Shropshire Review Oswestry January 2017 by Reviewmedia

THE COUNTY MAGAZINE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOUR

JANUARY 2017

Shropshire

G oo

FRE to a E e

dh om

for Oswestry and surrounding area Interiors

Look of love

Winter warmth

drift into denim

wedding special

six of the best buys

Let it go! out with the old

Batteries Full range of Vehicle Batteries in stock

Winter accessories

Anti-Freeze, De-Icer, Screenwash, Rock Salt etc in stock

CONTENTS JANUARY 2017 WWW.SHROPSHIREREVIEW.CO.UK

hether 2016 has been fabulous or a flop, it’s time for a new beginning, to clear away Christmas and embrace 2017.

On our recipe pages we’ve plenty of ideas to use up that turkey (not a

turkey curry in sight). Then, it’s time to look after your body with some warming seasonal leek recipes packed full of nutrients. Close to home, keen walker and artist Graham Mitchell recommends his favourite rambles in the area. And Sarah Kros tells us how she’s already made a new start by making good deeds part of her daily routine. If this is the year you tie the knot, then don’t miss our wedding supplement full of all things bridal. If you’re a parent, be sure to read our education pages full of bright, young faces for the future. Finally, you never know, if you enter our competition to win three months’ gym membership and personal trainer sessions at Oswestry’s Evolution, then that’ll give you a head start to looking and feeling good for 2017. Happy New Year from all of us here at Shropshire Review.

COMMUNITY 4 Community news 9 Walking with Graham Mitchell Sarah Kros’s good deeds 11 35 Education 73 Sport 80 Nostalgia

LEISURE 55 61

Events listings Reviews – books, theatre, music

HOMEFIRST 14 Interiors – Denim Drift 17 Homes Down to Earth 28

WOMAN 43 Fashion – Beat the January blues 45 Weddings

EDITOR

FOOD + DRINK 67 68

Recipes – British leeks Recipes – Using up turkey

MARKETPLACE 71 Six of the Best winter warmers 76 Buy me local 77 Classifieds

COMPETITIONS

81 Competitions

LAST WORD 82

And finally – Elementary, dear Watson

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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COMMUNITY | JANUARY 2017

THE COUNTY MAGAZINE WITH A LOCAL FLAVOUR

JANUARY 2017

Shropshire

G oo

FRE to a E e

dh om

for Oswestry and surrounding area Interiors

Look of love

Winter warmth

drift into denim

wedding special

six of the best buys

Let it go! out with

Community cinema wins national award

the old

COVER: Happy New Year from all of us at the Shropshire Review MANAGING DIRECTOR AND PUBLISHER: Martin Edwards contact: 01746 766848 medwards@reviewmedia.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Alison Ashmore aashmore@reviewmedia.com EDITOR: Eluned Watson ewatson@reviewmedia.com assistant editor: Justine Flavell jflavell@reviewmedia.com fashion and beauty: Robyn Moore rmoore@reviewmedia.com 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

� Ruth Carter and Ian Garland with some of Kinokulture’s dedicated volunteers

Oswestry’s independent cinema is celebrating after winning a national award. Kinokulture Community Cinema, in Arthur Street, was presented with the Community Award at The Cinema For All Film Society Of The Year Awards. The awards celebrate and reward the hard work and dedication of volunteer-led community cinemas. Ruth Carter, who runs Kinokulture along with technical director Ian Garland, said: “We are overwhelmed with winning the Community Award in this special 70th anniversary year of Cinema For All and extremely proud to bring it back to our volunteers and audience in Oswestry. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in creating such a friendly and welcoming space. “The award acknowledges not just our film programming but how we work within our local community, including school screenings, film making projects with young people, special programming for local events like Lit Fest, Oswestry Food & Drink Festival, Borderlines Film Festival and National Heritage Open Days.”

Tom’s festive wish come true With the help of a pink sheep and bags of determination, Oswestry School pupil Tom Evans hopes to have raised an astounding £20,000 by January 2017. Tom began fundraising early in 2016 for Cancer Research UK after his grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Having spent three and a half months visiting his grandmother in hospital, Tom felt grateful for the care she received and thought it would be a good idea to give something back. By the beginning of December Tom had raised more than £17,200 and this figure is still increasing with Tom aiming to hit £20,000 by the end of the year. The fundraising began in May at the first agricultural show in Builth Wells. Here, at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival, Tom showed his Kerry Hill sheep and also took along his pink Cancer Research sheep. Here he qualified for the Young Shepherd of the Year competition that would be held later in the year.

� Tom hopes to reach his £20,000 target with help from sales of his pink sheep Christmas card

With fundraising still very much at the forefront of Tom’s mind he has created a Christmas card to be sold locally with all proceeds going towards his £20,000 target.

COULD IT BE MAGIC?

Published by

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

� Gary Barlow tribute act Dan Hadfield and Nicola Barkley

Oswestry has been home to a bit of celebrity spotting thanks to charity fundraiser Nicola Barkley. Nicola recruited a Gary Barlow tribute act, aka Dan Hadfield, for a threecourse dinner and disco held at The Lion Quays Resort, near Oswestry, last October raising £2,600 for The Alzheimers Society. She is hoping to repeat her sell-out success next year with an event featuring a fellow Take That tribute – Robbie Williams. The Robbie Williams tribute night will take place at Weston Pools Clubhouse on 8 April, from 7.30pm. Tickets, including hog roast, are priced at £25 and all money raised will go to Hope House. For details contact Nicola Barkley on � 'Robbie Williams’ 07972 018796.

JANUARY 2017 | COMMUNITY

Knife angel stands against aggression Shropshire Review is backing The British Ironwork Centre in its bid to persuade every police force in Britain to support the Save A Life, Surrender Your Knife campaign. More than 100,000 knives from across the country have been used to create the magnificent Knife Angel statue at the centre – a beautiful yet tragic tribute to those who have lost their lives through knife crime, and a monument against aggression. Clive Knowles, owner of The British Ironwork Centre, is campaigning to take the angel to London to display on the fourth plinth of Trafalgar Square which hosts a rolling programme of temporary artworks. Clive hopes that the The Knife Angel, created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, will be viewed by as many people as possible to bring home the true impact of the thousands of knives on the streets of Britain. “Everyone who has seen the Knife Angel and met Alfie is convinced that the knife amnesty is a good idea and that the sculpture should be seen by as many people as possible. People have to see it to understand the full impact,” said Clive. There are still a handful of the UK’s 43 police forces that have resisted taking part in the knife surrender, and failed to take the Ironwork Centre up on offers to provide specially designed knife banks to be installed for free at key points in areas affected by knife crime. “For some it’s due to apathy but also a fear of admitting that their region has a problem with knives. They are worried for tourism, that people will consider their area unsafe. But knife crime can happen anywhere. Anyone who thinks that knives only ever stay in isolated ‘gangland’ areas is being naïve. They are carried around and knife crime could happen anywhere,” he added. Clive has spoken to and has the support of around eight brave mums who have lost their children to knife crime.

Colourful Christmas window winners

n The Knife Angel by Alfie Bradley – a monument against knife crime and aggression

He said: “What I’d say to police forces that haven’t backed us is: ‘What are you going to say to that Mum who has lost a child because you didn’t lift a finger to get involved in a scheme that was free to you’.” The monument against violence has also become a memorial, as families affected by knife crime have inscribed messages of love and condemnation of violence on some of the knives. Supporters of the campaign include Lisa McNeil, from near Oswestry, who lost her 21-year-old son Danny Jones in April 2014, when he was attacked with a replica Lord of the Rings sword; as well as Avril Sanders Royle, stepmother of murdered 20-year-old Julian Sanders, from Ruyton-XI-Towns. Clive says that although the angel is complete, their campaign is far from ended. He said: “While there is a need for knife banks we will keep collecting for free. Two years on and we have collected 100,000 knives but we will carry on until we have a quarter of a million.”

Super stars at switch-on

n Sporting hero Mikey Hall and Mayor Cllr Paul Milner are joined by surprise guests

Oswestry’s annual Christmas light switch on was a spectacle, featuring heroes of sport and screen. Mikey Hall, Paralympian archer from the Rio Olympics, officially switched on the lights with help from some very special guests including Star Wars’ Chewbacca and Mayor Cllr Paul Milner. The event was bigger than ever with plenty of local schools and dance and theatre groups performing on the night. Hundreds of local residents came to support, braving the chilly weather to help make the night a true celebration. Town clerk David Preston said: “The town council would like to thank everyone for showing their support throughout the night.”

A chartered accountants has proved their slogan ‘not all accountants are grey’ is true, by winning our Christmas window competition with a bright and cheery window display. Morris Cook, in Salop Road, stood out as winner in the annual Christmas window competition judged by Oswestry Chamber of Commerce and Reviewmedia. The accountants had covered their window in an eye-catching and humorous cartoon Christmas scene Siop Cwlwm, in Oswestry Market, won the best market stall award for their attractive display complete with Welsh ‘Nadolig Llawen’ bunting and tinsel. Deciding on final winners was a difficult decision with strong Christmas windows at many of the town’s shops. Neil Jenkins, chair of Oswestry Chamber of Commerce, will be presenting winners with their trophies over the Christmas period. For a full round-up of some of the best, visit the Shropshire Review Facebook page. For full editorial on the winners, be sure to check out the next issue of Shropshire Review.

Winter waterways walk Blow away the Christmas cobwebs and join the Shrewsbury & North Wales branch of Inland Waterways on a three-mile walk from Weston Arm on the Montgomery Canal to the Jack Mytton Inn at Hindford, near Whittington, on the Llangollen Canal. On 2 January, the winter waterway walk will meet at 10.30am for an 11am departure from Weston Arm. More details at issuu.com/ waterwaysassoc/docs/201611_sfp_autumn

Football and tea

Whether you’re into food or sport (or both), you can enjoy a whole host of different events at Derwen College, in Gobowen, this month. On 22 January, the college hosts a Charity Football Match on the Derwen College sports field. It was on this date 90 years ago that the first BBC live commentary of a football match took place. As the college also celebrates it 90th birthday it thought this would be a good date to celebrate. Then on 25 January, indulge in a Burns Night Afternoon Tea at the Garden Cafe. It’s a chance to sample the college’s homemade, home-grown and locally sourced products for a Burns Night tea. Starts 2.30pm, £6.95 per head. To book contact Nina 01691 779228. For details on Derwen College events visit www.derwen.ac.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | JANUARY 2017

Four sizes smaller for her big day

n Stunning Gemma Dell beamed with confidence on her wedding day after dropping four dress sizes

Stunning bride, Gemma, is looking forward to her new life as Mrs Dell after having her dream wedding last September. The 35-year-old dropped a whopping four dress sizes since joining the Cabin Lane Slimming World group in November 2015 and her impressive transformation saw her marry the love of her life Oscar on 24 September 2016. Gemma says: “When I was bigger I often felt quite unhappy. Even though I had a very busy social life, I didn’t like what I saw when I looked in the mirror. I hated shopping for clothes and I felt self-conscious most of the time. While sometimes it’s still hard to remember that the slim woman in the mirror is me, things are completely different now and I feel much more confident than I used to. I felt absolutely beautiful on my wedding day and loved every minute of it. If I could do it all again tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate. “The groups at Cabin Lane are so lovely and it’s because of them that I’ve been able to lose the weight that I have. I was very nervous when I first walked through the doors of the group because I expected everyone to judge me, but I needn’t have worried because everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I’ve made lots of friends and I love swapping recipes and ideas every week. My consultant Claire Morris has been so supportive too, she’s positive and enthusiastic and is always at the end of the phone if I need her.” After joining Slimming World, Gemma began

following the organisation’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and was amazed to discover that she didn’t have to give up her favourite meals. “I actually eat the same things now as before – curries, roast dinners, pasta dishes – but they’re all made from scratch and I still eat out too – I just make healthier choices like having pasta with a tomato and vegetable sauce instead n Before losing the of meals that are fried or weight, Gemma felt self-conscious about covered in creamy sauces or her size dressings,” she says. Gemma, who founded The Zackery Dell Snowflake Fund at Hope House after the tragic loss of her son in May 2014, has worked tirelessly to raise thousands of pounds from her efforts. She says: “Even though I`m always at social events promoting the charity, I still managed to lose weight every week by following the Slimming World plan.” To find your nearest group go to www.slimmingworld.co.uk

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JANUARY 2017 | COMMUNITY

Stepping out Put your best foot forward and experience some of the stunning walks right on our doorsteps

n Graham ‘Grum’ Mitchell takes a break from his Shropshire ramblings ome January, most of us want to blow away the cobwebs of Christmas with a bracing walk, and where better to explore than the beautiful countryside of North Shropshire? Oswestry’s Graham Mitchell, known to friends as Grum, is a former medical microbiologist and commercial manager who is making the most of retirement by embracing the great outdoors around his home town. Graham now focuses his time on photography, jewellery making, gardening and walking his beloved town and surrounding areas. He is also encouraging others to experience some of the area’s most picturesque walks with the aid of his camera and walking website www.oswalks.wordpress.com The website offers 20 walks around the area including Shelf Bank & Wilfred Owen Green, Oswestry Hillfort, then further afield to Nesscliffe Hill, Ellesmere Mere and Llanymynech Rocks. All benefit from his stunning photography, showing how no walk is ever the same, depending on season, wildlife and company. “I go up to the Hillfort once a week, usually combined with a trip to the allotment. I enjoy watching the changing seasons up there. Every trip is different,” he says. “Another favourite walk is Llanymynech Rocks which is half in Wales. There are stunning views and wildlife.” Graham set up the site and Facebook group In & Around Oswestry Family Friendly Walks to share his favourite walks with neighbours in Oswestry and with those visiting the area. He says: “It was set up partly because I found that these types of walks were often difficult to find on the web, but predominantly because, on posting pictures on Facebook, local people were asking where they were taken, and then how to get there. So few people were enjoying the fantastic countryside on our doorsteps. “My walks are in public spaces, they are not treks, rambles, so no farmers’ fields, climbing stiles, or roads. Easy car parking is also a must. Though there may be rough terrain and it may get muddy.” When he’s not walking, Graham designs jewellery crafted from wood and gemstones. His work features as part of Borderland Visual Arts exhibition at the Willow Gallery until 14 January. He is a member of Borderland Visual Arts, organising the Open Studios event when local artists open up their studios to the public, giving everyone a chance to meet them, view their work and maybe

n Above: Oswestry Hillfort offers captivating views across Shropshire and Wales

n Right: Spot sheep and a selection of much rarer wildlife on a trek up the hillfort

buy a piece of original art. His photography and cards are available from Athena’s Artisans, Cross Street, Oak Furniture Shop, Bailey Street and Oswestry Library. For walk information visit www.oswalks. wordpress.com. For Graham’s artwork go to www.gsfmitchell.wordpress.com or www.borderlandvisualarts.com

Oswestry Hillfort ‘Old Oswestry’ walk Area Old Oswestry is one of Britain’s most spectacular and impressive early Iron Age hill forts and remains one of the best preserved hill forts in the UK, according to English Heritage. Built on lower ground, it is also one of the most accessible hill forts with stunning panoramic views across North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire. Location Free parking is available off Gatacre Avenue (postcode SY11 1DP), a quarter mile walk along a public footpath from the hillfort. There are about six parking places at the main entrance (SY10 7AA), but these do get filled quickly.

Public transport links Easy walk from Oswestry centre. Further information The site contains steep pathways and uneven ground, so strong footwear is recommended. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Walks around the lower ramparts are less demanding. Sheep and cattle graze across the hill fort, so please keep dogs on leads. Wildlife Skylarks, buzzards, yellow hammers, and an incredible display of bluebells in May.

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Sarah’s happy to help Shy Oswestry mum Sarah Kros set herself a challenge to go out into the community and perform 56 good deeds in less than a month, with a little help from her friends

n Sarah uses social media to help Oswestry’s CHALK CIC in the Aviva Community Fund, to get them votes to win charity funding

n Walking Nelly the dog from Grinshill Animal Rescue with sister-in-law Lisa, who is currently Miss Galaxy Oswestry and is competing for the Miss Galaxy England title next year

n Sarah and daughter Kiera, with bus fare at the ready, leave the car at home and board public transport as a good deed with the environment in mind

ost of us like to think encouraging them to do good deeds in their local we’re generally communities. So I thought that promoting this good people, doing idea would be good, and would hopefully inspire our bit for the other people to do good deeds too.” planet, community, Using suggestions from social media, friends family and friends. and family, Sarah easily compiled a list of far This time of year, especially, thoughts go more than 56 good deeds though fitting them all out to others and we pledge new, kinder, into 28 days was more of a challenge. beginnings. But in reality, with busy lives, Sarah admits that being a bit shy also proved most of us do little more than throw some to be an obstacle to overcome. loose change into a charity collection bucket; “The most difficult deeds were probably ones not really above and beyond the call of duty. where I had to get out and meet new people. I’m Oswestry’s Sarah Kros decided that this wasn’t quite shy by nature, and a lot of the good deeds enough and so the 31-year-old mum, who works involved me stepping outside of my comfort zone with Kros Brothers Martial Arts Community, and contacting people and going into brand-new took it upon herself to take on a Good Deed environments, which is historically something I Challenge, pledging 56 good deeds over 28 days find quite difficult. However, these good deeds, to raise money for BBC such as volunteering Children In Need. at West Felton Youth The most difficult deeds Group, were probably As mum to 21-monthold Kiera, and involved were probably ones where the most rewarding. in the family business, “It has been an the challenge wasn’t I had to get out and meet amazing challenge, and always an easy one but I’ve loved it! I have made new people she managed widelinks with community ranging deeds including interest company CHALK volunteering at a local youth group, sending and will definitely continue to help them.” thank you gifts and signing up for a 100km Alongside Kros Bros and MD Warriors, Sarah charity walk next summer. has helped Chalk promote their Community “I wanted to do something different to raise Christmas Day and a market stall where people money for Children In Need, that would be a could donate items towards the day, as well as challenge but that would also catch people’s sleeping bags and blankets. Sarah’s final good deed was to sign up for The attention. I work for Kros Bros Martial Arts South Coast Challenge, walking 100km for Help Community (the business my husband runs with For Heroes, next August. his brother, Graeme) and they work with children’s “This is one good deed I will be continuing martial arts clubs around the UK and worldwide,

n The Kros Bros team, plus MD Warriors and Powys Dragons instructors, organised a group lunch for Stand Up To Cancer

with for a long time. It is definitely going to be a challenge!” she says. Sarah admits the 28-day trial was difficult at times, especially when daughter Kiera was poorly. But she has no regrets and says her deeds have inspired others to help too. Several people have offered to support her fundraising for Children in Need and the walking challenge, some have even pledged to sign up with her. “I couldn’t have done the challenge without the help of friends, family and the guys at Kros Bros and the other martial arts clubs,” she says. “And my family were great at helping with babysitting.” Sarah hopes to have raised her target of £100 for Children in Need and then to start fundraising for the big Help for Heroes challenge. Despite this huge trial ahead, Sarah says it was often the small things that were most rewarding. “It can be really easy to make a big difference. Some of the smallest good deeds I think made the biggest difference, like giving flowers to cheer someone up, or just writing a nice text message or letter to thank people for just being there. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our daily lives that we forget to do these things.” To read more about Sarah’s deeds visit her blog www.managingchaossite.wordpress. com or find her on www.facebook.com/ krosbroscommunity

