May June Whats' What by What's What Magazine

MAY / JUNE 2019

The magazine & website for your local area whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

Darwin’s garden His inspiration

On the case Lady Sherlock Holmes

What’s on! All your local events

Win with

E R I DG B N O IR GE GOR MS EU MUS e 62 g

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elcome

Contents Local news

4 – 23

Welcome to your latest issue of WW! We hope you’re enjoying the longer days - and if you haven’t already, do pop on and check out our online diary at whatswhatmagazine.co.uk. It’s got everything from regular classes and workshops to plant sales, along with plays, gigs, walks and talks. What’s more, it’s free to add your event, and you can even include a picture to really make it stand out. We pick the events for the magazine from here too, so do make sure you don’t miss out on the possibility of reaching 16,000 homes and businesses!

Local arts

24 – 43

Local feature – Watching the detective School news

25 44 – 53

What’s on 54 – 63 Our Facebook and Twitter feeds have been buzzing lately; if you’re already following us, thank you - and if you’re not, why not?! As well as sharing local Recipe 64 news and information, we also feature online competitions with the chance to win some great prizes. Speaking of which, in this issue you can win a super prize: 66 – 69 Ironbridge family passports! The lucky winners can take their family along to any Local food & drink of the amazing Ironbridge attractions - for a whole year! Home & you

70 – 81

Local walks

Enjoy the beginnings of summer - here’s to a good one!

Wildlife diary

The WW! team

Animal care

Our May/June issue is packed with our usual mix of news and events - and you can also read about our own Ed Andrews’ exploration of the garden of another very famous naturalist and Salopian: Charles Darwin.

What’s What Magazine

Local business news

88 – 91

Local sports

92 – 93

Local experts

94 – 96

@WhatsWhatmagz Cover image Brown hare, Shropshire andrewfusekpeters.com July/August Deadlines Editorial – 31 May, Advertising – 7 June

We’ve got the local area covered! Hand delivered to 16,000 homes and businesses – more than any other magazine in our area.

Local business index

What’s that number?

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

What’s What! Magazine 18 Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN Advertising – leanne@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

Editorial – editorial@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

General enquiries – info@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk 01952 728162 whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

Ed Andrews Writer

Rachel Hyman 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.

Advertisement Feature

odensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Fodens Solictors Ltd has just celebrated 20 years in practice A local firm of solicitors have been celebrating a landmark birthday. Fodens first opened 20 years ago, when founder Stephen Foden moved to Shropshire from Bristol and started practicing as a solicitor from his garage at home. As the practice grew, Stephen moved to a more conventional setting in Much Wenlock; a satellite office was later acquired in Lawley village, both epitomising the values of a traditional firm of solicitors.

Business development In 2018, the Much Wenlock and Lawley offices were amalgamated as Fodens moved to its current location, Fodens Business Centre at Junction 6 of the M54. Since establishing the company, Stephen has been joined on its board of directors by colleague Kelly Davies and most recently Sophie Yates. The majority female representation on its board is unusual in law firms but is very much in keeping with Fodensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The practice now boasts 16 highly trained members of staff and is looking to add to its team to deliver the services Fodens clients have come to expect. 4

desire to keep pushing forward in terms of business development.

Stephen Foden Director

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Home visits Fodens serves clients both locally and nationally and, despite its spacious new location offering ample free parking, the practice understands the need to maintain its roots within its traditional Much Wenlock community and continues to promote its free home visit service, which is available to every client. From its humble beginnings in Stephen’s garage, the practice now boasts 16 highly trained members of staff and is looking to add to its team to deliver the services Fodens clients have come to expect. Stephen Foden explains, “We needed to move with the times to be able to meet challenges in the service, and sector and regulatory changes and, one year on from our site change, we know it was the right move for our clients. “We have dedicated teams to assist with all aspects of property transactions (residential and commercial); dispute resolution; construction and building matters; wills; powers of attorney; probate, later life planning; and Court of Protection.”

Long-term support The majority female representation on its board is unusual in law firms but is very much in keeping with Fodens’ desire to keep pushing forward in terms of business development.

The practice has a 99% rating of ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ clients from those who have commented and, having retained many who can recall the ‘garage days’, and with completed transactions with a value of over £3 billion, Fodens continues to deliver on its clients’ service expectations. 4th January 2019 saw Fodens celebrate 20 years in business and March marked the anniversary of the move into Foden Business Centre – and the team are looking forward to many more happy and fulfilling years of helping their clients achieve their aims.

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Sophie Yates Director

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LOCAL NEWS

Ride returns Bridgnorth Park and Ride has returned for the summer, running between Tasley Auction Yard and the High Street every 20 minutes between 9.30am and 4.30pm, with the exception of Saturdays 11 May, 13 July and 14 September.

Kayak challenge On Saturday 18 May at around 5pm, a pair kayaks should arrive at a family fun day at the Crown Inn in Longden Coleham in Shrewsbury. The challenge, which sees paddlers Kevin and Paul travel 34 miles from Pool Quay in Wales, aims to raise money for the British Liver Trust, PSC Support and Donor Families Network. Find out more at Kayak Challenge 2019 on Facebook.

Morville off The committee of the Morville Festival and Fete, which traditionally takes place over May Bank Holiday, has decided it will not go ahead this year. The event was originally a one off - held to celebrate the millennium - but such was its success it continued for 19 years. Spokesperson Bridget Chappuis explains, “This success is largely due to the hard work, dedication and generosity of those who open their gardens and to the small army of volunteers. This year Morville Hall itself will be awaiting a new tenant and some of the stalwarts are having to cope with health and family issues. However, if anyone is interested in helping next year, please call me on 01746 714035.”

Up, up and away! Telford’s popular Balloon Fiesta returns on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May in the Town Park, after the roaring success of last year. It is set to be the town’s biggest event of the year with 30 balloons already confirmed to fly above the town, some of them boasting a special music and lights show on Saturday evening. The Fiesta helps raise money for Severn Hospice, which provides an essential service to the people of Shropshire. Virgin Balloon Flights have donated some of their passenger flights to help raise money for the charity as well as offering flights at a discount to coincide with the 25th year of the headquarters being based in Telford. Telford Central Rotary Club is also going to have a presence, organising some of the activities, providing entertainment and producing the programme. This year also sees the addition of the UK’s Ultimate Strongman qualifying events with England’s Strongest Man on Saturday and Wales’ Strongest Man on Sunday. There will also be a Kids’ Zone with activities for younger attendees. Severn Hospice’s Mike Perry says, “The Balloon Fiesta is now one of the most exciting events in Telford’s diary and Severn Hospice is thrilled to again be Telford and Wrekin Council’s chosen charity partner, with support from Telford Centre Rotary Club. Events like this give us the opportunity to raise awareness about our vital work providing care and emotional support to families living with incurable illness.” Ballooning is weather dependent so check the event’s Facebook page or go to telford50.co.uk/balloon2019.

Ducks away A Duck Race at Carding Mill Valley will see a flotilla of rubber ducks descending along the rocky stream. The event, run by Stretton Climate Care, takes place on Saturday 18 May between 11am and 4pm, with ducks priced at 50p. Visit nationaltrust.org. uk/cardingmill for details.

Jets from the Czech Air Force will perform thrilling aerial displays in the skies over Shropshire in June, as part of the NATO 70th anniversary theme at this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show. Visitors will have the chance to see the SAAB JAS-39C Gripen perform a solo display showcasing its power and agility. Accompanying the Gripen on Sunday 9 June, the Czech Air Force will also contribute a pair of Aero L-159 ALCA aircraft to the display, which will perform an airfield attack role demonstration, accompanied with ground-based pyrotechnics. Operations manager Peter Reoch says, “We’re very excited to have the Czech Air Force becoming the fourth nation to confirm aircraft attendance so far. The participation of the Czech Air Force is particularly notable for us due to RAF Cosford’s role as a Czechoslovak Depot during WWII, where thousands of Czech airmen enrolled to the RAF.” Other aircraft which will be lighting up the event include the CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the Eurofighter Typhoon – plus it’s one of the only opportunities this year to see the Red Arrows before they depart on an American tour. Visit cosfordairshow.co.uk to find out more.

LOCAL NEWS

‘Czech out’ the Air Show!

Station revamped Much Wenlock’s fire station was opened by local councillor David Turner after refurbishment and extension. David says, “This building has not only served a practical purpose for many years but is also a monument to local volunteers’ dedication and bravery. After significant investment by the Fire Authority in an extension, including a lecture room, watch room and kitchen, we now have modern facilities that will stand our local firefighters in good stead for many years to come.”

Sale for Jo A jumble sale is taking place in Broseley in memory of a popular community member who recently passed away. The Jumble Sale for Jo Havell will take place on Saturday 4 May at the town’s Victoria Hall from 10am until noon, with books and clothes for sale, along with tea and coffee. Call 01952 882505 or 727367 for more information.

Carnival’s Sunday slot

Litter picks

Bridgnorth’s biggest event is returning for 2019, with a new day. This year’s event will take place on Sunday 23 June as opposed to Saturday in the past, running from noon right until 7pm.

Fridays 31 May and 28 June are the dates for Much Wenlock’s next litter picks. The group is sponsored by Much Wenlock Town Council, which provides grabs, hoops and high-vis vests, and pickers are rewarded by a free cuppa at Tea on the Square. Contact David Turner before turning up: email david.turner@ shropshire.gov.uk or 01952 728802.

Entry forms for performers, attractions, stalls, bars, caterers and the colourful procession are now available on bridgnorthtownevents.org, with closing dates varying depending on the category. As ever, one of the highlights will be the Carnival Royalty, who will take pride of place in the procession and present prizes to winning procession entries. This year’s Royalty will receive prizes donated by local businesses and winners will also be invited to represent the town at events throughout the year.

LOCAL NEWS

Country house throws open doors On Sunday 12 May, a private Shropshire estate will throw open its door to the public and host a Country House Charity Car Boot Sale to raise funds for the Cavalier Centre, home of the new Perry Riding for the Disabled in Much Wenlock. Taking place at the Isle Estate, a hidden treasure just outside Shrewsbury and home to the Tate family, the event will be an exciting mixture of ‘booters’ selling family treasures and buyers looking for that amazing bargain and possible hidden gem. There will also be a Valuations Tent run by BBC Bargain Hunt and Flog It presenter Christina Trevanion. Gates will open at 9am and close at 3pm and there is plenty of onsite parking. The organisers are expecting around 50 stalls, so there will be lots to browse and buy. The new centre costs £1.3 million and is now open thanks to two generous grants from Reaching Communities and Southern Shropshire Leader along with thousands of other donors. If you’d like a stall at the event, email danny.budd13@ gmail.com.

Funds raised for Friends Beauty Benefits held a successful and well-attended evening for clients and friends, who enjoyed demonstrations and makeovers from a celebrity makeup artist while raising £600 for the League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital. Margaret Veal MBE, the League’s vice president and founder member said upon being presented with the cheque, “Thank you very much for your generous donation, Alison and all your staff.” The League also received a donation of £10,000 from the Aberdovey Bike Ride funds, having been nominated as one of the charities by Tony Seeley, who rode the race in a super-fast time on behalf of the Hospital. And there was another cycling fundraiser when Bridgnorth Cycling Club raised £157 following a Reliability Ride around Shropshire involving over 60 cyclists. Members of the club turned out on Sunday before one of their regular weekend rides to present a cheque to Hospital coffee shop manager Verena Swinnerton. Cyclist Tony Seeley, Verena Swinnerton and Ray Gill of the League, Greg Evans of Aberdovey Bike Ride and the League’s June Muxworthy

Marc’s ancient find A Telford-based metal detector recently struck detecting gold, discovering a rare 15th century coin while hunting near Much Wenlock. Marc Porter, a history enthusiast who’s been ‘treasure hunting’ for five years, was astonished to come across the find during his exploration of the area. “When it fell out of its resting place into the hole I’d dug, I didn’t believe at first that it was a coin,” he recalls. “I’ve been fooled by yellow bits of metal before. A second glance confirmed it was a real gold coin and it took my breath away. Adrenaline kicked in and I started shaking at the thought of what I’d found. Staring back at me through the dirt was a Gold Angel.” After reporting his find to the landowner Marc, who uploads photos of his finds to his Instagram page Hidden Shropshire, cleaned the coin and identified it as a rare Gold Angel of Richard III. He then uploaded it onto the Portable Antiquities Scheme database and contacted Shropshire’s Finds Liaison Officer Peter Reavill. The coin is still in the possession of Marc and the landowner, and Marc is keen to carry on metal detecting saying, “Who knows what will be under my feet next time?!” 8

LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

Biker groove A bevy of roaring machines will descend on the town of Broseley this summer – and organisers are looking for people to bring their motorbikes and get into the spirit. The third Broseley Festival of Motorcycling will take place on the first weekend in August. This year, the committee have decided to invite the local Blood Bike organisation to take part in the event. Shropshire Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes recently celebrated their fifth birthday, and in that time, they have made nearly 14,000 deliveries, not only of blood but also x-rays, medication and breast milk. They have travelled over 600,000 miles and now have a fleet of 15 motorcycles. The Broseley Festival of Motorcycling was instigated by Simon Harris and Dave Harmon, supported by a committee of like-minded motorcyclists – find them on Facebook or visit broseleyfestivalofmotorcycling.org. Image courtesy of Tarlochen Singh Mohr

Wild snaps at Jackfield A stunning new free exhibition featuring entries from the 2018 British Wildlife Photography Awards will be on display in the Footprint Gallery, adjacent to Jackfield Tile Museum, in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site from Saturday 11 May until Saturday 10 September. The inspirational images are a celebration of British wildlife in all its beauty and diversity from a range of hugely talented amateur and professional photographers practising across the UK. They highlight the great wealth and diversity of Britain’s natural history providing a showcase for the very best nature photography. Established in 2009, the British Wildlife Photography Awards aim to raise awareness about British biodiversity, species and habitats. As well as having their work showcased in the exhibition, the winners and commended entrants are featured in a beautiful new book. The Footprint Gallery at Jackfield Tile Museum is open every day between 10am and 4pm. For further information, call 01952 433424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk.

Art Trail ready for summer After 5,500 extra tourists visited Bridgnorth last year to complete the two-mile Art Trail walking loop, organisers have spruced up the trail ready for this year’s influx of visitors. “We’ve repainted the plinths, added some historical plaques, and revamped our free Trail map,” explains cllr Julia Buckley, chair of Bridgnorth Art Trail. Volunteers Donald Wightman and Cliff Bassett (pictured) installed the additional plaques onto the plinths to raise more awareness about the historic role played by Richard Trevithick. The 12 new plaques inform people about the world’s first fare-paying passenger railway locomotive, Catch Me Who Can, designed by Richard Trevithick and built by John Urpeth Rastrick at Hazledine’s Foundry in Bridgnorth. “It’s an excellent way to educate local young people about the historical importance of Bridgnorth in the railway

industry,” says Brian Jones, trustee of the Trevithick 200 charity which is rebuilding the replica. Cathy Fox, who prepared the revamped maps explains, “We’re continuously improving our maps based on feedback from visitors and residents, and are extremely grateful to Kathryn Holloway of Promofix for her excellent design and production work.” To take part, collect your free map from one of 20 outlets in the town (or get the app) and explore Bridgnorth to find the locomotives over the two-mile loop. 11

LOCAL NEWS

Scouts’ marvellous move Much Wenlock Scout Group have taken over the former Youth Club at Station Road as part of a Community Asset Transfer from Shropshire Council. Led by Andy Barker and Simon Ross, the groups had previously been based at the town’s Priory Hall for more than 30 years… but it had become unfit for purpose. Beaver and Cub pack leader Loren Reeve explains, “We’ve had some incredible times in the old Scout hut, but it was time to move on. An incredible amount of effort was put into making Priory Hall suitable, and I’m pleased to say the effort has been replicated for our new HQ.” The building, which had not been used for about four years, had a collapsed ceiling, leaking pipes and gutters, unpainted walls and an overgrown garden. Work has been done to put the collapsed roof back up, ensure all the fire regulations of the building

Much Wenlock Scouts and Explorers with their rubber-band car creations

are met, install new lighting, paint all the walls and make the building a suitable, welcoming place, with the first Scout troop meetings held in January. The Beavers group is now at capacity, while a new Cub pack started after Easter. The Scout troop, which has been running at Much Wenlock for over 40 years is thriving in the new building, but, Andy says, “we’re looking for a Scout leader. We have adult help for most sections, but it’s really difficult to get Leaders. Anyone interested can email muchwenlockgsl@gmail.com.”

Lions’ marathon challenge Bridgnorth Lions’ major expansion to the 2019 Bridgnorth Walk has created a flurry of interest, with enthusiastic runners signing up for the new Marathon event. One of those who has signed up is Susannah Gill, who recently ran seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, setting a new record. The combined event will be known as the Bridgnorth Lions Walk and Marathon and takes place on Monday 27 May, with runners starting at 9am and walkers an hour later. Bridgnorth Lions President Richard Stilwell says, “We’ve taken advice from Bridgnorth Running Club and they’ve indicated that it will be an exciting event for their members and for runners from other clubs throughout the West Midlands and even further afield. Currently, there are only a few marathons within a 50-mile radius so we expect interest from both competitive and club level athletes. This will be a very challenging event, running up and down hills, including a climb to the top of the Brown Clee.” Walkers and runners can register at bridgnorthwalk.org, with entry fees for walkers capped at £15 (£5 for the junior walk) while runners pay £25.

