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ISSUE # 13
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Welcome TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF SEVERN MAGAZINE
THE TEAM Michael Tinkler Publisher & Editor
michael@severnmagazine.co.uk
Sam Pooley Features Editor
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
W
ow, the sizzling summer continues in Shropshire! Following the great success of the first ever Shrewsbury Food Fest we had the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show which was absolutely spectacular. Check out the Severn web site for amazing photos from local photographer Richard Hammerton. For those who love everything folk, great friends of Severn Magazine, Shrewsbury Morris, will be hosting the Morris Federation Day of Dance on Saturday 8th September in the town. A whole array of Morris teams dancing in the town will certainly liven up the place! For more details please visit their site www.shrewsburymorris.co.uk and also look out for regular blogs on the Severn Magazine website. We also have the Shrewsbury Folk festival which has now gained a nationwide reputation for the atmosphere and quality of acts. Another event I am particularly looking forward to is The Great Shropshire Bake Off on 28th & 29th September at Brompton Cookery School all In aid of Rural Community Councils Shropshire Carers, a great cause, and the event is surely going to be fabulous. Read more in this issue on how to get involved. Enjoy the latest issue...
James Day Food Editor
Curtis Femor-Dunman Design design@severnmagazine.co.uk
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Cover image taken at the Shrewsbury Flower Show 2013
Cover image: Richard Hammerton www.hammertonphotography.co.uk Please mention ‘Severn Magazine’ when responding to all advertisements. Tel: 07522 258776 | Fax:01952 403054 | Web: www.severnmagazine.co.uk
YOUR LOCAL
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Severn magazine is published by Darwin Publishing Limited, 12 Little Meadow Close, Admaston, TF5 0DN. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form without the written permission of the copyright owner. The editorial opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Darwin Publishing Limited, its employees, agents or advertisers. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Severn magazine cannot accept responsibility for any errors in articles or advertisements.
ISSUE # 13
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Contents iew 11 Jobs for the garden 31 Paul Hollywood Page 6
The world of local business in Shrewsbury Page 11
Jobs for the Garden Page 14
Our latest history lesson from Martin, Shrewsbury’s very own town crier Page 18
26 Shrewsbury Fields Forever Festival
Kids autumn fashion Page 20
Our new regular column from local ladies that lunch Kate & Siobhan Page 26
6 Local business
Shrewsbury Fields Forever Festival – bigger than ever! Page 28
Great Shropshire Bake Off
Page 30
Review of local chocolatier Melanie Fallon’s new book Page 31
SEVERN magazine's interview with Paul Hollywood at The Shrewsbury Flower Show Page 32
Talking coffee and bread with food editor James Day Page 34
Katie's Kitchen with her childrens recipe Page 36
Even more new businesses move to the Shrewsbury Market Hall Page 39
50 Compost Kids
Looking for a hobby? Try one of these local sporting clubs Page 40
Charity event OXJAM is coming to Shrewsbury, find out more Page 42
Sam Pooley talks about another localSevernmagazine creative Page 35
Update from local charity Build IT doing some great work in Africa Page 47
Cracking your knuckles can lead to Arthritis. Is it a myth? We ask the Expert... Page 50
SEVERN Magazine's very own Sam Pooley talks about her business, Compost Kids
39 Sporting clubs ≥ 4 Severnmagazine
SEVERNMAGAZINE.CO.UK I’M A MUM of two monsters who I adore (but would swap for a tin of beans on occasion), married to Gav (might swap for beans & mini sausages) and work silly hours doing voice overs. You can find me each afternoon with Adam Green on BBC Radio Shropshire 96fm. Life is busy, chaotic and when I’m not trying to get toothpaste off my top I scribble a column. Enjoy x VICKI ARCHER TWITTER: VICKIARCHER1 WEB: WWW.VICKIARCHER.CO.UK
The looooong PIC © ELENA EFIMOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
summer holidays
D
o you remember on your last day of school that feeling of total exhilaration and wild abandon as you set foot outside the classroom? So long school dinners with green chips, queuing in line to shuffle in for assembly, PE on wet windy days. So long spelling tests and sitting trapped at a desk with the sun blazing through the window. It’s summer, which means non-stop play for weeks on end, as much ice cream as you can eat (stuff the brain freeze), you can wear what you want, do what you want and September is so far away it may as well be 2084! It’s funny how just 4 metres away, we parents are steeling ourselves like an army. It’s the quiet calm before the storm. We’ve been building up our muscles for weeks to carry home the 14 bags that
you’ve collected over the term including the 3 PE kits that you swore blind had vanished, that suddenly reappear along with a forest school bag with 3 wellies (all the left foot), five jumpers with every name sewn in BUT yours, a winter coat from the year before, a lunch box dripping in a burst yoghurt and sixteen handmade works of art that look just like you gaffa-taped the whole of someone’s recycling bin together 4 minutes before the bell as a challenge. So pleased we’re scootering home. And it’s raining. It’s not that I dread the summer holiday - I won’t miss the school run and the endless ironing of polo shirts - but six weeks of juggling childcare and work is a military exercise I’ve been constructing since Easter with the diplomacy of the
United Nations. A delicate operation where you run the gauntlet of asking too much of family and pushing your luck trying hide two children under your desk at work. I’ve been here before and survived. I’ve learnt that I need to buy double the food as for some reason you eat every 4.2 minutes. I’ve learnt that if you don’t run, climb, bounce or chase something for at least 2 hours every morning and afternoon, your head falls off. I’ve learnt that I have to become a meteorologist and study the forecast for dry days which are free and wet days which aren’t. I’m prepared. I’m ready. Bring it on. So to the parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles of small children. I salute you. Don your war paint, deep breath and see you on the other side!
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BUSINESS NEWS
Home emporium opens in Shrewsbury Market Hall
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Shropshire artist has launched a home and gift emporium in Shrewsbury Market Hall. Susan Livesey is behind the folk art-inspired boutique Dilly Dally that also sells her own brightly coloured paintings and stunning framed textile creations. She has filled the delightful shop
with a mix of pretty cushions, painted home accessories, scarves, jewellery, handmade soaps and natural beauty products. “I’ve always painted and been interested in textiles. As a child my grandmother would teach me on an old treadle singer machine,” said Susan who went on to train at art college.
