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Meet the Man Engine Mechanical miracle visits Ironbridge
Tip top Easter Your guide to local events!
County catch-up News from your area
MAR / APR 2018
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Contents Local news
It’s beginning to feel a lot like spring… We don’t know about you, but these sunnier days are making us want to pull on our boots and get out! If you fancy a ramble in Shropshire’s glorious hills and dales, go straight to our walks on page 84 – it’s always more motivating when you’re hiking with company. March and April cover a whole host of special dates – our Welsh neighbours will be marking St David’s Day on Thursday 1 March, Mothering Sunday falls on 11 March and St Patrick’s on Saturday 17 March – then it’s Easter on April Fool’s Day, so be prepared for chocolate-based pranks from the kids. Finally, St George’s Day is on Monday 23 April. But the other key date is Sunday 26 March – don’t forget to put your clocks forward and bounce out of bed an hour early! Easter isn’t the traditional time to buy puppies as gifts – and nor should any time be. Our feature on the Dogs’ Trust will reveal the excellent work done by the tireless team at this charity based at Roden, between Telford and Shrewsbury. If you’re feeling experimental, why not try something a little different in the kitchen? Our recipes on page 62 use some ingredients that may be new to you – but the results taste delicious. Or if you’re handier in the garden than the kitchen, Ann Winwood’s tips on page 78 will get your plot set to grow. Have a lovely spring,
The WW! team Cover photo Bluebells, Helmeith Wood, Church Stretton www.andrewfusekpeters.com
May/June 2018 Deadlines Editorial – 30 March, Advertising – 6 April
We’ve got the local area covered! Hand delivered to 16,000 homes and businesses – more than any other magazine in our area.
What’s What Magazine @WhatsWhatmagz
6 – 23
School news
24 – 33
Local arts
36 – 53
Diary dates
54 – 61
Recipe – Flour Power
62
Local food & drink
64 – 69
Home & you
70 – 87
Local walks
84
Wildlife diary – The bat mine
88
Animal care
90
Local business news
92 – 95
Town council news
96 – 99
Local sports
100 – 3
Local experts
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
Kate Southan 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
Emma Digger 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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Advertisement Feature
H E A RTO F OA K For all of us, our homes are a precious haven where we can spend time with our families and enjoy the best of life. So when it comes to creating an extension, it’s important that our new space reflects our home’s character – as well as providing that crucial room to grow, it will quite simply add wow factor! Severn Oak Timber Frames Ltd, a locally-based family business, is founded upon a passion for construction and craftsmanship that’s all too rare in this day and age. Every project undertaken by Wil and Nicky Onions and their highly trained team of 10 is tailored to the precise needs of each individual customer and their home – and Wil’s enthusiasm and dedication shines through at every stage of the meticulous process. “Each project is different and they all bring their own challenges and rewards,” explains Wil. “We offer a step-by-step service that leads our clients from design through to a complete turn-key package– and we love hearing our clients enthuse about their homes being transformed by our workmanship!”
S T E P BY S T E P To help his clients visualise their new oak timber-framed garden room or extension from the very start of the process, Severn Oak’s architectural technologist, Gareth, uses Archicad, a computer-aided technology that allows you to walk through the design before its construction. And this sets the tone for the rest of the Severn Oak experience: from the outset, the client’s vision is key – whatever their budget or the size of the project. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a new build house, an extension or a beautiful garden room that will allow a growing family to spread out in comfort, or provide a lifestyle enhancing space,” says Wil. “We pour our heart and soul into every piece of work we undertake, and every structure built by Severn Oak is an individual, custom-designed one-off. Our traditional oak timber 4
framing techniques perform to today’s building regulations and will stand the test of time.” Their fully integrated process means Severn Oak can introduce clients to alternative, hybrid options that offer more flexibility around costings, with the team exploring variability in materials that may not be available with more ‘off the shelf’ options.
“We pour our heart and soul into every piece of work we undertake. Every structure built by Severn Oak is an individual, custom-designed one-off...”
FA M I LY F O C US Severn Oak Timber Frames was founded in 2004 by Wil, a trained cabinet-maker with over 20 years’ experience in timber framing. Wil loves what he does, so perhaps it was a natural progression for him to wish to ‘build’ his own business! Nicky Onions, Wil Onions and Dan Crane
Advertisement Feature
Once he and Nicky had established themselves, they were able to help Shropshire homeowners achieve their dream space – with England’s most treasured wood always at the heart of the business.
NO M I DDL E M E N Working with Severn Oak means you can avoid many of the hassles with which the construction industry is fraught. “Our team has many highly-skilled, high-end carpenters and joiners,” explains Wil. “Unusually for a timber construction company, we have our own bricklayers and ground-workers, so each stage of your project from foundations through to turn-key are all taken care of. The last thing you want to be doing is having to deal with different trades companies on your project.”
“Working with Severn Oak means you can avoid many of the hassles with which the construction industry is fraught...”
TIME TEAM Wil’s team has a deep respect for nature and the materials it provides – and they know how to use those materials in harmony with clients’ time pressures. Wil says, “We use environmentally friendly oak timber frames, which can be pre-fabricated off site and quickly erected, further adding to customer convenience.” Last year the company invested in their online branding, updating their website so it showed off the very best of their craftsmanship. This gave Wil the chance to go back and reconnect with some of his past clients. Nicky says, “Revisiting previous clients is always a pleasure and Wil said that he was greeted with smiles and praise from every project he returned to. One client commented it was the best thing she and her husband had ever bought!” “It was a real delight visiting these previous projects and hearing such positive praise for all our team and clients’ interest in how they fared,” says Wil. With a growing portfolio of delighted clients and a healthy attitude to growing their business and honing their skills, Severn Oak are set for a future founded on the very strongest of foundations.
TEL: 01952 590002 MOBILE: 07913 717777 severnoaktimberframes.co.uk
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LOCAL NEWS
TV vicar
Mystery donation for buses
Much Wenlock’s vicar Matthew Stafford is the star of a show that’s been airing on BBC television.
The much-loved Friendly Transport Service, which serves residents of all ages in the Broseley and Much Wenlock areas, had one of its buses sabotaged in November last year and its DPF filter stolen. However, a kindly anonymous benefactor has helped the Friendly Bus get back on the road.
The series, A Vicar’s Life, follows four rurally-based vicars in their daily life; it includes an episode in which Matthew deals with the issue of dementia, which has a personal dimension for him, as his father suffers from dementia. A Vicar’s Life features the Shropshire market town in all its glory and some episodes are available on BBC iPlayer until early March.
Friendly Transport CEO Marie Monk-Hawksworth says, “Many thanks to those who donated money, especially to the very generous person or group who anonymously deposited £2,000 into our bank account. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our news and the goodwill that has been shown to us by the community, and I’d like to thank everyone!” As always, the service is appealing for volunteer drivers, either using their own vehicles to take residents without transport to appointments or to drive one of the service’s distinctive minibuses. Marie says, “Anyone with even an hour or two to spare each week would be welcome!” Call 01952 881145 for details.
Poultry protest A local community group is continuing its fight to stop a chicken farm being built near Bridgnorth. The Tasley Chicken Factory Action Group is set to take its legal battle to the next stage with a judicial review to be heard at the High Court. The group has been raising money to cover legal costs for its fight against the creation of a 210,000-bird poultry farm in Tasley, with the figure predicted to hit the £20,000 mark. Find the group on Facebook.
Dana’s marathon Puff’s back in action! Bridgnorth charity favourite Dana Power will be running the London Marathon again in April, in a bid to push his fundraising total for asthma charity Cameron’s Fund to £100,000. The popular runner is tackling the country’s best-known race for the eighth time in memory of Cameron Brown who died from the respiratory syndrome aged just two.
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Bridgnorth Fairtrade The Fairtrade Foundation suggests that, for Fairtrade Fortnight this year, supporters choose an iconic local door and decorate it. Bridgnorth Fairtrade’s Ray Gill says, “The Town Hall door is the nearest thing to an ‘iconic local door’ that is easily accessed, and so the hall will be the venue for the main public activity of Bridgnorth’s Fortnight. “On Friday 2 March from 10am to noon, there will be a Coffee Morning and everybody will be welcomed to come on in for free drinks and Fairtrade cake and biscuits. In addition, it is hoped that, as last year, there will be opportunities, via school assemblies, for the pupils and students of the town to be invited to ‘come on in’ to Fairtrade.”
LOCAL NEWS
Break-in spate Police are still looking for information about break-ins in Broseley and Much Wenlock early in the year. Several properties in the two towns were broken into, with perpetrators leaving a trail of blood in their wake. Affected businesses included Much Wenlock’s George and Dragon pub and Broseley’s Andrew’s Family Butcher. Anyone with any information should call West Mercia police on 101.
Shropdoc changes Meet the Man Engine! The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain will rise again this Easter to visit a number of sites around the UK including Blists Hill Victorian Town near Madeley. The breathtaking Man Engine steamed the length of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site last summer, unearthing a deep lode of passion and pride, inspiring awe and a cult-like following. Now, the colossal feat of engineering is set to visit Blists Hill Victorian Town near Ironbridge on Saturday 14 April as part of his 2018 Resurrection Tour across Cornwall, South Wales and England. The Man Engine crawls at 4m high and ‘transforms’ to stand at 11.2m high, powered by Volvo’s L220 wheeled-loader. The team behind the Man Engine, Golden Tree Productions, are already creating a bespoke visual, theatrical and aural experience for the Blists Hill stop, highlighting the area’s identity as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Phil Smith, commercial director of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust says, “Our World Heritage Site is famed as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, where the innovative use of raw materials, creative thinking and daring designs were brought together to start a revolution that would change the world forever. The spirit of those early industrial pioneers lives on through the Man Engine and welcoming it to Blists Hill is a fitting way to celebrate the industrial heritage that we share with our friends in Cornwall”. The machine’s creator Will Coleman adds, “We delighted we’re bringing our big boy to Blists Hill Victorian Town. We have a global ambition to take the Man Engine to all the significant mining and industrial heritage sites across the world with Cornish roots, so bringing him to Blists Hill is ideal. We can’t wait to meet all the townspeople and have the Man Engine share the stories of the area where the Darby dynasty of ironmasters transformed the iron industry.”
The out-of-hours community health service, Shropdoc, will no longer be able to provide care in the county’s community hospitals, but emergencies would still be covered, reported Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust. The Trust is in line for further changes, with two trusts competing to acquire it during the course of 2018. A final statement on Shropdoc’s future is likely to be released soon.
Bridge repairs Shropshire Council is continuing to repair the footbridge leading from Bridgnorth to the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) station. The bridge was closed in January as Council workers used weights to hold down the bridge, which had shifted alarmingly over winter so it was hanging in the air. The temporary repairs will secure the bridge over summer, with permanent repairs set to take place in the autumn.
Admission charges apply; for details call 01952 433424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk. 7
LOCAL NEWS
Sleepovers take off! Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is inviting youngsters to grab their sleeping bags and take part in a sleepover to remember. The Museum is offering groups the chance to set up camp in the giant National Cold War Exhibition, where they will bed down among the planes, tanks and missiles.
Honour for Margaret A local lady and former WW! Local Hero has won national recognition in the New Years’ Honours list. Bridgnorth Hospital’s League of Friends’ vice president and founder member Margaret Veal was awarded an MBE for her services to the community. But that’s not the only recognition the good-hearted 85-year-old has received; League’s chair Ray Gill says, “Margaret has also been identified as a Hidden Hero by a charity called Roomtoreward and she’ll be treated to a mini break by them!” This year marks the 60th anniversary of the formation of the League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital and the group aim to mark the milestone later in the year. They are holding a fundraising coffee morning in the Hospital Coffee Shop from 10am until noon on Saturday 24 March, and publicity officer Sue Burrows says, “The Easter Bunny will be judging an Easter bonnet competition and there will be a chocolate tombola as well as other stalls. If anyone has chocolate left over from Christmas which they don’t want to eat, please consider donating it to our tombola by leaving it with one of our volunteers in the coffee shop.”
Sleepers will be ready to cosy up after taking part in a range of fun interactive activities including building and launching K’Nex rocket cars, with a prize for the car which travels the furthest, decorating a ceramic rocket money box, and personalising a canvas bag. At 9pm, everyone will head into the 200-seat auditorium to watch the film A Night at the Museum and enjoy an evening snack and drink before settling down for the night nestled amongst the historic aircraft. A continental breakfast will be served the following morning at 8am and from 9am youngsters will have early-bird access to the Museum Shop and Test Flight hangar including the Fun ‘n’ Flight interactive area, with a 50% discount voucher for a ride on the 4D Experience. RAF Museum Cosford’s Abi Betteridge says, “We’re thrilled to be offering sleepovers at the RAF Museum; it’s something we’ve been asked about for years! With one of three dates already fully booked, we’d recommend any groups who’d like to enjoy this unique experience to book quickly. The pilot events we ran last year with Girlguiding Shropshire were fantastic; the girls had a fabulous time and they even managed to get a few hours’ sleep!” Sleepover dates are scheduled for Saturday 24 March for boys’ groups, and Saturday 12 May for mixed groups (the girls’ date in April is already sold out). Each event can cater for up to 175 children aged 8 to 15 along with supervising adults, costing £35 per child and £5per adult, with a minimum ratio of one adult per eight children. See rafmuseum.org/cosford for details and to make a booking.
Other forthcoming events include a concert on Saturday 3 March, with the town’s Pop Choir, Show Choir and Gospel and Soul Choirs joining forces – call 07904 556763 for full details – and a fashion show on Wednesday 25 April at Bridgnorth Baptist Church – email bridgnorthlof@gmail.com for details. Hospital League of Friends Chair Ray Gill presents Margaret with her Roomtoreward certificate
Help sought A history group is making a final plea as its book nears completion. Members of Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 would like to hear from anyone with information or photographs of the 184 soldiers commemorated at the town’s All Saints Church. Mary Rogers of the group explains, “After receiving Heritage Lottery Funding, we’ve spent many months poring over war 8
diaries, census details and listening to stories and we’ve now reached the stage of completing a first draft. Before we publish the book, we’re making one final push for information about D E Shuker, B I Thomas and A Thomas.” If you can help, email wellingtonremembers@outlook.com, call 07944 435 978, search for Wellington Remembers 1914-1918 on Facebook or write to Wellington Remembers c/o The Old Granary, Limekiln Lane, Newport, Shropshire TF10 9EZ.
LOCAL NEWS
Riding centre leads the way A local riding charity’s pioneering work with disabled people is going from strength to strength. The Perry Riding for the Disabled Association is raising money for its new Cavalier Centre near Much Wenlock, and the project is currently in development with ground-clearing and building underway. The charity has two events coming up to raise further funds, with an evening reception taking place on Thursday 26 April by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs R Perkins of Buildwas Court. There will be a talk by Major General Arthur Denaro CBE DL on how to motivate, inspire and lead others in testing times. Invitations will be sent out but email jane_barker@hotmail.com if you are interested in attending. A Charity Race Evening will take place on Tuesday 29 May costing £50 per head to include race card for the evening, first class catering and a three-course meal in the restaurant overlooking the finishing post at Wolverhampton’s race course. Perry RDA’s Danny Budd says, “It really is a great fun night out. If you’re unable to attend, could you perhaps find a business to
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support us by sponsoring a race, or donating a raffle prize?” Visit cavaliercentre.org to find out more. Changing lives – Perry RDA’s groundbreaking work with horses
Advice surgery Wenlock Councillor David Turner’s next advice surgery is on Saturday 3 March at Much Wenlock Museum. It runs from 10.30am, and Cllr Turner hopes to be joined by a Much Wenlock Town Councillor and a representative of the police. Local residents are invited to email Cllr Turner any time at David.Turner@shropshire.gov.uk.
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LOCAL NEWS
Remembering Rupert Young Rupert Beckett sadly lost his fight with his ‘crocodile’ in January. The Stottesdon youngster and former Castlefields Primary pupil had suffered with the rare cancer neuroblastoma, which he called his crocodile, and with which he had battled for three years. He had been due to go for treatment in a specialist unit in Barcelona. Former WW! editor Sally Themans and Lucy Key, who organised last year’s West End event to raise money for Rupert’s treatment, were just two of the community members who talked about the town’s strength of feeling for the spirited six year old. Lucy says, “It was so sad to hear the tragic news that Rupert had lost his brave battle with neuroblastoma. How incredible that the community united in the way they did. I am sure Sarah, Ed and all of Rupert’s family will
take some comfort from that. It was a privilege to sing for such a worthy cause and we were all so moved that Rupert attended the concert. We were so touched by Rupert’s story that we intend to continue to raise money in his name.” Sally adds, “Rupert’s situation galvanised so many in the Bridgnorth community and beyond to do something. The coming together of West End stars and 185 local singers was a special evening which I hope will help Rupert live on in our memories for a very long time.” Money raised, which is currently around £250,000, will go towards charities that help children with cancer. Singing for Rupert – Bridgnorth came together to raise money for the six year old who recently lost his battle with cancer
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LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL NEWS
The Club is looking forward to a full programme of events for this year, including talks, demonstrations and entertainment. In May there is a trip to Abbey-Cwm-Hir House and Gardens, Llandrindod Wells, while July sees a trip to Llandudno, and September brings the annual club holiday, this year to Somerset. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at Greenfields Court in Bridgnorth, between 2 and 4pm, and new members are always welcome. For details, ring 01746 764240 or 07850 196267. Stroke Club Secretary Gaynor is presented with a ‘thank you’ gift for all her hard work during the year
Stroke Club anniversary Bridgnorth Stroke Club, who recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, enjoyed their Christmas lunch at the Punchbowl at the end of last year. At the lunch, the club’s secretary was presented with a cheque for £2,200 from John McCormick, whose father Bill was a member of the club. John raised the money by completing a remarkable sponsored cycle ride from Bridgnorth to Barmouth in September. Spokesperson David Jones says, “It’s a journey of 90 miles and indeed this is the third time John has completed this challenge for the club. He’s usually accompanied by his friend Nick Skidmore by way of encouragement and support. “Donations such as this are enormously helpful as the club is largely self –funding.”
Mike Painter Painter and decorator
History Day Groups and organisations are setting up their displays covering local, community and family history in East Shropshire for a History Day on Saturday 3 March from 10.30am until 2pm. The free event takes place at Wellington Library and those with an interest are invited to come and talk to friendly experts – but beware – it can become addictive! The Community History Day is organised by the Wrekin Local Studies Forum, in association with Telford and Wrekin Library Service and Wellington History Group and is part of the Wellington Chartership celebrations which will be taking place in the Square on the same day. For more information email info@wlsf.org.uk.
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Much Wenlock Community First Responders (CFRs) are raising funds to update their well-loved ambulance car. CFR regular Robin Bennett explains, “After more than 1,500 hours of duty, it’s time to retire the old Much Wenlock Ambulance Response Car and replace it with a new one. “Our 4x4 response car has been invaluable in reaching patients quickly, even in the worst winter weather. It’s helped us reach patients in cardiac arrest and casualties at road traffic collisions in snow and ice. The old car has served us well but is showing its age – the new one will help us to keep delivering this vital local service.”
Soap box thrills The spectacle of Richards Castle Soap Box Derby will be back this summer, with soap box carts of all shapes and sizes racing down Hanway Common on Sunday 8 July. The race is open to junior and senior teams who can race their own box built for speed or novelty. If you are a budding racer and fancy having a go, entries forms are now online for senior and junior teams – it’s £30 per team and you can enter online at richardscastlesoapbox.co.uk.
Community First Responders are volunteers trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to treat patients in 999 medical emergencies until an ambulance arrives. Since raising the funds for the original car, the town’s CFRs have used it to get crucial help to hundreds of patients in and around Wenlock. If you are able to help by donating or holding a fundraising event, contact Robin on 07971 696157 or visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ wenlock-ambulance-car. Drive for funds – can you help raise money for a new set of wheels for Wenlock’s First responders?
Treasurer Arabella Salwey explains, “This year if your team raises over £100, we’ll refund your entry – and entries are already rolling in! Over the past 15 years, soap boxes have raced down the 550m course which has a descent of 50m. Our event has always been about local money raised going to local causes. Since we started back in 2004, funds have been distributed to over 50 different charities and local causes, taking the grand total of donations to £103,770.” Budding speed demons can view video footage and find a copy of the rules and regulations to guide you in building your own soap box. The three main charities to benefit from funds raised at this year’s derby include ECHO, the Cart Shed and Working Together. Richards Castle is near Ludlow on the B4361.
Good work WI!
President of Bridgnorth WI Judith Tranter presented a cheque for the impressive figure of £1,616 to Oak Farm in Ditton Priors earlier in the year. Manager Stewart Toulson and five of the site’s service users were on hand to receive the cheque. Oak Farm provides a safe and supportive working environment for adults with learning disabilities, and the facility has long been a favourite for the enthusiastic fundraising team at the WI. Judith says, “Oak Farm is very dear to the WI and to the general public, who know Oak Farm and who donated generously at our various fundraising events during 2017, such as the Bridgnorth Carnival, our market stall on the High Street and the Christmas Lights event. “Stewart thanked us on behalf of Oak Farm and introduced us to Carla, Laura, Rosie, Jenny and Richard, who were over the moon with the amount and will be spending it on the purchase of new tables, chairs and equipment for use in their newly built on-site portacabin.” 13
LOCAL NEWS
New wheels sought
LOCAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS
Market is nation’s best A county market has beaten off stiff competition to be named Britain’s Favourite Market for 2018. Shrewsbury Market Hall was awarded the accolade at The Great British Market Awards, with judges from the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA calling it “an exciting and inspirational market”. The market, which is jointly run by Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council, was one of six UK finalists short-listed for the coveted title, vying with markets in Barrow in Furness, Cambridge, Leeds Kirkgate, Norwich and Skipton. All finalists had been short-listed in a public vote that ran through October and November 30. The second round of the competition involved visits by judges and a mystery shopper. NABMA’s Hilary Paxman says, “Over the last 10 years,
Shrewsbury Market has reinvented itself, adapted and changed its offer, turning the business around using a distinctive food offer to build a local reputation. In the last three years, footfall has risen by 40% and it has put on some fantastic events which have attracted a new audience of shoppers, making the market hall the town’s go-to place.” Shrewsbury Market Hall has nearly 70 pitches and recent evening events have boosted its popularity, with crowds of up to 1,700 people attending.