Drivers needed Bridgnorth Community Transport is seeking volunteer drivers both to drive their minibuses and for Bridgnorth Volunteer Car Service. Bus drivers are ‘employed’ on regular runs which bring passengers into town from places such as Claverley, Hampton Loade, Cleobury North, Burwarton, Ditton Priors and Alveley before taking them home again. Drivers are also needed on local group outings, when groups hire buses for daytrips and outings. Car drivers use their own vehicles to take passengers to medical and other appointments, and expenses are paid. If you can give any amount of time, call 01746 768539, email bridgnorthcombus@btconnect.com or visit bridgnorthcombus.org.uk. 12

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LOCAL NEWS

New direction for Telford T50 The popular 50-mile walking trail around Telford and Wrekin has taken a step in a new direction. Originally, the route was only marked clockwise but volunteers have been busy posting the distinctive pink Telford 50 circular route markers in a new anti-clockwise direction – and Newport’s Hutchison Way has added an extra spur. Created to help celebrate the town’s 50th anniversary and supported by the council’s Telford 50 Legacy Fund, the trail has proven to be a huge hit with walkers since it opened last summer. Trail spokesperson Anne Suffolk hinted at more exciting developments planned for this year, saying, “One of our aims for the trail was to promote tourism and support local food, drink and accommodation outlets. We’ll soon be publishing a guide book with historical and wildlife highlights as well as fresh route descriptions. We’re hoping that local businesses will support us to keep costs as low possible. “We’re also looking to recruit trail champions to help us keep track of any missing or damaged way markers and problems like litter or overgrown vegetation.” If you would like to get involved, email info@telfordt5050miletrail.org.uk.

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LOCAL NEWS

Cuan’s cute cubs A local wildlife charity is having a busy time thanks to some little guests. Cuan Wildlife in Much Wenlock recently welcomed four badger cubs – a first for staff member Claire in terms of sheer numbers. The charity’s Tina Cooke explains, “Night feeds are slowly being phased out, so Claire can hopefully get more sleep! The two boys and two girls have been TB tested and results have come back negative – great news. Two of the cubs came to us after their sett was flooded out and they were found cold and lonely. All four are bonding really well, and they’ll be hand-reared for the next couple of months before spending time in our outdoor enclosure in summer. When it’s time for release, they’ll be taken to a secret location and released together as a family.”

The charity is preparing for its Summer Ball on Saturday 29 June at its site at the foot of Wenlock Edge. There will be a three-course meal and live music, along with a disco. Tickets can be purchased from the charity shop in Much Wenlock, or by contacting fundraisingcwr@gmail.com.

Festival offers ‘adult creche’ A popular children’s festival is ensuring there is also plenty to occupy adults. The whole family can enjoy a huge variety of mouth-watering food stalls at Shropshire Kids Fest and, when it all gets too much for the grown-ups, the ‘adult creche’ offers a place for them to get away from the hustle and bustle of the festival, while raising money for the Harry Johnson Trust – the festival charity.

County unites for races Over 40 teams will be competing in Shrewsbury Wacky Races on Sunday 26 May in support of Macmillan. The event is the first of its kind to be held in the town and will see the teams hurtle themselves down the hill in Shrewsbury’s Quarry, through chicanes and turns… hopefully avoiding the River Severn at the bottom.

The event will be held on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May at Shrewsbury Quarry, and new this year is the construction of a gigantic 400-foot obstacle course, one of the biggest in the UK. Other features include a helter skelter slide, giant games, zorbing, mini golf, bubble football, music tent, go karts, foam parties, water slides, arts, crafts, baking sessions, circus tent, nerf arena, disco dancing, pirate and princess school, with lots more to discover on the day – and all events are free for ticket holders once they’re inside. Visit shropshirekidsfest.co.uk for full details and to buy tickets.

The teams in the running represent businesses, charities, education, community groups, families and individuals from all over the county and include Beaver Bridges who are planning on building a solid bridge-like structure soapbox; a shark-based design by a nine-year-old, which will be driven by his father; and creations by Rowton Brewery, the Little Rascals Foundation and Telford RAF Cadets among others. The Harry Johnson Trust is one of the groups taking part. Sally Johnson of the Trust says, “We’re a very small, completely volunteer-run charity which offers help and support to local babies, children and teenagers with cancer. We hope our participation will raise awareness of our charity and spread the word about what we do.” To find out more, visit shrewsburywackyraces.co.uk. 15

LOCAL NEWS

Corvedale’s shameful secret Next year will mark the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower to the ‘New World’ of the Americas – and a Shropshire village will be marking four of its young inhabitants who sailed with the Pilgrim Fathers on the ship. Mike Brogden, secretary of Shropshire Mayflower Children committee, explains, “For over 300 years a bitter battle between the parents of four poor mites from the Corvedale remained under wraps, until Sir Jasper More, MP for Ludlow 1960 to 1979, began to explore the contents of a trunk in his attic.”

Lottery boost for Railway The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is celebrating after winning a £853,800 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It will use the grant, along with other funds raised, to restore Falling Sands Viaduct in Kidderminster, and to launch a programme of community engagement and exhibitions that explore the railway’s early history. News of the grant comes soon after the SVR announced the success of its appeal to raise £397,000 in donations from thousands of individuals, community organisations, charitable trusts and foundations, and businesses. It means the railway can now go ahead with essential repairs to the 142-year-old viaduct, as Shelagh Paterson of the SVR Charitable Trust explains, “Our iconic structure has suffered badly over the years, with water seeping deep inside, causing cracks and erosion to the brickwork. Now, thanks to the support of National Lottery players and our many generous donors, we can get it back into shape.

It seems Samuel More, of Larden Hall, Shipton, in the Corvedale valley, had sent his four children aged from four to eight on the ship, because of a quarrel with his wife Katharine. Only one of them survived the first dreadful winter, six-year-old Richard, who went on to take part in a maritime operation against the French in what was to become Nova Scotia. There will be a programme of events to mark the anniversary. Mike says, “Our varied programme includes guided walks, a seminar, a 17th century choral concert and a day conference. With the right promotion, the moving story of the More children of Shropshire will play its full part in events to mark the anniversary of the Mayflower’s sailing.” For the full story, visit shropshiresmayflowerchildren.com.

“When the work is completed, we’ll be able to lift the current speed restriction on our heritage trains and look forward to at least another century of service from the viaduct.” The SVR is gearing up for its Step Back to the 1940s weekends on 29 June and 6 July – visit svr.co.uk to find out more.

Bloom in the Dale Ironbridge is to welcome a new event in July in the form of Hullabaloo in the Park, an Early Year festival. The event will be held in Dale End Park, with tickets already on sale. Hullaballoo will offer a stage show, hands-on workshops and activities and enjoy a magical park, and all activities and events inside the festival are free for ticket holders. The highlight of the day will be the hugely popular Mr Bloom from CBeebies, while other acts will include a science show, magic, stories, music and puppets. There will also be pop-up street food vendors and bars. Hullabaloo in the Park will take place on Saturday 6 July and online tickets are available at thelittleboxoffice.com/sarahbelcherevents, with tickets priced at £40 for a family of four. 16

LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

Plastics team find allies As part of their efforts during Plastic-Free February, which included the ongoing #RefillBridgnorth campaign to discourage single plastic bottle use, Sustainable Bridgnorth set up a team to target local supermarkets and persuade them to ‘prevent pointless plastic’ – and they found that many are already taking up the challenge. The group visited shops during February, surveying retailers to understand how they were already reducing plastic use… and “we were so impressed with our independent coffee shops who are moving away from plastic utensils and cups!” says the group’s Bob Ensum. The star of the show was Bridgnorth Sainsburys. Anti-plastic campaigner Cheryl Holmes targeted the shop because of its importance in the local community as the largest town centre store… “and it really sets the pace,” she explains. “I walked down the aisles with the store manager Hollie Lawley, and asked her directly what more can be done to reduce this use of plastic.” Bridgnorth has purchased reusable banana crates, proposed a national-chain end to cauliflower bags,

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and locally will be making paper bags, reusable jute bags, and cardboard boxes available instead of plastic bags in the vegetable aisle, encouraging shoppers to bring their own containers to the deli, and is set to become the town’s only location to recycle Walkers’ crisp packets. Hollie says, “Sainsburys are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our business, and in Bridgnorth we’re no different; we want to work within the community to support local groups like Sustainable Bridgnorth to make an even bigger impact.” For more information, find the group on Facebook.

LOCAL NEWS

THE SUMMER SUN BEAMS OVER

THE BEECHES...

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM HOUSES Approaching Summer, the former Beeches hospital transformation continues into an exquisite collection of homes in the historic town of Ironbridge. With many properties currently sold to new home owners, it comes as no surprise that this iconic landmark is attracting buyers from near and far. The Sales & Marketing Suite is open five days a week 10am - 5pm. Wendy, The Beeches Sales Advisor, is on hand every week to help you find your dream home.

PROPERTY PHASES: • • • • • •

THE COURTYARD HADDON HOUSES ALICE WING CHAPEL YARD NURSE’S COTTAGES MASTER’S WING

VISIT SALES & MARKETING SUITE THURS - MON 10AM - 5PM T: 01952 433528    

Look out for the brand new Show Home at The Beeches this Summer.

NEW HOMES IN IRONBRIDGE ‘Parker’s Place’ Find out more: www.shropshire-homes.com

GRAHAM (Local Historian) &WENDY (Sales Advisor) 19

G A E L SA

ED E R

BRIDGNORTH

Substantial detached house with considerable potential, walking distance centre. Could respond well to some upgrading. Hall, 3 reception rooms, 2 wc’s, 4 bedrooms (one en-suite), bathroom, extensive gardens, nearly quarter acre. E/R - E.

£485,000

BRIDGNORTH BRANCH

NR MUCH WENLOCK

Detached house with annexe, successful B&B. Hall, sitting room, dining room/bedroom 5, breakfast kitchen, conservatory, utility/wc. 2 en-suite bedrooms, 2 further bedrooms and bathroom. Garage with annexe, parking and garden. E/R - D/F.

£589,000

MUCH WENLOCK BRANCH

HARLEY

Lovely detached 19th century character farmhouse. 3 reception rooms, study, conservatory, breakfast kitchen, larder, utility/wc, 4 bedrooms (one en-suite), bathroom, 3 attic bedrooms, bathroom, lovely mature gardens, parking. E/R - E.

£695,000

MUCH WENLOCK BRANCH

Bridgnorth 01746 711442

BRIDGNORTH

Interesting listed period town house a short walk from the castle walk and gardens. Tastefully appointed. Hall, living room, sitting room with stunning views, kitchen, study area, hobbies room, 4 bedrooms, period bathroom, secluded patio.

£345,000

BRIDGNORTH BRANCH

HARLEY

Heavily timbered listed detached cottage in grounds of over one and half acres. Believed to be 17th century. 2 reception rooms, breakfast kitchen, conservatory, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, extensive grounds with views, small pool and garage.

£595,950

MUCH WENLOCK BRANCH

KINLET

Traditional stone semi-detached country cottage adjoining farmland. Porch, sitting room, breakfast kitchen, conservatory, hall, shower/wc, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, double garage and workshop, potential annexe, gardens and parking. E/R - E.

£300,000

Ironbridge 01952 433422

BRIDGNORTH BRANCH

Much Wenlock 01952 767877

www.nicktart.com

BRIDGNORTH

Late 16th century listed town house with a wealth character. Hall, 28’ living room, conservatory, dining room, kitchen, large first floor landing/study, shower room/wc, 3 double bedrooms, secluded and mature rear garden.

£350,000

BRIDGNORTH BRANCH

MUCH WENLOCK

Spacious detached house close to centre. Hall, family room, living room, cloakroom/wc/utility area, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, basement rooms, 3 double bedrooms, bathroom, parking for several vehicles, large rear garden. E/R - D.

£450,000

MUCH WENLOCK BRANCH

NR BRIDGNORTH

Terraced cottage in an elevated location with pleasant aspect. Sitting room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms (currently interconnecting), bathroom, rear annexe, terraced rear garden. No upward chain, further garden possible by negotiation. E/R - F.

£220,000

Telford 01952 200255

BRIDGNORTH BRANCH

NR MUCH WENLOCK

Interesting circa 1640 country cottage with paddocks, lovely countryside views. 2 reception rooms, dining kitchen, conservatory, utility, 4 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms, lovely gardens, garage, home office. Just under an acre. E/R - F.

£565,000

MUCH WENLOCK BRANCH

HAMPTON LOADE

Detached house not far from the river. Hall, wc, living room, sitting room, study, dining kitchen, 4 bedrooms (one en-suite shower/wc/ dressing area), stylish bathroom, gardens, parking. E/R - F.

£450,000

BRIDGNORTH BRANCH

BOURTON

Detached house with Clee Hill and country views. 3 reception rooms (one with galleried study area), breakfast kitchen, utility, 4 bedrooms (one en-suite), family bathroom, double garage, large garden store, mature half acre gardens. E/R - F.

£550,000

Tettenhall 01902 755585

MUCH WENLOCK BRANCH

Associated office Park Lane, London

LOCAL NEWS

Walking weekend returns The team behind the hugely popular annual Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival are warming up for a weekend of wonderful walks. The 2019 festival runs from Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 May, offering more than 50 free walks over nine days, making it probably the biggest in the West Midlands and one of the best in the country. The festival offers themed walks ranging from two to 21 miles covering a host of topics from the landscape and geology of the Gorge World Heritage Site and ‘wellness walks’, to those covering the wildlife that inhabits its ancient woodlands. The walks are graded in terms of suitability, with plenty of short family forays including a tour of Broseley’s jitties, along with long walks including The Gorge by Rail, a linear walk starting and ending at a railway station. The event aims to embrace the area’s most famous structure: “After a major refurbishment the Iron Bridge can be seen in all its glory again, and for the first time in living memory repainted in its original colour,” says Neil Cartman of the Festival. For more information go to ironbridgewalking.co.uk or visit the Facebook page; booking on all walks is recommended.

Time for tea! Tea and cake went down a treat at a Shropshire nursing home’s fun charity tea party. Residents, staff, family and friends joined in the Time for a Cuppa initiative for Dementia UK at Oldbury Grange Nursing Home in Bridgnorth.

Gorge at War The Ironbridge Gorge WW2 Weekend will once again turn the clock back to the wartime era. The event, which last year attracted around 11,000 visitors, this year takes place over the weekend of 25 and 26 May at Dale End Park, Ironbridge. Organisers aim to recreate the experience of life during WW2 on both the home front and in occupied Europe, with civilian, Allied and Axis re-enactors. The non-profit making event raises funds for Pilgrim Bandits, with over £10,000 raised last year. The WW2 Weekend runs from 10am until 5pm each day and, as well as some of the country’s top reenactors, there will be a fire-power display and a ‘battle’ each day, along with military vehicle parades and displays, a 1940s sports day for children, a trader village, a variety of food outlets and 1940s entertainers all day in the marquee. The Saturday night Grand Dance features lively tunes from the Ashby Big Band. To find out more about the WW2 Weekend, find them on Facebook. 22

Morris Care’s Alison Hearle, says, “We love getting out the china cups and hosting tea parties to engage residents and bring people together. When the occasion also helps to raise awareness for dementia care, it makes them more special as it is a cause close to our hearts. Dementia UK’s annual Time for a Cuppa takes place every year in March and encourages supporters to share their favourite bakes to make a difference to the lives of families facing dementia. This year is the 10th anniversary of the scheme which has raised more than £760,000 to fund 30 new Admiral Nurses. (L-r) Social life coordinator Mandy Bullock with an Oldbury Grange resident and home manager Rhea Paller

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LOCAL ARTS

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WATCHING THE DETECTIVE An investigation of her own set local writer Susannah Stapleton on the path of an intriguing London sleuth. It’s often said that life imitates art, and that was definitely the case for Much Wenlock resident Susannah Stapleton. “I was reading a 1930s crime novel featuring a woman sleuth and found myself wondering whether there really had been female private detectives in Britain at that time,” explains Susie, a passionate bibliophile who works at Wenlock Books, run by fellow book-lover Anna Dreda. “At first, the only one I could find was Maud West. And that was all there was – a name and the words ‘London’s only lady detective’ (as it turned out, there were others) – but it was enough to get me hooked.”

Susie, an aspiring writer with a background in historical research who moved to Shropshire to study in 1996, started to develop her idea into a pitch for a book – but, like many first-time writers, she struggled to find an agent. “In desperation, I applied to take part in the annual live pitching competition at the London Book Fair. It was terrifying, pitching my idea to a panel of top agents at one of the biggest industry events in the world, but it worked. I landed a great agent and was soon getting a book proposal ready. “There was a lot of interest in Maud’s story from the start and it ended up going to auction, with bids from various publishers.” Once the book’s future was secure thanks to a deal with Picador, Susannah christened it The Adventures of Maud West, Lady Detective: Secrets and Lies in the Golden Age of Crime, and she’s written it to reflect the investigative process through which it evolved. She says, “I’d say anyone who enjoys Agatha Christie and her fellow Golden Age crime writers will enjoy the book.

A little more poking into Maud’s past revealed a fascinating character, and Susie found herself being drawn deeper and deeper into her story. She says, “I knew I’d stumbled across something special when I found some of Maud’s own writing: not only was she a real-life lady detective – and quite famous in her day – but she was a real hoot! “That marked the start of a long journey trying to untangle fact from fiction, not just in the stories Maud told about her work, but those she told about herself. I think the truth I eventually uncovered about her private life, which she took great steps to hide, was just as astonishing as her work as ‘the female Sherlock Holmes’.”

“It’s framed as an investigation into Maud West and her life and work – and there are many twists and turns as the truth emerges – but it also takes in the social history of the early 20th century along the way; a period when people’s private lives and passions were often at odds with what society expected of them. Nearly everyone in the book is up to no good in one way or another. So if you like a good scandal, this is the book for you!”

Susie says working at Wenlock Books puts her at the heart of the community – image courtesy of Buffy Shaw

The Adventures of Maud West, Lady Detective: Secrets and Lies in the Golden Age of Crime is published on Thursday 13 June, and Susie will be at Wenlock Books on Saturday 15 June from 11am to 4pm to sign copies. You can find out more about Susie and Maud at susannahstapleton.com. 25

LOCAL ARTS

Train of thought Rachel Watson longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has disappeared, she suddenly finds herself a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which revelation follows revelation. Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over 20 million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack and Oliver Farnworth, this gripping adaption of ‘The Girl on the Train’ will keep you guessing until the final moment. ‘The Girl on the Train’ pulls into Theatre Severn on Monday 27 May until Saturday 1 June – visit theatresevern.co.uk for show times and prices.

