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Summer loving Walks, workshops, festivals & gigs

Kid’s stuff We’ve got family fun covered!

Walk on!

Bridgnorth Walk photo special

JUL / AUG 2018

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Contents Local news

It’s been a funny year, with our old friend the weather keeping us guessing from week to week. Whether it rains or shines, however, there’s always something to do in our county – and summer is the busiest season of all.

There are so many music and food festivals offering tasty treats, plus a wonderful array of events and activities to keep even the littlest members of the family happy.

This year, you might want to visit Cosford’s Food Festival and tuck into a plate of street food in the shade of some of the country’s best loved aircraft.

The Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival, Church Stretton Art Festival and Shrewsbury Folk Festival deliver world-class music, poetry and film right here on our doorstep.

And if you have young ones, you’ll find our guide to local children’s activities will put a stop to the blood-chilling cry of “Mu—um! Da—ad! I’m bo-o-ored!”

4 – 25

School news

26 – 31

Local arts

32 – 45

Diary dates, summer activities & festivals 46 – 57 Bridgnorth Walk album

58

Competition – Shrewsbury Folk Festival

60

Recipe – Made in London

62

Please keep sending us your news at editorial@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk and follow WW! on Twitter and Facebook to get the most up-to-date news on events and stories throughout our area.

Local food & drink

64 – 71

Home & you

72– 89

Have a lovely summer!

Local walks

86

The WW! team

Wildlife diary

What’s What Magazine @WhatsWhatmagz

Friends round the Wrekin

90

Animal care

92

Local business news Local sports

Cover photo Shropshire garden

Local experts

September/October 2018 Deadlines

Hand delivered to 16,000 homes and businesses – more than any other magazine in our area.

98 – 101

Bridgnorth Council Newsletter

Editorial – 3 August, Advertising – 10 August

We’ve got the local area covered!

94 – 97

102 103– 5

What’s that number?

106

Bridgnorth, Eardington, Worfield, Claverley, Hilton, Ackleton, Broseley, Ironbridge, Jackfield, Buildwas, Much Wenlock, Homer, Harley, Cressage, Little Wenlock, Lightmoor, Horsehay and Shifnal.

Also available at… the Spar, Broseley; Mrs P’s, Much Wenlock; Chrisalis News, Ironbridge and Sainsbury’s, Bridgnorth.

Meet the team Leanne Platek Managing director

Kerri Tyler Editor

NickySpencer Office manager

What’s What! Magazine 18 Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN Email: Advertising – leanne@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk Editorial – editorial@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk General enquiries – info@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk Telephone 01952 728162 whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

Ed Andrews Writer

Liz Orton Designer

What’s What! Magazine is published by MC Marketing Ltd. The views expressed within this publication do not necessarily reflect those of MC Marketing. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written permission consent of the publishers. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, MC Marketing can in no way cannot accept liability for omissions or incorrect insertions or any consequence arising from use of this publication.

Copyright MC Marketing Ltd 2006.

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LOCAL NEWS

Broadband grant Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Broadband, is urging people to apply for a European grant that can fund up to 100% of the cost of installing a superfast connection.

Nic says, “The Marches and Gloucestershire Broadband Grant scheme is under-subscribed and the last thing we want is to have to hand money back to Europe at the end of the project. The clock is ticking and all applications must be submitted by the end of December.”

If you run a business which cannot access speeds of over 30Mbps, and you’re not already part of any superfast broadband rollout plans, you could be eligible – visit connectingshropshire.co.uk/ business-broadband-grant

D’s day Wyndham Richard Davidson, known by family and friends as ‘D’, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to swimming coaching in Shropshire and the West Midlands. The 72-year-old from Bridgnorth was head coach at Northgate Swimming Club for 35 years and now coaches the youth team. He has also been involved with Shropshire county and Swim England’s peer coaching programme.

Pumped up Local groups and residents have welcomed a proposal to build a new petrol station in Bridgnorth.

An application has been submitted

by Lancroft Developments to build a station on the Stourbridge Road.

If successful, the new business is likely to create around 20 jobs.

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Going loco Bridgnorth’s Art Trail is set to open to the public in July, with artists having completed their distinctive locomotive sculptures, sponsored by local businesses. The dozen locos will be located around the town to form a free walking trail of approximately two miles, showcasing the town’s historic buildings and beauty spots. The Trail will be officially opened on Saturday 28 July at 11am, in Bridgnorth High Street outside Card Stores, the site of the Great British High Street statue.

Organisers are running a colouring competition for schoolchildren, which can be returned via their school or directly to the Town Hall. There is also an anagram competition – each of the engines features a letter on its plinth, and these go together to form a word. Winning entries will be drawn at the end of the summer holidays, with the first prize being a Severn Valley Railway family ticket.

Cllr Julia Buckley, the Trail’s organiser, explains, “We’re planning to keep the trail going for five years, adding more statues in years two and three up to a total of 25. We have some great merchandise on its way for the colouring competition, and we’ll select the 10 best pictures to go on our Facebook page and website. They will each win a set of our art trail goodies!

“Any grown-up artists who are interested in painting a full-sized statue can express an interest in next year’s trail by getting in touch at artist@bridgnorth-art-trail.co.uk.”

Show marks RAF anniversary A bold new display celebrating and commemorating the centenary of the Royal Air Force is now open to visitors at the RAF Museum Cosford.

Entitled RAF Stories: The First 100 Years 1918-2018, the new display showcases the diversity and history of the RAF through personal stories and a collection of previously unseen artefacts.

Assistant curator Clare Carr says, “Items for the display have been carefully selected for their potential to engage visitors with a fresh perspective on the RAF story. Some of the more unusual items include rock blown from the Mohne Dam during the renowned Dambusters raid of 1943, a set of wire cutters smuggled into a POW camp, contents from a Christmas gift box given to personnel serving in Iraq in 2004, and a parachute release handle used by a pilot to escape his crashing Hurricane during the Battle of Britain. Many of the objects look perfectly ordinary but have remarkable stories to tell.”

RAF Museum Cosford is open daily from 10am and entry is FREE. For more information visit rafmuseum.org/cosford.

LOCAL NEWS

Jackfield gates A pair of old railway crossing gates that are part of Ironbridge’s industrial heritage are being restored. The Grade II listed gates, usually located near Calcutts House in Jackfield, were installed around 1862 as part of the Severn Valley Railway, which was opened on 3 January 1862 and carried trains from Shrewsbury to Hartlebury.

Small Woods Trust, a local woodlands charity, will be undertaking the restoration of the wooden components while local firm J & A Stevenson will be doing the metal work. The gates are being thoroughly dried out before work starts – they will then be reassembled and repainted before coming home to Jackfield.

Return to red for Bridge The Iron Bridge is being returned to its original colour by English Heritage following the discovery of samples of the landmark’s earliest paintwork during the charity’s £3.6m conservation project.

Detailed analysis revealed that the bridge was originally painted in a very dark red-brown lead-based oil paint – the same colour depicted in William Williams’ 1780 painting, Cast Iron Bridge near Coalbrookdale, one of the earliest records of Abraham Darby III’s pioneering structure, which was built in 1779.

English Heritage’s Dr Heather Sebire says, “Uncovering the original colour has been a fascinating mix of archive research work and detailed forensic investigation. We’d already found some clues, but the decider was the results of our analysis of the historic paint, revealing red-brown beneath centuries of historic dust and paintwork.

“While the bridge is in scaffolding, visitors will be able to see it up via our walkway and watch our painters transform this revolutionary structure to its original red-brown. And when the scaffolding comes down at the end of the year, we’ll reveal one of the most important bridges in the world in all its glory.”

The walkway is open daily until the end of August, from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged. Visit english-heritage.org.uk/project-iron-bridge for more details.

Vibrant furnace Abraham Darby’s Old Furnace in Coalbrookdale is among 100 industry, trade and commerce places chosen in May by Tristram Hunt of the Victoria and Albert Museum for inclusion in Historic England’s campaign Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places.

The campaign aims to find the 100 places that bring to life England’s rich and extraordinary history. The Old Furnace is widely regarded as the catalyst for the start of the Industrial Revolution, which transformed England and the world, and it was here that Abraham Darby I pioneered the method of smelting iron fuelled by coke (heated coal), rather than charcoal (heated wood), which meant high-quality iron could be produced on an industrial scale.

Image courtesy of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Image courtesy of English Heritage 5

LOCAL NEWS

Public opinion sought The county’s health services are currently being examined in a public consultation process which will help decide which services are provided at the two main Shropshire hospitals, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. The choices and a wide range of other information including videos and frequently asked questions are available at nhsfuturefit.org – paper copies of consultation documents are also available at hospitals and at public and community venues. The current proposal is for one hospital to become an emergency care site and the other to become a planned care site, with both offering a 24-hour Urgent Care Centre.

You can complete the survey online; fill in one of the consultation documents and post it free of charge to Freepost NHS FF Consultation; write to Freepost NHS FF Consultation; email nhsfuturefit@nhs.net; or call 0300 3000 903 (24-hour answer machine). There are also several drop-in events over the course of the consultation including on Wednesday 11 July at Wellington Methodist Church, New Street and on Wednesday 25 July at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre, Northgate – drop in any time from 3.30pm to 7.30pm. You can also follow @NHSFutureFit on Twitter or find them on Facebook – nhsff.

Ducks restored after fowl play An Ironbridge art trail that was disrupted by vandalism has seen local people unite to overcome the damage done. Ducks Lady Victoria and Peace Duck both suffered at the hands of vandals after going on display, but community members have pulled together with organisers to restore them to their former glory.

Organiser Julie Ward says, “Peace Duck, who was removed from his setting and thrown into the Severn, has been returned to his rightful place. Local artist Nicky Meechan restored the duck, along with designer Amber Whitaker (12) from Charlton School, who was devastated by the incident.

“It’s so upsetting as this is costing a lot of money,” says Julie.

“Repairs to damage to Lady Victoria were funded by an anonymous supporter but we’ve had to cover the costs of repairs to Peace Duck, which has a knock-on effect on the amount we can give to charity when the ducks are finally auctioned off. There has been overwhelming community support, though, and positivity is winning!”

There is a £500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for damage to Peace Duck – call 101 quoting crime reference 1505200518 or call Julie on 07966 520537 if you are able to offer any information about the incident. The ducks will be moving off to Telford on Saturday 14 July – they fly out of Ironbridge on Sunday 8 July.

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Choirs in harmony Three local choirs came together in May to help raise money for the Bridgnorth Hospital League of Friends. The Bridgnorth Community Pop Choir, Bridgnorth Gospel and Soul Choir and the newly-formed Bridgnorth Show Choir all performed at the town’s Halo Leisure Centre to a very appreciative crowd. One of the highlights of the show was seven-year-old soloist Tahlia Wright, who brought the house down with her singing. Tahlia explains, “I was a bit nervous to start with but once I started singing, I loved it!”

During their inaugural performance, the Show choir delivered songs from ‘Chicago’, The Sound of Music and ‘Joseph’; the Pop choir treated the audience to songs by Take That, A-ha and Van Morrison, while the Gospel and Soul choir brought the house down at the end of the concert with their a-capella version of ‘Rollin’ in the Deep’, made famous by Adele and Titanium. The event’s organiser Simon Whitmore says, “To raise £670 for the Bridgnorth Hospital League of Friends is really fantastic. It really is good to get together as a community and make music.”

LOCAL NEWS

Logo for the League The Committee of the League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital (LoF) recently decided they would benefit from a recognisable logo, so they invited students from the town’s two secondary schools, Bridgnorth Endowed and Oldbury Wells, to design one. Once entries had been submitted, and after much deliberation, a design submitted by Oldbury Wells Y9 pupil Bradley Lunn was selected as the overall winner, with Y10’s Jessica Robins and Bridgnorth Endowed Y9 pupil Anthony Simpson runners up.

Oldbury Wells Y12 pupils Megan Acocks and Samira Choudhury volunteered to organise the unveiling of the new logo at a special event held in the hospital coffee shop. The event was a great success and the design is now in regular use on LoF documentation, coffee shop aprons and publicity campaigns. Megan and Samira say, “We were delighted to organise the unveiling of the new logo. It’s been a privilege to be given the opportunity to work with the League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital.”

Chair Ray Gill adds, “The League is very grateful to the schools for launching the competition and to students who submitted entries. Sadly, it’s the nature of competitions that only a few entrants are rewarded, but we say a big ‘thank you’ to everybody who took part.”

Community hero Brian Morris, a tenant at a Bridgnorth Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing property, has scooped second place in a national competition. The National Federation of ALMOs Photography Competition commended Brian, who over the past few years has worked hard on improving the appearance of his street, for his outstanding contribution to community life.

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

Day centre’s birthday bash Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin staff and volunteers recently celebrated 30 years since its Much Wenlock Day Centre first opened its doors. Located at Priory Hall in Much Wenlock, it is just one of 39 centres operating across Shropshire, providing vital support for older people.

To mark the occasion there was an afternoon tea and a presentation to one of the long-serving volunteers, Barbara Corfield. Barbara has been involved from the very first day it opened, following in the footsteps of her mother who helped set up the day centre.

Helen’s marathon effort A local woman achieved a personal goal when she ran her very first marathon earlier this year. Helen Curtis of Hilton near Bridgnorth decided to take part in the world-famous London Marathon in support of charities who in turn supported her through cancer treatment.

Age UK’s CE Heather Osborne says, “We’re delighted to be celebrating the 30th birthday of Much Wenlock Day Centre and want to thank Barbara for her support and tremendous commitment over the years. Our volunteers play an extremely important role helping us deliver services to local older people and we are so grateful to volunteers like Barbara who show such dedication.”

Keen runner Helen found running kept her sane during the intensive regime and, having always watched the gruelling event on TV, she set herself a remarkable target: “I decided to mark my five-year post-cancer mark by running the London Marathon. I wanted to raise money for Breast Cancer Now for the amazing work that they do in finding life-saving treatments.”

Helen, a regular diner at Blue Ginger restaurant in Bridgnorth’s Low Town, mentioned her plan to owner Ali, and he decided to sponsor her endeavour, along with two other local businesses, Corporate Togs and AR Curtis Developments. Helen took part in this year’s Marathon – the hottest ever! – in April, raising £2,500 and counting. Helen says, “People’s generosity was amazing.

I’m so grateful for their support and for the support of those amazing charities and the NHS!” Helen with Blue Ginger’s Ali, who sponsored her London Marathon success

Bridgnorth firm are finalists An independent Shropshire car firm has been named a finalist in two categories of this year’s Shropshire Business Award. The team at David Dexters in Bridgnorth has been shortlisted in the Best Small Business and Outstanding Customer Service categories of the prestigious awards, with the winners due to be announced at press time.

Managing director Richard Whitney says, “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in both of the categories we entered this year and can’t wait until the winners are announced.

“The shortlisting success is all thanks to our team who work hard every day of the year to ensure we are providing a top-quality service for all of our customers. As we said in our entries: the three key parts of our guarantee of providing a quality service are honesty – providing a true assessment of the problem, efficiency – using the latest technology, and affordability – with no hidden costs.”

9

LOCAL NEWS

Could you be world champ?

Macmillan Cancer Support is currently signing up teams for the 11th outing of its World Coracle Championships. The event takes place on the River Severn in Shrewsbury and attracts hundreds of spectators as teams from local companies and organisations compete to be crowned champions of the world.

This year the spectacular event will take place on Friday 14 September from the Pengwern Boat Club, with racing starting at 2.30pm.

Teams of four competitors line up in brightly coloured coracles and race via a relay across the river before returning to the landing stage. After semi-finals and the grand final, the winning team are crowned World Champs.

Organiser Jayney Davies says, “The World Coracle Championships was started by the late Richard Bayliss back in 2008. It was his inspiration that developed the idea to have this extraordinary opportunity to have fun capsizing and splashing about, at the same time raising funds for a fantastic cause. Since it started, the Championships has raised over £230,000 toward Macmillan Cancer Support. We are looking to exceed our total for last year and smash £250,000 this year.”

Visit coracleworldchampionship.co.uk for more information.

Friendly Bus’s royal honour A Broseley-based community car scheme has been honoured for its work. The Friendly Bus charity, which transports people from Broseley and Much Wenlock using mini buses and individual private cars, has been recognised with the Queens Award for Voluntary Service (also known as the MBE for volunteer groups).

Cronkhill An Italianate villa on the National Trust’s Attingham Park estate is again opening to visitors for just a few days this year.

Cronkhill, an 18th century villa which was built to a design by the renowned architect John Nash, is open only six days during each year. Tickets must be pre-booked, even for members of the Trust, and should be secured via nationaltrust.org.uk/ attingham-park-estate-cronkhill or by calling 03442 491895; the site is located on the road between the A458 at Cross Houses and the B4380 at Atcham. Find it by putting SY4 6JP into your sat nav.

Cronkhill was built from the 1780s to resemble a stone Tuscan villa and is the best-known example of Nash’s Italianate villa designs. For non-members of the NT, adult tickets cost £3.50 and children are £1.80 and can be booked for an arrival time of 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm or 2.30pm on Friday 20 and Sunday 22 July and Friday 14 and Sunday 16 September.

Image courtesy of NT (Phillip Abram)

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The charity’s Caroline Nicholls says, “This shows the recognition of the amazing work our dedicated volunteers carry out every day. Our founder member and volunteer Liz Mars, along with our youngest volunteer Dan Hall who helps maintain our vehicles, attended the ceremony garden party at Buckingham Palace to receive our prestigious award.

“Our volunteers help people to get out and about to meet other people, support them at medical and other essential appointments, take them shopping and so much more. Our regular shopping trips are like a social outing – lots of fun and laughter on board! Our members often describe us as their ‘lifeline’, without us they would often be isolated in their homes.”

Liz and Dan at the Palace

LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

Pothole patrols Shropshire Council has formed a new seven-year partnership to deliver a wide range of highways maintenance and environmental maintenance services. Its partners are engineering consultant WSP and Kier – the new highways maintenance contractor. Kier will be responsible for highways projects and schemes, pothole repair, gritting, bridge maintenance, grass cutting, drainage, street lighting, emergency responses, vehicle maintenance and more.

Shropshire Council has also welcomed the award of almost £1.86m from the Department for Transport to help repair potholes and protect the county’s roads from future severe weather.

Meanwhile, Telford and Wrekin’s Find it Fix it crews (pictured) will be out in force filling potholes over the coming months after the coldest winter for five years takes its toll on the borough’s roads. The number of potholes reported over the winter months spiked during the severe weather which lasted from December 2017 through to March this year. During this period, 2,983 potholes were reported, compared with 847 for the same period the year before.

To report potholes in Telford, visit telford.gov.uk/potholes or use the free Everyday Telford App. For potholes in Shropshire Council’s area, visit the Roads and Highways page at shropshire.gov.uk.

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LOCAL NEWS

Chorley sure to shine Plans are being finalised for the family-orientated Chorley Show, which is taking place on Saturday 18 August from 11am until 5pm. The event features everything from majestic birds of prey to ferret racing; from the chance to hone your circus skills to vibrant African drumming displays; from the Cleobury County Archers to Bridgnorth Line Dancers, along with all the usual sideshows and the popular dog show.

lots of money for two great causes – Hope House and the local Village Hall.”

The dog show includes 14 classes such as cutest puppy, best gun dog, best rescue and the coveted Best in Show medal featuring the endearing parade of pooches.

The show also has a strong What’s What! connection, as judges for the dog show will be vets from Severn Edge Veterinary Group in Bridgnorth, who regularly contribute to our pages, while prizes are being donated by WW!’s dog health and grooming specialist Amy Stewart of Happy Tails Dog Spa. Amy says, “We’ve been involved with Chorley Show in previous years and we’re looking forward to supporting what will surely be a really enjoyable family day.”

Show volunteer Joe Bubb says, “We hope to make this new show a huge success and a fantastic community occasion raising

For more information visit chorleyshow.org or find them on Facebook at Chorley Show.

Refugee charity has new director After four years as director of Friends of Conakry Refugee School (FCRS), Jackie Watkins is handing the baton to Angie Saganowska, who has been a trustee of the charity of two years. Jackie has seen FCRS through a rollercoaster ride of events since taking over the directorship, including when the Ebola epidemic hit just as computers were shipped out, catering classrooms kitted out and Language, Catering and Computer classes advertised as the result of successful fundraising. Schools were closed for several months and public gatherings banned and funding became even more of a challenge, but a new structure is in place as Jackie takes the reins.

Meanwhile FCRS trustee Kathy Watson recently completed the 84-mile coast-to-coast Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. Kathy walked the trail as a personal challenge in the year leading up to her 60th birthday, starting the day after she turned 59, but then decided to raise funds for the FRCS – eventually raising over £1,100. Kathy says, “I walked the first two days alone… later on, I joined a group of other walkers, and the scenery became more wild, with views that were breathtaking at times. The walk ended with a 15-mile day walking from Carlisle along the Solway Firth with views of Scotland and ending in the pub with a big pot of tea at Bowness on Solway!”

Angie (centre) is the new director of FCRS

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LOCAL NEWS

The circle of sport Much Wenlock has a sporting history that surpasses that of most towns its size, and recently the town welcomed a unique visitor who encapsulates the notion of Wenlock’s legacy coming full circle.

Alison Williamson visited the town’s museum in May to donate some items from her career. The former William Brookes pupil won a silver medal at the world-famous Wenlock Olympian Games archery event at the age of 10 in 1981. Then, in 1992, Alison went to the Barcelona Olympics and competed in the archery event; she took seventh place and broke two British records. Alison also competed in Atlanta, Sydney, Beijing and London – but it was in Athens, on the site where the first modern Olympic Games took place – that Alison won her medal, a bronze.

