Shire Magazine November-December 2022

Pauline

Paul

David Kynaston Nicky Kynaston Jane Osman

Holly Johnson, John Hargreaves, Gloria Mans, P Parker, Helen Cooke, Bob Hickman, Lisa Whelan, Adam Gaunt-Evans, Eryl Jones, Adele Barry, Catherine Buckley, Alice Leetham, J. McKinney

Email

Oswestry Shropshire SY10 1FR Tel: 01691 661270

Welcome to your festive edition of Shire Magazine!

The year has flown by and the season of good cheer is almost upon us – we can’t wait to make the most of it and help all our readers to do the same. But there’s one thing we simply can’t ignore and that is the fact that all around us costs are rising and many are worrying about what this year will bring. We’ve taken a long look at the situation and brought together local lifestyle and savings experts to create a special feature that should help us all feel festive, and save money at the same time. There are so many ways to make the most of the time of year without going over budget or getting into debt. So read on for our guide to having a super Shire Christmas that won’t break the bank.

In this issue we also have plenty of other great features to get you in the holiday mood. Our food pages include the ultimate guide to local cafes, pubs and restaurants for that special night out, and if you’re eating in, we’ve found local producers, bakers, brewers and award-winning ice cream Your mouth will be watering before you get to the end of the page!

The winter days may be making your thoughts turn to plans for next summer, so we have a bumper holiday section in this issue, with even more parks and plots and cottages and campsites than ever for you to choose from.

All your favourite sections are here too, so settle down and read on for everything you need to know about homes, interiors, arts, books, schools, fashion, health, holidays and so much more. Have a very Happy Christmas!

Sugar and spice and all things nice Our food pages are jam-packed with goodies from ginger cake to co ee cocktails, plus local eateries

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1 Tell us about your upcoming events. Just remember that we work in advance, so 1st December is the deadline for events you’d like to feature in our January/February issue.

2 Share your reader stories

Have you got an exciting or extraordinary story to tell? We’d like to feature it in the next issue. Send us an email – and don’t forget to include a picture or two as well.

3We have

Reader

and

Reader poems Do you like penning the odd

So do we! Send us your poems – we’d love to include them on our poetry

See page 125 for more. Your pets Is your pet the love of

Send

with their name and anything else you want to tell us. See page 105 for further details.

Get social Follow, like and friend us on Facebook and Instagram to be first in

Visit our website online at shiremagazine.co.uk

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to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk

8 What’s On

Our packed events listing covers everywhere from North and Mid Wales, across Cheshire, around the Wirral, and the whole of Shropshire. Check out what’s happening where, including all the festive fun, pantos, parades and school holiday entertainment you need.

20 Betws-y-Coed

This popular town attracts walkers, holidaymakers and adventure-seekers drawn to the numerous outdoor activities the area o ers – and hosts a beautiful Christmas market too.

48 Reviews

The Shire team has been so excited to be back out and about reviewing and reporting from local shows and events to bring you the best of local entertainment.

52 Wrexham Museum

In a special feature we take a tour of an exciting new exhibition, bringing the proud heritage of Welsh football back to its home city

53 Celebrity

Our celebrity interview is with a Cheshire-born football hero who has played for local and national teams and is now a successful TV and podcast presenter too. Peter ‘Crouchy’ Crouch, take a bow…

56 Christmas on a budget

Our in-depth feature this issue looks at ways to make sure you have a festive season like no other – but without breaking the bank. We’ve quizzed local experts and rounded up some cost-e ective ideas for entertainment as well.

64 Food & Drink

We all love our food at Shire and there’s no better season to celebrate it than Christmas! With expert chefs sharing their recipes, our food and drink section is packed as always.

73 Holidays

With schools o for the Christmas break, now’s the time to plan a last-minute getaway or start making plans for next summer’s break.

81 Homes & Interiors

Need a new look for the festivities? Want to cosy up your living space? Our homes section is full of ideas and shortcuts to fulfilling your interior design dreams.

95 Gardening

Don’t miss our gardening tips for the winter months, as well as a look at one local venue that’s worth a visit for its incredible arboretum – at its very best at this time of the year.

100 Arts & Crafts

Our arts section includes a feature on a venue in Welshpool that o ers an escape from everyday life and the chance to embrace your creative side and try something new.

104 Pets & Wildlife

We haven’t forgotten our furry friends, with news and views from the animal experts and nature knowledge from conservationists in the area, as well as your pet pictures.

110 Health & Beauty

With advice from the experts in health, fashion, beauty and wellbeing – this section will keep you looking and feeling at your best this season.

111 Fashion Shop local for gifts this year and support independents where you can.

112 20 Questions

In this edition we put our probing questions to an inspiring local lady who has survived cancer, launched a successful business and brought us a fabulous series of summer festivals.

117 Schools

The education pages round up the latest news from colleges and schools across the area and keep you up to date with developments across the sector.

124 Books & Poetry

Our books section features an interview with a new local author as well as a listing of literary events taking place, reviews of new releases and some of your best poetry too.

129 Competitions

If you fancy your chances of winning some brilliant tickets and prizes, don’t miss our collection of exclusive competitions in this issue.

130 Letters to the editor

Read what you’ve written as we hand over to you – we feature a selection of the lovely letters our amazing readers have sent in to us once again.

Gifts for her

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Peter Crouch:

Registered in England and Wales No 8288660. Registered Office: Hilliards Court, Chester Business Park, Chester

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Conduct Authority.

To Lapland via Llangollen

Ride the Rocket, 5th November Enjoy an evening steam ride to Carrog, stopping o at Glyndyfrdwy on the return journey for a fantastic reworks display. Tickets £19 (child £13).

Santa Specials, December weekends and 21st-24th Meet Santa as he makes a special visit to Llangollen Railway. A decorated steam train will

transport you to Lapland (aka Carrog!). Each child will receive a gift from Santa and his helpers, and adults can enjoy a mince pie and tipple. Tickets from £26.

Mince Pie Specials, postChristmas Sit back, relax and enjoy a mince pie and beautiful views of the Dee Valley as you travel on one of the festive trains. See llangollen-railway.co.uk

Get crafty in the park

Stock up on festive goodies at the Craft and Gift Fair at Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham on 3rd December. It’s open from 11am-3pm and entry is free. And if you fancy trying something creative for yourself, join Becca Fleur for Christmas wreathmaking at the park, using sustainable foliage and embellishments. Workshops take place on 4th and 10th December at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets are £35, including refreshments. Booking is essential on 01978 757 524 or via groundworknorthwales.org.uk

CHRISTMAS AT ERDDIG

Breakfast with Father Christmas, weekends in December until 24th Tuck into a full Welsh breakfast with the big man in the Hayloft restaurant. With crafts, songs, a story and a gift, this will be a festive experience to remember. 9-10.30am. £17.95 (child £18.95).

Reverse Grotto, from 3rd December Enjoy the gift of giving by leaving a donation for the local Wrexham foodbank. At weekends Father Christmas will be there to thank you for helping the less fortunate this Christmas. 11am-4pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

Lights, cannons, action!

Darkside – e Pink Floyd Show, 11th-12th November A re-creation of the best of Pink Floyd, featuring the Dark Side of the Moon album in its entirety (11th) and Wish You Were Here (12th), including screen animations and a dramatic laser show. 8pm. Tickets from £18.

Rich Hall: Shot From Cannons, 3rd December Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with rants and razor-sharp observation, musical interludes and lots of laughs. 8pm. Tickets £17. galericaernarfon.com

Santa will soon be arriving on Platform 1 at Bala Lake Railway, home of Alice the Little Welsh Engine. On 10th-11th December specially decorated trains hauled by steam locomotives will be travelling down the line to the Christmas Grotto, where young passengers can meet him and receive a gift. Grown-ups are invited to get festive with a mince pie and a glass of sherry or a hot drink. Advance booking essential. For prices, see bala-lake-railway.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 2ND-11TH NOVEMBER

Manorafon Farm Park, Abergele has two wonderful experiences to o er this Christmas, on 10th-11th, 17th-18th and 22nd-23rd December. Journey on an immersive Christmas Adventure, enjoying winter scenes and live performances – visit the Toy Factory, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, the Enchanted Forest, Reindeer Stables and Santa’s Secret Cinema, and enjoy storytime with the big man himself. Tickets are £39.95 (ages 1-13), £14.95 (14-adult).

Christmas Nights is a chance to visit Santa’s

e greatest gift…

Anglesey Search & Rescue Fundraising Concert, 11th November Wales’ only lowland SAR relies on fund-raising events such as this, featuring the Military Wives Choir and November Mango. 7.30pm. Tickets £8.50, £4.

e Gods Are All Here, 25th November Phil Okwedy presents a lyrical performance, sparked by a series of letters from his father in Nigeria to his mother in Wales. 7.30pm. £10, £8. ucheldre.org

Race into winter

Frosty weather may be here but there’s still great sporting action at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse. Enjoy fantastic nishes and catch potential stars of the future at xtures on 9th and 26th November e Christmas Special on 9th December is a spectacle you won’t want to miss. Racing during December is not a common sight, so enjoy all the thrills surrounded by some stunning landscape. Gates open 10.30am. bangorondeeraces.co.uk

Village while he sleeps, when the Elves come out to play! Enjoy live music in the Rockin Robin tent, get lost in the Christmas Tree Maze, follow the Magical Light Trail, then grab some festive food and drink, and shop under the stars at the Elves’ Market. From £8. manorafon-farm-park.co.uk

A fresh take

DID YOU KNOW?

Will Ferrell, the cheekiest Elf of all, admits he ate too much sugar on set. “I didn’t get much sleep”

•2nd-5th November, Keeping Up Appearances, Rossett Village Hall Enjoy the hilarious attempts of ‘lady of the house’ and relentless social climber Hyacinth Bucket to take over the local am dram society. 7.30pm. £10. Book via theatrclwyd.com

•5th-6th November, Anglesey Winter Fair, Anglesey Showground

With livestock, equine and produce exhibitors, crafts and farm machinery, all undercover in the Pavilion and cattle sheds. Father Christmas, fancy dress, dog show and pets’ corner on Sunday. £5 (children free).

Look at the landscape with new eyes with artist Jennifer Rye, at Bodnant Art Studio on 19th November She will be teaching acrylics and mixed media. On 26th November and 10th December Paul Pigram’s themes are ‘Autumn Splendour’ and ‘Magical Winter’, or experiment with water-based oils with Bill Gribble on 3rd December. bodnantart.com

•Weekends in November & December (excluding Christmas), I’m A Celebrity Guided Tours, Gwrych Castle, Abergele Fans of the show can tour the Castle and see set locations, with behind-thescenes access to areas not included in the standard tour. 11am & 2pm. £20 (ages 3-15 £10).

•6th November, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, PrichardJones Hall, Bangor University

Motors and makers unite

Beaumaris Makers Market is on tour to Newborough, joining forces with Anglesey Transport Museum on 19th November. e outdoor market brings 20-25 local artisans with a host of unique Christmas gift ideas, while the museum o ers a great day out and over 100 vintage vehicles on display. Treat yourself to a meal or warming drinks at Ca Nain, or just relax and enjoy the views over Snowdonia. 10am-4pm. Museum entry £8 (child £4.50). angleseytransportmuseum.co.uk

The world premiere of Andrew Lewis’s ‘In Memory’ – a reflection on life with dementia. The programme also features Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 ‘Scottish’. 7.30pm. Tickets from £5.

•11th November, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes, Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda This Glaswegian funk soul powerhouse combine rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft, and are carving a niche that’s all their own. 7.30pm. Tickets £14.

WHAT’S

Something for everyone at Pontio

e Dark, 12th November Laszlo is afraid of the dark, until one night… Join Lazlo on his journey and nd out why it will never bother him again.11.30am & 2.30pm. Tickets from £6.50.

Showstopper! e Improvised Musical, 18th November A new musical will be created from scratch at each show as audience suggestions are transformed into

Dashing down the Prom…

all-singing, all-dancing productions with hilarious results. 7.30pm. Tickets from £20.

Miracle on 34th Street, 1st December A live radio play version of the classic lm that will delight young and old. 7.30pm. Tickets from £12.

ROH Live: e Nutcracker, 8th & 11th December A screening of the Royal Ballet’s magical Christmas adventure, with gorgeous period designs. 7.15pm (8th), 2pm (11th). Tickets from £10. pontio.co.uk

Christmas past…

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

NOVEMBER

Llandudno 5k Santa Dash on 3rd December is a real family event – even pets are welcome to join in! e route takes you along the beautiful North Shore and you can walk, jog or run. Participants their own Santa suit to wear and a medal. Register at the Pier from 9am, race starts at 10am. Entry £16 (child £10). bespoke tnessandevents.co.uk

Travel back in time at Green eld Valley Heritage Park, Holywell on 2nd-4th December. eir Christmas grotto has a Victorian theme and in the evenings there’s an artisan market with live music and a trail. e donkeys make an appearance on Saturday and Sunday. 10am-3pm. Child £10 (includes Santa gift), adult £3. green eldvalley.com

A workout for writers

•12th November, NWWT Wildlife Walk – with dogs! Marford Quarry Nature Reserve, Wrexham Bring your pooch and learn about North Wales Wildlife Trust’s conservation e orts at this unique site. 10am-noon. Free. Details from 01248 351541.

•15th November, Hardy Plant Society Clwyd, Stamford Gate Hotel, Holywell Join RHS Gold medal winner Don Billington to learn about bromeliads and tropical plants. Doors open 7pm for plant sales, talk 7.30pm. £3.

•16th November, Lucy Farrell & Andrew Waite, Theatr Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh Folk at the Hall presents this talented duo at the forefront of contemporary English folk music. 8pm. Tickets £15.

•16th-19th November, A Vicar of Dibley Christmas: The Second Coming, Llangollen Town Hall

Llangollen Twenty Club presents all your favourite Dibley characters, with even more revelations and surprises. Various times. Tickets from £10.

Santa and his elves will be at home at Greenacres Animal Park in Deeside during December, . e hardworking elves will be busy in their craft workshop – you can join them in making reindeer food! Enjoy unlimited rides on the festive fairground, whizz around the soft play centre and then chill with Mrs Claus in her movie room. Have a magical time meeting festive characters and the park’s furry friends, with guaranteed snow for those wonderful Christmas family photos. greenacresanimalpark.co.uk

Budding writers will enjoy upcoming events at Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden. On 10th November, author Guy Stagg talks about how he transformed his epic walk from Canterbury to Jerusalem into his book, e Crossway. It’s at 7pm, tickets £8 from gladstoneslibrary.org en on 26th, join his workshop ‘Working Out What’s Worth Writing About’, where he’ll use everyday items as prompts to get you writing. It runs 10am3pm, £60.

•18th November, Christmas Crochet, Abakhan, Mostyn Have fun learning how to make beautiful crocheted Christmas decorations and toys ready for the festive season. 10.30am2.30pm. £32.93 via Eventbrite.

•19th November, Christmas Ornament Crafts, Llandudno Museum Join Hillary to make gnomes and Christmas trees from 10amnoon, or fairies from 1-3.30pm. £10 per workshop, including materials. Call 01492 701490.

DID YOU KNOW? Traditional German nutcracker dolls are intricately made from up to 60 pieces

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•19th November, Colwyn Bay Artisan Market

Discover unique arts and crafts by local makers: there’ll be artisan gifts and goodies, and food trucks serving cuisine from around the world. 10am-4pm. Free entry.

•20th November, Sinfonia Cymru: Tales from a French Trumpet, William Aston Hall, Wrexham The UK’s leading under-30s orchestra are joined by French trumpeter Lucienne, in a concert where orchestral virtuosity meets the jazz-influenced streets of France. 7.30pm. From £10.

Henning Wehn - It’ll All Come Out in the Wash, 11th November Watch German comedy ambassador Henning wring sense out of the nonsensical. 8pm. Tickets from £23.50.

e Drifters, 17th November A brand-new show with all their hits from the past six decades: ‘Stand By Me’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Saturday Night At e Movies’ and many more! 7.30pm. Tickets £30.

Aladdin, 10th-31st December A magic carpet ride through panto-land, brimming with mischief and mayhem. Tickets from £12. rhylpavilion.co.uk

ARTY & CRAFTY

Support the best in Welsh crafts at the Christmas Craft Fair at Oriel Môn gallery, from 12th November through to 31st December.

is year it’s larger and more exciting than ever, with over 40 craftworkers from all over Wales exhibiting and selling their work – from jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, glass, slate and textiles to Christmas decorations. e Oriel Shop also sells an extensive range of local produce and drinks from local distilleries for any discerning festive table. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm.

•25th-27th November, Wrexham Christmas Market

There’s an all-new Christmas Market this year, with shopping, entertainment and lots of festive food and drink. 9am-8pm.

•26th November – 23rd December, RCA Winter Exhibition, Conwy

The Royal Cambrian Academy presents an exciting selection of painting, print-making, photography, sculpture and textiles from its members. Open Tues-Sat 11am-5pm. Free.

•27th November, Mold Frost Fair This vibrant market will be filled with an incredible variety of gifts from local and regional artisans, plus delicious jams, loose tea, pies, fudge and sweet treats, hot food and mulled wine. 11am-4pm. Free.

•28th November, Christmas Lights Switch-on, Mold

The Christmas lights will be turned on by Father Christmas, with choirs and entertainment. 3.30-6.45pm

Greet and meet Siôn Corn

In the gallery, you can also catch the work of wildlife artist Charles Tunnicli e (until 20th November), botantical paintings by the Massey sisters of Cornelyn, and teacher/artist Ky n Williams’ London-themed exhibition. Free entry, book ahead at orielmon.org

Hit the sails!

Bigger and better than ever, Llangollen’s Christmas Festival on 26th November kicks o with a parade through the town at 1pm.

Come and chat to Siôn Corn (Santa), visit the craft stalls and try tasty treats from local producers. Enjoy fairground rides, marvel at the lights and reworks displays, practise your circus skills and visit the stages in the Town Square and Market Street for some outstanding entertainment. See Facebook for details.

On 3rd, 10th & 17th December celebrate on a four-hour Christmas Party Boat cruising the Llangollen Canal, complete with retro bu et and Christmas tunes from across the years. Or get festive with an Afternoon Tea with Mulled Wine and Christmas Songs on 26th November or 4th, 11th & 18th December. Board at the Wharf at noon, returning 4pm. Tickets £29.95, call 01978 860 702 or visit horsedrawnboats.co.uk

Hire your own igloo

Llandudno lights up for a Christmas Extravaganza from 17th-20th November. At this family fun event you’ll nd food, drink, gifts, a funfair and more. Enjoy a German party with the Oompah Stompers, funk and soul from Yubaba and sets from the Rock Choir North Wales, the Quaynotes Jazz Band and more. Hire an ‘igloo’ (from £20), or say hello to Mr and Mrs Claus. 10am-9pm (5pm Sunday). Free entry.

victorian-extravaganza.com

Michael starring Ben, 25th November e West End’s Ben Bowman captures the magic of Michael Jackson – the hits, the out ts and the iconic dance routines. 7.30pm. Tickets £26.

Song and laughter at Rhyl Pavilion! DID YOU KNOW? Henning worked in the marketing department at Wycombe Wanderers

Fun and frolics at Theatr Clwyd

O a’s Dyke, 9th-12th November

An ill-assorted group of walkers follow the long-distance footpath from Chepstow to the Promised Land – Prestatyn. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from £10.

Robin Hood, 19th November – 14th January

Enjoy fabulous frocks, dazzling sets and anarchic puppets at Robin’s rock ’n’ soul panto! Various times. Tickets from £15.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales, 29th-30th November

Santa in the tropics

Let Ballet Cymru and Cerys Matthews lead you on a journey through snow, cats, growing up and melancholy, in this adaptation of Dylan omas’s seasonal tale. 7pm. Tickets from £10.

Christmas Tales With Granddad, 9th-11th December A heart-warming, interactive feast of festive stories: from Christmas pants to a feisty Gnome who might just have hidden Granddad’s favourite tree decoration. Various times. Tickets from £8. theatrclwyd.com

•2nd December, Mistletoe and Wine, Parish Hall, Chirk, Wrexham Pembrokeshirebased soprano Claire Harrison performs seasonal favourites. Expect mince pies and possibly a special visitor! 1pm. Book tickets on 07967 558102.

Step into the tropical world of Pili Palas, at Menai Bridge on Anglesey, and meet Santa this Christmas! From 5th December you can enjoy a festive breakfast, lunch or tea, then visit Santa’s grotto and receive a gift. Afterwards visit the zoo and see all manner of animals – including meerkats, donkeys and a 16ft Burmese python –and let o steam in the soft play area. Children from £14.95, adults £11.95 (£6 without food), booking essential. pilipalas.co.uk

Reindeer safari

Enjoy a thrilling drive-through experience at the Reindeer Lodge, Mold. A magical tale will unfold as you follow a 1.3km Christmas lights trail surrounded by paddocks of reindeer, stunning countryside views, an Elf village and drive-through toy workshop, all from the warmth of your car. At the end you’ll meet Father Christmas, who has a gift for every child. Open 19th November – 24th December, day experiences until 3.40pm, night trail from 4pm. From £35-£78 per vehicle depending on date and passengers. reindeerlodge.co.uk

Christmas in the Village

•2nd December, Fron Male Voice Choir, St Giles Parish Church, Wrexham The choir will be joined by Wrexham Youth Choir for an exciting evening of choral music – a great way to get in the Christmas mood! 7pm. Tickets £15, call 01978 355808.

•3rd December, Handel’s Messiah, Capel Bethesda, Mold Led by musical director Trystan Lewis, the 70-voice Mold & District Choral Society will perform this most uplifting of festive pieces. 6pm. Tickets from 01244 795126.

•3rd-4th, 10th-11th & 17th-18th December, Reverse Grotto, Chirk Castle Come and meet Father Christmas in his grotto at Home Farm as he collects donations for the Oswestry and Borders foodbank. 10.30am-3.30pm.

Grab your complimentary mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Zip World Llechwedd from 25th November – 24th December. e cable railway will take you 500ft underground to the Victorian slate mines where Santa, his team of elves and the magical grotto await. You can even choose to play the world’s rst adventure golf in a cave! Back at the surface, decorate your own slate bauble to take home. Timed slots 9am-6pm. From £18 (£30 with golf). zipworld.co.uk/ zipmas

Experience Portmeirion at its twinkling best at the Food and Craft Festival, 2nd-4th December. Artisan stalls will be selling the best of Welsh produce and crafts, with festive entertainment too. 9.30am-5pm. portmeirion.wales

•4th December, Llangollen Illuminated Tractor Run Don’t miss the fantastic spectacle of local farmers driving their tractors in convoy, festooned in fairy lights! Tractors muster at Llangollen Pavilion from 3.30pm, leaving for Chirk at 5pm.

•8th December – 7th January, Cinderella, Grove Park Theatre, Wrexham A timeless tale retold with plenty of knockabout comedy, singalong songs and glittery magic. Various times. Tickets from £10

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

Starry nights…

•8th December, NWWT: Winter Tree Identification, Wrexham Industrial Estate Learn how to distinguish your oaks from your ash and your cherries from your elms, with expert David Winnard. 10am-noon. Free. Call 01248 351541 to book.

•9th-31st December, Beauty and the Beast, The Stiwt, Wrexham A traditional Christmas pantomime where we learn that true beauty comes from within. There’s a relaxed performance on 15th December at 6.30pm, for those who would prefer a quieter show. Various times. From £14.50.

•10th December, Theatretrain’s Christmas Showcase, William Aston Hall, Wrexham. Theatretrain’s pupils from Wrexham, Mold and Chester come together for a celebration of musical theatre with a Christmas twist. 6pm. From £10.

•10th December, Festive Wreath Workshop, Yellow and Blue, Wrexham A relaxed, naturebased session using all-natural greenery and willow – unwind and escape the Christmas chaos for a few hours with good company. 1-3pm. £10 (teens £5, concessions £4). glitterarty@live.co.uk

•13th December, Christmas Tour of Brynkinalt Hall, Wrexham Visit the formal rooms of this 17th-century house and hear its family history. You can also explore the formal West Garden and ornamental woodland shrubbery. 2.304.30pm. Tickets £18.

Ban Mountain Film Festival World Tour, 11th November A brand-new collection of short lms showcasing epic human feats and mind-blowing cinematography. 7.30pm. Tickets £17.

Squeeze, 15th November Pop legends performing hits to support the Trussell Trust. Please bring food donations. 7.30pm. Tickets from £40.50.

Christmas with Aled Jones & Russell Watson, 19th November A festive selection box including

traditional carols and classic favourites such as ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Mistletoe and Wine’. 7.30pm. From £35.50.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ban Film Festival covers climbing, skiing, kayaking, biking and adventure

Beauty and the Beast, 10th-31st December A fun- lled panto starring CBeebies’ Rebecca Keatley as Belle. 2pm & 6pm. Tickets from £20.50. venuecymru.co.uk

Winter treats at Ty Pawb

RËVIVAL: e Tribute to ABBA, 25th November e show includes faithful choreography, spectacular and authentic costumes, stunning production and, most importantly, excellent musicianship. 7.30pm. Tickets £14.

Rhythm Train: Christmas Party Night, 3rd December Join a huge festive party with Rhythm Train performing a repertoire of dance classics that span the decades, plus DJ sets. 7pm-midnight. Tickets £12.

Wrexham Christmas Makers Market, 10th December Shop from a diverse range of makers. Ceramics, textiles, woodwork, homewares, jewellery, glass and printmaking and a ordable art makers sell their fabulous wares. 10am-4pm. Free entry. www.typawb.wales

A PACKED PROGRAMME

Royal guests

It’s all happening at the Royal Oak Hotel, Betws y Coed in December. e terrace will turn into a winter wonderland, with cookouts and festive cocktails. Local traders will showcase everything from jam to jewellery at the Christmas Market on 3rd4th (10am-4pm). And Santa’s coming to Sunday lunch on 4th, 11th & 18th! royaloakhotel.net

Rhyl Music Club welcomes autist Meera Maharaj and pianist Dominic Degavino on 2nd November. Gerard Flotats (cello) and Ellis omas (piano) play Beethoven on 16th, while Trish Clowes (sax) and Ross Stanley (piano) guest on 30th. e season culminates with the Welsh Chamber Orchestra on 14th December. 7.30pm. Tickets £15. rhylmusic.com

Screen to stage

Calendar Girls, 10th-12th November Enjoy the original stage adaptation of Tim Firth’s award-winning comedy, about a group of Yorkshirewomen who pose for a cheeky charity calendar. 7.30pm. Tickets £12.

e Wedding Singer, 16th19th November Based on the Adam Sandler hit movie, this sparkling new score does for the ’80s what Hairspray did for the ’60s! 7.30pm. Tickets £12. rhyllittletheatre.co.uk

William Aston presents…

Jason Byrne: Unblocked, 26th November Comedian Jason’s had his heart unblocked and he’s unblocked from lockdown too! 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50.