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F o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n d o n o t h e s i t a t e t o t o c o n t a c t u s o r c o m e a n d s e e o u r n e w s h oFworrofou m e r i n f o 8NH rmation do not Unit 10, Business Centre, Glovers Meadow, Oswestr yr t hSY10

01691 650567 www.malcom-lewis.co.uk Unit 10, Business Centre, Glovers Meadow, Oswestr y SY10 8NH Unit GM1, Telephone: Find Our brand new showroom at

Glovers Meadow Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NH www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk

Telephone:

01691 650567 13

Telephone: 01 Unit 10, Business C

HOMEFIRST | JANUARY 2017

right: Lea chandelier £179, Dorset mirror £149, Georgia sofa in Blue Floral Jacquard £1,399, Bug vase £29.50, small Padstow vase £17.50, Leah urn £35, Iris pressed glass vase £15, lace embroidered cushion £35, mirrored birds cushion £24, Mimosa embroidered cushion £29.50 – Marks & Spencer

Drift i nt o

below right: 6 Montana large two seater in Oliver light blue, leather two seater in Como Slate, scatters in Milo Geometric Blue and stylist’s own – Warner Furnishing, Shrewsbury

ulux has declared Denim Drift – a gorgeous muted blue-grey – as its colour of the year 2017, so expect it to make a big impact on interiors. Dulux has also identified a colour palette to complement and inspire. Says creative director Marianne Shillingford: “Creating a blue colour scheme is successful when you choose shades that work beautifully together. The whole collection has been designed to be used in combination across different elements of an interior from the walls to the furniture, furnishings and accessories. “You can turn the visual impact up with brighter blues and down with muted blues to suit the style and personality of a room and can be sure that none of them will ever look out of place.”

below: Monkey lamp, £85 – Debenhams

below: Watercolour stripe cushion blue £12, Dexter cushion multi £12, Robyn seafoam cushion £18, Watercolour spot cushion blue £12 – Dunelm

above: Revive rug £79 – Alan Ward, Shrewsbury

JANUARY 2017 | HOMEFIRST

above: Lucas tripod floor lamp £139, Bingham metal dome fitting £49, Honesty boxed canvas £30, succulent in geo pot £6, Liberty corner sofa Harbour Mineral £1,399, faux goat fur cushion grey £12, Bella leaf cushion silver £14, velvet metallic cushion £10, Robyn seafoam cushion £18, Lucido cushion teal £15, concrete base hurricane lantern £7, quartx rug from £89 – Dunelm above right: Ombre woven throw, £25 – Next below: Cushion £26 – Debenhams below right: Cushions £4 – Primark bottom: Buxton blue sideboard, £750 – Next

JANUARY 2017

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR A VAST RANGE OF BEAUTIFUL DOORS ON DISPLAY

£690

INC VAT

For further information do not hesitate to contact us and see our showroom Telephone 01691 650567 www.malcolm-lewis.co.uk Find Our brand new showroom at: Unit GM1, Glovers Meadow , Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NH

developments ltd Construction – Refurbishment – Maintenance

New build /extensions n Complete property refurbishment Kitchen & bathroom refits Total project management Design & build Period property restorations Shop & office fit out Property maintenance Small repairs n

Over 20 years’ experience Quality guarantee Call now for all your building requirements

• Loft & garage Conversions • Garden Construction • Commercial & Domestic • Painting Plastering • Tiling • Joinery • Brickwork • Roofing • Plumbing & Electrics

Mobile: 07801 377070 Email: jtconstruct@btinternet.com Oswestry, Shropshire

JANUARY 2017 | HOMEFIRST

Luxurious living in town centre A luxurious six-bedroom, three-storey modern family home has come on to the Oswestry market. 11 Upper Well Close, in the town, offers private, enclosed garden; double glazing throughout and a double garage as well as ample off-road parking. Estate agents Woodheads are recommending viewings so that buyers can appreciate the spacious home and its much sought after location. The house benefits from living room, family room, dining room, recently fitted kitchen with Range-style cooker and six bedrooms of which two have ensuites, shower room and bathroom. Other handy added extras include a utility room and a dressing room. Outside, the drive provides parking for up to six vehicles and the private rear garden has a patio entertaining area, decking, pretty pagoda and archway to the lawn area. The sellers are looking for offers in the region of £414,950.

Property consultants forge ahead with ‘green’ office expansion

n Town house 65 Oakhurst Road, Oswestry n Andy Lowe, Charles Lawson, Jo Wood and Tom Mason, of Forge Property Consultants, outside the newly-converted offices near West Felton

Forge Property Consultants have moved into environmentally friendly new offices – with serviced desk space available for other rurally-based businesses – thanks to funding from a Redundant Buildings Grant. The eco-build project has provided a new use for a redundant farm building and incorporates a number of ‘green’ features such as a ‘green roof’ to encourage wildlife, solar PV panels, a high level of insulation and a biomass boiler. The building has an EPC rating of ‘B’ which is an excellent rating for a rural barn converted for office accommodation. Forge Property Consultants director, Charles Lawson, says: “We were keen to make the conversion as sustainable as possible, minimising our carbon footprint and providing

a pleasant rural workspace for our staff and tenants. We even compost our teabags as part of our environmental policy.” Charles continues: “As chartered surveyors and property consultants we wanted to ‘practice what we preach’, showcasing how technology and modern building techniques can be brought together to keep the running costs of a building as low as possible. The additional space will allow us to create new jobs and increase our range of services as we continue to grow.” Along with accommodating the Forge Property team, the new offices also have serviced desks for rent to other businesses to take advantage of working in the countryside, in an environmentally friendly space.

Period property Number 65 Oakhurst Road, Oswestry, is an attractive town house that Woodheads estate agents are pleased to say is generating a lot of interest. Owners of this spacious four bedroom semi detached period property are looking for offers in the region of £215,000 for the property which is ripe for renovation. The property has views to the front across Brogynton, which is a Green Belt area, and benefits from two reception rooms, cellar, kitchen, utility room, downstairs WC, four bedrooms, bathroom, gas central heating, double glazing, off road parking, garage and an enclosed rear garden. Woodheads state that viewings are highly recommended in order to appreciate this property’s location and accommodation.

JANUARY 2017

Telephone: 01691 680044

OIRO £485,000

• • • •

We would like to wish all our customers past present and future a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

3 BED HOUSE NO CHAIN & GARAGE 2 RECEPTION ROOMS EPC RATING D

OIRO £214,950 Barn Owl Cottage, Llandrinio

EW • 2 PLOTS & DWELLING • 1 PLOT & DWELLING • 1 PLOT

£299,950 £215,000 £90,000

Christmas Opening Hours Thurs 22nd Dec Open Normal Hours Fri 23rd Dec CLOSE AT 3pm Sat 24th Dec CLOSE AT 12pm Mon 26th Dec CLOSED Tues 27th Dec CLOSED Wed 28th Dec Open Normal Hours Thurs 29th Dec Open Normal Hours Fri 30th Dec Open Normal Hours Sat 31st Dec Open Normal Hours Mon 2nd Jan 2017 CLOSED Tues 3rd Jan 2017: Normal Hours Resume

Walnut Cottage, Babbinswood

• • • •

4 BED DET HOUSE VILLAGE LOCATION WELL DESIGNED GARDENS EPC RATING C

OIRO £279,950 School Masters Cottage, Morton

• • • •

3 BEDROOM COTTAGE 3 RECEPTION ROOMS SEMI RURAL LOCATION EPC RATING F

OIRO £205,000 5 Regents Court, Oswestry

15 Aspen Court,Weston Rhyn

PRNE IC W E

N EW 3 BED DET COTTAGE SEMI RURAL LOCATION NO CHAIN EPC RATING E

OIRO £189,950

4 BED DET HOUSE 3 RECEPTION ROOMS CORNER PLOT EPC RATING D

OIRO £349,950

60 Welsh Walls, Oswestry

• • • •

4 BED BARN CONVERSION 3 RECEPTION ROOMS RURAL LOCATION EPC RATING E

• • • •

7 Whitridge Way,Trefonen

BA U CK NE ON XPE TH CT E ED M LY AR KE T

• • • •

Shirley Gorse, Pant

59 High Fawr Avenue, Oswestry

PRNE IC W E

Little Wootton Barn, Queens Head

• • • •

3 BED DET COTTAGE NO CHAIN VILLAGE LOCATION EPC RATING G

OIRO £150,000

• • • •

2 BED DET BUNGALOW NO CHAIN 2 RECEPTION ROOMS EPC RATING C

OIRO £149,950

• • • •

2 BED RETIREMENT APARTMENT GROUND FLOOR NO CHAIN EPC RATING C

OIRO £119,950

12 Leg Street, Oswestry, SY11 2NL e: sales@woodheadsalesandlettings.com www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

The independent agent with national coverage OSWESTRY’S RECOMMENDED AGENT FOR THE GUILD OF PROFESSIONAL ESTATE AGENTS

ASSOCIATED LONDON OFFICE

JANUARY 2017

WOODHEAD sales&lettings Telephone: 01691 680044

www.woodheadsalesandlettings.com

12 Leg Street, Oswestry, SY11 2NL e: sales@woodheadsalesandlettings.com Paddock House, Llanymynech

Carreg Farm, Craignant, Selattyn PART EXCHANGE MAY BE CONSIDERED - WITH NO CHAIN Carreg Farm is a spacious, detached house located within the countryside. It has four reception rooms, sun room, kitchen, utility room, downstairs shower room, four bedrooms, bathroom, oil central heating and double glazing. The gardens and grounds extend to approximately three and a half acres with three paddocks. There are outbuildings including a dutch barn, workshop, two stables and a detached barn with planning permission for a self contained annexe. EPC RATING E

A detached dormer bungalow with enviable views. It has two reception rooms, utility room, three downstairs bedrooms, shower room, oil central heating and double glazing. Upstairs is bedroom four and bathroom. The gardens and grounds extend to approximately two acres with two paddocks. There are various outbuildings including a garage and a brick built shed. In the rear paddock is a large workshop and storage shed which were previously stables, a triple bay shed and two stables. EPC RATING D.

OIRO £389,000

OIRO £414,950

Parkside, Queens Road, Oswestry

Elm Tree Cottage, Llawnt

SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION exceptional three bedroom detached modernised bungalow. This property is set within a particularly sought after location in Oswestry and has a modern kitchen, two reception rooms, utility room, separate WC, bathroom, gas central heating, double glazing, off road parking, double length garage and enclosed gardens.Viewings are very highly recommended in order to appreciate this property’s presentation, location and accommodation. EPC RATING D

NO CHAIN - LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION - Three bedroom detached house with solar panels for electricity. This property sits in approximately a one and a half acre plot and has enviable countryside views. There is a living room, downstairs WC, sun room, kitchen/ diner, master bedroom with en suite, two further bedrooms and bathroom. Externally there is a utility room and off road parking. The gardens are a real feature of this property. EPC RATING B

OIRO £320,000

OIRO £374,950

Roger Parry & Partners

Est. 1981

Incorporating Parry Lowarch

www.rogerparry.net

Chapel Fields, Arddleen, Llanymynech

Mallards Reach is an individually designed Spacious, Grade II listed, detached cottage style detached house set in an former coach house conversion with outstanding position enjoying the benefit on-site parking and garden area. of direct canal frontage to the rear and Accommodation includes; 20’ living lovely open outlooks over countryside. room, 20’ dining room, study, rear 7/8 BEDROOMS Accommodation comprises; hall, through SWIMMING POOL hall, ground floor shower room with INSPECTION HIGHLY WITH sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast WC,SELF-CONTAINED kitchen/breakfast room, utility RECOMMENDED SINGLE STOREY ANNEX room, conservatory, two downstairs doubleNobold, Shrewsbury room, four very good sized bedrooms, A substantial detached, period former farmhouse set in the bedrooms with separate showerhighly room. Upstairs desirable hamlet of Nobold, located only minutes drive Charlton, Nr Telfordtwo en-suite bathrooms and one enGreat Ryton, Condover there is a master bedroom en-suite shower further The suite shower room. NOannex. CHAIN.Indoor Shrewsbury towntogether centre. Thewith originala part of thedouble building bedroom. An opportunity to acquire a brand new luxury detached family house built to an extremely high standardwithfrom A 3/4 bedroom detached barn conversion with adjoining self-contained single storey is with thoughtthe to date fromtsthe 1750’s, with laterdetached extension circa with quality contemporary fittings throughout, briefly consisting: reception hall, sitting is room, dining room, plot swimming pool, four car garage, large detached workshop, detached office block which could easily be property set in a generous benefi of large double garage, oil central 1800’s. Extensive accommodation; reception hall, sitting room, study, open plan kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining sun room, utility/boot room, downstairs WC and converted to further independent accommodation subject to PP. The house and buildings are set round Offers inthere theis aregion of £345,000 heating doubleboth glazing Rating:family/music D Offers ineasy theaccess region of Shrewsbury £250,000 dining room,EPC snug/office, room, kitchen/breakfast double garage. Upstairs master bedroom with large full en-suite, 2 further and bedrooms with throughout. a central courtyard, extremely conveniently situated giving to Telford, and the en-suite shower rooms, 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. At this early stage of construction, the prospective buyers can have significant input into the finishes of the property. EPC: TBC

Guide Price: £750,000

Offers in the region of £239,950 Sychtyn, Llansilin

room, downstairs cloakroom, cellarage, 7/8 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 en-suites. Propane gas and oil CH systems, DG, all set in manageable gardens with a range of brick built outbuildings together with outdoor swimming pool. EPC: F

Melverley, Oswestry 4025

Guide Price: £625,000

3098

M54 link. The property provides extensive potential to run a business from the premises subject to the necessary PP and would also suit family groups looking to reside together. EPC: D

Belle Vue, Shrewsbury

01691 655334

An individual and substantial detached property built in the late 1920’s, occupying an outstanding elevated position in the hamlet of Sychtyn situated approximately six miles west of Oswestry. Oil CH, ample parking. Porch, hall, large inner hallway, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study/bedroom 6, large kitchen breakfast room, three ground floor bedrooms, bathroom, upstairs there are master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobes, two further bedrooms. Set in lovely gardens enjoying elevated views over surrounding countryside. EPC: E

Guide Price: £395,000

Kinalt Crescent, St Martins

Guide Price: £475,000

A tastefully renovated 3 bedroom detached village bungalow which offers a high specification finish to include an attractive re-fitted kitchen, quality fitted engineered oak flooring, a spacious Lounge/Dining Room with log Burner, Luxury Re-Fitted Bathroom with Bath and Shower Cubicle, UPVC Double Glazing and a recently installed oil fired combi boiler. Gardens extend to the front and rear of the property with lovely countryside aspect to side; a driveway provides off-road parking provision with Garage. EPC rating D.

OffersA charming in theandregion of £189,950 unusual detached stone built cottage, Sheinton Road, Much Wenlock

This highly desirable ground floor garden apartment situated in a period Grade II listed building offering spacious character accommodation briefly comprising: oak panelled entrance hall, large open plan living room incorporating luxury kitchen, contemporary fire with original surround, french doors leading out to enclosed gardens. There are 2 double bedrooms 1 with en-suite cloakroom and luxury large family bathroom. With gas fired CH, many period features and 2 allocated private parking spaces. The property also comes with a large brick built store room originally part of a former coach house. EPC Rating: C

3956 Guide Price: £365,000

3882

Immaculately presented 3 bedroom detached house with £5,000 of additional extras to include an automatic garage door. Entrance Hall, Cloakroom/WC, Lounge, Kitchen/ Dining Room, First Floor Landing, Three Bedrooms, Bathroom, Gas Fired Central Heating, Double Glazing, PART DrivewayEXCHANGE providing ample off-street CONSIDERED parking, Garage and Gardens. EPC B. offering a rare combination of a period property with parking and garden, within walking distance of the town centre. Porch, dining room, cloakroom, utility room, landing area leading to sitting room with stone fireplace and access to gardens, three good size bedrooms, family bathroom. Wood framed DG, gas CH, off-street parking with small stone outbuilding/carport. Gardens run to a good size with open fields to the rear, with large summer house, garden stores, greenhouse and water feature. EPC Rating: E

20 Salop Rd, Oswestry SY11 2NU Website: www.rogerparry.net 4024

Guide Price: £365,000

3602

BRAND NEW LUXURY HOUSE

Professional photography Top quality photographs appearing on the leading property Internet sites including Rightmove and OnTheMarket is just one of the ways we can improve the sale prospects for your home Morris Marshall and Poole, a local company with National coverage and the experience to help you get the most for your home Residential Sales Property Letting Surveys and Valuations Auctions Agriculture Commercial

morrismarshall.co.uk For free advice on selling or renting your home call 01691 679595 today

Established 1862

JANUARY 2017 | HOMEFIRST

Caring for the roof over your head

torms, heavy rain, wind, ice and snow will all impact away, dislodged or otherwise damaged. Skylights, vents and any structures on your roof, and the cost of the damage caused by a that penetrate through the roof should be checked to ensure sealant isn’t leak will almost certainly exceed the cost of fixing the cracking or peeling away. issue quickly. Next, moss. First, you need to know the difference between black In order to keep your roof in good condition, roofing algae spots and moss: Black algae isn’t nice to look at, but it only affects expert Darren Searles from national suppliers JJ Roofing aesthetics. It doesn’t harm your roof. However, moss is a problem because recommends the following steps, all of which are easy to do yourself: it holds water; it’s very important that it’s removed. If you catch moss early, Regular inspections are important. First you may be able to just sweep it away, but check inside your house. Look for dark or if moss has established itself for a while it browning spots, or blistering and bubbling needs to be killed off. You should opt for paint on ceilings; these are indicators of water a product that has potassium salts of fatty damage. Also, check for damp spots forming acids rather than a product with a toxic near fireplaces. formula that includes zinc sulphate. Only If that’s all fine, move on to the loft. If apply the mixture where the moss is growing. possible, do this on a sunny day; you’ll see Again, if this isn’t a job you’re comfortable sunlight lancing in through worn or broken with, contact a roofing maintenance shingles. If it’s rained recently, any water professional. damage should be obvious, but also inspect Cleaning your gutters is an important for signs of previous leaks or damp. job, especially around spring and autumn. With the interior of your home checked, If debris piles up too high in the gutters, it’s time to move on to the outside of your it prevents water from flowing through to roof. The first and most important thing the downspouts. If this happens, water can to consider is safety; do not walk on your end up soaking into the roof and start to n Moss that has established itself will need to be killed off roof. If you’re comfortable with heights, rot parts of it. Gutters also prevent damage n An uneven and view your roof using a ladder, preferably to the foundation which can lead to wet spotty roof could with someone on the ground taking notes basements, staining, erosion, and massive be an indication it is old and needs for you. If heights make you uneasy, find a bills to fix the damage. replacing good position to view your roof with a pair While you are up there, why not install a of binoculars. If neither of those options gutter brush? This is designed to easily and work for you, call a roofing maintenance efficiently keep debris out of your guttering system. It requires very professional. little maintenance although a jet wash once a year is recommended. You’re checking for more than missing Finally, take a look at what’s around your roof: are there shingles or tiles. Dark patches or lines likely overhanging trees? Branches that lead directly to your roof not only means damage. Also, look out for curling provide easier access for squirrels, they can scrape and damage and cupping or a large number of chipped your roof and send shingles flying in strong winds. There’s also the and buckled shingles. If your roof is visibly potential for branches to break off in a storm and cause significant uneven and spotty it could be an indication damage, and the shade they provide allows moss to grow more that your roof is getting quite old and might efficiently, so keep branches trimmed about 10ft away from your roof. need replacing. Your first thoughts should always be about safety, and if you After inspecting the shingles or tiles, turn don’t have the proper tools and safety equipment and clothing (and your attention to your building’s chimneys. some experience of the work involved) please contact a professional It’s important to check the flashing and make sure that it isn’t peeled for help.