Alison Williamson won medals at both Wenlock Olympian Games and the Athens Olympics

Advice surgery Cllr David Turner is holding his next advice surgery on Saturday 28 July at Willey Village Hall TF12 5JN. Mr Turner hopes to be accompanied by a Barrow Parish Councillor and a representative of the police, and local residents are welcome to drop in from 10.30am.

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LOCAL NEWS

Banks to close Barclays recently announced it is planning to shut branches in Much Wenlock, Church Stretton, Wem and Newport later this year, with the decision due to a reported decline in customer numbers. The Wenlock closure means those requiring bank services will have to travel to Bridgnorth or Madeley, though customers will be able to carry out many transactions at the town’s Post Office, located in the Spar.

Local councillor David Turner says, “Apart from its ubiquitous blue ballpoint pens which appear at quizzes, in church, and in the bank, Barclays and their lovely staff have helped out with a number of charity initiatives, including the local Severn Hospice support group. The loss of this amenity will mean more than simply involving moving our money about.”

Mr Turner says he is concerned about elderly customers who don’t use digital banking, and about people travelling to other locations to bank and therefore taking their custom away from Wenlock.

A petition has so far garnered around 800 signatures, and Mr Turner, along with other Town Council members, Stretton councillors and MP Philip Dunne, met representatives of Barclays Bank on Friday 8 June, focusing on the plight of older bankers and the impact on commerce; Mr Dunne commented afterwards that “it was crystal clear Barclays had made up their minds before the meeting”. However, the bank has conceded it may be prepared to maintain a cash machine providing adequate rent-free space is made available to them.

Mervyn’s trip A Bridgnorth man who underwent life-saving heart surgery in 2016 has decided he wants to give something back. Mervyn Smith is set to travel from Highley to Hammerfest in Norway to raise money for charity.

Mervyn says, “I’m doing a solo motorcycle round trip of some 5,000 miles from my Shropshire home to the very tip of Norway, way beyond the Arctic Circle, for Open Doors UK to raise awareness of the plight of Christians in countries where it’s impossible to worship freely.”

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LOCAL NEWS

Grey matter matters A local group has been created which aims to support those who have worked in high-pressure jobs and are now suffering from Alzheimers, or dementia with other causes.

Liz Holdsworth, chair of PALZ UK says, “The purpose of PALZ is to provide people who’ve held demanding positions and who are now living with Alzheimers with a social environment that delivers peer support and mental challenge. These meetings aim to increase self-respect and confidence as well as providing mental stimulation.”

Big band bonanza On Saturday 28 September, residents and visitors to the Ironbridge Gorge will be transported back to the 1940s with an evening of live music, dancing and entertainment in the Victorian open-air courtyard at Maws Craft Centre. Organised by a group of Maws businesses, the event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and is hoping to attract fans of the rambunctious ‘big band’ sound from across the country.

The group meets every two months at the Shropshire Conference Centre and offers speakers talking for around 30 minutes, along with coffee and discussion. The next meeting is on Tuesday 17 July and features Richard Bifield, whose subject will be The Best of Shropshire’s Heritage and Landscapes.

If you’d like to attend, email lizaholdsworth@hotmail.com.

Eight-piece band String of Pearls will entertain the crowds with a range of Glenn Miller songs, while a Ration Book raffle and Brown Paper Bottle auction promise prizes relevant to the period. Over the years, the evening has raised over £4,000 for charities including the Teenage Cancer Trust, Poppy Appeal, Hope House, Severn Hospice and the Prostate Cancer Screening Appeal, and this year’s beneficiary will be Midlands Air Ambulance.

Organiser Sandra Higson says, “It’s incredible how much the event has grown over the years, from 65 people in the first year to over 200 today. There’s a real family feel to the event, and the courtyard is decorated with bunting and tealights to create a party atmosphere as people in 40s costume dance the Jive and Jitterbug.”

The evening begins at 7.30pm and visitors can bring along a picnic or enjoy authentic food and drink. Tickets are on sale from Janet & Sandra’s Crafts, Unit C23, Maws Craft Centre, Ferry Road, Jackfield or by calling 01952 885999.

Zoom to Pattingham On Saturday 7 July, there will be a Classic Car and Bike Show at the Pigot Arms in Pattingham, running from 2pm until 5pm. The show runs in parallel with the village’s church fete, which takes place on the Playing Fields.

If you own a classic vehicle and would like to display it at the event, call 01902 700426 or email mike@sensorland.com to register and reserve your place.

16

LOCAL NEWS

Dunne supports Taskforce for Lung Health MP Philip Dunne is supporting a new Taskforce for Lung Health.

The aim is to develop a single five-year plan for improving lung health in England, endorsed by the whole respiratory community including patients and clinicians. The Taskforce will also help build public awareness and understanding of lung health.

Respiratory disease is one of the top three killers in the UK – one in five people have been diagnosed with a lung condition at some point in their lives and every year, 115,000 people die as a result of lung disease. Mr Dunne says, “I’m pleased to support the work of this new Taskforce to review comprehensively the nation’s lung health and devise a plan to reduce the number of people dying from lung disease – which hasn’t changed in a decade.

“Anyone in South Shropshire who has experience of living with a lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer or pulmonary fibrosis can get involved at blf.org.uk/taskforce.”

Share your news with us!

Send us your news and we’ll share it with 16,000 homes and businesses across our area, email us editorial@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk or find us on Facebook or Twitter

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LOCAL NEWS

Lauren Chelmarsh Village Fete is the order of the day when the village of Chelmarsh, goes for Tradition on the Highley Road out of Bridgnorth, delivers its annual fete on Saturday 14 July. The village fete will be laying on donkey gold rides, a coconut shy, a hog roast and a wide range of stalls A county beauty is hoping to take the title of Miss British Beauty Curve 2018 when she competes in a beauty pageant this summer. Lauren Cox of Telford is currently Miss Shropshire Curve 2018 and she is representing the county in the grand final on Saturday 4 August at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone.

including a white elephant stall and tombola – and there will be games of skill at which you can pit your wits against the fickle hand of fate to win a prize.

There will be entertainment throughout the afternoon with a brass band, Morris dancers, and a clown and juggler, and the event is also complete with homemade cakes and teas.

There’s free parking, with children under 16 entering for free (adults are £2); the day runs from 2pm until 5.30pm – visit chelmarshparishhall.co.uk.

Lauren says, “I want to be able to encourage all women to accept and love the bodies they are in, through every stage of life. We are all on our own journey of self love, and competing in this pageant allows me to take part in a change in society where we are finally accepting and celebrating the differences in others.”

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LOCAL NEWS The Thegns of Mercia are set to visit Whittington Castle

Turn back, Whittington A county castle is turning back the clock for its Multi Period event in July. Whittington Castle near Shrewsbury has played witness to the changing events of over 2,000 years, and it’s inviting visitors to go back in time over the weekend of 28 July.

in the Inner Bailey of the Castle to provide a Norman guard.

The Poor Knights of St Dysmas and the House of the Black Star will provide medieval encampments, and there will also be depictions of scenes from 18th and 20th century warfare.

The event will include the Thegns of Mercia, an Anglo Saxon group who will deliver the story of the battle of Maserfield (Oswestry), while the Mercenaries of Mercia will take position

The castle is open from 10am to 4pm on each of the days, with entrance at £1 per child and £3 for an adult.

Visit whittingtoncastle.co.uk for more information.

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Advertisement Feature

The outside room Browse any property advice feature and you’ll find the same phrase repeated over and over again – kerb appeal! Sarah Edwards, Sales Negotiator with Berriman Eaton, explores the difference your outdoor space can make to the value of your home – whether you’ve got a couple of rolling hectares or a colourful window box

Sarah Edwards, Sales Negotiator with Berriman Eaton

We hear more and more of how beneficial gardening can be, not only to our minds but as a full body workout as well. What’s more, well-tended flowers and plants can work wonders for your house price, too…

It’s so important when selling our homes to present whatever outdoor space we have to the best of our ability. Our gardens and outdoor spaces reflect ourselves and should be viewed as another room to the house. An unkempt and untidy garden gives the impression that the interior will be similar and can put people off viewing the house at all.

On the other hand, a well-maintained garden can seal the deal – it certainly adds value and increases the saleability.

Baggot House, Middleton Priors - £720,000

At first sight Our first impression of a property is the frontage and this should be kept tidy, paths swept, jet washed and weeded. A couple of well-kept seasonal pots either side of the front door add a touch of style – in fact, low-maintenance container gardens can be very appealing to buyers who don’t want an overly fussy space.

Containers are a simple way of adding instant visual appeal to your property at any time of year. Just pick a colour scheme you prefer – cool colours like pinks, whites and blues go well together, or vibrant reds and oranges. Place pots together in groups of odd numbers and try to vary their size and height.

Barland Cottage, The Common, Chelmarsh - £495,000

20

Lots of viewings take place at dusk or even in the dark, so consider spending a little money on some pretty garden lighting. This is a big trend now and can deliver that ‘wow’ factor before viewers even step through the door.

Brook Cottage, Cardington - £560,000

It’s so important when selling our homes to present whatever outdoor space we have to the best of our ability…

Garden guests Our clients tell us that the back garden can be the focus of how they like to entertain, and this is where thinking of your garden as an additional room really comes into its own.

Before you put your home on the market, decide how much work you want to put in. Do you just want a low-maintenance place to sit on a sunny day, or would you prefer borders spilling over with wonderful flowers?

If you do have money to spend, consider investing in a decent shed.

Outside storage space is a real plus for homebuyers, especially keen gardeners and parents of growing children.

The good life Many vegetables can be grown in containers, so don’t be put off by thinking you need a spacious vegetable plot with raised beds and a greenhouse to grow some herbs, salad or veggies. Even a tiny space or windowsill with a few pots can provide a few salad leaves, tomatoes or a courgette or two.

Many of our buyers, especially those who are moving to the country, tell us they love the idea of being able to grow their own, so just seeing a few pots of healthy veggies or herbs can create a favourable impression.

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…A WELLMAINTAINED GARDEN CAN SEAL THE DEAL...

Bridgnorth: 01746 766499 Tettenhall: 01902 747744 Wombourne: 01902 326366 Lettings: 01902 749974 www.berrimaneaton.co.uk

So, when you’re selling your house, don’t forget the garden – spend a little time creating an outside space to which buyers will want to return to create memories of their own.

21

LOCAL NEWS

Charity seeks mentors Children’s charity Mentor Link is recruiting volunteer mentors from Shropshire to provide one-to-one support to children and young people in schools. Mentor Link are keen to hear from people, including members of the business community, who would be interested in supporting a young person to achieve their full potential. Mentors are specially trained to listen to and support young people and aim to improve their self-esteem and engagement with learning.

As one Y9 girl wrote to her mentor, “I’m glad I met you as you have allowed me to be who I am today and without you who knows where I’d be right now.”

No previous experience of mentoring is needed – different life experiences and plenty of enthusiasm are all that’s required. If you’d like to view a short film about becoming a mentor, visit mentorlink.org.uk; for further details call 07875 438659, or email Karen.arnold@mentorlink.org.uk.

Scooter Jam Scoot down to the Edgar Davies Ground in Bridgnorth from Friday 20 July until the Sunday for a celebration of all things scooter. With a full day of music on Saturday from the Quik Beats and the Academy of Soul, along with Groovers and Shakers DJs, Run to the Severn is wallet-friendly as well as family-friendly – tickets cost just £5 on the gate.

Visit runtothesevern.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

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Bridgnorth, Ironbridge, Much Wenlock

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LOCAL NEWS

Cheers, Charlie!

OPEN DAY

Sun 1st July

A teenager has become the chair of the Labour Party’s Ludlow branch. Charlie Scotton-Peters (15) from Bridgnorth was elected to the position of chair in June.

Tr y for FREE! 11

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Local Labour councillor Julia Buckley has worked with Charlie on several campaigns for local and national elections as well as to protect important services such as the Midwife-led units, the local swimming pool and historical community assets.

Cllr Buckley says, “Charlie won the election for chair with an impressive majority (37-18). His election has mobilised our members and personifies the youthful, positive outlook of Labour in Shropshire.”

LE AR SAIL C N TO OUR star ts S E 4TH A UG

By contrast, the newly elected secretary, Joy Nisbet, is one of the older members of the county’s Labour Party – she joined the party in 1945.

Moving force Bridgnorth Police Station on the Wheatlands is set to move to share premises with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service at Bridgnorth Fire Station on Innage Lane. This relocation is taking place following a review of the police estate in Shropshire, which found the existing building is not fit for purpose and is too large for current need. It’s one of several in the county that are to close or move.

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Custom Made Chairs For Beautiful Homes

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Advertisement Feature

Take the ‘bum test’ with the Chair People A local company are encouraging people to try them for size with a brand-new initiative that will sweep Shropshire customers off their feet.

The Chair People, based in Telford, are proud to offer the ‘bum test’, a unique service that allows people to try chairs in their own home – at no charge and with absolutely no pressure to buy.

The Chair People are specialist manufacturers and suppliers of bespoke designer seating for the home. Whether you’re searching for dining chairs to give your dining room that ‘wow’ factor, armchairs that make your lounge feel cosy and homely, or bar stools that deliver a buzz, the Chair People have it all.

The Chair People understand that choosing furniture for your home is a key part of your styling, and they want to make sure you’re completely comfortable before you commit to a purchase, which is why they are more than willing to go above and beyond, with no obligation to buy. They think their ‘bum test’ is unique – and it’s certainly a hit with their customers, as proved by their 4.9 out of 5 Feefo rating.

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The team understand that people have busy lives and work schedules – and this is where the ‘bum test’ comes into action!

Once you’ve browsed their website and viewed the extensive range of chairs, requested your free fabric swatches, and looked at any extra specification options available, you can then request up to three chair models to try out in your home.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, the Chair People’s 2,500 sq ft Telford showroom holds an impressive range of models in a huge array of styles, from Italian-style dining chairs to farmhouse sets; from sleek retro chairs to comfy, inviting armchairs. Each chair is made to order, and once you have selected your model, there’s an extensive range of fabric swatches to browse through, whatever your home’s colour palette and textural styling.

The delivery team contact you to advise when they’re next in your area and to make a convenient appointment. The friendly driver then brings the chairs to your home, so you can see them ‘in situ’; he’ll stay with you for around 20 minutes to ensure you have ample time to try the chairs for comfort, styling and size.

There are trained and experienced design advisors on standby to help you with your choice, and there are countless fabrics and models to choose from. What’s more, if you have existing furniture with which you’d like your new chairs to match, just bring along any swatches with you and they’ll be happy to help.

Bums on seats!

As well as the fabric library, which features everything from natural wools to fresh linens, from shiny leathers to sumptuous velvets, there are also several options of leg colour to choose from… and, depending on which model you opt for, you can also add beading, piping, buttons, and even fabric combinations to give that luxurious finishing touch to your own bespoke chairs.

The showroom is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm, call ahead if you can and they will make sure they have the kettle on; there is even free parking on site!

So if you’re looking for chairs to add the finishing touch of character to your beautiful home, get in touch with the Chair People – you’ll be glad you did.

The Chair People Unit A3, Halesfield 13, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PL To book a showroom visit, or for any additional information, contact their sales department on 01952 585820, email sales@thechairpeople.co.uk or browse their website at thechairpeople.co.uk

25

SCHOOL NEWS

WE SEE

POTENTIAL Open Morning

29th September 2018, 10.00am-12.30pm

Senior School Experience Afternoon 10th October 2018, 2.00pm-4.00pm www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk 26

SCHOOL NEWS

Dillon’s return Shropshire bowler Dillon Pennington visited his old school after his stand-out performance for England in New Zealand. The visit to Wrekin College in Wellington also saw two generations of Shropshire’s England cricketers come together as Dillon met up with former Shropshire captain Bryan Jones (both pictured). The two are former Wrekin pupils and they met at the school to take a trip down memory lane. Dillon has also been back to the school to give pupils some help with coaching and talk them through his success.

The 19-year-old from Shrewsbury recently signed his first professional contract with a two-year deal at Worcestershire.

Dillon says, “Wrekin was integral to my development as a player and a young man and I have to say it has one of my favourite grounds to play on… although my first match in New Zealand was pretty amazing in some spectacular surroundings.”

Up for the challenge!

Class 2 at Brockton Primary recently completed two practise walks in preparation for their upcoming Snowdon challenge.

The children, who were aged seven to nine years, made great use of the school’s rural location to practise some hill walking.

A day’s walk along part of Wenlock Edge and back to school, followed a few days later by a climb up the Long Mynd built children’s fitness and skills, in readiness for their next challenge – to climb Wales’ highest mountain.

“It’s steeper than Snowdon,” one child reported back after climbing the Long Mynd. The staff and children enjoyed clement weather on both practise walks so are hoping for the same when it comes to their big climb.

Aquathon achievements Several local schools shone during the Schools Aquathon Relays held at Wrekin College, with a clean sweep of all three age group titles. The challenging event involved each member of the team swimming and running in a relay.

Primary schools’ Grand dream Following on from last year’s Standing Tall project, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre have announced an exciting new project for this year’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty – DREAM BIG, in partnership with Promise Dreams, a national charity which works with children who are seriously or terminally ill.

James Collins of the Grand explains, “As a theatre, we aim to connect with the community in as many different ways as possible and this project will not only do that but will spark creativity in a way that is both fun and educational.”

In Y3/4, Castlefields Primary came out winners, narrowly missing the event record, with their team of Kody Gilbody, Jack Payton, Ewan Fellows and Dylan Williams (pictured).

Castlefields also triumphed in Y5/6, with Zoe Gilbody, Callum Blower, Oliver Smith and Elliot Fellows coming up trumps. The other local team, Much Wenlock Primary’s Evie Dillon, Thea Rogers, Jack Dillon and Ben Southgate narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in fourth spot.

In the very competitive Y7/8 age group, Oldbury Wells took the title with Franny Davies, Meg Smith, Rhys Blower and Dan Galloway. Bridgnorth Endowed chased after Wrekin College, coming third thanks to Louise Jones, Amelia Nolan, George Childs and Archie Wickens.

Email JamesC@grandtheatre.co.uk to register your interest.

Emma and Jamie are dreaming big

27

SCHOOL NEWS

Write on!

Theatre Severn was packed to the rafters one morning last April as children, teachers, and authors gathered to celebrate work inspired by a shortlist of books chosen by and for children as part of the Bookfest awards – and to see which book on the list had won the children’s vote.

The Book Award ceremony at Theatre Severn was also the culmination of a project delivered into Shropshire primary schools. Pupils entered a range of categories, including a creative writing competition in which pupils composed letters to someone from one of the shortlisted novels. Winners included Deryn Wheeler of Much Wenlock Primary School, who wrote to a character in Jack Atlas; Gracie Gage from St John’s Catholic Primary School, who wrote a letter to a character in A Storm of Strawberries; and Amelie Maynard from Morville Primary School, who penned a letter linked with Letters from the Lighthouse. Wenlock also produced an award for an illustration – Sam Rowlands’ picture of Jake Atlas was a runner-up.

The winning ‘grown-up’ book, as voted for by pupils, was The Legend of Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood, of which Scarlett Wright of Castlefields School said, “When I started reading this book it hooked me right in, I didn’t want to put the book down! It leaves you on edge at every word making you just want to read and read and read!”

Top and middle right: Much Wenlock won prizes in both writing and illustration

Middle Left: Gracie Gracie’s letter was said by author Jo Cotterill to be “fantastic and emotive”

Bottom: Amelie said writing the letter was “tricky but fun”; she’s pictured with Morville’s in-school winners Holly and Lucy

explore. discover. inspire.

More than just a school

an environment to ignite the imagination More than just a school

an environment to ignite the imagination

Places available Visits welcome

Every day is Open Day!

Here at Brockton we not only provide an excellent academic education, we aim to broaden our pupils’ experiences culturally, physically and creatively.

Brockton, brocktonprimary.co.uk Muchour Wenlock, Parents choose school for its positive atmosphere, quality of admin.brockton@ teaching and the6JR camping and walking trips we offer – which we’re TF13 proud to say are unique to Brockton. taw.org.uk 01746 785671 Come along and see for yourself.

Brockton, Much Wenlock TF13 6JR 28

brocktonprimary.co.uk

A co-educational country prep school taking children A co-educational country from 3 months - 13 years in schoolcombining taking children Asetting, co-educational a beautifulprep from 3 months - 13 years in outstanding academic country prepand school a beautiful setting, combining extra-curricular outstanding academic and taking success, children with a culture of kindness extra-curricular success, from 3Catholic months to withon a culture of kindness founded founded on Catholic 13 years. principles. principles.

Funding for military families available Funding for military 35 awards to

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MoorMoor Park,Park, Richards Shropshire, RichardsCastle, Castle, Ludlow, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 SY8 4DZ 4DZ 876 061head@moorpark.org.uk head@moorpark.org.uk www.moorpark.org.uk 0158401584 876 061 www.moorpark.org.uk

SCHOOL NEWS

Harper Adams’ royal recognition Harper Adams University Chancellor HRH The Princess Royal presented three honours during this week’s celebration of the bicentenary of the birth of Thomas Harper Adams.

Endowed cricketers shine Shropshire’s young batsmen piled on the runs in the sun earlier in the season. Will Lewin smashed an unbeaten 186 as Shropshire U14s took on Herefordshire at Wellington, while Joe Smallman and Niall McAdam, both from Bridgnorth Endowed, had the statisticians scrambling as they put on a stand for the U15s in their clash with North East Wales at Connah’s Quay.

Coach Ross Edwards recalls, “It was a fantastic stand between Joe and Niall, keeping the ball on the ground early in the partnership before they opened their shoulders with Niall targeting the parents’ cars!”