Art at Attingham Attingham Park was bequeathed to the National Trust (NT) in 1947 by the Berwick family as a gift for ‘public benefit’. This year, the team at Attingham will be sharing more about the work that takes place across the estate to protect nature and care for wildlife as part of the year long programme ‘Grow Your Green Roots’. As part of the programme, Attingham will host a partnership exhibition between the NT and the National Portrait Gallery. From Saturday 22 June to Sunday 8 September, an exhibition of 30 portraits, Face of Change: Nature’s Champions, will be on display in the Picture Gallery. Environmental activists, poets, artists, politicians, campaigners, gardeners, broadcasters and scientists who have affected how we interact with our environment will be depicted in outstanding paintings, sculpture, photographs and a number of recent commissions from leading contemporary artists. For more information visit the website nationaltrust.org. uk/attingham-park or call 01743 708170.

Beardy folk? June sees the second Beardy Folk Festival taking place in the walled garden of Hopton Court, Hopton Wafers near Ludlow. Guests include O’Hooley and Tidow, Skerryvore and the Trials of Cato. The festival also features an artisan food court, ale, cider and gin bars, a trade village, yoga classes, singing and Morris dancing workshops plus free children’s entertainment including circus workshops, woodland crafts, activities, storytelling and roaming entertainers. Visit beardyfolkfestival.co.uk for dates and details. 26

LOCAL ARTS

Bookfest returns One of Britain’s most successful children’s authors Jacqueline Wilson will be in Shrewsbury on Saturday 4 May for Shrewsbury Bookfest’s annual children’s literature festival. The best-selling author, who is also Bookfest President, will be helping the event celebrate its 21st birthday this May Bank Holiday. ‘Book Birthdays’ will be the theme for Bookfest’s hugely popular all-day family event in the Square on Saturday where there will be free drop-in activities for children of all ages to enjoy. Families can also have fun joining in with the Bookfest Birthday Quest treasure trail around the town, spotting art creations by local primary schools celebrating some special birthdays of the very best-loved children’s books. The ever-popular Aardman Animations will be back on Sunday 5 May, offering children (and their grown-ups!) the chance to make their very own Morph, Shaun the Sheep or Feathers McGraw clay models under expert guidance of one of the studio’s top model-makers. To find out more about all the events and book tickets, visit shrewsburybookfest.co.uk.

Haydn celebration Bridgnorth will again come alive to the lilting symphonies of German composer Joseph Haydn this June. International soloists are set to appear at the English Haydn Festival from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 June, including violin virtuoso Simon Standage, violoncellist Pavel Serbin, oboist Mark Baigent, flautist Eva Caballero, bassoonist Robert Percival and violinist Ada Witczyk. The distinguished writer and broadcaster Richard Wigmore will provide an introduction based on the Festival’s theme of Haydn’s Friends, Patrons & Colleagues, with performances of his symphonies, and music by Pleyel, Mozart, and Beethoven including an oboe concerto by Dittersdorf, a Cramer violin concerto, and works by Viotti and JC Bach, with the orchestra performing on period instruments and conducted by distinguished director Steven Devine. Lunchtime and evening concerts feature the Consone Quartet, the Salomon String Quartet, the Denner Ensemble and the English Haydn Quartet. Call 07547 289704 or visit englishhaydn.com for details. The Consone Quartet will play at the Haydn Festival

Lively Live Arts! This year’s Live Arts Festival, which took place over two weekends in March, hosted competitions in Dance, Music, and Speech and Drama (including creative writing). The Festival, part of the Wenlock Olympian Festival, attracted over 700 entries with young people coming from as far away as Worcestershire to take part. For the first time, Much Wenlock’s Holy Trinity Church was the venue for instrumental classes – with its brand new grand piano and excellent acoustics! The event was marked by the visit of triple jump world record holder and Wenlock Olympian Society President, Jonathan Edwards CBE. Jonathan delighted spectators and competitors by presenting gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Live Arts chair Sue Hayward says, “To this day, the Festival is considered one of Shropshire’s gems. It’s the dedication of its volunteers, our talented competitors, and our many supporters that the make it such an amazing success.” Next year is an Olympic year and Live Arts will take place on the weekends of 7 and 14 March 2020. As Sue says, “Save the dates and encourage all those young performers you know to take part!” 27

LOCAL ARTS

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Tickets are selling briskly ahead of a tantalising double bill for Theatre Severn: a national treasure is appearing in one of the country’s best-loved plays. Film, theatre and TV star Shane Richie will play Archie Rice in a production of John Osborne’s ‘The Entertainer’. Named by theatre critic Michael Billington as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, the play comes to Shrewsbury from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 November. For the first time since its premiere in 1957, Osborne’s classic is given a vibrant new setting and an electric new vision in Sean O’Connor’s startling new production. It’s 1982: Archie Rice is a washed-up entertainer playing a summer season. As his soldier son sails to the Falklands, his daughter Jean returns from campaigning against the war, and Archie’s professional and personal lives collide with devastating consequences. Shane says, “Following in the black patent shoes of Olivier, Gambon, Lindsay and Branagh, it’s an incredible honour to be asked to play one of literatures greatest fictional characters, Archie Rice. In the words of the great man himself ‘you’re a long time dead, let’s just whoop it up!’

Alveley Band get around!

Tickets can be booked online at theatresevern.co.uk, by calling 01743 281281 and from the Box Office.

On Sunday 12 May at 2pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens will be hosting Alveley Village Band’s first public event of the year. The Band’s Jenny Jarvis says, “We do intend to entertain a family audience and offer a wide appeal to all ages, so do come along and support us. Our repertoire includes some exciting new pieces including ‘Hymn to the Fallen’ and ‘An English Sea Song Suite’.” Tickets, available at the door, are £7.50 for adults, £5.25 concessions; call 0121 454 1860 for details. The band is playing at another unconventional venue in June: the Three Horseshoes pub in Alveley. The Proms in the Pub event takes place on Sunday 30 June from 2.30pm to 5pm and the band are hoping their choice of music will create a lively atmosphere – audience participation is warmly encouraged! Visit alveleyvillageband.com or thethreehorsehoesalveley.co.uk for more details.

Bishops Castle arts Studios and homes in the arty and crafty hotspot of Bishops Castle are to open their doors this June. The Bishops Castle Open Studios weekend runs from 7 to 9 June from 10am to 5pm each day, with free entry and parking. Artworks include printmaking, painting, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, metalwork, contemporary vintage and more. Many of the town’s cafés, restaurants and shops are also taking part in the three-day event. Visit bcopenstudios.co.uk to find out more. One of the artists taking part is Jemima Jameson, whose atmospheric paintings of wildlife evoke a reverential feeling – pictured is ‘Chandelier at Bank House’ by Drusilla Cole. 29

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LOCAL ARTS

Tull landmark for Shrewsbury A celebration to mark 50 years of one of the UK’s most original bands tops the latest group of artists to be added to the line-up of Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Jethro Tull’s guitarist Martin Barre will bring former band members Dee Palmer and Clive Bunker to the event at the West Midland Showground, which runs from Friday 23 to Monday 26 August.

Martin Barre will be recreating some of Jethro Tull’s greatest hits

Other confirmed artists include internet sensation Jiggy, American activist Rev Sekou, Kate Rusby, Grace Petrie, Steve Knightley and the Phil Beer Band. Weekend tickets are selling fast and only a handful of Saturday and Sunday tickets remain.

look to bring a diverse mix of music to the festival and we’ve developed a reputation for programming some of the most exciting Americana and world music alongside traditional folk.

Director Sandra Surtees says, “We’re over the moon to be hosting Martin Barre’s special celebration of Jethro Tull as it’s a band that spans generations and genres. We always

“With four main stages, there’s always lots to choose from and our visitors love to discover music that’s new to them – that’s part of the joy of the festival.”

dBev d Wightman’s protegees will be joining her at the concert in May

The festival includes a dance tent, children and youth festivals, workshops, craft fair, food village, real ale, cocktail and gin bars and on-site camping and glamping; pubs in town will also be hosting fringe events, and there’s the traditional parade on Saturday afternoon. Visit shrewsburyfolkfestival. co.uk/booktickets/ to get your tickets.

Dance for all

Musical generations A fundraising concert on Saturday 18 May for Breast Cancer Now by Concordia ladies’ choir and Bewdley Concert Band will now be joined by students under the tutelage of Concordia’s Beverley Wightman. Bev, who is raising money for the charity in honour of friends and family members who have come through the disease, says, “Every year I enter a student choir into the Much Wenlock Live Arts Festival, and this year, as in previous years, they won a gold medal for their performance.” The grown-up Concordia choir will be performing a range of songs from the genres of musicals, classical, jazz, and pop, while the youth group will perform two contrasting songs. Bewdley Concert Band will also perform a range of material, with the band and choir joining together at the end for a rousing finish.

Shropshire Inclusive Dance (SiD) has announced a new venture which aims to bring dance to all young people in Shropshire. Two workshops, called ‘All In’, take place on Tuesday 13 August and Monday 28 October, following an earlier event in April, and participants can take part in one or both. The workshops are aimed at young people aged from 12 to 19, and no previous experience is necessary but participants should have a passion for dance already. SiD’s Anna Belyavin explains, “We are so excited to be able to offer inclusive youth dance in Shropshire; the team have many years of experience working with young people and working with people with additional needs. We hope these workshops are the first step towards creating an inclusive youth dance company and supporting young people who might want to be part of this.” The workshops are taking place at Shrewsbury’s Gateway; spaces are limited so email officesidance@gmail.com for details.

The concert takes place at 7.30pm at Community Hall, Low Town in Bridgnorth. Tickets are available from Bridgnorth Library. If you’d like to join the choir, which meets on Thursday evenings at Morville Village Hall, give Bev a call on 07733 316992 or just turn up at 7.30pm. 31

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Hounds of theatre Two tales are intertwined in a show coming to RAF Museum Cosford on Saturday 29 June. The year is 1941 and rehearsals for ‘Henry V’ are underway... ‘Greyhounds’ intersperses Shakespeare’s famous story of ‘warlike Harry’ with the trials and tribulations of village life during the Second World War. From within the wooden village hall, where every scene is set, the residents of Shuttlefield rehearse, gossip and indulge in some seriously bad acting as the night of the performance draws ever closer. The play will form part of a weekend of celebrations across the whole site for Armed Forces Day and ticket holders will be able to have a closer look inside the cockpits of the world’s oldest Spitfire Mk 1 before the performance. The performance is suitable for adults and teenagers and takes place at 11am and 3pm, with tickets priced at £10 (£5 for children over 12). Visit rafmuseum.org.uk to find out more.

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Go for the craic! Bringing to life the music of Ireland’s favourite sons, a talented cast of musicians and singers are visiting Shrewsbury to tell the story of the Dubliners, evoking the timeless spirit of the iconic group. ‘Seven Drunken Nights’ takes you on a riotous journey that will have you singing and clapping along to such classics as ‘The Wild Rover’, ‘The Black Velvet Band’, ‘The Irish Rover’, ‘Molly Malone’, and ‘Finnegan’s Wake’… not forgetting of course ‘Seven Drunken Nights’… This celebration of the Dubliners and Irish music itself will be an unforgettable evening of music, humour and craic. Head along for Seven Drunken Nights in one at Theatre Severn on Tuesday 14 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £24 – visit theatresevern.co.uk for full details.

Life in monochrome If you’ve visited the Bridgnorth Art Trail of locomotives, you may have noticed engine number three, which was created by black and white photographic documentary artist Kathryn O’Connor. Kathryn is now asking people to take part in a social history project. She explains, “Faces and Workplaces 2019 to 2020 is a project about Bridgnorth working people. I’ll be photographing 100 individuals working in Bridgnorth, in as many diverse workplaces as possible. Participants will also fill in a questionnaire, and portraits and questionnaires will be given to Shropshire Archives for posterity. An exhibition of a selection of the portraits will take place in August as part of the Bridgnorth Music and Arts Festival.

‘Sons’ shines Broadcast live from The Old Vic in London, Academy Award-winner Sally Field (Steel Magnolias, Brothers and Sisters) and Bill Pullman (The Sinner, Independence Day) star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama ‘All My Sons’, appearing at the Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock on Tuesday 14 May. It’s America in 1947. Despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business. But nothing lasts forever and their contented lives, already shadowed by the loss of their eldest boy to war, are about to shatter. With the return of a figure from the past, long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare. Jeremy Herrin directs a cast including Jenna Coleman (Victoria), and Colin Morgan (Merlin). The show starts at 7pm, with tickets priced at £12/£10 – visit edgeartscentre.com to book.

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Get Swervy! (L-r) Producer Nigel Bowen presents a cheque to Naomi Atkin of the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund

Players’ ‘Hood’ haul This year’s Buildwas Players Pantomime has raised over a thousand pounds for a cancer charity.

The deep vales of the Long Mynd are set to come alive to some wobbly sounds this May. The incomparable Swervy World will be dropping into the valley to get the whole Chalet swinging. Swervy World’s unique arrangements of traditional jazz and blues classics from the twenties, thirties and beyond have seen them play everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to Glastonbury. Delivered with vaudevillian wit and style, their repertoire includes detours into alternative musical genres; ska, classical – even disco… The band are playing at Carding Mill Chalet at 7pm on Friday 10 May – call 03442 491895 to book tickets.

The Players’ Nigel Bowen says, “We raised £1,100 for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, which has been working since 1979 to improve cancer care facilities in Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales. “A big ‘thank you’ to our cast, backstage crew and all our supporters for their hard work and dedication. We’re already having a script written for our next production, ‘Ali Baba’. “If you’re interested in taking part in next year’s panto, either as cast or crew, please find us on FB. We start rehearsing again in September (every Tuesday night in Buildwas Village Hall) and will perform in February 2020.”

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Splendid sequel Adapted from the novel by Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns is the spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner. In 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world. Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife. Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies. ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ is appearing at Birmingham Rep from Thursday 2 May to Saturday 18 May, with tickets priced at £15. Visit birmingham-rep.co.uk for show times and booking details.

Men at work The country’s leading all-male company are visiting the National Trust’s Dudmaston Estate in Quatt in June. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform Shakespeare’s most popular comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set in an enchanted forest with fairies, sparring lovers and a group of amateur actors who are putting on a play... Shakespeare’s rustic and supernatural comedy is packed with some of his most famous characters from Puck, the merry wanderer of the night, to the hilarious Bottom, via the warring lovers whose true loves’ course never did run smooth.

Grammy winner visits Bridgnorth An award-winning blues guitarist will be strutting his stuff on Bridgnorth’s steps in June. Mike Farris, winner of a Grammy for his album Shine All for the People in 2015, is embarking on a short tour of the UK to promote his new album, Silver and Stone.

Acclaimed for their stylish and accessible productions, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men have spent the last 15 years wowing audiences up and down the country in their trademark style. They’re visiting on Wednesday 19 June at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £15 or £10 for children – visit nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston for details. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are famed for their flamboyant productions

Mike, whose style takes in blues, soul, gospel and Americana, will be visiting Theatre on the Steps on Wednesday 19 June, along with special guest Elles Bailey, and will perform his own sogns along with a range of covers. Farris is widely regarded as one of the most sincere and compelling performers around, who, in the words of top music publication Rolling Stone possesses ‘a super-sized voice filled with the electricity of Saturday night and the godly grace of Sunday mornings’… The show starts at 8pm with tickets prices at £18 – visit theatreonthesteps.co.uk for more details. 37

dd Paul Hopkins

Over 30 local residents and businesses will be opening their doors for this year’s Bridgnorth Open House Arts Trail over the weekend of 8 June. Artworks on display will include oil and watercolour paintings, drawings, photography, glass work, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, metalwork and more.

of Stoneway Ga llery with one of his landscapes

Artist and Stoneway Gallery proprietor Paul Hopkin says, “It’s an excellent way for local artists to show their diverse range of work,” while returning multimedia artist Maggie Humphry adds, “I really enjoyed last year’s first Trail. To meet with such interested and friendly members of the public and discuss my work was wonderful.” Trail committee member Vicky Commander adds, “The feedback we had from last year’s event was excellent. We’re delighted this year will be offering even more with 17 new artists and are looking forward to raising funds for this year’s chosen charity, the Oak Farm adult learning facility in Ditton Priors.” Tickets and maps, priced £5 for the two-day event, will be available from Tanners Wine Merchants, Mary’s Closet in Bridgnorth High Street and the Library in Listley Street from 13 May. Visit bridgnorthopenhouseco.uk and find the event on Facebook and find the event on Facebook.

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Wolf in Wolves Classical ballet, spoken word and eye-catching physical theatre combine in a reimagining of Sergei Prokofiev’s classic ‘Peter and the Wolf’, taking place as part of a double bill of dance at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre in May. Join Peter and best friend Bird as their day out takes an unexpected turn. The performance is narrated by poet Hollie McNish. Inspired by a poem by David Laing, ‘Seasons in Our World’ explores the relationship between the cycle of the seasons and individual human lives and communities and is set to a new score from award-winning composer Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian. The show appears on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May; Nick Owen opens a gala performance on Saturday evening, hosting an audience with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s artistic director David Bintley before the performances. Gala tickets for this one-off performance are available for £60 in the Dress Circle and include a pre-show drink and a post-show reception in the Encore Lounge. Visit grandtheatre.co.uk for full details.

It’s their hormones! Back by popular demand, ‘Hormonal Housewives ‘returns to Telford on Thursday 13 June at 7.30pm. Follow the worrisome wives as they blast their witty way through a catalogue of women’s bits: weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, moody teenagers, men, Zumba, therapy, housework, homework, electrolysis, sex, working out, staying in, going out, bikini waxes, celebrity gossip, eating, not eating, chocolate, wine, more chocolate, social media, more wine, and all the other joys of being a 21st century woman! Bring your friends and head to The Place at Oakengates for a seriously funny evening. Tickets available from £26.50 – visit theplacetelford.com for full details.

