live music from 11am - 1pm with staff dressed up in circus-themed attire and our first ever staff cake competition, where residents will judge the entries on taste and appearance. Delicious burgers, sausages, chips and refreshments will also be available to buy on the day.

Residential

Dementia

Lake View Residential Care Home, Brookside Avenue, Brookside, Telford, TF3 1LB Tel: 01952 594 110 www.sanctuary-care.co.uk

Sanctuary Care is part of

Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity

AUGUST 2016

COMPETITIONS

WIN TICKETS TO SHROPSHIRE STEAM RALLY

he County of Salop Steam Engine Society’s 2016 Rally, taking place at Onslow Park, Shrewsbury over the August Bank Holiday – Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August – will be celebrating 2016 with a ‘Year of the Horse’. Society chairman Edward Goddard said: “We have received many positive comments over the years about the wonderful horses at the Rally, so this year we are creating a special celebration that will delight visitors – with the focus on horses and their related transport (carts and waggons) as we realise they are one of the most popular attractions!” Shrewsbury Steam Rally will showcase over 1,000 exciting exhibits and the diverse range of attractions will include the wonderful spectacle of working steam engines, and beautifully preserved classic vehicles from yesteryear, all to delight visitors to the highly-popular annual event. In the main arena, spectators can enjoy moving convoys of historic commercial vehicles, including buses and fire engines; vintage cycles; working horses; vintage tractors; pre-and post World War II cars; classic motorcycles; and perambulators – with all entrants invited to dress in period costume. The Working Field will take a nostalgic look at the farming of ‘days gone by’ and demonstrate an exciting mix of impressive working machines and shire horses that capture the history and heritage of farming in the Victorian era. The Rally covers 45 acres of beautiful parkland, with six acres of trade stands. It hosts a variety of preserved commercial vehicles including lorries, buses, fire engines and a large display of military vehicles. The Olde Time Fair offers lots of fun, with steam-powered rides for all, accompanied by vintage fairground music. Spectators can enjoy the annual interactive display of birds of prey.

There’s also tractor pulling to excite, some excellent miniature steam engines, and a craft marquee which gets bigger each year. The family-friendly event provides some enjoyable entertainment with a full arena programme on both days, including the highly-popular and majestic cavalcade of showman’s engines, traction engines, steam rollers and steam cars. We have teamed up with the County of Salop Steam Engine Society to offer one lucky reader two adult tickets to the Rally. To enter, tell us: What’s the name of the venue for this year’s Rally? Visitors can buy tickets online at www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk Adult: £12, pensioner: £11, child: £1. Under 5s free

AUGUST 2016

COMPETITIONS

WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO SUMMER FUN AT PARK HALL COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE

WIN A £20 BOOK TOKEN Check the advertisements in the rest of the magazine to find where our ‘Local Bee’ (pictured above) is hidden. Entry to competitions can be made online through our website at www.countywoman.co.uk or by filling in the entry form or sending on a postcard to: SPOT THE BEE, Reviewmedia Ltd, Media House, Building 9, Stanmore Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5HR. First correct entry drawn will win a £20 book token

Enter our competitions online at www.countywoman.co.uk

f you are looking for an action-packed day out with the kids full of fun, excitement and adventure, then Park Hall Countryside Experience is the place to visit. Situated on the outskirts of Oswestry it’s a perfect day out for all the family. Come rain or shine there’s always something to do. Down on the farm there’s lots of close contact with farmyard friends. Feed the goats and lambs, groom ponies, cuddle rabbits, hand milk a real cow, or lead the heavy horses around the stableyard. But that’s not all…. Pig Racing is THE event not to be missed. The excitement is electrifying as the tension mounts at the starting gate. Of course only one pig will sprint to victory, could it be yours? It’s hilarious and happens twice a day. Summer activities on the farm see the return of the ever popular Maize Maze; its numerous pathways and dead ends will keep the kids occupied for quite a while. You will never have so much fun getting lost! The all-new adventure playground in the woodland is on your route to the maze, so give that a go too. Explore the brilliant Science Illusion Zone, an interactive science exhibition guaranteed to entertain all ages. Climb inside the giant kaleidoscope, peer into the depths of the amazing infinity mirror or see your shadow frozen in time on the fantastic shadow wall! Don’t miss out on the indoor action, there are two massive play barns at the farm, two giant slides, two bouncy castles, the list goes on and on… so much is under cover. And outdoors there are great adventure courses and play activity sites. What’s ‘wheelie’ fun are the numerous driving activities: the electric cars, the kids 4x4 Land Rover course, the pedal go-karts and the Barrel Train ride. Don’t forget the tractor ride which operates throughout the day, it’s entirely free and lets you see more of the farm. But if you want to chill out from the action then take time to browse around and visit the Welsh Guards collection, the World War I trenches, the Victorian school or the Iron Age roundhouse; a superb learning experience for children and adults. There are excellent café facilities on site with great value-for-money meals and snacks; or if you prefer to bring your own food, picnic areas are also available. So put Park Hall on your list of things to do this summer, meet your friends, make it a family day out; there’s one thing you can be sure of – there’s always a warm welcome guaranteed at this national award-winning farm attraction. Visit www.parkhallfarm.co.uk or telephone 01691 671123. We have teamed up with Park Hall Countryside Experience to offer three readers a family day ticket each, which can be used any time with the next 12 months. To win simply answer the following question: What animals race twice a day at Park Hall Countryside Experience?