‘No property Armageddon in 2017’ ‘Secret Agent’ Kate Howell, of Woodhead Sales and Lettings in Oswestry is certain 2017 is going to be another steady year, but as 2016 taught us – we should always prepare for the unexpected. I don’t think anyone could have predicted the political events that befell 2016 at this time last year. But uncertainty surrounding the Brexit vote and the ripples from Trump’s election in the US have failed to cause an Armageddon in the Oswestry property market. Industry forecasters are unanimous in predicting zero house price inflation for 2017. But with this we expect sales to increase on older properties needing renovation, where value can be added. Oswestry is a microclimate when it comes

to house prices – not affected by the booms or busts experienced in the big cities. Instead, reliant on a steady rise that not only allows young people to join the property market, but provides a reliable investment for the older generations too. Rental industry experts ARLA have predicted the number of new rental properties entering the market will fall, following changes to stamp duty and this year’s impending reduction in tax relief and the ban on letting agents’ fees. Rents are expected to increase as lower stock levels and increased landlord costs impact the market. House price deflation, and an increase in rents combined with low interest rates and a drop-off in the number of buy-to-let purchases points to 2017 being the ideal climate for first-time buyers.

n Kate Howell of Woodheads These buyers traditionally buy the same type of low-cost property as landlords, meaning there will be more stock for them to choose from. And, with interest rates at an all-time low and property prices set to rise again for 2018, there’s never been a better time for first-timers to climb onto the ladder. We are already taking appointments for valuations for local people who want to move house this spring.

JANUARY 2017

JANUARY 2017 | ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Personal touch at new showroom

n Oswestry heating and plumbing firm has opened a new showroom, so that customers from Shropshire, Powys and Cheshire can see products and talk to qualified fitters, face to face. D Powell Plumbing & Heating, in Trefonen, launched the purpose-built showroom in November and have received excellent feedback from domestic customers, who like to meet the team of highly qualified plumbers and gas engineers in person. Darren Powell, who started the business four years ago, says he has seen sales of domestic boilers and heating systems rise due to the new facility. “Over the years a lot of our work has been contracting for new builds and developments but the showroom has seen more individual clients come to us as well,” says Darren. “Customers like to see that we have a professional base where they can talk to us about products, services and possible credit agreements. They feel reassured knowing there is somewhere to come if there’s a problem. They know that we’re not just operating out of a van!” Local boy Darren has been in the plumbing

industry since leaving school at 16 and starting off as an apprentice. He employs staff from the area and currently has two young apprentices, as well as highly trained local staff. “I like to take on good local lads who are fully trained. We only recommend quality Worcester boilers and take the time to ensure that the team are all Gas Safe registered and Worcester-Bosch accredited installers.” With a team of nine employees and two supervisors, along with six vans, D Powell are working on 300 new builds in the area and further afield, including a development in West Felton. Yet they haven’t lost sight of individual customers. “Recently, our individual customers have grown to around 40% of the business, partly due to the showroom but also to our on-going customer service,” says Darren. “We have dedicated staff who concentrate entirely on annual services and repairs of customers’ boilers. “It’s a busy time of year when boilers are working hard and it’s important to service and fix problems as soon as possible when the temperatures are freezing.”

D Powell can also help spread the cost of a new boiler with interest free credit available, meaning that an efficient new boiler – which is ultimately cheaper to run as well as greener and safer – isn’t out of reach for anyone. “We provide comprehensive advice, high-quality professional work and an extensive level of service, which is monitored at all times – both during and after the completion of the project. And we’re there for customers, in person, during and outside of normal office hours,” says Darren. “We take great pride in the loyalty of our customers, which is what motivates our constant development as a company. The most modern and up-to-date technologies and continuous professional staff training are all priorities for us as we support customers through whatever situation they find themselves in.” For more information visit the website at dpowellplumbing.co.uk, telephone 01691 650031 or drop in the D Powell showroom.

A new Worcester high efficiency boiler Peace of mind dealing with a Worcester Gold Accredited Installer

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Need a new boiler but feeling the pinch after Christmas?

FINANCE OVER 2 YEARS Boiler Breakdown & Repairs • Servicing Gas, Oil & LPG * D Powell Plumbing and Heating are a credit broker. Credit is provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a division of Hitachi Capital (UK) Plc, authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority. D Powell Plumbing & Heating, Old Victoria Garage, Victoria Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2HR

Representative Example * Cost of installation: £1,980 Customer deposit: £0.00 Interest rate: £9.9%

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

The Showroom, Victoria Garage, Victoria Road, Oswestry, SY11 2HR

Tel: 01691 650031

SHOWROOM 23

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JANUARY 2017

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JANUARY 2017

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Included in your home is a fully • Ensuite to the master bedroom EPC ‘A’ kitchen, Rated for low Included in your is asecurity fully fitted allhome utilities, energy bills withallgreat fitted kitchen, utilities, security alarm and external lighting. Included in your home is a fully insulation, solar panels alarm and external lighting. Prices from £334,940 fitted kitchen, all utilities, security and sun pipes installed Prices from £334,940 alarm and external lighting. • Spacious gardens Prices from £334,940 Morda Road, Oswestry • Prices from £334,950 Morda Road, • Included SY10 9PJ in yourOswestry home is Road, Oswestry SY10 9PJ aMorda dual log burner with slate SY10 9PJ hearth, your kitchen has solid oak work tops as standard •

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JANUARY 2017

SAVE UP TO 50% OFF ALL RUGS!

Sale starts on Tuesday 27th December. But hurry - these amazing discounts must end on Sunday 29th January 2017!

HVE088 • 12’x9’ WAS £1699.00

NOW ONLY £1359.20

Indo Zielger, (3.6M X 2.7M), 100% Wool Pile, Handmade in India

PSW542 • 9’x6’ WAS £1995.00

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Premier Superwashed Chinese, (2.7M X 1.8M), 100% Wool Pile, Handmade in China

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ECC008 6’ x 4’ WAS £179.00

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DOWN TO EARTH | JANUARY 2017

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 nurseries, which is run by brothers John and Rob Anderson, has been growing plants for the last 27 years.

JANUARY IN THE GARDEN January can be a cold month, and should we experience any snow, brush it off conifers and shrubs to avoid the weight splitting and damaging any branches. A good tip once you have done this is to fill in any gaps between branches with straw and then cover with fleece, this not only helps with the weight but will protect any early buds that have formed. Ceramic pots will benefit from being wrapped in bubble wrap (do not cover the plants, only use fleece for these), this will help to keep roots warm as well as protecting your pot in freezing conditions and remember to lift them off the ground using pot feet or house bricks. Deadhead pansies and remove old leaves from hellebores as this will encourage new blooms to develop. Snowdrops should be available in the green now, this is the best time to plant them to ensure good clumps in the coming years. If you purchased a pot-grown Christmas tree, once you have acclimatised it (do this by putting it outside during the day and bring it in to a cool room at night, gradually extending the time left outdoors) you can then plant it out. Vegetables such as peas and broad beans can be sown, protect them with a cloche or plant into pots and keep in a cold frame. Once they are showing growth and the weather has warmed up they can be planted out. Some weeds can survive the bitter cold so, weather permitting, tackle these now with a hoe before they burst into life and cause you trouble in the spring. Check garden furniture, again if you lift up wooden furniture on to bricks this will help prevent damp rising into the wood causing it to rot. Think about the coming spring and start to plan the colour scheme you want, and what plants you require – there’s nothing better than planning ahead! Finally put some feed and fresh water out for our feathered friends, food sources are not so prevalent in freezing conditions and remember: don’t stop feeding when the weather turns warmer – carry on throughout the year. For further information please see our website www.meadowdale-nurseries.co.uk or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meadowdalenurseries. Better still, why not visit us at our nurseries in Telford, where our staff will be happy to help you with any gardening questions you have.

Create a winter wonderland

dd the wow factor to your winter garden with striking plants that look their best right now. Whether you’d like to fill your borders with hardy shrubs covered with fragrant flowers, clad a fence or archway with colour, or plant a small flowering tree to create a focal point, you’ll find a great range of seasonal stunners in garden centres this month. While a coating of frost or snow creates temporary magical moments, unifying our gardens with its icy frosting, the excitement really starts when it melts away to reveal winter displays full of colour, character n Oregan Grape / Picture: Adam Pasco Media and charm. A choice selection of the very hardiest plants put on their best show in the depths of winter, providing a bright outlook from the comfort of your armchair, and an even warmer welcome when you step outside. Gold blooms really shine out on gloomy days, so look out for dramatic Witch Hazels that produce clusters of small fragrant flowers with petals like dainty ribbons, transforming the otherwise naked stems of this hardy shrub. Evergreen mahonias are equally impressive, with golden sprays of flowers forming at the tip of each shoot. There are several varieties to choose from with different sizes and forms, and flowers on most are followed by the formation of grape-like berries in spring, giving these shrubs their common name of Oregon Grape. For great garden performance it’s always worth looking out for varieties that have been given the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society, and this is often indicated by a trophy symbol on the plant label or in catalogues. At the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 the RHS chose Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ as its Plant of the Year, so if you’re looking for something different check out this new variety too. In addition to their welcome colour, fragrance is another valuable characteristic of many winter flowering shrubs. For long-lasting displays it’s hard to beat varieties of Viburnum x bodnantense that produce a succession of flowers from October until spring. And for a shady site take a look at the Christmas Rose, Helleborus niger, a lowgrowing and compact perennial whose simple white cup-shaped flowers can be picked and floated on water in a glass bowl to provide seasonal table decorations. Winter brings out the best in many plants. While flowers are an essential part of this seasonal spotlight, many other characteristics provide winter interest too. A wide range of conifers and evergreen shrubs provide bold forms and fancy foliage. Also look out for plants with colourful wand-like stems, dainty tassel-like catkins, and the tactile barks of many ornamental trees. So don’t shut up shop for winter, but welcome in the New Year in style with garden displays that provide colour, fragrance, foliage and form. Visit your local garden centre now to discover the best plants to create your very own winter wonderland!

JANUARY 2017

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World-renowned hospital the 5 STAR assessment compared to the 4 STAR. The whole team got involved and they really pulled out the stops. I can’t thank them enough for banding together.” The STAR process provides assurance for staff, patients, relatives, visitors and the senior management team, that there is a practical, robust system in place which monitors compliance against national standards. Ludlow’s success indicates that both clinical and non-clinical elements of the ward are functioning in a highly efficient and effective way,

� Some of the award-winning team from Ludlow Ward at RJAH

he expertise at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital is no

secret. Patients coming through the doors of the Oswestry-based hospital have access to some of the leading orthopaedic surgeons in the country. Its results for patients undergoing a range of treatments are quite simply second to none. But what is rather less well known is the exceptional level of care patients receive during their stay. Private patients are looked after in The Ludlow Unit – a dedicated ward staffed by skilled orthopaedic nurses who take care of them every step of the way and, despite the geographical name, still based very much in the heart of the North Shropshire hospital. The Ludlow Unit team are committed to making a patient’s stay as comfortable as possible, and they are supported by the facilities they are able to offer. The unit offers 16 private ensuite rooms, which are tastefully decorated, with their own flatscreened colour television with access to Sky, direct dial telephone and internet. And if it is proof of quality that you are looking for, then The Ludlow Unit team can provide it in many forms. It is, for example, the only private patient ward in Shropshire to have earned the internationallyrecognised ISO9001 certification – a feat the team achieved earlier in

2016 for the fifth year in a row. This is a significant achievement as this is a standard held in the highest regard by private health insurance companies. It sets out requirements for a quality management system and is based on the principle of continual improvement via continual assessment. Helen Cooper, ward manager, said: “I am very proud of the team. Their hard work and commitment led to this re-certification. “The feedback from the assessor was wonderful to read. He identified Ludlow Ward as having a great team with staff who are clearly very passionate and know what they are doing. “He also commented on the excellent systems and processes we have in place.” The ward’s sustained level of quality has also been recognised in another assessment process called STAR (Sustaining Quality Through Assessment & Review). STAR is a hospital-wide uniform approach in monitoring quality standards of patient care, which offers managers and their staff a structure of expectations for their wards and department. And Ludlow was the first ward at the hospital to achieve a 5 STAR rating – a feat that has required exceptional team work and consistent high results. Helen added: “Getting the rating has been hard work but so rewarding. My team are amazing and I’m so proud of them for what they have achieved. “There’s such a difference to

ease prior to surgery and helping them on the road to rehabilitation afterwards. “They care for patients receiving treatment for a range of problems including joint replacement, upper limb surgery (shoulder, elbow and hand), spinal surgery, and lower limb surgery (hip, knee, foot and ankle) and sports injuries. “Their knowledge is second to none. You could not be in better hands.” For more information about private care at RJAH, go to www.rjah.nhs.uk/private

Income generated from private patients does not go into the pockets of shareholders, but is instead reinvested to further develop the world class facilities maintaining an extremely high standard of care for private patients. Private patients visiting RJAH also have the satisfaction of knowing that their money is being put to good use. Income generated from private patients does not go into the pockets of shareholders, but is instead reinvested to further develop the world class facilities and clinical services on offer – to the benefit of NHS and private patients alike. Bev Tabernacle, director of nursing at RJAH, said: “The level of care on Ludlow Ward really is outstanding. They do a remarkable job of putting patients at their

� Inside one of the en-suite rooms in The Ludlow Unit, and above, the entrance to the private patient unit

JANUARY 2017

6th Form Open Evening - 17th January 2017 Year 7 Assessment Day - 19th January 2017 Independent day and boarding school for pupils 2-18 years old. www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk

JANUARY 2017 | COMMUNITY

School report It’s a new year and a new term – here’s a look at what some of our local schools and colleges have to offer

Derwen College A pioneering college since its founding in 1927, Derwen College is once again leading the way in championing the opportunities of young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Just as Dame Agnes Hunt took inspiration from the potential of the young people around her to set up Derwen Training College, so 90 years later the college is forging both national and international links to champion inclusive skills on the same platforms as mainstream skills competitions. Students at Derwen College have been encouraged and supported to participate in skills competitions at a local, regional and national level, showcasing their skills in a range of categories including ICT, catering and woodworking. They continue to impress and amaze teachers, parents and their peers. And behind the scenes is a strong and committed voice campaigning for better recognition and a truly inclusive approach to Inclusive Skills competitions on the international skills stage. Louise Keevil is director of charity and corporate services at Derwen College and has been part of the team at Derwen who continue to lead the way in bringing Inclusive Skills to the attention of the education sector and business sector. The Inclusive Skills Competitions have been set up as a partnership

Moreton Hall School “If you’re looking for girl power, you’ll find it at Moreton Hall” – Tatler Schools Guide 2016 2016 has been an incredibly successful year for Moreton Hall, continuing its strong position into the school’s second century. Academically, the school is comfortably within the top 100 schools in the country for GCSE results, which – given that it’s a non-selective school – is all the more impressive. Moreton has also recently been confirmed as the number one, non-selective school in the UK by The Sunday Times Parent Power League Tables. Jonathan Forster, principal, commented: “Our GCSE and A Level results – and our success nationally – are testament to the dedication and commitment of our students and staff.” The school’s business focus continues to flourish with the student-run school business, Moreton Enterprises, being championed the best for entrepreneurship by The Week. And with the networking extravaganza, the annual Investec Business Lunch going from strength to strength, Moreton are thrilled that William Hague, former First Secretary of State, Foreign Secretary and Leader of the House of Commons, has agreed to be guest speaker at the event in March. Moreton Hall is a school where students can revel in an environment offering an education that prepares students for a world beyond school. The Good Schools Guide recently declared that ‘every girl should spend at least a term at Moreton Hall’ and with the array of scholarships and bursaries available, Moreton Hall can provide that opportunity. Find out more about Moreton Hall’s Prep School, Moreton First, for boys and girls aged 3-11 at the Moreton First Open Day on Saturday 4 February from 10am. The event offers a chance to view the campus and meet with other students and teaching staff in a relaxed atmosphere. To find out more, or to register your interest for the Moreton First Open Day, visit www.moretonhall.org/MF-OpenDay Moreton Hall is a registered charity and as such is committed to offering substantial scholarships and bursaries to many students every year. The school will be assessing the applicants for the 2017 academic, music, art, drama, sport and ‘all-round’ scholarships on 19 and 20 January (for entry at age 11 and 12) and 26 and 27 January (for entry at age 13+). For further details please contact the Registrar on registrar@moretonhall. com

n Louise Keevil, director of charity and corporate services, talking to the media at the UK Skills Show held at the NEC in November

of like-minded professionals and FE colleges working with young people with a range of skills and abilities. They build relationships with local or national businesses, develop career opportunities for students and develop a presence at careers and skills forums such as the NEC Skills Show. One of the most important aspects of the competitions is they dispel myths about the employability and skills of students. In 2016 Derwen College took this belief out to the Abilympics in France where Louise led the first ever UK delegation and where she was able to head up meetings with international leaders to press forward the Inclusive Skills agenda. Since then Derwen led five Inclusive Skills competitions at the UK Skills Show in November. Louise recently met with colleagues from other European countries to consider a joint European project for vocational skills for adults with learning disabilities and difficulties. “Students with learning difficulties and disabilities have a huge amount of potential to offer employers and we want to make these skills as accessible as possible for employers,” she said.

COMMUNITY | JANUARY 2017

Tettenhall College A dedicated swimming academy set up at Tettenhall College is going from strength to strength, with pupils proving successful in prestigious regional and national competitions. Over the last year, Prep School and Senior School Swimming Academies have been established under the expert training of instructor Tracy Bate, with coaching sessions held three times a week. Two mornings, before most people have even had their breakfast, young swimmers aged eight upwards at Tettenhall College are already enthusiastically starting their days with laps of the school’s pool. The pupils are dropped off at 7.15 am, dressed in an array of animal onesies with their swimwear underneath, ready to start their training with a splash, undertaking specially-designed individual programmes. After training, they enjoy a hearty breakfast with the school boarders. A third session is held at lunchtime on a different day. Their dedicated efforts are certainly paying off. Recently, 22 swimmers from Years 7–13 represented Tettenhall College in the ISA Midlands Area Senior Schools Swimming Championship Gala, held at Walsall. There were another 15 participating schools from the Midlands area and, of the 52 events, TC swimmers competed in 38 heats. Swimmers swam in year groups doing front crawl, backstroke, breast stroke, butterfly, individual medley and medley relays. Those who achieved fastest times in the heats were competing to swim at the National Finals being held in London, at the Olympic Park Arena. The day was an huge success, with many Tettenhall College swimmers finishing in the top three places in their heats. Most notably, Year 7 pupil Kate Woodman is now heading for the ISA national finals after an outstanding freestyle race and will be representing the Midlands area in the individual freestyle and medley relay. In addition, Prep School Academy swimmers took part in the ISA Midlands Area Junior Schools Swimming Championships and were a credit

� Year 4 relay team swimmers to the school. Special congratulations go to the Year 4 boys’ freestyle relay team who were crowned Midland Champions. Director of sport James Bullock said: “All of our swimmers gave a fabulous account of themselves, more than holding their own in a top class field. The performances given by the swimmers represents a year of hard work and effort put in during their Academy Training and we are very proud of them all.” He said the academy was part of a wider programme of swimming at the school. “We are very lucky to have our own heated indoor pool at Tettenhall College and we ensure children take part in swimming lessons from pre-school upwards. It’s a very important skill to learn and an essential part of our sports curriculum. Younger children enjoy lessons with their class teachers so it is a natural part of school life and they are made to feel safe and confident in the pool.”