She has previously sold her work through art galleries and exhibitions in the UK and Ireland and many of her paintings have sold overseas to Europe and America. Susan also works to commission to create bespoke works of art as personal gifts for special occasions. www.shrewsburydillydally.co.uk
Launch success
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aron & Partners LLP’s Shrewsbury office launch welcomed over 75 guests from the local business community. They listened to the firms CEO Andy Duxbury talk of the firms plans to establish itself as an integral part of Shropshire business scene and to Thom Kennedy, Shropshire Stars Business Editor, on how Shropshire is an entrepreneurial and resilient county that is outperforming the rest of the UK. www.aaronandpartners.com 01743 818 540
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B
Busted comes to town
usted comes to town selling desirable retro lingerie, body and dance wear. Thighs the Limit Owner, Kerry opened her doors selling recognised brands such as Silhouette, What Katie Did, Kiss Me Deadly, Nylon Dreams and Bloch Dance Wear. We have expanded from Legs to Body and are located at 24 Wyle Cop SY1 1XB Tel 01743 245565 email:loveyourcurves@ bustedltd.co.uk. Dance Wear is available from Kids to Adult and include Leotards and Ballet Tap and Jazz Shoes. Plus Pineapple Bags!
New dental practice E
sthetique Dental Practice has recently opened at Sansaw Business Park in Hadnall. The location is within easy reach for patients in all areas of the county. They are a family friendly practice and offer General Dentistry, Implants, and Cosmetic Dentistry and the Practice is currently accepting new patients,. Denplan is also offered for those who prefer to budget monthly for their Dental Care.
www.esthetiquedental.co.uk 01939 211150
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Drapers Hall
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Shrewsbury restaurant is celebrating a new chapter in its history with a new look and a contemporary-styled tapas and cocktail bar. Drapers Hall restaurant and boutique hotel, in St Marys Place, which occupies one of the town’s finest timber-framed buildings, has undergone a major refurbishment. Chef-patron Nigel Huxley, who has run the business with his wife and business partner Sharon since 2000 said, “We’re very excited about the
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changes. The modern bar adds a whole new dimension to Drapers as a place to come and enjoy a drink in unique surroundings. Our tapas and cocktail menus are proving extremely popular.” “The restaurant will continue as it’s always done. We’ve now introduced a bar menu and a greater choice of steak and grill dishes alongside our a la carte menu.” The venue, which has held two AA rosettes for its food for 12 years and has six AA five-star rated boutique bedrooms, is housed in the old Shrewsbury drapers guildhall dating from the 15th century.
Its no mad life
U
nique shop It’s a Nomad Life on Wyle Cop celebrates its first birthday this September. Selling Tribal and Asian art, antiques, jewellery and gifts from around the world, it is often described as, ‘a museum where you can buy things’. Be sure to stop by on your next shopping trip!
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In the garden this... July W
hile July can be one of the hottest months of the year and the busiest, it can also be the most rewarding as you can start to enjoy the fruits of your labours! Your hanging baskets will now be a riot of colour, but do water them daily to keep them looking their best. You should also keep an eye on your roses, making sure you deadhead when the flowers have faded so that you encourage further blooms. Your clematis may also need your
August I
JASON HORNBY – HORNBY GARDEN DESIGNS T: 07802 453359 E: JASON@HORNBYGARDENDESIGNS.CO.UK
f you don’t already, now is the time to get to know your neighbours. This popular time for holidays is when you’re going to want to enlist their help with watering your garden. And remember, when you return from your hols, do thank them with a little something, as it makes it easier to ask next year! Hopefully by now, we should have had at least a few weeks of consistent sun. Hoeing will not only limit the growth of weeds, but importantly, it ensures that water goes to those plants that need it. And yes, I know it’s backbreaking work, but it really is worth it. On the plus side though, you won’t have been mowing your lawn quite as often. But to maintain a verdant green,
attention, but with a little mulching you can minimise root stress and reduce clematis wilt in susceptible cultivars. By now your tomatoes should be coming along nicely. But so that you enjoy a bumper crop, do limit growth to four trusses, and keep pinching out! To help with pollination, one of the gardener’s best friends is the bee. If you have it, English Lavender will now be a wonderful joy to behold. Fragrant and flush with colour, it is just one of the beautiful scents that should be encouraging bees to your garden. So if you haven’t got some, do consider getting some. Looking around, you’ll see that everything in your garden’s blossoming, but that also means that pests are thriving. So pay particular attention to gooseberry sawfly, raspberry beetle, and aphids. Good gardening and here’s to a sunny summer! Fingers crossed.
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take the time to replace lost nutrients with a sprinkling of a good fertiliser. You may also have noticed that your wisteria has become a bit rambling. Simply trim the current year’s whippy growth back to 5 leaves after flowering and you’ll be fine for another year. One area in a garden that is often overlooked is the pond. So give it a quick check, top it up with fresh water and to clear out any weeds or algae that may have seemingly appeared overnight. Thinking ahead, August is also a good time to take advantage of the warm ground. So if you’re inclined, sow a few rows of brassicas, chard, and leeks. Then after all that hard work, I would suggest you’ve earned a glass of wine in your garden on a balmy evening.
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Tale of the twins o
n the 6th May Shrewsbury celebrated the 36th anniversary of our twinning with Zutphen in the Netherlands and it was all down to a glass of water and a poet!! Way back in 1554 a young man was born who eventually ended up in school in Shrewsbury. Philip Sydney, later to become Sir Philip, was the son of Sir Henry Sydney who was the President of the Council of the Marches, that had its H.Q in Shrewsbury. As a young boy Philip was one of the first to enter Shrewsbury School, now our towns library, and he then went on to Oxford but he liked the town so much that he came back again in 1572 as our M.P.