Broadcast Classics, 27th November Wrexham Symphony Orchestra performs music from the big screen. Be transported to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars anthems, and then come down to earth with Lawrence of Arabia. 3pm. Tickets £10.

Class of their own

Legally Blonde Jr, 23rd & 24th November In an e ort to prove her student ex wrong, Elle follows him to prestigious Harvard, where she stays true to her delightfully pink personality. 7pm. Tickets from £7.50.

Robin Hood, 24th December – 7th January MLP presents this epic adventure, packed with laughs and festive magic. Performance times vary. Tickets from £11.50. theatrcolwyn.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

The original book

The Snowman isn’t set at Christmas! That was added for the 1982 film.

e Snowman, 11th December Join the WSO for carols and music, including a version of Raymond Briggs’ wonderful e Snowman. 3pm. Tickets £10.

Bye Bye Baby, 22nd December Get ready for Christmas with a great tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, with stylish choreography. 7.30pm. From £22. williamastonwrexham.com

Football’s coming home (sort of)

ON

•17th, 18th, 22nd & 23rd December, Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with Santa, Abakhan, Mostyn. Watch the children’s faces light up as the big man arrives from the North Pole to spend time with you and yours. 9am & 1.30pm. Child £13.95, adult £12.95.

•19th December, Richard Durrant’s Candlelit Christmas Concert, Theatr Clywd, Mold A musical celebration packed full of midwinter magic.

With Brian Gulland (bassoon, crumhorns), Django Durrant (percussion) and Amy Kakoura (vocals) – expect a feast of traditional carols and folk. 7.30pm. Tickets from £10.

GOING LARGE

It’s billed as the biggest reworks, laser and drone show Wales has ever seen, and it’s taking place at the Rock e Park festival site in Wrexham on 5th November. ere’ll be live DJ sets, tribute bands, the Jurassic Live

dinosaurs (not to be missed!), funfair, bars, stalls and so much more. Gates open at 3pm and early-bird tickets are £18.99 plus £2.15 booking fee, under-12s free, parking £3.50. wrexham reworks.co.uk

Next best thing to World Cup seats? Wal Goch football festival! Films, panels, podcasts, games, gigs plus special guests, 11th13th November. Early-bird £30. williamastonwrexham.com

A night to remember

Why not dedicate a light on the St David’s Hospice Tree of Lights this year? Celebrate the life of a loved one while supporting the hospice’s work for the future. Find out how at stdavidshospice.org.uk e switching-on ceremony will take place at 4.30pm on 27th November, on Cayley Promenade, Rhos on Sea.

•Until 31st December, Fab 50 – Half a Century of History!, National Slate Museum, Llanberis Enjoy this special birthday exhibition which includes photographs from across the decades and artwork to celebrate the half-century by local schools and artists. Open daily 10am-5pm. Free.

•Until 8th January, Drawings for Floors, Ruthin Craft Centre Helen Yardley showcases her tufted, flat-weave and hand-knotted rugs, her lesser seen felt pieces and some new dalle de verre glass work. Tues-Sun 10am-5.30pm. Free.

•Until 5th February, Cerith Wyn Evans, Mostyn, Llandudno A major solo exhibition o ering a fully immersive, sensory exploration of the mind and body, our cognitive system and consciousness. Tues-Sun 10.30am-5pm. Free.

town

Betws-y-Coed attracts visitors pretty much year-round, thanks to the host of outdoor activities the area offers. But once the winter season kicks in, there is just one thing on local minds as preparations begin for the town’s Christmas Fair.

Organisers are already well underway planning exciting events, entertainment and stalls to provide everyone with a fantastic festive time. An appearance from Father Christmas, a candlelit lantern procession, seasonal music, fireworks and the traditional Santa Dash combine with many of the independent shops and art galleries staying open late to allow shoppers to bag some unique gifts.

Throughout the weekend of 1st-2nd December, Santa will be on hand, ready to ask children what they’re hoping for this Christmas, and there’ll be arts and crafts to keep them entertained. Delicious bakeries, delis, restaurants and cafes are set to be open, offering a range of food and drink. Local children will be leading the lantern procession through the centre – always quite

a sight – and treasure hunts, local crafts, home-made mince pies, fair rides, real reindeer and much more make this an event you simply should not miss.

Perfect position

Attracting visitors to the fair is never an issue as the small town enjoys an enviable location in the heart of the Conwy valley and on the edge of the Gwydyr forest. Right on the boundary between Denbighshire and Caernarfonshire, it’s a truly lovely spot, nestled at the point where the river Conwy is joined by the Llugwy and the Lledr.

The area has been inhabited for centuries. The earliest residents founded a monastery here in the late sixth century. The village grew very slowly with the local lead mining industry and only truly took off after 1815, when Thomas Telford built a bridge to carry the London to Holyhead road (now the A5) across the river. Waterloo Bridge allowed the town to become a major hub on the routes to Corwen, Capel Curig, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llanrwst and Conwy, and the addition of the railway station in 1868 brought another population boost.

High-wire adventures

The place has kept its large village green, overlooked by 19th-century buildings including shops, hotels and the church of St Mary, all creating a magical backdrop for the festive season. On the southern side is

the station with cafes, tourist shops and a car park. In the former goods yard is a railway museum with an extensive miniature railway.

But Betws y coed comes into its own for those who enjoy the outdoors and is fast becoming a destination synonymous with adrenaline and activities. At Zip World, visitors can launch themselves along dramatic high lines or go below ground to discover giant trampolines and explore the caves.

There are scenic walks along the river Llugwy, which flows through the town, and beside the Conwy, which provides further attractions including the Fairy Glen, the fish pass and Conwy Falls. A mile upstream are the famous Swallow Falls, while the Llyn Elsi reservoir nearby is popular with walkers and anglers. The whole town has a magical, almost alpine feel to it and is wonderful to explore at any time of year, but particularly picturesque over the winter months.

Many

independent shops stay open

Winter at Powis Castle

Take your pooch for walkies at Powis Castle before February and entertain them on a paw-some trail designed just for dogs. Paws at Powis is open 10am-4pm, normal admission applies.

From 3rd-24th December see the castle sparkle with over-thetop Christmas trees, festive replaces and beautiful lights. Each of the State Rooms will transport you to a di erent part of the world,

inspired by the castle’s treasures. Venice, China, Elizabethan England, there’s something special to discover in every corner. Open noon-7pm (until 4pm on 18th-24th). Young explorers can enjoy the Hedgehog Trail throughout December. Follow the clues to learn more about these fascinating creatures. nationaltrust.org.uk

EVERYBODY’S FAVOURITES

Daliso Chaponda: Apocalypse Not Now, 16th November Finalist of Britain’s Got Talent and star of BBC Radio 4’s Citizen of Nowhere, Daliso performs his brand of intelligent, satirical humour. 8pm. Tickets £15.

Miracle on 34th Street, 25th November A live version of a radio play based on the Oscar-winning classic lm, young and old alike will delight in this tale of festive magic at work. 7.30pm. Tickets from £13. mwldan.co.uk

e Barmouth community will come together on 1st December when the Christmas lights are switched on by Mayor Trevor Roberts at 5.30pm, surrounded by carol singers. e church bells will ring out as people head towards the shops, which will be open late for the occasion. Listen to the Batala Bermo samba band and enjoy a glass of mulled wine, visit Santa’s Grotto or some of the many pubs and hotels o ering live music. e ever-popular skating rink will be open from 3rd December.

Puss in Boots

Mid Wales Opera continues its Fairy Tale season with Montsalvatge’s take on the wealth-seeking, matchmaking cat who, in return for a hat, sword and a pair of boots, secures a kingdom for his young master. e production is perfect for families and a great way to introduce youngsters to opera. e second half of the evening features a cabaret-style collection of musical items. Catch shows on 3rd November at eatr Felinfach, Ystrad Aeron; 11th at Dragon eatre, Barmouth and 12th at Neuadd Dy , Aberdovey. Tickets from £12 (concessions available). midwalesopera.co.uk

A TRADITIONAL END TO THE YEAR

Near Llanwrtyd Wells for New Year’s Eve? Experience an ancient tradition and follow the torchlit procession from the town square in the wake of the Mari – a decorated horse’s skull atop a pole. At Abernant Lake Hotel there’ll be a re-enactment of the Mari Lwyd, an exchange of challenges and banter between the bearer of the Mari and followers, in order to gain admission and refreshment! en return to the town square for the midnight celebrations. From 10pm. Free. green-events.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Hedgehogs were originally called ‘urchins’. It’s where sea urchins get their name.

COWS,

AND

As one of the nest stock shows in Europe, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells draws huge crowds. Taking place this year on 28th-29th November, enjoy two days of competitions, festivities and Christmas shopping.

e Winter Fair is major attraction on the agricultural show calendar and leading stockmen from all over the UK will compete for the top

accolades. Away from the ring, the best of Welsh food producers will be showcasing their wares and shoppers can explore hundreds of trade stands, demonstrations and exhibitions whilst soaking up the atmosphere – and Father Christmas will make an appearance! It’s late-night shopping on Monday with free entry after 4pm and a free reworks display. Tickets £20 (ages 5-15 £5). rwas.wales

Festivities at Llanerchaeron

Catch a fantastic opportunity for festive shopping at Llanerchaeron’s bustling Christmas Fair on 2nd-4th December. ere’ll be local food and craft stalls, mince pies, mulled wine – and on Saturday and Sunday, a chance to meet Santa! Normal admission charges apply. And on 8th December, join gardener Meg to create a decorative wreath using natural materials from the estate. 10am-noon. £30 (including mince pie!) nationaltrust.org.uk

Support your local traders

Come and be merry at Hay-on-Wye Christmas Fayre on 10th December. Over 50 independent traders will take over the town from 10am-4pm, bringing festive gifts, local crafts and homewares, a vintage/ ea market, food, drink and songs of cheer. And try the vibrant market in the centre of Hay every ursday, for local and seasonal produce, fresh sh and more.

Welsh heroes, assemble!

Ffabl is magical lantern and light trail in the grounds of Cardigan Castle. Meander among the creatures and heroes of Welsh mythology and the Mabinogion. Open throughout December, the trail ends in the Pavilion where you’ll nd festive food and a makers’ market. Tickets £11 (child £8).

Bikes, boots and beer

Cyclists who enjoy a pint will like the Real Ale Wobble from Llanwrtyd Wells on 19th November, and the Real Ale Ramble on 26th-27th November o ers free real ales at the checkpoints! Both events o er a choice of routes in unspoilt scenery and pub entertainment in the evening. green-events.co.uk

Christmas in the castle

Enjoy a shopping trail and visit Santa’s Grotto at Cardigan’s Christmas Fair on 26th November e Castle will host over 40 craft stalls, with festive food and mulled wine. Every child will receive a gift and have the chance for a photo with Santa. e fair is open 10am-4pm, entry is £3 (under-16s free) and the grotto is £5 per child. cardigancastle.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 4TH-10TH NOVEMBER

•4th November, Stargazing at Lake Vyrnwy Join the RSPB and Snowdonia National Park’s Dark Skies o cer and use binoculars or telescopes to explore the night sky and identify some constellations. 6-9pm. From £6. Call 01691 870278 to book.

•4th November, Fireworkinspired Art and Crafts, The Rodd, Presteigne Spend an hour creating some autumn and Bonfire Night art with the Sidney Nolan Trust. 11am-noon. £5.

•4th & 18th November, 2nd & 16th December, Down with the Arts, Dragon Theatre, Barmouth Creative sessions for adults: art, crafts, song and dance

– anything goes! Just bring your creative energy and imagination. 10am-2pm. Free. 01341 281697.

•10th November, Martyn Joseph, Mwldan, Cardigan A national treasure, Martyn performs intelligent, energising and provocative songs, ranging from tenderness to growly indignation. 7.30pm. From £17.

•10th & 24th November, 8th December, Have-a-go Shakespeare, Wyeside Gallery, Builth Wells

Explore the Bard’s texts in reading and performance. 10.30am-1pm. £7.

Call 01597 811487.

•4th November, African Night!, Y Tabernacl, MOMA, Machynlleth Brilliant South African cellist Abel Selaocoe and his trio Chesaba meld classical, jazz and world music in a unique fusion. 7.30pm. From £5.

•20th November, Jack Frost and the Search for Winter, Aberystwyth Arts Centre An enchanting new play by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho with important environmental themes, plenty of wintery fun and original live music. 1.30pm & 3.30pm. From £8.

•25th November, Dream, The Hafren, Newtown Ballet Cymru performs a full-length ballet based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with innovative choreography and stunning video projections. 7pm. From £8.50.

•26th November, Felted Christmas Garland, Make it in Wales, Cardigan Ruth Packham will demonstrate a combination of wet felt and needle-felting techniques and stitching to help you create your own everlasting garland. 10am4pm. £98.

Variety at Wyeside Arts Centre

Mal Pope, 12th November An evening of stories and song – Mal has written for Cli , e Hollies and Bonnie Tyler. 7.30pm. Tickets from £13.

e Wizard of Oz, 23rd November Ballet eatre UK takes the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy and pals to discover the wonders of Oz. 7pm. From £12.

STEAM TO SEE SANTA

•2nd-3rd December, The Christmas Express, Aberystwyth Arts Centre The Arts Centre’s Dance School presents a collection of pieces performed by ballet and contemporary dance pupils from grade 2 and above. Times vary. From £10.

•3rd December, Christmas Cracker Market, Welshpool Over 100 stalls, a grotto, and seasonal food and drink, raising money for Shrewsbury’s Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. 10am-4pm.

•Until 9th December, Beautiful Books, The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth Explore for free the intricate books within the Fine Bindings collection, from a Victorian experimental wooden binding to more recent designs.

9.30am–5pm (Sat 4.30pm), closed Sun.

Meet Santa on the Rheil ordd Corris Railway at Machynlleth.

A special service will run on 10th-11th December, with presents for the children, fun activities and seasonal treats for all. £7.50 adult, £10 child, £1 dog. corris.co.uk

SILVER SERVICE

At Silver Mountain near Aberystwyth, Santa’s elves are busy preparing for Christmas. Visit their workshop and see Santa in his grotto on 10th-11th, 17th-18th and 21st-23rd December. A host of activities are included, and you can also explore the old 19th-century lead mine. silvermountainexperience.co.uk

Dr Phil Hammond, 25th November Confessions of a retiring NHS whistleblower! 7.30pm. £15.

Catrin Finch: e Story So Far, 2nd December An insight into the life and music of an extraordinary harpist. 7.30pm. From £14. wyeside.co.uk

PAVILION BEATS

Beardyman, 12th November e award-winning musician is one of the world’s best beatboxers, a live-looping pioneer and comedic talent! 7.30pm. Tickets £19.40.

Dub Pistols, 9th December Now celebrating their 25th anniversary, the multi-cultural collective has involved dozens of artists and musicians over the years. See them perform a riotous set, journeying through ska, dub, electro and more. 7.30pm. Tickets £19.80. pavilionmidwales.org.uk

ALL ABOARD!

Santa Specials will be running on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway throughout December. Come and meet Santa whilst travelling by steam train through the beautiful Mid Wales countryside. Climb aboard the specially decorated carriages and enjoy a magical 45-minute ride, meet Santa and receive a gift. ere’ll be mince pies along with warming mulled wine for the adults and a fruit drink for the children.

Festivities continue after Christmas Day as Mince Pie Specials steam you into the New Year. Full details at wllr.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Dr Phil stood for Parliament in 1992 for the Struck O and Die Doctors Alliance!

A TREASURED CHRISTMAS AT POWIS CASTLE AND GARDEN

Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Powis Castle and Garden this Christmas. See the 13th-century castle sparkle as lights and decorations illuminate the State Rooms, enjoy wintry walks in the world-famous garden, and have fun with all the family on the nature-inspired Hedgehog Trail. e castle, courtyard shop and café will be open until 7pm on 3rd-18th December, so more people can enjoy all this wonderful season has to o er after dusk.

Delight the senses Passed down through the Herbert family from the late 1500s, with each generation enlisting artists and architects to bring their vision for Powis to life, this comfortable family home is lled with extraordinary paintings, sculptures and tapestries. Visitors will be transported to di erent parts of the world as they explore the beautifully decorated spaces, trees and festive replaces. Drawing on Bellotto’s View of Verona from the Ponte Nuovo (1745-47), the State Dining Room will wow visitors with a Venetian Christmas experience. e Long Gallery, the oldest surviving interior, will re-visit its Elizabethan past, with swathes of holly and ivy and the festive aroma of dried oranges and cinnamon.

‘Tis the season to treat yourself e castle’s popular festive afternoon tea returns to the Courtyard Café from 1st-23rd December. From £20.95 (or £24.95 with a glass of zz), enjoy delicate sandwiches, delicious cakes and ne loose-leaf teas. Booking is essential, call 01938 551927 to reserve. e Courtyard Shop is well stocked with perfect gift ideas for you and your loved ones. From cosy throws and stylish scarves to festive candles and decorations, there’s everything you need to make this Christmas a special one. e castle is open weekends only in November, noon-4pm. e Christmas display runs from 3rd-18th December, noon-7pm, and then 19th-24th December, noon-4pm. e Baroque Garden is open 10am-4pm throughout November and December.

nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle

Snow tops the 13th-century castle and Italianate Terraces

Who’s for a festive afternoon tea with a glass of fizz?

The Blue Drawing Room at Christmastime

National Trust Images/John Millar

National Trust Images/John Millar

Winter Exhibition in Glasfryn Hall 25th Nov - 18th Dec

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 11TH-26TH DECEMBER

DID YOU KNOW?

Duran liked the phrase New Romanticin a Spandau review and used it in ‘Planet Earth’

FROM BACH TO SPANDAU BALLET

BBC National Orchestra of Wales, 10th November Gergely Madaras conducts Bartók’s Hungarian Sketches, Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 3 ‘Scottish’. 7.30pm. Tickets from £5.

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, 10th December Aberystwyth Choral Society together with Sinfonia Cambrensis perform highlights of this Christmas masterpiece, lled with moving and

thrilling musical riches. 7.30pm. Tickets from £2.

Calling Planet Earth, 21st December A New Romantic symphony that takes a journey through that great musical era, the electrifying ’80s. With songs from now legendary artists such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, Tears for Fears, Soft Cell, ABC, e Human League and lots more. Tickets £24.50. aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

LAUGHS AT THE HAFREN

•11th December, Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run, Welshpool The tractors will be on display at Welshpool Livestock Market and afterwards they’ll leave on a 30-mile round trip through the town and surrounding villages. 2pm.

What happens when your mouth seals shut, or you try to lose weight but only lose the tip of your nger? And how awful are oatation tanks! Sarah knows. 8pm. Tickets £29.50.

Demon Dentist, 8th-10th December Strange

goings-on in Al e’s town as the tooth fairy leaves odd things under children’s pillows! From £12.

Rich Hall: Shot From Cannons, 15th December Montana’s messenger returns with new rants, razor-sharp observations and musical interludes. 8pm. Tickets £18. thehafren.co.uk

ON TRACK FOR CHRISTMAS

Enjoy a magical journey by steam train to Santa’s Grotto with Talyllyn Railway on 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December. See Santa in his sleigh, have your photograph taken and receive a festive gift. Mrs Claus will be baking cookies and mince pies especially for you to enjoy. After you’ve patted the donkeys, climb aboard the train for your journey back to Tywyn. Tickets £17 (under-3s £6). talyllyn.co.uk.

Beauty or the beasts?

At Lampeter’s Victoria Hall this Christmas:

Sleeping Beauty, 13th-14th December A tale of true love’s kiss, a re-breathing dragon and some magic, with lavish sets and amazing e ects. 7pm. From £5.

Welsh Wrestling, 30th December Enjoy a post-Christmas smackdown with the superstars. 7pm. From £9. vichall.org.uk

•12th December, Captain Calamity, Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells Family fun featuring balloonbursting, bubbles, silly science, gigglesome games and one or two custard pies. Meet Santa afterwards! 4.30pm. £10.

•17th & 18th December, Santa Specials, Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, Porthmadog

Visit this small but perfectly formed railway at Christmas. Every child will receive a gift from Santa in his grotto. Trains depart at 11am, 1 pm & 3pm. £11.50 (child £10). Call 01766 513402 to book.

Until 18th December, A Brush With Nature: An exhibition in loving memory of Sean Milne, Wyeside Gallery, Builth Wells A tribute to Sean’s deep love for the natural world and the unique talent he demonstrated in representing it in prints, illustrations and original paintings. Normal opening hours. Free.

•26th December, Transport Through the Years parade, Welshpool A Boxing Day treat! Cars, buses and lorries of all eras will process down the High Street, with profits going to the Addington Fund. 10am. £5 per vehicle to take part.

Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler, 2nd December

WHAT’S ON

•3rd November, Joe Topping, Ebenezer’s, Crewe The Voice UK semifinalist infuses traditional folk with Americana and blues at Roots at Ebenezer’s, a regular live (and live-streamed) show. 8pm. £10.

•3rd & 17th November, 1st & 15th December, Café Crafts, Grosvenor Museum, Chester An afternoon of craft and chat. Bring your own project or join in with others. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a master or a beginner. Spaces are limited so booking is advised. 2pm.

Gifts galore

Where better to enjoy the run-up to Christmas than Arley Hall and its magni cent grounds? e Christmas Shopping Spectacular on 15th-17th November brings an array of over 60 hand-picked stalls o ering food and exquisite gifts. Preview with a glass of zz on Monday 5.30-9.30pm, £20, then shop on Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am-3.30pm (£10 for one day, £17 for both).

From 2nd-9th December, the ground oor of the Hall will be decorated with owers and foliage from the gardens, and Gardener’s Kitchen Café will be serving mulled wine and mince pies. Daily 10am-4pm. Tickets from £10 (child £2.50).

Other seasonal treats include festive wreath-making and winter watercolours, afternoon tea and Once Upon A Christmas with Father Christmas. www.arleyhallandgarden.com

SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS

It’s Christmas Eve at Quarry Bank but old miser Scrooge has one word for the season of goodwill: “Humbug!” Quantum eatre’s new production of A Christmas Carol captures the warmth and humanity – and anguish – of this festive classic, with shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm on 10th December, featuring live music and lots of action. Tickets £12 (child £9) from quarrybank@nationaltrust.org.uk

•10th November, The Drowns, The Salty Dog, Northwich An exciting punk/glam live rock performance, with support from Liverpool band Down and Outs. 7.30pm. £10.

Simply wild!

•17th November, Stitch a Christmas Garland Workshop, Toolerstone House, Sandiway In this fun and easy workshop from Toolerstone, you’ll make a beautiful garland to hang in your home. Simply stitched and decorated, these little stu ed hearts are a unique and individual creation. A sparkling array of beads and buttons are provided, plus motifs to appliqué, lots of ribbons and some jingle bells! 9.30am4.30pm. £95.

•17th November, Comedy Night, Tom’s Tap & Brewhouse, Crewe Another brilliant night of stand-up, with an amazing selection of beers, ciders, wines and spirits. 7.30pm. £5.

Chester Zoo will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland from 11th November to 23rd December, full of lights, sparkle, costumed characters and spectacular scenes. Escape to fantastical worlds on a journey like no other! Tickets from £15 (child from £12). Book a timed slot at chesterzoo.org

For the Quiet Hour on 3rd December at 4-5pm visitor numbers will be reduced for guests who need a less busy environment to enjoy the event.

Lighting the way

Christmas by Candlelight brings a West End cast and incredible live band to Chester Cathedral on 22nd December to perform classic Christmas hits. Sing along with favourites including ‘White Christmas’, ‘Let It Snow!’, ‘Santa Baby’, ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’. is uplifting concert is a brilliant way to celebrate with all the family. 7.30pm. Tickets from £15. chestercathedral.com

MOUSE IN THE HOUSE

e enchanting tale of Awesome Anselm brings to life a medieval carving of a mouse found in the Quire at Chester Cathedral. Enjoy Emma the Elf’s telling of this festive story on 19th-22nd December in the magical setting of the Chapter House – then, if you like, join a short tour to visit the characters. Aimed at ages 5-7, the fun starts at 10am and the £10 ticket includes a small gift. Accompanying adults free. chestercathedral.com

WHAT’S

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

NOVEMBER –

•20th November, Christmas Pop-up Market, Crewe Market Hall A fantastic line-up of local small businesses, where you will be sure to find some fantastic presents and maybe even a treat or two for yourself! 10.30am. Free entry.

’Tis the season to be merry…

…and to celebrate with loved ones. So you, your family and friends are invited to discover the sparkling Christmas At Bolesworth experience in the heart of Cheshire, from 2nd-24th December

Bolesworth’s grounds will be transformed into a festive wonderland, festooned in seasonal sparkle and yuletide cheer, for a month of unforgettable winter magic. e enchanted Christmas Lights Trail returns for 2022, featuring an all-new route, a spectacular light show incorporating the castle

LET IT GLOW

With over a million lights and a super-festive soundtrack, Christmas At Delamere Forest will bring bundles of festive cheer. From 25th November to 31st December discover glittering tunnels of light, trees drenched in jewel-like colour, and wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations. Book your timed slot at forestryengland.uk/ delamere-forest, prices vary with date.

itself, and a unique water display on the lake.

ere’s also a fairground, Christmas markets packed with shopping, food and winter warmers, reindeer encounters and exclusive champagne experiences. ’Snow better place than Bolesworth to get into the festive spirit this year!

Entry is £27 (under-13s £18, under-4s free). For opening times see bolesworth.com/christmas/

Christmas at Clonter

Clonter’s ‘Tea With…’ Christmas Special on 7th December would make a great present or a fabulous festive outing with friends – an hour of Christmas-themed musical entertainment presented by two singers and a pianist, under the swagged red organza and gleaming brass chandelier, followed by a traditional afternoon tea in the Ramsey Room. Tickets from £30. ere’s also a ‘relaxed’ performance on 6th December, adapted to suit people who might require a calmer environment. clonter.org

Made for lovin’ you

Kiss tribute Dressed To Kill are as good as their word – all four members pull out the stops to replicate the rockstar looks and persona of their heroes from 2017’s World Tour. Playing authentic instruments they deliver almost two hours of Kiss hits. eir gig at Northwich Memorial Court on 11th November, supported by Billion Dollar Alice, is not to be missed! Tickets are £15 from brioleisure.org

BRUNCH BUNCH

Head to Congleton Cricket Club on Christmas Eve for a Meet & Greet with the Elves! From 11am on 24th December enjoy games, singing and festive activities. Children can help themselves from a Christmas brunch grazing table with a hot chocolate station, and will receive a gift with a personalised letter. Grown-ups get brunch and tea or co ee. Ticket only! Adult £15, child £35, allevents.in

•25th November, The Cheatles, The Hive, Winsford Live music from one of the most authentic of the Beatles’ tribute bands. 7pm. £10.

•26th November, Christmas Candle Making Workshop, Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield Join owner and creator of Ma Lumière, Guillaume, to make your own soy candle (worth £36), and enjoy an exclusive tour around the decorated Hall, with mulled wine or prosecco, and mince pies or cake! 10am, 1pm, 4pm (lasts 2hrs). £45.