Festival’s growing appeal One of Shropshire’s most popular free two-day music events is set to sizzle this summer. Broseley Festival returns on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, and this year the festival is also linking up with local campsites so festival-goers can make the most of the weekend. Coldplay tribute Viva La Cold Play headline on Saturday, preceded by brilliant tributes to Kings of Leon and UB40. Sunday will be feature ABBA tribute Waterloo Live and Planet Duran, while local bands Skaburst, the Endings and the Beautiful Ways will also be appearing. Broseley High Street will be packed with international food vendors, drink and gift stalls… and new this year is Victoria Hall Old Time Music where you can sing along to music from the big band era. Visit broseleyfestival.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for full details. 39

LOCAL ARTS

LAR project underway Work is underway at Ludlow Assembly Rooms (LAR) which will result in the venue having new seating, air conditioning, increased accessibility and much more. The work will mean that there will be a 50% reduction in the building’s carbon footprint, with a new and reliable lift, better toilets and baby changing, plus improved seating with enhanced visibility in the auditorium. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Arts Council England, Shropshire Council and LAR. Work is being carried out by Shropshire-based PaveAways and is due to be completed by late September. LAR chair Gareth Williams says, “It’s great to see the project actually coming to life. It’s been a long time in development with the hard work of previous chairs Tony Blench and Mike Penn and all our many friends and supporters helping to bringing us to where we are today.” LAR continues to deliver arts in different venues while their Ludlow base is being overhauled, with a sold-out appearance by Fairport Convention (pictured) set to take place at Bridgnorth Castle Hall on Saturday 1 June. For more information visit ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk.

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Book Review Lanny By Max Peter (Faber, £12.99 hardback)

Sinfonia go back to school Bridgnorth Sinfonia will be performing two summer concerts this year in St Mary’s Church, East Castle Street. On Monday 17 June, they will perform an adapted version of ‘Peer Gynt’ for an audience of primary school children; audience participation is encouraged! Dr James Ross will conduct and the narrator will be David Carr, who has adapted the story for the concert. In the weeks leading up to the show, Sinfonia members will be visiting local schools on a weekly basis to introduce children to a range of instruments and music. Sinfonia member Kate Bedford explains, “We’re able to go into schools thanks to our generous sponsors, Bridgnorth Lions and Rotary Club Bridgnorth. If anyone would like to be a sponsor, they can contact me at katebedford@ yahoo.co.uk.” The Sinfonia will return to St Marys for their summer concert on Saturday 29 June at 7.30pm. Dr Ross will lead the orchestra through a diverse programme including Mendelssohn Symphony 3 ‘Scottish’, the Elgar Cello Concerto, featuring soloist Ruth Heneley and Grieg’s Peer Gynt. Tickets are £10 on the door (£7.50 for Sinfonia friends); U16s and students are free.

Comic art A new free exhibition at the Coalbrookdale Gallery near Ironbridge will showcase an eclectic mix of original comic art alongside work by current children’s comic creators. Oor Wullie will rub shoulders with the Hulk while Minnie the Minx shares space with Wonder Woman! Opening on Saturday 25 May and running until Sunday 1 September, Comics: Explore and Create Comic Art will also feature interactive activities, playful props and original material. Visit ironbridge.org.uk for details.

If you love reading about books, as well as reading the real thing, then can I recommend you do a Google search for DoveGreyReader – her (almost) daily post always inspires me, and I am so glad I read her post about Lanny, as I might otherwise have missed it. Lanny is one of those truly astonishing books that you read with your heart in your mouth, desperate to finish, only to turn to the beginning again and read slowly, carefully, watching as the story unfolds but no longer in a state of urgent desperation. The story is one that made me wince with recognition at the sometimes-awful way we respond to dreadful news; how we like to assign blame because it makes us feel safer; how we try to ward off evil by convincing ourselves that it wouldn’t have happened – if, if, if … At first glance it’s a simple story of a family, relocated to a small village just outside London. But add in a slightly feral, other-worldly son, who reminded me of the young mute boy in Keri Hulme’s Booker Prize-winning The Bone People. A husband who seems to want to belong but there’s something just a bit off-key. An artist – about whom we leap to judgement, and a wife – struggling to hold herself and her family together. This is a highly original piece of writing that I can’t recommend highly enough – do try it, but make sure you give yourself an uninterrupted slice of time in which to read it: I bet you’ll want to read it in one sitting!

Anna Dreda, Wenlock Books, High Street, Much Wenlock wenlockbooks.co.uk ‘More than just a bookshop’ 43

SCHOOL NEWS

Greatest night out? A local school is tying its summer ball theme to a performance given by its children. The school’s adaption of The Greatest Showman took place in March, and their performance has inspired this year’s Brockton Ball theme, One Night, One Show, which aims to bring the glamour of the Victorian big top to Brockton and takes place on Saturday 8 June.

dd Beatrix, Dexter, Monty and Aine prepare for their performance

“The Ball is being held in a marquee, with fizz and canapés on arrival, a sit down three-course dinner with coffee and cheese to follow, live music as well as a DJ. As part of the fundraising we’ll be holding an auction of prizes as well as a restaurant raffle for a chance to win kindly donated meals at local pubs and restaurants. We’d like to thank those who have donated prizes and sponsorship for the evening – if any other local businesses are interested in helping us with our fundraising or if you’d like to find out more, please email brocktonball2019@gmail.com.”

Wenlock goes live Much Wenlock Primary School had a fantastic fortnight at the Live Arts Festival in March. Entering the Choral Speaking and Choir competitions, they managed to achieve gold in both classes. Feedback from the adjudicators graded the Choral Speaking group at distinction level and the Choir as outstanding. Teacher Mrs Madden says, “The children had a fantastic time and showed great determination and perseverance throughout the rehearsal process. They worked incredibly hard from January to ensure they had fabulous performances to show. “Miss Holmes and I were very proud of everyone who took part and we’re looking forward to taking part in future competitions and festivals.”

Hamilton heights A former Shrewsbury Colleges Group (SCG) student is hitting all the right notes in the multiple award-winning musical ‘Hamilton’. Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, who completed A Levels including Film Studies at SCG in 2009, has been appearing on the West End stage since 2017 as a member of the Hamilton cast. Stephenson says, “My contract has been reissued until November and I’ve honestly never felt so professionally and personally fulfilled. There’s something so invigorating about finding a job that challenges you and plays to all your strengths. I’m beyond ecstatic to be staying on.” 44

SCHOOL NEWS

School welcomes newcomers A Shropshire school has welcomed its new additions as it celebrates a host of scholarships and places at top schools for this year’s leavers. The Old Hall School in Wellington held the second of two taster sessions for its 2019 Reception class in March. It comes as the school also congratulated its Y6 pupils on winning 32 highly coveted scholarships and awards together with nine places at Shropshire’s grammar schools in Newport. Head Martin Stott said it was a very exciting time: “We’re so very proud of all our Y6 pupils and now that most have secured their place at senior school, they can really focus on enjoying their remaining time here. They have much to look forward to with a residential trip and a canoeing adventure on the Severn.” “At the same time, we’re thrilled to be welcoming in our new intake for our taster mornings. We feel it’s important they get lots of chances to get to know us before they officially start in September so we also invite them to events here at school and to our open days. We like to help make it both an exciting and reassuring time for families.”

Y6 pupil Kirsty Shindler, who has been award ed a scholarsh ip to Wrekin joins Lila Rous, 4, in helping welcome September’s new intake

Swimming history Bridgnorth Endowed School’s first annual prom fundraiser is set to be a team effort as pupils from all year groups pledged to support the school’s Y11s to raise money for this year’s leaving event. On Friday 5 April, students took to the pool to swim 21 miles, marking the 40th anniversary of a standout sporting achievement in the school’s history. James Case and Daniel Lewis conduct an experiment in Concord College’s new science block

School’s future focus A Cressage school has been looking to the future with an array of activities for children. In just one week this spring, Y6 children worked for a day in the science labs at Concord College in Acton Burnell, worked with Bikeability instructors to practise cycling on more dangerous rural roads, and met players from Shrewsbury Town Football Club, whose staff work with the school for a day a week as part of a partnership project. Head Mrs Tracey Cansdale says this is all part of adapting to the future. She explains, “That was not an unusual week; the same week our youngest children performed in the Much Wenlock Dance Festival and a group from Y4 and 5 spent the weekend at the Pioneer Outdoor Centre in Kidderminster.

Back in 1979, coached by PE teacher Ron Oliver, a team of six students from Bridgnorth Endowed School braved the perilous swim across the English Channel. Battling the elements and the tide, they recorded a time of 13 hours 34 minutes, which turned out to be the fastest junior relay crossing that year and led to them winning the Lada Trophy. This year, the House Captains wanted to recreate the historic challenge and suggested getting all year groups involved in the 1320-length relay swim – and the whole school have rallied to the cause. Y7 pupil Tilly Davidson, who is one of the youngsters taking part in the relay, says, “I’m supporting the Y11s because I want them to have a great time at their prom as they deserve it!”

“We know children need to develop as rounded individuals to succeed in today’s world and we believe village schools provide a great environment for that to happen. We’re used to multitasking – I’m a traditional village school head, so as well as planning budgets, organising the curriculum and managing staff, I also teach. We’re also used to working with those around us to give children opportunities.” 45

SCHOOL NEWS

Netball superstars Wolverhampton Girls’ High School U16 netball team participated in the National Schools Netball competition for the first time in the school’s history on Saturday 16 March at London’s Stanborough School. The team began by qualifying for the regional finals as overall winners from the County Schools competition back in November, as they won all their games and scored an impressive total of 128 goals. The regional finals took place in Telford at the end of January where the students were up against some very tough competition. They came top of their section and made it through to the final against Kings School Worcester, finishing as runners-up overall. They were the only state school in the West Midlands to qualify for the nationals, and they were rewarded by sponsorship from Paycare for a new kit.

Head Mrs Young says, “These students are totally dedicated to the sport, playing for clubs outside of school in addition to the commitment they make in school time and we’re extremely proud of what they have achieved… and they looked fabulous in their new kit!”

Hospice’s helpers Telford College apprentices are playing a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Severn Hospice. Latest recruits include Liss Evans from Wellington and Bradley Lowe from Bridgnorth, who are both earning while they are learning on Level 2 programmes. Liss is on a business administration apprenticeship and is currently processing applications for people wishing to help out in shops. The former Abraham Darby student describes signing up on the volunteer services apprenticeship as “the best decision I’ve made”.

Horrible thrills for pupils Pupils from aged 4 to 13 at Birchfield School experienced a fantastic morning when the author of the Horrible Science books, Nick Arnold, visited the school on Wednesday 20 March. Nick brought his books to life by combining some amazing experiments with mind-boggling explanations to a variety of scientific phenomena. Pupils and staff were invited to participate in experiments to explain high and low air pressure and helped out in a demonstration to help them understand centrifugal forces. Afterwards, pupils asked a wide range of questions on scientific topics as well as showing a keen interest in Nick, his life and work. Pre-prep pupils were particularly in awe of the experiments and reported enjoying “when he shot the rocket in the air” and thinking it “was funny when he tipped the water over Joshua’s head!” Nick also took the opportunity to sign books purchased by pupils. 46

Fellow apprentice Bradley is on an ICT diploma course, providing support to hospices and shops in Shrewsbury and Telford. Prior to this, the 18-year-old was combining his studies with a part-time job at Sainsburys in Bridgnorth – which he said taught him how to communicate with the public and the importance of being a team member. “I love learning on the job,” says Bradley. “It’s the best way to get practical experience. I did complete IT Level 2 and 3 at college before my apprenticeship but I didn’t get the hands-on experience I’m getting now – and the salary helps too!” Bradley and Liss at Severn Hospice

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Pre-school welcomes new children A local pre-school is hoping to welcome new children to enjoy its care. Church Preen Pre-School is just a few minutes’ drive from Much Wenlock, set within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The stunning rural setting allows children to spend plenty of time outside in the fresh air as well as in the spacious indoor area. Parents report that they appreciate the one-to-one care offered by the warm, caring staff, while the ‘Teeny Preenies’ themselves prefer to focus on the fun they have while learning, saying, “I love playing with the motorbikes,” and “we love making mud pies!” The pre-school benefits from close links with Church Preen Primary School, which is consistently rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, sharing wrap around care and educational resources, enabling children to expand their social skills by interacting with older children. Pre-school chair Claire Selby says, “We’re actively looking for more children to join us from further afield and take advantage of our rural setting and highly trained staff.”

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The Telford and Wrekin Primary Schools Half Marathon is set to take place at 9am on Saturday 15 June. The event, at Oakengates Athletics Track, will see children run the final 1.1 miles of their Schools’ Half Marathon, having run the first 12 miles at school over previous weeks. The children will enjoy the full race experience, including bibs, marshalled route, music, commentator and gantry and the atmosphere promises to be electric as they cross the finish line, receive their medal and celebrate their achievement. Isabella meets the Prince of Wales

Prayers for the Prince Students from Moreton Hall met HRH the Prince of Wales, patron of the Prayer Book Society, at the Society’s thirtieth annual Cranmer Awards Competition at Lambeth Palace in London in February.

Schools Half Marathon race director Joe Williams says, “It’s wonderful to see primary school children in Telford and Wrekin working towards their half marathon, from the very youngest at four through to age 11. It’s is a great way to get kids outside and away from screens, taking part in a fun shared activity with an exciting end goal.” If your school would like to get involved, email info@ schoolshalfmarathon.co.uk.

In front of a panel of judges which included composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, actress Prunella Scales and novelist PD James, the finalists recited passages they had memorised from Thomas Cranmer’s 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Addressing the finalists at the prizegiving, HRH Prince of Wales said, “I believe the Prayer Book is a glorious part of every English speaker’s heritage.” The Moreton Hall school finalists were Zoe Tse, Florence Tyne, Aghoghomena Akpoteni and Isabella Harpin. Isabella says, “I was really nervous to meet Prince Charles and perform the reading but he made it exciting and welcoming. Meeting him was such fun and a once in a lifetime experience!”

No holds barred for Gabby A pupil from a Wolverhampton school has been hitting the heights in a national gymnastics event. Gabriella Williams, a Y8 pupil at Tettenhall College, competed in the prestigious British Championships in Liverpool in March. She placed a respectable 13th out of the top 44 gymnasts in Great Britain, despite having two falls. Gabby also qualified for the Bars apparatus final, despite a fall in her routine – this was testament to her skill as only the top eight gymnasts qualify for the final. Gabby went on to win the final of the Bars competition, meaning she officially became number one in Great Britain on the uneven bars. She was also selected to represent Wales in the Home Nations competition in April. Tettenhall College’s director of sport James Bullock says, “Everyone at Tettenhall College is so proud of Gabby and will be cheering for her at the Home Nations!” 51

SCHOOL NEWS

School half marathon launched

SCHOOL NEWS

Success for Shrewsbury Shrewsbury’s primary schools are celebrating after regaining their area title at the end of another successful Shropshire Homes School Games Festival, coordinated by Energize. More than 800 primary school youngsters took part in a day of keen competition at Shrewsbury Sports Village. A total of 114 teams from six School Games areas – Shrewsbury; East, North and South Shropshire; and two from Telford and Wrekin (T&W) – were involved in a wide range of activities, which included cross country, basketball, netball, gymnastics and tag rugby. Shrewsbury emerged as the overall winner when scores were combined, with North Shropshire in second, and the T&W Burton Borough area in third. East Shropshire, which won the area title last time the games were staged, came fourth, with T&W Langley in fifth and

South Shropshire sixth. But it was not all bad news for South Shropshire, which won the ‘Spirit of the Games’ award for the area which best displayed the competition’s values: determination, honesty, passion, respect, self-belief, and teamwork. There were also two individual awards for ‘excellence in leadership’, given to two young leaders – Evie Brookes of Shrewsbury Academy School, and Will Perkins from William Brookes School in Much Wenlock. Energize’s Harry Cade says, “It’s a shining example of a school sport festival which is run by young people, for young people. Once again, it was a fabulous occasion.”

In the swim

Graham French, Geoff Profitt, Sarah McManus, Ian Finch, Jan Owen, Alan Howls and Maelor Owen of Crucial Crew

Crew’s birthday celebration Established in 1994 as a way to educate children in the Oswestry and Shrewsbury area about safety and essential life skills, the Crucial Crew will be celebrating 25 years of their dedicated service this summer at the British Ironworks near Oswestry. Each year in June, the Crucial Crew run a special two-week event where over 1,500 children from around 50 primary schools take part in a range of social awareness activities, safety training, and life skills presentations conducted by industry professionals and volunteers. The Crucial Crew aim to teach these important skills to children, usually focusing on their transition from primary to secondary school. The event covers a range of topics including drug awareness, internet abuse and cyber bullying and stranger danger, as well as road safety, first aid, and recycling, among many others. 52

The Primary School Swimming Gala was held at William Brookes School on Thursday 28 March. There was a close-run competition between Castlefields and St John’s, with Castlefields eventually winning the shield to make them winners four years on the run. The gala was organised by East Shropshire Sports Partnership and William Brookes, with the competition being marshalled by Northgate Swimming Club. Castlefields’ head, Mrs Hampson, says, “There was great team spirit, with the more experienced swimmers supporting the younger children. “Castlefields places swimming high on the fitness agenda, giving all children from age 7 upwards 6 weeks of swimming lessons each year.”

SCHOOL NEWS

Joint venture for Telford A proposed new venture between Telford and Wrekin Council (T&WC) and the University of Wolverhampton to create a new education institute in the heart of the town has been revealed. The centre, a joint partnership exploring different funding and investment models, would seek to grow local participation in Higher Education to meet skills needs and would be aimed at both young and mature learners. T&WC has identified a potential site overlooking one end of Southwater’s lake, next to Telford Ice Rink and the Travelodge hotel. The aim would be to attract an increased number of students from across the borough and further afield to study in Southwater and Telford. If given the go-ahead, it would represent one of the final pieces in the completion of the Southwater complex, which has been delivered through a £250m public/private partnership and is now recognised as a regional retail, leisure and conference hub. The University development would have a strong focus on digital and ICT including cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), gaming and cyber security training, tapping into the borough’s growing digital economy. Telford is already home to a growing digital sector with major companies including Cap Gemini and HMRC National Digital Delivery Centre together employing more than 4,000 people. The partners will continue to work with local employers, colleges and schools in shaping the proposed new venture ensuring that it provides strong education and employment pathways for local people.

explore. discover. inspire

Every day is Open Day!