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LOCAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS
Little (and large) coders Aspiring programmers aged seven to 11 can join in a three-part series of digital coding workshops in Enginuity’s FabLab this spring. The sessions explore the Blocks and Scratch programming language, using the coding to create fun games and animations; no previous experience is needed. Sessions will also look at controlling robots such as OhBot, a robot head that you can speak to, and the easy to construct Ez-Bot, as well as programme a BBC micro:bit and littleBits Gizmos and Gadgets. The sessions run on Sundays 4, 11 and 18 March at Enginuity in Coalbrookdale from 10am to noon or 1pm to 3.30pm, priced at £5 each or £10 for the three-part series. Places must be booked in advance and you can prepay by calling 01952 433970. For details, visit ironbridge.org.uk.
Shifnal babies
If you’d like to help your children develop their coding skills but feel you lack the knowledge to help, the monthly adult courses might be for you. They work though a range of coding skills and activities in two-hour sessions on Wednesdays between 4pm and 6pm on 14 March – contact details as above.
Are you a new mum or mum-to-be? If so, you might be interested in a new group that is to meet at Trinity Methodist Church in Shifnal on Fridays at 10am until 11.30am, giving new and expectant mums the opportunity to meet others and enjoy refreshments. Call 01952 460396 for details.
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LOCAL NEWS
Donations flood in to SVR The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) Charitable Trust has received a flood of donations following an attack by vandals on two of the railway’s carriages. The response has been so impressive that the Trust hit its £10,000 appeal target in just one week. The appeal was launched to meet the costs of putting right the damage caused when vandals sprayed paint along the sides of the heritage vehicles on Christmas Day – the only day that the railway was closed over the festive period. Charitable Trust director Shelagh Paterson says, “The speed and generosity of the response we’ve received shows us just how shocked people were when the news of this awful incident broke. “It also shows the depth of their passion for SVR and everything it stands for. Keeping our heritage alive and accessible is clearly very important to the wide range of people who’ve come forward to add their support. With the exception of a handful of larger amounts, most of the donations we received were between £10 and £25. Each one was a vote of confidence in the sterling skills of the SVR’s restoration volunteers and staff, and we’re so grateful to everyone for their support.”
SVR’s spring events From a scrapyard ‘no-hoper’ to the last of its kind – a range of locomotives with a real story to tell will star at the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Steam Gala, which runs from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 March.
A generous donation of £1,000 took the appeal past its £10,000 target. This came from the Worcestershire Ambassadors, a group that draws together leaders of industry, enterprise and public life. Work to restore the vandalised carriages is well underway in the SVR’s Kidderminster paint shop. A team of volunteers spent three days removing the spray paint by hand. The gold leaf lettering and painted lining on the carriage was badly damaged but is now being painstakingly restored. Volunteers Derek Stagg, Hugh McQuade, John Beck and James Broughton celebrate the success of the SVR’s appeal
The heritage railway’s 2018 curtain-raising event will feature a truly eclectic range of visiting locomotives from across the country, carrying out intensive passenger services throughout the event, alongside many of the SVR’s resident fleet of engines. Visitors can experience attractions up and down the line, including a busy timetable of local trains and autotrains running between stations into the evenings as well as goods trains and the Coalyard Miniature Railway and Paddock Garden Railway in operation. The Engine House Visitor Centre and Kidderminster Railway Museum will also be open to explore. Later in the year, young travellers can see PAW Patrol favourites Chase and Skye, who will be appearing at the Engine House over the weekend of 28 and 29 April. To find out more about either event and to book tickets, visit svr.co.uk. 19
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New heights for High Town Reflecting a refreshing change of style in the Bridgnorth property market, a complex of stunning flats has just opened in the centre of town. London-based property developers Sky Meridian Real Estate Ltd have transformed a former commercial building in High Town into spacious and contemporary two and three-bedroom apartments offering unrivalled space and comfort.
Caroline Eaton, Director at Berriman Eaton
The complex, which brings a touch of London’s Docklands to Shropshire, has been introduced onto the market by local property experts Berriman Eaton – and company director Caroline Eaton couldn’t be more excited about them.
Best of Bridgnorth
Priced to please
“The contemporary scheme couldn’t be better positioned for the thriving market town lifestyle afforded by Bridgnorth,” says Caroline. “Listley Place is just off the historic High Street and offers level walking to the town’s thriving shops, weekly markets and numerous eateries, pubs and cafés. A short stroll brings you to the Severn Valley Railway, the town’s unique Cliff Railway or the beautiful Castle Gardens. For those who enjoy keeping fit, Bridgnorth has a newly renovated leisure centre with a pool and a full range of clubs.”
What’s more, despite the up-to-the-minute styling and universal appeal of the units, they’re realistically priced for the local market – with units priced from £245,000 to £299,950, there are no nasty London-style price tags here.
One of the most appealing aspects of the new development is that it’s been designed with across-the-board appeal. Caroline says, “What’s unique about Listley Place is that it’s the perfect home base for all age ranges. “Younger people love the flexibility of living slap-bang in the centre of town, and the fact that the three groundfloor apartments have an outdoor area will be a big hit with retired age groups and those with pets.”
Caroline explains, “The developer has been careful not to create high service charges with lots of communal areas. The design has allowed the basement and outside areas to be carefully divided into sole ownership areas so there is no service charge! “Each apartment has décor and flooring that allows for a blank canvas when it comes to furnishings and personal decoration, but we have interior designers we can recommend to make the large, open-plan areas feel more homely.”
The contempor ary scheme couldn’t be better positioned for the thriving market town lifestyle afforded by Bridgnorth…
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APARTMENT 1, LISTLEY PLACE, BRIDGNORTH £299,950 LOCATION Listley Street is positioned just off the High Street within easy walking distance of all the town’s amenities including shops, pubs/bars, cafés and restaurants. Schools, doctors and dentists and a leisure centre are also close at hand. ACCOMMODATION Having security gating and an intercom system, all ground-floor apartments have outside decked areas through patio doors, while the first-floor apartments enjoy High Town views with panoramic windows taking advantage of natural light. Each apartment is individually designed with an open-plan living and dining area with on-trend high-gloss units and islands and a range of built-in appliances. The low-maintenance modern flooring blends with the bright, neutral colour palette, while bathrooms are fully tiled with white fittings and vanity units, glass shower screens and chrome taps. Each apartment has LED downlighters, TV and telephone points and mains smoke alarms. The large private walk-in large storage lockers are another fabulous feature. You enter Apartment 1 via a private front entrance into the hall with tiled flooring and cloak cupboard housing the hot water system. A door opens into a large open-plan living area and kitchen with laminate flooring throughout. The kitchen is fitted with an eye-level oven and grill, ceramic hob with extractor fan, splash back, integrated dishwasher, space for fridge/freezer and plumbing for a washing machine. There are two windows to the front aspect, along with double doors opening out to the private parking area. The master suite comprises a double bedroom, walk-through dressing area, and fully tiled en-suite bathroom fitted with a white suite. There are a further two double bedrooms, one with walk-through dressing area, both of which are serviced by the modern shower room.
Each apartment has décor and flooring that allows for a blank canvas when it comes to furnishings and personal decor ation…
Bridgnorth: 01746 766499 Tettenhall: 01902 747744 Wombourne: 01902 326366 Lettings: 01902 749974 www.berrimaneaton.co.uk
OUTSIDE Apartment 1 benefits from parking for two vehicles. 21
If you have an unused phone lying around at home, you could put it to good use by donating it to a local charity. The Chatterbox Action against Loneliness and Crisis Support Programme helps people come to terms with bereavement and deal with end of life situations. Chatterbox, which is operated by Shropshire-based charity Omega, is a free telephone befriending programme matching socially isolated clients to volunteers for one-to-one confidential support. Any phones befrienders don’t use will be sold to raise money for the charity. You can bring your phones to Thursday morning IT sessions held at London House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury SY1 1TX or to the same location during normal business hours.
Youth centre Former Much Wenlock Youth Centre has been added to the register as being available for a Community Asset Transfer. The closing date for initial expressions of interest is Saturday 31 March. Local community-based organisations who may be interested in applying should visit shropshire.gov.uk/media/8929/shropshire-councilcommunity-asset-transfer-register-05-jan-18.pdf.
Friendly support Friends in Mind is a new support group for people who suffer mental distress. The group has been set up by survivors of mental ill-health or those have close knowledge of the effects to share coping technique and talk about experiences. Friends in Mind meets for coffee in the community room in Bridgnorth Library from 10am to noon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Anyone is welcome to come along and share their experiences with supportive non-professionals.
If you’d like to become a befriender, call 01743 245088 or send an email to info@omega.uk.net.
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LOCAL FEATURE The Dogs Trust’s Shrewsbury centre reopened in 2011 after extensive refurbishment
Border collie Apollo is waiting for his ‘forever home’
Caffrey is a favourite with sponsors
A dog for all seasons For the country’s canine charities, spring can be a challenging time as people begin to reconsider whether having a dog is right for them – because, despite Dogs Trust’s slogan ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’, many pets are still given as seasonal gifts. Shrewsbury’s Dogs Trust at Roden received an average of nine calls a day from people looking to give up their dogs in the weeks following Christmas in 2016. Reasons included: ‘I got him as a secret Santa present’, ‘She was too friendly and wanted to greet every dog and human we met on a walk’, and ‘He was panting too much’. The rehoming centre has been based on a 30-acre site between Shrewsbury and Telford since 1970. It reopened in August 2011 having undergone a 14-month rebuild and now looks after more than 150 dogs at any one time. In December, the centre’s staff celebrated rehoming their 5,000th dog since 2011; in 2017 Dogs Trust Shrewsbury found ‘forever homes’ for 652 dogs. The centre also has a unique ‘home from home’ house for Old Age Pooches (OAPs), known as Oakfield Oldies. Number crunching The Dogs Trust’s iconic slogan has proved just as meaningful today as it was when first coined nearly 40 years ago, as a recent survey revealed 10% of people in the West Midlands admit to buying or receiving a dog as a Christmas gift. Also, 18% of regional dog owners spend less than two weeks researching before buying a dog; 10% confessed to buying a dog as a cute accessory, while 5% chose a particular breed because their favourite celebrity or blogger owned one. The dog-owning public also significantly underestimated the cost of dog ownership, with 32% of people in the region believing their dog will cost them less than the actual total of £10,000 during its lifetime. Dogs Trust Shrewsbury manager Louise Campbell explains, “Dogs aren’t disposable commodities; they’re a huge commitment. “We urge anyone considering getting a dog to ensure they do their research to find an animal compatible with their lifestyle so they’re fully aware of the realities of caring for a dog.”
Oakfield Oldies is a specialist unit for older dogs, to ensure they enjoy home comforts in their later years
Sleeping dogs? Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog to sleep, caring for each pooch until their special someone comes along, no matter how long that takes. However, the centre also have dogs who may struggle to settle into a home for different reasons, and these can be sponsored by the public.
Visit Dogs Trust Shrewsbury at Roden Lane Farm, Telford, Shropshire TF6 6BP, go online to dogstrust.org.uk, or call 0300 303 0292. If you’d like to sponsor a dog, email sponsoradog@ dogstrust.org.uk. Dogs Trust PR
Louise says, “Although they’re unlikely to find a home, we never say never! Thanks to the support of sponsors and the hard work of staff nationwide, last year four sponsor dogs found forever homes. At Roden, people could sponsor Staffordshire Bull Terrier Caffrey, whose favourite pastime is lying in the sun, or they can sponsor an Oakfield Oldie. “If you’re looking to adopt a dog, we ask potential adopters to complete a short lifestyle questionnaire. If we have a dog that suits them, they’ll be introduced and they could head home in under a week after the first meeting. Some dogs benefit from meeting their new owners a few times to build a bond before they head home so in these cases the process is a bit longer, but the bond becomes even stronger.” And if you haven’t got the space at home for a pet of your own, you can also help out by walking dogs, cleaning kennels or assisting at events. Louise says, “If you want to volunteer, keep an eye on the website as we recruit regularly!” 23
SCHOOL NEWS
Discover Wrekin College
OPEN DAY
“A wonderfully nurturing and inclusive school which is on the up academically but also offers something rare: the chance for pupils, in this tough Saturday 24th March 2018 10.30am - 1pm old world, to hone their employability factor.” The Good Schools Guide Register online at www.wrekincollege.com Wrekin College (day and boarding school 11-18), Wellington, Shropshire TF1 3BH
Registered Charity No. 528417
OPEN MORNING | 10.30-12.30 | Friday 2 March Shrewsbury’s co-educational prep school for 3-13 | admissions@prestfelde.co.uk | 01743 245400 24
Local schoolchildren were proud to help represent Shropshire when Ludlow MP Philip Dunne welcomed food and drink producers from across the south of the county to Parliament in January as part of a Shropshire Producers’ Day. The event was an opportunity for MPs, peers and staff to get know some of the great produce on offer from the county. Mr Dunne, along with Shrewsbury’s MP Daniel Kawczynski, welcomed student representatives from the Taste of Tanzania coffee project at Bridgnorth Endowed School, as well as organisers of the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival, Hobson’s Brewery and Chilton Gin.
Beckbury goes back in time
Mr Dunne says, “It was great to welcome some of South Shropshire’s best producers to Parliament to show off the great food and drink offer available in the Ludlow Constituency, and across Shropshire more widely. It was a well-supported event… and all those I spoke to had found it a very worthwhile trip.”
Pupils at Beckbury Primary turned time travellers recently with two exciting days of historical exploration. Blossom Tree Class (KS2) were transported back to the days of WWII by their teachers and joined in the fun by donning period costumes and cooking wartime recipes – “the Spam pie was my favourite!” said pupil Jessica Field. The children’s topic, Blitz and Pieces, will continue all term, culminating in Strictly Comes to Beckbury, when the children will have the chance show off the Lindy Hop moves they have learnt in Dance and PE. “Immersive creative curriculum days really bring history to life for our children,” explains the school’s Lisa Holt. Earlier in the term, Chestnut Tree Class’s KS1 children travelled back to Ancient Egypt as part of their Tomb Raiders topic. The children were thrilled to handle genuine Egyptian artefacts thanks to Shropshire Museum Services and they entered into the spirit of the day with costumes fit for a Pharaoh and a range of challenges.
Remembering the Holocaust Shrewsbury’s Mayor Jane Mackenzie visited Shrewsbury High Prep School to lead a special assembly honouring International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the role her grandfather Alan Overton had played. She explained to children how her grandfather, who lived in Rugby, responded to the government’s call for volunteers to help find homes in Britain for Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe, who were in grave danger from the regime. The Mayor’s grandfather was instrumental in gathering support from British families, who paid £50 (£1,000 in today’s money) to bring a child to the UK. The children travelled alone by train across Europe on what became known as the Kindertransport. Alan also set up
Little Thorn Lodge to house boys who needed somewhere safe to stay as boys were harder to place than girls. The Mayor joined children in planting a memorial ornamental cherry tree to which they all tied ribbons and made a wish that children would no longer have to leave their families and travel far away to find safety. Children have been learning about refugees from different periods in history, including WWII and more recently, the Rohingya Muslims being forced out of Myanmar. The school’s reception teacher Mrs Waterson said the children had all been very keen to see the tree planted: “We’ve been explaining about the significance of the tree and discussing what wishes we might like to make with our ribbons. Kindergarten children took great pride in choosing this cherry and it has pride of place in the school gardens.” Shrewsbury High Children tie ribbons to the cherry tree 25
SCHOOL NEWS
Endowed pupils visit Westminster
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On the bus to Tettenhall! From September, Tettenhall College is launching new Express Bus services to serve Shropshire. Routes will include pick-ups from Bridgnorth, Telford and Ironbridge as well as key stops along the way. With no route taking more than 40 minutes, Tettenhall College, set in the picturesque village of Tettenhall just north west of Wolverhampton, will be a viable option for parents and pupils from all areas of the county. The services will be extremely cost effective; the school aims to keep costs to parents as low as possible while fitting in with their extra-curricular timetable. The variety of options and sports – from rock climbing to engineering, business enterprise to dance – ensures everyone will find their perfect confidence-building pastime. Tettenhall College has come a long way since its foundation over 150 years ago by local industrialists originally with 15 boys and a cow (to supply the boys with milk)! In 2017, over two thirds of Sixth Form pupils achieved top grades of B to A*, while 50% of Y11 pupils achieved 9 or more GCSE C to A* grades; 27% per cent of all grades were at the top level of A*or A. The school is welcoming prospective parents and pupils to its open morning for all-year groups on Wednesday 7 March. For further information, contact Emma Ray-Davies on 01902 751119 or email admissions@tettcoll.co.uk.
explore. discover. inspire.
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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 26
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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.
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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
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Making learning fun Happy children engaged in memorable learning experiences – that’s the goal for which the team at Brockton C of E Primary School strive. The school’s dedicated staff, beautiful rural setting and diverse curriculum all motivate children to become active, confident learners. Experiences such as a recent Egyptian workshop delivered to Class 2 by the Living History Hub capture children’s imaginations and harness natural inquisitiveness to bring greater depth across the curriculum. The children delighted in learning how strong an egg is stood on its end – strong enough to stand on, it seems! Highlights included decorating masks with gold leaf, making paper, and making a platform by stacking cups. Children were challenged to move large blocks using minimal equipment to simulate how the Egyptians used five-tonne granite blocks. Brockton’s students quickly realised that good communication and team work were essential in completing this challenge. Fascinating facts about living in ancient Egypt fuelled further investigation, with one child reporting, “My favourite part of the day was all of it! My mum says I’m not allowed to stand on eggs at home… I’ll find another way to prove how strong they are!” With the expert guidance of teaching and learning team, activities will be applied comprehensively across the curriculum in the coming months, equipping children with vital skills to succeed within education and beyond.
We have places available for children to benefit from Brockton’s approach to primary education; call 01746 785671 or email admin.brockton@taw.org.uk.
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Felix’s close shave A Y8 pupil at a school near Ludlow has undergone not one but two drastic changes of hairstyle in the cause of charity. Felix from Moor Park School had his head shaved in front of the entire school in aid of Arthritis Research UK. Felix chose Arthritis UK as his chosen charity before Christmas and, with support from his friends, family and school staff, he raised a staggering £600 in aid of the charity. During an end of term performance, the opening act was Felix having his head shaved by boys’ matron Naynne Roberts. Felix had already gone one step further, dyeing his long locks orange, the colour of the charity, 24 hours previously to boost his fundraising efforts. Arthritis Research UK believe that by harnessing the power of exceptional science, they can overcome the pain, isolation and fatigue caused by arthritis, making everyday life better for people with arthritis. 27
SCHOOL NEWS
WE SEE
POTENTIAL OPEN MORNING
7th March 2018, 9.00am-11.30am www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk
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SCHOOL NEWS
Colleges agree merger North Shropshire College (NSC) and Herefordshire and Ludlow College have agreed to seek a merger. The move would enable students in both settings to access a broader range of courses and facilities. Chair of NSC governors Gillian Richards says, “NSC’s governors are unanimous in the decision to join Herefordshire and Ludlow College. The merged organisation will offer more for all our students, communities, businesses and other key stakeholders. I look forward to the exciting developments ahead.” Herefordshire and Ludlow College’s chair of governors Igor Andronov says, “I’m looking forward to working in close partnership with NSC to secure a bright future for the students, who I believe will stand to benefit from this merger. My personal involvement in previous successful mergers with Herefordshire and Ludlow College convinces me that we have much to offer to the future of NSC.”
Spring day North Shropshire College (NSC) is planning for the annual Spring Lambing Day Event which takes place at the Walford Campus. This year the fun-filled event will take place on Sunday 25 March from 10.30am until 4.30pm with tickets costing just £10 per car / family on foot. The College has a large flock of ewes to lamb over the coming weeks leading up to the day.
Both colleges will now work together, with the support of the Government’s Treasury Transaction Unit, towards achieving the merger, with the aim of completing later this year.