•Until 10th December, Reincarnated Rubbish by Val Hunt, Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street Artist Val Hunt features sculptural pieces made from recycled materials, showing that beautifu artworks can be created from what we would normally discard. TuesSat 10.30am-4.30pm. Free.

•2nd December, OSN Radio Christmas Party, The Studio, Nantwich Party night hosted by Stu Allan, dance music DJ at Piccadilly Radio and Key 103 in Manchester in the ’80s and ’90s, whose performances had a major influence on the music scene of the times. Over-18s only. 10pm-3am. £7.

YOU KNOW?

•2nd December, Dan Budd as Robbie Williams, Shavington Social Club, Crewe Come and get into the Christmas spirit at this great party night. Threecourse festive meal followed by music from a fantastic tribute act. 7pm. £30.

2nd December, Sandbach Christmas Market Enjoy over 100 stalls, choirs singing carols around the tree, brass bands playing, lights twinkling, chestnuts roasting and the aroma of mulled wine. 3pm-8pm. Free entry. Town centre shops will be o ering late night shopping too.

Tales from the Storyhouse

Chester’s Storyhouse has such a varied o ering over the next two months – something to suit everyone!

Luke Wright, 11th November Luke writes poems that are by turns tender, caustic and romantic, then delivers them with panache. 7.30pm. Tickets £14.

ea Gilmore, 21st November Among the nest singer-songwriters of her generation, a fearless pursuer of home truths. Unmissable! 7.30pm. £21.50.

Twinkle, twinkle…

ROH Live: e Nutcracker, 8th December Accompany Clara to a delightful Christmas Eve party, which turns into a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. 7.15pm. From £13.05.

e Snow Queen, 10th December – 15th January e eternally beautiful story of childhood friends Gerda and Cei, torn apart by temptation, reunited by the force of love. From £18. storyhouse.com

•3rd December, Christmas Tree Bunting Workshop, Stitch, Mill Street, Nantwich Learn how to make simple but beautiful bunting, using pretty Scandi fabrics, pegs and twine. 2-4.30pm. £45.

•3rd & 4th December, Knutsford Christmas Market Featuring over 120 traders selling food, drinks, crafts and gifts, with Santa’s Grotto, incredible live entertainment, and a funfair! Open noon-7pm on Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday. Don't miss the Santa Parade at 5pm on Saturday, followed by the Christmas Lights Switch On at 6pm.

•3rd, 8th & 10th December, Festive Wreath Making, The Goshawk, Station Road, Chester Discover how to make your own festive wreath to decorate your front door for Christmas. Run by local experts from Delamere Flower Farm. 7.30pm. £45 including all materials and refreshments.

e gardens at Dunham Massey will sparkle with over a million lights from 18th November-2nd January. Wander through shimmering tunnels, past dancing re ections, under giant baubles and among trees drenched in jewel-like colour – and glimpse Father Christmas along the way! A crew of talented street-food vendors bring a twist to the treats on

4.30-8.15pm, book your timed entry online. Prices from £20.50 (child £14.50), parking £8, family tickets available. seetickets.com

CSI: NYE!

Whilst enjoying the company of your fellow guests over a splendid three-course dinner, a shot rings out and a bloodcurdling scream rends the air… is New Year, you become the detective. A two-night murder mystery break at De Vere Cranage Estate, Holmes Chapel is £420. Full details and booking at murder.co.uk

Feelgood factor

Celebrate one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world when Chester’s Live Rooms host Dr Feelgood on 19th November. e Dr’s special guests are John Otway – ‘Rock and Roll’s Greatest Failure’ – and long-time compadre Wild Willy Barrett. Doors 7pm, show 8pm. For tickets see theliverooms.com

ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE…

At Lyme Park from 2nd-24th December you can experience a child’s memories of a Country House at Christmas through the tales of Phyllis Legh, daughter of Lord Newton. Or join in a thrilling adventure to save Christmas – and meet Father C himself (selected dates, £18.50). Finish with seasonal treats in the cosy Servants’ Hall. 11am-3.30pm. nationaltrust.org

races returns

the

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

DECEMBER

The magic of theatre

Crewe’s beautiful Lyceum eatre has a seasonal programme to delight all ages. Some highlights:

Mum’s the Word, 13th November An uplifting, honest show that will have you roaring with laughter as you reach for the tissues. 7.30pm. Tickets £28.

Tales from Acorn Wood, 21st-22nd November Julia Donaldson’s beloved stories are brought to life in an enchanting ‘lift-the- ap’ show. £17 (child £15).

A Christmas Carol, As Told by Jacob Marley (Deceased), 4th December How three magical spirits made Scrooge realise the true value of love and forgiveness. 8pm. Tickets £16.50.

Aladdin, 16th December - 8th January With fabulous musical numbers, this fun-packed show is suitable for all. From £25.50. crewelyceum.co.uk

NEW FOR 2022

Bringing even more festive fun and cheer to Chester is the all-new undercover Christmas Market at Carriage Shed, right next to the railway station, on 2nd-4th December. Bring the family along for a weekend packed with live entertainment, a great choice of food and drink and a fabulous range of stalls. Whatever the weather, it’s going to feel a lot like Christmas! Open 10am-8pm (Sunday 10am-5pm). carriageshed.co.uk

SAIL WITH SANTA

Father Christmas has manage to squeeze a few dates into his diary to take a festive cruise on the River Dee. On 4th, 10th and 17th December, the whole family can join him for a fun one-hour cruise with festive music – and refreshments are included too. Tickets are £12 for adults, £14 for children aged 2-10 (includes a book from Santa), £8.50 for over-11s and just £2 for infants. Advance booking is essential. chesterboat.co.uk/santa-special-cruise

Hurrah, it’s party time

Join in with some free festive fun organised by Down Syndrome Cheshire, at Coco’s Playbarn, Lady Heyes, Frodsham on 11th December, where children can enjoy the soft play area, share some festive food and say hello to Santa! From 4-6pm, register at dscheshire.org.uk

Watch out!

e Lord of Misrule and his ghoulish friends are at large in Chester on 15th December. e Winter Watch and Saturnalia Parade hits the cobbles with a mischievous coterie of Jack Frosts, re-breathers, devils and skeletons to dance round the city, starting at the Town Hall at 6.30pm.

•9th December, StandUp Macclesfield Christmas Special, RedWillow, Macclesfield Main act Tom Binns aka the ‘Psychic Comedium’ is supported by Ivan Brackenbury. MC Jonathan Mayor is deliciously wicked and has toured with Sarah Millican. 7pm. £15.

•9th-12th December, 1960s Festival Break, Alvaston Hall, Middlewich Road, Crewe A Warner Leisure Hotels weekend featuring Herman’s Hermits, Spencer James from The Searchers, The Pre-Amps with Solid Gold 60s hits, The Remakes, Totally 60s Tribute Show by Michelle Lawson, plus a DJ every night. From £349.

•10th December, Christmas Soul, Winnington Park Recreation Club, Northwich A fantastic night of Northern Soul and Motown. 7.30pm. £4.

•10th December, Christmas Agility Show by Dig It Dog Training, Dubthorn Lane, Sandbach With agility, jumping and steeplechase classes. Five runs per dog; the agility and jumping courses will be run twice and the best run of the two will count towards the awards. 10am. £15.

•10th, 11th, 17th & 18th December, Santa’s Grotto, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, Tarporley Combine a visit to Santa with a wander around the farm, with its amazing Shire horses and other enchanting animals. Child ticket includes a present, Santa times must be booked in advance. From 10am. Child £17, under-3s £9.50, adult £11.

DID YOU KNOW? Julia Donaldson sold 27m books in 2010-19, making her the UK’s top author

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•10th-31st December, Jack and the Beanstalk, Northwich Memorial Court, Northwich Anton Benson Productions return with the ‘giant’ of a pantomime you've all ‘bean’ waiting for! Performance times vary. Tickets £19 (child £16).

•12th December, Hopes & Beams Christmas Concert, Broad Street, Crewe The annual Christmas fundraiser for local charity

Hopes & Beams features Crewe Male Voice Choir in a celebration filled with Christmas classics – and audience participation! 2.30pm. Admission by donation.

•16th-24th December, Beauty and the Beast, Ellesmere Port Civic Hall A tale as old as pantomime itself… ABP returns with another sensational family show. Times vary. Tickets £15 (child £13).

Tatton Park, a festive treat

With its beautiful house set in 1,000 acres, Tatton Park is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family. The Autumn Artisan Gift Fair on 5th-6th November and the Christmas Shopping Spectacular on 2nd-4th December are unique shopping experiences held in the Tenants Hall – a wing of the mansion not usually open to the public – with a host of local artisan suppliers selling items such as jewellery, candles, crafts and gin.

Once Upon a Pantomime: The Christmas Mansion, runs from 22nd November to 1st January, taking

All the thrills

you around the magnificent State Rooms on a journey through Panto-land, with dazzling sets and colourful characters. From Jack and the Beanstalk to Cinderella, Aladdin and a panto dame, there’ll be plenty of sparkle and festive cheer.

Other festive events include Father Christmas at the Farm, 26th November-20th December, the Northern Chamber Orchestra’s ‘Romance at Christmas’ concert on 9th December and Carols in the Stableyard on 18th. See tattonpark.org.uk

THIN RED LINE

•31st December, New Year’s Eve Comedy Special, Nantwich Civic Hall This brilliant show has four hilarious top acts followed by music on the dance floor to see in the New Year. 7pm. £20.

•31st December, New Year’s Eve Cabaret Spectacular, St Mary's Creative Space, Chester 12 live acts, live music and aftershow dancing with full seating and bar area run by legendary producers Goldust. If you’re looking for a quirky live event with incredible acts and a welcoming atmosphere, then look no further! 7.30pm. Tickets from £40.

e Lord Mayor’s Fireworks Extravaganza and Funfair returns to the Roodee in Chester on 5th November. Set to a stunning soundtrack, the display will illuminate the sky over the city for an atmosphere unlike any other. Gates open at 5pm and there’s a junior display at 6.45pm for young ones who might not like big bangs! Main display 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (under-5s free). chester-races.com

Award-winning duo

Alexander’s Live, Chester is host to Lucy Farrell and Andrew Waite on 17th November. Singer/composer Lucy is a BBC Folk Award winner and plays viola, ddle and tenor guitar. Andrew is a Young Traditional Musician of the Year nalist and ne accordion player. Catch them for just £8 and enjoy some quirky melodies, sophisticated songwriting and a bewitching clarity. alexanderslive.com

Prepare to be chilled by Chester Little eatre’s production of Veronica’s Room, directed by Charlie Núñez – a thriller that explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness and murder. It runs from 5th to 12th November and tickets are £10 (students £5 on ursday). chesterlittletheatre.co.uk

Get the festive feeling at Chester Christmas Market on 18th-21st December, with 70 traders in Town Hall Square, the new arcade and the Forum, surrounding the sparkling tree in the heart of the city. It’s free to enter and opens at 10.30am. Discover unique, locally made produce, handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and stocking llers.

A WEEK TO GO…

DID YOU KNOW? At the Farm you can make magical reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve!

GET FESTIVE AT THE FLORAL

e Floral Pavilion in New Brighton has gone all out to make sure you’re in the mood for Christmas!

Fairytale of New York – Coming Home for Christmas, 22nd November e ultimate feelgood, Irish-inspired Christmas show. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.50.

Christmas Memories, 23rd November Neil Sands presents a spectacular, spirit-lifting afternoon of festive nostalgia, Christmas songs and carols. 2.30pm. Tickets £17.

Meet Santa’s reindeer

e Church Farm Santa Experience takes place each December weekend before Christmas, and is a magical family trip that’ll leave you feeling as festive as mince pie! Meet Santa, his friends the elves and Jingle from the North Pole Postal Service on a 60-minute journey around the farm with real reindeer, special e ects, farm animals and a grotto visit. Tickets from £15 must be pre-booked. churchfarmevents.co.uk

Cinderella, 3rd December-2nd January Starring Steps singing sensation Lee Latchford-Evans as the handsome Prince, and CBeebies presenter Katrina Bryan as Cinderella. Various times. BSL and autism-friendly relaxed performances available, check website. Tickets from £21.50 to £28.50.

Storytime with Santa, 11th-24th December Children will be captivated by traditional and modern tales and festive songs. Various dates and times. Tickets £17 (child), adults free. Find out more at oralpavilion.com

A festive fantasy

Poulton Hall’s Winter Wonderland Walks take you into a world of imagination. A witch will usher you through a wardrobe into gardens inspired by Narnia, Neverland, Middle Earth and Camelot. Hot chocolate, squash and gingerbread are included towards the end of the walk, then a storyteller will send you home through the ornamental beech wood. Walks take place on 3rd, 4th and 6th December, from 4.30pm. Tickets £8 (child £5) include refreshments. poultonhall.co.uk

Just a minute…

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 9TH-27TH NOVEMBER

SWEET TREAT

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! comes to cinemas for the rst time. You can watch this fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the classic ballet production at Light Cinema, New Brighton on 15th November at 6.45pm and 20th at 2pm. Prices vary. Book at newbrighton.lightcinemas.co.uk

Join radio regular Gyles Brandreth on a hilarious romp through British history, at the Neston Club in Parkgate on 3rd November, where he’ll be talking about his new book and signing copies –without hesitation, repetition or deviation! A History of Britain in Just a Minute celebrates key moments, people and places from the past. Organised by Lingham’s, Heswall’s fantastic independent bookshop, the evening starts at 7pm and tickets are £17, which includes a copy of the book. linghams.co.uk

•9th-12th November, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight West Kirby Musical Theatre Company presents this hugely entertaining new adaptation of Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. Times vary. £16.50 (under-12s £11.50).

•10th-13th November, Wirral Beer Festival, Hulme Hall Over 200 beers including 80 real ales and 80 craft beers, as well as continental lagers, ciders and a gin bar, with live entertainment and food from local stallholders, with hot food available at the hall. Times and entry prices vary.

•19th November onwards, Lunch with Santa at The Mess, Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton Enjoy a festive lunch followed by a story from Santa and a gift for each child. Check dates and times. Tickets from £12.

•26th November, Christmas Lights, Market Square, Neston Illuminated entertainment organised by NCYC, a local charity that operates Neston Community Youth Centre and Neston Civic Hall. 2-7pm. Free.

•27th November & 18th December, Wirral Christmas Market, Thornton Hough Village Hall Browse over 25 fabulous stalls and get your Christmas shopping o to a flying start! 11am. Free entry.

DID YOU KNOW?

‘Santa Claus’ comes from theDutch ‘Sinterklaas’ – a form of St Nicholas

ON IN BRIEF

3rd December, Christmas Market, Parkgate & Neston United Reformed Church The Handcrafted Market brings a fabulous authentic artisan market featuring makers of high-quality crafts from across the North West, plus the Crafters’ Café. 10am. Free entry.

3rd December, Bromborough Village Christmas Fair, St Barnabas’ Church With lots of local crafts on o er, it’s the ideal chance to find some unique Christmas gifts. All money raised is used to enhance the village, including Christmas lights and tree. 10am. Free entry.

Season’s Greetings, 16th-19th November Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious seasonal comedy follows a couple hosting their extended family over a long weekend… Yikes! 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

Father Christmas Needs A Wee!, 3rd December e perfect combination of childish humour and fantastic music in this brilliantly bouncy adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much-loved book. 1pm. Tickets £13.50 (child £11.50).

Twinkle, twinkle…

Curious Christmas Tales and Traditions with Ken Pye, 4th December. is special, fully illustrated talk takes you back in time to explain why we celebrate Christmas in the many ways that we do. 2.30pm. £12.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 9th-31st December. Find out who is the fairest of them all this Christmas! Various times. Tickets £21.50 (£18 child). gladstonetheatre.org.uk

Pictures in glass

4th December, Sunday Serenade, United Reformed Church, Heswall L’Orchestra dell’Arte perform Sullivan & Burnand’s Cox and Box – a rare opportunity to hear this one-act comic opera. 3pm.

Star of Wonder is a delightful new show from eatre Porto about three wise gures following a star. Our heroes fall out, get lost, overcome obstacles and nally nd what they are looking for. Made with St Bernard’s RC Primary, Ellesmere Port and Teatro Pomodoro, it runs from 5th-21st December. Tickets from £9. theatreporto.org

Wish we were there

7th December, Christmas Charity Quiz Night, The Grange, Moreton Put your Christmas knowledge to the test while raising money for local causes. Know the full lyrics to ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’? Why sixpence was put in your Christmas pudding? 7pm. £5 per person, teams of up to 10.

21st December, Katie Mac, Future Yard, Birkenhead Taking influence from the likes of Laura Marling, Joni Mitchell and Regina Spektor, Katie is a singersongwriter from Huyton who has spent the past 10 years turning her hobby into a career. 7.30pm. £11.

Heswall Hall is playing host on 9th December to Eclipse – e Pink Floyd Experience, who will perform over two hours of Floyd classics, including music from e Wall, Wish You Were Here, Meddle, Animals and e Division Bell. e second half of the show features their epochmaking album e Dark Side of the Moon, played in full in this intimate setting. e show starts at 8pm, tickets £22. heswallhall.co.uk

Ever wanted to try making a beautiful glass mosaic? At this full-day workshop at the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead you will learn to cut and shape glass tiles and develop an understanding of the process of constructing a mosaic, which can then be applied to other projects. Classes run on 5th and 12th November, 10.30am-4pm, and advance booking is essential. e £75 fee includes all your materials. See williamsonartgallery.org

Dubbed one of the hardest working duos on the circuit by folk guru Mike Harding, Winter Wilson have toured the UK and performed in Australia, Spain, Belgium and Canada. eir album Live & Unconventional was recorded on tour and at Cropredy Festival with folk rock icons Fairport Convention. West Kirby Arts Centre welcomes this creative folk act on 19th November at 7.30pm, when you can see them for just £12. westkirbyartscentre.org.uk

A double treat

DID YOU KNOW? Walt Disney’sOscar for Snow White came with seven mini Oscars

FROM THE GLADSTONE

2ND-6TH

•2nd November, Ghost Tour of Shrewsbury Town Round o spooky season with a guided ghost tour of Shrewsbury, said to be one of the most haunted towns in the country. The tour starts from Shrewsbury Museum, is suitable for all ages (and dogs on leads) and lasts approx. 1.5 hours. 7pm. £9.

Perfectly beastly!

•5th November, Bonfire Night, Love2stay, Shrewsbury As well as a spectacular display, activities including axe throwing and face painting will be available. Local food vendors will be in the new Winter Village selling treats to keep you warm. Gates 5pm, fireworks 7pm. £10 (under-5s free).

•5th November, Willow Gallery Craft Fayre, Oswestry Enjoy a spot of preChristmas shopping or treat yourself with a selection of unique, locally made crafts. 10am-4pm.

•5th November, Bat Box Workshop, The Cut Visitor Centre, Shrewsbury This free workshop is part of Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s youth project for ages 14-30, and all participants will finish with a bat box to take home or leave for use at one of the Trust’s nature reserves. Places must be booked in advance. 10.30am.

•6th November, Severn Jesters Comedy Club, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury The hugely popular comedy club o ers up and coming talent as well as the best of the Fringe. November’s line-up includes MC Nik Coppin, Dan Antopolski, Craig Deeley and BBC New Comedy Award finalist Steve Harris. 8pm. £12.

DID YOU KNOW?

Samantha Dorrance who plays Beautywon Disney’s talent search You’re The Star

The fabulous festive production at Theatre Severn this year is Beauty and the Beast, written by Telford lad Paul Hendy, starring the legendary dame Brad Fitt and a number of multitalented performers including comedian Tommy J Rollaston, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent 2022. Brad Fitt is a long-time supporter of Hope House Children’s Hospices, and with generous donations from pantomime audiences from Theatre Severn has been able to donate over £55,000 to support the work of the charity. Due to huge demand, the panto will run from 30th November to 8th January and offers a number of special performances so that everyone can share in the fun. Ticket prices range from £16-£27.50. theatresevern.co.uk

Jog in your jumper

Dress in your festive best as the popular Christmas Jumper Run returns to The Quarry on 27th November. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome, and you can choose your distance – 2.5k, 5k or 10k. Entry is £12 for adults (£15 for the 10k), £7 for children (£10 for the 10k) and all profits go directly to Severn Hospice. Additional fundraising greatly appreciated. ukacgroup.com

Christmas voices

Shrewsbury Cantata is a mixed voice choir of around 60 members. ey are performing a Christmas repertoire at St Alkmunds Church, Shrewsbury on 17th December, comprising Magni cat by John Rutter and Quatre Motets Pour Le Temps de Noel by Francis Poulenc, a mid-20th century work in four parts based on French church music popular during the Renaissance. 7.30pm. Tickets £12. shrewsburycantatachoir.org

corner

During lockdown, bestselling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan collaborated on a novel, writing alternate chapters and editing each other’s work as they went. Mad Honey is a compelling, challenging and contemporary tale exploring the risks we take in order to become ourselves. Enjoy an afternoon with the authors on 18th November as they discuss the book and their individual writing journeys at the Holroyd Theatre, Oswestry. The event starts at 12.30pm (doors 11.45am) and tickets cost £20, which includes a signed copy of the book. theholroydtheatre.co.uk

Santa’s on safari

Thankfully we’ve been able to track him down to Hawkstone Park, where he’s resting up in the Follies before his real Christmas work begins. On selected dates from 2nd-23rd December, following a warming festive drink in the elegant surroundings of Hawkstone Park Hotel, you can take a trip in a 4x4 to visit him in the spectacular network of caves. Make your way on foot through the fairy-lit tunnels before arriving at the grotto. Return transport is provided. The price is per vehicle, which can accommodate a maximum of six – any combination of adults and children is welcome. Strictly advance bookings only. Daylight ticket £145, twilight ticket £155. hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

Choir by candlelight

Ex Cathedra return to St Chad’s, Shrewsbury on 2nd December for an evening of seasonal music and readings. With candlelight providing a magical setting for music old and new, this hugely popular Christmas concert signals a traditional start to the festive season. 7.30pm. Please book in advance, £25 (under-26s £12.50) via TicketSource.

Get set, go 2023!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve as never before… with your trainers on and glow stick in hand, as part of the UK’s only New Year’s Eve midnight run! Join hundreds of revellers setting off from Quarry Park on the strike of twelve to race a 2.5k, 5k or 10k route. Places are limited and booking is essential. ukacgroup.com

Victorian splendours

It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric setting for reworks than Blists Hill. e Victorian town has quite a di erent feel after dark, and for the display on 5th November some of the most popular exhibits will be open, plus there’ll be iron-casting demonstrations and refreshments. e impressive display is set to music and the fun starts at 6pm. Advanced booking is essential, tickets £15 (child £10, discount for Pass Plus holders). ironbridge.org.uk

by the lake

Star in your own Christmas card scene with winter ice skating in the scenic surroundings of Alderford Lake, Whitchurch from 24th November to 8th January. Skating will be available no matter the weather on the undercover ice rink, and the price of a 50-minute session includes skate hire and access to walk around the lake (daytime only). Stability aids may be hired at a small additional charge for anyone needing a boost with their balance. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Early-bird o -peak tickets cost £10.95 (child £7.95). alderford.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 11TH-18TH NOVEMBER

•11th & 12th November, Strictly Abba, Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth One of the most authentic and accurate Abba tributes, with the motto “The winner takes it all”. 8pm. £15.

•13th November, Service of Remembrance, RAF Cosford A service to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty, supported by the Military Wives Choir and RAF Cosford. 10.30am. Tickets are free, but must be pre-booked. rafmuseum.org.uk

•18th November, The Greatest Magician, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton Host of BBC’s Trickster Live, James Phelan performs mindblowing magic directed by the late Paul Daniels, from making people forget their own names to people vanishing from the audience. Family-friendly. 8pm. £14.50 (family tickets available).

•18th November, Gardening Day and Lecture, Dorothy Clive Garden, Market Drayton With a focus on producing a year-round garden this day course includes lectures and practical sessions, as well as a garden tour and Q&A. Refreshments and lunch provided. 10am-4pm. £100.

•18th November, Much Ado About Jazz, Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton Unique two-man show aimed at those who don’t necessarily like jazz as well as those who do! 7.30pm. £12 (under-18s £6).

Have the run of the Mill

•19th & 20th November, Apley Christmas Market All you need to prepare for Christmas, plus tasting and a hot chocolate bar. 10am-4pm. Free entry.

•19th-20th November, Oswestry Antiques Market, Oswestry Showground

Antiques, vintage, collectibles, architectural salvage, midcentury and unique decorative items. Last entry 2pm. £3.50 on the gate (cash only please).

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings welcomes visitors to its exhibition The Mill, telling the story of this iconic Shrewsbury building. With digital hands-on activities for all ages, it’s a chance to discover the lives and stories of workers, soldiers, engineers and entrepreneurs who all played their part in the mill’s history. On 5th November, a quiet session is planned from 9-10am, where visitor numbers will be reduced for the comfort of those with sensory needs. Entry is £7.50 (child £5, concessions £6). shrewsburyflaxmillmaltings.org.uk

Santa comes to Derwen

Who’ll be the shining star in Newport?

•25th November, Fizz Night, Ludlow Kitchen Enjoy two hours of bubbles under expert guidance, exploring new sparkling wines and champagne and savouring favourites. 7pm. Over-18s only. £25 (£80 for four).

•26th November, England vs Wales Boxing, The Buttermarket Enjoy a couple of hours of boxing followed by an after-party until late. 4pm. £25, VIP options available. Dress to impress!

•30th November, Christmas Wreath Making, MOOand BOOM, Whitchurch Join in a Christmas craft session creating your own wreath to display at home. 11am-3pm. £35 including festive refreshments.

A Christmas gift from MOOand Boom – save 15%!

“With all the worry of rising bills, we felt this would help our loyal customers,” says owner Maddie. Spend £10 at MOOand BOOM in Whitchurch and get a stamp; collect 8 stamps for 15% o your Christmas shopping. O er runs until 24th December, and also applies online.

Christmas is starting early at Derwen College, near Oswestry, with a bumper Christmas Fayre on 25th-27th November. ree days of festivities include a Christmas market and an audience with Santa. A host of Shropshire’s top artisan producers will be selling festive food, gifts, crafts and decorations alongside Derwen College’s own Garden Centre and Gift Shop merchandise. Entrance to the fayre is free, but there’s a small charge for Santa’s grotto – please book a place in advance. derwen.ac.uk

Newport marks the start of the festive season on 26th November with street entertainment, a winter wonderland grotto and dazzling light display. During the day a festive street market featuring food, drink, crafts and gifts will line St Mary’s Street, then around 6pm the winner of the Christmas card competition has the honour of switching on the Christmas lights, followed by a festive singalong with the Salvation Army. See allaboutnewport.co.uk

Get into the spirit

Heaven on earth

The UK’s top chocolatiers head for the Shire patch on 19th-20th November for Shrewsbury Chocolate Festival – hurrah! The free festival, held at St Mary’s Church, promotes high quality chocolate and attracts industry experts and awardwinning bean-to-bar producers offering fresh and unique products. A raft of other sweet treats will also be on sale including crêpes, chocolate liqueur and nougat. shrewsburychocolatefestival.co.uk

For a festival atmosphere with added seasonal cheer head for Abbeyfest at Shrewsbury Abbey on 18th-19th November, in support of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. Expect a specially selected array of independently produced beers and gins, plus food stalls, live music and a few other treats. Entry is by ticket only, from £12 (online), with VIP upgrades available. lingendavies.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Bricks were taxed when the mill was built. To keep costs down they used larger bricks!