Sixth Form Join our diverse and vibrant Sixth Form Excellent A Level Results Specialism in STEM subjects Wide choice of subjects and extracurricular activities 95% First Choice University Destinations Respect  Community  Trust  Initiative  Risk An Independent Free School offering Day and Boarding places from Reception to Sixth Form

Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser received an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contribution to international business, particularly the development of new markets for agricultural machinery and technologies. Mrs Claas-Mühlhäuser’s 92-year-old father Helmut Claas travelled to Shropshire for the presentation.

Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, Lord Lieutenant for Shropshire, was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to county life. Sir Algernon explained that he first became involved with the university when his own farm needed advice on potato growing around 15 years ago.

Alison Blackburn, former University governor and an agricultural advisor throughout her career, received a University Fellowship (pictured). She said on the day, “It’s a fantastic honour. When I opened the letter I couldn’t believe it. I thought ‘gosh, I left Harper a while ago!’ But I still love it and I come back for every possible event I can. This is really a place where you can achieve something; you can make something of yourself.”

The Royal School

Wo lver hampto n Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV3 OEG Tel: 01902 349 109 admissions@theroyal.school www.theroyalschool.co.uk

29

SCHOOL NEWS

Show business North Shropshire College (NSC) Commercial Services students recently held their annual skills show at the Oswestry Campus.

This year the event raised £430 for the local not-for-profit enterprise, CHALK, which aims to help the town’s homeless.

Commercial services manager Sharon Cooper says “The show was a huge success. I’d like to thank the students for their hard work, and for putting so much effort into researching and creating their costumes. We hope we can build on the success of the show in the future.”

Students Owen Phoenix-Dobson and Curtis Metcalfe demonstrated their skills at the show

Mummy’s the word It was time to walk like an Egyptian at a Shropshire school as pupils dressed like as mummies and pharaohs for the day.

Children in Y3 at Wellington’s Old Hall School dressed in themed costumes and took part in a range of activities as part of their studies on ancient Egypt.

Head Martin Stott says, “I know it makes more work both for staff and parents, but these days are really popular and a highlight in the school calendar. It’s lovely, too, to see how much the children gain from taking part in a multi-sensory approach like this, which gives them a greater understanding of the world around them.”

Outdoor play area

Forest School

All our staff are qualified & first aiders

Come and join our Nursery We’re open from 8.45am - 3.30pm with a choice of session times available.

For more information call Jayne Davies on 01746 762781 or visit our website bridgnorth-st-leonards.shropshire.sch.uk St Leonard’s C.E. Primary School, Innage Lane, Bridgnorth WV16 4HL 30

We’d love to show you around so call us now and make an appointment!

SCHOOL NEWS

Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL JUDGED “EXCELLENT” IN ALL AREAS BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE

School Open Day Saturday 6th October, 11am - 3pm

For more information about our Open Events please contact Mrs Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar tel 01902 422939 or email jam@wgs-sch.net.

“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.” The Good Schools Guide

01902 421326

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

31

LOCAL ARTS

Broseley’s big day out Each year, Broseley Camera Club allocates one of their summer meetings to meet away from the confines of their usual presentations; this year the group are venturing into the wilds of… Shrewsbury. The event on Tuesday 30 July will be an informal walk-around where members can take pictures while chatting to some of the more experienced members.

The Club’s Graham Welsby explains, “Our aim is to be there to give help and advice while our members are taking images. We discuss what the member is trying to achieve with their image and help them to improve with practical tips.”

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are you and your partner married?

Non-members are more than welcome to join – email grahamwelsby@gmail.com or john.horton4@btinternet.com if you’d like to go along; the meeting starts at 7pm for 7.15pm at the Square.

Broseley Camera Club went to Chester Zoo earlier in the year (image courtesy of Graham Welsby)

Enjoy a refreshing Milkshake!

Little theatre-goers will love an all-singing, all-dancing show that’s appearing at Theatre Severn this July. ‘Milkshake! Live’, starring Bob the Builder, the Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer and Shine, Pip, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper and of course Milkshake! Monkey, is a musical masterpiece that will take audiences on a fascinating journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales.

Wills, Probate & Powers of Attorney Without leaving a Will you cannot be certain that your Partner will inherit from your estate, don’t leave it to chance and make sure your Will is up to date.

For advice call Sophie Yates on 01952 726111

Fodens Business Centre M54 Junction 6 Telford Shropshire TF3 5HL 01952 726111

32

ts vi si ome able h e l i Fr e ava

On Saturday 7 July at noon and 3.30pm, the Milkshake! cast will be browsing the shelves of their magical bookcase, singing songs and sharing stories that audience members young and old will know and love. Tickets range from £14.50 to £57 for a family of four – visit theatresevern.co.uk for details.

LOCAL ARTS

Lens on the landscape A new photography competition, Green of the Gorge, is being launched by the organisers of the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) in partnership with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. This award will celebrate plant life throughout the World Heritage Site, where the IGPOTY exhibition is on display at Jackfield Tile Museum until Monday 17 September.

Life and industry in the Gorge were very different in the 18th and 19th centuries, with natural resources used to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Since then, economics and globalisation have changed the social and natural landscape; woodlands, forests, fields and green space now cover the area. Entrants are invited to capture the natural wonder of the Gorge through their camera’s lens and use plant life as a medium to highlight the history of what was once one of the most important industrial landscapes in the world.

Entries must be submitted online before Wednesday 31 October – visit igpoty.com/competitions/green-of-the-gorge-12/ for details.

And on Saturday 4 August at Blists Hill Victorian Town, there’s a Garden Photography Workshop. Enjoy a day of lectures and practical expert tuition with Philip Smith, founder of IGPOTY. Tickets are £65 per person (including refreshments and entry to Blists Hill) from ironbridge.org.uk

Classics with added fizz British soprano Mary-Jess Leaverland – winner of the Chinese X-Factor – is to headline Shropshire’s Proms and Prosecco in the Park 2018. Also taking to the stage on Saturday 8 September are electric-acoustic ensemble String Infusion and operatic tenor Jack Foley.

The classical music extravaganza at Chetwynd Deer Park in Newport will once again coincide with the Last Night of the Proms and is set to attract thousands of prom-goers from across Shropshire and neighbouring counties.

Esther Wright, director of Newport-based Fizz Festivals, says she wants to keep a few surprises up her sleeve for prom-goers; “What we can say, however, is that this year’s Proms and Prosecco is going to be another spectacular event with beautiful music, plenty of fizz and a very relaxed atmosphere… pack your picnic baskets, dig out the blankets, and gather friends and family together for a wonderful afternoon and evening of entertainment.”

There will also be food and drink stalls, children’s entertainment and a dedicated Prosecco bar. Gates open at 2pm with music playing from 3pm until 9pm.

Visit fizzfestivals.com for full details and ticket prices.

Sculptural surgery Nurses from Shropshire’s two main hospitals gained new skills at a local attraction recently. The clinicians welded items of obsolete equipment onto a sculpture being created to mark 70 years of the NHS. The unique heart sculpture, created by Shropshire artist Luke Kite, will be unveiled at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SaTH) Charity Fun Day at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry on Saturday 7 July.

On Friday 25 May a number of off-duty SaTH nurses helped attach items onto the sculpture; parts of the artwork included obsolete blood pressure monitors, parts of hospital beds, surgical hands, microscopes, and wheelchairs.

Dementia nurse Karen Breese, who welded on part of a wheelchair, says, “I’ve never welded anything in my life so this was a totally new experience for me. I look forward to finding it when the sculpture is unveiled to the public.”

The Fun Day will also celebrate 70 years of the NHS, raising funds for the Live Well with Dementia Appeal and the Swan End of Life Care Appeal – visit britishironworkcentre.co.uk for details.

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Advertisement Feature

Legal Life Rachel Bloxwich, Associate at FBC Manby Bowdler

Let the course of true love run smoothly with our matrimonial guide Getting married is one of the most exciting times of your life – just ask the world’s most famous newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now officially the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Both parties should take independent legal advice and update their agreement regularly should their situation change, such as having children.

As well as settling down for a rosy future with the love of your life, there’s a day of celebrations with your nearest and dearest to plan for. So it’s no surprise that sorting any legal matters might drop down the list as planning the reception, choosing outfits and choosing a honeymoon take priority.

As well as settling down for a rosy future with the love of your life, there’s a day of celebrations with your nearest and dearest to plan for. So it’s no surprise that sorting any legal matters might drop down the list

Associate Rachel Bloxwich from the FBC Manby Bowdler Family team looks at some of the issues you might need to consider as you prepare to march down the aisle.

A pre-nuptial agreement is perhaps not the most romantic declaration of love before you settle down to wedded bliss but taking the time to make one is a sensible way to avoid potential conflict down the line.

With people marrying later and an increasing number of second or subsequent marriages, couples may already own their own home or other assets when they tie the knot and want to protect them in the event of a divorce.

Although pre-nups are not legally binding in the UK, courts are now increasingly willing to take them into consideration.

It may be tempting to cut costs and do it yourself but pre-nups are unlikely to carry any weight in divorce proceedings unless they are correctly prepared.

It may also be a good time to consider writing a will. At the beginning of marriage, the ‘til death us do part’ vow is, hopefully, a distant spectre on the horizon. But with alarming statistics that only 64 per cent of people aged over 55 have made their final wishes clear in a will, this should be top of the to-do list post honeymoon. Many people assume that without a will, their spouse would inherit everything but that’s not always the case.

It depends on how your assets are owned, the size of your estate and what other family members there are, such as children. The intestacy rules dictate who gets what if there is no will, so to ensure your assets will pass to your spouse, it’s advisable to make a will.

Rachel also warns it’s important to bear in mind documentation if you have plans to wed abroad. With overseas weddings remaining as popular as ever, do your

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research about what documentation may be required to let the wedding take place.

Some countries require official confirmation that you’re free to marry so make sure you have all the correct paperwork in place before you fly away for the big day.

Finally, if you have children from a previous marriage and a romantic wedding on a Caribbean beach is in your sights, make sure you have the agreement of the other parent. It’s advisable to take official documentation that outlines your parental rights and any agreement from the child’s other parent with you in case you’re questioned at Border controls.

This is especially important if you are travelling with a child or children who may have a different surname to you on your passport.

FBC Manby Bowdler’s family team is recognised nationally as one of the leaders in its field by Chambers & Partners, which identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers annually. It also has a top tier ranking in the prestigious Legal 500 guide.

Rachel specialises in all aspects of family law and has gained extensive knowledge in divorce and separation cases, financial matters and can advise on the arrangements for children. She can be contacted on 01902 392454 or r.bloxwich@fbcmb.co.uk

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LOCAL ARTS

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LOCAL ARTS

Ladies first Running from Friday 13 to Saturday 28 July, ‘Ladies’ Day’ is an exuberant comedy about four likely lasses and a planned big day out and is produced in association with Wolverhampton Racecourse.

Work, love and life are just one long, hard slog for local fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda. Will their fortunes change when they head to Ladies’ Day at Wolverhampton Racecourse? Factory hairnets make way for fascinators, secrets are spilled with the champagne, and friendships are tested to the limit. Yet as the day unfolds, their six-race bet keeps coming up trumps. If their luck holds, they could hit the jackpot…

The show starts at 7.30pm, and 2.30pm and 7:30pm on Saturdays, with additional matinees at 2.30pm on Thursday 19 and Wednesday 25 July; tickets start from £14.50. Visit grandtheatre.co.uk for details.

Shropshire’s youth music celebration Musical pupils from beginner up to diploma level from in and around Shropshire performed in a concert in May at Morville Village Hall. The collaboration between three music teachers – singing teacher Bev Wightman, brass tutor Stella Disney and wind and piano specialist Sally Barras – has been a regular event since 2012. The audience were treated to solo and duet performances of pieces in a variety of styles including jazz on baritone sax; the Star Wars theme on cornet and the Thunderbirds theme on trumpet.

Stella says, “We love putting on this event every year – we can see how much our pupils progress due to the hard work put in all year,” while Bev adds, “It’s sad when pupils leave, but we wish them well and hope they will come back to perform with us.”

The audience were also treated to performances from the Sunflower Saxes and the Concordia Youth Choir, who won Gold in the Live Arts Festival at Much Wenlock.

Faces that fit Two British comedy icons return for one night only at a Bridgnorth venue this summer – to reveal a more thoughtful side to their characters. Sid James and Joan Sims appear in ‘Funny Faces’, a double bill of two one-actor plays, at Theatre on the Steps on Friday 27 July.

Joan Sims takes a walk down memory lane in ‘SIMply Joan’.

Join Joanie as she reflects on her professional work and her private heartache, sometimes hilariously, often touchingly as we witness her determination to ‘carry on’!

Lights fundraiser On Saturday 14 July at Broseley Social Club in the town’s High Street, there will be a rock ‘n’ roll night featuring the Concessions. The event is to raise money for the Broseley Christmas Lights appeal. Doors open at 7.30pm – call 01952 882348 for details.

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‘Wot Sid Did’ sees Sid James in his stage dressing room in the hour before his last performance.

Sid’s in a pensive mood as he looks back on his career, his life and his lost love. ‘Funny Faces’ starts at 7.30pm (£10/12; theatreonthesteps.co.uk).

LOCAL ARTS

Summer Nights cinema It’s time to soup up your engines and slick back your hair… it’s the 40th anniversary of the all-time teen favourite, Grease.

There’s a special showing of the John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John film on Friday 6 July at Blists Hill Victorian Town in Madeley; gates open at 7.30pm with the film starting at dusk, around 9.30pm.

Dress up as a Pink Lady or T-Bird and watch Sandy and Danny do their thing on a huge inflatable screen on the Green, have fun at the fairground and grab something to eat and drink or bring your own picnic. ‘Comfy tickets’ are available, which include a pillow and blanket, otherwise bring your own rug or low-back chair. The screening is part of the 2018 Ironbridge Lates Programme.

Tickets are £14/20 – visit ironbridge.org.uk or call 01952 433424 for details.

Big songs, big voices The BIG Sing gospel choir are set to inspire and uplift county audiences this August. The BIG Sing are coming to Telford, hosting a concert at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place on Sunday 19 August. The group unites communities with uplifting music, from soul and inspirational to pop, Motown and contemporary.

Many members have found the choir helps them through loneliness, anxiety and depression, and they enjoy sharing their new outlook with new audiences.

The BIG Sing are used to performing in high-profile situations, having sung alongside some big names already, including Ellie Goulding and Leona Lewis, and they were winners of BBC’s Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year Competition in 2017.

Grease © 2018 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved

To buy tickets, call 01952 382382.

Three Billboards (just) inside Wenlock A film that wowed the critics and topped $100m at the box office is coming to the Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock.

Wenlock choir A concert is taking place at 7pm on Saturday 14 July at Holy Trinity Church in Much Wenlock. The event will feature a mix of sacred and secular music performed by members of the Church Choir. Funds raised will be shared between the church’s Piano Appeal and Bloodwise, a charity that funds research into blood cancer.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (15) tells the story of a mother who personally challenges the local authorities to solve the mystery of her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit. The film won two Oscars, including for star Frances McDormand, and was nominated for five more, and it will be shown at the Wenlock venue on Monday 16 July at 7.30pm as part of the venue’s Monday Cinema series. Tickets are priced at £5/4.

Visit edgeartscentre.com for full details.

Throwing shapes The Hive is offering another series of creative workshops for children and adults this summer. Adults can try their hands at Bowls from Moulds on Thursday 26 July at 7pm, when you’ll be making, decorating and glazing a bowl using a press mould. There will be different moulds, shapes and tools to try. Younger potters get their chance on Friday 27 July, when a morning session for children aged four to nine will involve creating rock pools with melted glass.

Older children aged eight to 13 can take part in an Animation Workshop on Tuesday 14 August from 10am to 3pm or learn essential film-making skills in a workshop with professional filmmaker Aaron Child of Painted Life Productions on Wednesday 15 August. Visit hiveonline.org.uk for prices and the full schedule of workshops.

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LOCAL ARTS

High art?

The Church Stretton Arts Festival is back for another year of beautiful art, breathtaking music, and thought-provoking talks and workshops in the Shropshire Hills. With an emphasis on fine art and classical music, this festival for the connoisseur runs from Saturday 28 July until Sunday 12 August at venues in and around the town. The Festival begins at Concord College with a performance by the London Mozart Players, members of the UK’s longest established chamber orchestra, who will present a programme of music for string sextet by Mozart, Schoenberg and Tchaikovsky.

One of the highlights is the Art Exhibition, which features work from over 100 artists. Exhibition 2018 will be a stunning showcase for both amateur and professional local artists, craft workers and photographers, and will feature paintings, collage, photography and various forms of craftwork… most of it for sale. The Opening Reception is on Monday 30 July at 7.30pm at Church Stretton School with admission £2.50 including refreshments, and visitors will be able to meet this year’s guest artists Roy and Jacqueline Abbott, who are based in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. There are also classical and contemporary music concerts, free coffee concerts, and free organ recitals – visit strettonfestival.org.uk for full details.

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Three bands who made it big in the nineties and noughties are visiting Telford this summer for what’s set to be a knock-out outdoor gig. S Club, 5ive and East 17 will perform at the Big Top, a 1,000-capacity venue that opens up for the season as the Oakengates Theatre goes on tour as The Place in the Park. The gig takes place on Wednesday August 15 – visit theplacetelford. com for more details.

Bush babies Prepare to be ‘wow’-ed as vocalist Nadine Turner and her Kate Bush tribute band come to Theatre Severn on Friday 13 July.

Them Heavy People perform note-perfect renditions of Kate’s much-loved catalogue of music, backed by a band of seasoned professionals that strive for the most authentic recreations of the legendary songs.

S Club had a hit with Don’t Stop Moving, 5ive’s singles included Everybody Get Up, while East 17’s smash hit was the Christmas number one Stay Another Day.

East 17 will be rolling back the years in Telford this August

Them Heavy People take great care in the rehearsal process to bring Kate’s songs alive – many of which have never been performed by Kate herself in a live situation – and samples of some of the actual records have been used to give authentic sounds on the keyboards. Nadine is said to have an uncanny vocal resemblance to Kate, using her natural voice to give note perfect renditions of classic hits, album tracks and fan favourites. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are £15 – see theatresevern.co.uk for details.

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LOCAL ARTS

Telford goes retro

LOCAL ARTS

Telford’s tuneful event Telford Orchestra’s Summer Concert is taking place on Saturday 14 July. The concert features three well-known known orchestral works, plus the first complete performance of the Wrekin Suite by local composer Rory Freckleton. Other works include Greig’s Peer Gynt Suite No 1, Beethoven’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra with soloist Laura Brownsell and Mozart’s Symphony No 40 in G minor.

Alveley Band’s summer sizzler The popular Alveley Village Band will be entertaining in the stunning mediaeval setting of St Mary’s Church, Alveley on Saturday 21 July at 7pm.

The band’s press officer Jenny Jarvis says, “We’ll be hitting the high notes with an extensive repertoire which will include songs from West Side Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Jungle Book, Frozen, and feel-good pop classics. We appeal to a mixed audience and aim to entertain all age ranges. We also cater for folk enthusiasts and enjoy playing the English folk song suite.”

Tickets are £7 for adults, £3 for children and are available on the door. Visit alveleyvillageband.com for details.

Image courtesy of Brett Myors

The Wrekin Suite includes movements depicting Telford as the birthplace of industry, the Mighty Wrekin, and the River Severn and Ironbridge and has particular significance in this 50th anniversary year of the founding of Telford.

The concert is at 7.30pm at St Michael’s Church Madeley TF7 5BN; tickets are £10 (students are free) and are available on the door. Visit telfordorchestra.org.uk for details.

Image of Rory Freckleton courtesy of the Telford Photographer

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LOCAL ARTS

Much ado about the weather?

Theatre company Rain or Shine, hailed by The Stage as ‘one of the best companies touring open air theatre’ are set to delight audiences once again this summer with their production of Shakespeare’s merry war of words and wit ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

The play is set during the time of the Great War. It’s November and the men of the British military forces are returning to their homes. Don Pedro and his comrades are coming at last to Messina (a little-known village on the edge of the Cotswolds) where they are met by friends old and new. From the dastardly Don John to the daft Sergeant Dogberry, ‘Much Ado’ delivers revellers, rascals and the all-important love story.

Audiences are invited to bring hampers and blankets for the performance, which is taking place at Kinlet Hall, near Bewdley on Sunday 1 July at 3pm, and Severn Valley Country Park on Friday 10 August at 7.30pm – call 0330 660 0541 for tickets.

Mixing it up Dudmaston is working with contemporary artist Faye Claridge to present Shaken and Stirred, a new project that aims to uncover stories from the estate’s 875-year history.

Throughout the year, visitors will be able to see a changing mix of stories and objects which illustrate the scale and legacy of the estate. Visitors, volunteers and staff will have the opportunity to express which theme feels most relevant and important to them. Faye explains, “Normally, the property team plan when and how to redisplay a gallery. This time, we’re shaking things up by asking you to shape the space.”

“As an artist it feels exciting, if not a little scary, to say we don’t actually know how the gallery will look in a month’s time, never mind next year. The whole project is totally reliant on everyone’s thoughts, suggestions and responses.”

The most popular theme or story to come from the project will shape a new exhibition in 2019.

Faye Claridge at Dudmaston (image courtesy of National Trust;

Jean-Pierre Camm)

Singers’ finale

Back to Banstock

A Bridgnorth singing group have called it a day – after over 40 harmonious years. The Severn Singers performed for the very last time at the town’s Baptist Church in June, raising money for Save the Children and the Severn Hospice. Since they first started out as a barber shop quartet, the group has grown and diversified, and they’ve raised thousands for charity over the four decades they’ve been together.

A celebration of Black Country music is again being held on the grounds of the beautiful Bantock House near Wolverhampton. This year’s Banstock sees an emphasis on local talent with Miles Hunt of the Wonder Stuff headlining, joined by Jonn Penney and Rat from fellow Black Country band Ned’s Atomic Dustbin in the guise of ‘Ned’s Acoustic Dustbin’.