Shropshire’s Young Voices Heritage award for Buildwas Buildwas Academy have been awarded the Heritage School Award by Historic England in recognition of children’s work around the local heritage of the village. They have forged links with the community by showcasing all of their heritage work at Holy Trinity, Buildwas, which was saved from closure two years ago. Children have been working hard on models reflecting the unique landscape and culture of their area
Two local schools joined in the world’s largest school choir in January. Children from both Morville and Brockton schools joined over 5,000 other young performers to sing as a single choir in front of a capacity crowd at Young Voices (YV) at Birmingham’s Genting Arena. Brockton’s Kate Castle says, “YV has been arranging these events for over 20 years and in that time over 2 million children have been involved; the aim is to inspire the next generation to find their love for music. The awesome, memorable and confidence building experience will long be remembered by Brockton’s participants, staff and families.” And Brockton pupils have also recently achieved LAMDA certificates for their performing skills, with 14 distinctions and 11 merits being awarded to Brockton children. Morville’s Nicola Power says, “Being a part of YV provides children the opportunity to perform in some of the world’s greatest arenas alongside incredible artists. To achieve this with all their school friends around them for support helps their self-belief, self-motivation, confidence, and ability to communicate as part of a team. However, the concert is the culmination of a lot of hard work from the teachers and children!” Brockton’s pupils travelled to the Genting Arena for the Young Voices concert 29
SCHOOL NEWS
College vision awarded The rebranding project for the new-look Telford College has received recognition at a national awards competition. The creation of a new corporate vision and identity for the merger of Telford College of Arts and Technology, and New College Telford has been highly commended at the FE First Awards, which recognise innovation in marketing in the further education sector. The judges described it as a ‘well executed campaign informed by research’, adding, “The campaign achieved all of its objectives, and most importantly improved brand perceptions by over 40 per cent – all in just a few months.” Telford College’s marketing manager Tom Bower says, “During our research, we set up focus groups with a number of stakeholders, including current students at both colleges, plus governors, parents, staff and local businesses. The overall feedback on the brand was positive, with no negative feedback on social channels, emails, or media website comment sections.” A shared vision: Telford College student council members at the Haybridge Road campus (lr) – Daihak Singh, Jake Sadler, and Manmeet Singh Uppal
Tettenhall are champions! At the end of January, Tettenhall College’s U14s took part in the ISA Midlands Netball Tournament at Malvern St James. The day-long tournament saw teams from all over the Midlands competing, with games set at 14 minutes each meaning the girls had to keep their level of performance high throughout. The first part of the tournament was the group stage, in which Tettenhall College (TC) would have to gain good results against five other schools in order to progress to the knockout stage. Consistently good netball ensured a comfortable route through, with the team scoring 66 points in total and only conceding 15. TC won every game so, as winners of their group, they played against the runners up of the second group, Bedstone College. Again, TC came out convincing winners, with a score of 13-1. Next the girls came up against Twycross House, the team that had provided the toughest challenge in the group stage. A hard-fought game finished even so went to extra time – with the girls, apart from captain Peaches Burris-Rowe, not knowing that the ‘golden goal’ rule was in play. Following an end-to-end few minutes, TC scored and became champions. TC’s director of sport James Bullock says, “As a school, we’re very proud of the girls and their achievement. Every girl who took part should also be proud of what they have done – special thanks must go to Mrs Causebrook for her coaching and time with the girls.”
Birchfield head steps up A new head is set to start at a prep school in Albrighton next academic year. Chair of governors Tracy Carver announced that Sarah Morris has been appointed as the new head of Birchfield Preparatory School, commencing in September. Mrs Morris is currently head of Norfolk House Prep School in Birmingham and previously served as deputy head at Birchfield for seven years. Mrs Morris elevated Norfolk House’s national rankings from 45th to 25th in 2015 in the Sunday Times top 100 prep schools in England. She is a fully qualified team inspector and a member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Inspections Committee. Sarah says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be appointed as head of Birchfield School. With a reputation for academic excellence, Birchfield offers tailored preparation for entrance to prestigious senior schools and excels across sport, music, art and drama. It will be a privilege to lead Birchfield to new successes in the coming years.” 30
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
Looking for the best independent education? With outstanding GCSE and A Level results, there is only one choice.
Secondary School Discovery Day Saturday 19th May, 9am - 3pm Year 5 children are invited to get a taste of what life is like at a Senior School. To register, please contact Gail Evans email gle@wgs-sch.net
School Open Evening Thursday 21st June, 6pm - 8pm
To arrange a guided tour or to learn more about registering your child for September 2018, 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
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SCHOOL NEWS
Wolverhampton Girls’ High School Come and join our success story!
West Midlands State Secondary School of the Year
OPEN MORNINGS
OPEN AFTERNOON
Monday 23rd & Wednesday 25th April 9.15am – 10.45am
Tuesday 24th April 1.45pm – 3.15pm
For girls in Year 5 considering entry to Year 7 in September 2019 145 student places available
TETTENHALL ROAD WOLVERHAMPTON WV6 0BY
81% of grades A/A* or 7-9 at GCSE
01902 551515 www.wghs.org.uk
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 32
We’d love to show you around so call us now and make an appointment!
SCHOOL NEWS
Gold for Cressage Christ Church Primary in Cressage are celebrating a prestigious Gold Mark for their Sports and PE provision from the Government School Games body.
Shrewsbury salon celebrates The Evolve hair and beauty salon in Shrewsbury celebrated in style in January to commemorate their third year in business. The professional salon, located on Shrewsbury Colleges Group’s London Road Campus, marked another successful year with free goodie bags and live demonstrations.
They’ve been awarded Gold due to the increase in children taking part in out of school clubs with local providers, the high quality of the school’s sporting after-school clubs, and the training of Y6s to be Sports Leaders. Sports lead Mrs Martin explains, “We make fitness and helping children to increase their activity levels a high priority, as we know active children are healthy, fit, happy and learn well. We want to set patterns for life not just for in school, so we’re really proud that the Gold Award recognises the emphasis on out-of-school activity too.” Head Mrs Cansdale says, “We currently have a Mile Challenge going where all children (and staff!) are improving their mile running time in our beautiful school grounds.”
Evolve has state-of-the-art equipment and features 10 hair stations, four individual relaxing treatment rooms and two spa pedicure chairs. The team have recently introduced new products including Affinage and Neal’s Yard Remedies, and beauty therapist Lucy Wilde, who started in May after completing a Beauty Therapy course at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, is now offering reflexology treatments. Salon manager Erica Coppinger Williams says, “It’s an honour to be able to share this great milestone with our wonderful customers and the brilliant staff. Our fully qualified staff, great location and wide range of treatments all play a part in the successful three years we have had.”
Cressage’s Y6 Sports Leaders, swimmers, kick boxers, archers, gymnasts, dancers, footballers and orienteering competitors
Votes for children! Children at Castlefields Primary in Bridgnorth have democratically elected their new School Council, who will meet fortnightly with teacher Mr Marsh. Mr Marsh explains, “They discuss playtimes and clubs that children want to run. They also help with fundraising events in school and decide which charities school might support, and they’ll work closely with the school’s newly appointed Global Club.”
Totting up charity funds Students at Oldbury Wells School took part in a charity event in December to raise funds for Save the Children. The charity works in 68 countries around the world and in 2016 it helped over a million children around the world escape extreme poverty. Through its work across the UK it supports young children living in poverty by improving their early learning. Students at the Bridgnorth school paid a donation to wear a Christmas jumper for the day and pupils in Year 7 organised a Christmas sweet and cake sale to raise further funds. Pictured are Y7 students Rajan Banger, Alice Haden, Grace Thompson and James Bailey, who baked cakes and made Christmas treats to sell on the day. 33
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Wenlock’s
Magic Carpets
Much Wenlock has long been a haven for creativity, with many artists and craftspeople plying their trade from the market town over the years. Now a new enterprise has tapped into the bohemian side of this charming setting – D & A Fine Rugs has opened its doors in the town’s historic High Street. D and A Fine Rugs sources its wares from connections forged over half a century ago. The shop’s owner, Daniel Nixon, explains, “I buy directly from the families that create these masterpieces, using contacts started over 50 years ago by my grandfather, Henry. Our business then passed through from son to son; you might say that rugs are in our blood!”
The rugs that Daniel exhibits are of the very best quality, with hand-knotted or hand-woven fibres that mean they’ll last a lifetime Daniel moved south to Shropshire four years ago after falling in love with the county’s landscapes and people, and he has been regularly exhibiting his fine
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carpets and rugs in Bridgnorth, Coalport and Church Stretton. He says, “There’s something special about Shropshire, and when the opportunity came up to take over the premises at 53 High Street, I jumped at it. “It’s a deceptively large space with plenty of room to show off our beautiful rugs to their very best effect, and to allow people to browse in comfort until they find the piece that’s perfect for them. What’s more, we use our contacts to get the most competitive prices, and I love to chat with customers to help them find the right deal – you might even say that coming into our shop is a little bit like walking into a Middle Eastern souk or market!”
Crafted to last The rugs that Daniel exhibits are of the very highest quality, with hand-knotted or hand-woven fibres that mean they’ll last for years. Daniel smiles, “Some sellers actually claim their rugs are handmade as they use their hand to press the button on the machine! But our rugs are the real thing, and the fact that we strike up a personal relationship with the traders means everyone gets a good deal – including our customers.
Advertisement Feature “Each rug is a unique work of art with its own character and idiosyncrasies, and our clients love to come in and touch the weave of the rugs, getting a feel for them and finding out which they’re drawn to. Because each rug has its own character, it’s no surprise that our customers often gravitate towards a particular one.”
“Because each rug has its own character, it’s no surprise that our customers are often drawn towards a particular one.”
Investments to treasure Daniel knows the provenance of each and every one of his carpets, which come from some of the most respected carpet-making regions of the world, including Iran (previously known as Persia), Turkey, India, China and Afghanistan. What’s more, D and A Rugs offer a specialist cleaning and repair service as well as advice on caring for your carpet and keeping it in its very best condition throughout its long life. D and A Rugs also offer a part-exchange service, meaning you can give your home a new look at a fraction of the full price.
“Buying directly from the families that create these masterpieces guarantees that our prices are the very best,” says proprietor Daniel Nixon
Daniel and his team look forward to welcoming new customers and old to their atmospheric new premises in the heart of Much Wenlock.
53 High Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6AE T: 01952 872212 www.finerugsofmuchwenlock.co.uk 35
LOCAL ARTS
An odd couple? Findlay Napier and Rebecca Loebe are a singer/songwriting duo who met in an unconventional way – far from being old school friends or former band-mates, they came together on a songwriting retreat in Suffolk. “Sometimes when you get thrown into a co-write sessions things just click,” says Napier. “This was one of those times.”
Bridgnorth plays pop! Bridgnorth Community Pop Choir is a thriving local choir with over 50 members and, since its formation in 2014, it has raised thousands for local charities at its concerts. The choir is always open to new members and would like to offer the opportunity for people to come along and try it out – and an open rehearsal on Sunday 18 March will allow people to come along and give it a go.
Over the last 18 months, Americana favourite Rebecca and Scottish folk legend Findlay have written together down the line from Loebe’s base in Austin, Texas and in Findlay’s Glasgow flat when Rebecca was touring the UK – and they’re bringing their combined talents to The Hive in Shrewsbury on Saturday 3 March at 7.45pm. Tickets are priced at £12 – see hiveonline.org. uk for details. Rachel Newton will be visiting the Hive later in the year. The singer and harpist, who performs in English and Gaelic and also plays fiddle and viola, will perform at the venue on Saturday 21 April.
Musical director Simon Whitmore explains, “The choir is really relaxed; it’s just great fun to come along, have a sing, make new friends and help raise money for good causes. The choir is inter-generational so all ages attend, men and women. We sing songs from the Beatles to Ed Sheeran so there’s something for everyone.” The rehearsal is at St Leonard’s Hall, Racecourse Drive from 6pm to 7pm. If you’d like to come, call 07904 556764 or email the-music-hub@live.co.uk.
Birchmeadow Beer
Rebecca Loebe, who is touring with Findlay Napier
When a musician’s CV drops names like Mike Oldfield, the Rolling Stones and Steve Harley, you know you’re dealing with a man at the top of his game. Phil Beer is one of the multi award-winning acoustic folk and roots powerhouse Show of Hands, and he’s also a captivating solo performer. Phil’s returning to Broseley’s Birchmeadow as part of his String Theory tour, delivering his unique recipe of rich vocals and flawless musicianship across a range of stringed instruments (slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American Cuatro). Alongside some Show of Hands classics, Phil will deliver his signature interpretation of much-loved folk and rock songs… with the odd laugh thrown in. Phil says, “2017 was such a busy year with the Albert Hall show, festivals and band tours. This year I’m looking forward to something a bit different. There’s something about a solo tour which makes me feel really connected with the audience. I’m also planning the release of a box set and am looking forward to sharing new material from that.” Tickets are £15 from Downes’ or at wegottickets.com/ event/421598; doors open from 7pm – call 01952 882684 for details. Other Birchmeadow gigs coming up include country-tinged duo My Darling Clementine on Saturday 24 March and another husband and wife duo, Winter Wilson, on Saturday 21 April – visit birchmeadow.org.uk for details.
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Tadlop (Telford and District Light Operatic Players) are putting on a musical that couldn’t be more topical. ‘Made in Dagenham’ celebrates the women of the town’s Ford factory, who went on strike in 1968 after having their job skill level downgraded – and what started as a fight to be recognised as skilled workers ended in a national fight for equal pay for women. As Tadlop’s Lyndsey Bird says, “2018 is a big year of celebration. It’s Telford’s 50th anniversary but it’s also 50 years since the strike that started the movement to equal pay and women’s rights, as well as 100 years since some of the country’s women were first granted the vote. “It seemed only right in this momentous year to perform ‘Made in Dagenham’ and remember these strong women who paved the way for us,” says Lyndsey.
Hardeep and meaningful? Radio 4 favourite, BAFTA winner and regular on BBC’s Question Time, This Week and Daily Politics Hardeep Singh Kohli comes to Much Wenlock’s Edge Arts Centre with a brand-new show. Hardeep brings his show ‘Alternative, Fact’ to the county following a critically acclaimed run performed to packed houses at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The play features catchy songs such as ‘Everybody Out!’, ‘Payday’, ‘Busy Woman’ and the inspiring ‘Stand Up’ and takes place at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April at 2.30pm/7.30pm. Tickets are £14 from theplacetelford.com; for more information, visit Tadlop’s Facebook page or follow them on Twitter – @tadlop1. Now hear this! The women voice their anger to their union rep in rehearsals
Enjoy Hardeep’s dry Glaswegian wit and razor-sharp observations at Comedy at The Edge at 7.30pm on Sunday 11 March – tickets are priced at £14 and are available from edgeartscentre.com or by calling 0333 666 3366. Fellow comedian Simon Evans (Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo) is visiting The Edge on Saturday 14 April, also as part of the Comedy at the Edge series – for full details, see edgeartscentre.com. Hardeep Singh Kohli
Friends in high places
When people think of Queen Victoria’s closest companion, they might think of her beloved husband Prince Albert, or perhaps her later confidante John Brown. But she had another close friendship – one that the royal family tried to hush up for years after her death. A new film showing at the Edge Arts Centre, Victoria and Abdul, raises the curtain on that secret – and, at the time, sensational – relationship. Abdul Karim arrives from India to participate in the queen’s golden jubilee celebrations, and he and the monarch quickly strike up a rapport. As Victoria questions the constrictions of her position, the two forge a devoted alliance that her household and inner circletry to destroy. As their friendship deepens, the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity. The film is being shown on Monday 26 March at 7.30pm as part of The Edge’s Monday Night Cinema series, with tickets priced at £5/4. Visit edgeartscentre.com for details. 37
LOCAL ARTS
Tadlop’s timely show
LOCAL ARTS
Quick on the draw Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival returns to the town on Saturday 21 April, with professional and amateur artists creating drawings and presenting workshops around the theme of transport. There will be cartoonists drawing on big boards in The Square from 10am to 4pm, a free cartoon exhibition at Bear Steps Gallery, along with workshops and talks at various venues.
Priscilla at the Grand Based on the Oscar-winning film The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, this musical adaptation tells the funny and moving story of three drag performers who set off from inner-city Sydney across the Australian desert in a battered old tour bus, christened Priscilla. They find some new friends – and themselves – along the way.
Organiser Bill McCabe says, “This is a unique event which brings a small army of professional cartoonists from all over the UK and overseas to draw for the public. The event draws a huge audience every year with live drawing of giant cartoons in Shrewsbury Town Square as its centrepiece, alongside live caricaturing by some of the UK’s top professionals.” Visit shrewsburycartoonfestival.wordpress.com for details – or just turn up on the day!
The show contains over 20 classic dance-floor favourites hits such as ‘Say a Little Prayer’, ‘Go West’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘Always on My Mind’ and is famed for its dazzling array of outrageous costumes. It’s a full-blooded affair with some coarse language and sexual references, so it’s recommended for children over 12 at their parents’ discretion. ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical’ runs in all its technicolour splendour at Woverhampton’s Grand from 24 to 28 April and tickets are now on sale, priced from £16.50 – call 01902 429212 or go to grandtheatre.co.uk.
Image courtesy of Tim King
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LOCAL ARTS
Wenlock Festival returns
couldn’t be happier with the result. “We always aim to provide a programme with something for everyone and our list of renowned acts for 2018 goes above and beyond to achieve that. From West End songs to a tea party, there’s entertainment to suit all tastes.” The much anticipated Much Wenlock Festival is returning with another action-packed two-week programme. Taking place from Saturday 2 June until Saturday 16 June on the church green, the festival will raise the bar for entertainment once again with a host of talented performers. With performers including a 40-piece on-stage orchestra and an Abba tribute band, 2018 is set to be the most successful year yet for the festival. Peter Wight, the festival’s chair, says he’s thrilled to finally reveal the ambitious line up for the 2018 festival: “It’s been an exciting year planning the acts to ensure we now build on that success with our next festival and we
Returning for 2018 is Oddsocks, one of the UK’s best-loved touring theatre companies, who stole the show at the last festival with their witty rendition of Macbeth. Peters says, “This year they’ll be performing across two dates adding their own highly entertaining twist to two of Shakespeare’s most popular plays – ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘The Tempest’.” Tickets are available from muchwenlockfestival.co.uk or at Penny Farthing Gifts in Much Wenlock town square. Singing up in Wenlock The much anticipated Odd Socks are set to return for this year’s festival
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LOCAL ARTS
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LOCAL ARTS
Shrewsbury Steampunk extravaganza The inaugural Shrewsbury Steampunk Spectacular is set to creak, click and whirr into action on the weekend of 24 and 25 March. Steampunk incorporates mechanical motifs and design into traditional Edwardian and Victorian design with a gothic twist. Organiser Katie Rink explains, “Imagine a world without electricity; a world powered solely by steam and steeped in the novels of Jules Verne and HG Wells… The steampunk community revels in this world, they love to create, invent and up-cycle in unimaginable ways!” Highlights include a costume parade featuring steampunk aficionados in all their finery; Charles Darwin welcoming visitors to his former school; and steampunk librarians offering tours of Shrewsbury Library. Workshops will take place at St Mary’s Church, offering families the chance to make musical instruments from scrap metal. Dancers, magicians and musicians including Miss Sylvia Sceptre, the amazing Retro Clones, LM Cooke Music and David Brinkworth and the Pit and local entertainers Art Squad Anarchy will delight over the entire weekend, with some events ticketed – visit Eventbrite or see chantillygrey.co.uk for details. A flamboyant market will ply its trade in St Mary’s Church from 10am to 4pm on both days and restaurants, wine bars, cafes and coffee shops will be bursting with corsets and bustles. There will be walking tours covering the many intriguing Victorian aspects of Shrewsbury, and a chance to visit Coleham Pumping Station in all its steamy splendour.
Take this! A musical all about the joys and woes of following a boy band is coming to Woverhampton’s Grand Theatre next year. ‘The Band’ opened at Manchester Opera House on 8 September 2017 to critical acclaim and rapturous public approval. Small wonder it’s been so successful – it’s produced by a certain Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams, along with David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, and it features the music of Take That. The musical stars AJ Bentley, Nick Carsberg, Curtis T Johns, Yazdan Qafouri and Sario Solomon, collectively known as Five To Five, winners of BBC’s Let It Shine, as The Band, and explores the relationship between devoted fans and the bands they idolise. Tickets for The Band with the music of Take That are already on sale – call 01902 429212 or visit at grandtheatre.co.uk. Take That’s music takes centre stage in The Band; Image courtesy of Jay Brooks
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Advertisement Feature
Legal Life
Budget boosting effort to shake up the housing market Chancellor Philip Hammond abolished the duty on properties worth up to £300,000 for those buyers first on the housing ladder. He also announced anyone buying a home worth up to £500,000 won’t have to pay stamp duty on the first £300,000. FBC Manby Bowdler’s Conveyancing Executive, Christopher Hodgson, discusses what the changes mean and also warns about a growing issue with leasehold properties affecting thousands of new buyers. The Chancellor was under great pressure in the last Budget to deliver a package of measures to help first time buyers and give the overall housing market a boost. More first-time buyers coming into the market is what helps the housing stock keep moving as people look to move up or down the housing chain. His plan, the Treasury says, will mean 80 per cent of first time buyers will pay no stamp duty and could reduce the cost of buying a home by up to £5,000. While only time will tell if the Government’s move has the desired effect, it’s welcome news for anyone
looking to take their first steps on the property ladder. At FBC Manby Bowdler, we have a dedicated First Time Buyer team experienced in guiding new purchasers through the process, and that’s supported by a discounted conveyancing service from just £550 plus VAT for homes up to £300,000 as we know the financial challenges involved in buying a home! The team is also seeing a number of new build home buyers falling into a trap which could end up costing them tens of thousands of pounds and devalue their properties in the long term. Developers are increasingly turning to the practice of selling houses on a leasehold basis, typical of flats, rather than freehold which is more traditional for houses. This means the buyer will be a tenant on the land and face annual and occasional costs which can mount rapidly. Some homeowners are seeing ground rents double, with around 6,000 new houses sold as leasehold last year. The existence of a leasehold also has the effect of devaluing a home as it ages, because as a leasehold shortens, the value
FBC Manby Bowdler’s Conveyancing Executive, Christopher Hodgson
of the property can go down accordingly. Annual ground rents are usually scheduled to double every ten to 25 years. Legally home buyers have the right to buy their freehold after two years, but if the leasehold has been sold on, it is likely to be at a rate far beyond what the original developer said it would charge them. The homeowner remains responsible for all of the costs associated with the lease unless and until they can sell the property and the responsibilities which go with it. We’d always advise people to check very carefully the land ownership arrangement for a property they buy. It’s easy to dismiss a 999-year lease as not being an issue, but those ground rents and other obligations and costs can soon become a nightmare. We would always flag-up a leasehold to a client and ensure they approach such an arrangement with their eyes wide open. Buying a home should be an exciting milestone in anyone’s life, not an expensive process full of pitfalls, so we’d invite people to contact us if they’re concerned about leasehold issues, and of course if they are looking to buy their first home!