Wolverhampton Girls’High School

Come and join our success story! We welcome students new to the school in the sixth form.

Sixth Form Open Morning:

Thursday 12th January 2017

from 10.15am – 12 noon For September 2017 entry. Closing date for sixth form applications: Friday 3rd February 2017 Please see our school website www.wghs.org.uk or telephone 01902 551515 for further information. 36

JANUARY 2017

�� Holy Trinity C of E Primary School and Nursery Our aim is to enhance the development and education of children in a safe, secure and stimulating environment. We create a relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on learning through play. We are pleased to announce that we will be offering the 24U scheme during the Spring Term 2017. This gives15 hours of free early years education per week to eligible children from the beginning of the term after they turn two years old. If you think your child may be eligible for this scheme or the Government Nursery scheme and would like to come and see for yourself our wonderful setting and meet our staff, please contact us on email: admin@holytrinity.shropshire.sch.uk or tel: 01691 654832

��

Holy Trinity C of E Primary School and Nursery, Middleton Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2LF

�� www.bedstone.org

For more in depth information see: www.shropshire.gov.uk/early-years-andchildcare/childcare-options-0-4/24u-childcare-for-2-year-olds/

��

JANUARY 2017 | COMMUNITY

amputee children in developing countries; children who have lost limbs through war, accidents, illness or very sadly deliberate amputation,” the sisters say. “We work with organisations already established in countries where there is little, or sometimes no support for these very vulnerable children, who are often ostracised and miss out on an education simply because they cannot make the journey to school. “Since ELoH’s creation five years ago we have set up a limb centre in Tanzania, near Lake Victoria in the north, and we are now supporting over 150 in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and another 60 in India.” Victoria and Sarah addressed Year 9 pupils in the morning and Year 6 pupils in the afternoon at the Prep School. The pupils listened avidly and were full of questions about the charity, especially as Victoria had recently returned from a visit to Sierra Leone and Liberia to see how the charity was helping children in these extremely poor countries. Pupils across the school support a number of charities and Head of PSHE at Shrewsbury High, Carla Tonks, noted that Year 9 pupils this year are raising money for Walking with the Wounded so had already been considering the difficulties faced by amputees in a variety of circumstances and from a range of backgrounds. Victoria continues: “We have a wonderful team of trustees and the backing of a PR company in London, Political Lobbying and Media Relations, and over the years funds have been raised in lots of schools through sponsored events, articles have been written, concerts held and marathons run – I completed my third marathon this year, and in 2014 Sarah ran the London marathon with me which was especially amazing given her leg is quite weak. “We are so grateful for support from so many for ELoH. As well as helping the children we support so much, it shines the light of comfort into the dark place we entered through sadness.” To find out more about their visit to the school go to Shrewsbury High School website or elizabethslegacyofhope.org

n Victoria (left) and Sarah with Year 9 pupils at Shrewsbury High School

Shrewsbury High School Former Shrewsbury High School pupils, twin sisters Victoria Panton Bacon and Sarah Hope, returned to SHS to talk to pupils about their charity, Elizabeth’s Legacy of Hope. The charity provides life-changing support for children who have lost their limbs through war, accidents or lack of access to medical care. In April 2007, three generations of their family were involved in a terrible bus collision in South West London. Sarah and Victoria’s mother Elizabeth tragically lost her life, Sarah was badly injured, and her two-year-old daughter Pollyanna had to have her right leg amputated below the knee. Sarah and Victoria set up ELoH in May 2011. “ELoH exists to help

Wolverhampton Grammar School Education as individual as your child Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

Year 7 Entrance Test - Saturday 14th January To enquire about registering your child for the Entrance Test please contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Jane Morris by Monday 9th January: tel 01902 421326 or email jam@wgs-sch.net

Junior School Open Day - Saturday 28th January 10am - 1.30pm â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a remarkable school. The atmosphere we encountered as we walked round with a succession of delightful guides was smilingly friendly. There is a real feeling of happiness.â&#x20AC;? The Good Schools Guide, 2016 Registering at Wolverhampton Grammar School To enquire about registering your child please visit one of our Open Events or alternatively contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Jane Morris tel 01902 421326 or email jam@wgs-sch.net

01902 421326

www.wgs.org.uk Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB

JANUARY 2017 | COMMUNITY

Oldbury Wells School Oldbury Wells School music department hosted an exciting afternoon of music-making in November. Pupils from Castlefields, Highley, St John’s and Worfield primary schools worked with the Oldbury Wells School orchestra and staff from the Shropshire Music Service on a programme of orchestral music. The aim of the workshop was to inspire the younger primary musicians and to mentor them on their instrumental skills and musicianship, culminating in a short performance for parents. Pupils were treated to refreshments and an opportunity to mix with Oldbury Wells School’s older students. The school’s head of music, Jo Dangerfield, said: “The workshop, now in its third year, was a huge success as a result of the students’ hard work and enthusiasm for the opportunity and I hope this is the first of many opportunities to work together in the future.” Oldbury Wells’ next primary orchestra afternoon is on Friday 16 June and all schools in and around Bridgnorth will be invited to take part.

Packwood Haugh School

Oswestry School Education is the one thing that we all have in common, but with so much opinion and information swirling around it’s hard for parents to make informed choices for their children. Although we all agree that results matter, more important is the academic journey that every child goes on. At over 600 years old, Oswestry School has a wealth of experience preparing children for academic success to further their studies at top UK universities, but what is also taught within the school’s environment is confidence and resilience, leadership and communication skills. These vital life skills will be carried forward into a young workforce which can present well, and adapt and cope with adversity. With a 10% increase in A level grades at A*-B and one third of all GCSE students achieving A*-A, pupils are moving forward with a strong academic base behind them. The school scholarships, held on 21 January, are supported by means-tested bursaries, 100% of the fees are available. At its heart, Oswestry School is unchanged since it was founded in 1407. The rounded education provides a route map to life with both a nurturing and stimulating environment for all its pupils. The school motto ‘We learn not for school, but for life’ is more relevant now than it has ever been.

A bumper collection of gift boxes was sent on its way from big-hearted pupils at Packwood Haugh School in Ruyton XI Towns to children less fortunate than themselves as part of the school’s annual contribution to Operation Christmas Child. Packwood’s head of religious studies Roz Edwards, who organises the school’s appeal, was delighted to see such an enormous pile of boxes and thanked all those who donated a gift. “Christmas is such a special time, especially for children and, yet again this year, the Packwood community has responded with great generosity to this wonderful scheme.”

n Pictured with the Christmas shoe boxes are Year 3 pupils, Harry Cornes (age 8) and Millie Parry (age 7)

University Centre Shrewsbury A second year Life Sciences student at University Centre Shrewsbury has been recognised for her outstanding achievements during her first 12 months at UCS. Molly-Jane Watkins-Fruen, who is from the town, took her A-levels at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, before becoming one of the first intake of undergraduate students at UCS in 2015. She is currently studying Genetics and Evolution, one of several popular BSc single honours programmes run by the Institute of Medicine at UCS. Molly-Jane was presented with the Michael Davie Research Foundation Award for best overall accomplishment during the first year of studies. The accolade was presented to her by Professor Mike Davie, a consultant physician recently retired from clinical practice, but who is continuing his research into osteoporosis. He made the presentation on behalf of the trustees of the Foundation, which is a local biomedical charity that supports research into bone-related conditions. It has committed to funding an award of this kind to a UCS-based Life Sciences student for the next four years. On completing her degree, Molly-Jane is keen to pursue postgraduate studies in paleontology. She said: “It was so unexpected, I never thought the award would be for me. I feel really proud to have been given it, and it’s shown me what can be achieved through hard work and determination. “I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of my lecturers at UCS, and I’d like to thank them all for a fantastic first year!” Professor Davie added: “It was a great pleasure to award Molly-Jane with a cheque to mark her achievement as the top student of her year, having secured very high marks in the First Year Biosciences course at UC Shrewsbury. “This centre has obviously filled a need and is attracting very able students, who are responding to the high quality teaching given by this new venture.”

COMMUNITY | JANUARY 2017

Telford College of Art and Technology Former hairdresser Leanne Vincent has begun a new career as a teaching assistant, with a helping hand from Telford College of Arts and Technology. Leanne, 35, from Madeley, trained as a hairdresser at Francesco’s Academy when she left the Abraham Darby School, and went on to work at KLF in her home town for 18 years. But when a routine smear test diagnosed cervical cancer and resulted in an operation, Leanne decided to rethink her career, and enrolled on a Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools level two programme at TCAT. As part of the course, she arranged a placement at Woodlands Primary and Nursery School in Madeley – and that’s exactly where she has now ended up getting a new job. Leanne says: “I enjoyed my level two course

so much that I enrolled on a level three course in Learning Difficulties and Behaviour Disorders at TCAT – and this was the course which helped me to secure a job interview at Woodlands. “I was able to relate a lot of the interview questions to things I had learned on the TCAT course, and was offered the job as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant.” Yvonne Crilly, deputy head at Woodlands, said: “Leanne was a super volunteer whilst on placement with us – she had worked for a while at Woodlands and really wanted to update and develop her skills so she enrolled on the TCAT courses. “It’s been a great pleasure to know Leanne, and we are all looking forward to welcoming her as part of the team at Woodlands.” Leanne added: “If you’re thinking about going back to college to retrain, I would definitely recommend TCAT’s courses. Go for it – your confidence and knowledge will grow and you will be able to achieve new and exciting things. “It’s a big step to change your career . . . but I did it.” TCAT tutor Paula Costin said: “Leanne has been a committed student and this has obviously paid off. “She will have a wonderful career in the education sector and she deserves it; she works hard and the feedback from Woodlands has been exemplary.”

A talented young designer from Shropshire is to have her work exhibited at one of the top galleries in the Midlands after reaching the final of a regional competition. Karrine Wood, from Albrighton, has completed a level three BTEC Diploma in Art and Design at Telford College of Arts and Technology. As part of her final project, the 19-year-old submitted three graphic designs for a National And Decorative Fine Arts Society competition – inspired by Medusa and transferred on to skateboards. TCAT tutor Anna Dowdall explained: “We’re delighted that n Karrine Wood at TCAT with Karrine has been chosen as one of the final 14 who will have Kieron Painter and Jamie Shaw; above, her skateboard artwork their work exhibited at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists gallery in May 2017. “This is an amazing opportunity for her, and excellent experience which will help her with her career, and boost her confidence and self-belief that she can make a career within the creative industries.” Karrine said: “I am now working freelance producing my own graphic designs for a range of different companies; I never imagined this would be possible for me. “TCAT offered me the facilities that I needed to progress with my passion for anything to do with art. Compared to other colleges, nothing came close to TCAT’s level of teaching, and I believe I made the right decision. My time at TCAT enabled me to produce pieces of work that I would have never thought I could create. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and try out new things. “The college remodelled me, changed me and changed the way I look at things in a new perspective. I am taking a completely different path to what I thought I would have done before I went to college and I love it.” The level three art and design course at TCAT offers students the chance to explore and experiment with a large range of different art and design-related skills and techniques. For more details, see www.tcat.ac.uk or call 01952 642337.

The Marches School The Marches School took part in the national Anti-Bullying Week with a number of activities to raise awareness for this important week. Students developed a school ‘Anti-bullying Charter’ and the school ‘Tolerance Group’ held their first meeting where the agenda was to develop and review the school anti-bullying strategy which will be shared with the rest of the school. Themed lessons and assemblies were also held. Pictured are members of the Year 11 Student Leadership group Alex Odametey, Tamara Walker and Arran Evison.

JANUARY 2017 | WOMAN

Beat the

January blues , nights y s o c f er th o a mon recover y af t s i y r Janua baths and eason. long he par ty s t

Here are get y our top c ou th rough omfor t bu ys the m onth. to

2 1

4 5

7 6

1: Show January some colour with this

5: After long soaks in the bath, chill out in this fluffy mink robe, M&Co, £35.

pink Ralph Lauren knitted jumper, House of Fraser, £110. 2: Keep warm in style when facing the bitterly cold wind in this House of Fraser Armani brown suede and sheepskin jacket, £360.

3: Throw this gorgeous pink coat over your outfit when you have to leave the house, River Island, £80. 4: Spend those lazy Sundays in these floral pyjamas, M&Co, £16.

6: Look glam while staying warm with this beautiful faux fur, Debenhams, £20. 7: Avoid those painfully cold fingers with raspberry leather gloves, Marks & Spencer, £17.50

JANUARY 2017

Coming to Bridgnorth Spring 2017

Beautiful Exclusive Collections by

• Alan Hannah • Ronald Joyce • Mia Mia • Nicole Spose • Philipa Grace

Telephone 07967 160491 for further information and to reserve your appointment Romance Bridal Studio, 10 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4QN

Exclusive Fashions Est.30 years

WINTER SALE NOW ON

A beautiful Rice Horse Trailer lovingly converted to a fully licensed and refrigerated mobile drinks bar Available for hire for Weddings, Small Parties, Festivals and more.

Honeymoon & Cruise Wear Special Occasion Wear •Casual Wear

01952 881124 mobile: 07530 919148 www.kibbleskeg.co.uk

4/5 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury. Tel: 01743 233423 E: marianne9799hotmail.co.uk www.marianneexclusivefashions.co.uk

find us on facebook @Kibbleskeg 44

JANUARY 2017 | WOMAN

Love THE LOOK OF

Few things are planned with as much precision as a wedding. From the moment the engagement ring is slipped on her finger, the bride-to-be (and increasingly these days, the groom!) will have so many decisions to make, from venues to dress to hair and undies. We are here to help with our guide to having a Shropshire wedding.

Cathlyn dress, Phase Eight, ÂŁ496

WOMAN | JANUARY 2017

This breath-taking gown is called Halazgo and comes from Muse Bridal in Newport. The stunning garment is from the label La Sposa by Pronovias. £1,360 Melanie Ridgway, owner of Muse Bridal, said: “I am very excited about this gown as I am the only boutique in Shropshire with the La Sposa by Pronovias label. The gowns are gorgeous, elegant and simply stunning. The full skirt is detachable with a slim, fitted gown underneath for a second look for the evening.”

The Essential Wedding Guide Planning your big day doesn’t have to be stressful, read our simple rules and enjoy the leadup to your wedding day. Your dream dress Anne Tucker of Wedding World, Shrewsbury shares her expert tips about buying your dress: “We know it’s the most important dress you will ever wear and you want to make sure it’s absolutely perfect but having eight different opinions makes it much harder to come to a decision. I have always been a believer that the most a bride should bring when dress shopping is two or three people.” Anne also informed us about the best time to buy your dress: “It is important to have the rest of your wedding details in place before you go shopping for a gown as many factors can influence the style of the dress. The major one is to have your venue secured – an ornate gown with lots of embellishments and a large train might look stunning in a large country house but completely out of place in a rustic barn or a beach in Mexico.” The top three trends Anne identifies for 2017 are: 1 The Off the Shoulder we saw the cold-shoulder trend return last year and it has influenced wedding gowns too. 2 Taking The Plunge the deep Vs have found their way to the bridal scene. 3 Majestic Backs highlighting your back with an open style, mesh or an embellished finish.

JANUARY 2017 | WOMAN

The Venue We are spoilt for choice here in Shropshire, with so much on offer. If you fancy a Grade II Georgian manor house as backdrop for your special day, then there is the stunning Hadley Park House Hotel in Telford. The venue has been named as a regional finalist at the 2017 Wedding Industry Awards for the third year running. The award-winning venue is shortlisted in the Best Town Wedding Venue category. They offer a variety of wedding packages at the hotel and owners, Mark Lewis and Geraldine Lewis, said: “Weddings are very important to the hotel and we host over 100 each year.” For more information, visit www.hadleypark.co.uk or call 01952 677269. Wanting a wedding fit for royalty? Look no further than the Lilleshall National Sports & Conferencing Centre. To enter the grounds, you pass through the ‘Golden Gates’ which are an exact replica of those adorning Buckingham Palace and then venture up the sweeping two-mile driveway. The venue offer traditional or outdoor ceremonies such as festival and marquee weddings. Packages start at £1,250, so your dream wedding may be more affordable than you thought. For more information, visit www.lilleshallnsc.co.uk

Clockwise from top left: Carabelle dress, Phase Eight, £325; ‘Milan’ Bridal gown, Wedding World, Shrewsbury, £1,725; This sensational Ronald Joyce dress is from Muse Bridal, Newport. £1,650; Classic satin off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dress, Very, £65; Bridal gown, Monsoon, £499.99

For something a little more unusual Barnutopia, a glamping site surrounded by rolling green hills of Shropshire and Powys, provides an unforgettable scene. The location is the perfect woodlandstyle wedding venue and now it can host your big day. Planning permission has been granted for the owners to renovate their huge barn into a wedding and events venue. Guests will be able to choose to get married in the newly-refurbed barn or perhaps you fancy the pagoda planned for the top of the pasture with breathtaking views. For more information, visit www.barnutopia.com

JANUARY 2017

The Valley Hotel

FREE ADMISSION

Sunday 8th Jan 11am-3pm

AA 3ďż˝ Country house hotel 44 en suite bedrooms Civil Ceremony Licence 2 AA Rosette awarded restaurant Reception drinks can be served on the terrace Please contact us to arrange a private viewing with a wedding co-ordinator

W E D D I N G FAY R E

Tie the knot in Rural Heaven at Barnutopia

Wedding Barn Stunning views Luxury Yurts

Enquire for a chance to win free venue hire Prize Draw on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 2017

W Y N N S TAY H O T E L

S P A

Glamping Weddings & Events

Thursday 23rd February 2017 from 6.30pm to 9pm free parking, a glass of bubbles on arrival, canapes and a wide selection of exhibitors

t: (01691) 791 624 e: MrsB@barnutopia.com Barnutopia, Tanycoed Farm, Llansilin, Oswestry SY10 9BS www.barnutopia.com

Church Street, Oswestry, Shropshire. SY11 2SZ Tel - (+44) 1691 655 261. www.wynnstayhotel.com 48

1 BUTCHER ROW SHREWSBURY SY1 1UW 01743 341123 W W W. W O O D I N G S A N D C O . C O M

woodings & C o ENGAGEMENT

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A V A I L A B L E T ’ S & C ’ S A P P LY

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | JANUARY 2017

Hadley Park House Hotel named Best Town Wedding Venue in West Midlands for third consecutive year Hadley Park House Hotel, has been named as the Best Town Venue in the West Midlands at the 2017 Wedding Industry Awards for the third year running. Owners of Hadley Park House Hotel Mark Lewis and Geraldine Lewis said: “We are delighted to have won this award again especially as couples who have married at the hotel played a part. It’s very exciting for the Hadley Park team and of course for all past, present and future couples who have or will celebrate their marriage at our hotel. “Weddings are a very important to the hotel and we host over 100 each year, so we’re thrilled to receive a national award that recognises excellence. We are looking forward to the

National Finals in January.” Founder of The Wedding Industry Awards, Damian Bailey said: “The awards really have become the gold standard for wedding excellence in this country and, as our regional award ceremony proved, the wedding industry in the West Midlands is packed full with passionate, innovative and committed suppliers.”