The bill also includes local lads the Miles Hunt of the Wonder Stuff

Wild Flowers, Two Faced Tom and will headline Banstock the Bootleg Boys and the Humdrum Express, along with others. Banstock will be the first ever ticketed acoustic event at which old friends Miles, Jonn and Rat have played together.

Chair David Carr says (after ‘Hiawatha’), “We thank our friends who came to hear us, and strangers too from far and near – thank you and others for the music, and for the songs, and joy of singing!”

The event will be a family-friendly garden party at a family-friendly ticket price (£18.71 per person); doors open at 3pm. Visit wolvescivic.co.uk for full details.

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LOCAL ARTS

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LOCAL ARTS

Hollywood returns to Attingham Pack a picnic and some popcorn and settle down in front of a giant 12-foot inflatable screen at Attingham Park for two nights of open-air cinema this summer.

This year’s Summer Nights Film Festival is presented by QUAD, Derby’s centre for art and film. On Friday 31 August, Dirty Dancing (12a) will be on the big screen. Drama, music and romance are the order of the day for ‘Baby’ as she spends summer in a holiday camp and falls in love with dance instructor Johnny. The evening finishes with a musical fireworks display.

Wombourne by the Riverside Following their acclaimed performance of the Mozart Requiem in March, Wombourne and District Choral Society are busy practising for their next concert, Down by the Riverside, a light-hearted celebration of all things watery in folksongs and ballads, poetry and readings.

The concert will be held on Saturday 14 July at Wolverhampton Grammar School in Compton (WV3 9RB), commencing at 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be available in the interval and tickets are £12 each, with children under 16 free. Buy tickets at wombournechoralsociety.org.uk, call 01902 744447 or buy them on the door on the night.

Wombourne and District Choral Society is a well-established, mixed choir of some 80 singers, and new singers are always welcome – email eileenbrown31@talktalk.net for details.

On Saturday 1 September, Dunkirk (12a), Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning epic, is set during one of the key moments of WWII. Starring Cillian Murphy of Peaky Blinders and thespian ‘royalty’ Kenneth Branagh, this film demands to be seen on the big screen.

Attingham’s Rebekah Ingham says, “This is the third year we’ve been part of the Summer Night’s Film Festival, and it’s fast becoming a favourite with our visitors!”

Tickets are on sale now (£10.50-£19.50); doors open at 7pm with films starting at 8pm – bring a blanket or low-backed chair. Call 01332 290606 or visit summernightsfilm.co.uk for full details.

Dye another day If you’d like to find out how we coloured our clothes before chemical dyes came along, a workshop run by Acton Scott Working Farm will definitely appeal. In Late Summer Dyes from the Countryside, you’ll take a basket and wander through meadows, then investigate hedgerows and gardens to identify and collect traditional seasonal dye material. Berries and barks, roots fruits and flowers all provide wonderful natural ingredients, and participants will prepare dye baths of glowing natural colours and dip and dye wool samples to take home. The historic use of dye plants and fibres will be explored through the museum’s social history collection.

The workshop, run by Janet Bradley, is on Sunday 19 August and costs £65 per person – please bring an apron and rubber gloves. Visit actonscottmuseum.com or call 01694 781307 to book a place.

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LOCAL ARTS

Showman is star attraction A local gymnastics school caused a commotion in Bridgnorth when its Greatest Showman fundraiser had people queuing down the street. Edge Gymnastics, which runs classes at Castlefields Primary and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, put on a special showing of the blockbuster musical at the town’s Majestic Cinema to raise money for charity – and Edge Gymnastics’ Kelly Woodcock says they raised over £600 for the cause, Stacey’s Trust.

Free tunes from Beth A Shrewsbury-based singer relied on the kindness of others to release her debut album, Little Acts of Kindness… and now she’s ‘paying it forward’. Beth Prior recorded a stripped-back acoustic version of a selection songs from the album and has released them to download for free.

Reviewers describe Beth as a ‘highly educated, well-honed songwriter’, and the musician also works as a music mentor with vulnerable young people at The Hive in Shrewsbury. She has so far released two EPs, a live release and her debut album was made following a highly successful crowd funder campaign – which was 150% funded by loyal fans.

Beth’s next release is coming out in September with a sneaky single being released in July.

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Stacey’s Trust is a Bridgnorth-based support group aimed at 11 to 18 year olds who have lost someone special in their lives through bereavement. Kelly says, “The event was absolutely incredible... people were queueing right to the end of Whitburn Street. Big thanks to James Frizzell of Majestic for enabling this event to take part at such short notice.”

Edge Gymnastics is working on its circus-themed entry to the Bridgnorth Carnival and is asking for donations of red, white, black or silver paint, mannequins, a rocking horse and lots of MDF! Email kellybrown111@hotmail.com if you can help out.

Gymnasts and parents along with Kelly dressed as characters from the film

DIARY DATES

Dates for your diary – July & August SAT 30 JUN – 20 JUL

Wenlock Olympian Games Linden Fields, Much Wenlock This year sees the 132nd Wenlock Olympian Games take place, with the main games taking place on Sat 15 Jul. Visit the website for a full timetable. wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk

FRI 6 JUL

SUN 1 JUL

Blists Hill Victorian Town

Grease

Colour Run British Ironworks Centre, Oswestry The 3K run, walk or jog around the Ironworks’ sculptures will be full of surprises and the course will be like nothing you have seen before.

Multicoloured paint throwers will dot the route to make sure everyone is covered in colour.

9.30am with races every hour until 1.30pm Adult £16.50; child £12.50 01694 725000

THU 5 JUL

Cinema: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie The Edge Arts Centre, William Brookes School, Much Wenlock Inspired by a true story, this new award-winning hit musical revolves around Jamie New, who’s 16 and lives on a Sheffield council estate. But Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Supported by his loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight.

7.30pm £12 edgeartscentre.com

For its 40th anniversary, fans of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John will be treated to an outdoor screening of the original 1978 film with a difference.

7.30pm -11.30pm.

Adult £14 (includes pillow and blanket; bring your own chair. U16s must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs.)

01952 433 424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk

SUN 8, 22 JUL & 5, 26 AUG

SAT 7 JUL

Sunday Handmade Markets

Highley Summer Fete

High Street, Bridgnorth

Severn Centre, Highley

Held under the Town Hall twice monthly, showcasing local artists, makers, artisan produce and vintage goods.

10am-4pm Facebook @ BridgnorthSundayHandmadeMarket

A perfect family day out with children’s entertainment, live music, traditional stalls and refreshments. Free entry and parking.

1pm 01746 860000; severncentre.co.uk

FRI 6 – 8 JUL

Camper Jam Weston Park, nr Shifnal A friendly, fun-filled show with a chilledout vibe. Highlights over the weekend include live bands, hundreds of traders, a taste-bud tantalising food village, children’s activities, fun fair and the ever popular ‘cooking in a camper’ competition.

Advance day ticket £17; weekend £42 camperjam.com

SAT 7 JUL FRI 6 JUL

The Elvis Years Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury An outstanding musical which brings to the stage the incredible and compelling story of the king of rock n’ roll, Elvis Presley.

7.30pm £22.50 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk

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Grease © 2018 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved

Buildwas Village Fete Buildwas Village Hall Annual village fete raising money for Buildwas Village Hall and Holy Trinity Church, Buildwas. Lots to see and do – a dog agility display, refreshments, live music, bouncy castle, bric a brac, cake and plant stalls, games and much more!

2pm FREE

SAT 7 JUL

Bio Blitz Fordhall Organic Farm, Market Drayton Experienced wildlife watchers and naturalists will help host a series of interactive activities. The event will see amateur hunters on the lookout for beetles, centipedes, caterpillars and spiders with a helping hand from experts.

2pm FREE

SAT 7 JUL

Shropfest Dale End Park, Ironbridge Shropshire’s newest family-friendly festival comes to Dale End Park. It will be packed with music, entertainment, authentic street food and child-friendly activities. Headliners include Definitely Oasis, UB40 tribute Jonny2bad and Creamfields resident DJ George Kafetzis.

1.30pm-10pm Advance £13; £20 on the gate; Children U11 FREE Facebook @shropfest2018

Newport Show

Model Aircraft Rally

Deer Park, Newport

RAF Cosford Museum

Newport Show brings together the best of the region’s food, entertainment and agricultural excellence in a one-day event not to be missed. It includes year’s special guest, Great British Bake Off runner up Steven Carter-Bailey.

Adult £13 in advance (£15 on gate); child £4 (£5) newportshow.co.uk

Hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies on the airfield at Cosford. Visitors will be able to see models designed, built and flown by members of the Large Model Association from biplanes to modern day jets. From a distance in the skies, the models truly look like the real thing!

There are also plenty of refreshments and trade stands.

Adult £8 (£10 on gate); children FREE 01902 376200; rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford

SAT 14 JUL

Let’s Rock – The Retro Festival See Shropshire Comes Alive on page 54 for full details. letsrockshrewsbury.com

SAT 7 – 8 JUL

SUN 8 JUL

Dragon Boat Festival

Telford Lions Day on Wheels

Kingsland Toll Bridge, Shrewsbury The annual dragon boat festival is again set to be a fun day out by the river. Each day will see 30 teams battle it out as they race 40ft dragon boats along the river. Register to take part on the website.

9am-5.30pm.

Free for spectators 01743 354450; events@severnhospice.org.uk

Bowring Park, Wellington One of Wellington’s biggest events of the year, the day revolves around an exhibition of classic cars and other vehicles, plus a full programme of entertainment and plenty of food and craft stalls.

11am-4pm facebook.com/Telford-Lions-Club

SUN 8 JUL SAT 7 – 9 JUL

Claverley Flower Festival All Saints Church, Claverley The 42nd annual Flower Festival, with refreshments in church, crafts stalls, open gardens and festival evensong on Sunday evening.

10am-6pm £3.50 01746 710304

SAT 14 – 16 JUL

1940s Weekend Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Explore the sights and sounds of wartime Britain in this atmospheric weekend of 40s fashion, food and entertainment. Also includes a special evening event.

Adult £17.95; child £8.95; under 5s FREE; family £46 bclm.com/40s

Pam’s Pools Open Day Underton near Bridgnorth WV16 6TY A fun day out at this wildlife reserve. There will be lots to do and see including rare breed sheep, walks through wildflower hay-meadows and lavender field, bee hives with talks, craft-beer from a Shropshire-based microbrewery, and kids’ activities including vintage tractor rides.

2pm-6pm Adult £3; U10s FREE shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events

SAT 14 JUL

Chelmarsh Village Fete School Lane, Chelmarsh A traditional village fete with brass band music, donkey rides, coconut shy, Morris dancers, stalls, plants, cakes, pig roast and lots of activities for all ages.

Adult £2; U16s FREE 2-5.30pm chelmarshparishhall.co.uk

SAT 14 – 15 JUL

Liberty Bricks Lego Fan Convention West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury See some of the greatest models ever created from LEGO by the best amateur builders from across the UK. 10am-5pm Adults £4; Child £2; under 3’s FREE BrickCentral.org/Events

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DIARY DATES

SAT 14 JUL SAT 7 – 8 JUL

DIARY DATES

FRI 20 JUL SUN 1 JUL, 15, 22, & 29 & SUN 5 AUG, 26 & 2 SEP

Wild Toddlers Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley

Afternoon Tea – Behind the Scenes

Once every two weeks, enjoy a toddle and some seasonal nature fun around the park. Activities may include scavenger hunts, feeding the ducks and muddy puddles. Suitable for children who are now walking as paths used are not suitable for pushchairs.

11am-12pm FREE 01746 781192

Weston Park, Nr Shifnal Combine a fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ tour and see more of the house including areas that are not normally open to visitors.

The event also includes a delicious afternoon tea, served in the Victorian Orangery on selected Sundays this summer.

Adult from £27.50 (booking essential) 1pm-2.30pm 01952 852106; emily@westonpark.com

SUN 15 JUL

WED 18 JUL

Carnival of Giants

RSC Live; Romeo & Juliet

Telford Town Park Extravagant handmade 11ft structures will all be walked, pushed, pulled or wheeled on local roads around the town centre as part of Telford’s 50-year anniversary. The procession will finish with a dance and music finale in the town park’s arena where live music and entertainment will continue throughout the day. There will also be sports activities, a bouncing castle, food and drink stalls and a fun fair.

11am-6pm FREE telford50.co.uk

Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock The most famous story of love at first sight explodes with intense passion and an irresistible desire for change, but leads all too quickly to heart-breaking consequences.…

7pm £10/12 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com

SAT 20 & 21 JUL

Severn Scooter Jam Edgar Davies Ground, Bridgnorth Fun event featuring over 50 scooters, stalls and live music through the day from fantastic line up including the Quik Beats, Academy of Souls, and DJs from Groovers and Shakers.

Noon £5 facebook.com/runtothesevern

SUN 15 JUL

SAT 21 JUL

Transport Rally

Alveley Village Band

British Ironworks Centre, Oswestry

St Mary’s Church, Alveley

The most unusual and eccentric car rally in the UK brings you vintage Bentleys, Classic Fords through to period motorbikes. All vehicle owners who participate will be hosted with a free lunch, coffee, ice-cream and a commemorative give. All participants must pre-register.

10am-4pm

The Alveley Village Band returns for this popular venue for a summer concert. alveleyvillageband.com

SAT 21 – 22 JUL

Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival See Shropshire Comes Alive on page 54 for full details.

Facebook @IronbridgeBrassBandFestival

SUN 15 JUL

Classic Car Sunday Apley Farm Shop, Norton A great family day out with fabulous displays, delicious food, entertainment and children’s activities. The day will include classic tractors as well as cars and motorbikes. Bring your own classic to Apley (pre-registering is recommended).

10am-4pm FREE apleyfarmshop.co.uk

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WED 18 JUL – 21 JUL

Horrible Histories The Place, Oakengates Theatre We all want to meet people from history – the trouble is, they’re all dead! So here’s the next best thing: Horrible Histories live on stage featuring all-new scenes in Barmy Britain – Part Four!

Adult £14; child £12 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com

SUN 22 JUL

Street Festival High Street, Bridgnorth A celebration of great street food, street music and street circus entertainment plus funfair and traditional market.

10am bridgnorthpromotions.co.uk

DIARY DATES

THU 19 – 22 JUL

International Comedy Festival

SUN 22 JUL

See Shropshire Comes Alive on page 54 for full details. shrewsburyinternational comedyfestival.co.uk

Stokesay Court, Onibury

Ludlow Dog Day With a packed programme of dog displays and competitions for your dog to enter, there’s something for every pooch lover.

There are also tours of Stokesay, stalls and activities, a play area for the children, a café and a Hobson’s bar where humans can enjoy a well-earned drink after watching their canines in action.

10am 07841 350464; ludlowdogday.co.uk

FRI 20 – 21 JUL

A New Flame Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth With over 30 top 40 singles and several of the best-selling albums of the last four decades to choose from, A New Flame brings you a truly memorable evening of music from Simply Red. The exceptional nine-piece band aims to recreate every slick groove and melody from Mick Hucknall’s remarkable global career.

8pm £20 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk

FRI 20 – 22 JUL

Festival at the Edge Alderford Lake, Tilstock Rd, Whitchurch See Shropshire Comes Alive on page 54 for full details. festivalattheedge.org

SAT 21 JUL – 2 SEP

Summer Clay crafts

SAT 21 – 22 JUL

MON 23 JUL

Cosford Food Festival

Guided Walk: Kinlet Hall and Park

See Shropshire Comes Alive on page 54 for full details. rafmuseum.org.uk

SAT 21 JUL – 2 SEP

Holiday Workshops Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Join in workshops that change week to week over the school holidays.

Print your own design on fabric, make a buggy or send your cargo down a zip line.

Adult £9.95; child £8.95; under 5s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

Severn Valley Country Park Join our ranger on this longer guided walk of 13 miles. Explore the parish of Kinlet, including Kinlet Hall and its parkland, before returning through New England.

Bring a pair of walking boots and a packed lunch. Booking and payment in advance is essential.

Adult £4.50; child £3 01746 781192

Coalport China Museum This summer, follow in the footsteps of the Coalport painters and decorate ceramics every day over the summer holidays. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can sculpt with clay too.

Activities vary from day to day and some carry additional charges.

10am-4pm Normal admission charges apply 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

TUE 24 JUL

Little Red Riding Hood Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury The much-loved story is reinvented as a playful pantomime, packed with silliness, a sassy heroine and sparkle.

This is the perfect introduction to panto for children aged three and up.

12.30/2.30pm £11.00 theatresevern.co.uk

WED 25 JUL SUN 22 JUL

Bridgnorth Food Fair High Street, Bridgnorth Bridgnorth’s annual food fair features over 30 specialist food and drink traders and producers.

7pm FREE 07929 290465

Outdoor Theatre – The Importance of Being Earnest Dudmaston Estate nr, Quatt Bring a chair and a picnic and spend a glorious summer’s evening watching this deliciously decadent production of Wilde’s comedy masterpiece.

Gates open 6.30pm for 7.30pm start 03442 491895 49

DIARY DATES

SUN 29 JUL

Classic Vehicle Day THU 26 JUL

Summer Pottery for Adults The Hive, Shrewsbury An evening workshop where you will be guided through making, decorating and glazing a bowl using a press mould.

There will be different moulds, shapes and tools to try.

7.30pm-9.30pm £25 hiveonline.org.uk

SAT 28 JUL – 12 AUG

Church Stretton Arts Festival Various locations around Church Stretton A varied line up of theatre, music and visual arts in the heart of the Shropshire Hills – find the full programme online and see our Arts section for more details. strettonfestival.org.uk

Severn Valley Railway In its established summer spot, the show presents classic vehicles from yesteryear on display at all six stations along the line.

Different vehicles will be on display at each station with an emphasis on particular models at each.

Adult £19.50 (advance); child £13 01562 757900; svr.co.uk

TUE 31 JUL – 31 AUG

Tile Decorating Workshops Jackfield Tile Museum, near Ironbridge

Wildlife Survival School

Produce your own ceramic masterpiece.

Activities vary from day-to-day; tiles cost from £5 each and can be fired and sent home later for a small extra charge to cover postage and packing.

10am-4pm Adult £9.95; child £6.50; under 5s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

Attingham Park

SAT 28 JUL

Midsummer Ball Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Much Wenlock A suave and sophisticated evening of fine food and music to support the local wildlife charity. Booking is essential with tables of 10 available.

7pm 01952 728070; fundraisingcwr@gmail.com

SAT 28 JUL

Shropshire Cider & Sausage Festival The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury Sausages and cider are considered by many to be the perfect – and quintessentially British – combination. This brand-new festival also includes live music and a range of other food and drink – though bangers from the county’s best meat producers take centre stage.

11am-10pm shropshirefestivals.co.uk/ciderandsausage

50

THU 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 AUG

Get them to leave the tech behind and join WildLife Survival School. They won’t just be learning new bushcraft skills, they’ll be getting their hands dirty putting them into practice. Suitable for children 5 – 11 years. Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for outdoors and according to the weather.

10am-4pm Child £5 + booking fee; normal NT entry fees apply to non-members 07968 671588; info@ wildlifesurvivalschool.com

THU 2 AUG

Burwarton Show Burwarton Show Ground, Cleobury North Shropshire’s premier one-day agricultural show boasts a packed line-up including the Squibb Freestyle Stunt Team’s motorcycle aerobatics, plus the Panic Family circus, Scurry Driving, and Aldabra giant tortoises.

Along with all the usual livestock, there is a village green with children’s entertainment including free face painting, craft marquee and trade stands.

Adult £15; child £4 (advance prices) burwartonshow.co.uk

DIARY DATES SUN 4 – 19 AUG

The Place in the Park Telford Town Park As part of the celebration’s marking Telford’s 50th birthday, Oakengates Theatre moves to the Town Park QEII Arena as part of a very special ‘big top’ experience seating up to 1,000 people.

This unique event includes comedy, music, dance and children’s shows.

Classical singer Russell Watson will open the event, which also features Boyzlife, a combination of Boyzone and Westlife band members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, and comedians Al Murray and Dara O’Briain; other highlights include 60s, 70s and 80s parties.

Various telford50.co.uk/bigtop; 01952 382382

SAT 4 AUG

Garden Photography Workshop Victorian Town, Madeley A day of expert advice on how to photograph gardens with Philip Smith, founder of the International Garden Photographer of the Year. The course covers composition, light, macro close-ups, long lenses, metering and exposure and preparation and planning.

Adult £65 (booking essential) ironbridge.org.uk

SUN 5 AUG

Broseley Festival of Motorcycling The Woodbridge Inn, Coalport This new event in the motorcycling calendar will see motorcycles from all eras meet up and ride in cavalcade formation along the route of the historic Coalport Road Hill Climb that took place in the early 1900s. See the vehicles all parked up in Broseley High Street around 11.30am – and it’s all in aid of West Midlands Air Ambulance.

Riders must be pre-registered to attend.

10am FREE broseleyfestivalofmotorcycling.org

WED 7 & 8 AUG

Dinosaur World Live Oakengates Theatre @ The Place, Telford Grab your compass and travel across unchartered territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably lifelike) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. A special meet and greet after the show offers brave explorers the chance to make a new dino friend. Suitable for ages 3+ Noon/3pm £9.40-£14 theplacetelford.com

MON 6 AUG

Pond Pirates Fordhall Organic Farm Join the Fordhall Farm team for pond dipping… with a difference! Come dressed up as a pirate, build a sword and your very own mini pirate ship and sail it in our wild wonderful pond. Suitable for ages 3+.