Philip`s uncle was King Philip of Spain but the two never really hit it off, no cards, no presents at Christmas, no “Wish you were here” type stuff so when our Philip got the chance to go over to Holland to have a crack at the Spanish he was off like a shot!! Although noted as a famous poet during the time of Elizabeth the 1st she banned him from raising his own force but he badgered away and eventually Philip became Governor of Flushing, Netherlands in 1585 and the following year took part in the Battle of Zutphen but he was fatally wounded just outside the town. When his officers came to help him he passed his water bottle to a local infantry man with the words
“Thy necessity is greater than mine”. 26 days later Sir Philip Sydney died from gangrene and his body was returned to England to be buried in London. But that’s not the end of the story, During the 2nd World War members of the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry were supporting the Canadian Army as they liberated Zutphen and a local lad returned to Shrewsbury and told his mum, who had a stall in the market, that the Dutch were eating tulip bulbs. Colonel Harry Stewart, who was Mayor of the town throughout the War years overheard this and immediately organised a relief collection and tons of bedding, shoes and food was delivered to Zutphen. Then in 1947 Col. Stewart went over to Zutphen to receive a book that had been signed by everyone in the town as a mark of their gratitude, and announced that Shrewsbury would like to Adopt the town of Zutphen and on the 6th May 1977 the official twinning ceremony took place. There are two statues to Sir Philip, one stands just inside the main gates of Shrewsbury School and is a memorial to the boys and men of the school who were killed during the two World Wars and another stands in Coehoornsingel in Holland. The spot where Philip was wounded is marked by a memorial at Warnsveldweg on the outskirts of Zutphen. Take a look at the Shrewsbury Town Council web site and look at the Zutphen story, and if you fancy visiting our Dutch friends you will be more than welcome. See you next month.
Martin Martin Wood ~ ShreWSbury toWn Crier t: 07718 951902 e: toWnCrier.Martin@btinternet.CoM
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Hurrah! F
inally some sun! If your kids are excited with the summer holidays and are looking forward to those hazy days in the sunshine then Shrewsbury childrenswear designer Marmalade&Mash has the PERFECT summer wear! With bold stripes and cute pastel prints, Naomi Langford-Archer has given us the tools to dress our children in the freshest looks for the summer. So parents, go do your finest! If you like what you see, I urge you to visit www.marmaladeandmash. co.uk . With the brand’s mix of classic shapes and British heritage it is instantly recognisable. Keep your kids looking cool and classy, whilst still looking like the children they are! Enjoy your summer, Kerri Jones www.marmaladeandmash.co.uk
The Striped Jacket
A classic shape for the brand, this is a fun tailored jacket that would act as the perfect cover up for those (ineveitable) chillier evenings! Also comes in Green and Pink.
Isabella Dress
This dress is a cute paisley print… perfect for those awesome Shrewsbury festivals we have coming our way! Just make sure you don’t lose her amongst the soft hues of the flowers at the Flower show!
Boys and Girls Shorts The girls equivalent of the classic shirt is given a cute twist with the ever adorable Peter Pan collar. Team it with the shorts for a play in the quarry, or one of the brands cute skirts for a breezy festival vibe!
Boys Striped Linen Shirt A thing that you’ll learn about Marmalade&MASH is that they have turned classic tailoring into a fine art! This shirt is no exception with the cool buttons and collarless finish keeping it on trend this season
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Girls Linen Shirt
The bold stripe is a brave choice but refreshingly so. The subtle differences between the girls and boys are cute and perfect for summer!
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Settled & Single in the Shire
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fter years of city living, composed-and-immaculatelyturned-out PR exec Siobhan and happy-so-long-as-I-have-coffee-byday-and-wine-by-night editor Kate, have settled in Shrewsbury. In this column we get a window into their world through the week’s tweets, texts and chats that have them smiling, laughing and on rare occasions running for the Shropshire hills (or a train to Euston). connorpr.com katetaylorcreative.com
Monday Text
K: Is it ok to drop the kids at nursery in your pyjamas? S: NO!!! K: Done. They didn’t seem to notice. S: I doubt that! K: See you at Number4 in a bit. S: Love Number4, it reminds me of breakfast meetings at The Wolseley, the best Eggs Benedict. K: High expectations!! I’m in my pjs after 4 hours sleep. Please don’t show your disappointment.
Facebook Check In K: What a treat! Delicious poached egg, coffee and catch up before getting on with some work – with Siobhan Connor at Number Four Butcher Row
Tweet S. Check out #CarolGrant summer collection. Some fab #Missoni dresses.
Chat S: Hi darling, sorry I’m late. You could have gone home and changed after all. K: I did! Who has pyjamas that look like this? S: Speaking of clothes, I’ve just taken one of those storage container things, so now have a huge walk-in wardrobe, although it is on an industrial estate. Do you want to come take a look at some of the clothes I’m going to sell? Have a fab Diana Von Furstenberg dress which you’ll look delicious in. K: Definitely! I need some new clothes. I just seem to buy two of anything I like
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these days, which is handy, but they get boring pretty quickly. S: Why would you buy two of the same thing? K: Because it’s quick and easy and I can spend less time shopping, which is great. [pause in conversation and serious raising of eyebrows] S: Right… I need an urgent brainstorming session, are you free for cocktails at The Lion & Pheasant later? Just for an hour or two after the kids have gone to bed? K: Sounds good. Let me check with ‘WestBromFan’
Text K: Hi sweetheart. Siobhan wants to catch up later. Sounds serious…?! You OK if I pop out for a bit? WBF: Sure. xx
Later On S: Hasn’t Rachel Chidlow done an amazing job with this place? She’s
working her magic on The Boathouse too, oh that reminds me, birthday drinks in a few weeks. K: Sorry, I’m just looking at that person at the bar. I am sure I know her from somewhere. Don’t you hate it when that happens? S: It doesn’t really. I usually remember people I have met and they certainly remember me! Anyway, get the champers on ice Kate, Made In Chelsea is on later. Can’t wait. K: Haven’t seen it. S: It’s hilarious! You should watch it. Some classic grill action coming up. I’m missing the Californian lifestyle, cooked Kale spaghetti last night, it was yummy and even made a wheatgrass juice blend with acai. K: Are you a real person? S: You need to make the effort Kate. That reminds me, my friend Martin swears by Bikram Yoga, dont suppose you know anyone in Shrewsbury who does it? K: Wild guess…
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Tuesday Text
S: I’m in today’s Shropshire Star, promoting the Look Fab, Feel Fantastic event at The Lion Hotel. K: Brill! Well done! What is it?
Thursday
S: How’s your day going? K: I have three jobs to finish by pick-up. Trying to stay away from endless snacks and Jeremy Kyle. S: Poor you. I’m planning a book schedule for Fi Cotter Craig, author of The Middle Class ABC, it’s hilarious! K: That sounds brill. Get her to come do a chat / signing in Shrewsbury maybe? S: Good idea. Do you fancy coming to the exhibition at The Bear Steps next week? K: Always! S: What about the opening of Paper at the
S: It’s a cosmetic fair; specialist nurses on hand to give advice to cancer sufferers on permanent cosmetics. Got my ‘arm candy’ bod from Bodytech. Cocktails in syringes, testubes hanging off flowers and fantastic goody bag. K: Count me in! Will spread the word. Saatchi Gallery next month? One of my clients Annie Kevans is exhibiting. K: My husband is getting suspicious of the amount of time I am spending with you. I’ll run it past him but prob 95% a no. And please stop emailing me. That’s 5 mins more wasted that I should have spent working. S: OK!!!!