DID YOU KNOW? The park is home to the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction

See nature in a new light

Baby, it’s cold outside… but West Midlands Safari Park will soon be bright with over 1,000 lights. From 11th November-8th January the park will be decorated on a flora and fauna theme for the popular Lantern Festival, giving visitors a chance to experience the walk-through areas as never before. On selected dates (mostly Fridays and weekends) you can follow the lantern trail and enjoy mesmerising displays. The walk-through animal exhibits will also be open, making it a fantastic family evening out. Entry is from 5-7pm, the park closes at 8.30pm. Tickets are £19, under-3s go free. Advance booking advised. wmsp.co.uk

Stories from Santa Claus

•1st December, Top Gun: Maverick (12A), Sparc Theatre, Bishop’s Castle Another chance to see Tom Cruise as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, as he trains aviation graduates for a special mission. 7pm. From £4.50.

Christmas ballet is a treat for the whole family, and The Nutcracker is a perfect introduction to audiences of any age to the beauty of classical dance. Crown Ballet from Moldova present the fairy tale of a little girl who receives a doll on Christmas Eve and uses her imagination to make magic happen. It’s at The Place Theatre, Telford on 29th November, at 7.30pm. Tickets £23 (child £18). telfordtheatre.com

Listen to Santa tell tales of his previous visits to Ludlow from his grotto at Ludlow Farmshop on 3rd-4th December

Each child will get to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas and come

away with a special gift. Accompanying adults will receive a hot drink and mince pie too. Please book in advance, child £12.50, adult £2.50 (maximum four adults per child). ludlowfarmshop.co.uk

•1st-3rd December, Dick Whittington and his Cat, Whitchurch Civic Centre Classic family panto to get you in the Christmas spirit. 7.30pm. £15 (£12 concessions).

•1st-4th December, Aladdin, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton From the stellar team that brought you last year’s panto, Aladdin features Tessa Vale from Horrible Histories and Sarah-Louise Young, plus a magic carpet ride that’s really magic! Times vary. £15 (child £13, family tickets available).

•2nd December, A Snow Princess Christmas, Hoo Zoo, Telford See the zoo all lit up for Christmas. Even the dinosaurs will be celebrating! Make snowflakes with the elves, and join in a singalong or storytime with the Snow Princesses. 3-9pm, tickets include full day admission. Adults £5.95-£10.95, children £10-£25.

He’s a top cat

Full of catchy rhythms, lush melodies and feline musical effects, Mid Wales Opera presents a one-act version of Puss in Boots, by Catalan composer Montsalvatge at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on 4th November. Sung in English, the production features five musicians showcasing a new arrangement by Jonathan Lyness. The second half sees a collection of popular tunes. The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £22 (under-18s £10).

ludlowassemblyrooms.com

Feeling festive on the farm

From 3rd December, enjoy a special Santa Experience at Park Hall Farm. Once your time with the big man has passed, spend as long as you like making the most of the farm’s activities and attractions. e Santa Experience includes elf entertainment, a present for every child, a small edible treat and drink, plus a Christmas show. Timed visits must be booked in advance, and child tickets start from £20.95. parkhallfarm.co.uk

•3rd December, Much Wenlock Christmas Fayre With around 150 stalls, the town’s independent shops all decked out and a candle-lit procession finishing with carol singing in the square, you’re guaranteed a festive experience. From 10am.

•6th December, Piccadilly Sinfonietta, Shrewsbury Abbey Virtuoso group perform Chopin, Corelli and Vivaldi by candlelight, including the ‘Four Seasons’. 7.30pm. From £19.

Ideal first fireworks

DID YOU KNOW?

The record for the longest display is 1 hr 1 min 32 secs and it rained the whole time!

Two displays are taking place at the West Mid Showground on 5th November. The first, at 6.15pm, has reduced noise levels, making it an ideal first fireworks experience for younger children. The second display at 7.45pm will use traditional fireworks – plenty of bang! flash! wheeeee! for everyone. Proceeds from the evening will go to Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society’s Rural Charity, which supports the showground along with various groups and organisations. Online tickets cost £12 (£5 for children aged 6-15), with camping options for those who want to make a night of it. westmidshowground.co.uk

It’s a small-scale world

Experience life in miniature at Scale ModelWorld, coming to Telford International Centre on 12th13th November

The world’s largest fine-scale model show features thousands of models of every imaginable genre, attracting special interest modelling groups from home and abroad, with more than 140 categories of competition. Tickets can be booked online, from £12 (accompanied under-16s free). ipmsuk.org

aboard for enchantment

Severn Valley Railway celebrates Christmas with a host of special experiences, starting with Steam in Lights on 18th November. The theme for 2022 is ‘A Journey Around the World’ and for this immersive night-time experience the Severn Valley becomes a colourful trail for the whole family to enjoy. There are three departure times each evening, and tickets for a table of four start from £106. Advance booking is essential. svr.co.uk

Join the Fizztastical parade!

e businesses of Ellesmere stay open late for an evening of festivities and shopping on 25th November A Christmas market and Santa’s Grotto will appear in the Market Hall, with carols around the Tree of Light in the evening. Santa arrives by boat at e Wharf at 6.30pm, before the Fizztastical Fizzgigs Lantern Parade accompanied by street band at 6.45pm. Find out how to make your lantern at ellesmere.info

Lights of Love

Severn Hospice’s treasured lights ceremony will be in-person for the first time since 2019, taking place at Bicton Heath on 4th December. The 4pm event is a poignant opportunity to remember the lives of loved ones, and maybe dedicate a light on the Christmas tree in their memory. Lights of Love will include reading, music and singing before the tree is lit. Find out how to submit the name of your loved one and donate at severnhospice.org.uk

•8th December, Going Wild in Bishop’s Castle, Bishops Castle Town Hall A programme of monthly talks on nature and wildlife throughout the winter months includes Midwinter Foraging. 7.30pm. Free, donations welcome.

•11th December, Bella Hardy’s Christmas Show, The Hive, Shrewsbury BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year and acclaimed performer Bella Hardy performs local carols and well-loved classics, delivered in her authentic style and crystalline voice. 7.45pm. £16.

•12th December, Shropshire Women in Business Networking Event, Love2Stay, Shrewsbury Meet and connect with other ambitious women in business in the local area in a relaxed but productive atmosphere. 9.30am. £15 including refreshments.

20th December, Surprise Christmas Film (PG), Kinokulture, Oswestry The title will be announced just before screening; expect anything from a new release to a Christmas classic, or even something unknown. Ticket includes mulled wine and nibbles. 7.30pm. £6.50.

•21st December, A Christmas Carol, The Blue Boar, Ludlow Award-winning story-teller Jason Buck brings this classic tale to life with comedy and chills, suitable for children and adults alike. 7pm. £9.50 (£6.50 concessions). eventbrite.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 8TH-21ST DECEMBER

Discover what Shire’s team thought of the concerts, live events and theatre shows they’ve seen over the past couple of months at local venues

REWIND, NORTH CAPESTHORNE HALL, MACCLESFIELD

Scritti Politti, Level 42, Johnny Hates Jazz, Heather Small – they’re all here. Kim Wilde looks amazing and is a true star. She strokes her brothers Ricky’s bald head several times. Holly Johnson headlines and one over-excited fan jumps the stage.

On Sunday, it seems the whole of Cheshire has turned out to see Jazzie B of Soul II Soul. Tom Bailey (Thomson Twins) has the audience in his hand. Chesney Hawkes doesn’t stop smiling. Belinda Carlisle dances. So many people mention how the performers have aged. Perhaps it’s time to take a look in the mirror…

CARFEST 2022, BOLESWORTH

After a two-year wait there was a lot of excitement surrounding the return of CarFest North, the biggest charity fundraising festival in the country. Hosted as always by Chris Evans, the event brought together cars and music over a three-day spectacular and also threw in side festivals focused on food, wellness, kids and other areas.

The event is extremely well organised – from parking to clearly signed toilets (that were kept clean and stocked with paper!) and creating an atmosphere where even younger children felt safe and

were able to wander.

Nile Rodgers and Chic stole the show on the last night as expected, but prior to that we enjoyed Sister Sledge, Rick Parfitt Jnr, excellent tribute acts for both Elvis and Elton John and some good DJ sets including one from the legendary Judge Jules.

Food options were delicious, everything from noodles to gyros, and the crowd was in excellent spirits, in glitter and wacky outfits. Did the rain matter? Not a bit! KS ★★★★★

MARTIN KEMP, TATTON PARK POP-UP FESTIVAL, CHESHIRE

Martin Kemp actually brought his ‘Back to the 80s’ DJ set to Knutsford – wow! It’s all thanks to local entrepreneur Rebecca Hartley (see page 112), who has staged this and the previous five weeks of events here. What a beautiful setting for concerts.

Wandering around the posh sofas, parasols and happy people, I spot Cheryl Fergison (ex Eastenders) and Corrie’s Jack P Shepherd. Jack is such a bubbly person and so nice.

Martin arrives after 9pm and by 9.30pm is on stage. There’s no direct light, he’s just a shadow at the front, so I have to use a small

ANUVAB PAL AT MARKET DRAYTON FESTIVAL CENTRE

Anuvab Pal was born in Kolkata and came to Market Drayton for a fringe event of the Ginger & Spice Festival; Robert Clive was born in Drayton and went to Calcutta to further the British Raj. It was a symmetry primed for corrosive humour. But from the start – “I look like I work in HSBC risk management” –Anuvab delivered a comedy of manners, with plenty of laughs among the cultural comparisons and only a few barbs along the way.

The British of empire days were “Just old people with wigs and guns.” They left in 1948, which Anuvab called the first Brexit. “Now our country is run

by the app Uber.” Corruption featured in passing: “It’s the only thing we Indians respect above integrity.”

According to Anuvab, India has 1.3 billion people, rising by 10 per cent a year. “Five Indians come to see my show, 112 leave.” Cue a story about mating elephants blocking the road and people averting their eyes. “India is the only country where the elephant in the room is a real elephant.” JH ★★★★

flash – otherwise there would be no pictures for you to see! As soon as he’s behind the decks, the smile is switched on and he’s away, spinning tunes to the delight of his fans.

If you have a show in the Shire area, we can send a reviewer – and your show can appear on these pages too! Email editorial@ shiremagazine.co.uk Get in touch!

“The whole of Cheshire is here for Jazzie B”

“Now our country is run by the app Uber”

“Good DJ sets including Judge Jules”

Deborah

“The smile is switched on”

Deborah

TURIN BRAKES

THEATRE SEVERN

British band Turin Brakes are underrated, in my humble opinion. Their hits including ‘Underdog (Save Me)’ and ‘Pain Killer (Summer Rain)’ date from the early noughties and go beyond the usual dance floor or guitar ‘bangers’ to offer up thoughtful commentary on situations we all experience and the times we find ourselves living in.

This is why I found myself at a standing gig at Theatre Severn’s Walker Theatre in Shrewsbury, as they played the first date of an extensive UK tour. The tour heralds the release of their ninth studio album WideEyed Nowhere. Nine albums is no mean feat. Turin Brakes have sold more than a million records globally and have been around for nearly a quarter of a century!

The South London fourpiece comprise lead singer Olly

XPLORE!

We visited Xplore! with our boys aged two and five. The colourful layout, along with helpful, child-friendly staff made us feel instantly at home. For the price, we were very impressed with everything on offer, including a cafe, benches for eating your own picnic, a

Knights, Gale Paridjanian, Rob Allum and Eddie Myer. They recorded this album at Twin Palms, Olly’s garden studio, over the summer of 2021 and are justifiably immensely proud of it. “We surprised ourselves with what came out; a sweeter, groovier set of songs in no hurry to be anything but themselves.”

Olly’s voice, which is distinctive, soulful, clear and resounding, grew in confidence, until by the end it was flying, and the foursome were giddily hugging, deciding what to play as an encore Catch them touring until April 2023. CB. ★★★★★

well-stocked gift shop – and of course the activity tables. There was enough to keep our active boys entertained for several hours. There are step stools for smaller children to access activities and lockers to store belongings. The interactive science shows were a great way to learn whilst still having fun.

“Well worth the entry fee”

“By the end, his soulful voice was flying”

THE HOME OF WELSH FOOTBALL

Greeting visitors at the entrance to Wrexham Museum is none other than Gareth Bale – “probably the most iconic Welsh footballer of all,” says Nick Jones, who cocurated this exhibition and is here to show us around. With a nod to the national team captain, pictured celebrating their historic World Cup qualifier against Austria in March, we move on to the exhibits.

The first panel gives a history of the Welsh national team shirt – how it has evolved from the first strip in 1876 (which was actually white) to the yellow away kit and the Admiral shirt featuring the tramlines.

“This is quite a famous shirt – you see fans wearing it at games even now,” says Nick, Football Museum officer. “It was worn by John Mahoney in an international against England in 1977. The English FA refused to play the Welsh anthem before the game, and after the English anthem the Welsh squad didn’t move, as a protest. Now of course the

Welsh anthem is sung with passion by fans before all games, home and away.

Every

“Next, we’ve got the first Welsh women’s team shirt and cap from 1973, when they had their first bespoke kit. Before this, they were looked after by different associations including the WFA, so it’s a great thing to be able to display. It’s more difficult to find out about women’s football in Wales so we’ve been working with collectors and other researchers.

“Because of the World Cup coming up, with Wales in the men’s finals starting in November, we wanted to make the core of the exhibition about the competition. So we have a shirt from the June 1958 game, the first finals game Wales played. They did well – they got through the group games and played Brazil in the quarter final, losing 1-0 to a late Pelé goal. We also have a shirt from this year’s play-off against Ukraine, plus a plate that was a gift from the Ukrainian FA, presented at the game in Cardiff.

“The women’s team is in the play-o s to qualify for the women’s World Cup

summer. So we may be able to add something

that!”

“There’s a rare shirt from Neville Southall, the Wales and Everton keeper, from when he played for Bury, and one from Clayton Blackmore when Manchester United won the Premier League in 1992-3.”

The exhibition will run for a year at the museum. “The women are in the play-offs to qualify for the women’s World Cup next summer, so we may be able to add something on that!” says Nick.

Plans are advancing for part of Wrexham Museum to become the Football Museum for Wales, telling the story of the Welsh game from grassroots up to the national teams.

“It makes sense,” Nick says. “Not only due to the global attention Wrexham AFC is gaining thanks to its new owners, but also because Wrexham was once effectively national team stadium.”

He adds: “The reaction to the exhibition has been really positive, and we’re looking to hold some events during the World Cup, such as an education trail and sticker swap days.”

SHIRT

We visit SHIRT STORIES: A SHIRT BY SHIRT HISTORY OF WELSH FOOTBALL at Wrexham County Borough Museum & Archives, for a tour of the exhibition and to hear future plans for celebrating the proud heritage of the game in Wales

Wrexham

Borough

Signed

TALKING BALLS

As the World Cup kicks o once again, Shire is embracing football fever and chatting to Peter Crouch, the Cheshire-born former striker and England hero, who has carved a thriving career o the pitch too

Capped 42 times for the England team including two FIFA World Cup tournaments, footballer Peter Crouch – ‘Crouchy’ to fans – is one of just 33 players to have scored 100 or more Premier League goals, and holds the record for the most headed goals in its history. Born in Macclesfield, he was obsessed with football from an early age. His family moved to Singapore before returning and settling in the south, where young Peter became a fan of Queens Park Rangers. He put his allegiances aside, though, when family contacts got him his first job – as a ball boy for Chelsea.

Once he started playing the game rather than just supporting the officals, it became obvious he had a natural talent. Peter turned down contracts from both Chelsea and Millwall, holding out for the offer that eventually came, and joined QPR in summer 1994. Multiple team changes followed in his extensive career, including success with Liverpool and Stoke City. As a stalwart of the England team, he scored 22 goals for his country between 2005 and 2010.

On his toes Peter was equally well known off the pitch, for everything from dance moves to house moves. He became famous for the ‘robotic’ disco routine that he used to celebrate goals and the dance craze took off, with the crowds joining in. However, his dancing skills are nothing to those of his wife, model Abbey Clancy, who won the 11th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.

The couple have four children, and at one point lived in the Cheshire celebrity hotspot of Alderley Edge. The family rented the £4.5 million home of fellow sporting legend Freddie Flintoff in Prestbury, a six-bedroom mansion with its own gym, cinema room and swimming pool, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and the Rooneys as neighbours.

Talking the talk

Since retiring from football at the age of 38, Peter has become a respected voice in sport, presenting multiple shows and launching his

own podcast. That Peter Crouch Podcast is now embarking on its seventh series and has been listened to over 65 million times! The show has welcomed a number of high-profile guests including DJ Annie Mac and Louis Theroux alongside fellow players and managers, and was also invited to Kensington Palace for a special episode with HRH Prince William.

To kick off the latest series Peter is recording a Crouchfest special in front of a live audience at Wembley Arena – something he did for the last series and is looking forward to repeating.

“The first Crouchfest was one of the most special nights of my life,” he says. “To be bringing the podcast with my two silly little mates to a venue like Wembley Arena is, quite frankly, unbelievable. The power of the pod never ceases to amaze me.

“Our motto has always been to ‘come back stronger’ and that’s exactly what I can promise everyone about our next event. Admin and organisation are not a strong point of mine, but last time we pulled Katherine Jenkins and Liam Gallagher out of the bag, so I know we’ll be putting on a show that is bigger and better than anything I’ve done before.”

The last Crouchfest also saw some incredible performances from Tom Grennan and You Me At Six, and Peter did his infamous robot dance, whilst also treating fans to a rendition of ‘Snow’ by Informer.

Members of the audience were also invited to take part in games on stage. The subsequent podcast episode, detailing all the behind-the-scenes antics as well as extracts from the show, was enjoyed by over 1million listeners.

Taking place at OVO Arena Wembley on 19th November, Crouchfest 2 will serve as a curtainraiser for the 2022 World Cup, which starts the following day. As Peter says: “What a perfect way to start celebrations for what will hopefully be a great World Cup for England!”

first

“TO BE BRINGING THE PODCAST TO WEMBLEY ARENA IS, QUITE FRANKLY, unbelievable”

‘Crouchy’ in 2022’s documentary Save Our Beautiful Game, championing grassroots community team Dulwich Hamlet

By royal invitation: recording with Prince William at Kensington Palace

Ho ho hold on to your pennies

Christmas is practically upon us. And Christmas is always the one time of the year when we spend, spend, spend. But with the way things have been – and look set to continue, for a while at least – we can’t let the festive season run away with us and our budgets this year. This is not the year to splash out on designer decorations or pay over the odds for a prestige pud.

The Bank of England website tells us that a typical household in the UK spends just over £2,500 in a month. In the run-up to Christmas those spending habits change: we spend on average almost £740 more in December, 29 per cent more than in a typical month. Some of these costs are hard to avoid, and if we’ve been carefully planning for them all year round, we shouldn’t have to give up on all our Christmas treats, but others are often a complete waste of money.

GOING UP & UP & UP

This year costs have increased in almost every area of our lives, and for most of us, wages have not kept up. Little wonder we’re starting to feel the pinch. Inflation rates mean those Christmas extras could be higher than ever in 2022. Research and statistics experts from www. finder.com have done some analysis (warning – you might find this alarming) and predict that the cost of Christmas could hit a hefty £1,130 per household this year. This is made up of an average spend on presents of £621 and £509 on everything else such as decorations and food. Overall the UK is expected to spend around £25 billion on gifts!

The same researchers found that many people admit to overspending at this time of year, with one in five Brits admitting to spending more than they can afford on presents and Christmas paraphernalia but keeping it a secret. This is never a good idea and could lead to getting into debt when families and partners

are not fully aware of how budgets are being spent. But the survey also found a few festive secrets that might be worth keeping, as they help keep costs down. They say 15 per cent of people have gifted something pre-owned claiming it was new, and 13 per cent lied about being busy to avoid visiting or hosting people.

a couple of (rather drastic) examples of how you can

the unnecessary costs of Christmas – but we know there are plenty you simply can’t avoid. Over the next few pages we’ve spoken to experts and local businesses who have some great ideas

to survive the season without a huge bill to settle in January,

it is eating better for less, spending wisely, cutting costs where

can

Do your sums, youknow it makes sense!

DID YOU KNOW?

In Polish homes, during Advent and sometimes also on Christmas Eve, people pour melted beeswax onto water and create stories from the shapes that it makes. Why not try for yourself?

It’s tricky to know how to approach the subject of Christmas spending in a way that won’t bring on the blues. But if you can adopt some, if not all of our trusty panel’s advice, you should be able to enjoy the season without leaving yourself in debt.

SET A STRICT BUDGET

KS: Set an amount for each person you’re buying for and don’t go beyond that. It can be particularly hard where kids are concerned. We all know that feeling when you’ve wrapped the presents and worry that one child ‘doesn’t have enough’. If you’ve stuck to your budget, they’ve all had the same.

ML: Don’t plan the perfect Christmas – first work out what you can afford. Do your sums and ask: “What can I afford to spend?” Christmas is one day – don’t ruin the whole of the next year for it.

SA: Yes, set a realistic budget. It’s easy to feel the temptation to plan a perfect Christmas straight out of glossy magazines. But this is the quickest way to burn through your cash and end up stressed.

LIMIT THE GIFTS

ML: Consider not giving this Christmas. We’re not talking about gifts from parents or grandparents, but the ever-widening circle of friends, extended family and colleagues. Christmas isn’t a retail festival – we need to put an end to obliged giving and think about what we’re giving, to whom and why. You could always make a No Unnecessary Present Pact (NUPP) with friends, or at least agree to a Secret Santa or a £5 cap on gifts.

KS: Secret Santa is perfect between adult family members, work colleagues and friendship circles. Rather than buying for everyone individually, set an agreed budget and buy for one person only.

SA: Of course you want to buy for those closest to you: your children, partner, parents or grandparents. But the list of people that we feel obliged to buy for seems to get longer every Christmas. At a time when finances have been stretched to their limit for many, the best gift you could give might be the removal of that obligation.

MAKE THE MOST OF DEALS

KS: If you’ve got your eye on a certain toy, perfume or gadget for someone, use an app like Pricerunner or Idealo to set price alerts –they’ll notify you when the price drops. Then google a promo code.

ML: We found Google Shopping is the most consistent at finding the cheapest price. Make a list of who you need to buy for and whenever you see goods at decent prices, grab, wrap, and stuff ‘em in a Christmas cupboard.

SA: Always use comparison sites to find the best bargains. Save yourself time and money when you’re buying Christmas gifts by finding the best deals and cheapest products.

“Ask yourself: ‘What can I afford?’ Christmas is just one day. Don’t ruin the whole of the next year for it.”

ere are so many sources of sound advice out there, but we’ve singled out three experts whose judgement we really value to share realistic ways to save money this Christmas. (You’ll meet them over the page…)

DID YOU KNOW?In areas of Greece a version offirst-footing at New Year involvesbreaking open a pomegranate atthe door of a house. The seedsare scattered, symbolising goodfortune – the more seeds the better.

MAKE SOME EXTRA PENNIES

KS: Side hustle extra money! You still have time. List old toys for sale to make room for new ones.

ML: If a few quid more in the Christmas fund would really help, flogging via eBay’s a good way to start. Facebook has been snapping at eBay’s heels as the place to get rid of unwanted stuff though. The best part is that sales are often instant, so you’ll have the money a lot quicker than you will through eBay, plus you don’t have to send items in the post unless you want to.

SA: Cutting down on your expenditure is one way to raise funds for Christmas, but you could also try to earn money by selling things you don’t use at home. Vinted is popular for unwanted clothes.

EMBRACE SECONDHAND

KS: Secondhand doesn’t mean lesser quality - you can find unopened gift sets, brand new perfumes, unwanted jewellery, clothes with tags, unopened toys etc on online selling platforms. And if you’re buying for young children, they literally will not know the difference between used and new.

SA: Items for sale on eBay and Facebook often come with a ‘collection only’ policy. This cuts down the number of people who are interested in buying them and also removes postage costs, so there are some good bargains to be found.

1

2

4

1. Give preloved toys a home

2. Don’t miss the post

3. Remember what’s important

4. Old or new, they’ll love it

5. Compare deals before buying

CASHBACK AND BONUSES

KS: Get cashback! Whether that’s via topcashback, airtime rewards or a cashback current account. Every penny counts.

ML: With cashback sites, you sign up for free, then click through them to buy something. They get paid for sending traffic and give some of this to you, netting some £100s a year. Never let the cashback dictate where you spend, though. Focus on the cheapest deal, then see if cashback’s available.

SA: Cashback sites can be a great way to add a few extra pounds to your Christmas budget. It’s important to check the terms carefully though, because you may find that your purchase only counts if you haven’t visited the site before. If so, be sure to clear the cache on your PC before you click through to place your order.

ML: Unless you have to, don’t borrow for Christmas… but if you must, get a 0 per cent card and remember that cashback credit cards pay you every time you spend on them, so you can get cashback on every gift you buy. You grab the card, set up a direct debit to repay in full every month so it’s interest-free and, to boost the gain, use it for all spending.

TRAVEL SAVVY

ML: If you’re visiting friends and family, book train tickets in advance. Rail operators generally launch tickets 10-12 weeks before the date of travel and cheap tickets vanish quickly, but you can sign up online to get a free alert when your tickets go on sale.

SHELVE THE SNOBBERY

ML: With an “It’s Christmas! We need the best!” battle cry, everyone raids the supermarket shelves. But don’t be a retail snob. Taste with your tongue, not by looking at the packaging. And buy what’s right for you, not the shop.

5

“Unless you have to, don’t borrow for Christmas…”

SA: It’s easy to be seduced by Christmas advertising, and think that you have to buy the luxury version of everything from chocolate biscuits to celebratory fizz. But quite often the own-brand goods are just as good, if not better. So give some cheaper alternatives a try and you may be pleasantly surprised. After all, the important thing is sitting down with your loved ones to share a meal, not whether the fizz in your glass is cava or Champagne.

MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE

ML: Christmas shopping on impulse is dangerous, so make an old-fashioned shopping list and stick to it. Remember, shops spend a fortune on targeting your spending impulses – a list helps you beat them. Even if you’re shopping on the high street, remember to benchmark the prices using shopbots first.