Valentine’s Wedding Showcase Sunday 19 February 2017 11am – 3pm

A wide selection of around 30 wedding professionals to provide inspiration for the big day including cars, cakes, photographers and favours.

Free admission. Free car parking.

Award-winning West Midlands wedding venue

Hadley Park House Hotel has been under the ownership of Mark Lewis and Geraldine Lewis for over 13 years who have restored and refurbished the Grade II Georgian Manor House. The hotel incorporates 22 bedrooms, the 200 seater Mulliner Suite and award-winning AA Rosette restaurant. In the past year, the hotel has undertaken a £100,000 refurbishment in the original Georgian house which includes the Dorrells Conservatory Restaurant, bar and 12 bedrooms which are located in their main house. Hadley Park House Hotel will be hosting a Wedding Showcase on Sunday February 19th. Over 30 specialist exhibitors will be on hand to offer help and inspiration to future brides and grooms. Open from 11am – 3pm.

Hadley Park House Hotel, Telford, remains a favourite venue for couples looking to celebrate weddings, civil ceremonies, civil partnerships, receptions & naming day ceremonies.

Whirlwind Wedding Package from £2,499

This package includes 50 day guests and up to 100 evening guests Available Sunday to Thursday (supplements on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays)

Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ

01952 677269 50

info@hadleypark.co.uk

www.hadleypark.co.uk

20/11/2013 16:00

Wedding & Formal Hire All high quality stock held on site for immediate availability

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JANUARY 2017

Exquisite Designer Bridal Collections, along with a boutique of beautiful Mother of the Bride and Groom outfits, special occasion wear, evening and cocktail dresses

Tel: 01952 814631 Email: info@musebridal.co.uk www.musebridal.co.uk 123 High Street, Newport, Shropshire TF10 7BB Exclusive Stockists of Designer Collections

Whittington Castle What better setting for a truly romantic day than by choosing Whittington Castle for your civil ceremony.

A fairy tale castle, ivy clad ruined walls, medieval moat, a twin towered Gatehouse entrance all await for your perfect day. The ideal backdrop for all of your photographs. Ceremonies take place in the Lady Eleanor Room which is named after the young bride of Fulk Fitzwarren V1, Eleanor de Beauchamp who set about making the castle a more comfortable home in the 14th century. We invite you to make a booking to view this historic setting and chat about your special day. Phone Sue Ellis, Castle Manager on 01691 662500.

Tel: 01691 662500 www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk Castle Street, Whittington SY11 4DF

52 053303 Shropshire Review_128x92mm_AW.indd 1

06/12/2016 17:33

JANUARY 2017 | WOMAN

Beautiful bridesmaid dress, Wedding World, Shrewsbury, £250

Hair and make-up It is important to find a hairdresser and make-up artists who can create what you want. Every stylist will create something slightly different, just like two artists would draw the same object differently. Find your stylists by asking friends for recommendations or looking at salons’ Facebook pages to see what their work is like. Our fashion expert Robyn Moore says: “You should have a trial once you have your dress, as your hair and make up needs to complement and work with your dress so ensure you have an image of your gown with you to show your stylists. “Always try an up-do even if you think you want your hair down, it may surprise you. If you are wearing a veil, then make sure you take it to your hair appointment.” When it comes to make up, ensure that your make up artist is using long lasting products and a fixing spray, as it will need to last the duration of the day and night.

The lingerie

below: ‘Chloe’ Bridal Gown, £1,795, Wedding World, Shrewsbury

below left: Fantasie Mae strapless bra £46, suspender belt £26, brief £21; below right: Fantasie Ella basque £61, thong £15, What Women Want, Newport.

Good bridal underwear is just as important as the gown itself. Not only does it make you feel beautiful but it will keep you comfortable and supported throughout the day. High-quality bridal lingerie is a must and What Women Want in Newport know exactly how to cater for every bride.

Remember

Stay organised – keep records of payments and business names you have bought from. Work from a tick list – you can’t miss anything out then. Browse Instagram and Google for inspiration. Book appointments early and keep a diary. Enjoy it, it is your wedding day!

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | JANUARY 2017

Ladies for a fab, fun hen party choose Casey’s

Casey’s Cordingley Hall is the perfect local location for any Telford resident to enjoy in a fun-filled night for their hen party! Whether it be a jam-packed Ladies’ Night where for the over 16s, there is more than enough to feast your eyes upon, and your stomachs if you decide to make your party a VIP Table! Cherry waiters will keep you topped up with shots, drag queens will keep you on your toes and strippers will keep you... well enough said! Or the fantastically entertaining Party Night Spectaculars, where famous hits from various musical chick flicks come face-to-face with each

other (e.g. Fame vs Mamma Mia)! Performances from our in-house cabaret team and a diner-style basket meal is guaranteed to keep you going all night long! But of course it’s not just the people of Telford who can indulge in such entertaining evenings, Casey’s is 3.9 miles from M54 Junction 5, 4.8 miles from the centre of Telford, which is home to some fantastic hotels and a shopping centre that attracts many people from all over the West Midlands and just 0.7 miles away from Premier Inn. That’s not all! Casey’s even has a VIP Lounge which is a smaller function room. It has plush

carpets, monochrome seating booths, separate toilets and entrance and its own bar which is available for private hire. You can truly make your night your own! Casey’s is the place to dance the night away, keep the Prosecco flowing and welcomes the craziest Fancy Dress. It’s also suitable for all ages; mothers and even grandmothers of the bride have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt comfortable throughout! So why wouldn’t you want to spend a night out at a top entertainment venue whether it’s private hire or VIP tables at our in-house events!?

Ladies Nights: Fri 10th Feb: Fri 7th April: Fri 6th June: Fri 6th Oct Night of the Divas Party Night: Fri 24th Feb Moulin Rouge meets Coyote Ugly: Fri 28th April Dirty Dancing meets Grease: Fri 30th June Fame meets Mamma Mia: Fri 2nd Sept Motown Nights: Fri 31st March: Fri 26th May: Fri 29th Sept Psychic Suppers: Thurs 19th Jan: 27th April: 12th Sept: 16th Nov VIP Tickets £10pp (inc Food) Bride Goes FREE! Call 01952 606588 Web WWW.CASEYSVENUES.CO.UK 54

JANUARY 2017 | GET OUT

Curtains up

Books

Music

on the shows

read all about it

album reviews

64 n 14 JANUARY Whalebone. Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley

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

Events January Until 14 January

DANIEL JAMES YEOMAN EXHIBITION Willow Gallery, Oswestry Don’t miss a characterful, lifesized oil portrait of local ‘Farmer Don’ by a portrait and landscape painter who studied in Florence and is now Montgomery based. www.danieljamesyeomans.com for information.

Until 14 January

ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITION Willow Gallery, Oswestry With work from Border Visual Arts Group, Bijoux and Kay Boyce, the exhibition features a variety of work and styles from oils, watercolour, ceramics, jewellery and glass. www. willowgalleryoswestry.org

Until 8 January

CINDERELLA Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Starring Shropshire’s favourite Dame Brad Fitt, Eric Smith and more. www. theatresevern.co.uk

Until 22 January

ALADDIN Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton With Joe McElderry, Lisa Riley, Ben Faulks, Doreen Tipton and Lucy Kay. www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Until 29 January

DICK WHITTINGTON Birmingham Hippodrome Panto fun with John Barrowman, Steve McFadden, The Krankies, Matt Slack and Jodie Prenger. www. birminghamhippodrome.com

1 January

3 January

6, 13, 20, 27 January

HANGOVER BLUES

BRIDGNORTH MONTHLY POETRY SESSION

LOCAL AND FAMILY HISTORY ADVICE SESSION

Bridgnorth Library Listen to poetry read by others or bring along a favourite or your own composition to read. 2.30-3.30pm.

Bridgnorth Library  Who do you think you are? Local and family history volunteers are on hand to help with enquiries and research. 2-5pm.

Black Boy, Bridgnorth Jazz at the Black Boy, with Sarah Smith on violin and Paul Sawtell on piano, 12.30pm start. Free entry but donations welcome. 01746 765737.

1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 January

3 January

DEER FEEDING

POLICE PACT SURGERY

Attingham Park, Shrewsbury  See the Attingham fallow deer herd up close as they get fed their winter rations. Usual admission applies, 2-2.30pm.

Bridgnorth Library  Opportunity to meet members of the local policing team and to discuss local issues and concerns. 3-4pm.

5 January

2 January

CAMEO – OVER 60S GROUP

JOG OFF YOUR JUMPER

Whole Life Christian Centre, Oswestry A warm welcome along with tea, coffee, cakes and conversation on the first Thursday of the month. 2pm. www.cabinlanechurch.org.uk

Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Families are invited to Attingham for a fun-run to burn off the Christmas indulgences and for a last chance to wear your Christmas jumper as the festive season draws to a close. The run will be approximately one mile. Registration will be open from 10am and the run will begin at 11am. Standard admission charges apply. There is an additional charge to take part in this event. All participants will receive a medal. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

5 January

JAMES SHEARD AND GARETH OWEN AT SHREWSBURY POETRY Old Post Office, Shrewsbury James Sheard will be reading from his new collection “The Abandoned Settlements”, published by Cape and due for release that day. Gareth Owen returns with his wonderful voice to make the audience laugh and celebrate the new year with a tear in the eyes.

3-31 January

GRADUATE SHOW 2017 Weston Park, Shifnal  The Graduate Show at Weston Park encourages entries in all media with the opportunity of free expression without a set theme. With free public admission, and open each day during the month of the exhibition, the Granary Art Gallery offers a superb opportunity for graduates to have their work seen by a wide, new and interested audience. www.weston-park.com

6 January

MANSION WINTER TOURS Attingham Park, Shrewsbury The mansion will be open for tours only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 January to 26 February 2017. ww.nationaltrust.org.uk

7-28 January

SLEEPING BEAUTY  Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth This sparkling and fun-filled version of the traditional tale of Sleeping Beauty is delightfully brought to life by the Theatre on the Steps company. The beautiful Princess falls victim to the evil spell cast on her by the wicked Carabosse, and falls asleep for 100 years. The only thing that can save her is a kiss from a handsome Prince. The very best of traditional pantomimes packed full of hilarious comedy, great music and great scenery. Early booking essential. www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk

8 January

CINDERELLA Parish Hall, Chelmarsh, Bridgnorth Gerry Graham Touring Pantos proudly present an up-to-date, traditional, family friendly production of this much-loved tale. The audience can expect plenty of music, comedy and participation. Curtain up at 2.30pm. Book early to avoid disappointment. Adults £8, children 10 years and under £4. Available from Sonia Hobbs 01746 861167.

9, 16, 23, 30 January

IT HELP Bridgnorth Library  Do you need help on a computer or

GET OUT | JANUARY 2017

n 9 JANUARY An Evening of Mindfulness with Ruby Wax. The Lion Quays Hotel & Spa, Oswestry

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

to use your own laptop or tablet? IT volunteer may be able to help you. This session is popular, so pre-booking is essential. 10am-12 noon.

9 January

BOOKSTART RHYME TIME  Bridgnorth Library  Rhymes, songs and stories for under fives. 10.30-11am.

9 January

AN EVENING OF MINDFULNESS WITH RUBY WAX The Lion Quays Hotel & Spa, Oswestry Join comedian, author and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax for an evening of ‘Mindfulness’ as she dispenses advice in her own witty, smart and accessible way. Ruby’s bestselling book A Mindfulness Guide to the Frazzled will help guide you to a healthier, happier life. Starts 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm). Tickets £12 including a signed paperback copy of A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled. Tickets from Booka Bookshop in person or online www. bookabookshop.co.uk

9 January

DAVID BOWIE IS The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock  The re-release of Victoria and Albert Museum’s exhibition film David Bowie Is. A critically acclaimed international retrospective of the extraordinary career of David Bowie. This world-class cinema event was filmed on the closing night of the exhibition in 2013. It takes the audience on a journey through a remarkable collection from the David Bowie archive. 7.30pm, £11/£10 www.edgeartscentre.com

16 January

KNIT, CRAFT AND NATTER

JETHRO – 40 YEARS THE JOKER

Bridgnorth Library Do you knit, sew or do any other portable handcraft? Whether you are just starting or have dabbled for years, bring along what you do, for two hours of knit, craft and chatter, 10am-12 noon.

11 January

RSC LIVE: THE TEMPEST  Majestic Cinema, Bridgnorth; The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock; Kinokulture Community Cinema, Oswestry  On a distant island a man waits. Robbed of his position, power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation. But this is no ordinary man, and this no ordinary island. Prospero is a magician, able to control the very elements and bend nature to his will. When a sail appears on the horizon, he reaches out across the ocean to the ship that carries the men who wronged him. 7pm. See individual websites for booking details.

14 January

WHALEBONE Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley Once again the trio Whalebone bring their high energy acoustic music to the Birchmeadow Centre. As well as their usual fare they will be promoting their new album Mirabilia which is all original music this time, no covers; so expect to hear something different – but still distinctively Whalebone. £10 www. birchmeadow.org.uk

12 January

IN FOCUS: EAT THAT QUESTION, FRANK ZAPPA IN HIS OWN WORDS (CERT 15)

15 January

QUINTET ROMANCE AT DUSK The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury Bringing together again the special rapport of this group of esteemed and respected chamber music colleagues and friends of the late Peter Cropper in another early evening delight. 6pm. www.shropshiremusictrust.co.uk

Kinokulture Community Cinema, Oswestry A dazzling documentary portrait of brilliant musical maverick Frank Zappa. Starts 7.30pm. Book at www. kinokulture.org.uk

12 January

JIGSAW GROUP

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

13, 27 January

16 January

Whole Life Christian Centre, Oswestry Feeling isolated, lonely or just in need of friendship? Jigsaw are a small group of people, who belong to Cabin Lane Church and meet twice a month in the Whole Life Christian Centre on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. 10.30am-12pm. www. cabinlanechurch.org.uk

BRIDGNORTH AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Castle Hall, Bridgnorth Tony Crowe gives a talk on The Ditton Priors Light Railway 19081965. 7.30pm. Visitors are most welcome, £3 per lecture.

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton A memorable evening of hysterical nonsense, as we take a peek into the circus lurking deep within the mind of probably the greatest comic storyteller ever to grace the stage. Jethro beguiles and befuddles his audience with the endless stream of irreverent twaddle that has created a comedy genius. 7.30pm, £18.50£22.50, www.grandtheatre.co.uk

16 January

CINEMA: JUNGLE BOOK  The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock  After a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of panther Bagheera, and free spirited bear Baloo. 7.30pm £5/£4 www.edgeartscentre.com

17 January

MODERN LINE DANCE CLASS Shifnal War Memorial Hall  The classes will be held weekly on a Tuesday evening and will cater for absolute beginners (7.30-8.30pm) and also improvers/intermediates (8.30-9.30pm). Adults £4.50, children (under 16). www.facebook.com/ nulinedancewithsteveandclaire

18 January

OMID DJALILI  The Place @ Oakengates Theatre, Telford   Award winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili, known for his legendary stand-up performances, is back on a

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GET OUT | JANUARY 2017

n 15 JANUARY Quintet Romance at Dusk. The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

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

ago, Michael has endeared himself to many with his obvious respect for solid workmanship and creative energy. An historian at heart, he has used a Victorian railway guide to take millions of TV viewers on a voyage of discovery throughout the UK, Ireland, and much of Europe. 3pm, £19. www.theatresevern.co.uk

23 January

CINEMA: BLACK MOUNTAIN POETS  The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock  Claire and Lisa Walker are neurotic sisters on the run who assume the identities of internationally renowned poets The Wilding Sisters to take refuge at a poetry retreat for the weekend; spending time in the Black Mountains of Wales among poets and the inspiration of nature leads to a new beginning for our heroines. 7.30pm, £5/£4, www.edgeartscentre.com

24 January

AN EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP WITH TONY STOCKWELL  The Place @ Oakengates Theatre, Telford For those with an interest in mediumship, star of TV’s Street Psychic, Psychic Private Eyes and Psychic Academy Tony Stockwell will need no introduction.  7.30pm, £19£21, www.theplacetelford.com

24 January

OMID DJALILI

finest Scottish produce. Dinner with Prue will be set in the historic Dining Room. Guests can then retire to the grandeur of the Victorian Library for a whisky by the fire before retiring for the evening in one of Weston’s beautiful bedrooms. Breakfast will be served the morning after, and the estate is free to explore at your leisure. Call 01952 852106.

nationwide tour. Intelligent, sometimes provocative and always entertaining, his stand-up is a hugely energetic and captivating comedy masterclass. His credits range from Hollywood to television and the West End stage. 8pm, £25, www.theplacetelford.com

20 January

AN EVENING WITH BARRY FRY & RON ATKINSON

21 January

The Place @ Oakengates Theatre, Telford Come and join the lads for what can only be described as a football fan’s great night out. Hear the stories about the dressing room fights, funny anecdotes about team selection and training, everything you would want to know about what goes on behind the scenes of a successful football club. 7.30pm, £22, www. theplacetelford.com

SHREWSBURY PRISON GHOST HUNT HM Prison Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Prison is an absolute must for all seasoned ghost hunters and anyone else who is quite frankly fearless. Shrewsbury Prison is one of the oldest prisons in the UK and has a macabre and sinister history. This abandoned prison is vast with so many haunted areas to investigate for the whole night. Event happens monthly, booking essential. www. hauntedhappenings.co.uk

20-22 January

STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE TOUR

21 January

Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Ed Balls, Ore Oduba and Lesley Joseph are among the celebrities announced to appear on the Strictly live tour, along with Louise Redknapp, Danny Mac and Daisy Lowe. Judges will be Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Karen Hardy. From £35, 0844 338 80000.

OSWESTRY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP DAY Oswestry Academic, sport, art/design, music, languages and choral scholarships available for 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. 100% bursary available. To register or for further information please email enquiries@oswestryschool.org.uk or telephone 01691 655711

21-22 January

BURNS NIGHT WITH PRUE LEITH

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

22 January

MICHAEL PORTILLO, LIFE: A GAME OF TWO HALVES

Weston Park, Shifnal  A customary Burns Night supper is the centrepiece of the weekend, with each course representing the

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Since leaving the House a decade

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Intelligent, sometimes provocative and always entertaining, his stand-up is a hugely energetic and captivating comedy masterclass. His credits range from Hollywood to television and the West End stage. 8pm, £25.50, www. theatresevern.co.uk

24 January

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: THE CURIOUS WORLD OF HIERONYMUS BOSCH (CERT12A) Kinokulture Community Cinema, Oswestry Delve into the vivid imagination of a true visionary. Who was Hieronymus Bosch? Why do his strange and fantastical paintings resonate with art lovers now more than ever? How does he bridge the medieval and Renaissance worlds? Discover the answers to these questions and more with this remarkable new film. 7pm. Book at www.kinokulture.org.uk

25 January

DEATH EDUCATION FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING Qube, Willow Street, Oswestry This course with expert Dr Judith Wester will give you the tools to expand your knowledge and improve your communication around death, dying and loss. From 10am-4pm, priced £130. www.qube-oca.org.uk for details and booking.