Facebook S: Spare ticket for Saatchi Gallery opening in June. PM me if interested / in town. K: Oi! 5% counts for something! S: You are clearly not as busy as you claim if you are on facebook.
Wednesday
Chat
S: Kate! Thanks for coming. Pimms? K: Yes please! Great turn out. Well done. S: Have you ever considered permanent cosmetics Kate? K: No. S: Would you? K: No. S: OK. But what if you were stranded on a desert island and your washbag had gone down in the cargo hold? What if it there were no makeup and no mascara and it was an emergency?! K: Put it this way, I am happy to stand out in the rain without an umbrella. Nothing on my face changes. I don’t think I offend anyone by not wearing mascara. I would be more worried about where to find wine on a deserted island. S: Tell me you are joking! [Moving away]
Friday
S: Morning! Half term… I’m fretting about eating too much pizza and gaining a few too many pounds (the wrong type). Just a quick question… do you keep your tomatoes in or out of the fridge? K: Definitely out. Enjoy the pizza.
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Independents Day J
uly 4th saw traders on Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury come together to celebrate Independents’ Day. The national campaign, backed by Dragon’s Den star and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, encourages shoppers to buy from their local shop keepers. Wyle Cop is home to a number of independent retailers selling antique and vintage items, home wares, flowers,
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jewellery, clothes, footwear and much more. There are also local eateries where customers can refuel. On July 4th many of the shops offered customers refreshments, sales and offers and the chance to win a hamper with gifts donated from shops on the street. With more events planned on Wyle Cop in the future it really is the place to go for a unique shopping experience!
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Something for everyone at
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SHREWSBURY FIELDS FOREVER
hrewsbury Fields Forever, organisers have now announced more than 85per cent of the acts due to perform at the three-day festival this September in the town. The three day indie/electronic music, comedy, charity and art festival is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever before with over 100 acts performing across several arenas including the main live stage, dance tents, a local heroes stage and on the comedy stage at the Sunday Jestival. New announcements come in the shape of the Plump DJs (Lee Rous and Andy Gardner) a DJ and producer team in electronic dance music, who will perform in the main dance tent. Early pioneers of the breakbeat genre in electronic music, the Plump DJs have diversified in recent years to incorporate new styles such as electro, house and bass music. Throughout the 2000s, they
Maximo Park
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released a string of singles and remixes of well-known dance music names such as Fatboy Slim, Orbital, Deadmau5 and the Stanton Warriors. New to the Saturday main dance tent, is Canadian BBC Radio One DJ and music producer B Traits, who provides listeners with their “official start to the weekend” at 7pm every Friday. She will be joined by Shy FX (aka Andre Williams), a London DJ and producer who specialises in Drum and Bass and Jungle music. He has collaborated with T Power, Dizee Rascal, Plan B, Ms Dynamite and DJ Fresh among others and is well-known for records including Junglist, Gold Dust, Light Up and Wolf. Finally Bristol dubstep DJ and producer Joker, who has been heavily championed by Radio One DJ Mary Anne Hobbs, will also perform. Friday 13th September kicks off the three-day extravaganza with gates
opening at the earlier time of 2pm for campers. The Friday warm-up will see music from local acts The Taste, Doppelganger, MK Zero, Lucidity and more to be announced on The Local Heroes Stage. In the Main Dance Test hosted by local music consortium Invasion, will be a Faithless DJ set from Sister Bliss as well as the newly announced acts. There will also be music in the Liquid drum and bass tent. Saturday 14th at the Shropshire Showground on Berwick Road will see headliners mercury prize nominees Maximo Park performing on the main stage, and supported by twice platinum selling Athlete, radio darlings The 1975, Shropshire’s biggest Indie export The Sunshine Underground and Masters In France, the local battle of the bands winners and many more. The main dance tent is headlined by mercury prize winning Roni Size, who
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will be supported by the acts above, plus K90, hot music producer Rockwell and the local DJ competition winner plus many more. There will also be an experience tent, a boat party, a silent disco and a VIP
hospitality area, all featuring countless more acts. For the second year, The Sunday Jestival returns, featuring as-seen-on TV comedians including and headlined by the inimitable Dylan Moran who is
performing only a handful of gigs this year, plus acoustic acts including James Walsh of Starsailor fame. Dene Edwards, festival organiser, said: “I cannot express enough the fantastic calibre of acts that are performing across the weekend here in Shrewsbury. We have tried to provide something for everyone so although some of acts such as Maximo Park and Athlete may be very well known to some people, there are some really gifted people, from internationally acclaimed to local acts, that everyone will be able to enjoy. With comedy, art and charity involvement, everyone is working really hard to make this a festival to remember. I hope as many people as possible join us at the festival as it’s rare to get such a great line-up together in one place, for one event. And to have it all here in Shrewsbury will really be very special.” To book tickets or for more information about the festival go to: www.shrewsburyfieldsforever.com, find us on twitter @ShrewsburyFest or like us on facebook www.facebook.com/ ShrewsburyFestival
Athlete
B Traits
Shy FX
Roni Size
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Calling all local bakers for The Great Shropshire Bake Off!
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he Great Shropshire Bake Off will be taking place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of September at Brompton Cookery School. Home bakers from all over Shropshire can apply to take part in the formal baking heats at Brompton Cookery School , near Atcham on Saturday 28th September. Places are limited and expected to go quickly at only £40 per person, with proceeds being donated to the Shropshire RCC’s Carers Appeal. On Sunday 29th September, a Great Shropshire Bake Off marquee will house the general Bake Off event where everyone in Shropshire is encouraged to bring along their home made cakes, pastries and biscuits for judging. The grand final of the heats from the Saturday will also be judged on the Sunday by ITV’s This Morning celebrity chef, Marcus Bean. “Jenny and I are very excited to be able to host the Great Shropshire Bake Off at Brompton; we know there are many keen bakers across the county who will love to be involved and help support a local charity” explained Marcus.