Competitions entry form Shropshire Steam Rally

Park Hall Countryside Experience

Spot the Bee

name ............................................................................ address ........................................................................ ...................................................................................... ...................................................................................... ................................................ postcode ................... phone number ............................................................. email ............................................................................. Competition rules. Closing date for all entries is 12/08/16. In the event of a tie the first correct entries out of the hat will be the winners. Send your entries to Reviewmedia Ltd, Media House, Building 9, Stanmore Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5HR. For full terms and conditions regarding competitions please refer to www.countywoman.co.uk COMPETITION WINNERS JUNE 2016 - Chester break Helen Cadman, Bridgnorth Llangollen Eisteddfod Liz Abbiss, Chorley. Runners up: Carolyn Pugh, Oswestry; Calli Birch, Donnington; Malcolm Williams, Much Wenlock; Kate Chinn, Wellington; Karen Wilkins, Eardington; Derek Shillcock, Oswestry; Linda Hill, Bridgnorth; Julie Pearce, Lilleshall; Jane Sagar, Trefonen; Wynne Evans, Shrewsbury. Spot the Bee Christine Cole, Maesbrook

66 LAST WORD

AUGUST 2016

AND FINALLY...

Sport for all Alison Ashmore

e aren’t a family noted for our sporting prowess. Back in her secondary school days, my daughter was told off for sitting down on the netball court. “Get up!” thundered the PE teacher. “You can’t do sport sitting down!” “Wheelchair basketball?” she countered. There are of course plenty of sports you can do sitting down, and as the Aussies peevishly pointed out at the last Olympics (when we whopped them in the medals table), we Brits tend to excel at them. Cycling, rowing, motor racing, horse riding... all let you take the weight off your feet. This is, as the TV companies say, A Summer of Sport. There’s all the usual stuff that fills the schedules at this time of year, such as cricket and tennis, plus the fouryearly European Championships (football) and Olympics (everything else). If you don’t like sport you may be wishing there had been a referendum for leaving the planet. But I contend that you don’t have to actually enjoy sport to be able to watch it. Take football. You may not appreciate the Beautiful Game – and there was nothing beautiful about England in the Euros – but that needn’t have stopped you joining in with the national despair and derision. You’ll get another chance at the

World Cup in two years, so here’s what to look out for. Analysing footballers’ hairstyles is a great way to spend 90 minutes of your life. It’s a fact that much of the pre-match build-up for players involves doing their hair, and the team hairdresser is now just as important as the physio and more influential than the manager. Actually I’ve made that up, but it wouldn’t surprise me. And other nations’ chants are always entertaining. Some have recognisable tunes, clearly nicked from the English, while others are

If you don’t like sport you may be wishing there had been a referendum for leaving the planet as alien as whatever crash-landed at Roswell – the now famous Vikingesque Icelandic roar being a prime example. Commentators, too, are worthy of respect. Why not play cliche bingo? Simply come up with a list of sporting banalities and cross them off as you hear them. My favourite was the local radio commentator who once described a Wolves player as being “literally on fire” which is literally not the correct use of the word literally. Amongst the hardest-working pundits must surely be those on ITV4’s live daytime coverage of the Tour de France. I’ve never ridden a bike in my life but I love watching this. Yes, the cyclists get my admiration for pedalling hundreds of kilometres day after day but think of the poor commentary

team, a couple of guys who have to find something interesting to say for up to five hours at a stretch. And they aren’t even doping to improve their performances. August, of course, sees the Olympics. While I have absolutely no interest in athletics, swimming or fencing at any other time, I can happily while away several weeks of my life watching them once every four years. It all kicks off with the Opening Ceremony, a chance for the host nation to show off to the world. It’s nice to be reminded that there are countries in the world other than those perpetually in the news. The Federated States of Micronesia, for instance – who knew? Sport sees us humans at our most tribal and while I’m not a fan of nationalism, it is a useful distraction for a divided nation right now. We may all have different ideas about what being English means, but we are united in our belief that we should have been able to beat Iceland and that we want to be higher up the medals table than countries many times our size. After the London Games there was much talk of an Olympic Legacy, as if watching people who clearly excelled at what they did would encourage us all to huff and puff in ill-fitting Lycra. And sometimes sport on TV does make us want to get involve – witness the number of people with a tennis racket around Wimbledon time – but it lasts about as long as the bubbles in the winner’s Champagne. I was chatting recently to a leading geneticist who told me that there is an identifiable gene which gives some people a definite advantage when it comes to sport. So that’s my excuse for watching rather than participating. Why fight nature? It’s just not in my genes.

email: aashmore@reviewmedia.com

AUGUST 2016

Johnson Design Partnership Ltd

s award winning architects and designers we aspire to create special buildings and spaces for our clients, sometimes from the most difficult of design briefs. Central to our philosophy is that good design should reflect the needs of our clients and respond to the surrounding environment. Through design we are able to achieve timeless, highly innovative and sustainable projects. We offer a complete design service from initial advice through to the completion of your project. We complete work all over the country. We can help you if you are thinking of extending your house, building yourself a new home, or embarking on a major building project. We can advise you every step of the way, from planning, to completion in the most cost effective manner, and creating planning submissions to contract management and inspecting works on site. Email us or call with your new project enquiry.

Johnson Design Partnership Ltd telephone: 01746 768191 email: sales@johnsonltd.co.uk google: johnson design partnership

NEWBUILDS | HISTORIC BUILDINGS | EXTENSIONS | CONVERSIONS

RICS AWARDS 2016 REGIONAL FINALIS T S