SA: List-making is one of your biggest friends when it comes to present shopping on a budget. Do the same when it comes to

1

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food and drink shopping as well. Plan every item right down to the last cranberry, to have the best chance of sticking to your budget.

PERFECT THE POSTING

ML: Sort Christmas post early. If using Royal Mail, ensure you send parcels and letters before the last posting date – the cut-off depends on where and how you send your post. Using a discount web courier may cut costs and you may even be able to have goods collected from your home. Do note, though, that a lot of couriers are currently taking longer to deliver than normal.

SA: Posting early means you may be able to send cards 2nd class rather than paying extra for 1st class stamps. You’ll also be able to take advantage of slower, and cheaper, parcel services.

We scoured the area for those in the know and taken advice from the following panel of financial and lifestyle experts…

KS: Lifestyle blogger Katie Saves – Katie started her blog as a way of documenting how her family survived when she took maternity leave and had to manage with a drastic reduction in household income.

ML: Martin Lewis – the Cheshire-born radio, TV and internet finance sensation is known for his brilliant advice and forthright nature in challenging policymakers when times are tough, and for his ever-popular website moneysavingexpert.com

SA: Sally Akins – owner of lifestyle blog SallyAkins.com who offers advice on Christmas budgeting as well as food and travel, plus all-round hints, tips, and links to businesses in and around her Shropshire home.

CITIZEN SAVINGS

Our national network of Citizens Advice Bureaus are key providers of help and guidance and the Shropshire branch is no exception. They suggest three focus areas to make simple changes to how you spend.

doing things

never created or maintained

before, it

but it doesn’t need to be. The most

A budgeting tool can help

what you’re earning and spending, and

might be able to cut costs.

Shropshire CAB adds: “If you are worried about the rising

we want to assure you you’re not alone. In Shropshire

Citizens

per cent of households experience food

cent are in fuel poverty. Never feel

out for help when you’re struggling.”

Shropshire offers confidential, free,

call

10am-4pm).

Save more than just money

There are multiple ways you can reduce your carbon footprint this season without skimping on Christmas magic. A more sustainable, greener Christmas will help your purse and help our environment too.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Almost everyone has a battered box of treasured decorations – make the most of what you have and don’t throw them out unless they’re dangerous! If you want to add something new, think first. Avoid tinsel and glitter, those little bits that end up all over the house are plastic. How about bunting, origami or pinecones?

Get the children involved too!

When it comes to a tree, buy a pre-loved fake tree or even rent one! These trees are grown in special pots that can be dug up and replanted year after year. Make sure it’s grown sustainably first. If you have a real tree, look after it.

GET CREATIVE FOR NATURE

You could make your very own wreath that’ll feed the birds as well as looking great. Use the same natural bits and bobs to make your own table decorations – holly, ivy, small cones and a bit of red ribbon looks fantastically festive.

LOOK AFTER THE LIGHTING

Turn off your Christmas lights overnight and when you are out the house to save energy. Are those outside lights really necessary? If you really can’t live without them, solar-powered ones are available. While we’re at it, turn down the heating a notch or two – it gives you a reason to wear that special Christmas jumper!

DITCH THE JUNK

Avoid buying Christmas crackers that contain plastic toys. Instead make your own using toilet roll tubes and reused wrapping paper. You can buy the snaps, and have fun making up dreadful jokes.

WRAP IT UP!

Choosing the gift is just the beginning – think before you wrap it. Shiny wrapping paper is pretty but it’s not recyclable. The same goes

DID YOU KNOW?

‘Sviata Vecheria’ (Holy Supper) is eaten on 6th January in Ukraine. It can’t start until the first star is seen in the sky – so people go outside to watch for it as soon as it starts getting dark in the afternoon!

for glittery paper. Use brown paper for a lovely vintage look, and avoid plastic sticky tape. Look for brown paper tape or get creative with string – or pick a reusable option like a box, bag or cloth.

The same rules go for glittery and shiny Christmas cards. Have a go at making your own (bonus points for recycling last year’s cards!)

FOOD

Christmas can be a particularly wasteful time. Don’t buy too much, and plan meals so you know how much food you’ll need. Compost your vegetable waste (Shropshire Council collects food waste in the garden waste bin). Try out some vegetarian alternatives to meat.

PLANET-FRIENDLY GIFTS

Look out for gifts that come with as little packaging as possible, or at least some you can recycle. Why not put together a zero-waste kit? Include things like a portable cup, a biodegradable lunchbox, a shopping bag or wax food wraps. Buy sustainable products, and look for things made from British wool, wood from sustainable sources or organic cotton. Alternatively, make something yourself – a cake or biscuits, or a handicraft. A personal gift is priceless. Shire’s own Janet from Afonwen Crafts shares her crafty ideas for festive budgeting over the page.

3

Dr Cath Price from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust shows how you can have an eco-Christmas this year. It’ll cost you less, as well as helping you do your bit for the wildlife in your area.

Make it a happy one

“For me, Christmas isn’t about how expensive the gifts are, or how lavish the lunch, or what party you go to – it’s about friends and family. Spending time with loved ones, warm cosy evenings, spicy scents from candles and mulled wine, and making that extra effort to catch up with all the special people in your life.

“When I’m buying a gift, it has to be right, I can’t buy just anything and won’t buy something that is all about a big box, fancy glitzy wrapping and poor contents inside. I like useful and thoughtful gifts, or something that suits the person just so. But a gift doesn’t have to be commercial – you could make your own.”

TAKE YOUR TIME

“Gift-making doesn’t have to be expensive – if you spend a little bit of time thinking and researching on the internet you can come up with some amazing ideas. Maybe change them up a little, add your own twist and think about what you can recycle to help with your gifts or decorations. I tend to let my mind go a little wild, but then I have to rein myself in to what’s practical and what I actually have time to do.

“Homemade chocolate discs are the simplest of gifts or a treat for a gathering at home. All you need to do is melt some chocolate and spoon circles onto greaseproof paper – make the discs as big or small as you want, but not too thin. When you’ve done this, top them with any combination you like, maybe roasted nuts and cranberries, or even jelly sweets and sprinkles for the little ones.

“You could have a combination of dark, milk and white discs –they look amazing when you put them together. If it’s for a gift, wrap them in clear wrap and tie the ends with some string or coloured ribbon and add a homemade gift tag for the finishing touch. You could even find a suitable old jar to pop your chocolate discs in and decorate that with your string, ribbon, and label.

“Sometimes I think a little extra attention on your wrapping goes such a long way. This doesn’t mean expensive. I love to keep last year’s Christmas cards and recycle them into gift tags, just like we did as children. Use plain brown wrapping paper, string or ribbon to finish gifts off.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

“You could make an easy body scrub using granulated sugar, coconut oil to blend it (not warmed or the sugar will melt!) and add some essential oils or zest from an orange or lemon – maybe a little fresh rosemary from the garden too. Then it’s back to that packaging again. Recycled jars are brilliant if you want to keep the budget down – just let your imagination go wild when decorating and wrapping the jar.

DID YOU KNOW?

Christmas is not a national holidayin Japan, but one piece of music issung by choirs all over the country– ‘Ode to Joy’ from Beethoven’sNinth Symphony, known simplyas ‘daiku’ or number nine.

“You could even make yourself some Christmas decorations or crackers for the Christmas table. Once you get thinking, the options go on and on. Best of all, it doesn’t have to be expensive – but do try to plan ahead. Go for lovely autumn walks and gather pinecones and conker shells, or dried greenery from the hedgerows to make decorations. Start looking at your recycling and keep containers that could be useful so that when you want to be creative you can go for it.

Most of all, don’t stress. It’s meant to be fun. There really is so much inspiration out there when you start looking. Take the pressure off and make a list of what you want to do, or who you want to give gifts to and start planning. Have some fun and make Christmas homemade.”

One obvious way to save some pennies at Christmastime is to make the gifts or decorations yourself. Who better to advise than Shire’s resident craft expert

Janet Monshin Dallolio from Afonwen Craft Centre in North Wales

“If you spend a bit of time thinking and researching on the internet you can come up with some amazing ideas”

Baa, oink, moo! Give a gift of Ewemoo, The wonderful Welsh wonders, To the people who love, loving you, Everyone’s favourite! The Welsh-made Ewemoo footstools.

Offering a range of bespoke footstools in every colour imaginable, these magical and totally unique works of art are a must for any home or office space. From the original sheep foot stools to pigs, cows, bulls & goats there’s a Ewemoo for everyone. There are wonderful natural colours together with a variety of bright & quirky colours. Each foot stool is hand crafted in Wales, with care and attention to details and lots of love. Whether you’re gifting yourself (and who could blame you!) or buying one as a gift, it’s sure to bring a smile to the face of everyone who sees it.

Food&Drink

Dhustone

Proof’s in the pudding

Lady Preserves was established in 1966 in Pwllheli, North Wales by Dio and Marion Jones and the company has remained in the family, now run by the second and third generations – son John, his wife Carol and their son David.

and quality are their number one priorities, so much so that Welsh Lady Preserves has won a number of awards, including Supreme Champion at the Great Taste Awards for their Lemon Curd – not once but twice!

All products are traditionally handmade, with

ingredients, and cooked in copperbottomed open boiling pans, making it as close to homemade as possible for the best possible taste. At the jam factory on the Llyn Peninsula, the Jones family has been making award-winning sweet preserves and savoury condiments for 50 years.

The family believes in making fine food products in an honest traditional way, with carefully chosen ingredients, lovingly prepared. So whether you area consumer or trade customer, please visit the website to find out how you can enjoy the fruits of their labours.

Didknow?youFuggles, Progressand Columbus arehop varieties usedfor Dhustone Stout

Brewing for the future

One local beer business is celebrating after a successful summer of festivals and awards. Even as they expand their repertoire ahead of a bumper Christmas, they keep a focus on their responsibility to the planet

short distance from the castle town of Montgomery, on the Powys–Shropshire border. It was founded in 2008 by husband and wife team Russ and Pam Honeyman, who have since established it as one of Wales’ leading breweries. Producing beers of many styles, with a focus on gluten free beers they’ve won numerous awards. They take a strong stance on sustainability and are seriously committed to their pledge to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover. Here are just some of the things they do:

REDUCE...�

Maa

• Water usage within refined cleaning regimes which make sure they don’t use too many chemicals or too much rinse water

• Energy usage by maximising energy recovery to heat water and adding extra insulation to their cold and warm rooms

• Use of plastic shrink wrap by using pallet collars and not using any plastic in packaging of Monty’s products.

REUSING...

• Cardboard boxes by re-badging where possible

• Casks – of course casks have always been recycled; filled, sent out, returned, cleaned, filled and reused.

RECYCLING...

• All glass, plastic and cardboard that cannot be used elsewhere

• Grain into milk! The team takes the sugars and flavours out of the grain which leaves the proteins. Cows are very efficient at turning this into milk.

• Waste beer (the bits that are too yeasty) into beef. A herd of Wagyu cattle have a few pints of Monty’s and then a nap!

RECOVER...

Monty’s beers have been used to make gins, chutney, Christmas puddings and beef jerky!

The team produce a range of brews and the awards are still coming in thick and fast. In 2020, Monty’s won the Insider Made in Wales award for Best Welsh Food and Drink Manufacturer and this year were finalists at the Great British Food Awards. There have been festivals up and down the country too – so much so that they’ve expanded to take on an extra brewer. So if you know a beer lover who’d appreciate a specialist, locally brewed collection, order soon for free delivery before Christmas! montysbrewery.co.uk

Celebrate with this winter wonderland version of the classic Espresso Martini. Decorate the rim of the glass with sparkles and the foam with a snowflake stencil to wow your guests. Ideally served as an after-dinner treat.

INGREDIENTS: 25ml Drambuie liqueur 25ml Scotch whisky 50ml espresso or strong co ee, deca if preferred Lots of ice

FOR DECORATION: White edible cake glitter White rock sugar, crushed Liquid glucose, honey or golden syrup Cocoa powder

METHOD: First decorate the glass. Mix a little cake glitter with crushed sugar on a small plate. Coat the rim of a chilled martini glass with liquid glucose, honey or syrup, then dip it into the sugar.

Pour all ingredients over ice into a cocktail shaker (or a jam jar will do). Shake vigorously to create a foam before pouring into the prepared glass. Set the snowflake stencil over the top of the glass and gently dust over the cocoa powder using a small tea strainer. Serve immediately.

drambuie.com/en-gb/

Talk of liqueurs puts one in mind of well-known French and Italian brands, savoured on sun-drenched holidays in the Mediterranean. So when the opportunity arose to sample an awardwinning coffee liqueur from Anglesey, the temptation was too great to turn down.

Derw liqueur is made using local island water and a cold brew method. Sustainably sourced Arabica beans are roasted in North Wales and, over a period of 16 hours, are transformed into a dark, velvety brown coffee. In order to achieve the balance and depth of flavours in this unusual liqueur, the coffee is infused with tonka beans. This results in a melted chocolate texture in the mouth, with a long finish and a pleasantly rounded flavour, including hints of spice.

Interestingly, we preferred it over ice, as the cold enhanced the warm flavours of the liqueur. This led to experimenting with ice cream and with the help of a good, locally made vanilla we successfully recreated the Italian

Founders Russ and Pam Honeyman

WONDERFUL WINES for Christmas

There is a lot of writing in the world of food-and-wine pairing about the best wines to accompany Christmas dinner. If you’re going for the traditional roast turkey approach, the thing to remember is that turkey has a fairly neutral flavour but the accompaniments and sauces can make the pairing a little trickier.

If white wine is your preference, then wines based on Chardonnay work well. Many people recommend Chablis, but a better match is a Chardonnay with more body such as a Pouilly-Fuisée or something from California. For red wines, the best option is Pinot Noir.

It’s relatively low in tannin and its delightful red fruit character works well with turkey, especially if you’re spooning on the cranberry.

THREE TO TRY

Domaine G. Saumaize, Pouilly-Fuissé AC Grande Réserve ‘Maillettes 2020 (Momentum Wines) £25.99. Rich but restrained, there is a real elegance and a sense of quality.

Mt Difficulty ‘Roaring Meg’ Pinot Noir 2019/20, Central Otago (Majestic Wines) £21.99. It’s packed with red fruity flavours; raspberry, red cherry and a hint of spice.

Château Pipeau, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AC 2018 (Tanners Wines) £28.50. A personal favourite, this is a powerful, full-bodied wine. Big, rich and long.

Shropshire Wine School is pleased to share more thoughts on the ideal Christmas Day wine line-up: join us on 17th December at the Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury. Book via shropshirewineschool.com

Pick of the Producers

It’s been a busy year for Helen Holland and the team at Môn ar Lwy, based in Bodorgan, Anglesey. Having won the prestigious Welsh Food Enterprise Award for Best Food and Drink Producer at the Royal Welsh Show, the family firm went on to launch a vegan line of ice cream and are now tenants at Oriel Mon gallery and museum’s café in Llangefni.

Helen said: “We will also be working alongside Coleg Llandrillo Menai to further develop the skills of young people. We’re passionate about quality and creating a worthwhile service that is accessible to all here on the island.”

Môn ar Lwy is all about family and friendship. As well as the support of her sons Llyr, the main producer at the dairy, and Osian, former classmate Hazel and friends Gwion and Olwen Davies are key members of the team.

Helen said: “We are in a really good place and moving in the right direction and can step up to the next level as a business, which we are more than ready to do after almost 15 years in the industry.”

Having developed more than 150 flavours over the years, using natural ingredients supplied by local producers since 2008 – Bursting Blueberry was the first Great Taste Award – Helen says the construction of their own purpose-built dairy 10 years ago was a turning point. “That enabled us to scale-up and supply restaurants, convenience stores and farm shops. The new café will allow us to expand further, providing another outlet for our ice cream and sorbets, as well as showcasing freshly baked patisseries.

“Supporting local businesses and bringing the community to the forefront of all we do – that was and always will be so important to us.”

Gary Carter from the Shropshire Wine School has some expert suggestions on what to drink with your festive fare, in his regular column for Shire

A multi award-winning ice-cream maker has launched a new range and taken over a popular island venue after scooping a prestigious national title

Welsh Food EnterpriseAward for Best Food andDrink Producer at theRoyal Welsh Show

Helen Holland: o cially the best

“We’re in a really good place and can step up to the next level as a business”

“Pinot Noir is relatively low in tannin and it’s delightful red fruit character works well with roast turkey”

Anglesey

Festive feasting

M & S Woodfired Pizzas, RADNOR

M&S (Martin & Sharon)

Harry’s Bistro

Owners and chefs Simon and Nia Doyle of Harry’s Bistro are a well-known Anglesey combination. Their unique style of bistro food has been presented during their time overseas and in some of the best restaurants on the island.

Harry’s is situated within Henllys Hall, a mansion house set in the most stunning scenery, with wonderful views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia. Harry’s has recently been redesigned with an Art Deco theme, and Simon and Nia have established their popular bistro with seasonal and Welsh menus as well as their own modern dishes, using suppliers of produce sourced locally from the island.

Small Plates, Ruthin

Small Plates is the home of informal, social dining, offering tapas-style food, sharing platters and yummy cocktails – a recipe for a good night out. The team very much looks forward to welcoming you to dine with them in Ruthin soon.

Children are most welcome in the restaurant, but so that the evenings can be a time for adults to relax and enjoy their night out, only children aged seven and above are permitted after 7pm. Small Plates is open and serving food on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm, and open for lunch (noon to 2pm) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The Wynnstay, Machynlleth

The team at The Wynnstay pride themselves on being a traditional inn that goes above and beyond for each and every customer. They consider ourselves anything but ordinary. Whether you need a place to stay, a table to host a meeting, or a space to celebrate with loved ones, they hope they’ve got everything you need and more. So, look no further for a weekend bolthole; a dinner, bed and breakfast treat, or a family get together, with lots of fun activities nearby to enjoy.

For a festive meal you’d find it hard to beat as Wales offers some of the finest ingredients in the world, so it is only right that the culinary team works to cook with the freshest Welsh produce and ultimately plates up delicious food.

Pizza is a small mobile business that provides wood-fired pizza to any venue or event. We have had a very busy year at shows, village events, charity events, private parties and weddings. We use fresh sourdough bases and fresh produce. These are then cooked in the traditional heat of a wood fire, so taste as a pizza should taste. All we do can be seen on our Facebook page @M&S woodfired, and you can follow us on Instagram @m_spizza. Call us on 07485 013110 to discuss your needs and how we can help.

Docket No 33, WHITCHURCH

The pretty market town is fast becoming one of Shropshire’s leading culinary hotspots, and at its hub is Docket No.33. Opened by Stuart and Frances in 2017 –with Stuart (central heat winner of the 2021 Great British Menu) as head chef and Frances as restaurant manager – it offers a menu of local seasonal ingredients sourced predominantly from Shropshire growers and producers. Docket No.33 offers a single £85 tasting menu, which enables the team to focus on the nine or so dishes served, ensuring they’re the best they can be. Freshness and provenance marry with Stuart’s talent in combining flavours, gleaned from years of experience in top restaurants. docketrestaurant.com

Linden Stores, AUDLEM

Linden Stores is a family-run neighbourhood spot in the beautiful village of Audlem, Cheshire. They focus on seasonal British produce, well-priced and interesting wines and beautiful plates of food, and are currently open evenings only, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Local produce, wines and hampers are available in-store and online.

Linden Stores is run by Laura Christie and chef Chris Boustead. Laura runs tastings and classes throughout the year, focusing on sustainably produced wines from around the world, including an evening dedicated to sparkling wines with canapes on 17th December.

Hummingbird, NEWTOWN & AROUND

The Hummingbird is a mobile food truck bringing Jamaican delights to the heart of Mid Wales, operating out of Newtown and serving the local area. So if you tire of traditional festive fayre and are longing for more spice in your life, keep an eye out for the brightly coloured vehicle in a town near you – or check the website to see if you can get flavours of the Caribbean direct to your door. hummingbirdeats.co

’Tis the season of tasty treats – so why not check out some of the festive fayre available across the patch with Shire’s round-up of Christmas foodie favourites

Shrewsbury,

Day and Season Fishing on Hawk Lake.

has a selection of fish, from big Carp up to 30lb,

Roach, Perch, Bream, Tench, Rudd and Pike.

it’s the Shropshire wildlife that you like, the lake is home to Kingfishers, Herons, Water Voles and Woodpeckers. Much of the lakeside is perfectly walkable, and there are places to sit

enjoy

surroundings in peace.

Festive feasting

Continuing our round-up of Christmas foodie favourites on the Shire patch

The Boat AT ERBISTOCK, WREXHAM

Dating back to at least the mid-17th century – and probably much earlier – this beautiful riverside inn has been welcoming and refreshing locals and passers-by for centuries. Perfect for a Christmas visit, the venue preserves all its charm, nods nostalgically to the past and remembers that ‘proper pubs’ are always about people and atmosphere, while at the same time gentling evolving to encompass what a 21st-century country pub should offer in terms of food, drink and service as well as facilities.

Fishmore Hall, Ludlow

Inside this beautifully restored Georgian house, 15 luxurious contemporary bedrooms and luscious designer bathrooms make this the perfect place for a lazy weekend break amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Or if you need a treat for the family, then at the heart of the hotel is its excellent restaurant, Forelles. Here you will discover the best of Shropshire dining, with the innovative cooking of a bright young head chef, Phil Kerry, and his team, who use ingredients sourced from local producers in the Shropshire Marches. With bar meals also available, Phil is sure to have something on the menu to please everyone. fishmorehall.co.uk

Palm COurt, Chester

Palm Court at Chester’s Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is an elegant garden room restaurant that encapsulates casual luxury. Experience an unparalleled ambience whilst enjoying inspired dining from a range of creative menus, from brunch and lunch to the à la carte evening menu and signature afternoon tea (which receives a festive makeover from 1st December). The stunning surroundings make the restaurant the ideal choice for celebrating, with special occasions accented by live music on selected dates. Plus, with the Christmas Fayre menu arriving on 25th November, there can be no finer setting for a festive get-together than this uniquely captivating restaurant.

The Clive Arms, LUDLOW

Our chefs use fresh, local and seasonal ingredients to create food that is traditional with a modern twist. We use ingredients from our farms including meat prepared by the on-site butchery team at Ludlow Farmshop and seasonal vegetables grown in our walled garden. Our cheese, jams and pickles are all handmade on-site at the farm shop too.

Dinner menus change with the seasons to include the very best locally sourced ingredients the area has to offer. All of our food is full of flavour and every dish has been carefully created to give you a dining experience to remember. From dinner to Sunday lunch to afternoon tea, there is something for everyone. theclive.co.uk

Angel Inn, Glynneath

If you like British and Welsh cuisine, a visit to this cosy pub is a must. It’s worth a detour to try their Steak & Ale or Chicken & Leek pie with real chips. Their homemade pates, curries and cheesecakes are all to die for, accompanied by a well-kept Welsh ale, cider or lager. Or order one of their great coffees or a warming Baileys hot chocolate – very welcome after hiking around the nearby waterfalls. The owners, who took over in December 2021, said: “We are a traditional country pub at the gateway to waterfall country, serving delicious home-cooked food and decent beers. Dogs, children and muddy boots all welcome!”

The cosy atmosphere allows visitors to relax after a hard day’s work – guests agree the decor is homely. A large part of the success of this spot is down to its efficient and welcoming staff. You may be surprised by the affordable prices too. Call to make a reservation on 01639 722 013.

Lakeside Kitchen, whitchurch

Lakeside Kitchen is situated right beside fabulous Alderford Lake, the home of watersports and regular large-scale events. Offering seasonal specials as well as Alderford favourites, Lakeside Kitchen is the perfect location for a delicious lunch with a stunning lakeside view. The team are the heart of the business and aim to serve every coffee with a smile and a friendly chat to make customers feel welcomed and at ease.

The Lakeside Kitchen team are passionate about using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible, complemented by the on-site Farm Shop which sells a wide range of locally sourced produce.  Their highly acclaimed homemade scones form the mainstay of afternoon tea, which is modified seasonally to use the freshest ingredients possible. Vegan and gluten-free menus are also available.

Holidays

CONSIDERING SETTING UP A HOLIDAY LET?

With UK breaks enjoying a boom since the pandemic, letting out accommodation to holidaymakers is a popular option. One leading North Wales letting agency, Menai Holidays, has the following advice for those thinking of going it alone…

It’s a full-time job

Running your own holiday let is a 24/7 job, from answering customers’ queries and keeping track of payments to managing changeovers and dealing with any issues that arise during a stay. Menai Holidays can take as much weight off your shoulders as you wish. If it is just bookings and payments you’d like us to deal with, no problem. Or you may prefer our fully managed service, which means we organise cleaning, linen, maintenance, invoicing and even guest complaints, for full peace of mind.

Money matters

Many self-hosting platforms allow guests to cancel 24 hours before arrival with no financial consequences, leaving the owner in the lurch having to find a replacement booking or suffer loss of income. At Menai Holidays we guarantee you payment for every booking. If a guest cancels within 56 days of a stay, you will be paid in full. Outside of the 56 days the guest forfeits their deposit,

unless the cancellation occurs for a reason out of their control such as pandemic restrictions on travel.

Get it seen

Not only will your holiday home feature on our industry-leading websites, it will also be listed on Sykes Cottages’ and over 500 partner sites, including Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor and HomeAway. We’ll also ensure the best possible pictures are taken by our in-house photographer and stylist. Organising this independently can be expensive.

O ces everywhere Menai Holidays is the only holiday letting agency in North Wales with an office in every corner. We make sure all our owners have a personal rapport with our staff, ensuring that we understand your wants and needs for your holiday home.

For more information on holiday letting, email us on info@ menaiholidays.co.uk, visit our website at menaiholidays.co.uk/ letyourcottage or give us a call on 01248 665 155.

Puddleduck Cottages are award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages located in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire. Each of the cottages offer guests a true home-fromhome holiday experience in a tranquil, peaceful location next to the River Severn and Wrekin Way footpaths, with traffic-free scenic walks, cycle trails and water activities on the doorstep. A wealth of excellent cafes, pubs and restaurants are only a short walk

away, where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat or drink.

The picturesque centre of Ironbridge is one mile away, easily accessible on foot along the Severn Valley Way, and there you‘ll find a selection of lovely independent shops and eateries.

For enquiries or to book your stay, email sonia@ puddleduckcottages.co.uk or visit the website at: puddleduckcottages.co.uk

INN KEEPING WITH TRADITION

Just off the A449 in the heart of Monmouthshire, you’ll find the village of Raglan – and at the heart of the village, you’ll find The Beaufort, a traditional coaching Inn offering a very warm welcome. Their fantastic menus are full of freshly sourced and locally produced food, an excellent choice of wines and locally brewed ales. In fact, food is a speciality of The Beaufort. The team love to create beautiful dishes with ingredients from local suppliers and producers. An amazing selection is available throughout the day from the à la carte and specials menus.

The Beaufort has a choice of superb dining experiences on offer, with a menu available all week offering traditional favourites as well as acclaimed Sunday lunches. So whether you are lunching with friends, impressing business clients or planning a romantic evening for two, there are menu options to suit everyone.