10am-1pm or noon-3pm Child £5 fordhallfarm.com

FRI 10 – 11 AUG

Shrewsbury Flower Show

SAT 11 – 12 AUG

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party NT Sunnycroft, Wellington Everyone from Alice to dormice to the Mad Hatter himself (or herself) is welcome at Sunnycroft’s Wonderlandthemed. Dress up, sit in deck chairs and play croquet on the lawns. Additional £1.50 charge for activities.

10.30am-4pm Adult £7.40; child £3.70 (FREE to NT members) nationaltrust.org.uk/ sunnycroft

Quarry Park, Shrewsbury The Quarry will be abloom with wonderful flowers, food and entertainment. Find eye-catching crafts, see celebrity chefs, listen to horticultural experts, and keep the family entertained with live music, a children’s area and of course the county’s best-loved firework finale.

9.45am-10pm Adult £25 in advance; child FREE 01743 234050; shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

SAT 12 & 13 AUG

Steam on the Road Severn Valley Railway From steamrollers, traction engines and steam wagons to steam trains running on the heritage railway itself, take a trip back to the glory years with this summer steam rally.

Adult in advance £19.50; child £13 01562 757900; svr.co.uk 51

DIARY DATES

SUN 12 AUG

THU 23 AUG

The Magnalonga

50 Things Blitz!

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms

Presthope Car Park

Starting and finishing at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, the Magnalonga is a journey where you combine an 8-mile walk through unspoilt countryside with some of the best food and drink from Ludlow and the Welsh Marches.

10am 01584 873957; info@magnalonga.co.uk

SAT 19 AUG

Classic Car & Craft Fair Cuan Wildlife Centre, Much Wenlock Fun day out for the whole family along with classic cars and crafts.

If you’re interested in booking a stall or bringing along a car, email fundraisingcwr@gmail.com

Come and tick off a number of 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. Why not get your hands dirty doing number 13 – make a mud pie – or dig deep for number 26 and hunt for fossils of sea creatures! No need to book, just drop in and complete your list.

11am-3pm Child £2 01694 725000; nationaltrust.org.uk/events

SAT 25 AUG

Attingham Camp 2018 Attingham Park, Shrewsbury

WED 22 – AUG

A Flock of Words Bridgnorth Library FRI 17 – 27 AUG

Bridgnorth Music & Arts Festival See Shropshire Comes Alive on page 54 for full details. bridgnorthfestival.org.uk

Music and poetry with local band Whalebone and writer Kate Innes.

1-1.45pm FREE 01746 763358; bridgnorth.library@shropshire.gov.uk

The popular Attingham Camp is back for its third year! There will be a range of after-dark family activities including stories and marshmallows around the camp fire, twilight bush craft and star watching. Booking essential.

2pm Adult £30; child (2-16) £15; child (under 2) £5 0344 2491895; attinghamevents @nationaltrust.org.uk

FRI 24 – 27 AUG

Shrewsbury Folk Festival SAT 18 AUG

Minsterley Show Lea Cross, Nr Shrewsbury

See Shropshire Comes Alive on page 54 for full details. shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

Minsterley claims to be Shropshire’s oldest agricultural show. In addition to the usual livestock and horse classes, there’s a motorcycle stunt show, vintage machinery, dog show and carnival floats. The village green keeps the children entertained with donkey rides, quad bikes, circus workshops, arts and crafts, a jester and free face painting.

Adult £12; £5 child; family £28 minsterleyshow.org.uk

SAT 18 AUG

Chorley Show Entertainment includes falconry displays, circus skills workshops, ferret racing, live bands, African drumming workshops, sideshows and the popular dog show with 14 classes; registration for the dog show is from 11am until noon. Plus craft stalls, real ale and cider and a barbecue.

Adult £3.50; children FREE 11am-5.30pm 52

SAT 25 AUG

Black Magic – The Little Mix Show The Place, Oakengates Theatre A highly energetic tribute show that follows in the footsteps of the award winning girl band, Little Mix. 7pm Adult £15; child £12 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com

Shrewsbury Steam Rally Onslow Park, Shrewsbury A family fun weekend over the August Bank Holiday. The Main Arena will host a parade of steam engines set to nostalgic music and poetry plus a bevy of parades of all kinds of vehicles from historic lorries and classic cars to heavy horses.

There’s also a licenced bar and food with fairground organs, craft and hobbies marquees and six acres of trade stands to go bargain hunting!

9.15am Adult £13; child £1; under 5s FREE 01938 570874; shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk

SUN 26 – 27 AUG

Spitfire Family Run RAF Museum Cosford New for 2018, a 1K run in the museum grounds which passes a few iconic aircraft.

Each runner will receive a special medal upon completion. Suitable for all ages.

Under 16s must be accompanied by and adult. Pre-registration is essential.

9:15am £5 per person 01902 376200; rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford

Looking ahead to September…

Plant Hunter’s Fair Dorothy Clive Garden, Market Drayton Enjoy a hunt for your perfect plant at this charming, inviting garden.

The 12-acre garden features a woodland garden, alpine scree, a damp garden, with stunning late summer flower borders.

Browse a mix of plants and specialities to delight plant lovers of every level of experience.

10am-5pm £4 planthuntersfairs.co.uk

FRI 31 AUG – 3 SEP

Much Wenlock Walking Weekend Various locations around Much Wenlock A mix of long and short works in picturesque countryside to suit every ability. muchwenlockwalkers.org.uk

SAT 8 SEP

Proms & Prosecco Chetwynd Deer Park, Newport Enjoy some of the most popular classical music in a stunning outdoor setting, amongst the serene lake and ancient trees of Chetwynd Deer Park.

2pm - 9pm Earlybird tickets £19; Children under 13 FREE 01952 371476

MON 10 – 16 SEP

Wellington Walking Festival Various locations in Wellington wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk

TUE 28 AUG – 8 SEP

The Jersey Boys Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton The internationally acclaimed stage sensation is working its way back to Wolverhampton to tell the true-life story of the Four Seasons.

2.30pm & 7.30pm Adult £22.50/£52.50 grandtheatre.co.uk

SAT 1 SEP

Beckbury Show Beckbury The show fuses a unique blend of country fair, village fete and carnival atmosphere across 12 acres in the beautiful Shropshire village of Beckbury, while raising money for charity. £1 beckburyshow.co.uk

Submit your events at whatswhatmagazine.co.uk Every effort is made to provide correct information at the time of going to press, however it is advisable to check details with the venue concerned.

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DIARY DATES

SUN 2 SEP SUN 26 – 27 AUG

FESTIVALS 2018

Shropshire comes alive…

Summer’s here – and that means it’s festival season! We bring you the best of Shropshire’s seasonal festivals, shows and fairs in this handy guide. Have a sizzling summer… and don’t forget to send your best photos to our Twitter and Facebook pages!

RAF Cosford Food Festival

Let’s Rock Sat 14 Jul, Quarry Park, Shrewsbury This retro extravaganza takes you back to the decade when colours were brash, hairstyles were big, and pop ruled the world. Top acts including UB40, Toyah, Go West, Jason Donovan, Imagination and Kim Wilde will be joining the party, and there’ll be plenty of food and drink available. You can invest in ‘posh toilet’ tickets to avoid queuing for the portaloos, while VIP tickets get you access to the 80s-themed private enclosure. The charity Child Bereavement UK will also be raising money on the day.

To find out more, visit letsrockshrewsbury.com.

Sat 21-Sun 22 Jul, RAF Cosford

Newport Show Sat 14 Jul, Chetwynd Deer Park This one-day show includes a Festival of Food, this year with star guest Great British Bake Off runner up Steven Carter-Bailey, as well as more than 140 livestock classes, an open dog show, live music and entertainment, an Education Hub, vehicle and machinery displays, craft stalls and horticulture competitions, and a fairground.

Advance tickets from newportshow.co.uk.

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival Thu 19-Sun 22 Jul, venues in Shrewsbury Russel Kane leads the pack as the county town rocks with laughter during this year’s star-studded series of comedy gigs. Kane, a regular on Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Juice, takes the comperé’s baton from Shropshire’s Greg Davies, and other acts include Jason Byrne, hip-hop improv stars Abandoman, and Nish Kumar. Venues for the 21 shows include Theatre Severn, Henry Tudor House, the Old Post Office and even the Sabrina boat – see shrewsburyinternationalcomedyfestival.co.uk for details.

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Where else do pies and planes share space but at the Cosford Food Festival? Over 90 local producers of the finest food and drink will be exhibiting at the annual event. Greka Foods, the Chilli Alchemist and Mahorall Farm Cider are just some of the stallholders, while street food will include gourmet burgers, stonebaked pizzas, chicken tikka flatbreads and gourmet vegan fare.

Treats include gin, fizz, ice cream and cakes – and there is family entertainment and music too.

Tickets can be bought at rafmuseum.org/cosford and follow on Facebook @CosfordFoodFestival.

Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival Sat 21-Sun 22 Jul, Museum of Iron, Coalbrookdale If you’ve got the hots for the horn section, ‘Brasstonbury’ is right up your street. With heaps of heart and lashings of good humour, the renowned brass band festival brings a seaside feel to the grassy knoll outside the Museum of Iron at the end of the Gorge. Entry is free – find Ironbridge Brass band Festival on Facebook for more details.

Fri 24-Mon 27 Aug, West Mids Showground

Fri 20-22 Jul, Alderford Lake, Whitchurch SY13 3JQ

Fri 10-Sun 12 Aug, near Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope

Celebrating its 27th year, the oldest storytelling festival in England is for a second year located next to Alderford Lake.

There are stories for all tastes and ages; from epic tales to ghost stories, local legends to tales of wit and wisdom, along with live music from acts including the Trials of Cato, creative workshops, a dedicated children’s festival and CAMRA real ale.

Nothing says ‘Shropshire’ like Farmer Phil’s, nestling in the heart of our county’s hills. This family-friendly, refreshingly rural festival is great value for money and features some big names such as Doctor and the Medics, local talent including Nikki Rous, and a few wild cards… the Captain’s Beard, for example, who claim to combine Steeleye Span and the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band!

Folk stalwarts Richard Thompson and Steeleye Span rub shoulders with relative newcomers such as Shooglenifty and Blowzabella, while Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel join the ranks of singer/songwriters who have graced Shrewsbury’s stage. This is a music-lovers’ festival, with workshops, masterclasses and late-night sessions, fringe pub gigs and a Morris dancing parade all adding to the atmosphere.

Tickets from festivalattheedge.org or info@festivalattheedge.org.

Visit farmerphilsfestival.com for more details.

Visit shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk for more details.

Festival at the Edge

Farmer Phil’s

Proms and Prosecco in the Park

Shrewsbury Flower Show

Sat 8 Sep, Chetwynd Deer Park, Newport

Fri 10-Sat 11 Aug, Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Appearing this year are Gardeners’ World favourite Chris Beardshaw and award-winning garden designer Penny Meadmore, while Levi Roots and Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt take the food stage.

There’s music from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, while a special horse show will help commemorate the role mounted soldiers played in WW1. Plus, of course, the amazing garden, floral, horticultural and handicrafts competitions… and a steam loco from Ffestiniog Railway.

Visit shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk for more information.

Bridgnorth Music & Arts Festival Fri 17-Fri 27 Aug, venues in Bridgnorth With 11 days of music and arts events, Bridgnorth will be buzzing again this August. Saturday’s Rock Day has a new venue at the town’s football club, while the food fair takes place on the High Street on the Sunday. Bank Holiday Monday sees the Quayside rocking to acoustic acts , and there are outdoor film screenings of Mamma Mia and Wall-E, and camping is available at Bridgnorth Rugby Club. This year the event is raising money for MiND and the Bridge Youth Centre.

For full details of this FREE festival, visit bridgnorthfestival.org.uk.

The line-up sees artists performing popular classical pieces mixed with favourites from the musicals, as well as a few contemporary surprises. Headlining this year is soprano Mary-Jess, who’ll be joined by tenor Jack Foley and local acts including the fabulously-named A Choired Taste from Market Drayton. There’s a vast array of food and drink stalls including a fully-stocked fizz bar – though you’re welcome to bring your own picnic. Kids can enjoy bushcraft skills, jugglers and street entertainers.

Find out more at fizzfestivals.com – advance tickets only.

FESTIVALS 2018

Shrewsbury Folk Festival

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Kid’s Holiday Activities - Summer 2018 SAT 14 JUL – 29 AUG

SAT JUL 21 – 2 SEP

SAT 21 JUL – 2 SEP

Summer Events at Bridgnorth Library

Magical Summer Activities Severn Valley Railway’s Engine House, Highley

Holiday Workshops

MON 9 JUL & 6 AUG Bookstart Rhyme Time Rhymes, Songs and Stories for under fives.

10.30am-11am

SAT 14 JUL Summer Reading Challenge Launch and registration day Children are invited to read six books or more during the summer holidays.

Dennis, Gnasher and friends will help them solve clues and collect stickers, and a medal and certificate will be awarded upon completion.

1 AUG – Animation with Salty’s Studio 8 AUG – Mischievous Creatures – Rhyme and Storyboarding 14 AUG – Storyboarding and Comic Book Making with Illustrator and Author Fran O’Boyle 22 AUG – Dogs Trust Workshop with Bertie the dog 29 AUG – Mischief Makers and Paper Crafts All activities are FREE –

booking essential

01746 763358; bridgnorth.library@

shropshire.gov.uk

SAT 21 JUL – 2 SEP Summer Clay Crafts Coalport China Museum This summer, follow in the footsteps of the Coalport painters and decorate ceramics every day over the holidays.

On Tue, Wed and Thu you can sculpt with clay too! Activities vary from day to day and some carry additional charges.

10am-4pm Normal admission charges apply 01952 433 424; ironbridge.org.uk

JUL 23 – 27 JUL Science Week Science boffins present amazing workshops which include jaw-dropping experiments and demonstrations.

JUL 31, AUG 7, 14, 21, 28 Falconry Display See an amazing array of birds of prey with demonstrations during the day with opportunities for children to get hands on in the Falconry Classroom.

11am-4pm

AUG 1 – 2 SEP Witches and Wizards There will be a cauldron-full of fun activities every day throughout August.

All events are free with purchase

of a family day ticket (2 adults, 4 children), £45 See timetable online 01562 757900; svr.co.uk

Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Workshops change every week over the school holidays. Print your own design on fabric, make a buggy or send your cargo down a zip line!

Adult £9.95; child £8.95;

under 5s FREE

01952 433 424; ironbridge.org.uk

SAT 21 JUL – 3 SEP Summer Trails & Den Building Rays Farm, Billingsley, Bridgnorth Follow the Ladybird and Bug trail or build a den in the fairy-tale forest.

Animal encounters and FREE arts and craft on selected days.

Adult £9.45; child £7.25; family £31 01299 841255; raysfarm.com

SAT 21 JUL – 1 SEP Outdoor Fun Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Join the ranger for fun in the great outdoors. Each session brings a new activity to try. Under 8s must be accompanied. Booking essential.

1 AUG & 4 AUG – Slime, Slime, Slime!

25 JUL – Sunny Sun-Dials 8 AUG & 11 AUG – Marvellous Mask Making 15 AUG – Beetle Bonanza 22 AUG & 25 AUG – Silly Sock Puppets 29 AUG & 1 SEP – Krazy Kites 21 JUL – 2 SEP – Self-Led Trail 18 AUG – Meet the Beetles 26 JUL – 30 AUG – Really Wild Thursdays!

2 AUG – Rock and Fossil Hunt Wed/Sat noon-4pm

Thu 1.30-2.30pm

Child from £2.50-£4; adults FREE 01746 781192;

shropshiregreatoutdoors.co.uk

56

MON 23 JUL – 31 AUG (EXC. 27 AUG)

TUE 31 JUL – 31 AUG

THU 2 – 16 AUG

Kidz Holiday Club

Tile Decorating Workshops

NT Wenlock Edge Events

Jackfield Tile Museum, near Ironbridge Produce your own ceramic masterpiece – activities vary from day-to-day; tiles cost from £5 each and can be fired and sent home later for a small extra charge to cover postage and packing.

2 AUG – Den Building

Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre Weekdays throughout the summer holidays for children 8 to 12 years.

Children need a packed lunch, drinks and swimming kit.

8.30am-3.15pm £13 per day or £50 per week 01746 761541; haloleisure.org.uk

31 JUL – 3 AUG 7 AUG – 10 AUG

THU 26 JUL – 30 AUG

14 AUG – 17 AUG

Kids Adventure Days

21 AUG – 24 AUG

OVAC Adventure Centre, Stottesdon A full outdoor adventure activity programme for 8-16 year olds with different outdoor activities held every Tue and Thu throughout the holidays. All day supervision by Live the Adventure’s team of qualified and experienced staff. Booking essential – bring a packed lunch, towel and a change of clothes including footwear.

28 AUG – 31 AUG

10am-4pm £25 per child

(£5 discount for siblings)

01746 718436; ovac.co.uk

FRI 27 JUL Flicks in the Sticks – Peter Rabbit (PG) Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre Watch as Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail pit their wits against the McGregor family. Themed crafts and refreshments before the film.

Film starts 5.30pm; crafts and

refreshments from 4pm

Adult £5; child £3; family £15 01588 676060;

shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre. co.uk

10am-4pm Adult £9.95; child £6.50;

under 5s FREE 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

WED 1 AUG – 24 AUG NT Carding Mill Valley Events 1, 8, 15 & 22 AUG – Stream Dipping 3 & 17 AUG – Scavenger Hunt 10 & 24 AUG – Orienteering 11am-3pm £1 per child 01694 725000; cardingmill@

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Keep the children entertained during the holidays with a variety of activities near you!

9 AUG – Wild Woods: Adventure Trail 16 AUG – Scavenger hunt Meet at National Trust Presthope Car Park; all children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book.

11am-2pm £2 per child 01694 725000;

nationaltrust.org.uk/wenlock-edge

TUE 21 – 28 AUG Superweeks – Residential Camps Moor Park, nr Ludlow Secret missions, adventures and expeditions, a day trip, new games, parties and feasts and evenings of fun… and plenty of new friends.

Superweeks are run by the ATE Trust, a not-for-profit educational trust with 50 years of experience running holidays for children aged 8-16.

Booking is essential. £450 08454 561205; superweeks.co.uk

nationaltrust.org.uk

WED 8 – 29 AUGUST Cosford Spies Workshops RAF Museum, Cosford Workshops are suitable for ages 8-14; packed lunch required. £20 half day (9am-noon);

£30 full day (9am-4pm)

01902 376200;

rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford

57

Stepping up for the Bridgnorth Walk The late May Bank Holiday delivered the perfect weather for this year’s Bridgnorth Lions Walk: grey and mild! The event attracted more than 500 intrepid walkers to tramp towards Cleobury North before scaling Brown Clee and returning through Ditton Priors.

The adult walk is 22 miles long, but there are variations for walkers with littler (or older!) legs. The junior and senior routes bypass Brown Clee but still offer a challenging walk – and there were plenty of walkers keen to test their mettle and raise money for their choice of charities.

Andrew Simmons won the men’s and overall title, and Charles Foxall the over 40s course; Holly Bingham won for the women, with Emma Cottam taking the over 40s title. For the juniors, Archie Wickens took the boys’ title and Louise Jones the girls’.

Organiser Chris Aked says, “The walkers raised more than £105,000 – a fantastic achievement! In addition, Bridgnorth Lions Club raised several thousand pounds for its own charity funds.

Jenna Hawkins (91), Charlotte Lewis

(279), Alice Wood (408), Melody Lloyd (370), Victoria Roberts (369)

“We’re always open to suggestions for improvements and look forward to making the event even better next year!”

Images courtesy of Allan Macmillan – visit kovotography.co.uk/bridgnorthwalk to view and purchase photographs.

Winner

Andy Simmo

ns

(l-r) Rachel Mackey and Daisy Brassington

Ray Gill

Brendan Perry (449), Claire Stockdale (210), Adelle Jandrell (219), Mark Jandrell (220)

58 58

BRIDGNORTH WALK (l-r) Kayden Foure and

George Andrews

(l-r) Steve Charteris, Jasmine Brissett, Vanessa Voysey and Kelig Dampure

Maria James, Sally Loft and Sacha Lee

Georg

(l-r) Michael Betteridge and Wayne Molland

e Buckle

y

(l-r) Maung Thant and Aye Aye Khine

(l-r) Ross Crowson, Matt Shakespeare, Pat Shakespeare and Dan Power

59

COMPETITION

Come up and see them!

Steve Harley to star at Shrewsbury Folk Festival Shrewsbury Folk Festival is one of the UK’s top musical events – and this year, the act behind one of radio’s most played songs will be making their debut performance.

WIN

FAMILY TICKETS

Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, who had hits with Judy Teen, Mr Soft and their number one Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), will be one of the headliners when the festival kicks off on Friday 24 August. And the event will end on a high note on Monday 27 August with an exclusive performance by Budiño, the band led by renowned Galician piper Xosé Manuel Budiño.

Other acts include Steeleye Span, Fisherman’s Friends, the Richard Thompson Electric Trio, Turin Brakes, Show of Hands, Shooglenifty with Rhajastani band Dhun Dhora, O’Hooley & Tidow, Megson, the Wilson Family and many more.

Director Sandra Surtees says, “We hope the eclectic line-up featuring acts such as Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel will encourage more people to come and experience this world-class festival tucked away in a corner of Shropshire!”

Along with four main stages, the festival boasts a dance tent featuring ceilidhs, workshops and dance shows; dedicated children’s and youth festivals; over 100 workshops for everyone from experts to complete musical novices; a craft fair; real ale and cider bars – and a prosecco and cocktail bar.

Weekend and day tickets can be booked at shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk, with under 4s going free – but What’s What! have teamed up with the Shrewsbury Folk Festival to offer two family day tickets for the explosive grand finale day on Monday 27 August, featuring Budiño and Fisherman’s Friends amongst others.

