Halls Heritage Magazine Issue 04

ISSUE 04

PROPERTY & LAND : ANTIQUES & INTERIORS : FOOD & FARMING

A LOUIS XV STYLE SCARLET BOULLE MANTEL CLOCK 19th century Sold: £408

SPRING FINE ART AUCTION

AUCTION COMMENCES 10AM FEBRUARY 20TH ENTRIES CLOSE JANUARY 7TH

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CONTENTS 4 Homes 18 Property Auctions 20 Fine Art 28 Agricultural Auctions 36 Commercial Property 44 Land & Farming 46 Food

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Variety is the spice of life‌ From Hobbit Homes to impressive costal estates, we really do get to see a little bit of everything at Halls. In this issue we introduce you to our new watch specialist Jack and we unveil the winners of the Design Your Dream Home competition which has seen hundreds of entries from all over the region.

If you have ever wanted to know the ins and outs of what a leasehold really means and whether you should buy a property that has one then James Hickling has explained it all in our property section.

David Lewis has chronicled the history of a once giant children’s brand. The story of Airfix and the model aeroplane kit is fascinating and will give you an appreciation of just how big these little kits were in their day.

Design: www.creativedifferences.co.uk

In an act of support and charity our directors and shareholders have very generously given a donation to the dementia ward at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The joy on the faces of the staff when they found out how much the cheque was for is priceless, you can see it on page 17.

Please find the time to thumb your way to our livestock section where I have written a feature about our livestock market. I implore you to have a read because there is so much more to a livestock auction than buying and selling animals.

Lastly, and from all at Halls, we hope you have a happy and prosperous 2019.

TOM HUNT, Head of Marketing

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In the spring I was dropping my son off at his child minder when one of his little friends came running up shouting ‘look what I’ve drawn’. It was a scribbled, but nonetheless perfectly recognisable house. This got me thinking and reflecting on all those childhood mainstays. Potato printing, basic origami (my first creation was a boat that looked a bit like a hat) and drawing the house you were going to live in.

Sadly the creativity of my house drawing was woeful. All I could muster was the archetypal box with a pitched roof, four windows, a door in the middle and a little wiggly path at the front. It had a smiley sun above and a tree in the front garden.Pleasant, but considering the breadth of imagination I could conjure up at that age it was by no means revolutionary. After I dropped my son off and all these thoughts had gone through my mind I decided that children should be encouraged to be aspirational and creative about houses, especially

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in a world where the chance of them owning their own is slowly diminishing.

Design Your Dream Home was born. This competition is Halls’ way of encouraging the next generation of house buyers. It is our way of inspiring young people to believe that they will own their own home and that their home can be anything they want. It also happens to be a lot of fun and a great way to lighten the mood in the office when new entries come in! The entries have been nothing short of amazing. Only a small selection are featured here

but I hope they encapsulate the ingenuity of our local children.

We have had a baked bean house, an I-pad house and even an underground lair. I want to say thank you to every child who has participated and all of the parent, teachers and guardians who have helped them.

The winners will join us at Halls Holdings House for a presentation on December 18th and we will no doubt have some photos to share with Heritage readers of the excited winners and proud parents in our next issue.

UNDER 8 YEARS OLD FINALISTS

Flora Floyd age 7

Henry Cornell age 5

Lucas Mullock-Jones age 7

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8 - 9 YEARS OLD FINALISTS

Eve Marshall age 9

Jessica Clarke age 8

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Elliot Turner age 8

10 - 11 YEARS OLD FINALISTS

Kiara Simpson age 11

Melody Stephens age 10

Zach Cook age 10

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P R E M I U M P RO P E RT Y

CONINGSWICK FARM Coningswick Farm House, Greenway, Rock, Worcestershire DY14 9SG Guide Price OIRO

£800,000

• Detached Georgian Farmhouse • 5 Bedrooms & Bathroom • Living Room with Inglenook Fire & Dining Room

• Kitchen Diner

& Breakfast Room

• Utility Room, Cloakroom & Cellar

• Gardens & Paddock

with Wonderful Rural Views

• 2 Detached Barns

& Further Outbuildings

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Available for sale for the first time in 65 years, Coningswick Farm House is a 17th Century traditional red brick farmhouse, full of character and in need of modernisation.

The property sits in mature gardens and also has the added benefit of a paddock. A useful detached brick built barn to the rear & two further detached barns offer potential for future conversion.

The property has a lovely gated driveway leading to the main entrance. Inside is a wonderful reception hall that has access to all ground floor accommodation and a fantastic turning staircase to the first floor accommodation.