25 January

JIM DAVIDSON 40 YEARS ON Theatre Severn Shrewsbury   Britain’s most controversial comedian celebrates an explosive 40 years in show business. Jim brings to the stage for the first time a truly revealing and hilarious look at his life. From the triumphs to the tragedies, Jim

JANUARY 2017 | GET OUT

Davidson as you have never seen him before. 7.30pm, £24.50, www. theatresevern.co.uk

26 January

VAMPIRES ROCK   Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury   Amid mischief and mayhem, this hilariously funny show lives up to its rocking reputation. Packed with aerial silk stunts, fang-tastic fire routines, guitar gods and sexy vampettes performing some of the best rock anthems of all time including tracks from Guns & Roses, AC/DC, Meat Loaf and many more. 7.30pm, £26, www. theatresevern.co.uk

26 January

BRENDAN COLE – ALL NIGHT LONG Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton A brand new show for 2017, Brendan hosts another spectacular production featuring his guest dancers, a new leading lady and a 14-piece band and singers live on stage. Stunning lighting, amazing special effects and superb choreography. 7.30pm, £28£41.50, www.grandtheatre.co.uk

26 January

THE PITMEN POETS

27 January

TRIANGLES – FILM SCREENING FOR HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY The Hive, Shrewsbury Triangles is an unprecedented and inclusive documentary that shines an intimate light on a broader community and culture of the Holocaust not previously revealed.  £5/£4 through Eventbrite

27 January

MARTYN JOSEPH  Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury  Martyn Joseph is a performer like no other. He’s a jaw-dropping guitar player who has developed a unique percussive style, with a powerful show-stopping voice, and has been called “The Welsh Springsteen”. There are also shades of John Mayer, Bruce Cockburn and Dave Matthews. 8pm, £17, www.theatresevern.co.uk

27 January

NIGHTS ON BROADWAY  Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton   The Bee Gees Story – Nights On Broadway present a tribute to the Bee Gees through a fantastic performance, featuring the Gibb brothers’ incredible songs from over four decades – from the 60s to the 90s. 7.30pm, £19-£21.50, www.grandtheatre.co.uk

28-31 January

LES MISÉRABLES, SCHOOL EDITION  The Place @ Oakengates Theatre, Telford  An amateur performance by The Arts Centre Telford. This legendary musical has been specially adapted to meet the needs of young performers. This author-approved edition has been abridged to a running time of just over two hours, while carefully maintaining the integrity of one the greatest musicals ever written. £13.50, www.theplacetelford.com

27 January

OSWESTRY ARTISAN MARKET Baileys Head, Oswestry Oswestry markets hold the monthly artisan market on the last Friday of every month selling the best in local produce such as pies and pastries, meat and fish, cheeses and cakes as well as occasional crafts and bespoke gifts. From 9am until 3pm.

29 January

BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury  Classics from the world of film, including many Oscar winners and nominations, with selections from 1940 to the present day. 3pm, £19, www.theatresevern.co.uk

28 January

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC  Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury  Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when Abba dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves. Thank Abba for the Music is a theatre spectacular that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most successful and entertaining live bands. 7.30pm, £23.50, www.theatresevern.co.uk

29 January

THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA   Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Get a feel for the Forties as Ray McVay presents the world’s greatest Big Band Show featuring the fabulous harmonies of the Moonlight Serenaders, the sublime vocals of Catherine Sykes and Mark Porter as well as the energetic and exciting Swing Time Jivers. 3pm, £23-£25. www.grandtheatre.co.uk

28 January

DAVE KELLY & PAUL JONES Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton  Ruggedly durable and timeless, the Blues is perhaps more popular today than it has ever been. Founder members of the Blues Band, Paul Jones’ and Dave Kelly’s tangled and colourful roots go way back into the true undergrowth of the tradition. 7.30pm, £21, 01630 654444

28 January

STARS IN YOUR SKIES – ORION & BIRTH OF STARS Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd Where can we see the birthplace of stars, how are they born and what has life in store for them? Find out with astronomer and broadcaster Pete Williamson. There will also be the opportunity for star-gazing (weather permitting). Soup and a roll are included in the ticket price. Meet at the Chalet Pavilion, Carding Mill Valley 8-10pm, £10. www. nationaltrust.org.uk

28 January

THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE   Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton   Returning by popular demand, for one night only, three hours of nonstop 60s nostalgia. Seven legendary names take to the stage and deliver a night never to be forgotten. 7.30pm, £21.50-£29.50 www.grandtheatre.co.uk

27 January

28 January

DR JON HERBERT: THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND WHAT’S IN STORE NOW

BURNS NIGHT CELEBRATION

Oswestry School Dr Jon Herbert is an acknowledged

Cumbrae Pipe Band. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets are priced £25 and are available from Hugh Roberts on 0797 196 3016.

30 January

CINEMA: DAVID BRENT LIFE ON THE ROAD  The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock  A camera crew catches up with David Brent, the former star of the fictional British TV series The Office, as he now fancies himself a rock star on the road. 7.30pm, £5/£4, www. edgeartscentre.com

31 January

SNOW DROP WALK  Oswestry Visitor and Exhibition Centre  Come and find a carpet of snowdrops on a country estate in a ruined house. Meet 10am at the Heritage Centre. Walk will last about two hours and will be muddy at times. Liz Evans 01743 255068

31 January

IL TROVATORE (ROH LIVE) Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury; The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock; Majestic Cinema, Bridgnorth This atmospheric and poetic staging by director David Bösch puts the story of passion against the backdrop of war. Fire and snow in the landscape echo the cruelty and love of the story: soldiers and gypsies clash, a mother reveals a terrible secret and two men are engaged in a deadly fight for one woman. The famous Anvil Chorus is just one of the highlights of Verdi’s exceptionally fine music, which captures the shifting emotions of the drama through impassioned love duets, fiery solos and stirring choruses 7.15pm, see individual websites for ticket details

n 20-22 JANUARY Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury As four of North East England’s leading champions of its musical heritage, The Pitmen Poets individually and collectively celebrate the triumphs, tragedy, humour and hard times of North-East England’s coal-mining tradition in an evening of music, song and spoken word, illustrated by atmospheric archive photography. 7.30pm, £19, www.theatresevern.co.uk

expert in American politics with his primary focus on the American presidency. As senior lecturer in the faculty of Politics, Philosophy, Internal Relations and the Environment at the University of Keele, his analysis will be incisive and his delivery passionate. Entry is free, starts 7pm at the Peter Humphreys Centre, Oswestry School. For more information and to reserve a place email enquiries@oswestryschool. org.uk

Oswestry Cricket Club Evening of traditional Burns Night food, song, and the odd spirit or two, along with pipers from the Isle of

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JANUARY 2017 | GET OUT

Theatre Reviews

The Nutcracker, Birmingham Hippodrome

pening night of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome coincided with its creator Sir Peter Wright’s 90th

birthday. The production was created by Sir Peter 26 years ago to mark the dance company’s relocation to Birmingham, and the legendary choreographer was present to enjoy the launch of this year’s run of the much-loved festive perennial. Set in the late 19th century, during a Christmas Eve party hosted by Dr Stahlbaum and his wife, magician Drosselmeyer produces gifts for all the children present, including a nutcracker doll for the Stahlbaum’s daughter Clara. After the guests have left the family retire to bed, but Clara sneaks back downstairs to play with her new doll. As the clock strikes midnight, Drosselmeyer reappears and Clara is transported to a magical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, a malevolent rat king and a handsome nutcracker prince. Right from curtain up, this production has the wow-factor. There was an audible gasp from the audience when the first of many extraordinary sets was revealed. The scenery, special effects and

costumes, devised by designer John Macfarlane. are spectacular. From the giant Christmas tree transformation to a magical snowstorm at the end of Act I – it’s one of the most visually stunning shows I’ve ever seen. Tchaikovsky’s evocative score, faithfully executed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia under the baton of Nicolette Fraillon, gives the production an additional layer of magic. Any less of a company might have been overshadowed by such elaborate staging, but The Nutcracker is the perfect vehicle for Birmingham Royal Ballet to show what it is made of. Despite a few minor timing issues during some of the group dances in Act I, this renowned troupe is world class. There are many standout performances – Karla Doorbar is delightful as Clara, and Jonathan Payn is a commanding presence as the enigmatic Drosselmeyer. Tzu-Chao Chou’s performance as the Jack-in-the-Box is jaw-droppingly energetic and young Max Blackwell is charming as Clara’s mischievous little brother. While most of the action takes place in Act I, the second act is a series of divertissements in various fantasy realms, which in the most part have little to do with the story. Clara is somewhat sidelined to observe the Waltz of the Flowers and dynamic Russian and Spanish-style dances. It is these continental-themed sections of the ballet which perhaps haven’t aged so well. The

Chinese tea dance, for example, is an awkwardly stereotypical caricature complete with pointing fingers and bobbing heads. That said, the best is indeed saved until last. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is exquisitely executed by Momoko Hirata. The grand pas de deux featuring the Sugar Plum Fairy and The Prince is equally flawless. Hirata is partnered by Joseph Caley, and together they give a beautiful performance that is both sensitive and exhilarating. Sir Peter Wright’s masterpiece continues to delight. After 26 years and over 500 performances, this classic ballet has lost none of its sparkle. Enchanting and poignant, the Birmingham Royal Ballet has yet again delivered a sensational festive showpiece. Clare White

Treasure Island, Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Cinderella, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

en minutes in and we’ve had bloody scenes of amputations and a fight between pirates. The children in the audience will be happy to lap this up all night. For families looking for a seasonal treat at the theatre that isn’t panto, the Rep has a proud tradition of serving up quality entertainment. This is a family show that isn’t dumbed down, so the dialogue is at times wordy and the plot unrushed, but the three rows of schoolchildren at the front showed no sign of fidgety boredom. Where Treasure Island has ‘compromised’ to modern times is in the casting of Jim Hawkins as a girl. It’s a practical solution to finding an adult actor who can convincingly play a young teenager (males tend to be more, well, manly) but also addresses a huge gender imbalance in the book. “Girls need adventures too,” comments one character, and Sarah Middleton’s Jim (short for Jemima) grabs her adventure with wide-eyed delight and a zest for life. Narrating the story, her asides to the audience are beautifully timed, and she proves to have a lovely singing voice in the sprinkling of sea shanties which pepper the production. The quirky mix of pirates and innocent adventurers lured to sea by a treasure map features some entertaining characters, notably Squire Trelawny (Tonderai Munyevu), the ever-hungry Red Ruth (Andrea Davy) and the delightful person-that-everyone-forgets, Grey

Showing until 8 January

Showing until 7 January

W (Dave Fishley) who in complete contrast also plays the macabre Billy Bones. Also worthy of mention is the excellent Thomas Pickles as Ben Gunn, driven crazy by three years alone on the island. The staging is marvellous, the Rep’s big stage taking you inventively from inn to ship to island with no pauses for scene changes. Visually interesting with a multi-layered acting space, it takes the action up and even down, with characters disappearing under the stage. There are extended fight sequences and an impressive body count for a children’s show, but softening that are the humour and music. Best for children aged around eight and upwards, Treasure Island should stir their imagination and spirit of adventure – and hopefully not too many bad dreams of one-legged men and the Black Spot. Alison Ashmore

e knew we were in for something special at this year’s annual Theatre Severn pantomime, Cinderella. For starters, everyone’s favourite dame Brad Fitt, was the one wearing the trousers. Brad Fitt, who also directs the production, has appeared at six previous Theatre Severn pantomimes. Playing Buttons was a departure from his usual role. He was as hilarious as always but without the costume changes and with a bit of extra pathos, and a song. My family loved him more than ever before (and he is always our favourite!) Having said that, it was close competition as the cast was the strongest I’ve ever seen in a pantomime. Shrewsbury opted for real talent as opposed to reality stars, and the professionalism from every single cast member was outstanding. Ryan Bennett as Prince Charming was delightful, with a faultless voice, good looks and a sense of humour as a nice but dim royal, and Victoria McCabe was pretty with a sparkly smile as lead role Cinderella. Dandini, played by stand-up comedian Phil Butler, added more hilarity with a Tommy Cooper continued over

JANUARY 2017

Waste and recycling over the festive period The day of the week your waste and recycling is collected will change over the Christmas period. If your usual collection day is...

...your Christmas collection will be:

Monday 19 December 2016 Tuesday 20 December 2016 Wednesday 21 December 2016 Thursday 22 December 2016 Friday 23 December 2016

No change No change No change No change No change

Monday 26 December 2016 Tuesday 27 December 2016 Wednesday 28 December 2016 Thursday 29 December 2016 Friday 30 December 2016

Saturday 24 December 2016 Wednesday 28 December 2016 Thursday 29 December 2016 Friday 30 December 2016 Saturday 31 December 2016

Monday 2 January 2017 Tuesday 3 January 2017 Wednesday 4 January 2017 Thursday 5 January 2017 Friday 6 January 2017

Tuesday 3 January 2017 Wednesday 4 January 2017 Thursday 5 January 2017 Friday 6 January 2017 Saturday 7 January 2017

Collections will return to normal from Monday 9 January 2017 Red = earlier collection Blue = later collection These changes start the weekend before Christmas and end on Saturday 7 January 2017. Some collections will be before your usual day of collection but most collections will be later.

In bad weather: please leave bins out until they are collected. For boxes, please take them back in if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not collected as they can be a trip hazard, and put them out on the next scheduled collection day.

Working in partnership

JANUARY 2017 | LEISURE

style magic show and a scene where he turned royal ball into a rave. This year’s dames gave Brad Fitt a run for his money as ugly sisters who managed 10-second costume changes into some spectacular dresses inspired by fast food and a pair of cows amongst many others. They relentlessly taunted a chap named Tony, before cleverly revealing a huge pair of knickers bearing his name in the second half. Even the Fairy Godmother – not traditionally a huge source of laughs – was amusing (I’m running out of words for funny!). Television actress Joanne Heywood was bright, bubbly and brilliant. Even Shropshire Radio’s Eric Smith – with 14 year of practice – is starting to get the hang of panto. Along with the truly side-splitting cast, the show delivered on magic aplenty. Turning Cinders’ rags into a gorgeous gown was enchanting, as

But even more extraordinary was Cinderella’s horse and carriage which left the audience enthralled and a little bit emotional.

was the moment that Buttons caused it to snow. But even more extraordinary was Cinderella’s horse and carriage which left the audience enthralled and a little bit emotional. This year’s panto, produced by Paul Hendy’s Evolution Productions was without doubt the best yet. No wonder that 90% of tickets were sold by opening week. To catch this touching, witty and delightful production, you’d best be quick. This might be your last chance to see Brad Fitt looking nothing like a dame. Eluned Watson

Books

Page turners with a local connection

Wendy and the Biscuit Tree By Lorna McCann

Available from Amazon, paperback, £7.99

Before I Let You In

dramatic colleague sleazy Mike leaves her flustered and driving home in a frenzy. In her haste and blind panic to leave the forceful sex pest, she fails to notice a cyclist and is oblivious to the fact that she has knocked him off his bike and killed him. This unusual string of events, and the fact that she won’t explain what happened that evening, leads Josie to a prison sentence of 12 months in a women’s prison in the Midlands. Despite the obvious trauma of losing home and job and facing up to events that her sheltered life has never come across, she makes surprising friendships and comes to admit and understand a dark secret in her own past. There were times when I wanted to shake Josie to tell her to defend herself, but as the story progresses you understand why she is as she is in a surprise twist which makes her behaviour clearer. The story moves along at speed which keeps the reader gripped but means you never feel you know the characters well and are occasionally left with a two-dimensional stereotype. Most of the women appear to be victims of men, and there is a clear but subtle message asking the reader to think about the purpose of sending many non-violent women to prison. But primarily it’s a page turner which keeps the reader gripped to her journey of self-discovery from innocent little Josie to a grown-up Jo ready to forget her past and face the world. Eluned Watson

by Jenny Blackhurst

Published by Headline, paperback, available from £3.85 Before I Let You In is Shropshire author Jenny Blackhurst’s second novel. It centres around three friends: Karen, Eleanor and Bea. Eleanor is a stay-at-home mum, burdened with the task of juggling school runs and nappy changes – at the bidding of her two small children and a stay-at-work Dad. Bea is a footloose and fancy-free office worker with no apparent ties or responsibilities except to live the single dream. And finally there’s Karen, a respectable psychiatrist who keeps the trio on a level playing field. All three friends meet on a regular basis, exchanging banter and insights into their different lifestyles. But their lives are about to change as a fourth character, Jessica, enters their world. She becomes Karen’s patient, but knows scarily too much about the three friends. Before I Let You In is a mystery of the mind; a journey through the corridors of suspicion and betrayal. Well written, compelling and full of intrigue. Michael Flavell

Josie

by Catherine Trimby YouCaxton Publications, paperback, £10 Josie, by Shropshire-born Catherine Trimby, follows the story of a timid, good girl, who at 32 years of age has never so much as sworn in public. That is, until a meeting with amateur

Former Shropshire journalist Lorna has published her first book after being inspired by her two young boys. Wendy and the Biscuit Tree was a favourite made-up tale with her sons Lucas and Finn and she promised them she would write it down so they could read it for themselves. Lorna, from Childs Ercall near Newport, teamed up with children’s illustrator Holly Bushnell, who is based in Formby,

A great bedtime story about discovery and friendship – and not eating too many biscuits Merseyside, to bring her story to life and has been supported by Team Author UK – an alliance established by editor Sue Miller to support independent authors wishing to self publish. It tells the story of Wendy, the smallest giraffe in the world, who is tired of being teased by her friends and fed up of not being tall enough to reach the good fruit at the top of the trees. But one day, Wendy discovers an enormous biscuit tree which means she will never go hungry again. But what happens when Wendy gets a bit too greedy? Do Wendy’s friends come to help her? This is a great bedtime story about discovery and friendship – and not eating too many biscuits.

LEISURE | JANUARY 2017

Books continued

A Charm of Goldfinches & Other Collective Nouns by Matt Sewell Ebury Press, £12 A Charm of Goldfinches by Shrewsbury artist Matt Sewell is a delight for lovers of words, animals and illustration. This book, focused on collective

A crown of kingfishers, one of the delightful illustrations from Shropshire artist Matt Sewell

nouns for animals, will have you struggling to steer conversations towards animals simply so you can make use of some of these fantastic and eccentric English collective nouns. Many of us may have heard the poetic phrase a ‘charm of goldfinches’, the glorious ‘murmuration of starlings’, or pub question favourite ‘a parliament of owls’. But ‘a dazzle of zebras’, ‘leap of leopards’, ‘business of ferrets’, ‘cloud of bats’ or ‘harem of seals’ were all new to me. I had to check they were even real, so fanciful were some of the glorious nouns used in this hardback book. Each collective noun comes with quirky write-up on one page and delightful watercolour on the next. The book also includes a Spotting and Jotting section, where readers are encouraged to get out and about with binoculars and flask to search for some of the animals mentioned.