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There will also be a children’s cookery and art area, run by Katie’s Kids Kitchen and Sam Pooley, a photography competition, organised by Victoria Macken Photography, demonstrations from Shropshire’s best chefs, local food producer’s stalls and delicious, home made refreshments. “We are all very excited about this event and believe it will be a really popular community
event, helping to raise money for the Shropshire RCC’s Carers Appeal.” added Elodie Home, from the Shropshire Rural Community Council, For more information, please contact Elodie Home at the Shropshire RCC, www.shropshirebakeoff.co.uk or email info@shropshirebakeoff.co.uk or tel 01743 237888.
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Book review OUT OF THE KITCHEN
A
n award-winning Chocolatier from Shrewsbury has shared the secrets of her success by launching her debut
book. Melannie Fallon, from Bonbonniere, has released Out Of The Kitchen, which is choc-full of recipes and tips for people who want to learn how to make their own chocolates. Mrs Fallon said writing her book had been a labour of love and she was looking forward to its publication. She said: “I worked with a local publishing house on the title and it was great fun. I’ve been cooking since I was a young girl and it is one of my biggest passions. “My book includes plenty of recipes, so that people can recreate my award-winning truffles in the comfort of their own kitchen.” Mrs Fallon added a number of demonstrations and workshops were planned for people who wanted to sign up and get practical experience of making gourmet chocolates. Mrs Fallon said: “I’ve run the workshops for some time and they are a roaring success. Ladies from across the town – and some gents – sign up and learn how to make chocolates. They get an introduction to confectionary and a glass of champagne. “Then they learn how to make a ganache before they take home their chocolates. They are very successful and are always a lot of fun.” Mrs Fallon added that she hoped her book would sell well, following its publication. She said: “I’ve received a lot of pre-orders from regular customers and I think the book will probably sell-out. It was written and photographed earlier this year and we wanted to wait for the right time to publish it.” She launched the title with a demonstration at Shrewsbury Food Festival and signing at Waterstones, in High Street. People who want to buy copies of Mrs Fallon’s book are available at www. bonbonniere.co.uk and people can pre-order copies from 07962 815508. Mrs Fallon has been the region’s most Chocolatier in recent times and her chocolates were even exported to Belgium, the home of fine chocolates. She is a former Heart of England Fine Foods Diamond Award Winner.
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WWW.BONBONNIERE.CO.UK OR TELEPHONE 07962 815508
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Wake up Restaurateurs
and sell the coffee!
James Day is a keen keen food-O-Phile, and Director of a Hospitality Marketing Consultancy specialising in supporting top Chefs and venues across the Heart of England, and has recently moved to Shrewsbury due to its growing food credentials.
I
write this with a sense of frustration not just that many restaurants undersell themselves by trying to provide sub-quality coffee to their customers, but also the fact that I have run out of my morning fix. So please excuse my mood. During the wonderfully successful Shrewsbury Food Festival I was invited to be a judge in the Aroma Barista competition. An inspiring idea by owner of Aroma, Shrewsbury Cofee House Andrew, and I was happy to oblige. Though I’m an early morning tea person, and a mid morning coffee man (with no other caffeine throughout the day) I took the challenge with relish, despite then being wired for the rest of the day for my own chef compering slots on stage at the fringe in Market Hall! Twenty years ago when I first started working in pubs and restaurants I used to lament the lacklustre servings of instant coffee for 50p to customers. If they’re focusing so much time and effort on food wine and real ale, then why not
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the coffee? After all it’s the last thing many customers experience after a meal, so why not send them home with a nice feeling of satisfaction, bitter-sweet flavour and a bit of a kick for their long journey? Fast forward twenty or so years and we don’t flinch at paying nearly £3 for a mug of milk with a shot of over baked beans. That’s my point. If people are now going to pay for something, they want it to be good. Consumers expectations are higher than ever so restaurants should push the boat out, source a quality coffee solution and ensure their staff are fully trained. Did you know that over 350 things can go wrong with a cup of coffee? No, nor do many people who serve it. That’s why top Baristas (coffee pros) are paid so much. It’s years of experience, tastings and respect for the bean. Single origin, blends and flavour are all well and good, but it’s the basics of creation and service that matter. The competitors at the Aroma Coffee challenge got it. The drinks they created
were a delight - some hot, some cold, all had the attention to detail that this wonderful bean deserves and I would have paid a premium for each one, and left their establishments very happy. There is no need for a Gaggia machine costing thousands, self grinding bean to cup machines or even pod/pouch machines do a good job. I’d rather a consistent 90% coffee every time, rather than them aiming for 100% but only achieving a 50% cup of mud from an over-priced machine and an under trained operator. Right, I’m off to buy my fix. You can see James and hear his talk on his recent trip to the Champagne region with his travel companion, BBC Broadcaster and wine writer Philippe Boucheron. “Destination Champagne” at Shrewsbury Coffee House on Friday August 30 includes single grower Champagne tastings. Tickets £15 or £12 for members of dining club www. gourmet-life.co.uk. For more info visit www.shrewsbury coffeehouse.co.uk or why not call in and try one of the best coffees in town at Castle Gates, Shrewsbury.