The living room has an exposed brick inglenook fireplace with a timber surround and quarry tiled hearth which is a wonderful feature in the room. It is spacious with a high ceiling, exposed timbers and attractive outlook over mature formal gardens to the front of the property.

The dining room is equally impressive in size with a fabulous stripped oak floor, fitted storage cupboards and equally attractive outlook to the front across the fore gardens. The ground floor accommodation includes a ground floor office, porch/boot room and fitted kitchen with dual aspect windows to both front and rear with a particularly useful walk in pantry.

The first floor accommodation has a split level landing with steps leading to a landing area and two impressive double bedrooms.

These are both situated at the front of the property and have long distance rural views. The third single bedroom is also situated to the front equally benefitting from fantastic side outlook.

There are a further two double bedrooms on the lower landing, one with dual fitted wardrobes and attractive outlook to the rear of the property across the mature gardens and into the orchard.

Within the grounds further opportunities are found with a range of useful outbuildings, to include a fabulous detached barn with stable, tack room and kennel, further storage room above and rear store rooms. This represents great potential to convert into a detached cottage offering separate living/annex accommodation for either dependant relatives or a potential let.

Included in the sale are two detached red brick barns (currently with lapsed planning permission) ideal for commercial use or potential to develop and convert for residential use or investment benefits, subject to the necessary consents and permissions.

All in all this an excellent opportunity to buy a beautiful house that still offers development potential. It will appeal to a wide cross section of buyers so be quick and book a viewing if you want a chance to live here.

To view or request more information please contact James Hickling on 01562 820 880 or email james.hickling@hallsgb.com

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P R E M I U M P RO P E RT Y

HORSESHOE COTTAGE

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• Detached extended country cottage

• Immense charm & character • Detached single storey annexe • Super gardens • Set in approximately 3 acres • Private location

Horseshoe Cottage is an attractive 4/5 bedroom period extended country cottage with a detached single storey annexe, beautiful gardens and land, extending to around 3 acres The property is situated in a private rural location on the outskirts of Dudleston Heath.

Horseshoe Lane, Dudleston Heath, Nr Ellesmere, SY12 9JT Guide Price OIRO

£659,995

Inside the accommodation has been lovingly restored and extended by the current vendors.

There is a lovely farmhouse style kitchen/ breakfast room, living room with an inglenook fireplace, three further reception rooms, a conservatory/sun room and a ground floor shower room. The property has five bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms and an ensuite shower room.

Outside, there is a detached single storey one bedroom annexe positioned to one side, a short distance from the main house, providing a sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and shower room, which provides a purchaser with a number of possibilities, whether it be for use

as an annexe/holiday let/home offices etc.

The gardens are beautiful and have been tastefully landscaped by the current vendors to provide extensive lawns and well stocked floral and herbaceous borders, containing a number of mature shrubs, bushes and trees. The land is an interesting feature of the property and is retained within three principal enclosures of permanent pasture, ideal for the grazing of a variety of animals.

There is an attractively set pool in the front paddock providing a haven for wildlife with a large decked area providing an ideal space for outdoor entertaining.

The sale of Horseshoe Cottage does, therefore, provide a very

rare opportunity for purchasers to acquire a substantial period detached extended period country cottage with gardens and grounds, situated in this extremely popular rural location, yet, convenient to the popular town of Ellesmere.

If you would like more information on Horseshoe Cottage please contact Jon Quinn on 01691 622 602 or email jquinn@hallsgb.com

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Considering Your Next Step?

Your home tells your story and when you are ready for your next chapter Halls are here to help.

‘We received a first class service and would happily recommend Halls to family and friends and would definitely sell through them again in the future.’

Sophie Williams

HIGH BANK HOUSE, FORDEN, WELSHPOOL, SY21 8RY Architect designed family home, Outstanding views 4 bedrooms, 1/2 bedroom annex, Ample off road parking Double garage

Guide Price

£495,000

01938 555 552

17 CHURCH STREET, ELLESMERE, SHROPSHIRE, SY12 0HD

Substantial Georgian townhouse, 3 Reception Rooms, 6 Bedrooms Walking distance to town centre Large walled gardens, Parking & Car port, Superb Views over the Mere

Offers in the region of

£599,995

01743 450 700

Whitchurch Ellesmere

You can view all our properties at

hallsgb.com

but we would prefer to meet you so please visit us at your nearest local branch

Oswestry

Shrewsbury

Welshpool

Bishop’s Castle

With an enviable network of branches throughout the region you can be sure we can help you find the perfect home in the perfect location. When you are ready to sell our local and digital marketing will present your house at its best to the widest possible audience.