Be warned, you’ll need to visit farflung places, or a zoo, to catch sight of an ape, elephant or hippo. Illustrated with Matt Sewell’s inimitable watercolours, and filled with

witty and enchanting descriptions of animals of land, air and sea, A Charm of Goldfinches is the perfect gift for art and nature lovers alike. Eluned Watson

Home for Christmas

Mirabilia’s first surprise is a beautiful contortion from its originally intended destination to something excitingly different. A haunting single note violin introduction and the gentle ripples and bends of the lead guitar conjured up a misty Celtic lake for me. A few seconds in, and a deeper noted fingerpicking accompaniment of a second guitar starts to build a sustained rhythmic beat allowing the lead to overlay ‘Anglicana’s’ distinctive dancing banjoesque melody and elegantly wistful refrain. It climaxes with some harmoniously smooth, note perfect improvisation, before returning to its catchy theme. In ‘Chalk Heart’ the roles are reversed as Sarah’s five-string violin mini concerto passionately sheds tears of sadness all over Steve and Charlotte’s ostinato guitar

phrasing and bass line. It’s a chalk heartbreaker. From the Eastern European influenced handclapping live favourite ‘Mouse’ to the folk-rock opera of ‘Holding Aces’ (offering nothing less than a wah wah guitar solo, electric mandolin with slide and an amusingly inserted ‘circus interlude’) Whalebone do not fail their listeners. As ever, acoustic loveliness just oozes from this latest Whalebone compilation with the final gift of ‘Pure’ poignantly bringing us back down to earth on nylon-strung classical guitars. There’s more twists and turns on ‘Mirabilia’ than a bobbing pooh-stick winding downstream from Bridgnorth to Bristol, through the eddies and backwaters of the Severn, passing by the very studio where this album was born. A romantic idea, but maybe it was Sabrina, ancient goddess of our beautiful river, that lent herself as the final guild of creative inspiration to help complete this enchantingly tuneful accumulation of ideas. Avid fans will love ‘Mirabilia’ and any newbies picking this up will no doubt become avid fans too. Martin Edwards

Music Mirabilia by Whalebone £7.99 on iTunes Whalebone are a group of extremely talented Shropshirebased musicians rapidly gaining international recognition with their signature dish of folk music with a twist. Their latest album was written and recorded overlooking the River Severn in their Brewhouse studio in the spring and early summer of 2016. Mirabilia is described as ‘items of inexplicable origin and form’ and every track surprised them in different ways, each taking the players in a series of unexpected directions. ‘Anglicana’ is first up and it was a good choice, setting the tone for a wondrous mystical journey through this eclectic mix of musical delights – but all threaded together with that unique Whalebone blend of acoustic strings. According to the sleeve notes, this opening track was originally intended as a piece of Americana with banjo and plans for lap steel. So

by the Military Wives Choirs Amazon, £9.99 Women from Shawbury and Cosford Military Wives Choir add their talents to the latest album from the movement originally established to give a voice to the wives of servicemen. This is their biggest release yet, featuring over 1,000 wives from 65 choirs across the UK and overseas. Twelve Christmas carols and songs feature, with some having had their lyrics adapted to reflect what the season means to women in the military community. Inspired by the experiences of families who cannot always spend Christmas together, it brings a special poignancy to the songs and a new take on some very familiar tunes. A choir of purely female voices is always going to lack the depth of a mixed voice choir, instead giving a very sweet sound, but the tracks have powerful harmonies and orchestral arrangements. No doubt many people will enjoy this album, which is for a worthy cause. Alison Ashmore

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | JANUARY 2017

The race is on

rab your trainers, whether you’re a runner or someone considering a brand new challenge, it’s time to start training for Oswestry’s inaugural Half

Marathon. Starting and finishing at popular tourist destination The British Ironwork Centre – and offering a medal specially designed by the centre – the event is to be held on 30 April. The half marathon is organised by the team from UKRunChat, who took over the successful Shrewsbury Half in June 2016. Reviewmedia is proud to offer support as official media partner. The British Ironworks will be putting on family fun events for those cheering on family and friends. There will also be the chance to see magnificent sculptures including the famous Spoon Gorilla and Knife Angel. If that’s not incentive enough, then the medals, themed around the giant spoon gorilla, promise to be a work of art in themselves. The route will start off in the grounds of British Ironwork Centre’s sculpture park, past leaping wildebeest, cheetahs and a life-size

Oﬃcial Media Partner

n Operations Director Sophia Knowles and Joe Williams

elephant, before heading towards the bustling streets of Oswestry town centre. The idea behind the race came about during a dinner conversation with British Ironwork Centre chairman and founder Clive Knowles, says UKRunChat director Joe Williams. “Clive and I met at a dinner in February 2016. Over a drink we had the idea that between The British Ironworks and UKRunChat we could bring a fantastic and unique new event to Oswestry,” says Joe. The route should have plenty of interesting features to keep runners distracted from the gruelling 13.1 miles run. Joe is expecting beginners and elite runners alike to take on this new challenge. “We are focusing on putting on a great event which hopefully will attract runners not only from

Shropshire but people from further afield looking for something a little different,” says Joe. He hopes they might even encourage some new people into running. “Lots of people run for different reasons. Running is a fantastic way to get fit, lose weight and tone up. It helps relieve stress. Some people like to compete with others. It’s a very social activity now and yet it’s also great to go out on your own and have some ‘you time’.” Keen runner Joe is delighted to have teamed up with The British Ironworks to create a family day and fun atmosphere with plenty of parking, toilet facilities and added entertainment and café. He says: “The British Ironworks is a fantastic place to start and a finish a race. Participants and spectators alike will have plenty to keep them occupied. Whilst loved ones are off running, the younger members of the family will be suitably entertained. “Add to that, having one of the Ironworks’ amazing sculptors designing the medal inhouse. It is going to be one of the best medals a participant is ever likely to get. Runners love getting medals so this is not one to be missed. I have seen the prototype and it is going to be really amazing!” Early bird registration is priced at £22.50 and non-affiliated £24.50. For details and to sign up go to www.ukrunchatevents.co.uk To find out more about The British Ironwork Centre go to www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

Tel: 01691 610952 Whitehall, Aston, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 4JH 66

JANUARY 2017 | FOOD + DRINK

Food& Drink

SOLE AND LEEKS EN PAPILLOTE Serves 4 One of the quickest healthy suppers there is, baking fish in a parcel with flavourful leeks and herbs, really maximises flavour. If sole is elusive, this recipe also works well with sea bass, bream or trout fillets.

he humble leek is the perfect seasonal British vegetable, adding flavour to a wide range of warming winter recipes. What’s more, its nutritional benefits are apparently ideal for keeping us healthy during the cold months ahead. The Leek Grower’s Association is reminding us that leek is the fat-free, nutrient rich answer to staying healthy and helping combat colds this winter. From keeping sore throats at bay to improving the quality of the singing voice, this ‘upmarket onion’ is a must-have on shopping lists across the country during the November to April season. More refined, subtle and sweet than the average onion and packed with antioxidants, the leek has long been treasured in Europe and the Mediterranean where it has been grown and cooked for more than 3,000 years. Rich in iron, vitamin B6, vitamin C and folate it is used in traditional medicines to treat a variety of ailments including the common cold, gout, ‘bad’ cholesterol, kidney stones as well as protecting against cancer. Whether you like them roasted, baked, braised or boiled, leeks are easier to digest than onions, have laxative, antiseptic, diuretic and anti-arthritic properties. Daily Telegraph food columnist Katriona MacGregor – a big fan of the leek – has devised these recipes especially for the season. For more recipes and information visit the British leek website on www. britishleeks.co.uk

LEEK AND BUTTERBEAN SOUP Serves 4 Rich, thick and warming, this soup has a lovely, velvety texture. Perfect for chilly winter days, it’s inexpensive, quick to make and perfect either for a light supper or filling lunch at work or school. Ingredients 400g leeks, trimmed and sliced 1 small onion, peeled and sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 2 x 400g tin butterbeans, drained 4 sprigs of thyme, leaves only 1 bay leaf 70ml extra virgin olive oil 1.1L chicken / vegetable stock

Ingredients 300g leeks, trimmed 100g frozen petit pois, defrosted 2 lemon sole, skinned and each filleted into four 8 tbsp white wine ½ lemon, zest and juice 1 tbsp capers A handful of dill, chopped A handful of chives, chopped Olive oil Salt and pepper

Method Heat a little butter or oil in a large sauce pan and add the sliced onions and leeks. Cook gently for 10 minutes until softened, covered with a lid. Don’t allow the leeks to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn as they will become bitter. After 10 minutes, add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf and a little salt and pepper and continue to cook in the same way for a further 10 minutes. Drain the butterbeans, rinse, and tip into the pan with the leeks. Cook for 2 more minutes, still covered with a lid and then pour over the stock. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Using a jug blender if possible, but alternatively a hand held stick blender, blend until very smooth and velvety in consistency, adding the extra virgin olive oil as you blend. Tip back into a clean pan and taste to check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed and perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice. Return to the heat and when piping hot, serve. Top with a drizzle of olive oil, cream or perhaps a crumbling of goat’s cheese or croutons.

Method Preheat the oven to 200C / Gas Mark 6 Slice the leeks thinly on the diagonal. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and blanch the sliced leeks for 1 minute. Refresh in cold water, drain and tip into a bowl with the petit pois. Add the herbs, a little salt and pepper and a drop of olive oil and mix together. To make the parcels, cut out four large sheets of baking parchment. Divide the leek mixture between the four squares, placing a pile in the middle of each and spreading out slightly with the back of a spoon. Lay two fillets of sole on top of each pile of vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle over the capers and a little lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fold the edges of the paper together, from the outer edges towards the middle, twisting to seal. Just before you seal the parcels, add 2 tbsp of white wine to each. Place the parcels on a large baking tray in the centre of the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the fish is just cooked through. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, still in the parcels if you like.

LEEK, LAMB AND NIGELLA SEED CASSEROLE Serves 4 Sweet leeks are a heavenly partner to lamb and in this simple casserole, you only have a handful of ingredients to prepare before the dish goes into the oven to cook quietly on its own. If possible, make it the day before you plan to eat, giving the flavours time to develop. Ingredients 1.1kg boned lamb shoulder, diced into 2” pieces 400-450g leeks, trimmed and sliced 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 heaped tbsp nigella seeds 1 heaped tbsp wholegrain mustard 500ml chicken or lamb stock Large handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped

FOOD + DRINK| JANUARY 2017

Method Preheat the oven to 160C / Gas Mark 3 Heat a little oil in a large casserole pan and brown the diced lamb in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go. Make sure you brown the pieces on all sides, to give plenty of flavour, adding more oil as you need it. Keep to one side. Once all of the lamb is browned, add the sliced leeks to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes over a moderate heat, stirring. Add the garlic and nigella seeds and turn the heat down, to cook the leeks as gently as possible. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, being careful not to let the leeks stick to the bottom of the pan and burn. Stir and cook for a further 5 minutes. Return the lamb to the pan along with the wholegrain mustard, parsley and stock. Stir well, season with salt and pepper and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the lid to the pot and place in the centre of the oven for 1 ½ hours. At this point, taste the casserole, checking to see if the lamb is tender. If not, return to the oven for a further 30 minutes. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve with mashed or new potatoes.

LEEK, WILD MUSHROOM AND PARMESAN PAPPARDELLE Serves 4 Real comfort food, this recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto and if you’re following a gluten free diet, simply replace the pappardelle with a gluten-free alternative.

Ingredients 80g prosciutto or parma ham, sliced into ribbons 170g wild mushrooms, torn into small pieces 450g leeks, trimmed 1 clove garlic, crushed 10 chives, finely chopped 25g butter 30g parmesan 500g pappardelle Olive oil Method Slice the leeks into thin strips, as you would for a stir fry. Heat a little oil in a large frying pan and add the sliced prosciutto. Fry until opaque and crispy and then remove from the pan and keep to one side. Melt the butter with a little oil in the same pan and add the mushrooms. Fry for 3-4 minutes before adding the leeks, garlic and chives. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every so often, and adding a little more oil if needed. The leeks should have softened but still be nicely bright green. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente and before you drain the pasta, add a ladleful of the cooking water to the leeks. Drain the pasta, toss in olive oil and tip into the pan with the leeks. Add the prosciutto and grated parmesan and toss everything together well over the heat for a minute or so. Serve scattered with a little more parmesan and some chopped parsley or chives.

Tempting turkey

ot a fan of turkey curry? Then there are plenty of other lighter options to make sure the Christmas turkey doesn’t go to waste when the big day is over.

CHRISTMAS SQUASH, TURKEY & STILTON QUICHE (from www.pyrexuk.com) Serves 6 This is a really good way to use up Christmas leftovers, a great lunch or supper dish served with salad. Ingredients 250g butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-2cm cubes 1 tbs olive oil 320g pack ready prepared shortcrust pastry 200g cooked turkey, cut into 1-2cm cubes 3 medium eggs 300ml single cream ground black pepper 100g stilton cheese, crumbled ¼ tsp dried chilli flakes

JANUARY 2017 | FOOD + DRINK

Method Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6, 200C. Place the squash into a roasting tin and drizzle with oil. Cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Cool. Line the lightly oiled 24cm quiche dish with the pastry. Put squash, turkey and stilton into the dish, beat the eggs with the cream, pepper and chilli flakes and pour over. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and set.

TURKEY AND MOZZARELLA CHRISTMAS SANDWICH LOAF (from www.makemoreofsalad.com) Serves: 4-6 Ingredients 3 tbsp cranberry sauce 6-8 long Cos leaves 150g mozzarella, sliced jar roasted vegetables (peppers, aubergines, courgettes etc) leftover turkey breast torn into pieces Loaf of bread Method Cut the top off the loaf approx ¼ the way down and pull the soft bread out of the centre to make a bowl shape of the crust, with a 2cm layer of bread inside. Spread half of the cranberry sauce in a thin layer all over the inside of the bread bowl then layer half of the Cos leaves over the bottom, tearing them to fit. Add a layer of mozzarella, then the roast veg, then the turkey and top with the rest of the cranberry. Repeat this till the bread bowl is full. End with a layer of Cos leaves. Replace the lid and tightly wrap the whole thing in cling film and balance a can on top to weigh it down. Leave to firm up for 1-4 hrs. Cut into slices to serve.

Cook’s tip: dry the roast veg and mozzarella on kitchen roll to avoid the bread getting too soggy.

SATAY TURKEY IN LETTUCE CUPS (from www.makemoreofsalad.com) Makes: 15 These make the perfect festive party canapes. Ingredients 2 tsp nut oil 8 spring onions, 6 finely sliced, 2 reserved for decoration 1-2 tsp curry powder 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter 200g cooked turkey, torn into bite sized pieces 80g baby corn cut into ½ cm disks 160ml chicken stock 50g creamed coconut (or 1 sachet) 2 tsp soy sauce 200g cooked brown rice 2 Baby Gem lettuce Small bunch of coriander 1 lime cut in wedges Method In a heavy bottom pan heat the oil and gently cook the sliced spring onions for 2 minutes. Add the curry powder and peanut butter, cook, stirring, for 1 min until fragrant then add the turkey and baby corn. Stir to coat with the paste. Pour in the stock, coconut milk and soy, stir and cook for 10 minutes. If the satay becomes too thick add a little more stock. While cooking, slice the two remaining spring onions then tear the leaves from the lettuce and arrange on a serving plate. When ready, spoon a little cooked rice into each.

TURKEY, WATERCRESS AND MOZZARELLA WRAP (from www.watercress.co.uk) Serves: 2 This is the perfect light lunch for using up those festive leftovers. Leave the mozzarella out for a dairy-free alternative or replace with brie, goats, or other leftover cheese of your choice. Ingredients 150g cooked turkey, cut into small chunks 1 small handful of shredded mozzarella 2 large flour tortillas 1 red or yellow pepper, sliced ½ red onion, finely sliced ½ tsp chilli flakes 15 pitted olives, black or green, quartered 1 handful watercress 1 handful of spinach Few torn basil leaves For the dressing 1 tbsp each honey and wholegrain mustard, mixed Method Put a thin layer of the grated mozzarella on the tortillas, then spoon the other ingredients out evenly on top. Drizzle the dressing over the filling, roll it all up, tucking in the sides like a burrito and cook it in a dry, medium-hot frying pan for 2-3 minutes each side, using another pan to weigh it down. Slice in half and serve with salad.

JANUARY 2017

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Liar Liar Coffee Shop, 2 Albion Hill, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1QA Tel: 07845 666620 This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Not exchangeable for cash. No cash value. Offer valid until 31 January 2017. Only one voucher for a maximum of 4 per table per visit can be accepted for this offer. Offer subject to availability.

The promoter of this offer is Baby Bird Cafe, 23 Cross Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2NF (01691) 650603. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Not exchangeable for cash. No cash value. Offer valid until 31 January 2017. Excludes Bank Holidays. Only one voucher per visit can be accepted for this offer. Offer subject to availability.

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Salsa Café Oswestry Market Hall, Ground Floor, Bailey Head, Oswestry, SY11 1PZ This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Not exchangeable for cash. No cash value. Offer valid until 31 January 2017. Excludes Bank Holidays. Only one voucher per visit can be accepted for this offer. Offer subject to availability.

The promoter of this offer is Simla, 42 Beatrice Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1QG (01691) 659880/653818 This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Not exchangeable for cash. No cash value. Offer valid until 31 January 2017. Excludes Bank Holidays. Only one voucher per table per visit can be accepted for this offer. Offer subject to availability.

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JANUARY 2017 | MARKETPLACE

WARMINWINTER 2

Six of the best buys for winter warmth

1 Grey knit hat, Vinegar Hill, Shrewsbury, £19.99 Get ahead with this knitted hat with faux fur trim

2 Spacey bobble knit boot, White Stuff, £27.50 With the fluffiest of interiors and sturdy soles to take you anywhere in the house 3 Scarf, Accessorize, £25 Brighton Patchwork scarf with contrasting patterns and colours finished with tassels 4 Cosy wrist warmers, www. turtle-doves.co.uk, from £24. Super soft reversible cashmere wrist warmers in a rainbow of colours, from Shrewsbury-based TurtleDoves

5 6

5 Cosy leather soled slippers, hand knitted and stitched in Afghanistan from 70% wool. Sizes small to XL, priced £8.99 from Rowanthorn, Oswestry 6 Salted caramel hot chocolate, Tea and Roses, Bridgnorth, £12.99 A hug in a mug. An indulgent treat to see you through the chilly nights

JANUARY 2017

Avoiding a taxing problem for the future Have you considered the cost of Inheritance Tax? asks Matt Hignett of Beaumont Financial Planners Limited Inheritance Tax (IHT) can cost family and friends hundreds of thousands of pounds if we don’t prepare ourselves. Making some small changes with an Independent Financial Advisor can make a big difference in the amount of tax payable after you die. So, how does this tax affect you and what can be done to reduce it?

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When you die, the government will assess how much your estate is worth (less any debts) and your estate will then owe Inheritance Tax at 40% on anything above the current £325,000 IHT threshold. Let’s use an example to clarify; you leave an estate worth £450,000. With current legislation, your estate will pay nothing on the first £325,000, but will then have to pay 40% tax on the remaining £125,000. That’s an incredible £50,000 in tax! Anything left to a spouse or civil partner is exempt from Inheritance Tax. However, there can then be tax implications upon the death of the surviving spouse or civil partner which in turn may mean other family members being left to foot the bill. In the July 2015 Summer Budget, George Osborne announced that he’d scrap the duty when parents or grandparents pass on a home that’s worth £1m (£500,000 for singles) or less, which will be phased in gradually between 2017 and 2020. However how this works in practice is more complex and would require further discussion – which is where an Independent Financial Adviser will be able to help advise on your particular circumstances.