OPEN DAY

Places available

20th May 2019

Visits welcome

Scholarship applications now being taken

Brockton, Much Wenlock TF13 6JR 01746 785671

Moor Park - Richards Castle - Ludlow- Shropshire - SY8 4DZ 01584 876 061 www.moorpark.org.uk head@moorpark.org.uk

brocktonprimary.co.uk admin.brockton@taw.org.uk 53

WHAT’S ON

Dates for your diary – May & June WED 1 MAY

SAT 4 MAY

The Importance of Being Earnest

Field to Fork Festival

Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock

The festival illustrates the complex journey involved in making our food great! With samples of wonderful food and a drink or two as well. Parking is at Chetwynd Deer Park where you will catch a free bus to the festival. Parking is £5 per vehicle. 10am-5pm FREE fieldtoforkfestival.com

A new production of one of the funniest Oscar Wilde plays will be broadcast live to cinemas from the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End. This much-loved masterpiece throws love, logic and language into the air to create a dazzling theatrical firework display. 7.15pm £12; £10 edgeartscentre.com

Harper Adams, Newport

SAT 4 MAY

Peppa Pig Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms

WED 1 MAY – 10 SEP

British Wildlife Photography Awards

Enjoy a My First Cinema Experience featuring Peppa Pig. Experience the big screen for the first time as Peppa hops on board a double-decker bus in London to visit the queen then travels to Australia to visit her good friend Kylie Kangaroo! Crafts and snacks available. 9.30-11.15am Child £3.50; adult FREE shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

SAT 4 – 12 MAY

Ironbridge Walking Festival Ironbridge Gorge 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

SUN 5 – 6 MAY

Plant Hunters Fair Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard The plant fair has become a magnet for plant lovers from near and far with a great lineup of nurseries to create a plant lover’s paradise. House and garden also open. 10am-5pm £3 planthuntersfairs.co.uk

Jackfield Tile Museum Exhibition featuring the winners and commended entries of the 2018 British Wildlife Photography Awards. The images are a celebration of British wildlife in all its beauty and diversity, from a range of talented photographers practising across the UK. Free 10am-4pm 01952 433 424; ironbridge.org.uk

THURS 2 & WED 8 MAY

Bat Walk 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. 8pm £5 per person; booking essential 03442 491895;

nationaltrust.org.uk/wenlock-edge

SAT 4 MAY

Pretty Muddy Weston Park This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone in the area – women, men and children – to join the Race for Life. The Pretty Muddy route is a circular route around Weston Park’s beautiful grounds; all money raised will go into Cancer Research UK’s crucial work. Adult £19.99; child £10 Kids 9.45am; 5K 10.30am; 10K 10.45am raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

TUE 7 – 11 MAY

Green Man Festival

Madagascar the Musical

Clun

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

WHAT’S ON

SUN 5 – 6 MAY

The Clun Green Man Festival 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 the epic battle between the Green Man and the Frost Queen. clungreenman.org.uk

MON 6 MAY

Eyton Races Eyton on Severn Enjoy the excitement of steeplechasing at one of the UK’s leading point-to-point courses. Bring a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views over Wenlock Edge, as well as a fairground and stalls with local produce. 11am £15; £12.50; under 16s FREE eytonraces.co.uk

This hit musical features all your favourite friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This new musical from Dreamworks will leave audiences with no choice but to ‘Move It, Move It’… From £19.50 grandtheatre.co.uk 2.30pm; 7.30pm

FRI 10-11 MAY

SAT 11 – 12 MAY

Morville Hall Open Days

Balloon Fiesta

Morville, nr Bridgnorth

Come and see Telford’s skies filled with balloons of all shapes and sizes followed by a beautiful night glow on the Saturday evening when selected balloons will dance and light up to music. There will be entertainment throughout the weekend and Virgin Balloon Flights are bringing their two largest balloons that can be booked and filled with passengers. 6am-7pm FREE discovertelford.co.uk

The Hall will be open to the public on selected weekends during the summer. Refreshments available from St Gregory the Great Church. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the church. Noon-5pm Adult £4; child £2 (NT members & under 5s FREE 01746 782832; 01746 780866

MON 6 MAY

Bluebell Walk

SAT 11 MAY

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms

Strictly Abba

Expert Keith Pybus, who has appeared on TV promoting some of the best walks in Shropshire, will lead you on a memorable 3.5 mile walk to one of the best places to see bluebells, sharing his knowledge and anecdotes of the area. £5 per person 10.30am shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre. co.uk

Strictly Abba is one of the most authentic and accurate tributes to the seventies superband; a show to be enjoyed time and time again by fans of the Swedish foursome. 8pm From £13 theatreonthesteps.co.uk

Theatre on The Steps, Bridgnorth

SAT 11 MAY & 8 JUN MON 6 MAY

Bridgnorth May Fair Bridgnorth High Street Revel in a packed day of entertainment including a food fair, handmade crafts, plants for sale and entertainment. 10am-5pm bridgnorthpromotions.co.uk

Telford Town Park

Monthly Craft Fair Meeting Point House, Telford This popular monthly craft fair features over 20 stalls of local crafts from woodwork, glasswork, jewellery, knitting and wellbeing. 9.30am-3.30pm FREE shropshire-events-guide.co.uk

SAT 11 – 12 MAY

Shropshire Kids Fest Quarry Park, Shrewsbury There’s something to suit everyone, with activities for the little ones and great food and drinks for the adults to enjoy, along with live music throughout the weekend. 10am Adult £10; child £5; family £30 shropshirekidsfest.co.uk

WHAT’S ON SAT 11 – 12 MAY

THU 16 – 18 MAY

SAT 18 MAY

Spring Diesel Festival

Duck Racing

Severn Valley Railway

Carding Mill Valley

The biggest diesel bash around; three days of visiting heritage and modern diesel locos – it’s a real hit with those who love the sounds of English Electric, Maybach and Sulzer diesel engines. Adult from £27; child from £19.30 01562 757900; svr.co.uk

The annual duck race is a great day out for all the family. Surrounded by beautiful hills, valleys and streams. Choose your own duck – there are prizes! 11am-4pm 50p a duck per race nationaltrust.org.uk

SAT 18 MAY

Ludlow Spring Festival

Concordia Ladies’ Choir

Ludlow Castle

Bridgnorth Community Hall

The Spring Festival brings together 200 real ales, 60 passionate local food and drink producers, toe-tapping live music and lots of other activities. The Marches Transport Festival also takes place around the Castle, featuring over 150 spectacular classic cars. Adult from £7; child (5-13) from £4 ludlowspringfestival.co.uk

Fundraising concert for Breast Cancer Now. Including special guests Bewdley Concert Band. Refreshments and raffle. All profits to Breast Cancer Now. 7.30-10pm £7 Bridgnorth Library; 07733 316992

SAT 18 – 19 MAY

Food and Drink Festival Whitchurch

SUN 12 & 19 MAY

Wild Food Foraging Wilderhope Manor See what edible delights can be found at Wilderhope in spring and learn how to identify different edible and poisonous species. Head back to the manor house afterwards to learn how to process the plants and enjoy a wild lunch. £20 10am-2.30pm 01694 725000

TUE 14 – 18 MAY

FRI 17 – 18 MAY

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Over 80 stalls, live cookery demonstration kitchen, cocktail making, outdoor food court area, lots of free samples, delicious hot food, mouth-watering cakes and chocolate, hand-whipped ice-cream as well as colourful jams, pickles and olives. FREE whitchurchfoodanddrink.com

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Birmingham Royal Ballet makes a welcome return with a programme specially designed for families with a modern take on Peter and the Wolf. Featuring live music from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. 2pm; 7.30pm Adult £27.50-£22.50; child/student £16.50 theatresevern.co.uK

Cats Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton West Bromwich Operatic Society present this hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The show is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with feline characters including Mr Mistoffelees, Macavity, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks. 2.30pm; 7.30pm From £12.50 grandtheatre.co.uk 56

SAT 18 MAY

SUN 19 MAY

City of Bristol Choir

Sprint Triathlon

St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow

Severn Centre, Highley

A welcome return for City of Bristol Choir following their outstanding concert in 2018. Under their musical director David Ogden, the 100 auditioned adult singers have appeared on BBC’s Songs of Praise and The One Show. 7.30pm £14 ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

Held by Bridgnorth and Severn Centre Triathlon club and now in its sixth year. Competitors will take on a 400m swim, an 18k bike leg and finish with a 5k run, descending into the beautiful Severn Valley Country Park. Entry cut off 11 May. £30-£33 minerstrial.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

SUN 19 MAY

Tennis Open Day

SAT 25 MAY

Broseley Tennis Club

Shropshire County Show

The Great British Tennis Weekend, back by popular demand! Come along to the club and join in the fun. This day provides an opportunity for all ages to pick up a racquet and learn or reacquaint themselves with the game and have some fun. FREE 2-4pm broseleytennisclub.co.uk

West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury Dare-devil displays of airborne motorcycle acrobatics, music, competitive livestock classes and colourful entertainment zones for young visitors are some of the highlights expected to attract thousands of people to this year’s Shropshire County Show. Adult £15; under 16 FREE; concessions £13 shropshirecountyshow.com

MON 27 MAY

MON 27 MAY – 1 JUN

Bridgnorth Walk

Tile Decorating Workshops

Bridgnorth High Street

TUE 21 MAY

Les Musicals Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Jonathan Ansell (G4 Frontman) and Jai McDowall (Britain’s Got Talent winner) have joined forces to create a dramatic, spine-tingling concert and ultimate celebration of musical theatre. £25 7.30pm theatresevern.co.uk

One of Britain’s premier charity sponsored walking events with a major expansion this year to include a marathon for runners. There are senior and junior walks and, for those who don’t fancy taking part, there will be plenty to do on Bridgnorth High Street do while you wait until the intrepid walkers and runners return. bridgnorthwalk.org

Jackfield Tile Museum, near Ironbridge Join a drop-in bug themed tile decorating workshop and try the tube lining technique to produce a tile featuring your own design and choice of colours. Activities vary from day-to-day; tiles cost from £5 each and can be fired and sent home later for a small extra charge to cover postage and packing. 10am-4pm. Adult £9; child £5.90 (admission) 01952 433424; ironbridge.org.uk

WED 29 MAY

Drop-in Craft Session Severn Valley Park Have fun making a fox, badger, rabbit or owl mask. All materials provided. 12-3pm FREE shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk

SAT 25 MAY

Ludlow Orchestra St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Thomas Payne conducts Ludlow Orchestra for the last time, after six memorable years together. The orchestra bids a fond farewell as Tom continues his work of ballet conductor with the Royal Ballet. £12; under 19s FREE 7.30-9.20pm ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

SAT 25 MAY – 2 JUN

Woodland Creature Trail Severn Valley Park Woodland Creatures love living in the country park. Pick up a map at the refreshment kiosk so you can follow the trail around the park to discover lots more about these fascinating animals. £2 for a trail map 1-4pm shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk

MON 27 MAY – 1 JUN

WED 29 MAY - 1 JUN

The Girl on the Train

First World War Half Term

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Adapted from a novel that sold over 20 million copies. Rachel Watson longs for a different life; her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. Starring Samantha Womack, this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment. 2.30; 7.30pm £19.50 to £36.50 theatresevern.co.uk

RAF Museum, Cosford Offering families an insight into life as a pilot in the RAF during the First World War by offering a chance to get a closer look inside our Sopwith Pup and Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter. 10.30am-2.30pm FREE 01902 376200; rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford

WHAT’S ON

SAT 1 JUN

FRI 7 JUN

Big Willey Quiz

A Night with Tom Jones

Willey Village Hall

Hawkstone Park

Come and have fun with us at the Big Quiz with quizmaster Mr Nicholas Downes. Teams of four to six with a trophy and wine for the lucky winners, plus a raffle. £2.50 per person 7pm 01952 882324

An exciting and nostalgic journey celebrating the voice of the worldfamous star, starring the voice of Britain’s Got Talent’s Daniel Chettoe. Includes three course meals and disco. 7pm £29.95 enquiries@hawkstone.co.uk

SAT 1 JUN

James Hickman and Dan Cassidy

WED 29 MAY

Giselle Oakengates Theatre, Telford The ultimate romantic ballet Giselle is a tale of innocence, love, betrayal and madness. With music by one of the 19th century’s best composers, Adolphe Adam, choreography by the late Nicholas Beriosoff and performed by The Vienna Festival Ballet. 7pm £19.50/£18.50; under 14s £15.50 theplacetelford.com

THU 30 MAY

Aliens Love Underpants Oakengates Theatre, Telford This tale based on the best-selling children’s book is wonderfully brought to life on stage for the very first time. With stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of course!) this fantastically fresh and funny production will delight the whole family. 1.30pm; 4pm £14 theplacetelford.com

FRI 31 MAY

Mini Beast Safari Severn Valley Country Park Using sweep nets see which creepy crawlies you can find. Will it be a lovely ladybird, a slimy snail, or a beautiful butterfly? All materials provided. 12.30-3pm FREE shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk 58

FRI 7 JUNE

Jane Eyre

Birchmeadow, Broseley

Blists Hill Victorian Town, Madeley

This British and American folk duo, formed in 2008, are back. James is from Shropshire and Dan, brother of the late Songbird singer Eva, hails from Maryland USA although he now lives in Iceland. £10 7.30pm www.birchmeadow.org.uk

Inspired open-air adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s epic love story, Jane Eyre, by Hotbuckle Productions with live music. Gates open 6.30pm, bring blankets, pillows or low-backed chairs (seating is not provided) and a picnic; refreshment hut selling drinks, snacks and ice cream. 7.30-10pm. Adults £12; concession £10 01952 433 424; www.ironbridge.org.uk

WED 5 – 8 JUN

English Haydn Festival Bridgnorth The 26th festival offers a fascinating array of the music of Joseph Haydn and his contemporaries performed in St Mary’s Church and the Castle remains. Full programme of events online. englishhaydn.com

THUR 6 – 7 JUN

Secret Lives of Henry and Alice Theatre on The Steps, Bridgnorth Henry and Alice, a married couple with apparently only a pet goldfish in common, fantasise their way into outlandish situations to escape the tedium of their everyday lives.... but will anyone except Oraco the goldfish see the extraordinary twist coming? A rare chance to see this award-winning comedy, directed by the author David Tristram £16 7.30pm theatreonthesteps.co.uk

FRI 7 JUNE

Jack and Tim Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Britain’s Got Talent favourites Jack and Tim have been in the studio writing their album and working alongside producers with credits to Ed Sheeran, and now they embark on their very first theatre tour. 7.30pm £15 theatresevern.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

FRI 7 JUN

Sing Street Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley A romantic comedy film set in 1980s Dublin. A sensitive teenager trying to deal with a tense family relationship and the hostile environment in his new school forms a glam band and tries to win over a beautiful woman who stars in their music videos. 7.30-10.30pm £5.50 birchmeadow.org.uk

THU 13-15 JUN

Dinosaur World Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

SUN 9 JUN

Cosford Air Show RAF Museum Cosford The Midlands premier air event, this year celebrating the 70th anniversary of NATO & Women in Defence, offers non-stop entertainment both in the air, with displays from a variety of aircraft, and on the ground with hundreds of exhibits, stalls, trade stands, military demonstrations and children’s entertainment. £29, under 16s accompanied by an adult FREE (advance tickets only) 0871 230 1083; cosfordairshow.co.uk

FRI 7 – 8 JUN

Pub in the Park Telford’s QEII Arena Featuring 150 real ales by local brewers, an extensive gin den, wine bar, pimms tent, cocktails, and street food featuring every kind of cuisine. This will all be washed down with live music, comedians and fun in the sun with games. From noon From £7; child £3 shropshirefestivals.co.uk/ pub-in-the-park

FRI 7 – 9 JUN

Art and Antiques Weekend Bishops Castle A long weekend of artists’ Open Studios and Artisan shops in and around Bishops Castle. Artworks include printmaking, painting, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, metalwork, contemporary vintage and more. 10am-5pm FREE entry & parking bcopenstudios.co.uk

SUN 9 JUN

Severn Valley Trail Run Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley A stunning off-road route through woodlands, meadows and along the banks of the Severn. Starting from the Visitor Centre at the Severn Valley Country Park. Runners can take part in either a 10K or 5K, there are some great prizes to be won. 10am for 5K; 11.30am for 10K £10; £16 enquiries@bridgnorthrunningclub. co.uk

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of this Jurassic interactive adventure for all the family. Grab your compass and venture across unchartered territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing and remarkably life-like dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus. See website for times grandtheatre.co.uk From £10

SAT 15 JUN

Summer Sounds Night Buildwas Village Hall An evening of relaxing music with local musicians and bands. Bring your own drink. There will be a raffle with great prizes. £5 per person 7.30-11pm summersoundsnight.eventbrite.co.uk

SAT 15 JUN

Table Top Sale Priory Hall, Much Wenlock Book a table for just £5 or come and hunt for a bargain. Tea, coffee and cakes available. All proceeds to Cuan Wildlife Rescue. FREE 10am-2pm cuanwildliferescue.org

SUN 9 JUN

Severn Hospice Colour Run Telford Town Park Open to people of all ages and abilities and supports Severn Hospice’s vital work across Shropshire and Mid Wales. Each participant will be given a white t-shirt and marshals will shower them with as much colour as possible as they go round the course. 10am Adult £20; child £10; family £50; under 5s FREE 01952 221351; severnhospice.org.uk

SAT 15 – 16 JUN

Broseley Festival High Street, Broseley A two-day event with live music from headliners Viva La Coldplay and Waterloo Live and many other acts across the weekend. They’ll be other entertainment, food, drink and stalls. See website for full programme. broseleyfestival1.co.uk 59

WHAT’S ON

SUN 16 JUN

THU 27 JUN

Mindfulness Walk

Wenlock’s Wild Flowers

Presthope Car Park

Much Wenlock NT Car Park

This is an introduction to the practise of mindfulness and forest bathing. Discuss health and wellbeing before doing mindfulness exercises in the woodland, making use of the natural environment and the benefits it brings. £3; booking essential 10am-noon 03442 491895; nationaltrust.org.uk/wenlock-edge

Explore the variety of wild flowers that can be found thriving in disused limestone quarries on Wenlock Edge and learn how to identify them. £3; booking essential 3pm 03442 491895; nationaltrust.org.uk/wenlock-edge

SUN 16 JUN

Grimethorpe Colliery Band Oakengates Theatre, Telford Formed in 1917, during the First World War, Grimethorpe Colliery Band is a British institution. National and British Open Champions on numerous occasions, the band’s contest successes remain legendary. £22; under 12s £6 3pm theplacetelford.com

THU 20 JUN

Merry Wives of Windsor Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as Sir John Falstaff sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. But the Merry Wives quickly cotton on to his tricks and decide to have a bit of fun of their own at Falstaff’s expense. £12; £10 7.20pm edgeartscentre.com

SUN 23 JUN

Race for Life Shrewsbury Mums, dads, nans, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends and workmates show your support by joining the Race for Life. A perfect example of everyday people doing extraordinary things – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer. All money raised will go into Cancer Research UK’s crucial work. 10.30am-1.30pm Adult £14.99; child £10; under 6s FREE raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

SAT 29 JUN MON 24 JUN

Flag Raising Ceremony Shifnal Village Hall Armed Forces Day community ceremony to commemorate service perrsonnel; everyone welcome. Refreshments served afterwards. 11am prompt shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk

Shifnal Carnival Shifnal Town Centre Join this great family day out. The procession leaves Admirals Close at 2.45pm and winds its way through to the village hall. 2.45pm shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk

SUN 23 JUN

Bridgnorth Town Carnival Severn Park, Bridgnorth Bridgnorth’s biggest one-day community event is back for its seventh year at Severn Park with live entertainment, stalls and attractions until 10pm. The procession will make its way there through town starting at 12.30pm. events@bridgnorthtowncouncil. gov.uk 60

TUE 25 JUN – 6 JUL

The Bodyguard, The Musical Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton This powerful West End musical returns to Wolverhampton for two weeks only with Jennlee Shallow as Rachel Marron; Alexandra Burke will play the role during some performances. From £19.50 grandtheatre.co.uk 2.30pm; 7.30pm

Looking ahead to July...