Selling A House Kidderminster

One bedroom or ten, it doesn’t change our service.

We offer you our whole team and we’ve been selling property in this region for 173 years.

Buying A House We are local people with local knowledge so you can visit us for help and advice six days a week.

‘A fantastic service from the initial valuation to conclusion of sale. Our property was sold within 3 days and they also assisted us in purchasing our new home. Undoubtedly the best agents we have ever used.’

Hugh Evans

THE COTTAGE, 30, SUTTON ROAD, SHREWSBURY, SY2 6DG Desirable period house, Incorporating splendid features Beautiful gardens, Front & rear parking & garage Close to town amenities

Guide Price

£550,000

01743 236 444

ROCK COTTAGE, WESTON UNDER REDCASTLE, SY4 5XE Desirable Country Home, Versatile Accommodation 4 Bedrooms, 5 Receps Detached Double Garage Extensive Lawned Gardens, Pretty Location

Offers in the region of

£560,000

01743 236 444

James Hickling Kidderminster Branch Manager

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Leasehold and freehold properties can be old or new. James Hickling explains the difference and what to look out for.

Freehold Property As freeholder you own the property outright and that includes the land that it’s built on. Generally speaking, most houses are freehold, unless you’re using a shared-ownership scheme.

WHY IS A FREEHOLD PREFERABLE?

• Easier to secure a mortgage than with a leasehold property

• Ownership of your property is indefinite • You don’t have to report to a landlord • There’s no ground rent or service charges • You’re in control of the property and the associated services

Leasehold Property When you purchase a leasehold property, you only own it for the length of the agreed lease, which would have been decided by the freeholder.

Most flats and maisonettes are owned through a leasehold. With flats and maisonettes, your lease will cover your property but not the building your flat resides in. This means you’ll have to pay service charges for the things like hallway maintenance, or garden upkeep.

WHAT TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN BUYING A LEASEHOLD:

HOW TO EXTEND THE LEASE You can ask the freeholder to extend the lease at any time. However, in some cases it’s better to wait until you’ve owned your home for two years, as this means you’ll have the right to extend your lease by 90 years. You’ll have to first be a qualifying tenant, but in most cases, if the original lease was for more than 21 years, you’ll be fine.

The freeholder will be the one who extends the lease, as such, they will also set the price. If you’re unable to come to a fair and agreeable arrangement with the freeholder, you can appeal to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.

If it comes to legal action, you’ll have to hire a solicitor to manage your case and you may also need a surveyor. All these professionals cost money, so that’s another thing to bear in mind for your budget.

WHAT A FREEHOLDER MUST DO FOR A LEASEHOLDER You’re not powerless as a leaseholder. A landlord / freeholder must:

• Provide a report on maintenance costs upon request

• Indicate how prices and services have been decided on

• Provide receipts of any work carried out • Consult you on any building work that costs over £250

• Ask before starting any work that’ll last over a year

• Consult on any work that will cost you over £100 a year

• How many years are left on the lease, renewing

If you’re unhappy with the way your building is being managed, there are a couple of potential options to take.

• Make sure your budget can handle the

Appoint a new manager: you’ll have to first apply to make this change, and when you do, you’ll have to have proof of bad practise.

can be expensive and you’ll struggle to get a mortgage on any lease with less than 70 years left. maintenance costs you’ll pay to the freeholder, also known as the landlord. fund, whereby everyone contributes to a pot of money in case any unexpected costs arise in maintenance.

Take over the management: known as ‘Right to Manage’, the leaseholders set up their own management company and take ownership of certain building services. A good option if you’re unable to prove your freeholder is mismanaging your building.

depending when you sell, you’ll again have trouble if the lease has decreased to less than 70 years to go.

If you want further clarification on a specific leasehold or freehold property or you want a valuation then please contact your nearest branch and our property advisors can help you.

• You may also be asked to pay into a sinking

• Resale. Even if you secure a mortgage now,

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Fletcher Homes

Fletcher Homes are fast becoming one of Shropshire’s leading property developers with the majority of the first phase of new homes all sold within the first 12 months at their latest development, Berrington Meadows.

Halls have been working with Fletcher Homes as selling agents since the development began. Guy Bielby, Residential Director for Halls and manager of the Shrewsbury branch, has been working to market the homes His team deal with both office and online enquiries, whilst assisting interested parties with the excellent variety of properties available, in addition to marketing buyers’ existing homes through Fletchers’ Assisted Sales Scheme. He says,

“This has been a really popular spot. It is very close to Shrewsbury with all of its facilities and yet has a sense of calm and tranquillity that many look for in a country property. It is a great balance. The standard of the houses is superb and we very much hope that the new residents enjoy their new community.”