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For more information about our residential property services or to make an appointment with one of our specialist lawyers:
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LOCAL ARTS
Beautiful homes deserve
BEAUTIFUL SHUTTERS
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Advertisement Feature
Inside the world of PR If a picture can say a thousand words, just imagine how many a moving image can convey – or even 30 seconds of video gold. The numbers definitely add up – especially if you’re doing your sums on social media. While there’s a continually increasing number of platforms with which to engage, it’s never been more difficult to stand out from the crowd. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and co are not just social networks but cash-rich channels ripe for commercial gain. Of course, making the most of all that potential takes a lot of creativity, because social media is both noisy and fleeting. Web research shows that customers leave a home page if it takes longer than 1.3 seconds to load, so time is not on your side. Even once a viewer commits to your page, you have to work pretty damn hard to keep that roving thumb stationary for longer than the next 20 seconds. Research has shown your best bet is with video. Video content is the medium making all the waves online, not just because of the evocative nature of the
Why video can’t be ignored content but also thanks to falling prices. Ten years ago the going rate was between £7k and £10k for a corporate video whereas in 2018 it can be less than a third of that price.
magic. It may be an over-arching video which looks at the business as a whole, or a series of shorter films looking at different areas of the company – or a combination of both.
By next year it’s estimated that around 80% of all online content will feature video, so any business determined to retain and grow its market will need to consider this as part of its promotional strategy.
We recently created a series of films for Wrekin College to show off its stunning sports provision, focusing on the individual components in which it excelled and leaving the school with a ‘visual prospectus’ to send out far and wide.
The key is identifying exactly how to make that limited time on film work its magic…
The effects of our video work were also easy to see for The Arts Centre Telford, which received tens of thousands of views across social media in a matter of hours and led to four sold-out shows.
At Nathan Rous PR, we’ve certainly seen a significant growth in our video commissions. More importantly, it’s not industry specific… everyone wants to get in on the act, enabling us to film everything from handmade teddy bears to the birth of dairy calves. We help companies lift the lid on their incredible businesses by providing a visual narrative and giving you an emotional connection which turns views into sales.
Now every business can grab their moment in the spotlight.
The key is identifying exactly how to make that limited time on film work its
Nathan Rous is the founder and Director of Nathan Rous PR, based in Much Wenlock. If you want to find out more drop in and see us or email shout@nathanrous.com
PR Video Creative Branding Social Media
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The 2018 Wenlock Olympian Society Live Arts Festival will take place over the two weekends of 10 and 11 and 24 and 25 March. This year the festival will consist of two main disciplines: dance and music, with over 600 entries in total. The president of the Society – Jonathan Edwards CBE – will attend on Sunday 25 March, when he will award some of the medals. “I’m really excited to be back at Live Arts once again,” says Jonathan. “So much talent and endeavour on show make it a delight. And of course a visit to Much Wenlock is always a treat.”
Festival project inspires new generation Hundreds of Shropshire primary schoolchildren are set to learn new music and dance skills in an education project being delivered by one of the country’s leading folk festivals.
Taking over from Joyce Pridmore as the event’s main organiser is Sue Hayward, who says, “The Live Arts Festival provides a friendly and supportive atmosphere for young performers of varying ages and performance experience to take part in competition. “I’d encourage people to come along to watch, listen and support our local talented young people. There’s no charge to be part of the audience.”
Professional dancers will deliver workshops at Chirbury, Gobowen and Shrewsbury’s St George’s Junior and Radbrook schools as part of Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s Room for All project, which aims to promote cultural diversity and introduce a new audience to different music and dance traditions. Children will create performances blending Kathak, a form of Indian movement, with contemporary dance, and teachers will be able to take part in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions. Project manager Joy Lamont says, “Promoting cultural diversity and understanding through the arts is very important and Room for All is providing high quality and multicultural arts activities to schools and young people that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them.” The 2018 festival runs from August 24 to 27 and tickets are available at shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Image courtesy of Richard Hammerton
Panto breaks tradition This year brings a double 50th birthday for Telford as both the town and Oakengates Theatre @ The Place will celebrate five decades… Oh yes it will! And the good news is that residents don’t have to wait until Christmas for another pantomime, as Telford is hosting its first ever Easter pantomime adventure – and it’s a very special Telford affair.
‘Pantomania’ will feature all the ingredients families love – audience participation, stunning costumes and sets, and a script packed with comedy Telford references and unique comedy routines. Stars of the show are leading children’s author Ian Billing – who many will remember for the ‘Telford Telford’ song – along with panto legends Phil Butler and Philip Meeks; local performers will also get their chance to shine. The story tells the tale of Dick Doddington, who leaves Telford to seek fame and fortune, meeting the lovely Alice and the dastardly Rat on the way. Shows take place between Thursday 29 March and Thursday 5 April. A relaxed performance takes place on Wednesday 4 April. Tickets start from £11 with a Telford Loyalty Card – visit theplacetelford.com or call 01952 382382. 45
LOCAL ARTS
Live Arts set to thrill
LOCAL ARTS
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Ryan is in Afghanistan to see the world, learn a trade, get a life. Training is complete, combat is a buzz; he’s part of a team, and knows his job. But on one particular hot and desperate tour of duty, Ryan sees things he can’t talk about, to anyone. And then, when he returns home, the trouble really begins.
New faces in dance Two busy mums have joined forces to offer a new schedule of classes to young dancers in the area. Saski Fuchs and Gemma Bridges have started ReachOut, with classes running at Tasley Village Hall and Broseley’s Birchmeadow on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively in disciplines such as street dance, musical theatre and contemporary dance. Gemma says, “It’s been a dream for a long time, many years of teaching around the world and seeing so many children grow in confidence, we wanted to provide something affordable and a bit different to the normal style ‘stage schools’ that can be for many out of reach financially.”
Created from two years of research with former and serving soldiers, families and health professionals, ‘A Brave Face’ explores Post-Traumatic Stress, an unseen and often unrecognised injury of war, and the impact it can have on even the closest of families. With compassion and fearlessness, Vamos brings its trademark, wordless, full-mask style to a story that’s largely untold. Vamos Theatre is the UK’s leading full mask theatre company. Praised by press and public alike for its consummate full mask skills, engaging storytelling, physical dexterity and emotional insight, the company continues to involve and engage audiences across borders and boundaries, taking on challenging themes with poignancy, humour and humanity. ‘A Brave Face’ is suitable for audiences aged 12 years and upwards, and is accessible to hearing and deaf audiences; the show comes to Theatre Severn on Wednesday 25 April at 8pm, with tickets priced at £16.50/£14.50, with Forces concession at £13.50.
Saskia adds, “Working in the performing arts has always been a passion, and having worked alongside school friend Gemma voluntarily and freelance for many years teaching and performing, we decided as mums to thriving toddlers it was time to take the plunge and become ‘mums in business’ to make our dreams a reality.” The pair hope to soon make adult classes available, as well as LAMDA examinations, holiday clubs, singing lessons and birthday parties. Email reachoutartsuk@gmail.com for more information.
A ‘Gorge-ous’ Easter Looking for ways to occupy the children at Easter? The team at Enginuity, near Ironbridge, will be helping kids make fun bunnies that pop out of their burrows and Easter eggs that crack open to reveal the goodies inside. Select your decorations from a variety of brightly coloured craft materials and then design and decorate a bunny or Easter egg. You’ll use pneumatic power, as supplied by a syringe and plastic tubing, to make your Easter surprise move. You can then follow a self-led family trail to find the hidden Easter bunnies in Enginuity; the trail is included in the museum’s admission prices. These are just two of the Museum’s great Create Something New activities that are taking place across the Gorge over the Easter holidays, with drop-in workshops from Friday 30 March to Sunday 15 April. There’s an additional fee of £1.50 as well as the admission charge though Ironbridge Museum Passport holders go free Visit ironbridge.org.uk for details. 47
LOCAL ARTS
Facing the facts of war
LOCAL ARTS
Don’t cry for me, Shrewsbury Following its smash hit runs in London, Bill Kenwright’s production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Evita’ is set to thrill audiences in Shropshire.
Telford in pictures To celebrate Telford’s 50th anniversary, the Council is inviting anyone interested in Telford 50 to capture the best of the borough and take part in a weekly photo challenge, covering 50 themes. For Week 1, starting on Monday 15 January, the theme was Made in Telford (one of the entries pictured). The photos will become part of a Telford 50 social archive to show Telford in its 50th anniversary year and what makes the borough a great place to live, work or visit. Visit telford.gov.uk/telford50 and find the contest on the I Telford page.
Sketchy artists Ever wanted to go sketching outdoors but don’t know where to start? A new workshop by a Bridgnorth artist could be just what you need. Tutor Vicki Norman says, “We’ll spend the first day in the studio, tackling some fundamental drawing techniques before venturing out to enjoy sketching the characterful medieval town. We’ll explore Bridgnorth’s many beautiful views, finding quiet corners and fascinating places to study.” Vicki is also taking bookings for a five-day workshop in September. She says, “The more I travel, the more I appreciate coming home to lovely Shropshire. This is especially true at harvest time; I love watching the industrious gathering of crops and the warm colours changing each day. So this year, I’ve decided to stay at home, and share some of the secrets of this ‘forgotten county’ with a group of people.” For details about either course, visit vickinormanstudio.com or call 07761 017468. 48
Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, the musical follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the spiritual leader of the nation. The show stars two of musical theatre’s most outstanding leading performers; Madalena Alberto returns to the role of Eva, a role for which she was critically acclaimed in the 2014 West End revival. Other theatre credits include the role of Piaf at the Curve Theatre and Fantine in the 25th anniversary production of ‘Les Misérables’. In the role of Che, fresh from the recent West End production, is Gian Marco Schiaretti, who played the title role in Disney’s production of ‘Tarzan’. Featuring one of the most famous and evocative songs in musical theatre, ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’, the show visits Theatre Severn from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 April, with tickets priced from £20.50-£45.50 – visit theatresevern.co.uk or call 01743 281281 to book.
Snaps for Jan Broseley’s Camera Club held its inaugural competition to honour former member Jan Lancaster. The them for the memorial contest was ‘columns’, and the winner was Joan Banks with her haunting image, Ancient Pillars. The group is still seeking committee members – email broseleyphotography@ gmail.com for details.
LOCAL ARTS
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
49
LOCAL ARTS
MAN ENGINE
TWO SPECTACULAR EVENTS COMING SOON
BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2018
The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain. Come and see this amazing giant in action, the star of two spectacular events.
The Afternooner 10am - 4.30pm Pre-booking highly recommended. Passport tickets not valid, 25% discount off daytime admission for Passport ticket holders.
The Afterdarker 6.30pm - 10pm Pre-booking essential. Passport tickets not valid for evening event.
To book tickets go to
IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK
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Shrewsbury Cantata Choir will be marking one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar by performing the ‘lost’ St Mark Passion by JS Bach at 7.30pm on Saturday 31 March, the day before Easter Sunday, at Shrewsbury Abbey.
Bridgnorth’s summer of love Experience the summer of love – in spring! A performance that celebrates the concert that changed the world is coming to Bridgnorth’s Theatre on the Steps this April – and it will have the audience blissing out.
The Cantata’s Bob Fowke says, “The St Mark Passion was first sung in Leipzig on Good Friday 1731 but then Bach moved on to other things and it was lost; he was working hard and it was a difficult time in his life. Scholar Andor Gomme reconstructed the work in the 1990s, working from contemporary manuscripts and other documents.” And the restoration and path to this performance has been a family affair – Andor’s widow Susan assisted with his research, and their son Joe is now chair of Shrewsbury Cantata Choir. Tickets are £14 and are available via shrewsburycantatachoir.org.uk.
The Woodstock Experience visits on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 April, featuring classics from the original festival line up including songs from Joe Cocker, Crosby, Stills and Nash, the Who, Santana, the Band, Sly and the Family Stone, Joan Baez, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane and of course, Janis Joplin, performed by singers and musicians straight from London’s West End including X Factor finalist Melanie Masson. Melanie rose to fame on the TV talent show with her spine-tingling performance of ‘Cry Baby’ and has the honour of having been endorsed by the Janis Joplin Estate who say, “Impressive ... she does Janis justice!” For tickets call 01746 766477 or visit woodstock-experience.com for details.
Careena’s magic! A familiar face on the local scene for her work as a children’s entertainer, magician Careena Fenton has returned from the USA with a trophy in hand. The Bridgnorth-based entertainer won the prestigious Stage Magic competition at South Carolina’s East Coast Spirit Sessions magic convention in the USA, performing as her gothic Victorian character Miss Sylvia Sceptre. Careena says, “This is not only the first time a non-US magician has won, but also the first time a female magician has won!” Careena, whom Reece Shearsmith of The League of Gentlemen described as “timeless, elegant and beautifully Victorian” will be appearing at Shrewsbury’s Steampunk Spectacular.
Use an iPad to take an edit your own photos at the Hive’s Easter workshop for youngsters
Hive of activity The Hive in Shrewsbury is putting on a range of workshops for young and old over the Easter holidays. For those aged from eight to 13 there’s an animation workshop running from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday 3 April, and a photography day on Wednesday 4 April, both priced at £25. A Spring Sounds music workshop on Thursday 5 April is open to those aged from four to 13, while adults can try their hand at pottery in an evening workshop on Sunday 18 April, priced at £18. For full details and to book, visit thehiveonline.org.uk. 51
LOCAL ARTS
Bach for Easter
LOCAL ARTS
t: 01746 766477
Book Review
Town Hall, High street, Bridgnorth BOOK ONLINE AT
theatreonthesteps.co.uk
What’s on WITH LOVE FROM ST TROPEZ SAT 3 MAR Shazia Mirza’s new show ‘With Love From St. Tropez’. A satire on Brexit, French beach wear and a bipolar White House, about lies, lies and more lies… the truth is so 1980’s. TICKETS £13
WINGS OVER ABBEY ROAD SAT 10 MAR A celebration of the Beatles from their beginnings to their peak, and Paul McCartney’s Wings. Top-class musicians and vocalists perform and celebrate top-class songs from world-class artists. It’s an evening not to be missed for fans of the Fab Four. TICKETS £12 - £13.50
by Eva Dolan (Published by Bloomsbury, £12.99 ) I don’t think I’ve ever chosen to review a book of crime fiction here before – but I’m so excited about a new, young author whose latest book This is How it Ends I’ve been eagerly waiting for.
FRI 13 – 14 APR
I started reading crime fiction when I wanted something ‘light’ to read. Little did I know just how good a genre this could be; the best are not just great on plot but build complex characters, and they often put politics front and centre, challenge the status quo and shine a spotlight on inequality.
Three days of peace and love in one great show! Experience the Summer of Love in a celebration of music from the concert that changed the world. Performed by singers and musicians straight from London’s West End including X Factor finalist Melanie Masson. TICKETS £20
Eva Dolan does all of this in spades. The first of her five books was published in 2014 and she has already garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. The first four novels feature DS Ferreira and DI Zigic, who head up Peterborough’s Hate Crimes Unit – a unit constantly under threat because of cutbacks. Ferreira, with her fraught relationship with her Catholic parents and her unfixed sexuality, is a perfect foil to her boss Zigic’s calm, family-man persona.
SENSATION
Dolan’s focus on migrant working conditions, on issues of sexuality, poverty and corruption, is timely and passionate. Her ear for dialogue is true and her command of plot line is impeccable, and her characters, on either side of the good/bad divide, act as they do because of the lives they’ve been handed, while retaining autonomy and responsibility.
WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE
SAT 28 APR The greatest hits of The Who plus songs from Tommy and Quadrophenia in one show. Jump on the Magic Bus for this amazing musical journey … from My Generation to Who are You, all with maximum rhythm and blues. TICKETS £19
VIVA LA COLDPLAY SAT 5 MAY After a sell-out last year, Viva La Coldplay return to recreate the complete anthology of Martin, Buckland, Berryman and Champion and perform over two hours’ worth of career-spanning material from 2000’s ‘Parachutes’ to 2015’s ‘A Head full of Dreams’. TICKETS £12
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This is How it Ends
I’m a third of the way through this book at time of writing. I’m missing Zigic and Ferreira, (I do hope we’ll have more of them), but am completely drawn in to this story of what home means when it can be taken away from you by developers after 30 years. As always, Dolan hones in on questions of power and powerlessness and doesn’t shy away from the inconsistencies and casual hypocrisy of those for whom, perhaps, middle-class protest has become a way of life.
Anna Dreda, Wenlock Books, High Street, Much Wenlock wenlockbooks.co.uk ‘More than just a bookshop’
Advertisement Feature
Local firm of solicitors opens stunning new business centre A Shropshire company is reflecting the county’s economic strength by opening a smart new site close to the M54. Fodens, which currently has offices in Lawley and Much Wenlock, has opted to invest in the new premises as its business continues to grow. Fodens is renowned locally for its friendly, personal and client-focused approach, specialising in residential conveyancing, legal issues around commercial property and construction, litigation, wills and probate, lasting powers of attorney, and court of protection work. The firm’s philosophy is to provide a high quality of service coupled with a real emphasis on client care, and to ensure all work is carried out by experienced, fully qualified staff who are readily available to deal with any queries as they arise.
“We feel the new premises will enable us to broaden our business and reach more people in the county and the region…” Director Stephen Foden explains, “We’re very much a locally focused firm, and our relationships with our clients in Much
Directors Kelly Davies and Sophie Yates outside the Much Wenlock office
Wenlock and Lawley and throughout rural Shropshire are just as highly valued as ever. We feel the new premises will enable us to broaden our business and reach more people in the county and the region. Our new office is easy to find, very convenient in terms of location, and offers free parking.” The sparkling new office will be known as Fodens Business Centre at M54 Junction 6, Lawley, Telford, and the firm are aiming to be in place and ready to welcome clients old and new by the start of March. But existing clients who aren’t able to experience the Foden Business Centre will still be able to rely on Fodens for their incomparable legal support – “we’ll be arranging home visits at no extra cost,” says Stephen. “We still plan to retain a presence in Much Wenlock so people can make appointments to keep up to date on how their case is progressing and meet with the team in a place convenient to them, just as they always have done. In fact, we’ll be just as much a ‘local solicitor’ as ever!”
Wills, Probate & Powers of Attorney Residential Property
Head Office Fodens Business Centre M54 Junction 6 Lawley Telford Shropshire TF3 5HL
Commercial Property
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Unit 3 Birchfield Way Lawley Shropshire TF3 5BZ 01952 632149
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DIARY DATES
Dates for your diary – March & April THU 1 MAR
SUN 4, 11 & 18 MAR
So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs?