James can be followed on twitter @leisuremarkltd and offers support for restaurants and chefs at www.leisuremarektingltd.co.uk
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Let them eat bread U
you ever wondered why if you see a baker at midday they are light dust covered ghosts? They have been at it for a minimum of 10 hours by then, starting their hard labour whilst we are all dreaming of breakfast. Since 2008 Sheila Tuskan Sager and her dedicated team have provided their baguettes, Sour Dough’s, Wholemeals, wholegrains, Pain Du Campania, Rye’s, cakes and bakes to customers from all over the World. Stand in the petit shop for 10 minutes and you will see what I mean – more accents than a foreign exchange class. Even though visitors who frequent our wonderful array of eateries in the town enjoy a slice of our Bakehouses’ creations when they order their daily bread, they maybe don’t realise the heritage behind it – 17 years in the making, and up to 5 days in the resting – hand delivered that morning. Taste the Difference… So what is the ‘secret’ to the success of Shrewsbury Bakehouse? Well, I can now tell you – It’s their L O N G ferment. You see yeast is a live product – try glugging a pint of homebrew when it’s not ready… how do you feel? Well if you eat bread that has not gone through its full ferment cycle (Ref Supermarket bread) you get the same feeling as it’s still alive, in your stomach! Let it rise, ferment and rest and hey presto – you feel great and ready for a full day’s work. No more ‘IBS’ bloating, tiredness etc… Three to five days for sour dough, three to five hours for supermarket breads – taste the difference. Visit our very own Shrewsbury Bakehouse before it’s too late…it’s for Sale! Love it before we lose it… Like their bread, when its gone, it’s gone! www.shrewsburybreads.co.uk
Images and revIew by The gourmandIser
nusually I’m going to review a shop. But not any olde shoppe – but one that feeds not only the growing community of discerning gourmands who appreciate true ‘artisan’ bread, baked how it should be, but also those restaurants, bars and cafes who also see the value in ‘proper’ baked bread for their own customers, receiving daily deliveries. Shrewsbury Bakehouse is unassumingly located on Steepside, near the Station, not much to look at, but from within great things are made. Who said ‘Give us this day, our daily bread….’ once a staple of every ‘mans’ diet. From Biblical times, Romans, to from farmers, to fisherman, from builders to err…bakers – bread was the staple of every household – most families used to make their own, and in time every village and town had their own bakery – the hub of the community. Even the French revolted without theirs when it was taxed… Fast forward a few Centuries and thank goodness the UK is re-awakening to ‘proper bread’ baked like it used to be before the ‘Chorley Wood Method’ adopted after the War. And how the team at our very own bakehouse, bake with clear passion, and dedication so we can consume their wonderful creations. Three tonnes a week… Nope, not what your local Supermarket churns out as their factory prepped yeast pumped loaves of preservatives, but how much weight in dough is churned, mixed, and kneaded in the petit Bakehouse that is our very own EVERY week – By hand! Have
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KATIE’S KITCHEN
t n e g l u d In
m a e r c e c i
Did you knobwer?of
The average numa single licks to polish off cone is scoop ice-cream 50 approximately
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KATIES KITCHEN FOR KIDS
T: 07971 499 359
E: KATIEWELLINGTON@TISCALI.CO.UK
Instructions ■ Separate
into 2 bowls the yolks and whites of the eggs ■ Into the egg yolk add the sugar and whisk ■ Whisk the egg whites until fluffy and stiff ■ Into another bowl whisk the cream ■ Pour the whisked cream, yolk and whites into one bowl and mix with a spoon ■ Add the secret ingredient and stir ■ Transfer into a container and put into the freezer
Secret ingredient don’t Vanilla essence, shhh s ! up now gr e tell th ■ Reduce
the berries in a saucepan with a tbs of icing sugar until I becomes syrup, blitz if you would prefer it smooth ■ Melt some chocolate add some milk and stir until thick ■ Add your favourite sauce to your ice cream
Katie xx
PIC © DREAM79/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
YOU’LL NEED 3 eggs 500ml double cream 5 tsb caster sugar Chocolate Frozen berries Milk
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News
from Shrewsbury’s most popular market Shrewsbury Market Hall is a hub of real food produce and creative businesses. It’s bustling with over 70 traders offering everything from artisan foods, specialist restaurants and purveyors of quality meat and fish to lifestyle boutiques, home furnishings and art.
www.markethallshrewsbury.co.uk The Market Hall, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1QG Tel: 01743 351067 Mob: 07545 514660
Calypso Nails
T
he market hall now has its very own walk-in nail bar, recently launched by qualified nail technician Christine Charles-Harland. Called Calypso Nails, it offers a variety of treatments including long-lasting gel polish manicures and pedicures. Christine is no new-comer to the market hall. She previously ran the cosmetics business Cheeky Charlie’s. “I’ve always loved colours and textures and the nail bar is a dream come true for me,” she said. “It’s a relaxing little haven. With many of my treatments including a lower leg or arm massage, it’s a place for people to come and enjoy a bit of pampering.”
Gluten-Free Living
G
luten-Free Living is celebrating its first birthday and the launch of a new county-wide delivery service. The shop is one of just a handful in the whole UK that specialises solely in gluten-free foods. Founded by Mick Wells and Karen Smith-Wells it is now offering a delivery service, including frozen foods, on Thursdays. The shop stocks a broad variety of gluten-free products ranging from homemade cakes and artisan sausages to pork and fidget pies and soughtafter gluten-free bread made by Swifts Bakery.
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Snapdragon Wholefoods
S
napdragon Wholefoods has doubled its size, expanding into a second unit in the market hall to accomodate growing demand. Opened by Jan Bridges, formerly of Wild Thyme cooperative, over two years ago it stocks over 100 different herbs and spices, 40 different flours and 70 different teas along with dried fruits, nuts, pulses, seeds and grains, local honey and natural hair, grooming and cleaning products, including Ecover refills. Jan also offers a delivery service to Shrewsbury addresses.
S
hrewsbury Market Hall enjoyed a spectacular weekend as part of the Fringe celebrations of the very first Shrewsbury Food Festival last month. There to catch some of the action was photographer Michael Longlane, who himself has become a new tenant of the market. Inset below is Stelios Kiosses, the TV psychotherapist from Channel 4’s The Hoarder Next Door, compering Nigel Huxley, of Drapers Hall, one of a line up of top chefs who performed cooking
PIC © JB
Michael Longlane demonstrations in the middle of the bustling market. Michael can usually be found scaling the dramatic scenery of Shropshire and Wales to capture stunning photographs like this of the Elan Valley. He trained as a video/lighting cameraman before moving into professional photography. His landscape and seascape prints are available to buy from his shop, Fine Art & Portrait Photography, located on the gallery level of the market hall. He is also available for weddings, christenings and family and pet portraits. www.michaellonglane.com
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Give us
a tri! R
Paramount Performance
S
hropshire-based Paramount Performance Cycling Racing team is celebrating a host of winning results this season thanks to a combination of young and experienced riders.