The development is located in the popular village of Cross Houses, just a few miles outside of Shrewsbury. It launched in December 2017 and within just a year new residents are moving in. Mr and Mrs Dimelow moved into their new home in October 2018. The couple chose a Fenemere Fletcher Homes house which is the largest on the development and has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The Dimelows moved from Yorkshire and have been very pleased with the smooth service they have received from Halls and Fletcher Homes.

Mr Dimelow commented on the couple’s new home,

“It’s an absolutely gorgeous house we’ve moved into and it was such a smooth move in. The team at Fletcher Homes have a real hands on approach which made our house move not only quick but also enjoyable. We can’t wait until everyone has moved in, it’s such a friendly community and a lovely estate.”

Phase two of Berrington Meadows development will commence in 2019, with 28 new homes due to launch. The homes will be available through Halls and if anyone is interested, they should contact the Shrewsbury office on 01743 236 444.

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Julia Clarke, Jeremy Lamond, David Giles, Karen Breese

Benevolent donation made to hospital ward In December we visited Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to meet with some of the staff who operate the dementia ward. Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals have had a hard time with the media recently and yet what we saw were staff working hard and patients who were grateful for tireless efforts.

to act as companions, DVD players that played archive footage to help patients relate to things that seemed more familiar and even flashing plastic cups that light up to remind them to drink because dehydration is so common, was all extremely interesting.

Our visit was to give a donation to the dementia ward. It is a ward that has helped family members of our staff and that helps many throughout the region.

There were 312 dementia inpatients at the hospital when we visited. Some there because it was the only safe place for them and others because they needed help before going back to their home.

David Giles, Halls Managing Director, and Jeremy Lamond, Fine Art Director, visited the hospital to present a cheque to Karen and her colleagues.

The cheque was for £4000. This, we were told, was such a generous donation that it would complete the ward’s aim of providing flashing cups to every patient and cut the risk of dehydration in the hospital dramatically. Karen said,

Meeting with Karen Breese, Dementia Clinical Specialist, made us aware of how many developments have been made by research and how many new techniques were being used to help care for those with dementia. The use of dolls and toy dogs

‘We can roll out the flashing cups to all the patients in every ward. Hydration is so important to dementia patients and these cups really help remind them to drink. It really will make all the difference, thank you so much.’

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LIFTING THE LID ON

PROPERTY AUCTIONS There is a preconceived idea when it comes to the type of properties sold at auction. Most people believe that the properties sold at auction are either repossessed properties or problem properties.

James Hickling Kidderminster Branch Manager

There is also a belief that auctions are only for cash buyers and savvy property investors who know the market inside out. However, this is a complete misconception which is now starting to be dispelled.

It’s estimated that almost a third of those at auctions are there for the first-time. In addition, the number of first-time buyers is also increasing as people

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look to take advantage of alternative methods of purchasing a property. One of the main attractions is the certainty and speed that auctions can provide.

Buying from an estate agent can take a significant amount of time but at auction, a purchase can be completed in just a few weeks. Once the hammer drops the bid is binding and the deal is struck.

As the successful bidder you will need to provide a 10% deposit once you have won the auction and you’ll be expected to settle the remaining balance within the following 20 to 30 days.

IDEAL AUCTION PROPERTY PROPERTIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

• Properties in need of updating make ideal auction lots.

• There are good levels of demand from builders

and developers or from private buyers keen to undertake a project for their own occupation or resale.

• Properties of this type also appeal to buy to let

investors who may carry out the improvements with a view to retaining the property as part of a property portfolio.

TENANTED PROPERTIES

• Residential houses and flats with tenants in

residence sell well at auction. With interest rates at a record low, sophisticated investors are looking very actively at both residential and commercial investment opportunities.

• In the commercial sector retail shops, offices,

industrial units, garage blocks and parking areas are all types of investment opportunities which can be very effectively sold by public auction. It does not matter whether they are vacant or tenanted we have a large number of investor clients who will consider all types of commercial investment.

AMENITY LAND AND OTHER PROPERTY

• We have enjoyed considerable success with sales of paddocks, amenity land, woodland and even fishponds!

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSITIONS

• Derelict or disused farm buildings, empty

commercial premises and buildings with potential for conversion or change of use can all sell well at auction.

• The development opportunities are not always

obvious and the auction process will expose the development proposition to the widest possible audience.

BUILDING LAND

• There is no better way of ensuring a seller

achieves best price for a building plot or parcel of development land than to offer it for sale by auction.