Photo: Mike Dean Photo: David Woodfall

Around 7,000 people are expected to attend the four-day festival at the West Mid Showground over the August Bank Holiday weekend – and tickets are selling fast. The event brings the whole of the town to life, with fringe pub gigs, dance displays, and a colourful street parade.

Be in with a chance of winning TWO pairs of family tickets to Shrewsbury Folk Festival on Monday 27 August by answering the question below:

Q: Which of these bands is NOT playing at this year’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival? (circle your answer) A) Union J B) Fisherman’s Friends C) Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel Name:............................................................................................................................................ Tel No: ................................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email: ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please cut out and send to: What’s What Magazine, 18 Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN (winners will be notified by telephone/email) Terms & Conditions: Only one entry per household. Prize is two family tickets for Mon 27 Aug, consisting of two adults and two children/youths who must be 17 or under on Mon 27 Aug 2018. Entrants must be over 18. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash alternative. All entries must be received by Wed 15 August 2018. Find full T&Cs at whatswhatmagazine.co.uk 60

A WONDER-FULL FAMILY DAY OUT FUN

JUST

FREE

ACTIVITIES AT

£45 FOR SIX

*

Pre-book online at svr.co.uk or call 01562 757900 *2 adults + up to 4 children.

21 Jul – 2 Sep. Terms and conditions apply.

IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK WHERE WILL YOUR VISIT TAKE YOU?

TO:

CHILD’S PLAY! FROM:

FAIR PLAY!

At Blists Hill Victorian Town

At Enginuity

10 AWARD WINNING ATTRACTIONS IN A WORLD HERITAGE SITE 61

RECIPE

TOUR FOR TASTE BUDS

the

As the first city of the United Kingdom, London is a melting pot of cuisine and culture. A new book explores the gastronomic history of the Big Smoke.

In Made in London, food writer Leah Hyslop offers a joyful celebration of London and its food, past and present. The book features recipes invented in the city such as the 18th century treat Chelsea buns (a favourite of King George II) and Omelette Arnold Bennett, created for the writer while he was staying at the Savoy Hotel. Alongside these are new dishes inspired by Leah’s eating adventures around the capital such as the

mouth-watering trifle and new take on oysters we bring you here.

Short, entertaining histories about London’s food scene create a fresh look at London’s vibrant food scene and its incredible history – find out about the ‘gin craze’, read a profile of the East End’s most beloved greasy spoon, and discover why Scotch eggs might actually have been invented in a London department store. Contemporary photographs of London sit side by side with vintage images from historical archives to give a full flavour of the country’s bustling capital.

So if you can’t make it to the big city this summer, take a foodie road trip instead!

Made in London by Leah Hyslop (Absolute Press, £26) Food images courtesy Martin Poole; author image courtesy Maja Smend 62

RECIPE

Pimm’s trifle with lemon curd cream “The thought of a cool, refreshing glass of Pimm’s is often the only thing that gets many Londoners through the hot and sticky days of August, when the tube is like hell, only hotter and more crowded. I like to use Pimm’s in trifle, where it brings a sprightly fruitiness to all that custard and cream.”

Ingredients (Serves 8-10) • 5 sheets gelatine • 260ml Pimm’s • 300ml lemonade • 50g caster sugar • juice of 1 orange • 250g sponge cake (such as Madeira) • 700ml good-quality custard • 500g strawberries, washed, hulled, plus extra handful, sliced, to serve (optional) • 600ml double cream • 200ml mascarpone • 4 tbsp icing sugar • 3 heaped tbsp lemon curd • grated zest of 1 lemon • mint leaves, to serve (optional) Method 1. Put gelatine in a bowl of cold water. Leave to soften for 5 mins.

2. Meanwhile, gently heat 200ml of Pimm’s with lemonade, caster sugar and orange juice in a saucepan over a medium heat, until sugar has melted and mixture is just about to bubble.

3. Squeeze water out of gelatine. Add to Pimm’s mixture. Stir until melted. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until nearly set.

4. Line bottom of large glass bowl with thin slices of cake (around 1cm thick). Pour over remaining Pimm’s. Leave to soak. Quarter strawberries lengthways and scatter over.

5. Pour cooled jelly over strawberries and sponge. Return to fridge for 1 hour to allow jelly to firm up further.

6. Pour custard over jelly. Whip cream, mascarpone and icing sugar in a bowl until it forms soft peaks. Gently mix in the lemon curd and the lemon zest and spoon onto the custard.

7. Decorate with sliced strawberries and mint, if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

Oysters with rhubarb salsa “In the 1700s, huge cartloads of oysters, cockles, winkles and whelks rumbled every day from England’s south coast to the city. Back then, oysters were far from the luxury item they are today: taverns would put out bucketloads of the salty shellfish as a free snack to encourage punters to drink a few more pints, while street sellers sold them by the dozen. This is a simple but impressive way to serve oysters at home.

The tartness of the rhubarb really lifts the oysters’ flavour.”

Ingredients (Serves 4 as a starter) • 16 fresh oysters, in the shell • 1 stalk rhubarb, diced into 5mm pieces • 1 spring onion, white and green parts, finely chopped • 1 red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped • 1 tbs lime juice • 2 tbs soft light brown sugar • 1 heaped tsp finely chopped fresh dill

Method 1. Using a shucker, open oyster shells.

Discard top shell and loosen oyster from base shell.

2. To make the rhubarb salsa, combine remaining ingredients in a bowl.

Taste and adjust to your liking, adding a little more sugar or lime juice if needed.

3. Put about half a teaspoon of salsa in each oyster shell and serve.

63

LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Fruity fun

Right royal cakes Bakers from three county charities created cakes fit for a royal wedding when they battled it out in a Bake Off style competition held at Derwen College near Oswestry in April.

Charities Hope House and Empathy for Special Children entered the competition, supported by the local branch of Sainsbury’s.

Two bakers from each charity competed in a baking technical challenge to whip up an elderflower and lemon drizzle cake with a royal wedding theme. Hope House’s Gill Beckwith, who created a stylish three-tier cake decorated with red roses, was judged the winner, with Ethan Goddard-Cockaday of Empathy for Special Children taking runner-up spot for his fun swan design.

Derwen College’s Laura Griffiths said they were delighted to be able to host the event for the second year running: “Following the success of last year’s Bake Off with Hope House, we felt privileged to be asked to host another competition including Empathy for Special Children. Thank you to all the bakers who took part, and congratulations to Gill on her win.”

AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence

Celebrate summer’s British berries and juicy fruits, from sensational summer pudding to the peachiest pies and fabulous fools at a workshop at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre on Tuesday 17 July. With her flair for flavours and her gardening knowhow, session leader Milly Reese will show you how to bring out the character of fruits by partnering them with other ingredients from the garden, hedgerow and larder.

If you’re on the look-out for healthier options, Milly will share her favourite tips and recipes for lighter desserts, and you’ll be shown ways to preserve and store this season’s harvest so you can enjoy tasty fruits for months to come. The course runs from 10am to 2pm and costs £35 per person – call 01588 676060 to book or visit shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk for details.

Stallholders invited!

There’s still time to apply for a stall at Bridgnorth’s summer Food Fair. The food and drink extravaganza is set to turn the town’s High Street into a foodie paradise on Bank Holiday Sunday 26 August – visit bridgnorthpromotions.co.uk to apply for a place.

Fresh seasonal flavours Starters from £4.95 Mains from £11.95 Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm

Enjoy 2 courses fine dining

£25

*

01952 727251

Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN enquiry@ravenhotel.com ravenhotel.com

*Must be pre-booked and quote: WW! Offer. Mon to Thurs only. Valid until 30/6/18

64

The Forrester Arms, Avenue Rd, Broseley Shropshire TF12 5DL 01952 882004 www.thekingandthai.co.uk

North Shropshire College (NSC) has recently installed a milk vending machine and geodesic dome at their Walford Campus.

The machine will offer pasteurised fresh milk to the public and has undergone rigorous health and safety testing with public health to ensure legal requirements are met.

Butchers ‘meat’ with approval The butchery team at Ludlow Food Centre took home a trio of awards from the National Meat Products Competition in Birmingham in April – one for each of the products that they entered. The awards included a Gold for their Traditional Pork Sausage, a Silver for their Pork, Beetroot and Apple Sausage and another Silver for their Smoked Chorizo.

The public are able to come and get milk seven days per week between the hours of 6am and 10pm, using coins or contactless payment technology. Milk is provided in reusable bottles or people can bring their own containers.

Walford’s bottles have a special label designed by one of the students at the NSC, Lizzie Robinson. Project manager Phil Ridley explains, “We really liked Lizzie’s design; it incorporates the dairy cow, the milk bottles and the name ‘Walford Farm’… and the bunting just made it a more appealing design overall.”

Lizzie with her winning milk bottle design

The competition, organised by the National Federation of Meat & Food Traders (NFMFT) and hosted by William Reed Business Media, attracted over 40 entrants with just under 300 products.

Ludlow MD Jon Edwards says, “I’m immensely proud of John and his team on yet another award win. Their commitment to both their profession and innovation is clear and the skill that goes into making all of our products, not just in our butchery department but throughout the whole of the Food Centre, is second to none.”

Cook on the cob If the summer sun has made you want to take your kitchen outside, a one-day course at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm will show you how to build your own cob oven using simple techniques and materials. This is very much a hands (and feet!) on experience, and by the end of the day, participants will have developed the skills they need to build an oven for themselves.

While most people are familiar with them for baking pizza, wood-fired ovens can actually be used to cook any dish you desire, from roasts through to breads and desserts. The course includes a delicious, home-made lunch freshly cooked in a cob oven and takes place on Saturday 21 July at a cost of £75 per person; the course tutor is Matthew Lloyd. Visit actonscottmuseum.com or call 01694 781307 to book a place.

MP pledges support for diabetes campaign South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne is backing a campaign from charity Diabetes UK which calls for the public to be given clear nutritional information in restaurants, cafes and takeaways, as well as on the front of all pre-packaged food and drinks.

The campaign suggests mandatory front-of-pack traffic light labelling on pre-packed foods and drinks. In a survey of more than 9,000 people living with or affected by diabetes, almost three quarters of respondents (73%) said it would help them to make healthier choices if food companies used a standardised labelling system.

Mr Dunne says, “The public support clearer labelling on food and drink to help make healthier and better informed decisions about what we eat, so I’m pleased to lend my support to Diabetes UK’s Food Upfront campaign.

Putting these simple measures in place could make a huge difference to the nation as a whole. Obesity and weight related chronic health conditions – including Type 2 diabetes – continue to rise, and it is important the government do everything they can to halt this growing health crisis.”

65

LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Walford’s got milk

A C C O M M O D AT I O N DINNER

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B R E A K FA S T

COFFEE & CAKE

OUTSIDE TERR ACE C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S

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LUNCH

AFTERNOON TEA

P R I VAT E D I N I N G F A M I LY G AT H E R I N G S

S T J O H N S S T R E E T, B R I D G N O R T H , SHROPSHIRE W V 15 6AG 0 1 74 6 7 6 3 1 3 4 H E L LO @ FA LC O N H OT E L B R I D G N O R T H . C O . U K /thefalconhotelbridgnorth FA LC O N H OT E L B R I D G N O R T H . C O . U K

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Sarah Hughes steps off the historic streets of Bridgnorth and into the Falcon Hotel, Restaurant and Bar to see what’s new at one of the oldest places in town.

A stone’s throw from the River Severn, the Falcon – a former 17th century coaching inn – has recently been transformed from something of an ugly ducking into an elegant swan.

The venue closed down for 10 weeks of refurbishment before being relaunched last November, and the new-look Falcon boasts the same historic features, including its beautiful parquet floor, but is given a lift with modern colours, sumptuous materials and décor. It’s a luxurious but comfortable, whether you’re enjoying a few drinks in the bar or on the sunny terrace, or a meal with friends and family in the impressive restaurant.

As a vegetarian, the first thing that struck me about the evening menu was that vegetarian and vegan options have clearly been carefully considered along with the rest of the menu.

A selection of delicious homemade breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar paved the way for a tasty goat’s cheese mousse starter, with pistachio crumb, goat’s cheese honeycomb, pickled fennel and beetroot crisp.

My partner’s starter, a crab salad, was livened up with a cucumber sorbet, a zesty pink grapefruit gel and subtle lemongrass.

Our main course decisions proved difficult thanks to a great selection of salads and charred meats from the grill, but we opted for the chef’s recommendation of pork belly, and a vegan gnocchi dish.

Medallions of pan-fried lemon and thyme gnocchi were served with mouth-watering spring greens, a tasty garlic sauce and truffle oil, while the slow-roast belly of pork was beautifully presented alongside roast shallots, sautéed bacon and spring cabbage, chorizo potato and cider jus.

Dessert brought another difficult decision, but in the end, we chose a delicate baked lavender yoghurt with mango jelly, blood orange sorbet and fennel pollen crumb, and the ‘sweet shop’ chocolate tart – perfect for those with a sweet tooth – topped with childhood favourites including Turkish Delight and Parma Violet meringue.

The meal was washed down beautifully by a crisp, fruity sauvignon blanc from the extensive wine list. Staff were attentive and professional, making us feel relaxed and at ease.

While grown-up diners are spoilt for choice with an impressive menu of freshly-created dishes, youngsters don’t get overlooked, with a special children’s menu at £4.95 for a main, soft drink and ice cream.

Daytime customers can enjoy a two-course lunch for just £10 per head on Monday to Friday, while scrumptious homemade cake is available daily. The Falcon is also the perfect setting for afternoon tea, which must be booked ahead, as well as for an indulgent Sunday lunch.

THE FALCON, ST JOHNS ST, BRIDGNORTH WV15 6AG

Falconhotelbridgnorth.co.uk; 01746 763134; hello@falconhotelbridgnorth.co.uk Coffee and cake from 10.30am daily Lunch Mon-Fri noon-2.30pm; Sat-Sun noon-6pm (booking recommended on Sun) Afternoon tea Mon-Sat 3-5pm (booking essential) Dinner Mon-Thurs 6-9pm; Fri-Sat 6pm-9.30pm; Sun 6pm-8pm 67

For people with allotments, a vegetable patch – or generous veggie-growing neighbours and friends – the time is fast approaching when harvest trugs are full to overflowing with green beans, beetroot, pumpkins, courgettes, onions and carrots. A new workshop at Acton Scott Working Farm aims to take advantage of this bountiful time of year by showing participants how to transform garden gleanings into delicious preserves to brighten up the dark days of winter.

You’ll learn how to make runner bean pickle, ‘autumn gluttony chutney’ and spicy vegetable relish as part of the Vegetable Patch event on Sunday 18 August, which costs £65 per person.

Visit actonscottmuseum.com or call 01694 781307 to book a place.

Vegan fair welcomes all A vegan and cruelty-free fair taking place in Saturday 4 August is offering free goodie bags for the first 100 people through its doors from 10am. The Shrewsbury Vegan Fair is taking place at the Wightman Theatre in the Square in Shrewsbury, and entry is also free. Non-vegans are encouraged to come along and try the food available.

Organiser Michelle D’Arcy Jewell says, “We have stalls booked for Heavenly Organics, Pantry, Absolutely Vegan, V Active, the Ginger Cow, the Tipsy Badger, Animal Free Research UK, Happi Bakes, Veganuary, Zainz Catering, the Pie Parlour and Bakery and many more.”

The two Debs of Debs’ Pantry, a Wombourne-based vegan bakery specialising in

sweet treats

Special Set Menu

Cu

201

every Tuesday 2 course @ 3 course @

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£10.95 £13.95 (dine in only)

2 for 1

every Wednesday Buy 2 main dishes and get the cheapest free (dine in only)

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LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Vegging out

a yL ife M

Sunday Buffet

Eat as much as you like 4.00pm – 10.30pm

£12.95 Adult £6.50 Children (under 10) off Call 01746 764895 10% takeaways

OPEN Mon-Sat 6–11pm Sun 4–10.30pm

21 Castle Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AB info@eurasiatandoori.co.uk www.eurasiatandoori.co.uk 68

The Newport Show is one of the highlights of the county’s agricultural year – and the show-within-a-show, the Festival of Food, is again set to pull in food fans from across Shropshire and beyond on Saturday 14 July.

Food festival’s a high flyer With more traders from across the region bringing their wares to the RAF Museum Cosford, this year’s Cosford Food Festival on the weekend of 21 July looks like being another smash hit with the county’s food-lovers.

The two-day festival, which has a distinct retro flavour thanks to the beautiful old aircraft that share the space with the stalls and tents, offers food for treats and gifts and street food, snacks, drinks, cakes and ice cream to enjoy on the day. There are vegan options, spicy surprises, and traditional treats – with the Champavan always a firm favourite for fans of fizz. There’s live music and entertainment throughout the event – buy tickets at rafmuseum.org/Cosford or follow Cosford Food Festival on Facebook.

This year’s highlights will include guest appearances in the Demonstration Tent from Great British Bake Off runner-up Steven Carter-Bailey, who will join barbecue experts Samantha Evans and Shauna Guinn, soon to star in their own BBC series Sam and Shauna’s Big Cookout; new for this year, the Festival also features a range of tempting street food delivering flavours from around the world. Visit newportshow.co.uk for full details.

Steven Carter-Bailey was Star Baker three times on GBBO 2017

Crispy seabass with warm salad of summer vegetables

Enjoy 2 courses for just

£18 from our new Lounge Menu*

*Must be pre-booked and quote: WW! Offer.

Exc. Fri/Sat dinner and Sun lunch – valid until 31/8/18

chose your favourite fish from our Marketplace

Marketplace Fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, OPEN to artisan breads and sweet Tues Sat 9am and savoury pastries – 2pm

01952 727251

within The Raven Hotel, Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN enquiry@ravenhotel.com ravenhotel.com 69

LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Steven stars at Newport

LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Traditional pub menu

HOMEMADE & COOKED TO ORDER

BA S K E T M E AL S

5 CASK ALES CRAFT BEERS WINE MENU

£5

FOOD SERVED: MONDAY – SATURDAY 12noon – 8pm, SUNDAY 12noon – 2.30pm

01952 727009 2 High Street, Much Wenlock, TF13 6AA

thegeorgeanddragonmuchwenlock www.georgeanddragonmuchwenlock.co.uk

Free glass of

with every Italian sparking w ine

A little taste of

main course*

Food served Wed – Sat eve 6-9pm

*Adults only excludes pizza and Sunday lunch

Italy Authentic Italian dishes and delicious pizza straight from the oven

Traditional English Roast Sundays 12-3

Georgios at the rear of The George & Dragon, 2 High Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6AA 01952 727009 70

LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Delicious Ludlow With workshops and activities for children, Ludlow’s world-famous Food Festival takes place from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September in venues around the town; this year sees over 150 food and drink producers filling the castle grounds, with classes and workshops and children and adults.

And if you fancy working off a few calories so you can justify the gluttony of the festival itself, why not take part in the Magnalonga on Sunday 12 August? Organised by the same team, this food and drink trail treks around the imposing outcrop upon which the town is set, making plenty of pit stops along the way for good Shropshire fare, both solid and liquid.

For details of the Festival and the Magnalonga, visit foodfestival.co.uk.

There will be workshops for young and old at Ludlow

Shropshire ale Shrewsbury CAMRA’s annual Beer Festival will take place from Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 July in the town’s former Wakeman School. Ale fans should expect rare and exotic beers, cider, perry and country wines. The event is open to CAMRA members from 5-9pm on Wed, then to all from 11am to 11pm on Fri and 11am to 9pm on Sat. Find them on Twitter @shrewsalefest.

Add some spice to your life with our sizzling specials

Healthy options

Our authentic tandoori grill menu offers delicious healthy choices – all the taste with less calories!

12 Mill Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5AL

info@bluegingerindianrestaurant.com www.bluegingerindianrestaurant.com 71

HOME & YOU

Sorbet haze Ice-cream pastels are huge in interiors and fashion this year – mint green, powder pink, peach melba, lemon sorbet, vanilla... choosing one for your home can be almost as tricky as deciding your favourite flavour ice-cream – so why stop at one?!

iFrame Pastel Pink Photoframe, £14, JD Williams Home

Extreme Lounging Mighty B Bean Bag in Pastel Green, £139.95, Cuckooland.com 72

Sanderson, Art of the Garden, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth Brighton Garden Shed in Pastel Colours, £239.95, Cuckooland.com

S Waterperry, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

HOME & YOU Pastel boxes, £5, Tiger Stores

Anglepoise Type 75 Desk Lamp Paul Smith Edition One, £170, Nest.co.uk

Bespoke dining chair, from £270, thechairpeople.co.uk Poetica by Harlequin, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

Marseille Accent Armchair - Vento Pastel Blue, £355, Oak Furniture Land

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HOME & YOU

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77

WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL

Want extra protection for your children ?

Meningitis B Vaccinations are now available at our hospital in Tettenhall.

Injections are administered by a qualified nurse in a consultant led clinic, and children will be required to visit us on two separate occasions.

The cost of treatment is £265 and is available to under 18’s only.

Call us for more information or to make an appointment.

01902 793 269

nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

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Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital

Advertisement Feature

School’s x-ray visit To support the Medical Imaging section of their curriculum, a group of 11 A-Level Physics students from Wolverhampton’s Royal School recently enjoyed an educational visit to the Imaging department at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital.

During their three-hour visit, students listened to three presentations, tested their grey matter with quizzes, and got hands-on with the equipment. The event was sponsored

by Philips, who provided goody bags for everyone, brought in the latest technology US scanners, and offered practical demonstrations in which the students could get involved… including ultra-sounding each other!

Imaging manager Lucy Willcox says, “In X-Ray, students had a go at manoeuvring a digital x-ray system and an Image Intensifier, which is used to produce live images in theatre. In the MRI suite we showed them the different pieces of equipment we use to scan each area of anatomy. While the scanner was not in use, they had the opportunity to lie on the scanner bed and experience what it’s like to move into the scanner. We also created a demonstration model so that they could safely experience the magnetic pull and torque of the scanner.”