Digital Engineering for Kids
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Learn more about coding with your kids at these brand-new three-part workshops. No previous experience is required. The workshop is suitable for children aged 7-11 and children can come on their own or with other family members. Places are limited and pre-booking is essential. 10am-12pm £5 per person, per session or £10 per person for all three sessions. 01952 433970; ironbridge.org.uk
Get ready to go on an exciting prehistoric adventure as dinosaur aficionado Dr Ben Garrod talks you through the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet. Dinosaurs such as tyrannosaurus rex, allosaurus and spinosaurus would have walked or swam precisely where you are now! 1pm & 6pm £13.50-£16.50; family £52 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk
Enginuity, Ironbridge
See pages 60-61 for Children’s Easter Activities
THU 8 – 11 MAR
Crufts 2017 NEC Birmingham From breed judging and Best in Show to exciting displays in the Dog Activities ring. With over 200 breeds to meet and greet, plus plenty more family-friendly entertainment to keep tails wagging for a full four days. from £18; under 8s FREE 0844 338 8000; thenec.co.uk
SAT 3 MAR
Night Run Attingham Park, Atcham The fourth Night Run through the park at Attingham, suitable for beginners to running regulars. Choose between two routes a short 2.7km Explorer route for ages six plus, or a more challenging Adventurer 6km route for ages 12+. Entries must be made in advance. 6.30pm Explorer £7; Adventurer £14 01743 708165; nationaltrust.org.uk/ attingham-park
TUE 6 MAR
Phil Beer Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley Multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer is half of the West Countryʼs award-winning acoustic duo, Show of Hands; he’s been described as a true craftsman, a master musician and consummate performer. 7pm £15 07890 057832; birchmeadow.org.uk
THU 8 MAR
Griff Rhys Jones SAT 3 MAR
The Place, Oakengates Theatre
With Love from St Tropez
Join the star of Not the Nine O’Clock News, Alas Smith and Jones and Three Men in a Boat as he airs stories, anecdotes, reminiscences and outright lies from 40 years of travelling down rivers and up mountains, into Africa, out of India, and across the arid wastes of the BBC canteen. 7.30pm £19 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com
Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth Shazia Mirza’s new show is a steaming hot satire on Brexit, French beachwear and a bipolar White House; about lies, lies and more lies… the truth is so 1980s. 7.30pm £13 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk 54
SAT 10 MAR
Wings over Abbey Road Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth A celebration of the Beatles from their beginnings to their peak, and Paul McCartney’s Wings. Top-class musicians and vocalists perform and celebrate topclass songs from world-class artists. It’s an evening not to be missed for fans of the Fab Four. 8pm £12-£13.50 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk
DIARY DATES SAT 10 MAR
MWMV Choir Concert Holy Trinity Church, Much Wenlock Much Wenlock Male Voice Choir host fellow choristers from Newport MVC in a joint concert showcasing the wide range of repertoire for choirs, traditional to modern. 7.30pm £10 Tickets available from Penny Farthing or 01952 929760
SAT 10 – 11 & 24 – 25 MAR
Wenlock Olympian Live Arts Festival Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock Classes in dance, music and speech and drama. Performances are open to the public to come and enjoy over both weekends. wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/ live-arts-festival/
SUN 11 MAR
Hardeep Singh Kohli
FRI 16 – 18 MAR
Spring Steam Gala Severn Valley Railway Great line-up of visiting locomotives supported by members of the Severn Valley Railway home fleet. A fabulous festival of locomotives large and small. 01562 757900; svr.co.uk
TUE 13 – 17 MAR
SAT 17 MAR
Son of a Preacher Man
Northern Soul Night
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley
Three broken hearts, one Soho hang-out, and the only man who could ever help them… Starring recording artist Michelle Gayle and featuring the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield, this sparklingly funny and sweetly touching new musical play will have you laughing, crying and singing your heart out to some of the greatest songs ever written. 7.30pm / 2.30pm Tickets £28.50-£41 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk
Not live music but a great night out if you like Northern Soul! Get your dancing shoes on and do some pins, flips, karate kicks and backdrops to the soulful sounds of those days gone by. 7.30pm £5 07890 057832; birchmeadow.org.uk
WED 14 MAR
The Sleeping Beauty The Place, Oakengates Theatre A classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score with stunning choreography and beautiful costumes combined to portray the struggle between good and evil. Following the traditional tale of Sleeping Beauty, this ballet is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. 7pm £19.50 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com
SAT 17 MAR
Showaddywaddy Ludlow Assembly Rooms Showaddywaddy have long been established as Europe’s most successful ever exponents of retro-inspired rock ‘n’ roll. As popular as ever, the band promise an outstanding night of music. 8pm £21.50 01584 878141; ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock The Radio 4 favourite, BAFTA winner and regular on BBC’s Question Time, This Week and Daily Politics tours with a brand new show following its critically acclaimed run performed to packed houses at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Join Hardeep as he gives his unique take on the political climate combined with his trademark quick-witted patter. 7.30pm £14 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com
SUN 18 MAR
Vintage Machinery Tractor Run Apley Farm, Norton The run will be starting from Apley Farm at 10am, taking a pit-stop around lunchtime in Bridgnorth High Street and then returning to Apley at around 3.30pm. 10am 07986 170715; bvmc.org.uk 55
DIARY DATES
SUN 18 MAR
SUN 1 APR
Continental & Handmade Markets
Motorfest
Bridgnorth High Street
This popular and hugely well attended fixture on the classic vehicle calendar will welcome classic cars, motorcycles, military 4x4’s, performance cars, classic commercials, tractors and stationary engines. Adults £10; child £5; under 5s FREE 01952 852100
Weston Park
The popular Savoir Fayre Continental Market takes place at the end of the High Street and there’s also a welcome return for the Sunday Handmade Market under the Town Hall. 10am bridgnorthtownevents.org
SUN 18 MAR
Severn Jesters Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Discover the new stars of stand-up at this popular comedy club that has seen the likes of Greg Davies, Russell Kane, Chris Ramsey and Joe Lycett. 8pm £9 in advance 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk
THU 29 MAR
Faith Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury A stunning celebration of one the greatest singer/songwriters of all time featuring international George Michael tribute Wayne Dilks and his eight-piece band. 7.30pm £23.50 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk
WED 4 APR
ROH: Macbeth Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock
THU 29 – 31 MAR & 2 – 5 APR
Panto-Mania The Place, Oakengates Theatre
THU 22 MAR
NT Live: Julius Caesar Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock Ben Whishaw (The Danish Girl, Skyfall) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones) play Brutus and Cassius, David Calder (The Hatton Garden Job) plays Caesar and David Morrissey (The Missing, The Walking Dead) is Mark Antony. Broadcast live from the Bridge Theatre, London. 7.15pm £12/10 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com
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Join a Pantomime adventure this Easter as Dick Doddington leaves Telford in his search for fame and fortune. Telford favourites Ian Billings and Phil Butler join panto legend Philip Meeks in a fun-filled family show to celebrate 50 years of Telford. Adult £15; child £12; family £50 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com
Verdi’s life-long love affair with Shakespeare’s works began with Macbeth, a play he considered to be ‘one of the greatest creations of man’. The warrior Macbeth fights on the side of the King of Scotland – but when a coven of witches prophesy he shall become king himself, a ruthless ambition drives Macbeth and his wife to horrific acts. 7.15pm £12/10 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com
SUN 25 MAR
WED 4 – 5 APR
Ironbridge Half Marathon
The Little Mermaid
Telford Town Park
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Start at the arena in Telford Town Park, running down the Silkin Way, past the Gorge Museums following the old Severn Valley railway line. You run over the Iron Bridge itself, through Coalbrookdale and Rough Park back up onto the Silkin Way to the arena. Prizes will be issued for the first three male and female finishers on race day at 12.30pm. from £22 telfordharriers.co.uk/ihm2018
Join Get Your Wigle On as their young performers take audiences on a magical journey ‘under the sea’ to the musical one-act version of the Disney classic: The Little Mermaid Jr. 3pm / 4pm Adult £11 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk
DIARY DATES
SAT 7 APR
Stars in your Skies Chalet Pavillion, Carding Mill Valley Early Moon Shots – Success and Failure, a history of moon exploration. Moon-rise is just before 3am so skies will be dark and deep-sky objects should be visible for observing post-session. Soup and a roll are included in the ticket price. 8pm-10pm £10 0344 2491895 ; nationaltrust.org.uk/events
SUN 8 APR
Meet the Beekeeper The Orchard, Dudmaston Estate Take a closer peek at how bees live and work by looking at the observation hive. Meet the people who look after the bees and find out how these amazing insects help to sustain the flora and fauna on the estate. There’s also a chance to have a go at candle rolling using real beeswax. 11am-5pm 01746 782832
SUN 8 APR SAT 7 APR
Spring Show St Leonard’s, Bridgnorth Bridgnorth Horticultural Society’s Annual Spring Show, open to all. Classes in spring flowers and pot plants; entries taken between 9am and 11am. Judging starts at 11am and the show is open to the public from 1pm. FREE to enter
Shropshire Scale Model Show Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Shifnal Intricately detailed models will be on display against a backdrop of full-sized aircraft in the Museum’s hangars. Around 70 model clubs will be here, plus traders selling everything you need to build the perfect model tank, car or boat. 10am FREE 01902 376200
FRI 13 – 14 APR
Woodstock Experience Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth Three days of peace and love in one great show! Experience the Summer of Love in a celebration of music from the concert that changed the world. Performed by singers and musicians straight from London’s West End including X Factor finalist Melanie Masson. 8pm £20 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk
SAT 14 APR
The Man Engine Blists Hill Victorian Town, Madeley The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain, the spectacular Man Engine crawls at 4m tall and transforms to stand at 11.2m tall and will be on display at Blists Hill, along with lots of other family activities throughout the day. An evening event with music and entertainment will also take place at 8.30pm. See website for full details. 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk
SAT 14 APR
SAT 14 APR
SAT 7 & 8 APR
Comedy: Simon Evans
Open House Weekend
Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock
Roxy Musique
Severn Valley Railway The return of the popular model railway exhibition, alongside opportunities for you to see what goes on behind closed doors. 01562 757900; svr.co.uk
Ever since he was a small boy, all Evans really wanted was to be recognised by the world as a man of genius. He has remained thwarted... until now. 8pm £14 0333 666 3366; edgeartscentre.com
The Place, Oakengates Theatre Roxy Musique is the definitive tribute to Roxy Music, the influential and groundbreaking band featuring Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno. 7.30pm £17.50 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com 57
DIARY DATES
THU 19 – 21 APR
The Full Monty Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty has been given a Broadway Musical makeover. A 10-time Tony Award nominee, this musical is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and perhaps the most highly anticipated closing number of all time. 7.30pm / 2.30pm Tickets from £12-£21 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk
SAT 21 APR
Plant Hunters Fair Battlefield 1403, Shrewsbury The plant fair offers the opportunity to pop along and visit specialist nurseries at no charge to get the gardening season off to a great start. 9.30-4pm FREE planthuntersfairs. co.uk
SUN 22 APR
Storm the Castle Duathlon Ludlow Rugby Club, Ludlow Set in the picturesque town of Ludlow and surrounding countryside, the UK’s toughest duathlon offers a challenge to athletes of all abilities. The run and bike course feature rolling hills along with some seriously steep sections. Includes races for ages 5-16 years; see website for details. stormthecastleduathlon.com
SUN 22 – 23 APR
SAT 28 APR
Horrible Histories
Field to Fork Festival
The Place, Oakengates Theatre
Harper Adams University, Newport
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for a special production of Horrible Histories featuring more of your favourite characters from our barmy past – and a brand new scene with wordy Will. Adult £14; child £12; family £49.50 01952 382382; theplacetelford.com
Field to Fork celebrates and explores the story of our food, today and in the future. There will be a host of entertainment to inspire, educate and enjoy throughout the festival. From live music, kids’ entertainment and a farmers’ market through to tasty street food, machinery displays and live animals. FREE but tickets limited fieldtoforkfestival.com
SAT 28 APR
Sensation Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth The greatest hits of The Who plus songs from Tommy and Quadrophenia in one show. Jump on the Magic Bus for this amazing musical journey … from My Generation to Who are You, all with maximum rhythm and blues. 8pm £19 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk
SAT 28 APR
Discovery Club SAT 21 APR
Winter Wilson Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley Husband and wife duo Kip Winter and Dave Wilson bring folk with a splash of blues, singing out for the underdog, beautiful songs, beautifully sung and a weird humour all of their own. 7.30pm £10 07890 057832; birchmeadow.org.uk
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Shropshire Discovery Centre, Craven Arms A club for kids aged three to seven packed full of fun things to do, encouraging children to get back to nature, enjoy the outdoors and get creative. See all the different minibeasts that are living in the pond and then draw your favourite ones to take home with you. Bring wellies and appropriate clothing. 11am-12pm £2.50 per child 01588 676060; shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk
SAT 28 & 29 APR
PAW Patrol Visit Severn Valley Railway Come along to see brave pups Chase and Skye who will appear at regular intervals throughout the day at the Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley. Magic shows featuring A Box of Tricks will also be taking place over the weekend. Adult £21; child £14; family £59 01562 757900; svr.co.uk
Bridgnorth May Fair
THU 3 MAY
Bridgnorth High Street
Bat Walk
Revel in a packed day of entertainment including a food fair, handmade crafts, plants for sale and a children’s fun fair. 10am-4pm bridgnorthpromotions.co.uk
National Trust Car Park, Much Wenlock Join the ranger and learn about the bat species on Wenlock Edge. Then use bat detectors to locate and listen to their calls. Finish the walk with a warming hot chocolate. Wear sturdy boots, wrap up warm and bring a torch. Booking is essential. 8pm-10pm £4 03442491895
DIARY DATES
MON 7 MAY
Looking forward to May…
SUN 6 – 7 MAY
Green Man Festival Various locations, Clun The Green Man Festival at Clun is a renowned annual event which first took place in the 13th century as part of celebrations of spring. Expect music, merriment, entertainment, craft and more. clungreenman.org.uk
SUN 13 MAY SAT 5 MAY
SUN 6 – 7 MAY
Viva La Coldplay
Spring Plant Fair
Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth After a sell-out last year, Viva La Coldplay return to recreate the complete anthology of Martin, Buckland, Berryman and Champion and perform over two hours’ worth of career-spanning material from 2000’s ‘Parachutes’ to 2015’s ‘A Head full of Dreams’. 8pm £12 01746 766477; theatreonthesteps.co.uk
Weston Park, nr Shifnal The wonderful Plant Hunters Fairs will once again make Weston their home over the Bank Holiday weekend showcasing award winning plants. Children can let off steam in the Woodland Adventure Playground and there are miles of woodland walks, lakes and the beautiful formal gardens to explore. 10am £3 planthuntersfairs.co.uk
Sprint Triathlon Severn Centre, Highley Held by Bridgnorth and Severn Centre Triathlon club and now in its sixth year. Competitors will take on a 400m swim, an 18km bike leg and finish with a 5km run, descending into the beautiful Severn Valley Country Park. £30-£33 minerstrial.co.uk
SUN 6 – 7 MAY SAT 5 – 13 MAY
Ironbridge Walking Festival Various locations around Ironbridge Over 50 themed and family walks over nine days in and around the stunning Ironbridge Gorge. All walks are FREE but pre-booking is essential. The programme is available online. 01952 433 424; ironbridgewalking. co.uk
Morville Festival & May Fair Morville Church and Hall A two-day festival with six beautiful gardens surrounding Morville Hall including the renowned Dower House Garden. Bank Holiday Monday brings the May Day Fair with stalls, maypole dancing, musical entertainment plus many other attractions. 11am 01746 714686
SUN 28 MAY
EDG Sun Fest EDG Ground, Bridgnorth Rugby Club Organised by Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival, this fantastic event includes a diverse musical line-up plus barbecue, beer, kids’ entertainment and much more. £3 in advance; under 13s FREE bridgnorthfestival.org.uk
59
DIARY DATES
EASTER
FRI 30 – 31 MAR
Easter Activities
SAT 31 MAR
SUN 1 APR
Discovery Club
Easter Egg Hunt
Shropshire Discovery Centre, Craven Arms
Castle Grounds, Bridgnorth
A club for three to seven years olds packed full of fun things to do and encouraging children to get back to nature, enjoy the outdoors and get creative. Spring is full of sounds; see how many you can hear and then try and reproduce them with natural materials. Bring wellies and outdoorappropriate clothing. 11am-12pm £2.50 per child 01588 676060; shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk
Solve the clues and find the bunnies around the Castle Grounds to find the hidden Easter phrase. Prizes for all entrants with a special prize for a lucky winner. There will also be a bouncy castle and face painting. 12-2pm £1 bridgnorthtownevents.org
Blists Hill Victorian Town, Madeley
SUN 1 & 2 APR
Easter Hunt Dudmaston Estate, nr Quatt, Bridgnorth
Watch the unusual Victorian Easter pastime of egg dancing and come wearing your Easter bonnet to join in the traditional parade. See chicks’ eggs hatch, watch chocolate eggs being made, print a poster using a Victorian printing press, find the bunnies hidden around the Town and follow a trail to solve the Easter anagram. Some activities carry an extra charge. 10am Adult £19.75; child £12 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk
The Easter Bunny has been busy in the garden again and needs your help with his Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt. Can you find all the clues and crack his puzzles to win a chocolate prize? 12-4pm Trails £2.50 plus admission costs which are free for NT members 01746 780866; nationaltrust.org.uk/ events
SAT 31 MAR FRI 30 – 31 MAR
Easter Paint or Sculpt Coalport China Museum, Coalport Paint chicks and bunnies as part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum’s ‘Create Something New’ activities that are taking place across The Gorge over the Easter break. Young artists can decorate a money box, fridge magnet or paper plate with baby animals using quick-drying paint. 11am-3pm Adult £9.95; child £6.50 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk
Family Rave Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury The Big Fish Little Fish crew are bringing their award-winning, critically acclaimed family rave to Theatre Severn for a carnival-themed family rave. Designed to be as much fun for adults as children, Big Fish Little Fish is social, creative, anarchic, daft and a lot of fun for all. 2-4pm Adult £10; child £7; under 1s FREE 01743 281281; theatresevern.co.uk
Easter Tile Workshops SAT 31 MAR
SAT 31 MAR – 15 APR
Easter at Rays Farm Rays Farm, Billingsley, Bridgnorth See baby lambs and playful goat kids, meet rabbits and chicks, get creative with Easter craft activities and follow the Easter Trail to earn a treat. 10am Adult £9.45; child £7.25; family £31 01299 841255; raysfarm.com 60
MON 2 – 13 APR
Severn Valley Egg Chase Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Join the Easter Bunny on a 2.5km multi-terrain and traffic-free run along woodland tracks. Free chocolate eggs, drinking water and a medal for all runners. Suitable for off-road running buggies, this is a great event for all the family. Ages 5-17 £3.50; adult (18+) £4; family £13 stuweb.co.uk/events
Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge Join an Easter themed drop-in tile decorating workshop and try the tube-lining technique to produce a tile featuring your own design; tiles cost from £5 each and can be fired and sent home later for a small extra charge. 10am-3pm Adult £9.95; child £6.50 (free with Annual Passport) 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk
DIARY DATES
ACTIVITIES WED 4 APR
Spring Crafts Bridgnorth Library, Listley Street A drop-in spring craft workshop for all the family. For ages 4 – 11 years. 11am-12pm FREE 01746 763358
TUE 3 APR
Mario Kart Marathon Ludlow Assembly Rooms Back by popular demand – play the famous racing game on the big screen. Pick your favourite characters, compete against your friends and see who can cross the finish line first. 11am £3 01584 878141; ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
THU 5 APR
Get Gardening! Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Join a fun drop in session and plant your own mini herb garden to take home with you. Suitable for ages 4 and upwards. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-1pm £5 per mini garden. 01746 781192
THU 5 & 12 APR
Little Trekkers TUE 3 & 10 APR
Carding Mill Vallley
Pyrography Craft
A fun and informative spring walk for all the family led by expert ranger guides. FREE nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Corner Woods Meadow, Dudmaston Estate Get creative, drawing whatever design you like onto a wooden blank. Choose from a coaster, a heart, a name plaque, or a wooden spoon. Then use the hot-tip pyrography tools to burn your design into the wood. This activity is totally safe and supervised at all times. Prices for wooden blanks start at £4. Booking not necessary. 10am-4pm from £4 07968 071588 ; nationaltrust.org.uk/events
Bush Tucker Fun Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Are YOU a survivor? Could you find and collect stars in exchange for some real bush tucker? Search in the woods for stars; scavenge around the park for items to exchange for stars; and challenge yourself to find out What’s in the Box? To end the activity, feast on real bugs in the visitor centre. 10am-12pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm Child £4; adults FREE 01746 781192 to book your place
WED 11 APR
Scavenger Hunt Presthope Car Park Come and explore the woods and track down nature’s treasures. Can you find them all and claim a prize? Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-2pm £2 01694 725000
TUE 3 – 15 APR
Feathers & Flight Trail
WED 11 APR
RAF Museum, Cosford
THU 5 APR
Families will need to be eagle-eyed on this fact finding Feathers and Flight trail as they pass through the hangars in search of the answers to six tricky aircraft and birdthemed questions. On 5 and 12 April there will be array of birds of prey including Hawks, Buzzards, Falcons, Owls and a Bald Eagle, along with their handlers on site to meet with visitors. 10am-5pm £1 01902 376200
Den Building Presthope Car Park Use your imagination to create your perfect woodland hideaway then top it off by creating a personalised flag. Why not bring some nibbles to enjoy inside your finished den? Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-2pm £2 01694 725000
THU 12 APR
Creative Suncatching Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Get creative in this drop in session. Put your skills to the test and make a paper suncatcher. Then put your chef’s hat on to rustle up a stained glass window suncatcher made out of biscuits and sweets! Take your creations away with you to enjoy them at home. 11am-1pm £3 per child; Adults FREE. 01746 781192
61
RECIPE
Flour power A new recipe book is putting the spotlight on different types of flour.
Flour by Christine McFadden (Absolute Press, £26) explores the options available to those who avoid wheat flour. We bring you two of her delicious recipes and find out more about flours that are anything but run of the mill.
62
QUINOA FLOUR
SESAME FLOUR
Quinoa trumps the nutritional credentials of most other plant foods. It contains a complete set of essential amino acids that make up protein, putting it on a par with foods from animal sources. It’s also a rich source of resistant starch which generally improves gut health. Find it at… bobsredmill.com; britishquinoa.co.uk; hodmedods.co.uk; kingarthurflour.com
Milled from sesame seeds, this underused flour certainly delivers on the nutritional front. It contains an impressive amount of essential amino acids that make up protein plus iron, dietary fibre and important B-vitamins – and no gluten whatsoever. Find it at… Good supermarkets, health food shops and online at sukrin.co.uk
This is an irresistible combination of soft, scented milky blancmange and gleaming shards of crunchy brittle. It would make a lovely Mothers’ Day treat. Serves 4–6 • 3 large lime leaves, fresh or frozen but not dried • 600ml (1 pint) whole milk • 4 tbsp cornflour • 4 tbsp sesame flour • 3 tbsp caster sugar, or to taste For sesame brittle • 200g (7oz) caster sugar • 4 tbsp toasted sesame seeds You will need: up to six 150ml (5fl oz) metal heart-shaped moulds or ramekin dishes Remove stalk from lime leaves. Roughly shred. Save a few as a garnish. Put the rest in a saucepan with all but 4 tbsp of milk. Slowly bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove. Leave to infuse for about 20 minutes. In a second saucepan, blend cornflour and reserved milk. Stir in sesame flour and sugar. Strain infused milk on to cornflour mix and stir. Bring to boil, whisking constantly until thickened – about 3 minutes. Simmer gently for 3 minutes, continuing to whisk. Pour into moulds. Cool. Chill for 2 hours, or until set. Meanwhile, line baking sheet with silicone sheet. Pour sugar into heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Melt sugar without stirring, shaking occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Watch the brittle Increase heat slightly. like a hawk – Bring to boil. Bubble for it can burn very few minutes until evenly quickly. golden. Stir in seeds. Boil for few more seconds. Pour on to silicone-lined baking sheet, tilting so brittle spreads in very thin layer. Once it’s set solid, break into shards or small fragments.