Shrewsbury Food Festival Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Over 200 exhibitors of food, drink and crafts return for one of the county’s biggest events. Some of Shropshire’s finest craftspeople will be there to exhibit their wares, demonstrating, talking and offering samples throughout the weekend. 10am Adult £10; £12.50; child £5; family £35 shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

SAT 29 – 30 JUN

Festival of Creativity Monkhopton and Acton Round Churches Showcasing local crafts and creativity from quilt making to tractor restoration, spinning to cattle breeding with beautiful objects to see, demonstrations of ancient craft and workshops. Tea and cakes. Car parking available. 10am-3pm FREE Sarah.h.l.cawdell@btinternet.com.

WHAT’S ON

SAT 29 – 30 JUN

FRI 5 – 7 JUL

Camper Jam Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard

SUN 30 JUN

Oswestry Colour Run British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry It’s back for the second year! After a warm-up to get you ready, start on a 3K run, jog or walk to get covered in paint and have the time of your life while raising money for Macmillan. start time tbc Adult £16.50; child (4-13) £12.50 oswestrycolourrun.co.uk

Camper Jam is a friendly, fun filled show with a chilled out, take it easy vibe. Highlights include live bands, hundreds of traders, a food village, children’s activities, fun fair and the ever popular ‘cooking in a camper’ competition. Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 9am-5pm Adult from £15; child (5-16) £5; under 5s free discovertelford.co.uk

SAT 6 – 7 & 13 – 14 JUL

Wenlock Olympian Games Linden Fields, Much Wenlock

SUN 30 JUN

Castle Gardens Plant Fair Cholmondeley Castle

SAT 29 – 30 JUN

Step Back to the 1940s Severn Valley Railway Turn the clocks back to the 1940s with this journey back to wartime Britain. With a fantastic selection of attractions up and down the line, don’t forget to get dressed up and join the celebrations with costumed re-enactors on stations and in trains helping tell the wartime story. see website for times Adults £28.80; child (4-15) £19.30; under 4s FREE 01562 757900; svr.co.uk

New Summer Plant Hunters’ Fair at the wonderful Cholmondeley Castle gardens, featuring reduced entry fee. Pick up some late flowering plants to set your summer garden ablaze or add a sparkle to a shady spot, plus lots of expert knowledge on hand to help. 10am-5pm £3.50 planthuntersfairs.co.uk

This is the 133rd games and includes a triathlon on Sunday 7 July, archery and golf. Visit the website for full details. wenlock-olympian-society.org. uk/games

SAT 13 JUL

Newport Show Chetwynd Deer Park, Newport Lots to entertain at this packed Shropshire show – visit the website for the full line-up. From 8am Adult £13; child £4; family £31 newportshow.co.uk

SAT 13 JUL

Chelmarsh Village Fete Chelmarsh Recreation Ground

Share your events with us! Email us at editorial@ whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

A traditional village fete with music, dancing, donkey rides, ice creams, stalls, plants, cakes and lots of activities for all ages. 2pm Free 61

COMPETITION

in W an Annual Family Passport with the Ironbridge Gorge Museums

PLUS

FISH ‘N’ CHIPS!

Ten award winning attractions in one World Heritage Site. Where will your visit take you? WW! has teamed up with the Ironbridge Gorge Museums to offer you the chance to win an Annual Family Passport Ticket (worth £70)… we’ve got four to give away! As an extra treat, winners will receive a voucher for up to four people to enjoy a bag of sizzling fish and chips, cooked the traditional way by Blists Hill’s Fried Fish Dealer.

Discover the amazing Ironbridge Gorge Experience life at Blists Hill Victorian Town; hear the roar of the foundry, meet the working horses and see the skills of a bygone era brought vividly to life. Discover extraordinary stories at Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and get hands-on at Enginuity. Enjoy locally sourced food and drink in the soon to be open destination restaurant, the Furnace Eatery, run by executive chef Marcus Bean.

Visit hidden gems Jackfield Tile Museum and Coalport China Museum, where you’ll find dazzling galleries filled with beautiful tiles and exquisitely decorated china made for everyone from queens to tsars. Marvel at a stunning free exhibition featuring winning entries from the 2018 British Wildlife Photography Awards in the Footprint Gallery at Jackfield Tile Museum from Saturday 11 May until 10 September. Try out new activities during school holidays or come to spectacular special events. For details, including opening times, call 01952 433424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk.

To be in with a chance of winning one of four Family Annual Passports plus fish ‘n’ chips worth £93.20 each, just answer the following question correctly: What colour is the recently restored Iron Bridge? (circle your answer) a) Red

b) Blue

c) Yellow

Name .............................................................................................................. Tel No ........................................................................... Address . .................................................................................................................................................................................................... Email ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Please cut out and send to (winners will be notified by telephone/email):

What’s What Magazine, 18 Barrow Street, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN

Terms & Conditions: Only one entry per household. Entrants must be over 18. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash alternative. Annual Family Passports admit 2 adults + all of your children and cannot be used on some special event days – for details see www.ironbridge.org.uk. All entries must be received by Monday 28 May 2019. Full competition terms on www.whatswhatmagazine.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON

Tesni Ward, Bean (Badger) Peak District National Park Derbyshire ©BPWA

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KIDDERMINSTER · BEWDLEY · BRIDGNORTH 63

RECIPE

As the culinary director of the Stafford London and a collaborator with top chefs such as Jason Atherton, Ben Tish has been forging his own path in the world of haute cuisine for 20 years.

offering also pays homage to fresh flavours that zing with life. Moorish focuses on influences from the very southern tip of the Mediterranean region, featuring dishes from Sicily, Andalucia and the Balearics.

His first book, Grill Smoke BBQ, was a hymn to the fulsome flavour of outdoor cookery, and his latest

We bring you three of Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tempting recipes, which are all perfect for this sunnier season...

Moorish by Ben Tish (Bloomsbury Absolute, ÂŁ26). Images courtesy of Kris Kirkham. 64

RECIPE

MACKEREL AND SALTED GRAPES WITH CUCUMBER, YOGHURT AND FENNEL Ingredients (Serves 4) • 4 very small cucumbers or 1 medium cucumber • 2 teaspoons caster sugar • ½ teaspoon saffron threads • 80ml white wine vinegar • 16 green seedless grapes • 16 black seedless grapes • olive oil • 4 mackerel fillets, skin lightly scored with a sharp knife • 100ml thick Greek yoghurt • a handful of herb fennel or dill Method 1. Preheat oven to 120°C/100°C fan/ Gas Mark ½. 2. Trim cucumbers, then peel in strips. If using a medium cucumber, trim and peel it in strips, then cut it in half lengthways and scoop out the watery centre. Cut each half across in half. Place cucumbers in a bowl. 3. Put sugar, saffron and vinegar in a pan with 90ml cold water. Bring to the boil. Remove from heat and cool. Pour over cucumbers. Cover and leave to pickle in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 4. Meanwhile, cut grapes in half lengthways. Place on a tray, drizzle over a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Place in oven to dry out for 30 minutes – the grapes should have shrivelled slightly. Set aside to cool. 5. Heat a large non-stick sauté pan over a medium heat. Add a glug of olive oil. Season fish. When oil is hot, place fish skin side down in the pan, carefully pressing down to flatten as fillets will bow. Cook for 4 minutes or until skin is browned and crisp. Flip. Cook further 2 minutes or until just cooked through. 6. Spoon yoghurt onto serving plates. Add cucumber, grapes and mackerel. Sprinkle over fennel and serve.

CHARCOAL-GRILLED PEACHES WITH GOAT’S CHEESE, HONEY AND ALMONDS I love to cook stone fruit over the barbecue – the sugars slowly caramelise intensifying the fruits’ sweetness while lightly singeing and smoking the edges… Ingredients (Serves 4) • 60g blanched almonds, halved • extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling • 4 firm white or yellow peaches, halved, stone removed Method 1. Prepare and light a charcoal fire in a barbecue – the coals should burn down to an ashen grey before cooking. Alternatively, heat a ridged grill pan over maximum heat on the hob. 2. Toast almonds in a small dry pan until lightly golden. Season with sea salt, drizzle over some olive oil, then set aside. 3. Dab cut side of peaches with kitchen paper to soak up excess moisture. Drizzle with a little oil. Place cut side

• 8 sprigs thyme • 120g soft, fresh goat’s cheese • 2 tablespoons chestnut honey or quality runny honey

down on barbecue or grill pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until caramelised and lightly singed at the edges. The juices will drip on to the coals and create a little smoke that will flavour the peaches. 4. Turn peaches over. Lay a sprig of thyme on each cut side. Cook for 2–3 minutes to soften on other side. 5. Divide peaches and goat’s cheese among plates or bowls. Drizzle honey and scatter almonds on top. Serve as a starter or a cheese course. 65

LOCAL FOOD NEWS

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LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Dairy convenient… A dairy farm near Shifnal is offering customers the chance to go plastic-free. Chathams have been caring for cows on their award-winning family farm in the Shropshire countryside at Brockton, near Shifnal, for three generations. James Chatham explains, “Customers can now experience Shropshire’s first organic milk vending machine. You can purchase a bespoke reusable glass bottle and fill it straight from the machine “My dad was inspired to convert to organic in 1998 and I’ve followed this on. I feel our new vending machine really fits in with our family farming ethos. I’m thrilled that reducing plastic waste is a great advantage of this venture, along with helping to reduce food miles...” The Dairy Hut is open daily from 6.30am until 8pm and you can also buy organic cheese and free-range eggs from a second vending machine; find Chatham’s Organic Dairy on Facebook.

Free for all One of the UK’s leading nutrition experts will be among the chefs and speakers taking to the stage at Shropshire’s first ‘free-from’ festival. Jenny Tschiesche, known as the Lunchbox Doctor, will be showing families how to pack healthy lunchboxes when she appears at Frestival, which will take place at the Greenhous West Midlands Showground in Shrewsbury on Saturday 18 May. The mother of two joins Mytton and Mermaid head chef Chris Burt, chef and proprietor of the Pheasant Inn at Admaston, Richard Fletcher and Lajina Leal, of Lajina Masala in the cookery theatre. A lecture schedule will see visitors learning about raw chocolate, food and allergies, vegan wine, reducing sugar in everyday diets and reducing plastic use in the home. Organisers are aiming to offer information, guidance and tips on free-from lifestyles, along with family workshops, a free-from food court and bar, a free-from technology children’s area and more. Visit shropshirefrestival.co.uk to find out more and to buy tickets.

Foodies flock to Ludlow One of the county’s main culinary events is back this May as Ludlow Spring Festival returns on the evening of Friday 10 May, running until 5pm the following Sunday. Known far and wide as a foodie haven, the market town is home to a wealth of independent retailers, cafes and restaurants, as well as pioneering food and drink producers. The birthplace of the UK’s longest established Food Festival (which turns 25 this September), Ludlow also hosts this sociable weekend, showcasing the creativity and talent that thrive in the Marches – with a focus on real ales, craft beer, cider, wines and spirits. In addition to the pints and bites, live music will keep visitors entertained, and there’s also a display of classic cars, wine and jewellery valuations. The Festival’s Hannah Mackley says, “Anyone who shares a love of great food,

drink, live entertainment and classic cars should definitely pay a visit to the Spring Festival in Ludlow Castle this May!” Visit ludlowspringfestival.co.uk for the full timetable. 67

After attracting a crowd of more than 9,000 people in 2018, the Field to Fork Festival returns to Shropshire this spring – and tickets are now available for the event on Saturday 4 May. The festival at Harper Adams University aims to celebrate all things food and farming, exploring the journey of our food as it goes from the farm to our plates. “The festival, held initially as a one-off last year, derived from our desire to celebrate the country’s single biggest manufacturing sector: food,” says Simon Pride of Harper Adams. “We all have to eat yet we frequently hear worrying stats; for example, a quarter of the British public do not know that bacon comes from pigs and a fifth are not aware that eggs come from chickens!” Festival-goers can expect interactive entertainment, educational exhibits and presentations, children’s activities, tasting sessions, tractor-trailer rides, robot making, vintage tractors, animal interaction and a farmers’ market. Visit fieldtoforkfestival.com to find out more.

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LOCAL FOOD NEWS

Fordhall’s growing scope Fordhall Organic Farm in Market Drayton have announced a Big Lottery Awards for All grant of £10,000. This injection of funds will support the work of Fordhall’s Care Farm, enabling the erection of a new polytunnel, a new greenwood working workshop and some much-needed kitchen equipment for the new straw bale bunkhouse. Care Farm manager Bex Syrett says, “Our service providing meaningful placements for adults with learning disabilities will now be able to offer even more creative activities to those who attend. People already attending were instrumental in putting the bid together so you can imagine how pleased they were to hear we’d been successful.” The farm is also expanding its educational offering to teachers and educators, with sessions offered to schools running through summer and on into winter. Fordhall is England’s first community-owned farm and has been organic for over 65 years. To find out more, visit fordhallfarm.com.

Cheers to the outdoors! Two events from Shropshire Festivals aim to make the best of the British summer. Shropshire Pub in the Park takes place on Friday 7 and 8 June at Telford’s QEII Arena. Shropshire Festival’s Beth Hayes explains, “We’re taking all the best bits about going to the pub – a fantastic range of drinks, awesome people to socialise with, great food and fun games – taking them outside to the sunshine, and magnifying the experience to festival proportions!” There will be 150 real ales served up by local brewers, an extensive gin den, wine bar, cocktails, and street food featuring every kind of cuisine, washed down with live music, comedians and fun in the sun. For your ticket, visit shropshirefestivals.co.uk/pub-in-the-park. Later in the month, Shrewsbury Food Festival takes place in the county town on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June and this year features an even wider range of workshops, demos and of course food and drinks stalls – visit shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk for the full line-up and to book tickets.

Cream of the crop! If you’re planning lots of local day trips this summer and are a fan of that very English of dishes, the cream tea, a new trail may be perfect for you. The Great Shropshire Hills Cream Tea Trail will take you to some of the loveliest places to enjoy a teatime – or lunchtime – treat, all featuring scones and traditional Shropshire damson jam (other jams are available…). Each participating venue will be competing for the Great Shropshire Hills Cream Tea Award, voted for by the public on visitshropshirehills.co.uk/cream-tea/. Once you’ve enjoyed your treat and cast your votes, the scores will help the team shortlist the top three, and shortlisted venues will then be visited by a set of highly skilled mystery shoppers. The winning cream tea will be announced at the Ludlow Food Festival in September. Follow #Shropshirecreamtea on Twitter.

Much Wenlo ck

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HOME & YOU

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Botanical monkey lamp, £34.99 Homesense

Painted plant pot, £4.99 TK Maxx

Leaf bowl, £5.99 Homesense Terrariums by Sanderson, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

Tropical palm leaf cushion, £86 Amara Paradesia by Sanderson, Just Jayne, Bridgnorth

Tropical palm leaf print rug , £259 Cuckooland

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GARDENING TIPS

Good Gardening Tips for May & June

Harnessing nature’s bounty This is the time when the outside space really comes into its own. Ann Winwood shares her tips on how to make the most of the garden as the weather warms up. There’s plenty to plant out and do in the vegetable plot at the moment. Plant smaller quantities little and often to keep a steady supply of veg for the kitchen. There are many varieties of veg available, so why not try something a bit different such as pak choi, butternut squash, cucamelon or okra. Most garden centres sell packs of vegetable plants so it’s easy to plant out a few every fortnight as well as sowing seeds of radish, spring onions and basil. Basil is becoming more and more popular and there are many types to choose from including sweet, purple and Thai. Cover fruit bushes with netting to stop the birds picking your fruit before you do. Spray fruit trees before flowers open and after fruit has set to keep insects under control; Provado Fruit and Veg Bug Killer is one choice. Keep bushes 74

watered if it’s dry to discourage mildew and clear up any diseased foliage when seen.

Protecting plants Tomato, cucumber and pepper plants should not be planted outside until the end of May; even inside they need some heat at night if temperatures are dropping low. Gardeners Delight is a good cherry tomato while Tumbler is ideal for a heavy crop in a hanging basket or try one of the more unusual varieties like Tigerella with its striped fruit or Golden Crown with its yellow tomatoes which are less acidic than their red cousins.