The MRI scanner detects abnormalities

One of the foundations of Nuffield Health’s values and beliefs is to deliver significant and increasing public benefit. Lucy explains, “This was a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our values and contribute to students in our local community. Our radiographers Sue Roberts and Rebecca Kettleborough found it rewarding to share information they are so passionate about and the students enjoyed being able to ask the experts. It was great for them to be able to see these pieces of equipment in clinical settings rather than just in a text book or online.”

One of the foundations of Nuffield Health’s values and beliefs is to deliver significant and increasing public benefit.

The students learned that neither ultra-sound nor MRI uses ionising radiation to produce images. Each modality has its benefits and the type of scan your doctor requests will be chosen depending on what they are looking for. The potential benefit of the clinical findings of the scan will always outweigh the potential risk of the dose of radiation you receive. Lucy says, “We like to use the analogy that a chest x-ray gives you the same dose of radiation as you’d receive in background radiation on a return flight from the UK to USA.”

Kalpesh Makvana from Philips brought in two of the latest US systems, including a probe which can be plugged into an iPhone or iPad and used to scan in war zones. He demonstrated the advancements in technology and the students had a go at scanning the tendons, ligaments and muscles of each other’s upper limbs.

Physics teacher Michelle Clayton wrote to the hospital to thank them for hosting the educational visit, saying, “Thank you so much for the visit and the time given for us to learn more about imaging. We really appreciate it. We were all amazed by the speed at which projectiles can be pulled into the MRI scanner, with something as small as a paperclip being able to fly into the scanner at over 30mph.”

The students enjoyed their hospital visit

79

GARDENING TIPS

Good Gardening Tips for July & August

In living colour After a fairly disappointing spring, warm days finally started to arrive – but with some plants as much as a month behind, gardeners are chasing their tails to get all those jobs done. Ann Winwood explains how to make sure your garden sizzles this summer.

As we move into July and August, there’s still time to plant larger pots of geraniums, fuchsias, cosmos and dahlias to fill in any gaps in borders – do make sure you water well and feed weekly to make sure your bedding stays healthy. Dead-head regularly and you’ll have colour right through to the first autumn frosts, which hopefully will be late starting!

Hanging baskets need liquid feeding weekly – even if you choose to add slow-release fertilizers added to composts, you’ll see the extra benefits from liquid feed.

Baskets soon dry out especially when they’re sheltered from rain at the side of a house, so watering morning and night in very warm weather is a must.

80

Salad days Tomatoes and cucumbers need water regularly during hot weather – preferably in the morning as this keeps the atmosphere humid and prevents the plants staying damp overnight. Problems such as powdery mildew or botrytis can arise if foliage remains damp overnight – cucumbers can be very susceptible to mildew. Remove any badly infected leaves.

Good growing conditions will help to prevent the spread – good light levels, low humidity particularly at night and the use of resistant varieties.

If you have a damp, boggy area, iris, primulas and lobelias will all grow happily...

Keep sowing or planting salad crops such as lettuce, spinach, spring onions and radish in the veg patch to get a continuous harvest. Use very fine netting to cover cabbages, cauliflowers, carrots and other particularly susceptible vegetables against flies, pigeons and butterflies. Harvest peas and runner beans regularly whilst they are young and tender, freeze any spares for tasty, nutritious dishes during the lean winter months. Keep beans and peas moist and spray over the foliage to encourage pods to set.

GARDENING TIPS

Flower power There’s plenty of choice in the herbaceous section of the garden centre at the moment; as well as the ever-popular lupins, especially the newer West Country range, you could try salvias – Hot Lips being a good one – delphiniums and the butterfly-loving verbena bonanariensis as well as the perennially in-favour geraniums. Hostas are good for a shady spot with their coloured foliage – but you’ll need to be vigilant against slugs, especially if the ground is damp.

Baskets soon dry out especially when they’re sheltered from rain at the side of a house, so watering morning and night in very warm weather is a must.

Keep roses in good condition by spraying every 10 days with a product such as Roseclear or Multirose if you wish – this will keep any aphids under control as well as dealing with powdery mildew and black spot. Woolly aphid is a pest of fruit trees that is becoming more and more common – it appears as fluffy patches on fruit tree stems and ornamental trees, but the insect is hidden under the fluff and sucks

the sap from stems. If you choose to use Provado Ultimate Fruit and Vegetable Bug Killer, be sure to follow the directions as there’s a minimum harvest interval.

Water gardens Now’s a good time to add new plants to your pond, whether they’re marginals for the edges, or deep water varieties.

Keep marginals on a ledge at the edges of the pool and not too deep – iris, caltha, primulas and bulrushes are all good examples. For the deeper parts of the pool, water lilies are particularly good for providing protection for your fish. Most plants come ready-planted in aquatic pots so just need placing into the pool. Don’t forget marginals are not only for ponds – if you have a damp, boggy area in your garden, iris, primulas and lobelias will all grow happily.

There’s still time to treat moss on lawns with MO Bacter if the weather is not too dry. For moss and weed control, you may like to use Evergreen Complete. For smaller areas of moss try the new Bio Press from the same supplier, which can be watered onto the lawn.

Looking ahead…

For new potatoes in October, or at Christmas, plant seed potatoes in tubs in July and August. Growth will finish in October; leave the tubers in their pots until required for cooking. Remember they’ll need frost protection once the winter frosts appear in November and December.

To complete another gardening cycle – or start a new one depending on how you look at it! – spring flowering bulbs will be appearing in garden centres from the end of August. If you want hyacinths in flower for Christmas, they must be planted and put into a dark cool place in September.

Most varieties require an eight to 10 week cool period followed by two or three weeks of warmer conditions to bring them into flower. Use a compost specifically for bulbs as it will contain charcoal to keep the soil sweet.

Happy gardening!

This issue’s tips are provided by Ann Winwood of Lealans Garden Centre, Shipley.

81

GARDEN NEWS

Pooling resources A local permaculture site and wildlife haven will be opening its gates again this year to raise funds for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Pam’s Pools, in Underton near Bridgnorth, will be offering conservation walks during the event, which runs from 2pm until 6pm on Sunday 8 July, while a vintage tractor will transport those who prefer not to walk. There are 15 acres to explore, including a route through wildflower hay-meadows and past the wildlife pools to the lavender field. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about horticulture and bee keeping, and plants and handmade products will be on sale.

It’s £3 for everyone over 10, and refreshments will also be available – including, the organisers hope, real ale from Rowton Brewery. Visit pamspools.co.uk for details. Later on, a bat walk takes place on Monday 6 August.

Blooming Bridgnorth Bridgnorth in Bloom is run by Bridgnorth Town Council with support from local sponsors, groups and organisations. The competition is hotly contested, with residents, businesses and schools all playing their part. The closing date to enter is Monday 9 July, with judging taking place on the week commencing 16 July.

This year, the Town Council is particularly encouraging displays that feature drought tolerant and environmentally friendly elements. Prizegiving is set to take place on Thursday 6 September, with the usual electric atmosphere amongst hopeful entrants. Pat Russell of the Town Council explains, “Everyone who enters is invited and the sponsors present the winners in their categories on the night. This event is not to be missed!”

To find out more, contact pat.russell@bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk.

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GARDEN NEWS

Humanists seek to repeat triumph A county Humanist group who took top honours in last year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show are hoping to repeat their feat with this year’s garden design.

The permaculture-focused garden, called Sundance, was awarded a Large Gold Medal and the Mike Hough Memorial Trophy for Best Show Garden, and was created to reflect the benefits of a community garden. Designer Carol Seager explains, “Sundance was built on ethical principles of respect for the planet, caring for others and sharing abundance; permaculture also uses techniques from indigenous people around the world.

This year’s Humanist entry is called Dawn til Dusk and showcases the celebrations that range from baby namings to weddings, and finally to funerals.”

Go Wild!

If you’d like to get more actively involved in managing our county’s precious landscape, why not consider joining one of Shropshire’s Wild Teams? Volunteers’ activities including clearing ground, maintaining footpaths, laying hedges, and installing gates. You can also pick up skills such as map-reading and taking wildlife surveys.

Patrick Edwards of the National Trust explains, “We on the Long Mynd rely heavily on volunteers to help us manage over 5,000 acres of heathland and wood. The Wild Team are hardworking and reliable; come rain or shine, they remain buoyant and give their best.”

Wild Teams especially welcome people with disabilities or who are receiving support from health or care services; to find out more, call 01743 255055 or email simon.brown@shropshire.gov.uk.

Busy at Buildwas The community of Buildwas offered their thanks recently to instructors Matt Lockwood and Alex Payne and trainees from RAF Shawbury for helping tidy up the churchyard at the village’s Holy Trinity Church, as part of a church renovation project.

Spokesperson Nigel Bowen adds, “Thanks also to Brandon Tool Hire, Telford, for loan of equipment.

“We still have a lot of work to do, though! Visitors are most welcome to come and sit on one of our benches and relax in the peaceful surroundings.”

The RAF flew into Buildwas to help in the church grounds

Shrewbury’s top!

And Shrewsbury Flower Show has beaten off competitors to be crowned the nation’s favourite horticultural event.

The Show, which is set to take place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 August, won the prize in a contest held by holidaylettings.com. Voters elected it the best with a whopping 60% of votes, with the National Flower Show taking second place with 13% and Southport Flower Show capturing third with 12% of the total votes.

83

GARDEN NEWS

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85

LOCAL WALKS

Regular walking groups

Severn Strollers All Severn Stroller walks are FREE, you can just turn up and join in.

ALVELEY Tuesdays at 10am

BRIDGNORTH Mondays at 2pm Wednesdays at 10.30am Fridays at 11am

Local walks

BROSELEY Image courtesy of tesramblers.org.uk

Walking in Shropshire is rewarding for all ages and abilities, with its stunning geography, geology, and wildlife. We’ve compiled our list of local walks and groups, so there will be something to suit every member of the family.

Wednesdays at 10.30am

HIGHLEY Mondays at 10.30am

MUCH WENLOCK Mondays at 10am

SHIFNAL SUN 1 JUL

SAT 14 JUL

Titterstone Clee

Edale Skyline with Staffs

8.5 miles tesramblers.co.uk

TUE 3 JUL

Corbett Hill, Grinshill 6 miles ramblers.org.uk

WED 4 JUL

Ashley, The Rudge/Fairoak 5-mile circular walk 01630 673685; ramblers.org.uk

THU 5 JUL

Short & Social Coalport & Corbetts Dingle 5 miles 07903 325011; tesramblers.org.uk

21 miles 07443929412; syr.org.uk

Prestatyn & Trelawynd 9 miles 07815 618356; syr.org.uk

THU 12 JUL

Claverley Clouds 9 miles.

07935 840845; tesramblers.co.uk 86

For more information, contact 01743 255059 or email mick.dunn@shropshire.gov.uk

SUN 15 JUL

Clun 16 miles ramblers.org.uk

SUN 22 JUL

Stiperstones Ridge 9 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

TUE 24 JUL

Lyth Hill 6 miles ramblers.org.uk

THU 26 JUL SAT 7 JUL

Tuesdays at 10.30am

Church Pulverbatch & Picklescott 6 miles ramblers.org.uk

SAT 28 JUL

The Elan Valley & River Clearwen syr.org.uk

Hop to the Haycop Join Adrian Miles from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust as he guides participants around this wildlife oasis in Broseley for a summer evening stroll. Despite being virtually in the centre of town, the Haycop is a superb spot to observe woodland birds, locally rare moths and butterflies, mammals, and dragonflies.

The walk takes place on Monday 2 July from 6.30pm until 8.30pm, with a cost of £1 per person. Visit haycop.org or shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk for details.

SUN 12 AUG

Carrog to Llangollen

Family Walk: Discover with Darwin

10 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

3 miles 07730 855274; tesramblers.org.uk

Family Walk, Telford Town Park

Ludlow & Mortimer Forest 8 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

3 miles tesramblers.co.uk

THU 2 AUG

SUN 18 AUG

Short & Social Round the Wrekin

Moel Siabod via Ddaear Ddu Ridge

5 miles 07903 325011; tesramblers.org.uk

7 miles 07875 951401; syr.org.uk

SUN 5 AUG

SUN 19 AUG

Alford, Farndon & Churlford Along the Dee

Flounders Folly

10 miles 07815618356; syr.org.uk

9 miles 01952 460715; tesramblers.org.uk

THU 23 AUG

THU 9 AUG

Ellesmere

Cleobury Mortimer 01902 342819; tesramblers.org.uk

7 miles 01939 235474; tesramblers.org.uk

LOCAL WALKS

SUN 29 JUL

FRI 31 AUG – MON 3 SEP

Much Wenlock Walking Weekend The annual event takes place from Friday 31 Aug to Monday 3 Sep and includes walks from 5 to 10+ miles for walkers of differing fitness levels, covering areas around Much Wenlock with great views of the local countryside. muchwenlockwalkers.org.uk

FROM 10 SEP

Wellington Walking Festival Wellington Walking Festival runs from 10 Sep – look for details in our next issue.

Share your events with us!

Email us at editorial@ whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

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GARDEN NEWS

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89

WILDLIFE DIARY

dd A great spotted woodpecker brings a flash of colour

To all friends round the Wrekin Edward Andrews visits our most prominent local landmark.

This year marks the 50-year anniversary of Telford. The ironic thing is that some of the oldest rocks in Shropshire have been used to create Shropshire’s ‘New Town’. The Wrekin is composed of volcanic rock that was formed around 677 million years ago. At the base of the Wrekin and the Ercall hill are several quarries that supplied rock for building the roads and foundations of Telford.

If all the magic of this summer morning was boiled down to an essence, the sound of the cuckoo must surely be that essence…

An early morning in early summer. The blue sky stretches away to the horizon revealing a day full of promise. This is peak bird breeding season and, as I enter the woodland at the foot of the Wrekin, I can see a blue tit busily foraging for caterpillars to feed his brood. This is a crucial time. Good weather allows easy foraging. A cold and wet period can mean death for the young chicks who are completely reliant on their parents to bring them food.

Next to the path, a fluffy young song thrush is being fed by an adult. At this age chicks are very trusting and I pass close by, admiring his speckled chest. He will need to learn caution if he is to grow into an adult bird. A blackbird floats past me and 90

A cuckoo finds a place to perch

dives into a dense bramble patch where she is nesting. I reach an avenue of majestic beech trees. The leaves are flushing with delicious lime green growth that is so typical of the season.

Climbing up I emerge at a path junction and take a route that quickly gains height. Gone are the giant beech trees. The main tree species up here are oak, silver birch and rowan. Many of the oak trees are stunted by the harsh winds and cooler temperatures. From this bonsai forest I can hear the rapid and fluting song of a blackcap. His whole body is vibrating with the sheer energy of his song. Many of our small birds begin the nesting season in peak condition, looking their best in full breeding plumage.

Through the summer they often lose condition and can look exhausted after incubating and caring for chicks. Blackcaps have a complete moult in August prior to migration.

I leave the path and wander through bracken and creeping corydalis to reach an incredible oak tree. It is has partially collapsed and is propped up on one arm. I rest against the tree and before long I see a great spotted woodpecker on an oak tree some twenty feet from me. The chessboard colouration is punctuated with scarlet flashes. This is an exotic-looking bird.

Woodpeckers have two toes pointing forwards and two toes pointing backwards. This allows them to effortlessly scale the bark of trees, ripping off tufts of moss and constantly tapping with their beak on a quest for food.

WILDLIFE DIARY

Death and life Decay in trees is not a quick process. A healthy tree will grow around and alongside deadwood to ensure long-term survival. I tap the oak tree with my pen. Hollow sections have a different resonance to live wood. I can understand how the woodpecker finds deadwood invertebrates on which to feed.

But woodpeckers will take advantage of a wide range of other food sources. A pair of great tits chase each other through the canopy. These are hole-nesting birds. Should a woodpecker discover a nest of great tits in a rotten branch, the young chicks can make a good meal.

A cuckoo calls. If all the magic of this summer morning was boiled down to an essence, the sound of the cuckoo must surely be that essence. This cuckoo will be searching for a nesting dunnock or pied wagtail on the hill. They will then remove an egg from the nest and replace it with their own egg.

The adult bird then incubates and cares for the young cuckoo as one of their own. Cuckoo chicks will often push the other eggs and chicks out of the nest to ensure that they get plenty of food. The adult will have no further involvement with their offspring. In August the cuckoo will return to Africa for the winter, with the young cuckoos following a month later.

I re-join the main footpath and begin walking back down.

From this lofty viewpoint, Telford looms large. It is not surprising that, with such a large population so close by,

the Wrekin is a popular place for walking. Overflowing car parks, eroded paths and litter are all issues that have arisen from the number of people visiting the hill. In 2010 Telford had an estimated population of 155,000 people. It is one of the quickest growing towns in the UK. The life cycles of woodpeckers and great tits, cuckoos and dunnocks are all intricately linked and exist in equilibrium. The management of this iconic hill will need to balance increasing visitor pressure with the amazing wildlife that thrives here.

Do one thing for wildlife this month…

I was disappointed to see crisp packets and glass and plastic bottles strewn among the trees when I visited the Wrekin.

As well as looking unsightly, litter can kill wildlife and plastics persist for many years without breaking down. Imagine the difference we could make if we each picked up just one piece of litter every time we went out for a walk. For inspiration see keepbritaintidy.org/be-change-you-wish-see-world.

In each issue, WW! nature expert and Shropshire Council’s Parks and Greenspace Officer Edward Andrews looks at the changing seasons.

You can follow Ed on Twitter: @shropshirewild 91

ANIMAL CARE

Happy Tails

Food for thought

My dog likes swimming in hot weather. What should I do to her coat when she gets home?

Nowadays there are literally hundreds of types of dog and cat foods on the market, which can be confusing… especially when flashy TV ads and unclear labelling compound matters. But there are a few fundamentals you can use as a guide for choosing the right food.

The food you choose to feed your dog or cat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, as your pet’s diet can affect…

• correct growth;

• joint formation;

• allergies;

• behaviour;

• weight;

• long term health.

Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, so the ingredient of which there is most will be listed first, and this is usually some kind of protein – hopefully!

Many of the best diets use human-grade meat sources. The words ‘meat and animal derivatives’ can refer to any fleshy parts of the carcass, which are nutritionally very poor. Also, because species is not specified, the type of meat can vary from batch to batch – not good for pets with intolerances to certain meats. Good quality foods will label ‘fresh boneless chicken/duck/turkey’ or similar.

Because meat is an expensive ingredient, many lower grade foods substitute meat with cheaper protein sources such as soya meal, maize gluten, potato meal and veg protein – which are much harder for dogs to digest. Bulking agents such as maize and wheat are often added, too. Preservatives are added to improve colour – which, as dogs are colour-blind, is purely for the benefit of the owner.

As in children’s food, some additives may have a negative impact on pets.

Preservatives such as propylene glycol are sometimes added to make moist or semi-moist pet foods, such as those nice squishy ‘meaty’ chunks – but it has been linked to asthma and allergic reactions. Propylene glycol is also used in car antifreeze and to de-ice aircraft, which doesn’t inspire much confidence in dog owners!

So next time you buy a bag of food, have a look at the ingredients listed. You can find out more at allaboutdogfood.co.uk, an independent website which gives you a breakdown of what is contained in each brand of dog food sold in the UK, giving each a rating out of five.

You can also ask the nurses at your vet about the particular brand you buy.

Sarah Probert BVSc MRCVS Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre 92

Be careful where your dog swims; rivers and stagnant ponds are not a great idea, both for safety reasons and because waterborne organisms may result in skin infections. Rinse your pet off after their swim and if they swam in a pond or river you may wish to use a mild dog shampoo – ask your local groomer which is best. Stay away from human products including baby shampoos as dogs and humans have different skin pH levels and dogs may react to human products.

My dog is pregnant. Should I stop having her groomed?

Most professional groomers will not be comfortable grooming a pregnant dog, even if she’s been a regular client, because she could lose her puppies. In the past I’ve done home visits to trim the tummy area on mummy dog to ensure pups have easy access to her teats. Most owners prefer to wash mum at home, and then book into a salon after all the puppies have been rehomed. Please be careful about taking mum to areas where there are other dogs such as grooming salons, as puppies at this early stage would not be vaccinated so would be at risk of infections and viruses.

Amy Stewart of Happy Tails Dog Spa has a BSc in Animal Behaviour and is a certified pet health counsellor.

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93

BUSINESS NEWS

Estate agents all aboard A leading local estate agent has announced a corporate partnership deal with Severn Valley Railway (SVR).

Ross D’Aniello of Nock Deighton said being a corporate partner meant the company would be able to help support the historic railway and become more involved with the local community: “SVR is a really important asset to the area with more than 250,000 visitors each year, which has a huge knock-on effect on trade in Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

“We strongly identify with the SVR, having offices at both ends of the 16-mile line, and we’re delighted to forge close links with the railway. The move will be a major benefit to us as a company, our staff and our clients – and the beautiful setting is a perfect location for entertaining through the railway’s Corporate Partnership Club.”

The Charitable Trust’s director Shelagh Paterson warmly welcomed the Club’s latest recruits, saying, “Nock Deighton are a prestigious and long-established company with strong family values that mirror our own, and having them on board will be a huge asset.”

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Duo join law firm A Shropshire law firm has bolstered its wills, probate and lifetime planning team with the appointment of two experienced solicitors to its Shrewsbury office. Graham Fuller has joined FBC Manby Bowdler as a senior associate with Carina Kervin taking up a role as an associate.