TIP
ROASTED TOMATO AND GRUYÈRE TART Serves 6 as a light meal With added rice flour and xanthan gum to help bind the dough, this pastry is lovely to work with, tastes good and looks great when baked. Pastry • 150g (5½oz) quinoa flour • 90g (3½oz) rice flour • 1½ tsp xanthan gum • 150g (5½oz) unsalted butter, chilled, diced • 4 egg yolks, lightly beaten • vegetable oil for greasing Filling • 12-14 plum tomatoes, halved crossways • Extra virgin olive oil • Sea salt flakes • Muscovado sugar • 150g (5½oz) Gruyère, coarsely grated • 4 eggs, lightly beaten • 125ml (4fl oz) double cream • 2 tablespoons oregano or marjoram leaves, chopped Preheat oven to 150C/Gas Mark 2. For filling, arrange single layer of tomatoes on a roasting tray. Sprinkle with oil, sea salt flakes, black pepper and a good few pinches of sugar. Roast for 1½ –2 hours, rotating every 30 minutes, until tomatoes are shrivelled but slightly moist. Cool. For pastry, put flours, gum and pinch of sea salt into a sieve over a bowl. Muddle
with fingers, then push through sieve once or twice until well blended. Using cold hands, lightly rub in butter. Hold hands well above the bowl so flour drifts gently down, incorporating air. Rub in any remaining butter. Add yolks with a fork, followed by enough water to form dough. Tip dough on to a floured surface. Knead briefly. Gather dough into a ball. Flatten to a thick disc about 12cm (4½in) in diameter. Wrap in greaseproof paper. Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 160°C/Gas Mark 3. Lightly grease a 28cm (11in) loose-based tart tin. Roll out pastry on baking parchment to a circle measuring about 33cm (13in) in diameter. Place tin upside down over the circle. Lift corners of parchment. Fold towards the middle of underside of tin. Using both hands, hold corners in place. Quickly turn tin over, allowing dough to flop into tin. Press any cracks together. Trim surplus dough; save to patch any cracks. Press dough into edge of tin to raise slightly above rim. Line base with foil. Fill with baking beans, making sure they go all the way to the edge. Bake blind for 15 minutes, rotating halfway through. Remove foil. Patch any cracks with reserved dough. Bake for 5–7 minutes, until pastry is pale golden. Remove from oven. Increase heat to 180°C/Gas Mark 4. Put a baking tray in to heat. Arrange tomato in pastry. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Combine eggs, cream, herbs; season. Pour over tomatoes. Bake immediately for 20 minutes or until puffy and golden. Serve hot or warm.
When ready to serve, turn the blancmange on to serving plates. Decorate with two or three sesame shards and a sliver of lime leaf. 63
RECIPE
LIME LEAF SCENTED BLANCMANGE WITH SESAME BRITTLE
LOCAL FOOD NEWS
Brewer for the day! A Shrewsbury brewery has launched a new tipple – and they’re also inviting people to make their own unique beer using the brewery’s specialist equipment. Chris Jones from St Anne’s Brewery explains, “We celebrated the New Year with the full production of our latest cask ale, Bad Bad Lea Cross Brown, by our head brewer Eric Berrill. “We’ve also decided to make a fairly unique offer for people to create their own beer, either by using their own recipe, or we’ll provide one. They can then make their own beer using the brewery facilities. It’s a great opportunity for home brewers, social and business organisations, or perhaps people with a connection with the brewing industry. We can offer advice on creating recipes, which can include a variety of main ingredients such as the oats, wheat or barley – but which can range from sweetcorn, potatoes, and rice to apples, and oranges…”
Castle soup group A voluntary group that provides delicious, nutritious soup lunches to the people of Bridgnorth is looking for more helpers – and more diners! Castle Kitchen was set up by Lorraine Ladha along with Kay Prior and Jane Peeler and has been running for a year now. The drop-in group, which meets at the town’s Castle Hall every two weeks from noon until 2pm, welcomes anyone who’d like to join others for lunch, be they older people; self-employed professionals; parents of young children; homeless people – even workers on their lunch break. Lorraine says, “We welcome everyone and anyone! I’m not a Bridgnorth person myself – I’ve only been here 13 years – but I’ve found Bridgnorth people very welcoming. We’ve done Together at Christmas for the past three years, and I enjoy making soup and cooking, so I really wanted to give something back to the people of the town.” Lorraine says Castle Kitchen have had plenty of support from the local community – “big thanks to the great businesses of Bridgnorth for helping us get the resources together, including Tony the vegetable man, Catherine’s Bakery who gave us bread at a reduced price, and the people from the Market Hall. Marks and Spencer are now providing us with ingredients, too.” “We’d love more people to come and enjoy a tasty bowl of soup and a roll. We also need more volunteers – please email me at lorraine.ladha@hotmail.com if you’d like to help. The group meets next on Fridays 2 and 16 March and 6 and 20 April.” 64
On St Anne’s Beer Experience Days, visitors enjoy full use of the premises as well as professional advice. If you’d like to have a go at brewing, call 07530 556951. Chris and Jasmin (back) of St Anne’s Brewery introduce some St Anne’s tipples to local CAMRA members
Fresh seasonal flavours Starters from £4.95 Mains from £11.95 Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm
The Forrester Arms, Avenue Rd, Broseley Shropshire TF12 5DL 01952 882004 www.thekingandthai.co.uk
Festival follows food’s journey A new festival will explore the different departments of one of Shropshire’s best-known educational institutions – with an extra helping of fun. Field to Fork Family Festival will be harnessing the expertise of the staff and students at Harper Adams University on Saturday 28 April. Organiser Beth Heath says, “Starting with free entry, this event is all about fun mixed up with a dollop of education. Imagine travelling the journey of a cheese sandwich, from getting hands-on to milk the cow through to making butter, mixing curds and whey, discovering the taste zones on your tongue, and learning the truth about about hand-washing hygiene. Every element of the food journey will be investigated with shiny modern tractors standing next to historical vintage machines. Children can learn how to programme robots, meet animals or enjoy a pollination trail while adults can chill out on the grass with a glass of gin and watch the live music.” Visit the website at fieldtoforkfestival.com.
Pregnant women and children under five are being urged to take Healthy Start Vitamins as part of a new campaign launched in January. Some women and children are entitled to free vitamin supplements to prevent health issues such as bone deformities and eye problems as part of the long-running Healthy Start strategy, and Telford & Wrekin Council are acting to help increase their take-up. The vitamins will be given away as part of a partnership between Telford & Wrekin Council, Telford & Wrekin CCG, Shropshire and Telford Hospitals and Shropshire Community Health Trust. Families who receive certain benefits such as Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance may be able to sign up for free vitamins via the Healthy Start Voucher scheme, and Healthy Start Vitamins can also be bought at a discounted rate from all pharmacies in Telford & Wrekin. Cllr Arnold England explains, “Even if you have the best diet, it’s very hard for people to get enough of the vitamins that parents and children need. It doesn’t matter who you are, all pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and young children are at risk of vitamin D deficiency and 8% of children under five in the UK don’t have enough vitamin A in their diet. “I’d encourage all mums in Telford and Wrekin to follow NHS guidance and to look at purchasing Healthy Start Vitamins.” Visit healthystart.nhs.uk for more details.
Enjoy 2 courses for just
£18 from our new Lounge Menu*
*Must be pre-booked and quote: WW! Offer. Excludes Fri/Sat eve & Sundays – valid until 31/3/18
01952 727251
within The Raven Hotel, Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN enquiry@ravenhotel.com ravenhotel.com 65
LOCAL FOOD NEWS
Vitamin call for women and children
LOCAL FOOD NEWS
THE FOX INN
46 HIGH STREET, MUCH WENLOCK TF13 6AD 01952 727292
delicious food cooked freshly each day
FOXY MENU SPECIALS* 2 course £10.50 3 course £11.95 *Available Monday – Wednesday evening & Wednesday – Saturday lunch
FOOD SERVED
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5.30 – 9pm 12 – 2.30, 5.30 – 9pm 12 – 9pm 12 – 4pm
RESTAURANT – BAR – ACCOMMODATION
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A little
Traditional English Roast Sundays 12-3
taste of Italy Authentic Italian dishes and delicious pizza straight from the oven
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Georgios at the rear of The George & Dragon, 2 High Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6AA 01952 727009 66
RESTAURANT REVIEW
@ The Raven Famed Much Wenlock hotel The Raven is adding to its repertoire with a cosier dining experience from its latest offering, The Lounge. Lily Rutherford pops along to investigate.
Nestled in the heart of Much Wenlock, The Raven has earned its stripes as one of the county’s most respected restaurants. Renowned as a place for special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries and more – the restaurant has maintained its reputation, consistently holding two AA rosettes and retaining its popularity with Shropshire’s savviest diners. Now however, the hotel has expanded its dining offer to suit a more casual everyday occasion. The newly renovated Lounge adheres to the same ethos of celebrating the best of local produce in expertly crafted dishes… but with a more casual style. The menu, created by head chef Jani Celestino, is bursting with inspiration from his home country of Sicily, which continues to guide his modern European style. The twist is in his use of the very freshest local ingredients – the best, you might conclude, of both worlds. Those fresh ingredients are perhaps most in evidence in the fish dishes, with the stars of the show selected daily from Birmingham’s fish market and stocked in The Raven’s adjacent Marketplace. The well-balanced menu offers six starters and seven main courses, which made deciding on our courses something of a challenge. Although the fishcakes were a tempting option to start, I opted for the terrine with chutney and artisan bread while my boyfriend chose the smoked haddock and pancetta chowder. The terrine was excellent; simple, yet thoroughly tasty, but the creamy, rustic chowder really stole the show. Sticking with my mission to eat the freshest produce possible, I opted for the Marketplace fish for my main. I was invited by my charming waitress, Emma, to pop over and select my fish, which made the experience even more special. My salmon arrived on a bed of delicious seasonal vegetables and sautéed potatoes. The fish had been pan-fried so maintained the perfect flakiness while boasting a crispy skin.
Cromwell opted for the chargrilled spatchcock chicken which, like the salmon, was served with fresh Marketplace vegetables. The chicken was tender and moist with the vegetables complementing the light, tasty dish. We ended our evening with classic desserts: bread and butter pudding with crème Anglaise and chocolate fondant with caramel ice cream. Each was perfectly sized and packing all the right flavours. With its rich history, its welcoming team and its expertly devised menus, The Raven is an easy restaurant to love. But with the addition of the more casual and cosy Lounge, it really does tick a box for every occasion.
Lily Rutherford THE LOUNGE AT THE RAVEN
Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN Ravenhotel.com 01952 272251 Lunch served Monday to Saturday noon–2.30pm Dinner served Sunday to Thursday 6pm–8.45pm; Friday to Saturday 6pm–7.30pm 67
LOCAL FOOD NEWS
of opening a tea room at weekends, which helps with funding.” Life Skills courses run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm, offering activities including household skills, food safety and preparation, and arts and crafts, while the tea room opens at weekends from 11am until 3pm; look for the signpost on the B4375 road between Benthall and Much Wenlock or email broseleylifeskills@aol.co.uk to find out more. Joanne, Leanne and friends show their gratitude after community members raised money for a new drill after one was stolen from the café
Café with a difference A local mother and daughter have teamed up to open a tea room with a difference. Joanne Horler and daughter Leanne both come from a background in the caring profession, and when they were made redundant, they began to look at other options. Joanne explains, “We decided to set up Broseley Life Skills in September 2015 as we found people had nowhere to go and partake in activities unless they travelled miles away.” Initially the pair operated out of Joanne’s home, but when they started receiving referrals, they knew they had to find somewhere with more space – and that’s when they came across a unit in Posenhall. Leanne recalls, “It was in a sorry state… but we looked beyond that! We loved the location overlooking the Wrekin and the big field with space for other projects. “Joanne loves to bake cakes and people were saying how homely we’ve made the place with the log burner – so we had the idea
Serving great lunches and dinner 7 days a week
Spring on the farm Back for 2018, the Spring Celebration at Fordhall Community Land Initiative near Market Drayton will be taking place on Sunday 15 April from 10am till 4pm. There will be a range of farm-focused entertainment, as well as plenty of the wholesome fare produced on the farm itself. Children can burrow through the hay bale tunnel or have a ride on the tractor, while adults can enjoy shopping at the stalls or have a drink at the bar. Tickets are £2.50 for adults and £2 for children, and proceeds are donated to Fordhall’s education programme. Email info@shropshirefestivals.co.uk for details.
Great food, Pub, B&B And Best view in town! The
Swan Inn
B4555 Highley Road, Knowle Sands, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 5JL T: 01746763424 www.swaninnbridgnorth.com 68
The Birchmeadow’s popular themed dinners return on Saturday 3 March with a USA-themed meal and film. The evenings, organised by Maggie Humphry, offer a home-cooked three-course meal as well as a film, each based upon a particular country’s culture and cuisine. Only 80 tickets are available, and dressing up is encouraged… but not essential. Maggie and her team, including Stephanie Bond, Margaret Phillips, Melanie Milan, Caroline Bagnall, Diane Davies, Peter Tyler and Lynne Whitehead, have been indulging in experimental ‘taster evenings’ during the run-up to the event in order to maximise the audience experience. The hall will be decked out in Americana, with US wines and beers available at the bar, and the film this time is Bagdad Café.
Eurasia finish year on a high
One Bridgnorth’s restaurants is Doorsof open at 6.45pm withbest-loved the film starting at 8.15pm. Tickets are available from Downes’ at birchmeadow.org.uk. looking forward to a or wonderful New Year after closing Maggie 2017 with further recognition from Humphry will fellow curry industry professionals. be waving the Stars and The team from Eurasia Tandoori in the town’s Castle Street Stripes on proudly in the 13th British Curry Awards – also behalf ofparticipated the Birchmeadow known as the curry industry’s ‘Oscars’ – on Monday 27 November at London’s Battersea Evolution.
Executive chef Amjad Ali said, “It was a real honour for Eurasia Tandoori to be shortlisted and to receive the prestigious award of Best in the Midlands. This is an amazing recognition of our
continued passion and commitment to serving the finest Indian cuisine in Shropshire, and it really reflects our enthusiasm for Indian and Bengali food. Myself and my partners Shamim Haque and Abdul Shahid Ahad are incredibly proud of having received such a prominent accolade.”
“It was a powerful reminder of how far Eurasia Tandoori has come and what we’ve achieved to be part of the great British success story…”
Treats for mums
The glittering evening was hosted by the BBC’s Ragev Omaar This year’s falls on March, and the with awardsMothering presentedSunday by Channel 4’s 11Krishnan Guru-Murthy Ironbridge Gorge Museums is offering admission to mums and featured a bevy of celebrities fromfree TV and the music at Blists Hill Victorian Town, Coalport China Museum, Jackfield industry as well as sports personalities such as David Seaman Tile Museum, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Museum of The and Jimmy White – and even PM Theresa May sent a video Gorge and Enginuity and when accompanied the by another visitorof the message recognising acknowledging contribution payingindustry full price. curry to the British economy. At Blists Hill you can treat mum toofa so Victorian High Tea inand the Ali added, “Being in the presence many honourable Club Room with sandwiches, pastries, distinguished guests from keycream-filled influential fiscones elds wasand incredibly along withnot a glass of sparkling wine and a pot of exciting… to mention a powerful reminder offreshly how farbrewed tea. In the Victorian era, Mothering Sunday was a special Eurasia Tandoori has come and what we’ve achieved to beday part when children working away in domestic service could return of the great British success story. It was a joyous occasion and a home to visit their mother and families. Although celebrated celebration of the energy and dedication of British restaurateurs during Lent, fasting was relaxed and families could indulge in – and a great platform for us to showcase our talent to such an delicious rich food. High Teas must be booked in advance; see auspicious audience!” ironbridge.org.uk for details.
Special Set Menu 2 course @ 3 course @
rr
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Superb shoulder surgery enables return to stitching! Dr Jill Campbell is a retired dentist from Jersey who suffered shoulder trouble for the last 40 years, until she saw Mr Richard Dias at Nuffield Health, who repaired a cuff tear and impingement, returning her to full working order. An excellent result of surgery combined with physiotherapy. During her working life, with a family of four children and a career as a dentist, Dr Campbell just got by as she didn’t want to risk either of these passions. She says she thinks the shoulder problem was caused simply by the wear and tear of everyday activity as a dentist and a working mum. Now 75, she loves to stitch and do quilting at her home on the island of Jersey. When her shoulder suddenly worsened in December 2016, she knew that something would have to be done, especially as sleeping became increasingly difficult. Fortunately, through her sister-in-law, a retired radiographer from Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, she was put in touch with shoulder specialist Mr Richard Dias and chose to undergo surgery in June. Dr Campbell says, “My treatment was simply superb! I count myself lucky to have been able to find the right person for the job, who was recommended through a family contact. I have private healthcare and relatives in the area, so Nuffield in Wolverhampton was ideal for me. I was only in for a day, but the hospital was perfect and the experience was very good indeed. I worked hard at my physiotherapy and I was careful not to overdo it with my shoulder until it was fully healed. I am an avid stitcher and now I have been discharged can really go for my needlework again!”
Patient Dr Jill Campbell with consultant upper limb surgeon Mr Richard Dias
with a family of four children and a career as a dentist, Dr Campbell just got by as she didn’t want to risk either of these passions Following the surgical repair to her rotator cuff and to treat impingement, Dr Campbell had physiotherapy back home in Jersey for five months. She had to wear a sling for six weeks and came back for three check-ups with Mr Dias at the Nuffield private hospital. Mr Dias is an orthopaedic trained upper limb and hand surgeon who specialises in shoulder, elbow and hand and wrist surgery in his private and NHS practice in Wolverhampton.
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77
GARDENING TIPS
Good Gardening Tips for March & April
Spring into the garden Now’s the time to get the best out of your plot
Writing this piece at the beginning of January, it’s difficult to forecast how soon spring will appear or if we’re going to get another cold spell like we did before Christmas. So be sure to adjust your plans to suit the weather conditions.
Slugs and snails love young herbaceous shoots, especially in damp conditions. Use a deterrent to prevent the wholesale slaughter of your plants…
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As the weather becomes hopefully milder, you can get back out into the garden and really get into the swing of things. Weed and clean borders, then apply a general-purpose fertilizer before you add any mulches of compost or well-rotted manure. If you have any lime-hating (ericaceous) plants, such plants as camellias, rhododendrons and azalea, make sure you use an ericaceous fertilizer as they require extra trace elements. Flower power Dead-head bulbs, particularly daffodils, leaving the green foliage on to send nutrients back to the bulb, then top-dress with fertilizer; this should guarantee a good display of flowers next year. Remember to dead-head spring flowering bedding plants as well to encourage more flowers. If it’s been damp, keep an eye on your pansies and violas, as they can develop black leaf spot at this time of year – remove and dispose of the worst affected leaves. Spring is the ideal time to split snowdrops into smaller clumps.
Many of the summer flowering bulbs and tubers can be planted outside as the weather warms up – lilies, canna, pineapple flower and summer snowflakes. Always plant lily bulbs on their side so that water doesn’t lie in the scales and cause them to rot. Lilies, especially the newer tree lilies, benefit from being started off in pots and planted outside once growing strongly. They don’t reach their full potential in height for a couple of years, but they’re well worth the wait. Dahlias should be started off in pots inside, then planted out once the danger of frosts has receded. To increase the number of plants, try taking cuttings from tubers when the growth is around 10cm long – they root very easily. Begonias should be pressed gently into potting compost, curved side down – never completely covered, water and keep on a light sunny windowsill or in a heated greenhouse. Garden care Remove any old growth from perennials and divide if required. Put in stakes, canes and plant supports before they get too tall and flop over. Slugs and snails love young herbaceous shoots, especially in damp conditions. Use a deterrent to prevent the wholesale slaughter of your plants – every gardener has their
GARDENING TIPS own choice, whether homemade or shop-bought, and there are some good, safe options on the market now. Rose pruning should be finished now; once the new growth has several sets of complete leaves open, start spraying them fortnightly against black spot, mildew and aphids, ideally with one of the combined products specifically aimed at roses such as Roseclear. As the weather becomes increasingly mild, thoughts start turning to the lawn. If your lawn is anything like mine, it’s sure to have plenty of moss in it. I recommend MO Bacter to help combat the problem. This is a slow-release organic fertiliser for lawns, which now carries the RHS logo on the bag. It feeds the lawn over a 12-week period and contains bacteria which are naturally found in the soil and which when added to fertiliser will consume material like thatch and moss, making it unnecessary to rake or scarify after treatment. It’s been used on our own domestic lawns and we’ve found it to be an excellent product. Alternatively, use products such as Evergreen Complete which contain a feed, weed-killer and moss-killer in one product. Once the moss has died and gone black it can be raked out. Remember the golden rule with lawns:
Softer varieties such as basil and coriander can be grown on the kitchen windowsill – handy for using when cooking. never rake moss out while it’s still alive, you’ll just spread it everywhere. Aerate the lawn with a fork or spikes on shoes to improve drainage. Any bare patches can then be reseeded. Feed regularly throughout the growing season.
frosts once the foliage appears.
Plot to plate
Plug plants are now appearing in garden centres – pot them up into larger pots and keep them warm and in a sunny position. Don’t be tempted to leave them outside quite yet – the end of May is quite soon enough.
Annual herbs can be sown now – fennel, parsley, savoury, dill all need replenishing every year. Perennial herb varieties can also be planted; remember to water and feed regularly so you can keep cropping throughout the year. Softer varieties such as basil and coriander can be grown on the kitchen windowsill – handy for using when cooking.
Carrots, celery, beetroot, leeks, onions, broad beans and lettuce can all be sown or planted outside during April. Sow at regular intervals to give a steady supply of vegetables.
Happy gardening!
Become a weather watcher! Look out for late frosts if you’ve got potatoes in tubs with plenty of leaf growth – always protect at night. Sow your first and second early potatoes followed by maincrops, again watching out for late
This issue’s tips are provided by Ann Winwood of
Lealans Garden Centre, Shipley. 79
GARDEN NEWS
Golden Telford This spring, Telford will be turning yellow! Thousands of golden daffodils are set to bloom at key roadside locations close to Telford Central to mark the borough’s 50th birthday this year. Around 170,000 bulbs have been planted – one for each of the borough’s residents. The anniversary flowers are at Hollinsgate Mound and on Rampart Way, providing a bright welcome for motorists.
Morville magic For 900 years, the people of Morville have been worshipping at the church of St Gregory. This anniversary is being marked as part of this year’s Morville Festival on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May. The event will include six open gardens including Katherine Swift’s historical garden, displays by local flower arrangers, plant sales, and a timeline made by Morville Primary children.
Cllr John Minor says, “The wildflower planting we started a few years ago has given a lot of pleasure, and has also been great for wildlife. The snowy weather delayed the planting, but we should still get a show this coming spring. They will be a lasting celebration to mark the borough’s golden anniversary. Happy birthday Telford!”