The team was handpicked from members of Paramount CRT, a competitive club, sponsored by Shrewsbury’s Stan’s Cycles and affiliated to British Cycling. Made up of Elliot Jones, 18 from
easons to train for triathlons range from increasing fitness to gaining self confidence or simply gaining friends! Shrewsbury Triathlon Club is fun, friendly and for all ages, shapes and sizes. Members range from complete beginners to those who’ve represented GB at international agegroup competitions or competed in the ultra distance Ironman events. Not all members compete in races, some like to swim, bike and run just to keep fit and the club’s main aim is to allow like-minded people to enjoy triathlon, make friends and have fun. SYTri member Nicola Bond explains “This is such a great club to be part of. Members are often achieving great results, but more importantly we value every member regardless of ability.” Interested in joining us? Visit www.facebook.com/ SYTriathlon
Shrewsbury; Josh Williams, 20 from Whittington; and Chris Wilkinson, 20, also from Shropshire, as well as Rich Watson, 42, from Telford, and Dave Griffiths, 36, from Oswestry, the team is frequently coming first place in some tough races all over the West Midlands. Ben Lawrence, managing director of sponsors insurance broker Beaumont Lawrence and Co, and the racing team manager, said: “We wanted to give these new junior riders the best chance of achieving top results in the sport. “That’s why the development team was created - to give the juniors a platform to become the best they can be.” For more information about Paramount CRT, see the website at www.paramountcrt.org
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Oxjam
is taking over Shrewsbury! F
or those of you who have yet to hear the word going round (where have you been!), Oxjam is taking over Shrewsbury for the FIRST time this October! Oxjam is a month long music festival run by Oxfam that runs throughout October. It is a multi-venue event with dozens of local musicians playing throughout the day/night. We are only one of 60 towns and cities to have been granted a ‘Takeover’ this year so it’s a very exciting time! It is volunteer led, with all proceeds going to Oxfam.
So why Shrewsbury?
I have lived here for twelve or so years and my love for this town has gotten stronger with every year. I feel like I’m always finding new and exciting ventures and events to get involved in, or simply attend and yet
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for some reason, the town does not get enough credit. When I first saw Oxjam advertised on the Oxfam website (www. oxfam.org.uk/oxjam) I immediately thought that this would be a good way of getting people involved but to a national scale and highlighting the beautiful talents and venues that we are so lucky to have here on our doorstep! As far as towns go, we, as a community really look after our own (just check out twitter for classification on that one!) and I felt like this was something to get the town excited about and put Shrewsbury on the official Oxjam map! So far, I am pleased to say that I have not been proved wrong! From recruiting a team to sourcing bands and venues, the interest and support has been overwhelming and as a team we honestly can’t thank everyone enough!
So what’s next?
This is Oxfam’s biggest fundraiser so we want to do them and our fair town proud. We have a target of £2500 so the next coming months will be a list of events and fundraisers to help us achieve that goal, so please keep an eye out for those! Oxfam are currently responding to a serious worsening emergency in Syria, More than a million refugees have now fled violence in Syria and are in desperate need of shelter, food and water. If you would like to find out more about how we are helping, please take a look at our website here: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/ emergency-response/syria-crisis
Ready to launch?
On the 25th July, we will officially be kicking off Oxjam Shrewsbury with a launch party at Franks Bar and Diner on Frankwell. There will be live music, games and merriment with 25% off wine, beer and selected cocktails. It will primarily be a chance to meet the team (officially!) and for everyone that has supported us, or would like to get involved to come together and help see us in to ‘Oxjam Season’ with a bang! So come along! @oxjamshrewsbury https://en-gb.facebook.com/ OxjamShrewsburyTakeover
Meet The Team O
bviously, I can’t do this alone, and it’s always nice to put a name to a face, so please allow me to introduce my team!
Takeover Manager: Kerri Jones
“I believe that this town does not get nearly enough credit. We have a thriving art scene and I really wanted to find a way of giving it a voice to a national scale. Getting to work so closely with and to help contribute to the wonderful work of Oxfam, whilst highlighting some of the many talents that my favourite town has to offer is the perfect combination and I’m SO excited for the upcoming few months with a great team at my side!
Production Coordinator: Laura Dutfield
(Laura will be running the Takeover with myself and John Kertland-if you’re a musician, you’d have heard from her!) “I wanted to get involved in this unique festival, which promotes local talent like no other festival, whilst raising money for a fantastic cause and creating a global impact. I was excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the success of the event whilst working alongside a great team.” Laura will also be joined by the well-known John Kertland, Shropshire DJ and all round nice guy! He’ll be working with Laura to ensure all the technicial stuff and above board and all our amazing bands are happy and safe!
Marketing Coordinator: Kathrynne Johnson
(Kathrynne is our enthusiastic media
presence and is ensuring you all come to our event! She’s a fireball with some awesome marketing ideas…so keep your eyes peeled!) “I am an avid traveller with a serious case of wanderlust. During my travels I have spent time in some of the world’s poorest countries, which has made me truly passionate about charity. I am also a massive fan of Shrewsbury’s live music scene, and the idea of showcasing local talent while making money for a fantastic charity was too much to resist!”
Fundraising Coordinator: Jenna Blair
(Jenna is in charge of coming up with lots of awesome fundraising activities as well as keeping all our monies in check!) I wanted to play a key role in Oxjam Shrewsbury Takeover because of my passion for Shrewsbury’s arts scene and a desire to do something practical to help tackle injustice and global poverty. I have worked for a variety of arts organisations in recent years and is well practise when it comes to events management and marketing which I now deliver on a freelance basis. Jenna as Oxjam Shrewsbury Takeover’s Fundraising Coordinator, hopes to make as much money as possible for Oxfam over the coming months. So that’s the team, but we still need YOU! So please, if you’re a local business, a musician or just want to be a general volunteer then please get in touch. The next few months are going to be awesome… you don’t want to miss out! See you at the launch! Kerri (Takeover Manager)
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Building brighter futures
B
uild It International are a Shrewsbury based charity who deliver a practical and sustainable response to the chronic need for basic infrastructure and jobs in Zambia, one of the poorest countries in Africa. The charity builds schools, clinics and housing whilst running an innovative Training into Work programme. On every project, Build It selects 10-15 unemployed men and women from the local community to take part in their training programme. If the trainees pass their exams they gain a nationally recognised building qualification. This year, the charity is undertaking five building projects that will make a difference to the lives of 26,000 people. Their training programme will help 75 people earn a new skill and access work in construction.
LUPUKA COMMUNITY SCHOOL APPEAL Build It are urgently fundraising for a new school for the Lupuka community. They have already raised half the money but need your help to urgently raise the rest so that building can start in August. Lupuka are in desperate need of a purpose built school building as the current mud and stick classrooms are close to collapsing. Once a new classroom block is built, the school will become a Government primary school and benefit from Ministry of Education support, meaning it will be staffed by qualified teachers and basic stationery will be provided.