Start making up hanging baskets and tubs, but don’t leave them outside at night until the beginning of June, as a late frost will spoil them... Watch out for slug damage on young herbaceous plants, and summer bedding such as marigolds. Use slug pellets or one of the natural controls that are available. Slug Gone is a

GARDENING TIPS good choice. It is made from sheep’s wool and is sold in pellets, which you put round the base of plants; once dampened small fibres act as an irritant to slugs. Many herbaceous plants flower in their first year and there’s always a good selection available in garden centres. The first batch of West Country lupins should be ready now; with their many vibrant colours they make a delightful splash of colour, along with the hardy geraniums and the coloured leaves of the heuchera. Also available are the ever-popular delphiniums, lupins and foxgloves.

Colour boost Summer bedding can be planted outside from the end of May onwards, so long as we aren’t getting any late frosts. Antirrhinums, asters and lobelia first, leaving marigolds, begonias, impatiens and geraniums until the beginning of June if necessary. Water well to get established, then feed fortnightly and dead-head regularly. This year we’re growing a batch of the new Beacon Impatiens, which isn’t affected by downy mildew. Supplies may be limited, but it should be well worth trying.

Start making up hanging baskets and tubs, but don’t leave them outside at night until the beginning of June, as a late frost will spoil them. Use a good multipurpose or tub and basket compost that has added moisture control and slow-release fertiliser. Once planted they can be stood outside if we get a nice warm day, but bring them inside at night. Don’t be tempted to put them in a dark garage or shed as they need good light levels at the moment to get established. Water regularly – every day when the sun starts shining and feed weekly with a plant food such as Miracle Grow All Purpose or Phostrogen. Don’t forget to dead-head often and your plants will give colour right through to the autumn.

As the weather improves the grass will start growing and need cutting. Do a light cut first, gradually reducing the mower height over several cuts. There’s likely to be plenty of moss in lawns again this year. MO Bacter organic moss treatment is ideal for controlling this. It can be applied to your lawn at any time from March through to September; it contains an organic fertilizer that releases over a three-month period which digests the moss, greens the lawn and improves the soil. It leaves no unsightly black patches and scarifying is not necessary. It has the added bonus that if its accidently spread on your plant borders it won’t hurt the plants and as it’s a fertiliser it will feed your borders too! Happy gardening!

Border controls Hoe borders frequently, preferably on a nice sunny day and any weeds that are beginning to get established will wilt and die off quickly; regular hoeing will also allow air into the top layer of soil and encourage root growth.

This issue’s tips are provided by Ann Winwood of Lealans Garden Centre, Shipley. 75

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Mow Less If Drought Likely Try to mow your lawn at least once a week, keeping the grass to about 2.5cm (1”) or, during dry spells, to 5cm (2”). Avoid cutting too short which can encourage weeds and moss; and let it grow longer if a stressful drought looks likely. GreenThumb provides an Early-Summer treatment. A controlled-release fertiliser feeds the grass to maintain growth and colour, while a selective herbicide targets broad-leaved weeds such as Dandelions. Your lawn is often your most-used but least cared-for garden feature. GreenThumb have a solution to make it lush, green, and weed-free for you to enjoy.

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GARDEN NEWS

Camping it up Two events at local National Trust properties will enable campers to get closer to nature. The popular Attingham Camp takes place once again at Attingham Park on Saturday 25 May, and guests will stay in the Field of Play overnight, cosying up to a bonfire and sleeping under the stars. There will be a range of family activities as well as marshmallows round the campfire. Advance booking is essential, with adults costing £30, children aged 2 to 16 £15 and under 2s £5. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park/whats-on to book. Then, to mark the ancient rite of midsummer, Carding Mill Valley are hosting a Solstice Sleepout on Thursday 20 June to watch the sunrise and sunset in one of the county’s most picturesque settings. The cost is £20 per person – call 01694 725000 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill to book.

dd Putting the boxes up at St Leonard’s Church was a team effort!

Swift solutions!

Park nature fun As the weather warms up, Severn Valley Country Park in Alveley is once again expanding its events schedule. Every term-time Friday starting from 3 May, youngsters and their adults can join in with Wild Toddlers sessions from 11am until noon, enjoying seasonal fun such as scavenger hunts, feeding the ducks and jumping in muddy puddles. Wellies are essential, and the group is recommended only for those who can walk, as paths taken are not suitable for pushchairs. If you prefer to go your own way, you can take part in the Woodland Creature Self-Led Trail from Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June. Pick up a map at the refreshment kiosk so you can follow the trail around the park to discover lots more about the fascinating animals who live in the park. Trail maps are £2 each and can be collected each day of half term between 11am and 4pm. Both are drop-in events, but you can call 01746 781192 if you would like more information.

Bridgnorth Swift Group was formed last year with the aim of surveying swift nesting sites. Member Carol Wood explains, “Swifts are particularly fond of old churches as loft spaces are ideal for them to lay eggs and rear young. There’s been a sizeable decline due, in part, to the renovation of older buildings. This is a shame, as swifts are not messy birds and spend most of their lives on the wing.” Following consultation with the Churches Conservation Trust and the Friends of Saint Leonard’s, the Swift Group was permitted to install nesting boxes at the Bridgnorth church. Carol says, “Hopefully these boxes will be used by the swifts when they return from Africa and inspire others to help these visitors.” 79

GARDEN NEWS

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Celeb gardener to visit Show A world-renowned gardening guru has been announced as the star of this year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show. David Domoney, resident gardener on ITV’s This Morning for more than 10 years and colleague of Alan Titchmarsh, will be at the two-day event, which is being held this year on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August. David will be sharing his knowledge and passion with visitors to the Show, which sees Shrewsbury’s Quarry transformed into an ocean of flowers, music, entertainment, and culinary treats. Andrew Cross, chair of the Shropshire Horticultural Society which organises the Show, says, “David is such a well-loved expert in his field; there really is nothing he does not know about horticulture. He will be talking about some of his experiences, as well as helping people with gardening questions.” Motorcycling stunt troupe the Imps will provide high-adrenaline action, Scouting for Girls provide Saturday’s soundtrack, and a line-up of military bands and local choirs will also perform. Culinary expertise is being delivered by TV chef John Torode. For tickets, contact the box office on 01743 234058, visit shrewsburyflowershow. org.uk – or download the new Shrewsbury Flower Show App.

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GARDEN NEWS

dd David Domoney is the star of this year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show

LOCAL WALKS

Image courtesy of PJ Howsam

Local walks

Walking for Health

We seem to have avoided the worst excesses of winter, and warmer weather is upon us. Make the most of the sunshine by joining a local organised walk. THU 2 MAY

THU 23 MAY & 13 JUN

Short and Social: Prayers and Pit Mounds

Bird Watching at Carding Mill Valley

5.4 miles 07780 570121; tesramblers.org.uk

01694 725000; nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill

THU 2 & WED 8 MAY

SUN 26 MAY

Bat Walk at Wenlock Edge

West of Bishops Castle

03442 491895; nationaltrust.org.uk/wenlock-edge

SUN 5 MAY

Teggs Nose 8.5 miles 07780 570121; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 5 MAY

Bluebell Walk shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

THU 9 MAY

Leaning Tower of Cheshire 8 miles 07771 985846; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 19 MAY

Get Telford Walking 07903 325011; tesramblers.org.uk

THU 23 MAY

Ragleth Ramble 8 miles 07951 577897; tesramblers.org.uk 82

Go to walkingforhealth.org.uk and enter your postcode to find the walks near your home.

ALBRIGHTON Wednesdays at 10am

ALVELEY Tuesdays at 10am

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

8 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

BROSELEY

THU 30 MAY

CHELMARSH

Little Trekkers at Carding Mill Valley

DITTON PRIORS

01694 725000; nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill

SUN 2 JUN

Alyn Gorge and Moel Famau 9.5 miles 07932 373621; tesramblers.org.uk

THU 6 JUN

Short and Social – Severn Valley 5.5 miles 07788 289476; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 9 JUN

Offa’s Dyke and Selattyn Hill 9.5 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

Wednesdays at 10.30am Mondays at 10 am Thursdays at 10 am

HIGHLEY Mondays at 10.30am and 11am

MUCH WENLOCK Mondays at 10am For more information call 01743 255059 or email helen.foxall@shropshire.gov.uk.

Information is correct at press time but always call beforehand to ensure walks are going ahead and to check details. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear and carry water and, if required, a snack/lunch.

LOCAL WALKS

THU 13 JUN

Knighton to Bucknell Train Walk 9.5 miles 07951 577897; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 16 JUN

Himley

WEDNESDAYS

SAT 4 – SUN 12 MAY

Nordic Walking

Ironbridge Walking Festival

Join a qualified instructor at Severn Valley Country Park in Alveley for these drop-in sessions, which include warm-up and cool-down exercises.

8.5 miles 07807 627152; tesramblers.org.uk

Walks in and around the Gorge for all ages and levels. ironbridgewalking.co.uk

9.45-11am £4 per person 01746 781192

THU 27 JUN

Wenlock’s Wild Flowers

03442 491895; nationaltrust.org.uk/wenlock-edge

THU 27 JUN

Merrington Green 8 miles 01902 759424; tesramblers.org.uk

SUN 30 JUN

Black Mountains 10 miles 01746 862652; bridgnorthwalkingclub.org.uk

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WILDLIFE DIARY

Darwin’s secret garden In this issue, Ed Andrews takes a mindful approach to a famous Salopian…

Darwins birthplace, The Mount in the 1920’s

Doctors Walk in the 1920s

Mindfulness is an awareness of ourselves and the world around us. While the term is relatively new, the idea of trying to reduce the background ‘noise’ of normal life and allowing space to think is an age-old concept. Walking is often viewed as a good way of creating a state of mindfulness. Oxygen is pumped through the body, the senses are heightened and a calmness and clarity of mind can be achieved. One of Shropshire’s greatest ever naturalists took a daily walk in order to consider new theories and allow ideas to crystallise in his mind. His regular route can still be found in an unassuming patch of woodland in Shrewsbury. This month I’ve been following in his footsteps. Charles Darwin spent his early life at a Shrewsbury property called The Mount. His childhood garden still clings to the riverbank. In 2013, the land was purchased by Shropshire Wildlife Trust and now forms a two-acre nature reserve, open to the public on special occasions. On a sunny day decorated by cherry blossom, I met Jan McKelvey from the Trust for a guided tour.

Riverside haven We follow the riverside path and enter the secret garden through a wooden gate partly covered in honeysuckle. A steep flight of steps leads between twisting chestnut trees and emerging foxgloves to reach an ice house built into the bank. During cold winters, ice was collected locally. In milder years, ice was shipped over from 84

Canada and transported up the river. Darwin’s parents encouraged him to walk each day. We followed his regular route through the woodland. It’s known as the Bank Walk and is now a narrow unsurfaced path. It was once five feet wide with mown turf edges and neatly clipped hedges. In his adult life Darwin moved to Down in Kent. It seems that a short walk had become an important part of his daily routine as he created the Sandwalk at Down as his thinking path. Above the Bank Walk, we emerge at the highest point of the site on an area called The Terrace. The original coping stones can still be seen amongst the leaf litter. It is here that Shropshire Wildlife Trust have built a wooden replica of the Beagle. This was the ship in which Charles Darwin travelled the world as guest naturalist. The brow points out across the valley, as if the ship has been stranded by some catastrophic flood.

WILDLIFE DIARY

The brow of the replica of the Beagle points out across the valley, as if the ship has been stranded by some catastrophic flood…

The Beagle replica used for school sessions

On my way back from visiting Darwin’s Childhood Garden, I call into Venus Pool near Cross Houses. From the bird hide I can see a dozen chaffinches cascading from a bird table to the ground where they feed. Of all the species of finch, chaffinches have the most varied diet. They have fairly slender bills and invertebrates form part of their diet. In a flash of green and yellow, a greenfinch appears on a peanut feeder. They have a stout bill. The hawfinch has the biggest and most powerful bill of all British finches, capable of splitting seeds in half. Jan McKelvey of Shropshire Wildlife Trust

Scientific sailing It was while sailing the world on HMS Beagle that Darwin came up with his most famous theory. Natural Selection is fundamental to our understanding of evolution. Individuals within any population exhibit variation in their physical features. Essentially, individuals with favourable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. They then pass these traits onto the next generation. Over time this leads to organisms becoming better adapted to their environment.

The hawfinch has the biggest and most powerful bill of all British finches, capable of splitting seeds in half... Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific as part of his Beagle voyage. His observations of island wildlife played a pivotal role in helping him develop his theory of Natural Selection. Originally there’d have been one species of finch in the archipelago. From this original species, some 17 species of finch have evolved. Darwin noticed each species was adapted to the habitat and predominant food source on each island. Finches that ate insects had slender bills, while those that ate seeds had stout powerful bills. These traits can still be seen in British finches.

Darwin’s life came full circle. In his adult life he would frequently return to walk the Bank Walk with his father and discuss his observations of the natural world. Before we left the garden, Jan showed me a plan of the former extent of the grounds, showing a kitchen garden, vineries and a summer house. Houses have been built on most of the land. The small woodland nature reserve is a lasting legacy to one of our greatest ever Salopians.

Do one thing for wildlife… Shropshire Wildlife Trust care for nature reserves around the county. This month, why not take part in one of their volunteer work parties? For information about volunteering and details of Darwin’s Childhood Garden, see their webpage at shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk. Special thanks to Jan McKelvey from Shropshire Wildlife Trust for taking the time to show me Darwin’s Childhood Garden; the leaflet about the garden was useful background reading. We’re very grateful to Susan Campbell, whose research into the garden has proven invaluable.

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

You can follow Ed on Twitter: @shropshirewild 85

ANIMAL CARE

Happy Tails Q: My child wants a pet. Do you have any advice on choosing one for a small child?

Lungworm in dogs Lungworm is now found across most of the UK, so it’s worth knowing the facts. Lungworm is a parasitic worm that inhabits the heart and blood vessels supplying the lungs of dogs. The good news is that it’s treatable in the earlier stages and easy to prevent with regular medication.

How do dogs get lungworm? Dogs become infected by ingesting larvae found in slugs and snails. These can survive for a short time away from their host, so can also be found out on walks, on outside water bowls, and on dog toys left outside in areas where slugs and snails leave slime trails behind. The lungworm lifecycle requires a slug or snail host so while dog-to-dog transmission is not possible, larvae in the faeces of infected dogs continues the parasite’s spread.

What are the symptoms? Prevention is key as infected dogs may show no symptoms at all or only vague signs which are easily mistaken for other problems. Any change in health or behaviour should be checked out by your vet. The most common sign is coughing. Others can include lethargy, shortness of breath, weight loss, pale gums, unexplained bruising and bleeding. Left untreated, the parasite can cause progressive heart and lung disease and fatal haemorrhage.

Diagnosis Diagnosis relies on finding evidence of the worm. Your vet may use a variety of methods – blood sampling, bronchoscopy (examining the airway with a tiny camera), chest x-rays and looking for larvae in a dog’s faeces. Not finding worms does not necessarily mean the dog is not infected so treatment is sometimes based on history, clinical signs and response to treatment, which involves a course of anti-parasitic medication.

Prevention

Many children want pets, and research leads us to believe children who grow up with pets are less allergic and less anxious. Pets teach children responsibility and, sadly, when the time comes, also about processing grief. For households who are at home a lot during the day, the best pet could be a dog or cat. For others, rabbits, gerbils and birds may be a better choice. As the adult you have to decide if now is the right time to introduce an animal; can you afford the vet’s fees, training and food? Are you able to teach your children how to care for a pet? If not, perhaps plan for the future when you can devote the time and finances.

Q: Pet insurance – is it worth it? The simple answer is yes if it is a good policy! Unfortunately like many insurance schemes, there are lots of ‘small print’ issues. I have always been led by my vet as to my company of choice. What’s more, I’ve always gone for a lifetime policy whereby they cannot stop covering for a condition such as diabetes after 12 months. If in doubt, speak to the administration staff at your local vet; I’m sure they will be able to help.

We recommend prevention medication as part of your regular worming routine; it’s best to speak with a vet to ensure your dog is on the most appropriate programme for them. If you catch your dog sniffing at a slug or snail, move them away immediately. You can also reduce the risks by picking up your dog’s faeces promptly and bringing in toys and water bowls overnight. Dr Carlie McMillan BSc BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS Severn Edge Vets 86

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

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BUSINESS NEWS

Shropshire firm’s global reach Farm and country store giant TFM has shipped its first orders to the USA within weeks of going live with its new website, developed and upgraded by a Shropshire firm. TFM, which has several stores in Shropshire, is one of the largest stores of its type in the UK, providing agricultural supplies and equipment to farms and small holdings. The company called on Shifnal-based Ascendancy Internet Marketing to develop an upgraded website which would be more efficient and easier to navigate.

Family ties A Shropshire park warden has stepped down after more than 45 years – and will be handing over the reins to his son. Fred Fallows, 65, is a well-known face at Chetwynd Deer Park over the years but bowed out of the role at the end of March. “I was employed as gamekeeper and woodman in 1972 by the Borough family, who’d owned the estate for four generations,” says Fred. “Following the sale of the estate, I became employed by Newport and District Agricultural Society. I’m very proud to have worked for the society and been so heavily involved in Newport Show, Chetwynd Deer Park and their educational programmes.”

Hannah Littleford of TFM, explains, “Our focus was for the website to drive footfall to stores; however, we couldn’t ignore the rapidly increasing trend towards online purchasing and this seemed the ideal opportunity to go back into online sales and increase the geography of our potential customer base.” Ascendancy director Helen Culshaw says, “The website went live before Christmas and since then traffic has doubled, visitors are spending 39% longer on the site and looking at 95% more pages per session. “

Fred plans to stay involved, helping to deliver the on-site programmes. He adds, “I’ll also be supporting the planning and delivery of Newport Show on Saturday 13 July, and making time to enjoy the day in a more relaxed way. It’s an honour to be handing over the role to my son Martyn who’s grown up on the estate and shares the same passion for the deer and park as I do.” To keep up to date with show news, Like the Newport Show Facebook page or follow @NewportShow on Twitter for regular updates. ll be presenting Rob Andrews wi May the seminar in

Under your own steam? Selling a business is one of the most important financial decisions a business owner will ever make. Many business leaders may not have had time to consider what will happen when they want to exit the business. Rob Andrews of Andrews Ritson solicitors will be speaking at a seminar hosted by Stirling Business Solutions on Thursday 23 May, demonstrating how the sales process actually works and explaining how businesses are valued and how to maximise Shareholder Exit Value. The legal aspects of selling a business provide a useful insight of what to do and what to be aware of. The event starts with a steam train journey from Kidderminster to Highley on the Severn Valley Railway, where the seminar will take place in the Engine House Museum, Highley. The day will finish with another steam train journey back from Highley to Kidderminster. The event will run from 10am until 5.15pm; numbers are limited so contact Meg Andrews at Andrews Ritson on 01746 769700 for full details and to book a ticket.