Graham and Carina are both members of Solicitors for the Elderly and panel solicitors for MENCAP and the National Autistic Society. Graham, a Dementia Friend and member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners, is currently studying to join the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate solicitors. Carina, a graduate of Lancaster University and Chester Law School, is a Dementia Champion who delivers training for the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends scheme.

Julie Burn of FBC Manby Bowdler says, “Graham and Carina’s appointment will reinforce an already strong team that focuses on providing first class legal advice and support to our clients at pivotal points in their life.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Law firm’s boost for care home Residents at a Shropshire care home are set to benefit from a donation from a firm of solicitors. Fodens Solicitors, which has recently opened a new head office at J6 of the M54, has handed over £15,000 to the Comfort Fund at Coverage Care’s newest home, Montgomery House in Shrewsbury, after choosing to support a local organisation during the year.

Residents and staff will decide how to invest the money – ideas so far include a wheelchair accessible greenhouse and gardening aides and equipment to get green-fingered residents gardening.

Coverage Care’s David Coull says, “We’re very grateful to Fodens for choosing to support Montgomery House. Staying active and motivated with hobbies such as gardening is crucial to maintaining physical and mental well-being for older people so this will be put to very good use.”

Stephen Foden says, “Our Court of Protection team assist a number of clients who regularly need support and care from organisations such as Coverage Care and I personally have seen first-hand the level of service they provide.”

Stephen Foden (standing, centre) and David Coull (standing, far right) with

residents from Montgomery House at the cheque handover

Roobarb’s reward A Shropshire retailer is celebrating after being crowned Best in Britain for the second year running. Roobarb, which has branches in Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury, was crowned Independent Retail Team of the Year – and to put the icing on the cake, they were also crowned Charitable Champion for the work they do with an African children’s charity.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in May by Strictly Come Dancing star Rev Richard Coles on behalf of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), who represent independent retailers across the country.

Roobarb’s director Marcia Dale says, “This award is a stunning accolade for us and our team. We believe in building a strong knowledgeable team which pays dividends and is hugely appreciated by our customers. To win the Charitable Champion Award for our work with orphans and street children in South Sudan was truly amazing.”

Fellow director Kevin Bellwood adds, “Retail on the high street is going through a tough time at the moment and with a number of national store closures and independent retailers struggling and finding it hard with increased rents and business rates, so this a great piece of positive news for us and our team.”

The Rise of Rous A Much Wenlock-based creative agency is continuing to expand with the announcement of two new members of its team.

Conor Crozier has joined Nathan Rous PR from Independent Leeds magazine, and undergraduate Amelia West will undertake her year’s university placement within the business.

Director Nathan Rous expressed his delight, saying, “When we initially opened the Much Wenlock office doors in January 2017 we had big plans to expand the team and recruit locally.

“So we’re thrilled to welcome Conor and Amelia to the team.

With a multitude of new contract wins already this year and the Christmas press period about to kick in, they’ve joined at just the right time!”

(l-r) Conor, Nathan

and Amelia of Nathan Rous PR

The addition of Amelia and Conor comes after the appointment of a production manager to the expanding video department.

Nathan explains, “We’ve already tripled our video output compared to last year already and, as we are only in June, 2018 is set to be our busiest year yet.

95

Advertisement Feature

Making a valid Will Have you made a Will? Are you confident it will do what you want it to do? Rachel Wood, Senior Associate Solicitor at Terry Jones Solicitors, who have offices in Bridgnorth, Telford, Shrewsbury and Newport, advises of the importance of instructing a solicitor to prepare your Will.

The cost of making a Will is often less than you think. For a relatively modest sum, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your assets are left to those you wish to benefit. If you were to die without leaving a Will, or you have a Will that is subsequently found to be invalid, your property, money and possessions could be subject to Intestacy rules – which could result in those whom you wish to benefit being left with nothing at all. A poorly drafted Will could result in the gift failing, and if incorrectly signed, the Will itself could be found to be invalid.

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A new face at Bridgnorth firm A thriving Bridgnorth business is bidding a fond farewell to one of its very first directors – at the same time as welcoming in a brand-new team member.

Paul Woolley was one of the founding directors when John Cannaby Associates Ltd (JCA) was first established in 2009, along with John himself, Maurice Knott and Sharon Hartles. Now Paul has decided to retire and pursue his hobbies of dominoes and singing, as well as fitting in a good amount of foreign travel. In Paul’s place, JCA are delighted to welcome Shane Lunnon to the firm as senior financial adviser. Shane will work closely with Paul’s clients as well as helping to further develop the firm’s rapidly expanding business.

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Shane Lunnon with Paul Woolley

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BUSINESS NEWS

The rise of the chat bots Smiling faces beaming at us from the bottom right corner of a web page are becoming the norm in the modern web. Clicking on them launches a chat window where you can type a message and (sometimes) get an instant response from a representative of the company or on occasion, an ‘artificial intelligence’ (aka a ‘chat bot’) which tries to understand your question and answer with a response from deep within its knowledge banks.

Personally, I find them quite annoying – especially when there’s a cheerful message that pops up a few seconds after entering the page. It just adds to the things I have to remove from the screen before I can get on with what I was doing (I’m looking at you, cookie policies and GDPR opt-ins)…

However, the truth of the matter is that these chat windows and chat bots work. Sixty four per cent of people choose to message instead of sending an email or calling. More importantly, chats lead to significantly more sales when compared to website visits and emails. The average open rate of a chat (that is, reading a message that was sent) is 75%, compared to an average open rate of 25% for emails.

The click-through rate is also much higher – 48% for links in chats compared to 5% in emails. The purchase rate is marginally lower (1% for chat bots compared to 3% for emails) but because the volume of visitors is higher via chat, this ultimately means that chat bots generate more revenue.

These chat bots come in many different flavours, and conversations can be launched from a wide variety of places; your website, within a social media platform, or via a dedicated app such as Facebook Messenger.

When planning your next marketing campaign, think about how you could encourage people to start a chat instead of sending an email or giving you a call – you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Scott Bowler is a digital marketer and developer with over 12 years’ commercial experience.

He works in conjunction with WW! to deliver digital solutions to businesses across Shropshire.

98

BUSINESS NEWS

David steps up A Bridgnorth firm have welcomed a new partner – but he’s one with a familiar face. Williams & Co of East Castle Street have announced the recent promotion of solicitor David Jones to the position of partner. David gained his law degree at the University of Chester before joining Williams & Co in 2010, where he trained and qualified as a solicitor. Since then he has played a key role in the continued success of the conveyancing department in which he works.

Senior partner David Williams says, “On behalf of the partnership, we’re delighted to welcome David as a partner.

The promotion rewards his hard work and commitment and is well deserved. He is a much-valued member of the team.”

Firm celebrates project’s completion Bridgnorth-based architects Johnson Design Partnership Ltd hosted a private event at Bishop Percy’s House in the centre of the town to mark the end of the renovation project. The firm specialise in unique, bespoke designs and they were delighted to be able to showcase their work on the local landmark.

Architects from the firm gave tours of the refurbished house including the holiday apartments above the new tearooms and the new-build houses to the rear, which overlook the river.

Drinks and canapes were provided by tearoom owner Maria and her team and a celebration cake was specially made by Mirtha’s P-arty Cakes.

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LOCAL SPORTS

Holly pipped by world’s best Holly Mowling, the long-serving captain of the Shropshire ladies team, was runner-up to the world’s top over-35s player at the British Seniors’ Clay Court Championships in Bournemouth in June.

Spartans celebrate AFC Bridgnorth Spartans revamped their annual Awards evening this season to deliver a fun-packed night recognising the dedication of players and staff. The event, which took place at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre in May, celebrated a fantastic season with all the club’s teams in attendance.

The evening was hosted by Club chair Kristian Wood along with Wolverhampton Wanderers Ladies legend and Bridgnorth resident Claire Hakeman.

The Spartans’ Sten Lloyd says, “The evening was an absolutely brilliant with food, disco, a huge fundraising raffle and other great prizes. The club is the largest provider of junior football in South Shropshire and the event was attended by over 450 people.”

If you have a child between 5 and 18 years old who’d like to play football, Bridgnorth Spartans have trials for different age groups in July and August. Follow their Facebook page for more information: AFCBridgnorthSpartans.

Domino delight On Friday 11 May the Bridgnorth and District Domino finals evening was held at the All Forces Club in Bridgnorth’s Low Town.

The evening started with the presentation of a cheque to the Bridgnorth Lions for £750 in support of their prostate cancer screening programme. Domino matches were played during the evening to decide the winners of the final trophies, with the triumphant teams and individuals as follows: T Cornes of Fosters Arms A in the Individual category; M Blore and B Walters (All Forces Club A) as Pairs Champions; All Forces Club A in the Div 1 and Team Knockout; Woodberry Inn in Div 2 – and Bridgnorth Rugby Club were the winners of the Consolation Cup.

Domino caption: Div 1 and Knockout champs All Forces A with their trophy

100

The International Tennis Federation tournament was played on a round-robin basis, with Holly, the coach at Bridgnorth Tennis Club, only beaten by Croatian Iva Saric, now ranked world number 1 in this age category.

Holly’s first match saw her face Saric, who beat her in the British Seniors’ Indoor Championship in Tipton earlier this year.

History repeated itself as the classy Croatian prevailed 6-2, 6-1.

But Holly, from Broseley, responded impressively to win her three other matches during an enjoyable week on the south coast. Holly is now looking forward to competing at the British Seniors’ Grass Court Championships in August.

Holly says, “I was happy to finish in second place from a strong field of players. Iva again proved just too strong for all of us and is on another level.”

Wenlock Games return The 132nd Wenlock Olympian Games will take place over the two weeks from Friday 29 June to Monday 16 July, with competitions in archery, athletics, fencing, volleyball, netball, badminton, hockey, golf, tennis, cricket and football all taking place. There will also be a triathlon and a seven-mile road race. Most of the events will take place in and around William Brookes School, while the tennis, golf and archery will be based in local clubs.

The main day of the Games will be Sunday 15 July. Members of the public are invited to come and spectate as athletes compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. Presentations will be made by senior members of the Society as well as the High Sheriff of Shropshire Rhoderick Swire and Much Wenlock’s Mayor Cllr Graham Edgecumbe-Venning.

The full programme of events along with entry details can be found at wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/games/.

LOCAL SPORTS

Archie advances to Albion A young Bridgnorth footballer has been signed up by one of the founder teams of the Football League. Archie Williams, who has played with AFC Bridgnorth Spartans since 2016, starting at U7 and later playing with the U8s, has penned a contract with the Championship club. From his first ever tournament, Archie was noticed by clubs such as Birmingham and Wolverhampton but has taken the opportunity to play at West Bromwich Albion.

“Archie has developed and progressed immensely,” says Spartans’ spokesperson Sten Lloyd. “As the seasons rolled on, he kept scoring goals and helping others to do so as his level of maturity rose. As Archie was settling down in his academy side, we had the pleasure to watch him advance and become an outstanding footballer and a modest and polite young man.”

Newport gets nocturnal Newport is gearing up for the return of a thrilling cycle event this summer. Over 100 pro cyclists will descend on the historic Shropshire town on Saturday 18 August for the Newport Nocturne, the country’s original floodlit cycle race.

Spectators will see cyclists race across the atmospheric cobbled streets of Newport through the evening, and the market town will also be the setting for live music, street entertainment, and new features yet to be announced. The event, which was established in 1989, returns thanks to support from Newport Town Council and Telford & Wrekin Council’s tourism initiative, Discover Telford Visit Shropshire.

The Newport Nocturne is the first night-time cycle race in the UK. The event attracts as many as 10,000 visitors, with spectators lining the streets to watch the best of the amateur scene and some of the UK’s top pros compete. Visit cyclotours. co.uk/qvcx/nocturne/ for details.

Martial arts move up Excalibur Martial Arts has been celebrating a number of successes recently. Tammy Lewis and Karl Thompson were promoted by the GTI Black Belt Panel to 1st Dan and 2nd Dan Black Belt respectively. Meanwhile, Tammy and husband, Dean Lewis were also awarded their Referee Certificates, having completed the GTI course and practical elements at tournaments.

Not to be outdone, Dean and fellow Black Belt Dave Holloway were also awarded their Instructor Certificates, bringing Excalibur’s total number of fully qualified instructors to four.

If your child would like to try martial arts, Excalibur offers a one month free trial for all new students. Find them on Facebook: @ExcaliburBridgnorth.

Twickenham trip Bridgnorth Rugby Club FC’s U11s travelled to Twickenham in May as guests of Land Rover for the Premiership Final between London Saracens and Exeter Chiefs. The team had been selected to attend following their performance at the Worcester Warriors festival in December, where teams were marked on how they exhibited the core values of rugby; teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Mini and Junior secretary Nerys Arch reports, “The day got off to a great start as the team managed to grab a quick selfie with current England international Maro Itoje while waiting to get into the stadium!

“In the afternoon we joined the other teams to watch the final in glorious sunshine and took part in a parade around the pitch at halftime in front of over 75,000 supporters. The experience will stay with the team for a long time to come… and you never know, it may one of them running out to represent their country one day!”

If your son or daughter would like to get involved, visit bridgnorthrfc.co.uk or email percyandnerys@btconnect.com.

The season starts again on Saturday 9 September.

101

BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Sponsored by Bridgnorth Town Council

News from Bridgnorth Town Council Teddies return

 (l-r) Tony Head (Master of the Gild of Bridgnorth Freemen), Eddie Brown, Reverend Clive Munday , Mayoress Councillor Carol Whittle, Mayor Councillor Ron Whittle OBE, Deputy Mayor Jean Onions, Acting Town Clerk Barry Ince, Neil Peters

The ever-popular Teddy Bears’ Picnic returns to the Castle Grounds on Wednesday 25 July from 11am until 2pm. This family favourite features puppet shows, fairground rides, face painting, refreshments and of course, the highlight of the day: the hotly contested Best Dressed Teddy Competition. Discounts are available for registered childminders; please contact the Town Council offices for further information.

Ron goes on

Details of other events throughout the year can be found at bridgnorthtownevents.org

At this year’s Mayor Making Ceremony, held on Thursday 10 May in the Town Hall, Cllr Ron Whittle OBE was reinstated as Mayor for the second consecutive year. This is an unusual occurrence – in fact, this is the first time it has happened since 1977 when Cllr Michael Charles McCarthy was in office.

A welcome for Lee

First-class flowers Although the Town Council made the decision not to enter the Heart of England in Bloom competition this year, the standard of the floral displays in the town is as high as ever. The displays incorporate self-watering hanging baskets, which have reduced the Council’s floral expenditure over recent years.

Bridgnorth Town Council will welcome Lee Jakeman as the new Town Clerk as of Wednesday 1 August. Lee brings with him a wealth of experience in the public sector and we look forward to him bringing a new dynamic to the Council.

Councillor contact information MRS C M BAINES MBE 16 Stretton Close, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 5DB 01746 761143 connie.baines01@icloud.com Ward: West MS S BARLOW 46 The Hobbins, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5HH 07951 130502 sarahbarlow.bridgnorth@gmail.com Ward: Castle DR J BUCKLEY 25 Victoria Road, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4LA 01746 552121 juliabuckleylabour@gmail.com Ward: East MR D COOPER 19 East Castle Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4AN 07710 770350 davidcoopernet71@gmail.com Ward: Castle MR G DAVIES 8 Tudor Court, High Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4DQ 07855 747411 geoffreydavies@icloud.com Ward: Castle DR C DYSON 16 Southwell, Riverside, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4AS 07798 907764 counc.clive.dyson@gmail.com Ward: Morfe 102

MR R FOX 8a Bernard’s Hill, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5AX 07960 027695 cllrrichardfox@gmail.com Ward: Morfe MR A HINTON 22 Orchard Drive, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4HY 01746 762714 adrianhinton@btinternet.com Ward: East MRS H HOWELL 127 Victoria Road, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4LL 01746 763066 helenhowell@hotmail.co.uk Ward: West MRS K HURST-KNIGHT 33 Innage Lane, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4HJ 07989 17188 kirstiehurstknight@gmail.com Ward: East MR E MARSHALL 9 Danesbridge, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 6DF 01746 763860 edwardbridgnorth@btinternet.com Ward: Morfe MRS J ONIONS 54a High Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4DX 01746 763528 jeanonions@hotmail.co.uk Ward: Morfe

MRS S STEVENS Park Cottage, 26 Mill Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 5AF 07540 128805 sarah@dolphinix.co.uk Ward: West MRS C WALDEN 82 Sydney Cottage Drive, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4PQ 01746 765958 Ward: Castle MRS C WHITTLE 11 Love Lane, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4HD 01746 761842 carolwhittle@hotmail.co.uk Ward: West MR R WHITTLE OBE 11 Love Lane, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4HD 01746 761842 ronawhittle@icloud.com Ward: East

For further information about our events including booking/ entry forms, please visit bridgnorthtownevents.org or email events@ bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk

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www.bridgnorthtyres.co.uk

Free Quotations 01746 714444

A

See our ne & work onli t our a h w d rea customers say!

B C D E

www.premierautobodyandpaint.co.uk

F

Unit 6, Muckley Cross, Bridgnorth WV16 4RR

G

PLASTERING

REMOVALS

KEITH WILDGOOSE

PLASTERING

H I

Jays Removals & Storage Ltd

J

Your home, safe in our hands

K

✔ 30 years’ experience ✔ Clean & tidy

01746 767727 07776 196897

We’re a family run business that ensure our customers are 100% happy with our service and price!

M N O P

• Nationwide service • Fully trained uniformed staff • Storage • Domestic & commercial • Full packing option

WASTE DISPOSAL Domestic & Commercial

Septic Tank Emptying

24 /7 CALL OUT

Q R S T U V W

SHROPSHIRE • HEREFORDSHIRE • WORCESTERSHIRE

C.MAIDEN Waste Disposal Call 01885 482305

L

Environment Agency Registered

Call for a free quotation 01952 289118

X

Unit 9 Horton Court, Hortonwood 50, Telford TF1 7GY

Y

www.jaysremovalsandstorage.com

Z 105

WHAT’S THAT NUMBER?

In an EMERGENCY always dial 999

What’s that number?

Animal Care

Bridgnorth Veterinary Cuan House Rescue Dogs Trust Rehoming RSPCA Severn Edge Emergency Wrekin View Veterinary

Local Services

01746 711561 01952 728070 01952 770225 0300 1234 999 01746 763998 01952 4604799

Councils

Bridgnorth Town Broseley Town Much Wenlock Town Shropshire Council Shifnal Town Telford & Wrekin

01746 762231 01952 882172 01952 727509 0345 678 9000 01952 461420 01952 380000

Doctors

Bridgnorth Broseley Claverley Cressage Ironbridge Lightmoor Much Wenlock Shifnal

01746 767121 01952 882854 01746 710223 01952 511166 01952 432568 03300 536 456 01952 726011 01952 460414

Dentists

Madeley Pure Dental Regency House Twickel Dental

01952 585539 01746 765711 01746 766114 01952 728799

Hospitals

Bridgnorth New Cross Princess Royal Royal Shrewsbury

01746 762641 01902 307999 01952 641222 01743 261000

Out of Hours

NHS Direct Shropdoc

111 0333 222 6655

Leisure Centres

Abraham Darby Bridgnorth Idsall, Shifnal Much Wenlock Severn Centre

01952 382770 01746 761541 01952 460499 01952 727629 01746 860 000

Local Facilities

Bridgnorth Recycling Citizens Advice Shifnal Recycling Telford Recycling 106

For your local POLICE STATION in a NON EMERGENCY dial 101

0345 678 9007 03444 991100 01952 462122 01952 384384

Air Ambulance Environment Agency Fire & Rescue Health Visitors National Grid Severn Trent West Mercia Police Western Power

0800 389 8999 0370 850 6506 01743 260200 01746 711958 0800 111 999 0800 783 4444 0300 333 3000 0800 6783 105

Libraries

Bridgnorth Broseley Much Wenlock Shifnal Southwater

01746 763358 01952 884119 01952 728293 01952 461018 01952 382915

Schools & Nurseries

Alveley Primary School Bridgnorth Endowed School Brockton C of E Primary School Broseley C of E Primary School Buildwas Primary Academy Castlefields Primary School Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge C of E Primary School Cressage C of E Primary School Idsall School John Wilkinson Primary School Lightmoor Village Primary School Morville C of E Primary School Much Wenlock Nursery Much Wenlock Primary School Oldbury Wells School Poppets Nursery Puddleducks Pre-School Shifnal Primary School St Andrews C of E Primary School St John’s Catholic Primary School St Leonards C of E Primary School St Mary’s Bluecoat C of E Primary School Stottesdon C of E Primary School William Brookes School Worfield Endowed C of E Primary School

01746 780284 01746 762103 01746 785671 01952 882673 01952 432135 01746 764072 01952 386620 01952 510383 01952 468400 01952 882950 01952 387620 01746 714219 01952 728807 01952 727634 01746 765454 01746 767800 01952 884420 01952 460500 01952 460226 01746 762061 01746 762781 01746 763455 01746 718617 01952 728900 01746 716606

Travel

Brambles Private Hire Bridgnorth Taxis Diamond Cars Rail Enquiries Shrewsbury Taxis Traveline

01746 767076 01746 765000 01952 222222 08457 484950 01743 244477 0871 2002233

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SHOWROOM IN BRIDGNORTH Kitchens and Bathrooms to suit all styles and budgets Thoughtfully designed with attention to detail

Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AX Tel: 01746 335163 www.jewsonkitchens.co.uk

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Inside Carvers Littles Lane Wolverhampton WV1 1JY

Unit B & C Arrow Point Retail Park Brixton Way SY1 3GB

Unit 6 Easter Park Worcester Rd (Opp. Hoo Farm) DY11 7AR

173 Walsall Road Bridgtown Cannock WS11 0JH

01902 405526

01902 715482

01743 464565

01562 825720

01543 469400

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