To make the most of the inn and its lovely surroundings, it is well worth extending your stay beyond your dining

experience. The Beaufort has 16 ensuite rooms, each with its own unique character. You are certain of a good night’s sleep, whether on business or pleasure. All rooms are decorated with individual attention. In the main building the rooms are larger and have been furbished in rich contemporary colours, whilst the Coach House rooms are slightly smaller, but with the same styling.

All rooms have crisp white linens and soft, fluffy towels and provide comfort and luxury to all guests. There are also suites available with multiple bedrooms sharing a bathroom in a self-contained space, which may suit family groups.

When Rosie and Rick Hindley inherited her father’s farmhouse in the peaceful hamlet of Rhiwlas, in Powys, they decided to develop it as a holiday let. The existing structure didn’t make the most of the stunning mountain views, so they appointed Ke-design to reimagine the space.

Ke-design’s approach was simple and effective: remove the poorly constructed extension, take out the external wall at ground level and add a moderate extension to create an open-plan living space, with large bifold doors opening onto a new patio. A smaller extension over the porch created an extra bedroom with feature window, and ensuites were added. The garage became a games room.

Now there are amazing views throughout the house, even when taking a bath! And since being put on Holiday Cottages letting website, Bryn Powys is 80% booked and receiving fantastic reviews.

Ke-design was established 11 years

You’ll love your stay

Love2Stay Mid Wales is a brand-new glamping resort in the heart of Wales. Purposefully designed for loved ones to spend time together, this is the perfect location to escape the bustle of modern living – whether you choose to simply kick back and relax, or experience the exceptional facilities. Take a splash in the indoor heated pool, unwind with a massage or embrace the outdoors on country walks.

Choose from a selection of handpicked accommodation, from innovative glampingstyle pods to luxurious holiday homes and bespoke lodges. Each comes with its own hot tub and fire pit, perfect for enjoying the dark skies.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or a fun-fuelled family holiday, you’ll be delighted by all this wonderful location offers! As well as the pool, there is a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, holistic therapies, multi-sports pitch and water activities on the lake. love2staymidwales.co.uk

ago in Oswestry by director Craig Marston, on his return from working in Leeds, London and Hong Kong, with no client base in the middle of a recession. Eleven years on, Ke-design’s main office is in Shrewsbury and takes on around 70 projects a year – a mix of residential, self-builds or newbuilds, extensions, renovations and commercial work.

Ke-design has featured in Homebuilding & Renovation magazine, and last year won Build It’s Best Self-build for <£250k. This year the practice is shortlisted for Best Architect/ Designer for a remodel of a 1970s house in Shrewsbury (see opposite). Ke-design.co.uk; Holidaycottages.co.uk search Bryn Powys

With exposed beams and inglenook fireplace, 26 Mill Street in Ludlow is perfect for anyone who appreciates history and culture and is looking for a holiday in this picturesque town next year. The property is just a few minutes’ walk from the castle and market square in a very quiet part of town. It sleeps four, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two reception rooms. Book before the end of 2022 to get the special prices quoted on the website.

This unspoilt medieval town is surrounded by stunning countryside. You can explore the castle, visit the magnificent church with its 15th-century misericords, wander the streets admiring the 500 listed buildings, or simply relax in one of the many independent cafés. There are plenty of interesting shops and a market five days a week.

Your host will be delighted to advise on the best places to visit and share her favourite walks.

“Award winner”

Come to dine – and stay awhile

“The team create beautiful dishes”

Mountain views from the new patio area

Bryn Powys, Rhiwlas

The Newnes Touring Caravan Park is the ideal spot for a relaxing holiday – a tranquil site where you can enjoy the break of your choice. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside views, or take advantage of the network of paths that lead to the market town of Ellesmere, birthplace of the Llangollen Canal.

Surrounded by woodlands, The Newnes is a nature lover’s paradise with its nine glacial meres. Anglers can fish at no additional cost.

The touring caravan park is exclusively for adults, with 60 hook-up points offering mains electric and water on well-drained, level grass. Each pitch looks out onto the six-acre site, which enjoys superb views over the countryside and the Welsh Hills. Tents are also welcome – take advantage of the superb facilities on offer, or just pitch and get back to enjoying nature.

Eco and unique

Asheston Eco Barns provide luxury holiday cottages in the unspoilt heart of Pembrokeshire. Everything, from the local produce hamper on arrival through to the underfloor heating, log burners and swish bathroom, brings you a five-star Pembrokeshire holiday like no other.

Retaining much of their traditional character, and created with luxury in mind, each of the family-friendly eco-barns is a unique one-off – lovingly restored and furnished with antiques, enjoying magnificent views across Brandy Brook to Roch Castle.

Asheston Eco Barns offer some of the most eco-friendly self-catering accommodation in Britain, so you really will be helping protect the planet when you stay. Most of the energy

Edwardian excellence

Pilton House, Gower is a luxury, four-star self-catering cottage, beautifully presented and ideally situated in Newton, near Mumbles, on the Gower Peninsula. Oozing character, the Edwardian cottage is filled with every home comfort, and is only a short walk from the sandy beaches of Langland and Caswell. With free on-street parking, this delightful cottage is cosy, spacious and very comfortable, as well as being dog friendly.

Pilton House was built around 1901 and carefully updated in 2001-2. The bedrooms, sitting rooms, snug and dining areas all work beautifully for family gatherings, and the property is equipped and finished to high standards throughout. The private courtyard garden houses a self-contained studio, where you will find your own pizza oven and space to hang wetsuits, and store surfboards and sandy shoes.

used here is generated by state-of-the-art renewable technologies. Solar systems heat the water and typically 85% of your energy needs are generated on site. Recycled rainwater is used for toilet flushing, and the organic food in your welcome hamper helps support the local economy while protecting animal welfare and the environment too.

Wonderfully secluded, surrounded by 22 acres of private grounds yet only four miles from the Blue Flag beach of Newgale, it’s hard to imagine a more brilliant holiday location.

TOP COTTAGE COLLECTION

At St Brides Bay Cottages, the team has hand-picked an outstanding selection of self-catering holiday cottages in the St Davids, Solva and Porthgain area of North Pembrokeshire. Whether you’re looking for a coastal stay or a cosy rural retreat, you’ll find the perfect accommodation for your Wales holiday – and many of the holiday cottages are dog-friendly, too.

St Davids is the smallest cathedral ‘city’ in Britain but is not much bigger than a village. It has a magnificent 12th-century cathedral, Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral Close with many small interesting shops, as well as a supermarket, galleries, restaurants, pubs and a large visitor information centre. In 2008, the Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery opened here.

St Brides Bay hosts 16 cottages to suit a range of group sizes and tastes. Solva is probably the most picturesque fishing village in Pembrokeshire, and home to 14 St Brides Bay cottages. The harbour offers pubs and restaurants, as well as tearooms, galleries and craft shops, a general store and a mini-market.

Eight cottages in superb locations around Porthgain and beautiful Newgale complete the St Brides Bay family. This two-mile stretch of sands is popular with everyone, from families to watersport enthusiasts.

Book several Eco Barns together

a

Newnes is a nature lover’s paradise”

The picturesque bay at St Brides

CAMPERS, CARAVANS AND COTTAGES

Smithy Park at Abermule, Powys is the perfect centre for exploring beautiful Mid Wales. The coast is just an hour’s drive through the Cambrian Hills and there are reservoirs, castles and historic towns nearby.

Alwyn and Olive began the family business as a garage, and when the smithy behind came free, they established their first holiday park. They purchased Westbrook Farm, with access to fishing on the River Teme, and in due course anglers requested caravan and

camping pitches alongside. The rest, as they say, is history!

Smithy is a special place, where the River Mule flows into the Severn, and the Montgomery Canal runs alongside. Mature trees and shrubs give the park a garden-like setting and an air of tranquillity. The park has a friendly, family feel, tucked away yet only a minute from local inns and a shop.

As well as facilities for caravans and campers, Oak Cottage is now available for self-catering for a week or short break. Please ring if you wish to make a a booking. Built in 1932, the single-storey cottage has been refurbished to provide cosy yet practical accommodation. The master bedroom has a full-size double bed and shares a family shower room with the twin room. A second washroom makes the cottage ideal for four sharing, and the conservatory is a lovely spot to relax, even on chillier days.

AWARDWINNING SPOT

Trwyn yr Wylfa camp site is set within Snowdonia National Park and only a 10-minute drive from Conwy. With glorious sea and mountain views it is truly a stunning place. Relax and watch the sailing boats or turn around and face the hills, dotted with sheep and Carneddau ponies. The site offers direct access to fantastic coastal walks and accepts caravans, motor homes, tents, campervans and trailer tents. The toilet blocks have hot water and showers and separate ladies’ and gents’ toilets, as well as family and accessible shower rooms. There is also a dish-washing area, chemical disposal point, a recycling collection area and a large playing field for ball games.

Trwyn yr Wylfa translates as ‘watching point’ and the site is exactly that. It has featured in iweekend and the Guardian’s top 20 coastal sites, and was nominated for Campsite of the Year in The Great Outdoors magazine, as well as being named winner of the popular Choice Wales on Campsites.co.uk.

Trwyn yr Wylfa is a great location for exploring Snowdonia and North Wales, and only two miles from the walled town of Conwy. Dwygyfylchi and Penmaenmawr have pubs, village shops, restaurants and takeaways, and are within walking distance. In fact, the spot is a paradise for walkers, with direct access to the North Wales Coastal Path. www.rhosneigr-escapes.co.uk

Travel companions

Wisteria Tours is a family-run business specialising in tailored coach tour visits to famous gardens and historic homes. The Shropshire company is run by sisters Jacky and Sue Burnell, with help from mum Jackie Crick.

ON THE BEACH

“Festive trips to Kew and Castle

Howard”

Wisteria Tours regards customers as travelling companions. All share a love of gardens and first-class destinations, travelling in style and staying in elegant hotels. Every tour is specially designed to showcase a special location, and the team joins you on the journey to answer your questions. Whether you are a new or returning customer, coming with friends or travelling on your own, the staff at Wisteria Tours make sure you feel looked after and welcome.

The huge range of tours includes stunning festive trips to Kew Gardens, Castle Howard and Waddeson Manor, and countless more are planned for spring and through the summer of 2023 when so many gardens are in full bloom.

On the west coast of Anglesey you’ll find the village of Rhosneigr, lapping up every sunset and offering enjoyment whatever the weather. Whilst Anglesey as a whole has a lot to boast, Rhosneigr is renowned for windsurfing and water sports. It’s surrounded by coastal paths and has plenty of places to enjoy food and drink.

Sea views from the top floor

Wylfa is a Victorian semi-detached property offering a choice of accommodation, close to the beach. Two spacious apartments both offer sea views from the living area, and are cosy for a couple or ideal for family and friends seeking a refreshing escape to one of Anglesey’s most treasured seaside villages. The ground floor welcomes up to four guests (plus pups!), the duplex up to eight (plus pups!), with open-plan kitchen/ dining/living room. If you’re looking to go away with friends but still want your own space, why not rent both, allowing up to 12 guests.

www.menaiholidays.co.uk/1113386 and www.menaiholidays.co.uk/1071644

Smithy Park: like a well-kept garden

“…a friendly, family feel”

“A large playing field for ball games”

Homes&Interiors

Keep calm and cope with Christmas chaos

As the festive season takes over our homes, some of us embrace the ‘more is more’ approach to Yuletide clutter – while others may appreciate some friendly expert advice on keeping it under control!

The festive season is truly the best time of year for many; spending time with loved ones, meeting up with old friends and indulging in good food and drink. There is no doubt, however, that with the holidays comes A LOT of extra ‘clutter’, be it presents, decorations or children’s toys. Shire spoke to an expert in the field of clutter-control, professional organiser

Craig Hoareau, member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers and owner of A Tidy Mind, London. He had the following suggestions to stop the season spiralling!

Clear the decks

Try to avoid filling shelves with Christmas decorations alongside your year-round decor items. Meaning: take away the non-essential items from your bookshelves or centre-tables, they can be returned to their original positions after the festive period. If decorating the living room, do a declutter first and move items into storage so that you are not adding to an already cluttered space.

Quality over quantity

If you have guests staying over this year, use the opportunity to throw away scratchy or stained bed linen. It takes up storage space and lots of time is wasted searching through it to find the decent stuff.

Get started early

Decluttering and organising before Christmas arrives is the best thing you can do to prepare for what is usually a very busy time for families.

You don’t have to declutter every room in the house, try to focus on areas that will be used most: family room, dining room and children’s rooms – and above all the kitchen. There’ll be a lot of cooking going on, so space is a must.

Toy story

Children get the most gifts over Christmas and with the influx of toys coming in, there should be some going out. It is really important to do an edit of toys before Christmas arrives as it can get out of control come January. Having so many options can be overwhelming for them too, so keep that in mind. Go through with your children what toys they no longer want or use. Practise altruism and donate to charity so other children can receive gifts for Christmas which would have just been gathering dust at the bottom of a box in your home.

Unloved decorations

Christmas decorations are meant to put you in a festive spirit, so they should look the part. Toss any that are broken, including those tatty tinsels (they can’t be recycled, so avoid them in future). Donate any you don’t like any more or never use. If anything is going to take up real estate for 11 out of 12 months, it must earn its place.

Gifts they’ll enjoy

Try to go a more sustainable route when gifting this year. Instead of gifting clutter – which is what it will be if the person doesn’t like or want it – gift an experience such as dinner, indoor skydiving or a boat trip. You may see something in a shop and think it’s cool but the recipient may not want it. Also bear in mind the volume it will take up under the Christmas tree, not to mention the time it will take to wrap all those gifts.

One final thought…

When you have people coming over for Christmas, they’re coming to see you, not all the decorations you’ve filled every space in your home with. Keep it simple and avoid going too over the top.

it simple

Don’t leave it till Christmas Eve!

“Toss broken decorations including tatty tinsel”

Small is beautiful

Craig Hoareau

PRESENTS FROM THE PAST

There’s a special thrill in finding the perfect gift for someone close to us, but in the bustle of Christmas preparations it’s often hard to find the time or inspiration to choose something personal. Shire columnist Holly Johnson, of Holly Johnson Antiques, has five unique ideas for presents that will last a lifetime.

Pasotti umbrella, £280 Pasotti’s Italian-designed, luxury umbrellas are as elegant as they are unique, and the range includes an option for every taste. At Holly Johnson Antiques, our stock includes the Pasotti animal-themed umbrellas, which feature beautifully carved handles in the shape of flamingoes, pandas, zebras, gorillas and several different dog breeds including the muchloved French bulldog. Handmade in Italy, this stunning piece features an enamelled brass handle and an automatic opening.

Piero Fornasetti porcelain horoscope plate c.1964, £490

Designs by Piero Fornasetti are always whimsically delightful yet luxurious, and the horoscope plates from his Gli Influssi Astrali series stand out for their meticulous hand gilding and printing. The astrologyinspired designs mean a plate from this beautiful collection can make a very personal gift. Fornasetti plates are a piece of art in their own right, and can be equally appreciated on a wall or displayed in a cabinet.

Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson carved oak cheeseboard, England c.1970, £550

Featuring Mouseman’s trademark carved mouse, a cheeseboard makes the perfect gift for those who love to be the ‘hostess with the mostest’ at dinner parties. All Mouseman pieces are not only of exquisite quality and beautifully crafted, but also so well made that they truly stand the test of time.

Seren Bell (b.1950)

Below Black Mountains, crayon, pen and ink on paper, Wales c.2020, £950 Described by Country Life magazine as one of the most original animal artists within the UK, Seren Bell’s paintings truly capture the different moods and seasons of the rural Welsh landscape. Below Black Mountains features the rare, historical breeds of sheep that the artist is so drawn to, with ancient, bony heads and unwavering gazes. A painting by this artist is a gift to be treasured, as two of her works can be found in the private collection of King Charles III, who has the same fascination with obscure sheep breeds. Also stocked at Holly Johnson Antiques are paintings by Seren Bell depicting chickens, pigs and hounds.

Porta Romana lamps, from £1,434

A bespoke item always makes for a very special present, and a Porta Romana piece can be customised as much as you desire, down to the smallest detail. With every item made to order by the best craftspeople across the British Isles, each Porta Romana lamp is totally unique and can be tailored to your loved one’s favourite colours, textures and finishes. If you are not sure where to start, Holly Johnson Antiques’ talented interior designers can advise and guide on each aspect of your design.

All gift suggestions are available to purchase at Holly Johnson Antiques.

“If you’re not sure where to start, our talented designers can advise you”

favourite of King Charles

GET THE BAKE OFF LOOK

As series 13 of TV favourite

Great British Bake O comes to an end, one iconic British company celebrates the popular show with a new range of

When it comes to homeware icons, Cath Kidston is definitely among the best of British. And when it comes to television icons, the Bake Off team leads the way. So a collaboration between these national treasures was always going to be a good thing. And as Noel, Matt, Paul and Pru bring the current series to a close, that’s exactly what the creative forces behind both brands have done.

Cath Kidston is celebrating The Great British Bake Off with a limited-edition, hand-painted confection of colour, print and cake,

own affirmations: Cake & Courage, Flour Power and Peace & Pastry. The hand-painted prints are sprinkled with details of the Bake Off Tent, such as the gingham altar and sunburst window.

The hero print of this collection is the Cath Kidston Tent of Dreams. Combining all the ingredients you’d expect of a Signature Bake – from luscious swirls of creamy icing to confetti-raining roses and a finishing dust of icing sugar, it’s a delightful display of colour and joy, crowned with a cup of tea and a hard-earned handshake.

Joy through baking Holly Marler, creative director of Cath Kidston, said: “Creating and making a collection for The Great British Bake Off has been filled with laughter and creativity, just as it must feel for the show’s bakers. They were my inspiration, a wonderful community brought together from many walks of life to bring joy through baking.

a collection worthy of the world’s finest Star Baker. Mixing the artistry of Kidston’s beautiful prints with the catchphrases and visuals of GBBO, now ingrained in our popular culture, this bright and playful collection offers a visual banquet of items across the brand’s homeware, accessory and fashion categories.

Sweet styling

Cath Kidston’s design team have lovingly taken inspiration from Bake Off, blending the iconography of the show with signatures from the Cath Kidston archive and their

This was my starting point, to create a commemorative piece of artwork to celebrate everything the famous tent and its community stand for. We used the show’s slogans and created our own sentiments to decorate plates with icing lettering as if they were cakes. I hope this bright and colourful collection wows our collective fans, as we put such a lot of love into it!”

The collaboration utilises organic cotton across all textiles and offers a spectacular range of unique hand-painted prints, showcased across a commemorative collection of tableware, aprons, PJs, clothing and accessories. Whether you’re a Cath Kidston fan, a Star Baker in the making or just love watching the show, the collection is full of colour and humour, for you to treasure, gift and enjoy for years to come, with prices ranging from £8 to £65.

cathkidston.com

“A limited edition, hand painted confection of colour, print and cake”

Showstopper Billie

Showstopper

The big switch-on

There are a multitude of options when it comes to lighting a room, from industrial-style bright lights to simple cosy lamps. Kitchens may require focused, well-lit areas and bathrooms need special damp-proof fittings. How we light our homes is an important part of creating our own individual style, so it matters to get it right.

One local supplier that could help you make sure you get exactly what you want when you flick the switch is Moon Lighting, a small independent lighting retailer in Church Street, Oswestry, opposite the Cae Glas park gates. Running the business in this lovely spot in the border town are Carol Aitken and Mike Roberts, who know all there is to know about the industry.

Light it right

Carol said: “We opened our shop in 2019 but have over

Close to home

The Deiniol Centre in Bangor has 23 shops in total. As well as established staples such as Pampered Retreat salon and John Cobblers, it has been pleased to help local people with their business start-ups, which are bringing interest and visitors. All the shops have new Christmas stock, and with parking and public toilets on-site it’s the perfect place to shop for gifts while helping support local enterprise.

For those special gifts

New shops include Soulful Living, which sells clothing and soft furnishings from around the globe. Stiwdio 9

20 years of experience in lighting retail. We show and stock a wide variety of lighting for your home, including pendants, semi flush, wall lights, floor lamps, table lamps, lampshades and occasional furniture, along with all manner of retro-fit LED light bulbs including vintage.

“Our showroom also carries the Laura Ashley lighting and mirror collections, including the latest outdoor and bathroom lights.”

Local support

The business has gone from strength to strength and developed an enviable reputation in the area. Mike said: “We’ve been heartened by the support of local people and visitors to our area who appreciate seeing a wide variety of lighting and seeking advice from an experienced supplier. It has been great to hear and see how people wish to support and maintain their local independent high street shops.”

has paintings to suit all tastes and also offers an upholstery and curtain-making service.

Enchantment is the local stockist of Frenchic paint and also stocks Joma jewellery, with new gift sets on the way. Pete the Hat’s is the go-to for all things antique and collectible, from coins to books to militaria. For the more esoteric, Dead Faeries is a wonderland of unusual gifts. And don’t forget the wrapping paper! Card Factory has a good choice, but Wild Elements offers more unusual paper for that special gift – which you may well find at the same time, as they have lots of local handmade items from toys to garden accessories.

“Moon Lighting has an enviable reputation in the area”

Gold and Silver Roadshow

A very lucky couple called at one of our recent roadshow events with a couple of old gold chains and a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver shilling coins. We paid them over £1600.00 just for the coins alone. They turned out to be pre-1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collected. We asked them for their permission to pass on this story on and they were only too pleased to allow us to let everyone know that they might be sitting on a goldmine and not even know it! Like most people,

FOR 1 DAY ON SATURDAY 12th NOVEMBER

AT THE ROYAL OAK HOTEL, BROMBOROUGH from 10.30 to 4.00

who can only dream of winning the pools or the lottery, a lot of normal households have a hidden treasure of old gold jewellery, silver jewellery, teapots, trophies, trays and old objects d’art.

Why not get a free valuation from our expert at our roadshow. There is no queuing and our expert will give you a one-on-one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area. If you like the valuation our expert will make you the same offer in cash which you can accept or decline at no cost to yourself.

FOR 1 DAY ON TUESDAY 15th NOVEMBER

AT THE MERCURE ABBOTS WELL HOTEL, CHESTER from 10.30am to 4.00pm

FOR 1 DAY ON MONDAY 14th NOVEMBER

AT THE WYNNSTAY ARMS by MARSTON INNS HOTEL, WREXHAM from 10.30am to 4.00pm

BEST OF THE BEDS

One local supplier is celebrating after scooping a top award in the world of bed sales – thanks to continued development over the past year

The National Bed Federation has selected local North Wales mattress and bed retailer Now to Bed as the 2022 winner of its Small Retail Champion of the Year award. The award recognised the advancements that Now to Bed have made in the past year, including opening a new 8,000 square foot flagship store at Clwyd Retail Park in Rhyl, launching a new and improved website at nowtobed.co.uk as well as introducing extra warehousing to increase its stock of mattresses available for quick delivery. Another key aspect that made Now to Bed stand apart was customer satisfaction, as evidenced by great Trustpilot reviews.

The National Bed Federation is the recognised trade association representing UK manufacturers of beds and their suppliers. Founded in 1912, its members today account for about 75 per cent of the total UK bedding turnover.

“The Small Bed Retailer of the Year award is always tricky,” said Richard De Melim, trade press editor at The Furnishing Report

and one of the judges. “Often there are lots of entries, and sometimes the size of the businesses means the judges don’t know as much about them as we do about companies that enter some of the other awards, so the quality of the entry is key. Now to Bed has a brand-new store and has shown a great improvement in sales. And their Trustpilot reviews show at 4.9, which is strong evidence that they are really delivering for their customers.”

Now to the future

Now to Bed CEO Paul Burnet said: “Winning this award will greatly assist Now to Bed in our growth plans going forward. We would not be in this position without the superb effort from the whole team, I thank them all for their commitment. I would like to thank NBF, and also the UK bed industry for their support in voting us as the Small Retail Champion of the Year 2022/23. We’re now looking forward to further improving the business, both locally in North Wales via the Rhyl, Prestatyn and Llandudno stores and nationwide via our website.”

“They are really delivering for their customers”

The new flagship store in Rhyl

Sales growth impressed the judges

TOOLS FOR THE JOB

Few of us have more than a basic toolbox for tackling tasks around the home. Even the keenest DIY-er will lack the bigger machinery and specialist gear that may be needed once in a lifetime. So when you’re tackling a new project, local tool hire companies can be invaluable.

Griffiths Hire Shops is a familyestablished business that has been trading in the Shropshire and North Wales area for over 40 years. The company has locations in Oswestry, Whitchurch and Wrexham and the team specialises in plant and power tool hire and sales, access

equipment and training. They also have a range of indoor and outdoor commercial and domestic heaters, so you can carry on working in the winter months. Gas space heaters, marquee heaters, ceramic and infrared heaters are all part of the range, as well as the new Airrex heater which is proving popular not only with commercial customers needing to heat showrooms, warehouses and workshops but also customers with larger indoor areas to keep warm, or outdoor areas for entertaining. Griffiths also offers a range of generators up to 20kva and outdoor lighting ideal for powering your outdoor events this winter. Contact your nearest branch or visit griffithshireshops.co.uk

Hafren Furnishers new concept furniture store opens in Aberystwyth

The state-of-the-art retail showroom is welcoming its first customers in Llanbadarn Fawr

The Grand Opening of the eagerly awaited new Hafren Furnishers showroom took place on 23rd October, with a celebrity guest cutting the ribbon. The former Cambrian Printers site in Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth has been transformed from a print works into a spacious, modern furniture showroom, with a 160kw solar scheme providing most of its energy. Being experts in the field with over 57 years’ experience, the retailer’s new showroom will showcase across two floors the very latest collections from leading furniture manufacturers and brands for the home and office.

Hafren Furnishers’ original flagship store in Llanidloes continues to trade, having been satisfying returning customers’ needs since 1965.

The business philosophy will remain the same in the new venture: offering customers the widest choice of quality furniture at the best possible prices. A knowledgeable team of friendly, non-commission-led sales assistants, coupled with free delivery throughout Wales and England, will undoubtedly

build on its unrivalled reputation.

Living room, dining room and office furniture collections are on display as well as an extensive bedroom studio dispaying the latest beds, mattresses, bedding and bedroom furniture. Occasional furniture, soft furnishings and giftware are also available. Brands such as Stressless, Parker Knoll, G Plan, Tetrad, Orla Kiely, Ercol, Vintage Sofa Company, Sherborne and Marinelli feature strongly alongside names such as Silentnight, Rest Assured, Hypnos, Sealy, Tempur, ViSpring and many more.

A Carpetright concession is located in store, offering the widest choice of quality flooring and carpets. There is ample free parking, and lift access to the bedroom studio on the first floor. Refreshments will be available in a modern ‘breakout’ zone. The store will open seven days a week: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. For enquiries, call 01970 864000 or 01686 414000.