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Gifts Money given away before you die can still be considered part of your estate and is potentially subject to Inheritance Tax if you die within seven years of making the gift (the trick is not to die!). There are other exemptions that would lessen your tax bill, even if you died within seven years, such as the £3000 annual allowance per person, which can also be carried forward for one tax year and must then be used. Gifts to charities and political parties are Inheritance Tax free – with a charitable donation of at least 10% of the net value of your estate reducing the IHT rate to 36%. There are many other ways that you can gift and plan for your future in a tax efficient way. To discuss your own IHT planning requirements, or other financial needs, call us to arrange a free, no obligation assessment on 01691 670524, or email me, Matt Hignett at Matt@beaumontfinancial.co.uk Alternatively, visit our website - www.beaumontfinancial.co.uk or pop in to Beaumont Financial Planners Limited, 21 Salop Road, Oswestry, SY11 2NR

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JANUARY 2017 | COMMUNITY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE NEW SAINTS FC OF OSWESTRY TOWN

On the ball with soccer star Scott Sporty students from an Oswestry school were delighted to receive footballing tips from England footballer Jill Scott. Students from The Marches School: Mia Drakely, Ellie Potts and Abbie Lawrence, attended the Jill Scott Soccer Roadshow at Telford College of Arts and Technology over the October half-term. Soccer star Jill Scott, who ran the roadshow, is an England footballer and is one of only 10 players to have earned 100 caps for the England women’s team. The workshop held during school half-term week was targeted at young people aged from six to 16 and forms part of the FA’s Girls Football Week which focuses on allowing female players to flourish. Miss Newey, P.E. Teacher at The Marches School, said: “I went down to the roadshow to see how the girls were getting on and they were having a great time. They really embraced the day, putting 100% into all the tasks that were asked of them and their talent really shone with Ellie Potts scoring a few excellent goals.” She continued: “Girls football at The Marches School

� Jill Scott with Year 8 students Mia Drakely and Abbie Lawrence and Year 9 student Ellie Potts is growing every week and we are now starting to look at getting fixtures organised. Events like this are crucial to get young

female players into the game and help them to realise that football is as much a sport for them as it is boys.”

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members available � Richard Jandrell (left) receiving his silver medal at the European Championships

Student Mark kicks off with silver for England A young Oswestry kickboxer achieved a life-long dream when he represented England in the European Championships in Spain. Year 10 student Richard Jandrell, from The Marches School, competed in the October championships, realising an ambition that he has been training hard for since he was five years old. Richard entered two competitions: Points Fighting and Continuous Fighting in Kickboxing. On arrival Richard was entered into the 60kg competitions, a category higher than he normally enters. Richard came away with both bronze and silver medals. Mark Jandrell, Richard’s father, said: “This is a really great achievement for Richard, especially as he was entered into a category higher than what he was expecting!”

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Contact Naomi@gotothevenue.com for more information or Call: 01691 684840. The Venue at Park Hall, Burma Road, Park Hall, Oswestry, SY11 4AS.

MARKETPLACE | JANUARY 2017

BID to boost Oswestry business

ntrepreneur Gary Ridgway is an incredibly busy man. He runs a development and refurbishment company, manages a property portfolio, rears turkeys, geese and ducks and has a hugely wide range of hobbies, including a smallholding to manage. Yet Gary, from St Martins, has taken it upon himself to volunteer as chair of the group drumming up support for Oswestry BID (Business Improvement District). The reason he has taken on yet another role is simple; he believes that BID can bring huge benefits to Oswestry’s ecomonic landscape, its shops and its businesses, which in turn brings advantages to workers, shoppers, community and other business people. “Business Improvement Districts are business-led partnerships which are created through a ballot process to deliver services and improvements to local businesses,” he explains. “They can be a powerful tool for directly allowing local businesses to have a strategic voice in both local and regional initiatives. They can also foster collaborative working and allow the business community and local authorities to work together to improve the local trading environment.” A Business Improvement District is a defined area in which an investment levy is collected from

all business non domestic rate payers through the business rates bill. This levy is used to develop and deliver projects which will benefit businesses in the local area, that the businesses themselves have identified. Gary continues: “There is no limit on what projects or services can be provided through a Business Improvement District. The only requirement is that it should be something that is in addition to services provided by local authorities. BIDS around the country have instigated Improvements that include, but are not limited to, extra safety/security, cleansing and environmental measures, public realm projects and works, events and co-ordinated marketing and promotion initatives, staff training and business development programs and support and cost savings in power, fuel, travel, printing costs etc, in fact a whole range of business focussed improvements, everything is possible but they must not duplicate or replace services that the council has responsibility for.” BID has brought huge advantages to other towns and cities, including nearby Shrewsbury, and Gary has spent time liaising and working with Shrewsbury BID’s Kirsten Henly. “BID brings power back to businesses enabling them to work together to provide whatever is important in that area at that time. To me, it’s a no-brainer!” There are 258 BID areas currently in the country, many of which are on their second or

third term, which is testament to its success. With 739 ‘Herditiments’ in the Oswestry area, Gary says that with a total rateable value of over £14m an Oswestry BID could raise £1 million over a five year period to deliver a wide range of business improvements for all businesses from the industrial park to the town centre including those hidden away businesses in offices. Gary along with his BID team hopes to speak directly to each and every business in the BID area to engage and develop thinking around what would improve things for Oswestry businesses. “So far, everyone I’ve spoken to has been positive but I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead,” he says. Gary says he doesn’t want to be ‘the face’ of BID and has a team of business people on the BID Working Group. He has also started working with a group known as BID Champions, who are supportive and want to see improvements all over the business landscape. He says: “This is not about me, it’s about collaborative working to achieve the best for all businesses in the area. I want every business to be proud to be a business in Oswestry and Oswestry a great place to do business. If you are interested in getting involved on the Working Group or as a BID Champion Gary can be contacted on info@ oswestry4bid.co.uk

Joining forces for the future Shropshire motor dealers Furrows is helping to build the workforce of the future by joining forces with schools. The team at Furrows of Oswestry are working with The Marches School to give students the opportunity to take part in extended work placements at their dealership that could lead to a career in the industry. Richard Pettener, for the dealership, said the first candidate had already signed up to the scheme – Thomas Simmonds who is aged 14. “The aim is to support students who are considering a career in the motor industry by giving them the chance to spend a day a week with us over a period of two years, working with our team. “This way they get the chance to learn about the practicalities of the industry and to take part in hands-on experience to help them prepare for their future career. “It’s a great opportunity for the students and for our industry too, as there is a real need for apprentices and technicians so this is an arrangement that benefits both partners.” Thomas has already started his extended placement working in the Furrows’ service department and he will be learning from the experienced and knowledgeable technicians on site. Jo White is the business and community development

n Thomas Simmonds from The Marches School (right) with technician Nathan Rogers at Furrows of Oswestry

manager at The Marches School, and she said the placement partnership was working extremely well. “Furrows have been very supportive and the extended placement scheme is a great opportunity for our students to try their hand at career possibilities in a real and busy workplace. “Working with the Furrows team has helped us to fine-tune the scheme, including their suggestion that parents

should be involved more directly and visit the employer with their child before a placement begins which we have now taken on board.” Thomas’ Mum, Michelle Simmonds, said: “When we met Richard from Furrows we were reassured and pleased about how enthusiastic he and his team were about Thomas starting his placement. Thomas hasn’t stopped talking about Furrows ever since.”

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Stationery shop doesn’t stand still Three Oswestry sisters, who launched their business as a six-month trial in 1992, are celebrating 25 years of stationery success this year. Sally Rogers, Emma Humphreys and Clare Morgan took over family business Lawrence Direct a quarter of a century ago, starting with little more than a newsagent/ gift shop and a photocopier. Currently, the family business, which has moved several times but is now based at 20 Church Street, offers all of your stationery and printing needs, from printing and laminating to designing and creating wedding invitations and stationery. “We started at a time when I was made redundant and Emma had decided that university was not for her so we were at a bit of loose end,” remembers Sally. “Mum offered us the family shop for six months to see what we could come up with. “We began the business as a toy

and gift shop but gradually evolved over the years to become a newsagent and stationery provider. It’s now quarter of a century later and we’re still going strong,” she adds. “We offer a newsagents at the front and the stationery services at the back.” Lawrence Direct provides wedding stationery and services for local schools and businesses but is happy to provide whatever customers want. “Our motto is ‘Never Say No’,” says Sally. “We try to help customers with whatever they require, whether they need a pack of pencils, want to bring in a memory stick for printing or want us to design and create an entire range from them. We try our very best to accommodate everybody, although we do like a little bit of prior notice where possible! At Christmas things do sometimes get a bit hectic when everyone leaves everything to the last minute.”

� Sally and Clare from Lawrence Direct on their stand at Oswestry Show last year

Recently the businesswomen have found that customers are using their services from across the UK. “With our internet services we can provide wedding stationery to anyone and everyone without ever meeting the bride,” says Sally. The business has now grown to include a team of six, including Jen Brumell who has been with the business for 22 years, and Clare Northall who has been with them for more than a decade. “They are all a great team,” says Sally. “I hope that their long service is testament to the fact that we’re a good business to work for and do business with!”

NSC double win at awards

� Award-winning business lecturer Sarah Probert and student Erin Bainbridge

North Shropshire College (NSC) had huge reason to celebrate at the 2016 Dyslexia Awards. Business lecturer Sarah Probert won the best teacher award and student Erin Bainbridge won the further education shining star award. The award winners were nominated by people from their community, students and peers and came against fierce competition. Student Erin Bainbridge was named a ‘role model and inspiration to other young people. Tutor Sarah Probert commented that ‘there should be no barriers in education’ and that ‘everybody should be offered the opportunity to learn and progress in an educational environment.’ Sarah went on to say: “I am grateful and humbled to have won this award and to all those who took the time to nominate me. I am extremely proud of Erin she is an inspirational young woman, I would also like to thank Elizabeth Wilkinson for establishing these awards to promote positivity, which they certainly do.” The ceremony took place at the Ironbridge Gorge’s Enginuity Museum in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire and was co-ordinated by Dyslexic Dyslexia consultant Elizabeth Wilkinson.

Surgery’s good results An Oswestry doctor’s surgery has received an overall rating of ‘good’ in a recent inspection report, with an ‘outstanding’ accolade for responsiveness. In a recent CQC inspection, The Caxton Surgery, in Oswald Road, was judged as good in all aspects with two ‘outstanding’ mentions for services towards vulnerable people and responsiveness. Practice manager James Bradbury said that the report was testament to the hard work of everybody working at the surgery. He said: “We were delighted to achieve such high praise for all aspects of the surgery, particularly on receiving an ‘outstanding’ for our responsiveness. “An outstanding is very difficult to achieve and we were very pleased indeed.” He continued: “The report is testament to the hard work of the whole team at Caxton Surgery. Without the commitment of everyone, from reception, admin, GPs and nursing staff, we could not have achieved such good results. The report takes account of all aspects of the surgery and we can’t glean good results without everyone putting in their best efforts every day.”

JANUARY 2017 | BUYMELOCAL

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Oswestry Town Council ...........................................01691 680222 Shropshire County Council ....................................0345 678 9000 Councillor Paul Milner —— Surgeries are held on the last Saturday of each month between 11am and 2pm at Oswestry library ........................07581 223599

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NOSTALGIA | JANUARY 2017

n Ardmillan House, which was built in 1879

n Photo of The Superintendent’s House at Derwen College, in Gobowen, thought to date back to 1955

Look back through the ages

n Students at Derwen College (which celebrates its 90th birthday this year) working on the walled garden back in the 1970s/1980s

n The Milk Race passes Oswestry Town FC Victoria Road Ground with the old gas works in the background

n Oswestry’s old bus station, where Morrisons supermarket stands today

Time moves on and much has changed in and around Oswestry over the past decades and centuries, with some spots being almost entirely unrecognisable from their pictures of the past. Whatever you think of the changes, looking back at old images never fails to fascinate. We’re asking readers to send in their photos and memories from the past to publish on our new monthly Nostalgia page. This month, we have been sent images by Matt Bailey. Please send your images as high resolution jpegs to Eluned Watson at ewatson@ reviewmedia.com. We can guarantee each image will evoke memories and discussion.

n Above: The changing face of the town’s Cross Street n Below: Shelf Bank, which is now a Local Nature Reserve n Bottom: Oswestry Town FC Victoria Road Ground

JANUARY 2017 | COMPETITIONS

You don’t need to be a body builder to benefit from joining up at one of Shropshire’s newest gyms. Whether you’re male or female and whether you want to get in shape, bulk up or follow a personal training plan, Evolution Gym, in Bailey Street, Oswestry, could be right up your street. Owner Jimmy Hayns first stepped foot in a gym at the age of 16 and hasn’t looked back since; now finally making his passion his future and opening Evolution back in July, after many months of fitting out the studio space. Evolution is kitted out with 70 units of new and refurbished equipment – everything a serious gym-goer could need and accommodating many different types of training. With more than 200 members already signed up, Jimmy is keen to emphasise that Evolution is not just for body builders. “We are for men, women, experienced trainers and new starters alike whether your motivation is strength, fitness, muscle gain, fat loss or nutrition,” he says. And if you’re lacking motivation, then there’s even the option of a personal trainer. In-house

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trainer Ceri Jones can help customers to build confidence in the gym and support them in achieving their fitness or weight-loss goals. And with opening hours from 6am to 10pm, there’s no excuse not to make time to get in shape whatever your motivation. Evolution Gym, in Bailey Street, is offering three lucky readers one month’s free access to the gym and two free personal training sessions with Ceri. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question:

In which month did Evolution Gym open to the public? THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL BY MEGAN SHEPHERD, ILLUSTRATED BY LEVI PINFOLD. PUBLISHED BY WALKER BOOKS, £12.99

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 or by filling in the entry form or sending on a postcard to: COMPETITIONS, Reviewmedia Ltd, Media House, Building 9, Stanmore Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5HR. First correct entry drawn will win a £20 book token

ENTRY FORM Evolution Gym

Secret Horses

Spot the bee

name.................................................. address .............................................. ......................................................... .........................................................

Set in a fictional hospital in Shropshire during the Second World War, The Secret Horses of Briar Hill is a moving novel about the power of stories and imagination. Written by Megan Shepherd, it is beautifully illustrated with evocative, detailed pencil drawings by awardwinning Levi Penfold. Emmaline, who has tuberculosis and has been sent to Briar Hill for safety, has a secret – winged horses live in the mirrors of the hospital. The author, who lives in the USA, has written several acclaimed young adult books, and this is her first for younger readers. She chose to set her story in Shropshire because many children were evacuated here during the war. This is a remarkable novel worth a place on the bookshelf. Combining dreams with reality, a weaving of magic and an ending full of ambiguity, it is aimed at confident young readers aged eight and above. The Secret Horses of Briar Hill is one of those

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books which will linger in the mind long after the final page is read. We have five copies of The Secret Horses of Briar Hill to give away, thanks to Walker Books. Each winner will also receive an artwork poster and print. To enter simply tell us:

What animals live in the mirrors? 81

Competition rules: Closing date for all entries is 13/01/17. Send your entries to Reviewmedia Ltd Media House, Building 9 Stanmore Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5HP. In the event of a tie the first correct entries out of the hat will be the winners. For full terms and conditions regarding competitions please refer to www.shropshirereview.co.uk

COMPETITION WINNERS DECEMBER 2016 Birmingham Hippodrome Mrs Kathleen Olivier, Newport Wolverhampton Grand Mrs Miriam Elcock, Bridgnorth Clothes Show Mrs Susan Lewis, Bridgnorth; Mrs Anne White, Oswestry; Ms Hannah Dawes, Telford Spot the Bee Mrs L L Parker, Bridgnorth

LAST WORD | JANUARY 2017

Cosy like a Dane? Eluned Watson

et another new word has Apparently Scandinavians swear by hygge, although appeared on my radar. I imagine I confess that I’ve not checked this fact with any that, as usual, I’m late to the party Oswestry-based Danes. and it’s been on everyone else’s Booka Bookshop, in Church Street, even introduced lips for quite some time. But for Hygge Sundays for every weekend in December; a time me it’s new, and wherever I turn I when, between 11am and 4pm, you could step in from keep seeing references to ‘HYGGE’. the cold, relax and meet friends over a book, a hot There’s the Little Book of Hygge, The Art of Hygge chocolate and slice of home-made cake. and at least another five hygge-related publications It has been suggested that the fact that Denmark which were released before Christmas – you may well has been named the world’s happiest country, according even have received one in your Christmas stocking and to the 2016 World Happiness Report, could be down to are wondering if you can find the receipt and swap your the Danes hygge lifestyle? self-help guide for a decent novel or a bottle of plonk. Hygge has been listed as a ‘word of the year’ by both So what is this word that looks the Collins and Oxford dictionaries – like a mixture between a hug and alongside Brexit and Trumpism. Hygge has been some kind of hygiene product? And I would suggest that it’s no listed as a ‘word of coincidence that everyone wants to What on earth does it mean? How do I say it? And what, if huddle up away from the rest of the the year’ by both anything, will it add to my life? world underneath a soft wool blanket in I don’t like new words. I love these times of change and uncertainty the Collins and discovering old words that I never both here and across the Atlantic. Oxford dictionaries knew existed but get quite upset Nutritionist Cassandra Barns by made-up ones, especially those suggests simple changes to adapt – alongside Brexit associated with fake scientists in to the hygge lifestyle. She includes hair adverts, along the lines of eating comfort foods such as and Trumpism ‘fibrostrengthology’. porridge and raw chocolate, baking Anyway, I’ve done a bit research (I guess that should bread, wrapping up warm and getting outdoors for be the point of my job really, not ranting ignorantly, fresh air and long walks. although I do enjoy it). It turns out that hygge is Indoors, the hygge interior is all about candles, a traditional Danish word, an import that snuggly blankets, blazing fires and togetherness. is becoming as popular as Lego and Cassandra also suggests taking a break from life and bacon. enjoying the moment. Hygge translates to something She says: “Hygge is all about those simple moments resembling ‘cosiness’ – an approach that you don’t always appreciate or make the most to living that embraces positivity and of. So why not try making a simple week-night dinner enjoyment of everyday experiences. into more of a memorable occasion by laying the table It is described by one author as with your favourite crockery, lighting a few candles and meaning ‘consciously cosy’ which turning off any background noise, in order to really sounds a little too much like enjoy the moment,” she says. something that Gwyneth Paltrow The thought of going to all that effort for another might say for my liking. However, teatime full of complaints about why I’ve hidden carrots savouring the simple pleasures in the Spaghetti Bolognese doesn’t fill me with calm, of life and embracing and candles certainly won’t make it any cosier. togetherness are If hygge is about being kind to yourself, then maybe both very lovely it’s different for everyone, in which case I probably don’t principles that need the Little Book of Hygge. For me, surely hygge is I’m happy to just a pyjama day. I think I’ll just take a day off work, go along sit by the fire and enjoy a warming mulled wine – or with. ‘glogg’ as those clever Danes call it. email: ewatson@reviewmedia.com

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