BUSINESS NEWS

George’s choice A local firm welcomed celebrity architect and TV presenter George Clarke to two of their stores in March. George Clarke presents shows including Ugly House to Lovely Home, Old House New Home, and Amazing Spaces, and since 2018 has been the voice of Tile Choice TV and radio campaigns. George is also the founder of educational charity the Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education (MOBIE) which aims to inspire young people with an interest in architecture. In March, George visited Tile Choice’s relocated Cannock store, which has been designed to make it easier for customers to visualise the look they want to create in the home. He then visited Tile Choice Bilston to speak with some of the company’s suppliers about the technology used in some of the industry’s innovative new products. Lee Rudkin of Tile Choice says, “George’s wealth of experience in designing new homes, transforming existing houses or converting historic buildings is clear to see, but what shines through is his passion for design and architecture. “The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity attended our trade day as our chosen charity, and George was interested to hear about the fantastic lifesaving missions which they undertake on a daily basis.” George Clarke was on hand to discuss transforming homes

Local

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BUSINESS NEWS

Car sales and servicing

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Local professional financial advice

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BUSINESS NEWS

Partnership in wellbeing Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin recently announced an exciting new partnership, funded by Shropshire Council, which sees five voluntary sector organisations come together across Shropshire to develop a range of services promoting wellbeing and independence. The Wellbeing and Independence Partnership (WIPS) comprises Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin (Age UK STW), The Mayfair Centre, Oswestry Qube, Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) and Shropshire Rural Communities Charity (SRCC).

the opportunity for us to take this to the next level… to provide, develop and improve services which will help people across Shropshire improve their wellbeing.”

Age UK STW CEO Heather Osborne says, “We’re delighted to secure this funding from the Council and very excited to be working in this new partnership. As voluntary and community sector organisations, we’ve always worked closely with one another, but this partnership provides

More organisations have expressed interest in joining the partnership and the hope is that it will grow and develop for the future. A wide range of services will be provided by the partners including help at home, befriending, living well activities, day services and opportunities for volunteering.

Council welcomes motorway link Telford and Wrekin Council (T&WC) has welcomed the news that Midlands Connect is calling for the earliest possible construction of the M54 to M6 Link road. Midlands Connect is the transport partner of the Midlands Engine and works to research, develop and recommend projects which provide the biggest possible economic and social benefits for the region.

Pitching in Over the last four years, Pitchfest, run by Aston University, University of Birmingham and University of Warwick Science Park, has put over 100 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors and helped bring over £2,750,000 of investment to the region’s small businesses. For successful applicants, the competition begins with pitch preparation, helping to refine your investment pitch. Judging rounds follow, where you pitch directly to a panel of investors, receiving valuable feedback on your presentation. Then comes the public final, where the best business pitches compete in front of a live audience of investors and entrepreneurs to win the Best Pitch Award and a Golden Ticket worth £500 to access a professional network of Business Angel Investors.

The Department for Transport said last year that it is still committed to the link being built as soon as possible. The link road is among 10 regional priority schemes upon which Midlands Connect is asking Highways England for clarity, to ensure that those earmarked to start construction by March 2020 are completed by 2025. “We welcome the support of Midlands Connect in calling for the earliest possible construction of the M54/M6 link road,” said Dominic Proud of T&WC’s Highways, Transport and Engineering Department. “Getting this link built is the most urgent improvement to the region’s motorway network as far as we are concerned. One of the things that makes Telford attractive to external investors is the fantastic transport links the borough enjoys. But getting a proper motorway link from the M54 to the M6 northbound would be the icing on the cake.”

Whatever the outcome of the final, Pitchfest is about helping businesses gain exposure and build confidence to secure future investment. Judging takes place in May and the Pitchfest Final is at the NEC in July. Visit www2.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/business/ centre-for-growth/pitchfest-2019 or use #PitchfestWM to find out more. 91

LOCAL SPORTS

Spitfire takes off The annual Spitfire 10K will return to the RAF Museum Cosford this September – and places are already filling up. The event, now in its fourth year, gives runners the unique opportunity to race across the airfield and down the runway at RAF Cosford. In response to demand, organisers have released an additional 300 places, with an anticipated 1,500 runners now expected to take part in the event on Sunday 1 September. The event commemorates the Battle of Britain and the RAF personnel who defended Britain’s skies during the summer of 1940. Runners are given the name of a Battle of Britain pilot to wear with their race number, sharing the story of those who served in the aerial campaign with a new generation. Organisers are also encouraging participants to get into the spirit of the Spitfire 10K by dressing in wartime attire, and families with younger children who would like to join in the fun on the day can sign up for the Spitfire Family Run, a shorter 1km race route around the Museum grounds. The race is suitable for all ages, but children under 11 years must be accompanied by an adult. Register online at rafmuseum.org/Cosford.

Shropshire hops to it Shropshire’s Grasshoppers have targeted a return to Lord’s after coming up just short at the ECB National Indoor Finals. The Shropshire champions became the first side from the county to make it through to National Finals day since the early 1980s thanks to a fine run in the qualifying rounds. They came up against South Wiltshire in the semi-final and lost by just 17 runs at the Indoor Centre at Lord’s. Skipper Joe Yapp says, “We were obviously disappointed… we are much better than we showed on the day at Lord’s. We didn’t bowl particularly well, but we were bossing it with the bat until we lost a couple of quick wickets and ended up 17 runs short.

Wonderful Will A Bridgnorth youngster has been selected to represent England in volleyball. Will Evans, who’s 16, will represent England in the under 19s Cornacchia Volleyball World Cup in Pordenone, Italy. This is the second time Will, who is one of the youngest players in the squad, has represented his country in the past year. He was also chosen to play in Denmark last October in the North European Nevza Championships. Will, a former pupil at Bridgnorth Endowed, is captain of the Tettenhall Tigers, who play in the West Midlands League, and he also plays for the Black Country men’s team in the National Volleyball League. He represents national champs West Midlands in the U17 age group and is the current West Midlands U16 Beach Volleyball champion. 92

“In the last four or five years we’ve gone from being delighted to win the Shropshire title to being disappointed at losing out in the national semi-final. At the same time we are proud of what we have achieved, we are also very, very proud at what we have achieved. We made the final four out of 1,100 teams who entered the competition nationally.” Image courtesy of Sarah Williams Photography

LOCAL SPORTS

Rugby win for Bridgnorth Bridgnorth withstood an onslaught from Dudley Kingswinford (DK) to lift the North Midlands Cup for the first time with a 20-17 win in Stourbridge in March, according to North Midlands RFU. It appeared Bridgnorth were easing to a comfortable victory when they led 20-7 at half-time, but DK were a transformed team in the second half and came within a penalty kick of snatching victory. DK hit them hard early and the Midlands One West club took the lead after 14 minutes when Matt Squire rounded off a sustained attack and Vaughan added the extras. But Bridgnorth, a division higher in Midlands Premier, soon levelled when captain Callum Madden drove over from close range and Llew Williams landed the conversion. Bridgnorth were rewarded for pressure by two penalties which stretched the lead before Afa Haisila rounded off a sweeping attack with a polished finish. DK responded with a passionate second-half display which narrowly failed to bring them victory before Bridgnorth marched on to a historic win. Bridgnorth had won the North Midlands Shield and North Midlands Cup Plate in the past but until now they had never won the main county cup competition.

New run Organisers of a new park run at Severn Valley Country Park is looking for people to help out. The newly established team are looking for keen volunteers to get the event moving and assist once it’s launched. It’s a free-to-enter, weekly 5km event, and participants can walk, jog or run. Email svprteam@gmail.com if you’d like to be involved.

BUILDING/ROOFING

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• • • •

Kitchens Bathrooms Tiling • Decorating And much more…..

M.A.W Home Maintenance For reliability, constructive advice and a quality finish call T: 01746 712918 M: 07851 943973 @mawhomes HEATING & PLUMBING

A little little investment investment now now will will pay pay A A little now will Adividends little investment investment now future! will pay pay in the near Adividends little investment now future! will pay in dividends in the the near near future! dividends in the near future! dividends in the near future!

Simply call 08000 111 222 Simply call 08000 111 222 Simply call 08000 111 222 Simply call 08000 111 222 www.greenthumb.co.uk www.greenthumb.co.uk www.greenthumb.co.uk www.greenthumb.co.uk 2 *Based on *Based on a a lawn lawn size size up up to to 40m 40m22 *Based *Based on on a a lawn lawn size size up up to to 40m 40m2 *Based on a lawn size up to 40m2

Haynes Plumbing & Heating Ltd The local company you can trust PLUMBING / HEATING BOILERS / BATHROOMS

01746 218207 07734 851574

Grow your business with WW Magazine Reach 16,000 homes and businesses from as little as £6 per week Call Leanne on 01952 728162 or email leanne@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk

LOCAL EXPERTS

MOTORING

BILLINGHAMS MOT CENTRE CALL 01746 762 600

Premier Auto Body & Paint Part of the Premier Mini Company

• Full body shop facilities • Insurance work undertaken • Full restorations

FREE WIFI

❱ MOT’s – Motorcycles, cars, vans, campers ❱ SERVICING ❱ TYRES at competitive prices ❱ STEERING ❱ EXHAUSTS OPENING TIMES 8 – 5.30 Mon – Fri 8 – 12 noon Sat

Unit 2c, Building 11, Stanmore Industrial Estate WV15 5HR

www.billinghamsmotcentre.co.uk WASTE DISPOSAL

Free Quotations 01746 714444

See our ne & o w rk onli t our a h read w customers say!

www.premierautobodyandpaint.co.uk Unit 6, Muckley Cross, Bridgnorth WV16 4RR

TREE CARE

Domestic & Commercial

Septic Tank Emptying

24 /7 CALL OUT

SHROPSHIRE • HEREFORDSHIRE • WORCESTERSHIRE

C.MAIDEN Waste Disposal Call 01885 482305

Grow your business with WW Magazine Reach 16,000 homes and businesses from as little as £6 per week

Call Leanne on 01952 728162 or email leanne@whatswhatmagazine.co.uk 96

JOFFREY WATSON

Environment Agency Registered

Fully qualified & insured

TREE SURGEON ALL ASPECTS OF TREE CARE & REMOVAL

20 years’ experience

Please call for a free quote and expert advice

01952 727966 / 07813 685091 JOFFREY WATSON RFS CERT ARB (HONS) Based in Much Wenlock

Architects Johnson Design Partnership

Financial Advisers 9

John Cannaby Associates Montpellier Finance RMB Financial Planning

Fuel Supplier

LOCAL BUSINESS INDEX

Local business index

YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SERVICES

Local Attractions 89 18 90

Ironbridge Gorge Museums Shrewsfury Folk Festival SVR

42 33 63

Art Classes All seasons

Seal Fuels

Nursing Home 78

Oldbury Grange

Auto Repairs & Service Billinghams MOT Centre Premier Auto Body & Paint

96 96

Building & Construction C.S. Paving & Building Evans & Evans R J Construction

94 94 94

Furniture Graham Hill Flooring Ltd

Optician 13

David Dexters

Garolla

91 Gardening & Landscaping

Carpenters AW Moore KM Joinery Wenlock Carpentry

94 94 94

Harley Nursery Lealans Garden Centre Severn Valley Landscapes WC Ritchie

S B Clinic

Schools & Colleges

Garage Doors Car Sales

Physiotherapy

Funeral Directors Perry & Phillips

Tim Vanes

80 81 80 80

Birchfield School Brockton School Church Preen Pre-School Moor Park Tettenhall College Wolverhampton Girls High School Wolverhampton Grammar School

48 53 49 53 50 44 47

Shutters

Graham Hill Flooring Tile Choice

41 Back Page

Carpet Cleaning David Greene

Love your Shutters

Garden Services

Carpets & Flooring

Greenthumb MowerMec Shed City

76 78 83

Gifts Hopskotch Number ten

14 38

Chiropodist Bridgnorth Footcare

99 42

Electrical Appliances LW Foxall

Dr Dan Dhunna Envision Salon Ten Suzanne Hair

Telford Hotel & Golf Resort

Haynes Plumbing & Heating

72 72 73 95

Arc Tree Care Joffrey Watson

78 96

Underfloor Heating Easyflow

Veterinary Surgeons Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre Severn Edge Vets

87 87

Waste Disposal C. Maiden

Eurasia Parlors Hall Hotel The Lounge The Raven Hotel

68 63 66 66

Windows & Conservatories Bridgnorth Windows Trotfield Windows

10 28

Woodburning Stoves

House Builder Shropshire Homes

Estate Agents Berriman Eaton Nick Tart

14, 89 32 4 40

Hotels & Restaurants

Dog Groomer Happy Tails

Andrews Ritson FBC Manby Bowdler Fodens Williams & Co

Heating & Plumbing

DIY & Home Improvement MAWS Home Maintenance

Hair & Beauty

Hotel & Golf Resort

Dentist Twickel Dental

Solicitors

Tree Care 94

Curtains & Blinds Just Jayne Love your blinds

Clearview Stoves

2 20

WHAT’S THAT NUMBER?

In an EMERGENCY always dial 999 For your local POLICE STATION in a NON EMERGENCY dial 101

What’s that number? Animal Care

Local Services

Air Ambulance

0800 389 8999

Cuan House Rescue

01952 728070

Environment Agency

0370 850 6506

Dogs Trust Rehoming

01952 770225

Fire & Rescue

0300 1234 999

Health Visitors

01746 711958

Severn Edge Emergency

01746 763998

National Grid

0800 111 999

Wrekin View Veterinary

01952 4604799

Bridgnorth Veterinary

RSPCA

01746 711561

Councils

Bridgnorth Town

01746 762231

Severn Trent

0800 783 4444

West Mercia Police

0300 333 3000

Western Power

0800 6783 105

Broseley Town

01952 882172

Libraries

Much Wenlock Town

01952 727509

Bridgnorth

Shropshire Council Shifnal Town Telford & Wrekin

0345 678 9000 01952 461420 01952 380000

Doctors

Bridgnorth

01746 767121

Broseley

01952 882854

Claverley

01746 710223

Cressage

01952 511166

Ironbridge

01952 432568

Lightmoor

03300 536 456

Much Wenlock

01952 726011

Shifnal

01952 460414

Dentists

01743 260200

01746 763358

Broseley

01952 884119

Much Wenlock

01952 728293

Shifnal

01952 461018

Southwater

01952 382915

Schools & Nurseries

Alveley Primary School

01746 780284

Bridgnorth Endowed School

01746 762103

Brockton C.E. Primary School

01746 785671

Broseley C.E. Primary School

01952 882673

Brown Clee C.E. Primary School

01746 712652

Buildwas Primary Academy

01952 432135

Castlefields Primary School

01746 764072

Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge C.E. Primary School

01952 386620

Cressage C.E. Primary School

01952 510383

01952 585539

Idsall School

01952 468400

Pure Dental

01746 765711

John Wilkinson Primary School

01952 882950

Regency House

01746 766114

Lightmoor Village Primary School

01952 387620

Twickel Dental

01952 728799

Madeley

Much Wenlock Nursery

Hospitals

Bridgnorth

Morville C.E. Primary School

01746 762641

01746 714219 01952 728807

Much Wenlock Primary School

01952 727634 01746 765454

New Cross

01902 307999

Oldbury Wells School

Princess Royal

01952 641222

Poppets Nursery

01746 767800

Royal Shrewsbury

01743 261000

Puddleducks Pre-School

01952 884420

Shifnal Primary School

01952 460500

St Andrews C.E. Primary School

01952 460226

St John’s Catholic Primary School

01746 762061

Out of Hours

NHS Direct Shropdoc

111 0333 222 6655

Leisure Centres

Abraham Darby Bridgnorth

01952 382770 01746 761541

Idsall, Shifnal

01952 460499

Much Wenlock

01952 727629

Severn Centre

01746 860 000

Local Facilities

St Leonards C.E. Primary School

01746 762781

St Mary’s Bluecoat C.E. Primary School

01746 763455

Stottesdon C.E. Primary School

01746 718617

William Brookes School

01952 728900

Worfield Endowed C.E. Primary School

01746 716606

Travel

Brambles Private Hire

01746 767076

Bridgnorth Taxis

01746 765000

0345 678 9007

Diamond Cars

01952 222222

03444 991100

Rail Enquiries

08457 484950

Shifnal Recycling

01952 462122

Shrewsbury Taxis

01743 244477

Telford Recycling

01952 384384

Traveline

0871 2002233

Bridgnorth Recycling Citizens Advice

e ce m r vi ho se EE ing FR sur ea m

Just Jayne BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

Approved suppliers of

Made to Measure Curtains & Roman Blinds – Roller, Vertical & Venetian Blinds Upholstery – Wallpaper & Fired Earth Paint – Carpets & Karndean Flooring Home Accessories & Gifts – Professional Fitting Services Unit 4, Smithfield Centre, Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth WV16 4QT (next to the antique centre opposite the turning to Sainsburys)

t: 01746 766799

e: sales@justjayne.co.uk

www.justjayne.co.uk 99

upto

% off all tiles

create your own amazing space THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE UK BILSTON

WOLVERHAMPTON

01902 405526

01902 715482

7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

Inside Carvers Littles Lane Wolverhampton WV1 1JY

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

SHREWSBURY

KIDDERMINSTER

01743 464565

01562 825720

Unit B & C Arrow Point Retail Park Brixton Way SY1 3GB

Unit 6 Easter Park Worcester Rd (Opp. Hoo Farm) DY11 7AR

for you nearest store

CANNOCK

173 Walsall Road Bridgtown Cannock WS11 0JH

01543 469400

- www.tilechoice.co.uk