Morville PTA’s Faye Thomas says, “On the Monday, there will be a Medieval Morville-themed Crown and Shield competition. Children are welcome to bring their creations of shields and crowns or make them in the craft area – there are prizes to be won!” Monday’s May Fair features maypole dancing, pony rides, a bouncy castle, and lively music… including line dancing! The church and gardens (WV16 5NB, three miles west of Bridgnorth on the A458) are open on both days from 11am to 5pm; entrance is £5 (children free), parking £2 on Monday. Visit morvillefestival. co.uk or find them on Facebook.
Bridgnorth show Saturday 7 April is the date of Bridgnorth Horticultural Society’s spring show, which takes place at St Leonard’s Church. Anyone is welcome to enter and there’s no charge – just bring along your entries on the day between 9 and 11am; judging starts at 11am prompt. The show is then open to the public between 1 and 3.30pm. Categories include daffodils; tulips; pot plants and many others. Call 01746 862680 or email glyn.lucas@aol.co.uk for full details or to find out more about the Society.
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GARDEN NEWS
Discover nature In January, the Habitat Helpers at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre joined up with wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation for a special work group. Ranger Amanda Apps explains, “Since its launch in June, the group has been going from strength to strength. Tasks have ranged from clearing fencing and trees of ivy to clearing grass around picnic areas, to ‘balsam bashing’ – tackling the Himalayan balsam along the River Onny.” For more information, call 01588 676060. The Discovery Centre is also hosting events over the Easter holidays including a chance to meet Superworm and wiggly friends on Monday 2 to Friday 6 and Monday 9 to Friday 13 April from 1pm-2:30pm. For accompanied children aged between 3 and 11 – call 01588 676060. Meet Superworm and friends at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Open garden Marilyn and Bill Hammerton will open their garden at 8 Westgate Villas, Bridgnorth on Friday 13 April from 7 to 9.30pm and on Sunday 15 April from 2pm to 5.30pm, on behalf of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS). This will be the garden’s 10th year of opening and will be the last for the NGS. The garden has a strong oriental influence and was used by Alan Titchmarsh as inspiration for a Japanese-style garden he was building for his Love Your Garden BBC TV series, televised in July 2017. Entrance is £5 on the Friday, to include wine/soft drink, canapés and lighting; and £4 on the Sunday, when cakes, tea and a children’s trail will be available. Call 01746 761940 for details.
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GARDEN NEWS
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Volunteers sought Park life A drop-in session between 11am and 1pm on Thursday 5 April at Severn Valley Country Park (SVCP) will show you how to plant your own herb garden. SVCP’s Susie Comaish says, “Herbs are easy to grow and look after and best of all, you can eat them! We’ll be planting herbs and making labels so you can keep track of which is which. We’ll be using compost so things might get a bit messy!” Suitable for ages 4 and up; £5 per mini garden. Then, on Wednesday 11 April, SVCP will offer you the chance to try some ‘bush tucker’ – take part in a range of activities and then feast on real bugs. Call 01746 781192 to book a place – sessions (£4 per child) run from 10am to noon and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
The National Trust is looking for people from all walks of life to help in a variety of roles including helping in the garden at Benthall Hall or lending a hand in the Shropshire Hills as a weekend Duty Ranger. As well as working in beautiful surroundings, volunteering with the NT provides the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and take part in behind-the-scenes talks and tours. The NT’s Alison Minshall says, “There’s much more flexibility to volunteering than you might think, whether it’s once a month in the garden or even once a year at a family muck-in day when you can bring the kids and help in the parkland. Whatever time you can give it’s very much appreciated and makes a real difference in preserving our heritage.” To find out more, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteer.
Don’t forget
Mothers’ Day Now available
Geraniums, fuchsia & hanging basket plug plants ready for growing on
MARCH 11TH We have a stunning range of planted arrangements and pot plants
Hanging baskets now being accepted for summer refilling
Huge range of
Shrubs, trees, roses & herbaceous plants always in stock
Lealans Garden Centre a real garden centre for real gardeners
OPEN DAILY
Tel: 01902 700209 www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk Wolverhampton to Bridgnorth Road (A454), Shipley. 83
GARDEN NEWS
Finally, on Sunday 15 April, join SVCP, Shropshire Council and Severn Rivers Trust to celebrate World Fish Migration Day! The day starts at 10am with a riverside ramble when you can learn about a forgotten species of fish and discover the secrets of a hidden farmstead. Later, there’s a craft session from 11am-3pm when you can learn about fish migration and make your own beautiful fish; or join in pond dipping from 2-4pm (£2.50 per child). For the ramble, call 01746 781192; for other Fish Day events, just turn up.
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
Stretton Hills
We’re looking forward to the brighter months ahead following the spring equinox on 20 March – this will mean the welcome return of blossoming trees, flowering plants and sunshine! We’ve put together our list of local walks so you can make the most of what Mother Nature has to offer this spring. Just remember to call ahead for details and to book your place… THU 1 MAR
MON 19 MAR
Acton Burnell
Broseley, Buildwas Abbey & Benthall Edge
5 miles 07879 447804; tesramblers.org.uk
6 miles 9.15am; adult £3.50; child £2; 01746 781192.
SUN 4 MAR
Carding Mill Valley & Long Mynd 10 miles 07814 486632; tesramblers.org.uk
THU 22 MAR
Hutchison Way
SUN 25 MAR
Trentham Gardens, Hanchurch Hills
Norton Camp, Onibury & Stokesay
SAT 17 MAR
Stiperstones Circular 6 miles 10am; 07711964247 – Shropshire Young Ramblers
SUN 18 MAR
Peckforton & Sandstone Trail 8 miles 07780 570121; tesramblers.org.uk 84
Wednesdays at 10.30am
CHELMARSH Mondays at 10am
DITTON PRIORS Thursdays at 10am
HIGHLEY Mondays at 10.30am
MUCH WENLOCK Mondays at 10am. Additional longer walk, first Monday of each month at 9.30am
SHIFNAL Tuesdays at 10.30am For more information, contact 01743 255059; mick.dunn@ shropshire.gov.uk.
9 miles 07790 656440; tesramblers.org.uk
THU 8 MAR
8.5 miles 07771 985846; tesramblers.org.uk
BROSELEY
8.5 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk
SUN 25 MAR
Wrekin 7 miles 11am; 07832 131664 – Shropshire Young Ramblers
Horseshoe Pass
SUN 1 APR
THU 5 APR
Dudmaston
Coalbrookdale Sabbath Walks
8 miles 07528 478044; tesramblers.org.uk
4.5 miles 01952 585129; tesramblers.org.uk
SUN 15 APR
Peak District
Primrose Walk, Walcot Woods
9 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk
SUN 22 APR
Naked Trees ID Walk, Dudmaston
Hills of South West Shropshire
2pm; £10; 01746 780866
SUN 8 APR
Wild Garlic Walk, Wenlock Edge 10am; £3; 03442 491895
THU 12 APR
Severn Valley Country Park & Rays Farm 8 miles 07496642340; tesramblers.org.uk
SUN 15 APR
Valle Crucis, Dinas Bran
SAT 17 MAR
10am; FREE; Bury Ditches car park SY7 8BD
SUN 8 APR
LOCAL WALKS
SUN 8 APR
10.5 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk
Shropshire Way 80k A new mass-participation challenge walk taking in some of the finest parts of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The aim is to complete the 80km (50 mile) circuit in less than 24 hours. Bookings close on Monday 12 March. C ontact Shropshire Discovery Centre on 01588 676060
THU 26 APR
Uckington, Uppington & Severn Valley 7.5 miles 01952 595302; tesramblers.org.uk
Nordic Walking Sessions 9.45am-11am Severn Valley Country Park
SUN 29 APR
Hope Valley in Shropshire 8 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk
9 miles 07814 486632; tesramblers.org.uk
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GARDEN NEWS
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GARDEN NEWS
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WILDLIFE DIARY
Special sounds Horseshoe bats have a distinctive horseshoe-shaped flap of skin on their face, known as a nose-leaf. In order to find flying insects in complete darkness, all bats use a process called echolocation. This involves emitting high-pitched squeaks and then detecting the sound waves that bounce back off objects, building up a ‘sound-scape’ of their surroundings. Horseshoe bats are unusual in that they emit the sounds through their nostrils – the nose leaf acts as a kind of megaphone. Britain has two species of horseshoe bats, both confined to western parts and both having suffered devastating population loss. The lesser horseshoe is the smaller of the two. Today I’m helping Shropshire Bat Group monitor the winter population of lesser horseshoe bats around the Stiperstones mines. The dedicated volunteers who make up Shropshire Bat Group carry out this important work most weekends. Mike later tells me how they have fitted identification rings to all greater horseshoe bats at a roost in north Shropshire. This allows them to closely monitor the population and also look at individual movements of the bats. Mine craft
The bat mine Ed Andrews ventures underground to explore a real ‘batcave’
The area around Stiperstones is peppered with abandoned mines. Mytton flags are a common rock type in this area. It was the galena deposits within the rock that were once exploited for lead smelting. The lead mines were profitable, but the life of a miner was a dangerous and unhealthy one. Life was cheap. In one mine accident in March 1895, seven lives were lost. The abandoned mines maintain a constant temperature Down here throughout the year so offer a perfect there is no bird winter hibernation site for bats. Our presence in the mine could raise the song, no wind temperature slightly, making the bats rustling in the awaken prematurely, so Mike ensures trees, not even we keep our time underground to a a distant hum minimum.
of traffic.
The lesser horseshoe bat is a Shropshire resident
A
t the bottom of a steep bramble-covered bank, tucked in the corner of a long-forgotten field near the village of Snailbeach, is a hole in the ground. The only features that mark this place are the sharp teeth of a holly bush and the ears of a dying elder tree. The hole, partly covered by a wire fence, is the entrance to a tunnel that leads deep into the bowels of the earth. A slate grey Stiperstones skyline is soon forgotten as we scramble into the hole and become slowly enveloped in darkness. Our small party walk carefully in single file along the tunnel. More specifically this is an ‘adit’ (a horizontal entrance to a mine). The roof height is between five and six feet, dipping as low as four for a few short sections. After a few minutes, our leader Mike stops and in the light of his head torch, he points at the wall. Tiny feet grip the stonework. A body that is completely enclosed in membranous wings hangs upside down. The creature is completely still. This is a lesser horseshoe bat and the mine is its winter home.
88
Bats favour deep mines and caves where they can enjoy peace and quiet, especially over winter
WILDLIFE DIARY Ed prepares to descend into the bat mine!
The abandoned mines maintain a constant temperature throughout the year so offer a perfect winter hibernation site for bats.
the mine, a new record for this site. It is reassuring to hear that this fascinating species seems to be doing well in this part of Shropshire. Spring is just around the corner. By the end of April, the bats will have emerged from the hole next to the holly and elder tree. They will see the moonlight again for the first time since the autumn. Following hedgerows, they will fly to local woodlands to feast on an invertebrate supper. The female bats will form summer maternity roosts. The mine will once again be empty. A place of skeletons and memories. Do one thing for wildlife this month… Mike Worsfold and Eileen Bowen of Shropshire Bat Group
Down here there is no bird song, no wind rustling in the trees, not even a distant hum of traffic. When members of the group do talk, it sounds strangely amplified. It is hard to keep track of time. I imagine the life of a lead miner, breaking rock on an eight-hour shift. In places water drips from the roof. We pass the skeleton of a young fox. It has splayed open, each bone perfectly placed. Years of decay have stripped away the flesh. White bones mirror the calcite deposits which glisten on the walls of the tunnel. I wonder what made the young animal wander so deep into the mine.
You too can get involved in monitoring the bat population where you live. Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) want your help carrying out a sunset/sunrise bat survey. All you need to do is spend an hour, either at dusk or just before dawn, looking for bats in your neighbourhood. The survey can be carried out between April and September. Enter your results on the BCT webpage: bats.org.uk. Also on the webpage you can find further details about Shropshire Bat Group. They’re always looking for volunteers to help with surveys and events.
Bat count Suddenly Mike scrambles on his belly through a narrow gap into a side tunnel. Winter bat surveying is not for the faint-hearted! He wants to explore the entire mine today to give an accurate count. Eventually our tunnel ends in a steep drop above an icy pool. Mike peers into the void and completes his tally. He has counted 59 lesser horseshoe bats in
WW! nature expert and Shropshire Council’s Parks and Greenspace Officer Edward Andrews looks at the changing seasons in each issue.
You can follow Ed on Twitter: @shropshirewild 89
ANIMAL CARE
Happy Tails During spring, my dog gets itchy and licks her feet – and they’re turning orange! What can I do?
Dental dangers Dental disease is the most common infectious disease in our pets. Over 80% of cats and dogs over the age of three require dental treatment by this young age. And hundreds of thousands of our pets are walking around suffering from disease – often without their owners being aware of a problem. There are many products on the market ranging from pet toothpastes to dental chews, powders and even specialised dental food. Many of the popular dental chews are of questionable benefit but our dogs like them as they are high in calories. In fact, some dental chews contain the entire daily calorie allowance for a medium sized dog! Brushing for health Tooth brushing is the ‘gold standard’ in keeping our pets’ teeth clean and healthy, just as we brush our teeth daily. Imagine the state of our mouths if we didn’t brush our teeth regularly; the same is true for our pets. Plaque turns into tartar, a hard, yellow, calcified form of plaque which then provides a fruitful environment upon which more plaque can form. Tartar is hard to shift – it can usually only be removed by a vet under general anaesthesia. However, brushing is not for everyone, so many owners prefer the use of products such as tooth gels applied directly to the teeth, dental diet food and, most recently, dental powders, which when added to food help soften plaque deposits. If used from a young age or after a scale and polish, these can prevent or at least delay the build up of plaque on the surface of the tooth. For smaller animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits, dental exercise is key as their incisors are continually growing. Good quality hay should be fed as at least 90% of a rabbit’s daily allowance to keep teeth worn down… as well as to keep their digestive systems ticking along nicely! Dental and general health While dental disease is unpleasant, leading to bad breath caused by sulphur deposits on the teeth, pain, infection and perhaps loss of teeth, the effects are not confined to the mouth. Bacteria are spread via the bloodstream and can attack the kidneys, heart, liver – indeed the whole body. This is why pets often feel so much better after proper dental treatment – owners often reporting that they seem like a new dog or cat! Sarah Probert BVSc MRCVS Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre 90
Many dogs experience allergies, especially as seasons change and there’s more pollen around. Some dogs struggle with allergies to grass and will lick their feet and tummy area and nibble their toes. Your vet can do an allergy test which involves taking a blood sample; this can determine specific plant allergies. In terms of home care, it’s a good idea to rinse and thoroughly dry the feet and tummy areas after walks. Try to discourage licking and chewing by distracting your dog. I’d counsel against strong shampoos or lightening products as these may contain harsh ingredients that can actually make the sensitivity worse.
We’re thinking of buying a ‘designer’ dog such as a spaniel poodle cross, as our daughter is allergic to dogs. What do we need to know? You’ll need to look into each individual breed’s heath as sadly some puppies inherit health issues from each parent, such as poorly formed joints, ear issues and skin sensitivities. Not all poodle mixes are non-shedding and it’s important to factor in each breed’s grooming requirements and costs. As the coat doesn’t shed hair in the normal way, it’s important to brush daily and visit a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. It’s essential that puppies experience the grooming process at an early age – don’t wait for the coat to become matted and then expect the dog to be comfortable with being groomed. Amy Stewart of Happy Tails Dog Spa has a BSc in Animal Behaviour and is a certified pet health counsellor. Send your questions for Amy to info@whatswhat magazine.co.uk
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BUSINESS NEWS
Online business resource MCMT apprenticeship boost More than 30 apprenticeship places have been made available at two of the region’s leading manufacturing training hubs. Marches Centre of Technology and Manufacturing (MCMT) and its partner In-Comm Training Academy Shrewsbury (ITAS) are looking to grow the industrial talent of the future by offering trailblazing courses in welding, general engineering and machining; and many of the positions have jobs attached to them.
Much Wenlock resident Peter Neale launched an innovative new resource in January. On his new online ‘club’, newjobfitnessclub.com, members can find articles, ideas, examples and videos, as well as links to career planning advice. Peter aims to run the service in the same way a fitness coach would, with job search guidance and support with interview techniques via email, social media and through one-to-one interviews on FaceTime or Skype or by telephone. Peter Neale said, “I want to be as honest and straightforward with members as possible, and help remove barriers to success; building their confidence to win the right job with friendly and genuinely useful advice.”
“Courses are delivered by experts from In-Comm Training and apprentices will be learning on state-of-the-art equipment, including robotics, CNC machines, metrology and Mig, Tig and Arc welding bays,” explained MCMT’s Amy Farley. The Bridgnorth site provides a high-tech environment for individuals to learn from engineering experts on the latest technology – and it’s equipped with over £2m of state-of-the-art equipment, including dedicated fabrication, foundry, lathe, metrology, milling, robotics and vehicle trimming sections.
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Contact Ruth Burley, Director & Financial Adviser : 01746 763656 07446 844260 ruth@rmbfinancial.co.uk www.rmbfinancial.co.uk
BUSINESS NEWS
First class salon A Bridgnorth hairdresser has moved into new premises – and she’s hoping her new barber’s shop will deliver great cuts for local customers. Gemma Bloor has taken over the historical Low Town post office, and she’s incorporated Royal Mail colours and motifs into her salon’s bright and breezy design. Gemma explained, “I’ve taken the lease on for the ground floor of the old post office in St John’s Street. I’ve been working as a barber in Bridgnorth for 14 years and thought it was time to go it alone! The salon is called the Male Box as I thought it fitted in nicely with the history of the building. I’ve tried to keep it clean warm and inviting to all age groups, as I offer traditional and modern styles and I’m also now offering cut throat shaves, by appointment only, using one of Britain’s number one shaving products, The Shave Doctor. “At the moment I’m working alone but as business grows, I’d love someone to come on board and join me!”
Fund for Shropshire game-changers Individuals and organisations with ideas that offer long-term benefits to the Shropshire community are invited to bid for money from a new fund set up by the Furrows Group and University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS). Applications are now open for the 2017/18 UCS Community Innovation Fund, supported by Furrows. People who can demonstrate their initiative will make a difference in the county can apply for a share of the £5,000 fund, which looks to turn proposals into projects, providing start-up funding, offering the input of UCS students and staff, and helping networks and neighbourhoods develop. Furrows Group chair Nic Coward said, “We celebrated 100 years as a Shropshire business in January, and the fund is a great opportunity for us to help create new and exciting partnerships, harnessing the expertise and enthusiasm of UCS, for the benefit of communities across the county.” The closing date for applications is March 31; email enquiries@ ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 297185. (l-r) UCS vice-chancellor Tim Wheeler, Jane Coward of Furrows, UCS provost Anna Sutton and Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski
Dexters’ online success A Shropshire independent car garage is among the finalists of the UK motor retail industry’s AM Awards – the accolades that recognise dealers at the forefront of their industry. The annual Automotive Management Awards acknowledge exemplary performance and innovation and this year’s ceremony will acknowledge high achievers in 23 categories – including Bridgnorth-based David Dexters. The Stanley Lane firm is a finalist in the Best Social Media Strategy category after launching an online campaign to keep in touch with customers and provide advice. MD Richard Whitney said, “It was brilliant to hear we’d been chosen as finalists. We have a great relationship with our customers as we aim to be honest, efficient and affordable, and our social media strategy allows us to share ‘how to’ videos, advice, reminders, information about the people working behind the scenes and much more. It’s great to see this side of our work recognised.”
Workplace pensions Workplace pensions enter the next stage of phasing-in this month, with employers paying 2% and staff paying 3% for a total of 5%. Visit gov.uk/workplace-pensions for more information. 93
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New face in Bridgnorth! Terry Jones Solicitors welcome Charlotte Matthews to their Bridgnorth branch as a Solicitor in their Residential Property department. Charlotte says, “I hope to build upon the continued success of the Bridgnorth office, offering exceptional service to clients while ensuring the conveyancing process is as efficient and stress free as possible.” The team at Terry Jones Solicitors, who also have offices in Shrewsbury, Telford and Newport, cover all aspects of residential conveyancing, including sales, purchases, transfers of equity, shared ownership, remortgages and unregistered property. Terry Jones Solicitors work closely alongside the estate agents and other conveyancers of Bridgnorth and further afield, building upon established relationships founded upon trust and professionalism. Charlotte added, “We understand that typically, buying or selling a property can be a particularly stressful time; however, we pride ourselves on offering a friendly, approachable and straight-talking
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Charlotte Matthews
service, meaning clients are always kept well informed of progress at each stage of the conveyancing transaction.” Terry Jones Solicitors offer a number of services and in their Bridgnorth office, the Conveyancing department work closely alongside Rachel Wood, a Solicitor in their Wills and Probate department. Charlotte says it can be worth reviewing your will when buying or selling a property: “We understand that buying a new property is a substantial purchase for many and I’d strongly urge our clients to take the opportunity to make or review their will when buying or selling a property to ensure that the maximum Inheritance Tax benefit is available and that all assets are left to those they choose.” If you would like to find out more about any of the services Terry Jones Solicitors offer, or for a quote for any conveyancing or private client work, please contact Charlotte and the team on 01746 768 748 or visit their website at terry-jones.co.uk.