If you would like to help build a new school for Lupuka, please visit Build It’s website at www.builditinternational.org or call 01743 246317. ≼ 44 Severnmagazine
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Does cracking your bones
cause arthritis? the fluid and not the bones crashing together or rubbing. Dr Glenn Fredericksen is the Chiropractor at: Shrewsbury Family Chiropractic, Castle Gates Shrewsbury. Phone: 01743 455 245. Why not visit his website shrewsburyfamilychiropractic. co.uk or find the practice on facebook.
PIC © ISTOCKPHOTO/THINKSTOCK.COM
I
t was probably an irritated mother who first told their child in a desperate plea to stop their annoying habitual knuckle cracking that “if they didn’t stop cracking their knuckles they would get arthritis”. But is this myth true? The short answer is no and If you understand what happens when you click/crack or pop, then you will be able to appreciate why it doesn’t cause arthritis. It can cause ligament laxity so I would recommend you personally click your joints habitually. It took me 5 years to learn the right techniques and to identify when to do it. Simply put, arthritis is a degradation of the cartilage and the loss of synovial fluid in the joint between the two bone ends. A joint is formed where the ends of two bones meet. The ends of the two bones are covered by articular cartilage. The cartilage is surrounded by what is called the joint capsule. Inside the joint capsule, there is synovial fluid which serves as a lubricant for the joint and also as a source of nutrients for the cells that maintain the joint cartilage. Synovial fluid contains dissolved gases: oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When you crack your knuckles or when pressure is applied to a joint in a stretching fashion, the pressure inside the joint capsule decreases because the volume has increased. The Synovial fluid needs to expand to fill the extra space in the joint capsule so the dissolved gases escape out of the fluid to fill it. The cracking sound comes from the gases rapidly being released from
DR GLENN FREDERICKSEN T: 01743 455 245 W: WWW.SHREWSBURYFAMILYCHIROPRACTIC.CO.UK
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1940’s
Tea Dance
T
he Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings and the Castlefields & Ditherington ‘Walking Past’ project joined forces on 30th June to host a delightfully successful 1940’s Tea Dance at the Free Mason’s Hall in Ditherington. Over 100 people from across Shropshire and beyond joined us for an afternoon of music, reminiscing and lots of tea and cake. Naomi Payne’s Hotsy Totsy entertainment group delighted the crowds and the dance floor was alive with young and old trying their hand at the Lambeth Walk and the Charleston. Memories of the Flax Mill Maltings during its time as a light infantry barracks in the Second World War were sparked and the tea kept the stories flowing. Volunteers from the Friends pulled together to put on a fantastic show of traditional cakes and bakes including a delicious rhubarb crumble cake, a Northamptonshire apple cake and a date & walnut loaf. Raffle prizes included wartime offerings such as a tin of Spam and a luxurious pair of nylons. Local historians Peggy Gibbons and David Trumper generated lively
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discussions with their wonderful selection of old photographs of Castlefields and Ditherington. Dancers shared their tales of the official and unofficial activities at the Maltings as well their photographs and mementoes. The Friends Oral History Group and Peter Dunhill from the Walking Past project have recorded a series of interviews with members of the community and hope to gather may more. These stories will bring the iconic Flax Mill Maltings to life for future generations and allow people to explore the local area on foot through a series of heritage walking trails. If you have memories to share of the Flax Mill Maltings or the Castlefields & Ditherington area or would like to volunteer with the group and get involved with recording or transcribing interviews, contact Fay Bailey at fay@flaxmill-maltings.co.uk or ring 01743 360213.
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Compost Kids
T
hese days the arts are often pushed aside in schools for more academic subjects; and as the world evolves creativity should be treated with the same importance as literacy. “It’s a compelling argument - if you are a parent have a listen to Sir Ken
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Robinson’s TED talk about how education is killing creativity, it makes a lot of sense” Says Sam Pooley the founder of a small Shrewsbury based company called Compost Kids. Don’t worry she isn’t making compost out of children – she has created a programme of art classes that
now run for all ages around Shrewsbury. “I called it Compost Kids because we were making art out of rubbish,” says Sam 38 who lives in Castlefields. Sam has just completed her degree in Fine Art at Birmingham City University and in 2010 she set up the business while she was studying. She launched the classes in The Market Hall. The classes were for parents and toddlers and became increasingly popular. There is nothing unusual about art classes for toddlers in Shrewsbury but what is different is Sam’s teaching methods – every class is based on an artist and the children (what ever age, starting at 2 years) are encouraged to learn about them. “There is no patronizing the children, even if they are only understanding a little of what I am saying some of it is going in and I am determined that by the time they go to school they can recognise at least a few of the artists work we have looked at” says the mother of two. Its not just the lesson plans, its also Sam’s energy and eccentricity that brings it all to life. “Parents have a tendency to think
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Chads building where we can really work on local history of art” The classes are all based on exhibitions that are on this summer throughout the UK so you and your children can contextualise the work for your selves. From Marc Chagall at The Tate in Liverpool to Ellen Gallagher at Tate Modern. The children will work with a massive variety of materials and be encouraged to think independently. With the Compost Kids philosophy
in mind why not let the children think they are going to have fun at a workshop but be in the knowledge that even though they aren’t at school they are still learning good stuff for their future. All classes are listed at www. compostkids.co.uk. If you can’t get to a class you will find Compost Kids at the highlights of Shrewsbury events calendar including, The Children’s Book Festival, The County Show, The Food Festival and The Great Shropshire Bake Off.
Pics: Victoria Macken
I am a little quirky but I think that makes the children love it even more – they never know what to expect”. Classes in the past have included ‘Vivienne Westwood meets Florence and The Machines’, Land Art on a large scale, Picasso Chocolate painting with Julia Wenlock from Toot Sweets and Action painting with tea bags, jelly & spaghetti! Classes have been based on artists as varied as Gaudi to Damien Hirst. “Explaining the concept of the Shark to a two year old is tricky BUT explaining the experience is not so hard – conceptual art is something that children are really open to as they have no preconceptions and their response is always fascinating”. Compost Kids is now in its third summer and classes are available in venues all over the town including Restaurant EatUp! The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse, The Band Stand in The Quarry, St Chads , Katie’s Kids’ Kitchen and The Flax Mill. “There are some especially exciting new editions to the programme including Yoga & Art throughout the summer holidays at Meole Brace Memorial Hall. I am also very excited to be working in the beautiful St
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