“We look forward to welcoming customers new and old to experience the next exciting chapter in the Hafren Furnishers journey,” said director Tim Morgan.

Actor Richard Lynch does the honours, with directors Tim Morgan and mother Patience

If you have a home or garden project in mind, make sure you’re properly equipped to make a success of it

Outdoor heating solutions

Airrex heaters are popular

“Ideal for your outdoor events this winter”

“The next exciting chapter”

Plants&Gardens

Season of mists

There’s plenty of reasons to enjoy time in the garden during the winter months, not least the earthy scents and muted light. Lis Morris, lecturer in Horticulture and Sustainable Technologies at University Centre Reaseheath in Cheshire, suggests some tasks to keep you warm!

Winter may herald a dormant period for plants, but with daylight hours and good weather at a premium, there’s no let-up for the gardeners among us! November is a great time for taking stock, tidying up, protecting plants and planning ahead. And while you’re out and about making the most of the early winter months, make sure our feathered friends have a festive season too!

• Sow sweet peas in containers

In the vegetable patch:

• Harvest remaining root vegetables and check stored crops, removing any that show signs of deterioration.

• Net brassicas against hungry pigeons.

TOP TIP

Sow pots of herb seeds on a bright windowsill indoors. Try British basil, dill, chives and parsley.

In the garden

• Make up colourful winter containers by mixing perennials such as heathers, grasses hellebores, dwarf evergreens and trailing ivy with winter flowering annuals like pansies, violas and primulas.

• Prune and clear dead foliage from perennial plants, weed and mulch.

Gather

TIP

• Apply well-rotted manure or garden compost to your empty vegetable beds.

• Plant out garlic bulbs and winter hardy spring onions, kale and spinach.

• Plant new or prune existing soft fruit such as raspberries and blackberries.

• Prepare and plant up a perennial bed for rhubarb and asparagus.

Christmas cheer for garden birds:

• Lift containers onto pot feet to prevent waterlogging.

• Plant spring bulbs and tulips to at least twice the depth of the bulb, incorporating plenty of grit for good drainage.

• Prune back and tie in roses to prevent wind damage. It’s also a great time to plant new specimens which will have the winter to make a good root system.

• Plant a new hedge using bare root native varieties which will benefit wildlife.

• Empty and clean out sheds and greenhouses.

• Protect tender plants from frost with fleece or bring inside.

TIP

Decorate

• Scrub bird tables, feeders and water bowls thoroughly using a non-toxic, approved disinfectant, refill containers and stock up on bird food supplies.

• Enjoy a fun family activity by decorating a Christmas tree for your garden birds! Choose a tree or shrub that is easily seen from a window. Suspend sunflower heads, suet balls and strings of sliced windfall fruit, in-shell peanuts or raisins along the branches using festive or natural string and see who gets there first! Decorate the tree at least two weeks before the Christmas holidays to give birds the chance to find their festive feast, then keep topping up.

For information on Reaseheath’s horticulture courses see reaseheath.ac.uk/horticulture

Winter wonders at Walcot

The gardens at Walcot Hall in Shropshire cover over 30 acres, including one of the finest arboretums in Britain with a rich profusion of tree, shrub and herbaceous plantings. Different trees are forever being added and amongst the notable specimens is a huge Douglas fir, planted by Lord Powis in 1842 that was once the largest tree of its kind in Britain.

Walcot Hall has some of the most outstanding gardens and views in the country, and the gardens and arboretum normally close to visitors at the end of summer. This year they’ll be open until the end of November, every day except Saturdays, from 12pm to 5pm. There is an entry charge of £3 per adult and details can be found in the car park at the main entrance to Walcot Hall.

A family affair

The hall itself is owned and managed by Robin and Lucinda Parish, who live there with their four children. Lucinda said: “Robin’s parents bought the house in 1957. He grew up here with his sisters and so has seen a steady change over the years. His parents developed various parts of the estate, converting existing buildings into living accommodation. Robin started the holiday flats in the early 1980s”

Over the past 20 years the couple have continued this legacy,

WATER, WATER…

Many of us struggle with damp soil in this part of the country, so we’ve looked at a few firm favourites in the garden that actually thrive in a moist environment

Hydrangea

As the ‘hydra’ in their name suggests, these plants thrive with plenty of watering or rainy conditions. They display good autumn colour and the large heads can make excellent blooms for drying too. Shelter from hot summer sun and from cold winds.

Hosta

Hosta are clump-forming, with simple, ovate or lance-shaped leaves, often attractively coloured or variegated, and nodding funnel or bell-shaped flowers in early summer. Their love of a damp dark corner can make them popular with slugs and snails!

restoring the ballroom and building the estate into an exquisite wedding venue that can accommodate up to 110 guests, with 15 selfcatering holiday cottages on site, from the historic main house to the refurbished stable block; an old reconstructed tin chapel in the arboretum to an old wheelright’s shop. Lucinda added: “We’ve done it little by little, which I think makes it particularly unique. Robin is an avid collector and sale-room addict, and he loves to be involved in furnishing the accommodation. Nothing is ever going to be shiny and new, which doesn’t suit everyone’s tastes, but we love it. Having people stay here justifies all the work we’ve put in over the years.”

Christmas at Walcot

The hall is hosting a Christmas Market on 3rd December, bringing together some of the finest artisan makers, gifts decorations and produce from across the county, plus season refreshments. This lovely Christmassy day also offers a chance to meet Father Christmas at Walcot’s grotto. 11am-4pm, free entry.

Liquidambar

Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their maple-like leaves which, take on brilliant autumn colour. They thrive in lime-free, moist but welldrained soil, and can be grown in woodland or as a specimen tree. Full sun shows them at their best.

Astilbe

A pretty perennial that has flowers reminiscent of a feather duster! A good choice for the very wettest sites in your garden, where it will produce its proud flower spikes in pink, white or dark red in late spring.

Candelabra primula

With varieties in a multitude of bright colours, these are some of the most exciting primulas you can grow in the garden. They flower in late spring and self-seed freely, so an abundant display can be made for little cost.

“A huge Douglas fir, once the largest of its kind”

For the first time ever, the owners of Walcot Hall in Shropshire have decided to open their gardens late into the year, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes throughout the winter season

Far-reaching views to the house

Vanguard Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, SY1 3TG

Arts

AFONWEN CRAFTS

4th November, Weaving with Trevor Blackburn Trevor will be busy adding to his wonderfully warm and cosy garments, made from wool, alpaca and camel.

8th & 9th November, Spinning by Jenni Frost Jenni’s own flock provide the wool for her lovely hand-spun items. Pop along and watch as she works.

10th November, Sunnyside Crafts and Gifts Linda’s handmade gifts include wooden stools, memory boxes, crochet dolls and some sea glass pieces.

12th & 13th November, Gill Benjamin Local artist Gill has some interesting work on display and can take commissions.

16th November, Crafty Sisters

The duo will be working on their striking jewellery, and also sell handmade cards and tote bags.

19th & 20th November, Marie at Earth Deva Marie designs and makes mythical figures, silk and gemstone jewellery and more.

24th & 25th November, Elaine at Cherry Bea and Liz Elaine makes bead and stone jewellery and also knits bear outfits. Liz makes bags and stitchwork in rich fabrics.

3rd & 4th December, Thelma Evans Local artist

Thelma paints pretty floral canvases, and is happy to chat and take commissions.

6th-9th December, Jackie at Jewels The perfect gifts – and Jackie also o ers a repair service for your own treasured pieces.

16th December, Tracey Davies

Tracey paints from photos and is happy to discuss your own ideas to keep precious memories alive.

22nd & 23rd December, Eco Silver Jewellery by Sandra Roberts Watch Sandra at work and buy one of her unique pieces. afonwen.co.uk

Crafts

HOMING INSTINCT

Phil Jackson has been painting scenes from the Shire area for many years – yet he still finds his greatest inspiration in the natural beauty of the Wirral and North Wales

array of pieces depicting the simple beauty of the area – woodlands, mountains, streams and changing seasons, all captured in perfect detail with the weather and light conditions playing an important part, as he explains.

Artist Phil: nature fuels his creative energy, he says

Phil Jackson is a well-known name on the local art scene, with regular exhibitions at galleries across the Shire patch including the Williamson Gallery, Birkenhead and the Royal Cambrian Academy. He is also an active member of the Wirral Society of Arts and North Wales Society of Fine Art. Phil has dedicated his life to his painting, and works from his studio in Abergele, as well as out and about around North Wales.

“My passion is light. My mood is lifted when I see a beautiful scene, especially when the light is strong. It creates an emotional response in me. The subject matter is important, but not as important as the light. Sometimes, if there’s a more subtle light, I try to emphasise the atmosphere. Reflections in water are a speciality of mine. I work during daylight, so that I can achieve the correct tones, colours and shadows.”

On the doorstep

“Reflections in water are a speciality of mine. I work during daylight so that I can achieve the correct tones, colours and shadows.”

What motivates him, he says, is the desire to capture the light of a setting, and landscapes are his usual subject, with the occasional foray into wildlife. He has been attending life-drawing classes for the past 27 years.

Early yearnings

“I began to be seriously interested in drawing and painting at the age of 12, after the death of my father. Later I studied Art at South Cheshire College and Halton College of Art and Design, where I had two successful years.

I gained a BTech Diploma with distinctions and was offered a place at John Moores University, but I had to decline due to family pressure. Painting has been my saviour as we lost our son in 2003 and our daughter last year to leukodystrophy, a brain disease.”

Phil has continued to paint and has amassed a vast

Phil never tires of the views in his favourite locations.

“My fresh-air fix has always been the Wirral estuary, and my feelings of immense calm are always greatest at Rivacre Valley. Also Snowdonia – my spirits are lifted when I visit this country’s first national park and my creative energies re-emerge. Added to that is, of course, North Wales – home of my studio and my creative melting pot, the place where all my ideas come to life.”

Phil’s work can be viewed at Galeri Betws-y-Coed galeribetwsycoed.co.uk – and keep an eye on exhibitions coming to Oriel Ynys Mon in the New Year at orielmon.org

Splendour of Llyn Crafnant captures the grandeur of Snowdonia

In the zone

Intended as a tonic for the soul, the free Workshops for Wellness series at Newtown’s Oriel Davies gallery is described as “mindful experiences for adults” – and the forthcoming spoon-carving experience is just one example. Working with one of nature’s most useful materials, you can learn how to shape, hollow and finish your work in the peaceful natural environment of rural Powys.

Opportunities for all

The session starts with identifying suitable woods and safe use of the axe and knives, and moves on to designing and carving your own butter knife and then a simple but useful spoon. Under the guidance of master spoon carver Graham Beadle, experience the ‘spoon zone’ – the place many carvers enter as they lose themselves into the craft.

No previous experience is needed, all abilities are welcome. The next series runs from 4th November-9th December, on Fridays at 1-4pm, and participants can book in advance for all six workshops or attend individual sessions. The gallery will provide outdoor seating and a drink. Please get in touch with Kate at kate@orieldavies.org to discuss access requirements.

Investment in the arts

Currently celebrating its 40th year, Oriel Davies is one of Wales’ key public art galleries and a designated ‘development gallery’, presenting world-class, thought-provoking and challenging art by national and international artists. It is named in recognition of Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, Wales’ greatest art collectors and benefactors, and over a number of years has benefitted from a £1.7 million capital development programme. Phase Two, in 2004, created an enlarged second exhibition space, an education room and resource area. The foyer was doubled to provide a shop and a café patio was created.

The architectural design by B3Burgess heightens its visibility through polished stainless-steel fascias and retains the modernist lines and beautiful natural light of the original building. It provides uncluttered, flexible spaces ideal for the display of contemporary art, while the double entrance serves as an open and informal hub for easy circulation and excellent access.

Liver Sketching Club’s 150th Anniversary, Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead. 9th November-17th December.

A year of events marking the Liver Sketching Club’s milestone anniversary culminate in this historical exhibition featuring work by members past and present, along with archive material documenting the club’s long history. The society, which has survived two World Wars, two depressions, two global pandemics and several skirmishes with insolvency, was founded on 11 May 1872 by Samuel Burkinshaw, art master at Liverpool Collegiate, and 10 of his students. Its studio is now in one of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool, Oriel Chambers, built by Peter Ellis in 1864.

‘Growing Together’: an exhibition celebrating creativity, Ty Pawb, Wrexham. Until 7th January 2023.

The Ty Pawb Open Exhibition features works by over 150 artists from across the country, working in a range of mediums including paint, print and sculpture. Over 220 artists submitted more than 600 artworks for consideration.

The Judge’s Prize winner will be selected by our guest judge, artist Harold O eh. The People’s Prize will be chosen via a public vote, with the winner announced in January.

‘Inspired by Lady Lever’, The Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight, Wirral. Until 29th January 2023.

Celebrating 100 years of the gallery and the life of the woman it was named for. Elizabeth Lever was a support and inspiration to her husband William (Lord Leverhulme) throughout the development of his business, Lever Brothers, and the building of the village of Port Sunlight. Although Lever named the gallery after his wife, who died in 1913, there is little in the gallery about Elizabeth herself. A recent rediscovery in the store of a court dress belonging to Elizabeth has provided the opportunity to exhibit this personal piece of history and to shed more light on her story.

Helen Yardley: Drawings for Floors, Ruthin Craft Centre. Until 8th January 2023 To mark the start of a celebration of four decades of design practice, Helen Yardley brings her bold and colourful rugs and wall hangings to all three galleries at Ruthin Craft Centre. Helen established her studio in London in 1983, having studied textile design at the Royal College of Art. This solo exhibition reflects on the artist’s distinctive and innovative style, combining classic archive pieces and new, unseen designs for 2022. A perspective on her creative process will occupy one gallery, where a film conversation and excerpts of studio life will be shown next to drawings, sketchbook ideas, yarn tufts and ephemera.

Helen says: “I approach making rugs as if they were large drawings for the floor; a form of practical artwork. Starting with small gouache paintings, the shapes are re-occuring motifs, which carry underlying meaning. Many forms of visual and emotional experience filter into these drawings, so although the work may be seen as abstract, it is far from it. In translating these paintings into rugs the presence of the human hand is crucial and retaining dynamic energy epitomises, for me, the essence of the hand made.

The chance to show at Ruthin Craft Centre is of special significance to Helen because of family ties to the area. Her mother was born and raised in Ruthin, and Helen was christened in St Peter’s and spent happy holidays here.

One Welsh art gallery has developed into a vital community space, o ering an outlet for creativity through hands-on experiences

Craftsman Graham Beadle

PHOTO COMPETITION

ank you to everyone who submitted pictures for our competition on the theme of Food and Feasts – just looking at them made us all hungry here at Shire! You certainly rose to the challenge with some fabulous images, some of which we have featured on this page. Don’t worry if yours didn’t make it into print, because as always we’ve another opportunity for you to star in our next issue! We know how much you enjoy the wonderful surroundings on the doorstep, so we’re challenging you to get out and about and celebrate the changing colours and scenery. See what you can nd to inspire you on the subject of Seasonal Scenes – anything from an autumn leaf to a winter wonderland. Send your entries to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk – and best of luck!

By Linda Webb

By Mary Wiramanaden

By Josie Low

By Kenneth Davies

By Kenneth Davies

By Kathryn Hall

By Terry Davey

By Kathryn Hall

By Mary Dubicki

By Kenneth Davies

By Kenneth Davies

By Gerald Jones

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Pets&Wildlife RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL WILDLIFE WONDER

A Cheshire park that is home to a thrilling array of rare species has been crowned one of the top attractions in the country

Marbury Country Park in Northwich, Cheshire, was recently named among the best-kept urban parks in the UK. With research proving again and again that green spaces – and trees, in particular – help to alleviate anxiety and depression, reducing blood pressure and making us feel calmer, there’s no better time to go for a walk in the park. Unfortunately, a number of green spaces in the UK have fallen into disrepair, with litter strewn across yellowing lawns, polluted ponds and graffitied buildings.

when the results were calculated, Marbury achieved fourth place. The park received 309 reviews, 17 per cent of which used words such as “well maintained”, “unspoiled”, “tidy” and “clean”. Only three per cent of reviews included words with negative connotations, such as “litter”, “mess”, and “untidy”. Fife’s Lochmore Meadows Country Park ranked highest, but Marbury locals will not be surprised at its status at the top of the table.

A former residence of the Smith-Barry family, Marbury Country Park is at the heart of the Northwich Woodlands. The walks and trails take visitors through the historical landscape, which includes the magnificent lime avenues and the arboretum. Budworth Mere provides a beautiful backdrop and many the streams provide a rich haven for a host of wildlife from bats to beetles.

Marbury Country Park is located off Marbury Road, Comberbach, Northwich CW9 6AT

Play a part in the park

This summer, the government published an updated Litter Strategy for England, detailing the importance of engaging communities in caring for our green spaces. With this in mind, researchers at DTW Tools decided to highlight our ‘hero’parks. They analysed Tripadvisor data from 100 of the UK’s biggest parks and found Marbury Country Park to have the fourth most mentions of keyword terms associated with landscaping and cleanliness.

Clean and appealing

The research tallied the number of mentions of positive keyword terms such as “well-maintained”, “unspoiled”, “tidy” and “clean”. And

It takes a team effort to keep Marbury such a haven for wildlife – and you can play a role in maintaining that for the future. The Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM) are local residents who have come together to support, influence and play an active role in the future of Northwich Woodlands. The group was founded in 1999 and now has a membership of about 250. It’s a really social group and holds regular woodland events. Around 20 regular volunteers help the Cheshire West and Chester Rangers on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

FoAM has also played a major role in some of the woodland’s biggest transformation projects. Recently they created an oak-framed shelter for visitors, providing wheelchair-accessible cover for about 40 people. The current project focuses on an interpretation panel for the arboretum, along with replacement identity plaques for specimen trees. If you can offer some time and energy to help your local wildlife, visit foam.merseyforest.org.uk

“A haven for wildlife from bats to beetles and must for all nature lovers”

Sunrise over Budworth Mere

Pets

Bradeley Green, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4HD

Hugo the pygmy goat reaching the fruit trees!

Liza who can’t wait for Christmas

Bonnie

Lottie, a five-monthold working Bearded Collie

Congratulations to Donna Daviesowner of Riley for winning the Cute Pets competition this issue!’ Riley checking himself out in the mirror

Tia and Tara, mother and daughter rescue Yorkies

photograph of your pet and their name to editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk and the Shire team will pick the winner!

11-week-old Pollyanna

Lucy the Bedlington terrier Pablo the pygmy goat Pinky in his scratcher

Carlo the Collie pup

Dougie Authur Abel

Finley

Khaleesi, queen of the house

Marlon

Max, who sadly died this September aged 10. He was the happiest dog in the world. Here he is sunning himself by the pool.

Mustard

Olly the rescue dog chilling on his holiday Pandora

Polly playing hide and seek Porter the Jack Russell

Rescue dog Darcy

Rudy

Threeyear-old Marvin chilling

Two-yearold golden retriever Leo from Llanelli

POLITICIAN DIGS DEEP FOR WILDLIFE

The partnership cultivated between a leading college and environmental charity was praised by Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant, when he leant a hand to the project during a recent visit. The inititiave at Coleg Cambria to create a ‘wildlife corridor’ and wellbeing garden has become a huge hit with students and staff in Deeside. Jobs Growth Wales+ learners, staff and members of the Construction Trainee Academy began work on the 40 square metre site a year ago, with the support of Keep Wales Tidy and their Local Places for Nature project.

The group planted more than 100 trees, wildflowers, and meadows, 2,000 native bulbs, shrubs and more.

“It’s great to see the work that Keep Wales Tidy are facilitating on the Coleg Cambria site,” said Jack, who hails from Connah’s Quay. “Access to a relaxing, enjoyable learning environment can really enhance a student’s experience and I look forward to seeing the wildlife garden progress. The project provides a great opportunity for students who may not have access to green spaces at home, to connect with nature and learn more about growing their own fruit and vegetables.”

Nurturing nature

In addition to landscaping, the learners have also built wooden planters, and the renovated area includes a greenhouse, bird feeders, hedgehog boxes. With disabled access and seating, it’s a space for people to relax, and for tutors to hold outdoor learning sessions.

Classroom assistant Brian Valentine was a driving force behind the scheme and thanked Keep Wales Tidy for their help in transforming a

“lost” patch of land into a garden they can be proud of.

“This has made such a difference for the students, especially after lockdown, self-isolation and the challenges they faced in the pandemic,” said Brian. “We are thrilled with the end result and are so grateful for the support of Keep Wales Tidy and everyone here at the college.”

The group also received sponsorship from local business Monkey Lady Corporate Wear.

Nicola Gaughran, assistant principal for Foundation Learning, ILS and Jobs Growth Wales+, added: “Well done to everyone involved in the creation of this wonderful garden, I’m sure it will provide a lasting legacy. There is so much nature on our doorstep it will be beneficial as an area of conservation – it’s an amazing space.”

Flintshire project officer at Keep Wales Tidy

Wendy Jones said: “We’re delighted to see the real difference that Coleg Cambria has made through Local Places for Nature. We know that gardening and being out in nature has a positive impact on mental wellbeing, as well as being a great way to keep fit and meet new people. We hope other communities will be inspired to get involved, apply for a free pack and create their own space for nature and people to enjoy.”

To apply for a free garden pack, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website keepwalestidy.cymru/nature

Rare breed baby boom

The farm at Tatton Park, in Knutsford, has recently been awarded Approved Conservation Centre status from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, so its recent baby boom is great news for the team as so many animals at Tatton Park are on the RBST watchlist.

It’s well-deserved recognition for the dedicated team who work hard to protect the farm’s rare breed animals whilst supporting the important work of the RBST who monitor, save and promote UK native livestock.

Susie and Skye, Saddleback pig sisters, gave birth in tandem on 22nd and 23rd July. It

is their first time at being mums but they’re doing a great job so far.

A few days earlier Guernsey cow Nancy had a gorgeous heifer calf called Gracie, and the team are busy looking after a Hereford calf, Hetty, who sadly lost her mum and is being hand reared. Golden Guernsey goats Honey and Amber both produced twin kids in July, Ruby and Sapphire, and Alfie and Alby.

Now’s the perfect time to visit and meet all the new additions to the family and learn about how they are cared for.

Closed Mondays. tattonpark.org.uk

A North Wales politician rolled up his sleeves to offer support to a collaboration developing a thriving wildlife garden

Cheshire’s Tatton Park heard the patter of tiny trotters over the summer, meaning winter farm visitors will get to meet a cluster of adorable new arrivals

Jack Sargeant MS at the Coleg Cambria garden

“Well done to everyone involved in the creation of this wonderful garden. It will provide a lasting legacy”

Health&Beauty GOOD FOOD FOR A GOOD FUTURE

Dr Tanja Harrison, lecturer in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Chester, helps identify food that’s sustainable – that is, good for us, for the planet and for our communities

Do you have an impending sense of doom every time you look at the news?

Climate change is one of the topics with an increasing sense of urgency. We are more aware that our diet – the types of foods we eat and how often we eat them – is an important factor in the warming of our planet.

Ever wondered how we actually measure whether a food might be sustainable or not? It depends which indicator you use to determine the impact of a food item or ingredient on the planet. Whilst we hear most about greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), there are other important considerations such as land use, water use and the risk of causing algal bloom in waterways (called eutrophication).

For example, while tree nuts don’t score too badly in terms of GHGE, they tend to be bad news for water use,

especially if they are grown in hotter climates where water is often scarce.

A new study looked at the combined impact of these four indicators on the environmental sustainability of foods found in UK supermarket aisles. The researchers also considered the nutritional values of these foods to see whether being kind to the planet comes at a cost to our health. What they found confirmed to a large extent what we have been told for a while. Fruit and vegetables overall are good for both our own and the planet’s health. Meat and dairy products are problematic in terms of environmental impacts. We know from other studies that the results with regards to their healthiness have been mixed, depending on the context of the overall diet. So what to do?

Impact indicators

Food plays an important role in our lives, not only from an environmental and nutritional perspective but a cultural one. So, yes, whilst there is a strong argument to eat spag bol

This time we’re looking at some of the strange stories that circulate about blood

Your blood type dictates the kind of person you are Not so. Despite theories that people with blood type A have the worst hangovers, type O the best teeth and type A2 the highest IQs, there is no evidence whatsoever to back up any of these claims. Scientists do believe that certain blood types are at greater risk of developing certain health conditions, however – although it’s still not fully understood why.

High blood pressure is inherited Yes and no. There’s evidence to suggest that the

less often, and to replace some of the meat with lentils or mushrooms, we should also consider what we can do to support growers close to home. We can do this by spending the same money on less but higher quality

produce from farmers and food producers in our own counties. Not only will this aid our own and our planet’s health, it can help those producers to make sustainable changes for the better in the long term. It’s a win–win.

The current cost of living crisis makes these decisions even more difficult. We need to find better ways to ensure we can continue to consume foods that can be linked to health, sustainability and a sense of place.

risk of developing high blood pressure does run in families, but it’s not always the case – nor is it unavoidable. If your parents or close blood relatives have had hypertension (to use the medical term), you are more likely to develop it. However, lifestyle choices have allowed many in this category to avoid it themselves.

O negative is the most important blood type This is true in cases of emergency and when blood is needed quickly as O negative blood is universal – so it can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type. It is the blood type most in demand by hospitals and paramedics since it can be used in the interim, while medics wait to screen the person in need to determine and match their blood type.

“What can we do to support growers close to home?”

Personal finance

As you’re probably all too aware, the deadline for online submission of self-assessment tax returns for the tax year 2021/22 is 31 January 2023. This applies to individuals who are self-employed, partnerships, shareholders in receipt of dividends in excess of £2,000, directors and those with rental income, to name a few.

HMRC issues penalties for late submission, even where there is no tax liability or the tax due was paid on time. Penalties increase further if a tax return becomes more than three months overdue, to a maximum of £1,300, plus the potential for tax-geared penalties ranging from 5% to 100% of the tax liability in more serious cases.

If you require any assistance with the preparation or submission of your return before the filing deadline, DRE & Co chartered accountants can help. We adopt a friendly approach, with local teams offering a prompt and professional service.

Alongside more corporate-level advice, we provide a full compliance service for preparation of personal and trust tax returns. Our skilled team can advise on specific queries you may have and also assist with tax-efficient planning relating capital gains or inheritance tax.

From 6 April 2020, HMRC now requires individuals to report a

sale of any second property or a property outside of your principle private residence or other available reliefs via a 60-day capital gains tax return. What’s more, you are also required to file a self-assessment tax return for the year in which the sale happened.

In the recent Mini Budget, the government released plans to reduce the basic rate tax from 20% to 19%. It was also announced that the additional rate tax band of 45% was to be abolished; however, due to uproar from the public and MPs, this decision has since been reversed.

Should you require any assistance with future tax calculations, or planning or advice following the updates, please email tax@dre.co.uk or call your local DRE & Co office: Oswestry 01691 654353; Ludlow 01584 875715; Shrewsbury 01743 241581; Newtown 01686 626534; Wrexham 01978 310600, or Knighton 01547 528383.