Over the years, the amount of organic reach a page post receives has been whittled away by Facebook, with sceptics saying it’s simply a ploy to force businesses to ‘pay to play’. This has been fantastic for Facebook’s bottom line ($4.7 billion dollars in Q3 2017 alone) but it has turned many businesses off the idea of using Facebook as a marketing platform. Facebook kicked off 2018 with an announcement that made the world’s small businesses groan in unison: an algorithm change which determines what will be shown in a user’s News Feed. Mark Zuckerberg says Facebook will “prioritise posts that spark conversations and meaningful interactions between people… [and]
posts from friends and family over public content, consistent with [its] News Feed values ... Pages may see their reach, video watch time and referral traffic decrease.” As a marketer, you’re probably already thinking in this way – you know generic posts that don’t encourage conversation won’t do much for your brand or online marketing. The question is whether you’re on the same page when it comes to what makes content engaging. Facebook recommends the following: • Use live videos – they generate six times more interactions than recorded films according to Facebook • Use videos that explicitly prompt discussion (for example, by asking questions) • Post new threads in Facebook groups • Create posts especially relevant to local fans (for local businesses)
BUSINESS NEWS
Facebook’s shrinking reach
• News that starts conversations regarding important, timely issues Facebook’s news release states: “Page posts that generate conversation between people will show higher in News Feed”. Do the majority of your posts receive high levels of interaction? If not, it might be worth considering posting less often and really spending the time to craft the perfect post which Facebook’s algorithms will love. In Facebook’s own words: “Pages making posts that people generally don’t react to or comment on could see the biggest decreases in distribution. Pages whose posts prompt conversations between friends will see less of an effect.” Ultimately, you need to be asking yourself the question: Would I want to interact with this post if I saw it on my News Feed? If you’re not going to interact with it, nobody else will.
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.
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BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
News from Bridgnorth Town Council
Dates for your diary Planning for this year’s events are well underway. MARCH Sunday 18 Continental Market and Annual Vintage Tractor Rally* APRIL Sunday 1 Easter Bunny Hunt
Catch me who can!
MAY Thursday 10 Mayor Making
The working group for the Bridgnorth Art Statue Trail has now agreed its official name, which will now be launched on the forthcoming website and marketing material.
Sunday 13 Civic Sunday*
The group had already signed seven sponsors, and can announce also that an eighth sponsor, Bridgnorth Civic Society, has joined the project, committing the £2,000 required to sponsor a bespoke statue. The artists’ design process is also now open – and any local artists are invited to submit an outline design for consideration. All successful artists will then be matched with a local sponsor, who will commission the work directly on to the statues. Some of the designs that have been submitted so far are very expressive, and all nature of styles and designs are welcome. The Catch Me Who Can Bridgnorth Art Trail is an initiative of Bridgnorth Town Council. Working closely with community groups and business sponsorship has ensured the project is zero cost, while contributing to the town’s tourist offer and family attractions. Cllr Julia Buckley, chair of the Art Trail working group, was delighted with progress on the project, saying, “It just shows what a positive contribution can be made by bringing together local volunteers, businesses, community groups and artists. In just six months, we’ve managed to secure sponsorship for over half the statues for 2018, and we’re thrilled at the exciting artists’ designs pouring in. The trail promises to be a real boon for our local economy.” Existing sponsors include Holden’s brewery, Grainger & Worrall, AV Birch, Bridgnorth Rugby Football Club, Bridgnorth Aluminium, Leisureplex, Great British High Street, and the Bridgnorth Civic Society. Local businesses sponsor £2,000 to then commission their preferred artist to embellish the cast iron locomotive statue, which will be showcased, with plaques, for five years. For more information see the Council’s website for more information: bridgnorthtowncouncil. gov.uk 96
JUNE Saturday 23 Bridgnorth Town Carnival*
JULY Wednesday 25 Teddy Bear’s Picnic SEPTEMBER Sunday 2 Italian Auto Moto Festival & Continental Market* NOVEMBER Sunday 11 Remembrance Sunday* Friday 23 Christmas Lighting Up Event* DECEMBER Saturday 8 Mayor’s Charity Christmas Concert * Events will involve road closures in the High Street, some of which may only be rolling road closures.
The Bridgnorth Community Events Working Party is always looking for volunteers – email ashley.kendrick@ bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk or volunteer at the events themselves. Full details of all the events for the year can be found on our website bridgnorthtownevents.org.
MRS C M BAINES MBE 16 Stretton Close, Bridgnorth WV16 5DB Tel: 01746 761143 Ward: West
Bridgnorth Town Council Community Grants are made for the benefit of people and projects local to the town of Bridgnorth.
MS S BARLOW 46 The Hobbins, Bridgnorth WV16 5HH Tel: 07951 130502 Ward: Castle
Who is eligible?
DR J BUCKLEY 25 Victoria Road, Bridgnorth WV16 4LA Tel: 01746 552121 Ward: East
Councillor Contact Info
Applications will be considered for financial assistance towards a specific project or activity from voluntary organisations and community groups which are non-commercial and whose membership and field of activity is centred in the town and benefits the community. How should an organization or person apply for a grant? If you feel you, your group or organisation may qualify for a grant, you should: • complete an application form and provide a copy of your audited accounts for the past two years; • produce evidence of proposed expenditure and how any grant benefits the Parish of Bridgnorth. Where can I find further information and an application form? Contact Rachel Follette at Bridgnorth Town Council by phone, post or email: Grant Application, Bridgnorth Town Council, College House 4 St Leonard’s Close, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4EJ Tel: 01746 762231 Email: rachel.follette@bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk How does the process work? The Town Council considers grant applications at their April meeting each year and your application, once returned, will be considered at this April’s Town Council meeting. All organisations or individuals will be asked for evidence of how the grant has been spent for the benefit of Bridgnorth residents in early 2019. BRIDGNORTH GRANT APPLICATIONS TO BE RECEIVED BY NOON ON FRIDAY 29 MARCH 2018
Community litter picks Carrying on from the successful community litter picks organised by Shropshire Council in October and November, the first for 2018 took place on Wednesday 10 January. Around 20 people took part including members of the public and Town and County Council staff. Over 30 sacks of rubbish were collected from a large area of the town. The numbers attending the litter picks continues to grow, displaying greater
BRIDGNORTH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Community grants on offer
cooperation between the residents and local authority in our endeavours to keep Bridgnorth clean and tidy. New volunteers are always welcome to attend and equipment is provided. The group usually meets at the Sainsbury’s car park on Smithfield Road. Local residents Christine and Phil Webster have volunteered to organise all future events, supported by the local authorities.
MR D COOPER 19 East Castle Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AN Tel: 07710 770350 Ward: Castle MR G DAVIES 8 Tudor Court, High Street, Bridgnorth WV16 4DQ Tel: 07855 747411 Ward: Castle MR R FOX 8a Bernard’s Hill, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AX Tel: 07960 027695 Ward: Morfe MR A HINTON 22 Orchard Drive, Bridgnorth WV16 4HY Tel: 01746 762714 Ward: East MRS H HOWELL 127 Victoria Road, Bridgnorth, WV16 4LL Tel: 01746 763066 Ward: West MRS K HURST-KNIGHT 33 Innage Lane, Bridgnorth, WV16 4HJ Tel: 07989 171880 Ward: East MR E MARSHALL 9 Danesbridge, Bridgnorth WV15 6DF Tel: 01746 763860 Ward: Morfe MRS J ONIONS 54a High Street, Bridgnorth WV16 4DX Tel: 01746 763528 Ward: Morfe MRS S STEVENS Park Cottage, Mill Street Bridgnorth, WV15 5AF Tel: 07540 128805 Ward: West MRS C WALDEN 82 Sydney Cottage Drive, Bridgnorth WV16 4PQ Tel: 01746 765958 Ward: Castle MRS C WHITTLE 11 Love Lane, Bridgnorth WV16 4HD Tel: 01746 761842 Ward: West MR R WHITTLE OBE 11 Love Lane, Bridgnorth WV16 4HD Tel: 01746 761842 Ward: East
Call 01746 762231 for more information.
For further information about our events including booking/entry forms, please visit bridgnorthtownevents.org or email events@bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Bridgnorth Town Council
T: 01746 762231 E: townclerk@bridgnorthtowncouncil.co.uk 97
COUNCIL NOTES
Council Notes
Council Notes
Ancient trees survive battering
Neighbourhood Plan progress
This year saw the worst regional snow conditions this century and particularly badly hit were the majestic cedars that dominate the entrance to the town’s cemetery. So badly damaged were they that broken boughs blocked all access roads and resulted in closure of the grounds for a week. In total some 31 trees were damaged. The total repair cost is likely to be in the region of £3-4,000; fortunately however not a single specimen was completely lost. Over the years these and over 100 other trees in the cemetery grounds have hosted no less than 27 recorded species of birds, ranging from the common buzzard and sparrow hawk to the pied flycatcher and the tiny wren.
A Steering Group has now been set up to guide the Neighbourhood Plan forward. Leaflets have been dropped to houses and businesses around the town to inform the community about the Plan, and a public meeting was held in January. Members of the community will be asked for their views in due course, but if you would like to become more involved with the development of the Plan, please contact the Clerk at the Council office.
Bridgnorth
The cemetery is officially classified a prime site – one recognised by Shropshire Wildlife Trust as being significant by virtue of its wildlife and geology. It supports over 130 different species of higher plant, some of which are quite rare. The site is managed in such a way that allows specific areas to return to natural grassland, which can at times give an unkempt look but allows some of the rarer wild plants to go to seed before the first cut of the year. Other management includes siting of bird and bat boxes, the regeneration of heather, and bracken control.
Community litter picks Carrying on from the successful community litter picks organised by Shropshire Council in October and November, the first for 2018 took place on Wednesday 10 January. Around 20 people took part including members of the public and Town and County Council staff. Over 30 sacks of rubbish were collected from a large area of the town. The numbers attending the litter picks continues to grow, displaying greater cooperation between the residents and local authority in our endeavours to keep Bridgnorth clean and tidy. New volunteers are always welcome to attend and equipment is provided. The group usually meets at the Sainsbury’s car park on Smithfield Road. Local residents Christine and Phil Webster have volunteered to organise all future events, supported by the local authorities.
Broseley
Take part in Council meetings At the beginning of full Council and Planning Committee meetings, 10 minutes are set aside for members of the public to raise matters with the Council. Councillors have recently agreed to change the way the public participation session is managed. Members of the public may make representations, answer questions and give evidence without prior notice on matters which are on the agenda of that meeting. If members of the public wish to speak on matters which are not on the agenda, they must give details in writing to the Town Clerk at least three clear days in advance of the meeting. Members of the public are not allowed to present or circulate documents at Town Council meetings. Any documents which members of the public wish to have presented or circulated at a Town Council meeting must be submitted to the Town Clerk at least three clear days in advance of the meeting, to ensure that they comply with the Council’s policies and legal obligations. Where appropriate, the Town Clerk will ensure copies of such documents are provided for the meeting.
Annual Parish Meeting
Call 01746 762231 for more information.
This year’s Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 19 April at 7pm at the Birchmeadow Centre. This is an opportunity for electors of the parish of Broseley to raise and discuss matters of local concern. Councillor Simon Harris will give reports in his capacity as current Mayor and Shropshire Councillor for Broseley. Light refreshments will be provided.
Tea at the Town Hall
Zorb balls for hire
Mondays 11am–4pm
Broseley MUGA now has a new set of Zorb balls which are available to hire with the pitch. Imagine trying to play soccer inside a huge piece of bubble wrap or disguised as a Sumo wrestler and that will give you some idea! It could be the perfect birthday party or just as a treat for some friends, children or adults. Some packages could also include food and refreshments. If you’d like to find out more, call Kirsty on 07746 913170.
Tuesdays Closed
Council office open
Wednesday & Thursday 11am–4pm
The Town Council office is open to the public on Thursday mornings, 10am to 12 noon. Council staff can be contacted by telephone or email Monday to Thursday, between 9.30am and 3.00pm. Council and local information can be found on our website: broseleytowncouncil.co.uk.
The Town Hall will reopen its doors on Friday 2 March after a winter break. Why not pop in and find out more about the history of the town, take part in a re-enactment of a court case or have a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the Tea Room? Opening hours will be Fridays and Saturdays, 10.30am–3.30pm during March, and from Sunday 1 April to Sunday 30 September, they will be as follows:
Friday & Saturday 10.30am–3.30pm Sunday 11am–4pm Issued by Bridgnorth Town Council 01746 762231 townclerk@bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk
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Issued by Trudi Barrett, town clerk 01952 882172 broseleytc.clerk@btinternet.com
Much Wenlock Fayre thanks We would like to give special thanks to the Christmas Fayre Committee and all the volunteers who helped to make the 2017 Christmas Fayre a huge success. We really appreciate all your hard work. Well done.
Christmas tree Once again, we are extremely grateful for the Christmas tree in the Square which was donated and erected thanks to the goodwill of the following: • Cuan Wildlife Rescue • Mrs P’s • Northwood & Sons Funeral Directors • Wenlock Fencing and Landscaping Thank you to all of you. We really appreciate your generosity and goodwill.
Precept 2018/2019 The Town Council has unanimously agreed to increase the precept for 2018/2019 by 2% to take into account inflation and the fact that the Council has agreed to support library services for the next eight years. The precept has therefore been agreed at £187,605 which equates to £158.05 per Band D household per annum, a small increase of £2.67. The Council has also agreed to carry out much needed drainage works on the Gaskell recreation ground and is building its reserves to make improvements to the Guildhall and other property in its care.
Street scene improvements Shropshire Council is to carry out work to improve the junctions at the Gaskell corner and Sheinton corner, which includes widening the pavements to deter HGVs from travelling through the town. As part of the works, Shropshire Council had agreed to install new planters and has offered to install the art features which the Town Council had agreed to relocate. Issued by Sharon Clayton, town clerk 01952 727509 townclerk@muchwenlock-tc.gov.uk
Councillor surgeries This year’s fortnightly Councillor surgeries will commence again on Saturday 3 February between 10.30am and noon at the Town Council Customer Service Desk in the newly refurbished library at the Corn Exchange. Councillors look forward to seeing you then.
These council notes are edited from notes submitted by the town clerks of the three towns.
New park signage We intend to install new signage on the Gaskell Recreation Ground in the near future. Users are reminded that the area is covered by byelaws and failure to comply may result in the issue of a fixed penalty notice or prosecution. This particularly applies to dog owners. If your dog is considered to be out of control or causing a nuisance to others, you must put your dog on a lead to avoid accident or injury. We try our best to keep the facilities well managed and safe for the benefit of all users so please help us to look after them. If you see anyone causing criminal damage, please report it to the police on 101 in the first instance. Any other issues should be reported to the Town Clerk.
Ponds opened
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The official opening of the attenuation ponds at Stretton Road and The Sytche took place on 10 November 2017. The ponds will be managed by a local technician who will carry out visual checks of both sites. More detailed inspections of the hydro breaks and telemetry will be undertaken by Shropshire Council’s drainage team who will also take care of any land/ pond management issues during their visits. Debris will also be monitored and removed as part of the routine inspection programme. Weed control will be undertaken as necessary as part of the ongoing site management plan. Tree planting is being progressed and the site is currently being kept locked. The Sytche pond is dry presently due to lack of rain.
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COUNCIL NOTES
Council Notes
LOCAL SPORTS
Couch to 5k returns A Broseley running group is revisiting its successful Couch to 5k programme for spring. Broseley Joggers will be meeting at the town library car park every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm from Tuesday 10 April. A UK Athletics-qualified run leader will put runners through their paces over a 10-week course, which starts gradually and leads to participants running a 5km distance.
Join the bun run! The Easter Bunny has dropped his Easter eggs! Join the seasonal rabbit on Saturday 31 March on a 2.5km multi-terrain and traffic-free run along woodland tracks and through Severn Valley Country Park (SVCP) with panoramic views across the River Severn.
Run leader David Warrington explains, “Quite literally you can start as a couch potato who hasn’t run since those dreaded school PE lessons and in just 10 weeks you can be running for 30 minutes. Several of last year’s graduates will be on hand to offer support, guidance and encouragement but beware – it can be addictive! “Most of our ‘graduates’ have continued to run regularly long after completion, continuing with our weekly club runs and taking part in events such as Parkrun or even enjoying races of all distances from 5K to half marathons!” For more information visit broseleyjoggers.org.
WW! wildlife writer Edward Andrews of Shropshire Council, who are holding the event in tandem with the Bridgnorth branch of Sainsbury’s, explains, “This event is suitable for children over five, running buggies, club runners and new runners. People can run or walk the off-road route, which will be clearly marked and well marshalled. It’s a great way of getting the family active over the Easter weekend… and everyone will get a medal!” Sainsbury’s is supplying free chocolate eggs, drinking water and a medal for all runners. Manager Paul Lane says, “As a store in the heart of the local community, we’re happy to support this event in the beautiful surroundings of SVCP.” U11s must be accompanied by an adult and U18s require parental consent to take part. Children aged 5 to 17 are £3.50, adults £4, and family ticket are £13 – visit stuweb.co.uk or call 01746 781192 for details. The Easter Bunny is joined by (l-r) Paul Lane and Ed Andrews
Club’s windfall A regional builder has given a cash boost to help a Bridgnorth sports club provide coaching and training equipment as its membership continues to grow. Bridgnorth RFC applied to Persimmon Homes West Midlands to become one of the winners in their Healthy Communities scheme. Under the scheme, regional prizes of £750 were up for grabs until the end of December, with amateur sports teams and individuals aged 21 years and under eligible to apply. A shortlist of 30 will now be created for a national final to be decided on a public vote, with the winning club or individual receiving £200,000 while two runners-up will receive £50,000 each. Chair of BRFC’s mini and junior teams Phil Jefferies says, “We believe we’re the fastest growing and developing rugby club in the West Midlands. Our vision is to expand our mini and junior section to more than 400 youngsters. We cannot thank Persimmon Homes enough for this donation which will boost funding for progressive coaching and training equipment.” BRFC has also been selected as a partner club of Worcester Warriors. 100
LOCAL SPORTS
Racing legend to lead bike ride Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, organisers of one of the biggest biker events in the UK, has announced that two special VIP guests will be returning to this year’s event. Former World Superbike champion and racing legend Carl Fogarty and motorcycle and truck racing legend Steve Parrish, will lead the Bike4Life Ride Out on Sunday 22 April from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford. Carl Fogarty explains, “It’s a brilliant atmosphere leading over 3,000 bikers, with crowds of people lining the roads to wave
you on, not to mention the thousands there to greet you at the Festival.” As the Ride Out is limited to 3,500 bikes, people are being urged to book tickets online beforehand; Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival attracts over 12,000 bikers. In 2017, the event, which raises awareness of biker safety and funds for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, raised an amazing £73,800. To book your place visit: bike4lifefest.com.
OPEN DAY
Sat 5th May
Try for FRE E! 12 till 5
Sport Relief Sports staff at William Brookes School and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre are inviting people to try sports for fun on Sunday 18 March from 1 to 5pm, at a cost of £5 per person or £15 for a family of four, with all money going to Sports Relief.
We have fantastic facilities for all levels For more info visit our websites training CHELMARSH SAILING CLUB, section or email HAMPTON LOADE, gordon.bissett@btinternet.com BRIDGNORTH
CHELMARSHSAILING.ORG.UK
School games coordinator Annie Smith says, “Join in the Family Biathlon – the whole family walk or run a mile then swim 50, 100, 200 or 400m, with certificates for all who complete the challenge. “Children can try Football or Netball Challenges on the outdoor courts while adults could test themselves with 500m indoor rowing challenge in the fitness suite or 30-minute spinning sessions in the gym. Badminton and table tennis will be on offer in the sports hall with coaches to help.” For more information call 07807 880740 or email annielee2005@hotmail.co.uk. 101
LOCAL SPORTS
Ton up! To celebrate 100 years of the Royal Air Force, RAF Museum Cosford has set a new challenge to run 100km in 100 days. The Spitfire 100K Challenge is a virtual race which launches in April, and runners have exactly 100 days to walk, jog or run 100km in a location of their choice. Runners will be given a log sheet to record their 100K before being rewarded with a spinning propeller Spitfire 100K Challenge medal. Entry costs £20 per person and all proceeds will go towards the RAF100 Appeal, a joint venture between the RAF and four major RAF charities.
Broseley Olympian
As a virtual race, the 100K challenge can be completed anywhere in the world and runners from as far as America, Germany and Denmark have already signed up. Online registration closes on Sunday 1 April when the challenge begins.
MP Philip Dunne will be cheering on constituent Ben Simons as he competes in the Bobsleigh at the Winter Olympics.
The annual Spitfire 10K will also be returning this September, giving participants the opportunity to race across the airfield and down the runway at RAF Cosford. Registration is now open and this year, up to 1,200 runners can participate in the race which takes place on Sunday 2 September, with children able to take part in a gentler family run.
Mr Dunne says, “I’m delighted Ben has been selected again for Team GB. South Shropshire has strong Olympic traditions, including providing the inspiration for the founding of the modern Olympic Games through the Wenlock Olympian Games.
For details of all the events, visit rafmuseum.org/cosford.
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Ben, from Broseley, has been selected for Bobsleigh at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
I know everyone in Shropshire, and Broseley in particular, will be wishing Ben and Team GB all the best for the Games.”
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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
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01746 762641 01902 307999 01952 641222 01743 261000
Out of Hours
NHS Direct Shropdoc
111 0333 222 665
Leisure Centres
Abraham Darby Bridgnorth Idsall, Shifnal Much Wenlock Severn Centre
01952 382770 01746 761541 01952 460499 01952 727629 01746 860 000
Local Facilities
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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
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Bridgnorth Broseley Much Wenlock Shifnal Southwater
01746 763358 01952 884119 01952 728293 01952 461018 01952 382915
Schools & Nurseries
Alveley Primary Bridgnorth Endowed Brockton C of E School Broseley C of E Primary Castlefields Primary Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge C of E Primary Cressage C of E Primary Idsall John Wilkinson Primary Lightmoor Village Primary Morville Much Wenlock Nursery Much Wenlock Primary Oldbury Wells Poppets Nursery Puddleducks Pre-School Shifnal Primary St Andrew’s Primary St John’s Catholic Primary St Leonards C of E Primary St Mary’s Bluecoat Stottesdon Primary William Brookes Worfield Endowed CE Primary
01746 780284 01746 762103 01746 785671 01952 882673 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
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01746 767076 01746 765000 01952 882666 01952 222222 08457 484950 01743 244477 0871 2002233
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