Get your tax return ticked off your Christmas list so you can enjoy the fun. And don’t forget the capital gains rule, says Rebecca Jones, tax director at DRE & Co chartered accountants

It’s that time of year again… “Report the

of any

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outside of your principal private residence”

TOP MARKS FOR KEITIJA

Congratulations go to talented NWMTC pupil Keitija Knutova from Rhos, who gained distinction at Grade 8 piano at just 13 years old. Keitija is also an accomplished harpist, having won the Urdd Trophy.

North Wales Music Tuition Centres have six thriving centres throughout North Wales and the border counties, offering tuition for most instruments and styles of singing. Along with exam tuition, they provides many performance opportunities for their students, from youngsters starting out to adults who wish to enjoy the concert platform experience.

AN EXCEPTIONAL TALENT

ABBERLEY HALL

NAMED TOP BY TATLER

Abberley Hall School is celebrating after scooping the title of ‘Best Prep School in the Land’ at the Tatler Schools Awards.

The Tatler Schools Guide is considered one of the leading impartial guides to independent schools in the

The Queen’s School, Chester, has welcomed therapy dog Bramble. Bramble worked in a SEND school for four years prior to the pandemic, and was selected for the job as a puppy. He was trained for his work in a school setting by an ex-police dog handler.

UK, and its annual awards handpick the top schools from a list of the country’s most elite institutions.

Abberley was praised for its impressive facilities and provision of outdoor learning activities that allow pupils to learn within nature.

RECRUIT

Bramble has worked with children with a range of complex learning, physical and medical needs, helping them learn how to be safe around dogs and enjoy having a pet, and also 1:1 with children who had anxiety and mental health issues.

He will be cared for by the school’s estates operative Mr Hughes and his family.

Myddelton College’s examinations, cover and data management officer, Mr Oliver Lin, is also a talented concert pianist, and has recently been awarded a Global Talent and Exceptional Promise status from Arts Council England. Mr Lin is an active performer, as well as collaborative producer and director for projects on Classic FM and at La Scala. Myddelton students got an insight into his work with a masterclass and concert at school last month.

SUPPORT FOR AUTISM

Derwen College has received Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society, demonstrating the college’s commitment to supporting autistic students. Almost half of the students attending Derwen are autistic, so to meet the high benchmark for accreditation is hugely significant. The NAS team visited the college, meeting with students and staff, and speaking to parents. They visited areas of accommodation, learning, work and social spaces, to ensure the required standards of excellence were met.

‘Best Prep School in the Land’ is another major accolade for the Shire patch

Keitija at the piano

Mr Oliver Lin

Derwen students

Bramble with Mr Hughes, making new friends

SPORTING SUCCESS AT WGS

Two sixth-form students from Wolverhampton Grammar School were recently awarded school sports colours ties in recognition of their sporting achievements this year.

Triathlete Leah Gopal represented Great Britain at the European Championships in Munich, and the Europe Cross Duathlon Championships in Bilbao.

Cassie Taylor competed at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Birmingham, winning bronze

and gold in the Kumite and Kata classes respectively.

Cassie joined WGS in September as a Sports Scholar. Applications for the next academic year are open until 16th December.

FROM THE HEAD

In school we think about tomorrow. How good will that essay be? How well did I do in this test? As educators, we need to think about tomorrow’s tomorrow, about life beyond education. How will our children do in ‘real life’, where the tests are unexpected and where no sympathetic teacher or forgiving parent is watching?

It is intellectual habits, not the particulars of subject matter, that are the primary residue of schooling. At Moor Park, we call these our mindsets. They are embedded in our practice of education, and I believe they raise five questions we should ask to help our

CHORISTERS WOW WITH EVENSONG

Choristers from Shrewsbury School had an action-packed day in Oxford before their stunning performance of Evensong in Queen’s College Chapel. There was time for a quick city tour taking in the Bodleian Library and Merton College, before a choral masterclass and final rehearsal in the chapel.

Although new Director of Chapel Music, Mr Richard Stafford, only came on board at the start of the year, the choir performed superbly, in keeping with the prestigious surroundings.

NEW ORCHESTRA

The whole Year 7 cohort at Abbeygate College have been invited to take part in a music initiative, where they can learn an instrument for free for six weeks. The scheme aims to enable them to try something new that they

otherwise may not have had the opportunity to experience, and the instruments have been generously provided via the college’s Founders’ Fund.

When the budding instrumentalists met as a group for the first time, the fledgling Year 7 Orchestra was born!

children in real life.

• How do we know what we know? What is the evidence, and is it good?

• Who is speaking? What is their point of view, and mine? Does it affect the way I listen?

• What causes what? Where are the patterns and connections?

• How might things have been different? Can I imagine alternative scenarios, and what made them happen?

• Who cares? Is this important, and to whom? Is it still important if matters only to a few? These questions are deceptively simple. Taken seriously, they are fundamental and can be applied to many situations, from academic research, invention, a court of law, to untangling a practical problem or sorting out one’s feelings. They lie at the heart of a thoughtful life. They are what Moor Park cares about.

“The choir was superb, in keeping with the prestigious setting”

Brendan Brady, of Moor Park School, Ludlow

Leah (left) and Cassie

“Cassie joined WGS as a Sports Scholar” “They can learn free for six weeks”

Brendan Brady: an eye to the future

Excited to learn

Shrewsbury School Choir, all set for the service

Universities & Colleges

The Golden Scissor sisters

Hairdressing

legend Lee Stafford returned to his Academy of Hairdressing, Barbering & Applied Therapies at Afan College to present three lecturers with a very special award. Pam O’Brien, Rebecca Crew and Claire Richardson were awarded their Master Trainer Diploma, also known as the ‘Golden Scissors’.

Lee, whose bright pink product line is instantly recognisable on the high street, created ‘The Big 10’ kitemark to support hairdressing college graduates who lack salon experience. It consists of a series of essential styles or ‘recipes’ taken into colleges by trainers from his non-profit foundation.

He explained: “The Golden Scissors are given only when they can replicate recipes as well as me. It’s no easy task – that’s our Michelin star equivalent.”

LEADER OF THE PACK

AUniversity of Chester undergraduate has been recognised as among the best Tourism students in the UK, after winning an award for her learning and input while on work placement at the city’s zoo.

Annabelle Whitaker, who is in the third year of her BA (Hons) degree in International Tourism Management with Spanish, was singled out by the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), the national professional organisation for those studying and working in tourism destination management.

Nicola Said, commercial director at Marketing Cheshire, who worked with

Annabelle at the city’s Visitor Information Centre said: “Annabelle shows real passion and enthusiasm for all things tourism.”

CHESHIRE STUDENTS ARE E-CHAMPS

Five Cheshire College students secured a 2-0 victory in the British Esports Student Champs, a national video gaming tournament run by the British Esports Federation. The competition, known as ‘The Champs’, is open to all secondary schools and colleges across the UK and is an exciting opportunity for students to put their gaming skills to the test.

Phil Farrington, assistant director of Visual and Performing Arts at Cheshire College, says: “The gaming

industry is expected to have a revenue forecast of £219 billion by 2027 and this expected growth means that the sector is set to become one of the fastest growing in the world, which could create incredible opportunities for our existing and prospective Esports students.”

CLINICAL SKILLS UNIT HOPES TO BOOST NHS

Wales’ Health Minister Eluned Morgans MS opened a new £1.7 million healthcare centre to train NHS staff at Aberystwyth University. The University’s first cohort of nursing students began their studies at the start of September.

The new facilities are expected to provide a big boost to efforts to retain and recruit NHS staff, particularly in Mid Wales, and the new degree courses offer students who started this year the opportunity to study up to half of their course through the medium of Welsh.

“…real passion for all things tourism”

“It’s no easy task – it’s our Michelin star equivalent”

“…a revenue forecast of £219 billion is expected by 2027”

Lee Sta ord with (from left) Pam, Rebecca and Claire

Annabelle worked at Chester Zoo

The A team in Esports

“…chance to study up to half of the course through the medium of Welsh”

Aberystwyth’s first student nurses

JASON MAKES THE CUT FOR GB

Aformer Butchery apprentice from Reaseheath College has represented Team GB in the ‘Young Butcher’ category at the World Butchers Challenge in California, USA.

Jason Edwards was selected due to his success at the WorldSkills UK butchery finals – he won a bronze medal in 2019 and gold in 2021 – but this was his first competition experience at international level. Although unplaced, Jason enjoyed appearing on a global stage and held his own against seasoned competitors from 13 other countries.

He explained: “The competition was very intense and we had just two and a half hours to complete set tasks while also demonstrating creativity, technical expertise and professional working practices. It was all thanks to Reaseheath’s master butcher Gary Evans, who encouraged me to enter Worldskills UK.”

APPRENTICES ARE FLYING HIGH

Former Coleg Cambria Yale sixth form students Harvey Clare and Max Davies have started prestigious apprenticeships within the aerospace sector, working at Airbus Broughton. Both students achieved

exceptionally high grades in their A-levels, but had also completed a Level 2 BTEC in Engineering whilst at Darland High School, which really sparked their interest.

The apprenticeships are delivered in partnership with Swansea University, and will allow Harvey and Max to earn while they learn from an industry giant.

FUNDS FOR FUTURE LAWYERS

VETERINARY FACILITIES UNVEILED

Upgrades to Harper Adams University’s Veterinary Education Centre have been unveiled, included a refurbishment of the veterinary nursing building, as well as newly purchased equipment for animal handling and housing, and some large animal anatomy models.

Head of Animal Behaviour, Health and Welfare, Dr Philip Robinson added: “We have got a fantastic facility – I love showing people around it. The reactions we get on Open Days – when prospective students come and see the building, when their parents see the building – their mouths literally drop open.”

Local students applying to study Law at Wrexham Glyndwr University could benefit from a bursary which has been provided by a generous donor. Francis Glynne-Jones has made a significant six-figure donation in memory of his grandfather Cyril Oswald Jones, his father Hywel Glynne-Jones and his brother Colin Glynne-Jones, all former Presidents of the Chester and North Wales Law Society. It will be put to use across a 10-year period to enable gifted students from a disadvantaged background to pursue their ambition by covering their course fees, thanks to the creation of the Cyril Oswald Jones Fund.

WOLVERHAMPTON NAMED TOP CYBER UNIVERSITY

The University of Wolverhampton has clinched a top award for ‘Cyber University of the Year’ at the National Cyber Awards 2022. The awards were set up to recognise those who are committed to cyber innovation, cyber crime reduction and protecting citizens online. The university o ers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in cyber security and computer science at its city campus and it o cially opened the new Cyber Quarter – The Midlands Centre for Cyber Security, in Herefordshire last year.

TECH AND THE TITANIC

Using state-of-the art multibeam sonar, researchers at Bangor University have been able to identify the wreck of the SS Mesaba – the ship that sent an iceberg warning to the RMS Titanic. Although the message was received, it never reached the bridge. The Mesaba was one of 273 shipwrecks in 7,500 square miles of Irish Sea that were scanned and cross-referenced against the UK Hydrographic O ce database of wrecks. The use of this new technology has been hailed a game-changer for marine archaeology.

The announcement honours three generations

Cyber Quarter director Professor Prashant Pillai is Professor of Cyber Security at the university

The ill-fated SS Mesaba

World-class: Jason in action

Max Davies (left) and Harvey Clare

Lab assistant Dan Simcoe demonstrates using a large anatomy model

FROM BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

An

new book explores the fascinating past of Wales’

mental

Victorian Asylum is the first of three volumes covering the history of North Wales Hospital, or the North Wales Asylum for the Insane as it was once known. Written by former nursing manager Clwyd Wynne, it covers the years from the hospital’s founding in 1848 to the end of the 19th century.

Clwyd, now 74, began his career as a 19-year-old nursing assistant at the hospital in 1965 and worked there for 30 years. He welcomed the recent news that the building is to be restored as part of a major redevelopment by contractors Jones Bros.

Hard times

Painstakingly researched, the book tells of the dreadful conditions in which inmates were often kept. Some were admitted after being judged insane by their families. Many were transferred from the workhouse, since the hospital was a cheaper option for the authorities. In 1948, when it opened, there were 200 patients; by 1890 the number had trebled.

Clwyd said: “Life was very hard for poor people at this time, and here they had regular meals and sanitary conditions. There were a lot with severe mental illnesses and people with learning disabilities. Epilepsy was considered a mental illness. There

BOOK EVENTS

Working Out What’s Worth Writing About – a masterclass with Guy Stagg, Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden. 26th November, 10am-3pm

How do you know whether a personal experience is worth writing about?

How to put it on the page? How best to convey it to a reader? In this masterclass participants will use everyday items and their own memories in a series of creative exercises designed to get you thinking – and writing – in vivid detail.

Stagg is a writer and journalist. After a turbulent period in his life he decided to walk to Jerusalem in what would turn out to be a 10-month pilgrimage via Rome and Istanbul. His account of this journey, The Crossway (2018), was awarded the Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year in 2019.

1. Hospital matron Miss Pugh, late 19th century

2. Dr Richard Lloyd Williams of Denbigh, who played a leading role in setting up and running the hospital

3. Matron Catherine Parry and colleagues with Dr Llewellyn Cox about 1900. Pictures courtesy of the North Wales Hospital Historical Society.

were children as young as six, and pregnant women whose babies were born in the hospital. There were also a number of private patients whose fees were paid for by their families, which helped to subsidise the hospital.”

Care and friendship

A strict regime consisted simply of work and recreation. “It wasn’t until the 1920s that very rudimentary treatment was introduced, but it was experimental and sometimes horrific,” said Clwyd. “This was the case until the NHS was founded in 1948, but from then on the hospital had a very high reputation for the care and treatment it provided. The people of Denbigh were accepting of the patients, and strong friendships were forged. The hospital was a big employer and many families worked there for generations.”

The book is packed with illustrations, many found during recent work. One cache included photos dating back to the 1870s. “We were gobsmacked,” said Clwyd. “No-one knew they were there.” Victorian Asylum is published by Fineline of Clwyd Street, Ruthin, and is available for £13.95 from Denbigh Museum, or by pre-order for £11.95 from Clwyd at denbigharchive@gmail.com

The Gods Are All Here – storytelling event with Phil Okwedy, Theatr Clwyd, Mold. 24th November, 7.45pm Sparked by the discovery of a series of letters from his father in Nigeria to his mother in Wales, The Gods Are All Here is a compelling, funny and warm, one-man performance from first-class storyteller Phil Okwedy.

This captivating show skilfully weaves myth, song, folktales and legends of the African diaspora with an astonishing personal story that uncovers Phil’s experiences of growing up as a child of dual heritage in 1960s and ’70s Wales.

Exploring equality, freedom, racism, family and growing up without your birth parents, The Gods Are All Here is both timeless and very much a story of now.

Chester Literature Festival 2022, 10th-25th November, Storyhouse, Chester Chester’s annual celebration of the written word will fill Storyhouse with two weeks of unmissable events, performances and conversation. Special guests include writers, poets, actors and broadcasters from David Harewood, Lemn Sissay and Kit de Waal to Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Clare Mackintosh and Patrick Gale.

Aspiring writers will enjoy the debut writers’ panel and flash fiction events. There are free sessions to help you find your next great read; go on a blind date with a book or come along to the book pharmacy for a literary remedy for your maladies. With a bumper programme of brilliant authors, workshops, panel discussions, performances and themed events there’s something for everyone.

Writer Clwyd Wynne is chairman of the North Wales Hospital Historical Society and also chairman of Vale of Clwyd MIND

“Treatment was experimental and sometimes horrific”

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

This beautifully written and illustrated book tells the tale of Gabriel de Leon, captured and tortured by the vampires he has been hunting all his life.

It has been 27 years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their empire even as they tear down our own. Now only a few sparks of light endure. Gabriel de Leon, half man, half monster and last remaining silversaint – a sworn brother of the holy Silver Order dedicated to defending the realm – is all that stands between the world and its end. Imprisoned by the monsters he vowed to destroy, he is forced to tell his story.

A tale of battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope: the Holy Grail.

The Women of Troy by Pat Barker This is the sequel to the excellent The Silence of the Girls, and continues the story of Queen Briseis who had been held captive as a slave by the Greeks since the loss of her city and murder of her husband. Now Troy has fallen. The Greeks can sail home as victors – but the wind has vanished, the seas becalmed by the gods, and so the warriors remain in limbo, camped in the shadow of the city, kept company by the women they stole from it. The women of Troy.

Helen, poor Helen. All that beauty. Cassandra, who has learned not to be too attached to her own prophecies. Stubborn Amina, determined to avenge the slaughter of her king. Hecuba, howling and clawing her cheeks on the shore. And Briseis, carrying the unborn child of the dead hero Achilles. Once again caught up in the disputes of violent men. Once again faced with the chance to shape history.

An Invitation by Norman Marshall

Some men dream then walk, Others sit and drink, Some simply do the talk But few really think.

Now one man sees his land

Across a pale blue plain, Far from outstretched hand And few there complain.

I have my invitation

To go and seek,

To find my own destination Is not for idlers or the weak.

I go with my own character

Leaving only print and mark, But if you read my chapter You might find a spark. Follow not others

And be your own man, Beware of crowding brothers And those without a plan

A denizen from another world is he; the tide has turned, now swiftly flowing out, when from a swirling pool, up comes his snout; he pauses for a moment, looks at me, then dives deep down, his back arched gracefully; I’m frozen to the spot… I almost doubt what I have seen! –“Come up again,” I shout, “I am your friend.” – In vain, of course, my plea. I’ve seen him, or his like, here once before: it must have been a year or two ago, and I am sure it was this very spot, for frequently I walk along this shore; the names of all the sea birds, well I know… yet when to come and see him, I know not!

A FINE FOLLOW-UP

Local author Gerald Jones has a new read out in time for Christmas. A sequel to The Consequence, Sam takes up where his previous novel finished, with Sam – eldest son of Jim and Violet Pryce – striking out on his own across the pond to make his fortune in New York.

She hides in the shadows and her spirit is bright

She holds up a candle to show you the way

And is right there beside you at night when you lay Your angel she watches your every move And in God’s great eyes you have nothing to prove

God has sent you your angel and thankfully we pray

The identity of which is your mum, Betty Mai

The gift that is given is a sign of her love

And is a message that she is watching from high up above

Welshman Gerald used his extensive local knowledge to make sure the historical details of his first story, set in Llandyssil, were accurate. The setting here is no less vivid. The Roaring ’20s are upon us and in America it’s a time of huge change. With the Great War over, the young are seeking to carve out a new life far removed from the men who fell in the trenches and the women who wept for a generation. Sam, who has never been further than the horizon he could see from the hills of his home, is o to pursue his destiny. Will he ever return to Wales? Will he find the love of his life? Read and find out!

Sam is available direct from the author: g.jones47@hotmail.co.uk

authors…

Guardian Angel by Rob Challinor Your guardian angel looks down from above Watching over you with care, devotion and love. Your angel follows you by day and by night

The Seal by Michael Burns

Across

George ____, pen

of Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin (4)

by Niccolò Machiavelli (3,6)

Down A uent

has attracted footballers including

Ferdinand and David Beckham (8,4)

vehicle with

wheels (6)

portal and various

for Windows,

launched in 1995 (3)

Sun Also ____,

novel by Ernest Hemingway (5)

On ____, 1964

with Kenneth Williams as Julius Caesar (4)

How Andrew Carnegie

John D. Rockefeller

described in the title of a book by Charles R. Morris (7)

18th-century

Rococo artist (7)

Constance ____, florist and educator who co-invented coronation chicken (4)

21 Historical artifact of religious significance (5)

24 A river in Shropshire, or a river in Birmingham (3)

25 Dye used in the production of denim (6)

27 Cheshire market town at the northern end of the Sandstone Trail (8)

29 Eponymous system of geometry described in the Elements (9)

30 The heaviest sword used in fencing (4)

Down

1 Town at the mouth of the River Mersey (8)

2 See 9 Across

3 Castle on the coast of Fife where Mary, Queen of Scots met her second husband, Lord Darnley (6)

4 Body of water in which Anglesey is the largest island (5,3)

5 One of the Mechanicals in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or a small room in a pub (4)

6 Triple-bodied Greek goddess associated with doorways, crossroads and magic (6)

8 Wat ____, leader of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 (5) 13 Roman senator and orator who opposed Julius Caesar (4)

14 Tributary of the Mersey that rises near Peckforton Castle (4)

16 A drug that has numbing or paralysing qualities (8)

18 Konrad ____, first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (8) 20 Playwright who wrote The Birthday Party (6) 22 River that flows through the centre of Dublin (6)

23 The ____, TV drama series that featured Claire Foy and Olivia Colman in the same role (5)

26 The Seven Year ____, 1955 rom-com starring Marilyn Monroe (4) 28 A prophet or diviner (4)

a writer

maker

Cheshire.

in the fintech

quizzes and cryptic

alice@downstream.co.uk

Be who you want to be at Deewater Grange

At Care UK’s Deewater Grange care home in Chester, you can continue to be who you’ve always been, or who you want to be, while receiving award-winning care and attention in a place you can call home.

We treat everyone as individuals so that you can take your life with you on your journey into care. You’ll be supported to continue muchloved interests, to rediscover long lost hobbies or to try something new, as well as making new friends.

It’s all about lifestyle

At Deewater Grange our team is passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life, full of meaningful experiences.

When you join us, we’ll learn all about your personality, your interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised lifestyle plan to support you to live life in the way you want.

We organise an array of daily activities, such as exercise classes,

themed days and gardening, as well as events, entertainment, outings and treasured one-to-one time. Then there are our strong ties with local groups, charities and schools so residents feel connected to local life.

Recently, residents of Deewater Grange have enjoyed an arts and crafts session, creating mosaic art and photos in 3D frames. Residents have also enjoyed getting out in the sunshine having a stroll around Grosvenor Park and the River Dee.

Everything under one roof Deewater Grange is a purposebuilt care home where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Trust us to care

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 8,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one.

To find out more about Deewater Grange, please call 01244 455439 or email andrew.kenny@careuk.com

Deewater Grange care home 93 Chester Road, Huntington, Chester CH3 6BS careuk.com/deewater-grange

Follow us on Facebook @DeewaterGrangeCareUK

FAMILY TICKET TO SANTA SAFARI FOR

ADULTS &

CHILDREN

T&Cs

Santa

his team of elves are taking up residence at West Midland Safari Park, ready to greet guests, gift presents and spread some

Christmas!

Families will be magically transported to the North Pole and into Santa’s Grotto on Santa’s sleigh! Children can tell him what is on the top of their Christmas wish list and a helpful Elf will take a photograph, for lovely memories to take home.

After meeting Santa, children will make their way to the Elves’ Workshop where they can pick their own present. With a wide selection of gifts to choose from, they’ll be spoiled for choice! Afterwards, visit Mrs Claus’ kitchen for a free cookie and hot drink.

Prize is for two adults and two children. Any extra visitors will need to book separately via WMSP’s website. The prize can be taken on selected dates only from 25th November–24th December 2022. The prize does not include Lantern Festival tickets. Please note: the Adventure Theme Park is closed during the winter season. Tickets are non-transferable and no alternative prize will be o ered.

Linda Opening night of Romeo and Juliet Marian Royal Welsh Show family ticket Sian Passion for Power, Tatton Park Susan, Chester Ballroom Blitz

Thelma, Shrewsbury Wisteria Tours cruise

Wendy, Gobowen Camp Bestival

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks to all our readers for keeping in touch with the team here at Shire. We’ve included a few of our favourite messages here, but please do keep them coming – we love hearing your thoughts and opinions as well as those bits of news you want to share as we head into the New Year and springtime.

As always, please include a picture when you can and send your correspondence to us at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk

We had a ball

We had a fabulous evening at the Blitz Ball in Welshpool with the tickets we won from the Shire Magazine competition. The Big Band sound, great dance instructors and enthusiastic dancers made for a super time.

Thank you again for the information about What’s On in our area. It is through Shire that great events like the Welshpool 1940s Weekend are more widely known about and supported.

Susan

In case you’ve missed an issue or not been able to get out to the shops, we have a supply of back copies we’re happy to send out. Just let us know which edition you’re after and we can pop it in the post. Send an sae for £1.60 to Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 1FR. Better still, subscribe to the magazine so you never miss a copy again! See page 51 for details. Keep writing, keep emailing, keep enjoying everything the Shire patch has to o er.

Correction

At Montgomery Vineyard we were very pleased to featured in your article in the September/ October issue, ‘Heard it on the Grapevine’, but I need to point out that the Montgomery Vineyard is owned and run by my son Woody Lennard, and not myself – I am the o ce manager. The swapping of names may have come as a surprise to our clients and friends!

At present here in the vineyard we are busy harvesting our grapes, and have been very lucky with the weather. The quality of this year’s grapes is amazing due to the hot summer we experienced. We are just about to release our 2021 Rondo red wine, and also our sparkling wines just in time for Christmas. Denise Lennard, Montgomery Vineyard, Cefn-y-Coed, Montgomery

Please accept this correction for anyone who was confused as well as our apologies, Denise.

Thank you for a great magazine.

Best wishes, Peter Dowds

We enjoy reading the Shire publication – it’s so informative and lively. Many thanks.

Susan

My husband and I appreciate and enjoy every edition of the magazine.

Christine E Hyde

Hi Shire Magazine!

I came across your magazine on a camping trip last year and I’ve been reading it ever since!

Vicky Bell

Sky’s the limit

I wanted to say thank you to Shire for the brilliant day out we had at the Rhyl Air Show after reading about it in your magazine. The atmosphere was great, there was lots going on along the seafront and the air displays themselves were breathtaking. Once we knew Red 6 was safely on the ground, even the bird strike cutting the show short could not dampen the day –especiallly since as soon as the beach was open again we got to paddle in the sea.

If l had not seen the advert for the show in your magazine we wouldn’t have known about it. I will be looking out for what other fantastic days out your magazine will provide.

Christine

Competition time?

I very much look forward to picking up my copy of Shire magazine from the supermarket. There are so many interesting and exciting events in our area, it helps me to know what is coming up. I also love doing the competitions page each month.

Today I was thrilled to see the September/ October issue had arrived but sadly there is no competition page this month. Will it return in the next issue?

M Hockenhull

Thank you for getting in touch and we’re delighted you enjoy the magazine. Our comps page took a break but don’t worry, it’s back in its usual place!

I took this photo recently, the scene is only a mile from where I live, near Welshpool. I thought it quite amusing so wanted to share it. Perhaps you could have a competition for humorous photos? Either way, I thought the picture might bring a smile to a reader’s face.

Kind regards

Freda

Thank you so much, Freda, for sharing this lovely, funny photo. We already have one photo competition on the go in every issue, but we’d be happy to see other ‘funnies’ from readers when you’re out and about on the Shire patch!

Seen or ‘herd’ anything that made you giggle? Drop us a line!

THE

Woody, not Denise!