• Builders and private individuals alike are able

to consult with their architects, planners etc. and be ready to bid up to their maximum in the auction room.

• Some exceptional results have been achieved for building land even in the most difficult market conditions.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES

• Pinpointing the value and ensuring the

best prices achieved for the most individual properties is extremely difficult and this is precisely the type of property that often performs best in an auction environment.

BENEFITS OF SELLING BY PUBLIC AUCTION

• Short marketing period • Aggressive & widespread marketing campaign • Competitive bidding in a sales room environment

• Price achieved often exceeds the vendor’s expectations

• No chain; funds ready • Exchange of contracts following the fall of the hammer with a 10% deposit paid

• Fixed completion date within 28 days

If you come to Halls with property or land that you are considering selling at auction, we will offer free pre-sale advice from fully qualified auctioneers experienced in property auctions. If you want to work with us we can then prepare top quality marketing material and tailor made advertising.

With each sale we also liaise with legal advisers in the preparation of the auction contract. Halls has an excellent track record of selling property by auction that spans two centuries so if you would like help or advice with buying or selling a property of any kind at auction get in touch with your nearest Halls office.

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Jack Austerberry Watch Specialist Jack Austerberry is our new watch specialist. At just 18 he is the youngest specialist we have but don’t let his age lead you to think he is lacking in the necessary knowledge. Jack has been a watch enthusiast for six years and is a true horologist.

He spends much of his spare time taking apart, restoring, buying and selling watches and we are excited to have him on the team at Halls. In this article he explains how certain watches can be a good and affordable investment.

Within the last 10 years, the vintage watch market has gone crazy- prices of collectable watches from the “big 3” or “holy trinity” watch companies (Patek Phillipe, Vacheron and Constantin, and Audemars Piguet) have been exponentially increasing, as well as vintage Rolex prices. With many historically important pieces fetching millions at auction.

So, as a result, us mere mortals are left thinking that the only opportunity to own a remarkable and iconic timepiece will arise as a result of a lottery win. But what if I said your luck was about to change?

Here is a selection of some of my personal ‘top picks’, which I believe will be some of the auction headliners of the future, and the best part: they’re all under £1,000!

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VINTAGE WATCH Quality. Quality within horology can be defined in so many ways. Often it is originality? Nearly always condition but in most cases there are a variety of factors to consider, especially if you want to ensure a good resale value for the watch you buy.

My perception of quality all harks back to one word: eternityreferring to a watch’s ability to stand the test of time. This is partially why I tend to avoid purchasing quartz watches, as the movements are circuit boards- which [in my opinion] lacks the soul and potential longevity of a mechanical piece.

It has been said that vintage Bugatti’s don’t have flaws, merely characteristics- when I look at a watch I think of potential discrepancies within the piece as characteristics, as in many cases flaws are seen by collectors as marks of individuality. What may appear to one as discolouration, could just as well appear to someone else as an even patina.

Don’t let scratches on the case or crystal deter you from buying a watch; most scratches can easily be polished out using some Brasso, or compound on a polishing wheel/ dremel tool. Many people allow small scratches to be a deterrent, which is brilliant; because you can often find fantastic watches being sold for a much lower price than retail. In our auctions we have an ever increasing variety of watches so look out you may find a classic that is worth investing in.

FINE ART

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OMEGA

GENEVE DYNAMIC Much like the Rolex ‘Paul Newman Daytona’, the Omega dynamic is a formerly unwanted watch of yesteryear- with the evermore iconic elliptical ‘spaceship’ case, and integrated strap system, this watch epitomised modernity, and the sales figures spoke volumes to this revolutionary watch.

Between its first release in 1968 and 1972, over 1,000,000 units were sold. These watches are currently demanding prices between £500 and £1,200, depending on condition.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: The Omega Dynamic has a hermetically sealed monocoque case, meaning that the movement must be removed from the dial side of the case via the removal of the crystal. As a result, many watchmakers can charge an extra amount for a simple service. So if you’re looking at purchasing/ bidding for one, I urge you to receive a mechanical condition report, as a good service from a working jeweller will likely be in the £150-200 range.

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MUST DE CARTIER

TANK

THE WILDCARD WATCH Gold plated watches, from a brand that openly marketed the ‘Must De’ products as their lowend variety; what am I thinking? What if I said that in the last ten years that prices of a ‘Must De Cartier Tank’ in good condition have increased from approximately £150 to around £750. These watches were Cartier’s ‘entry level’ pieces, hence why they were gold plated as opposed to solid 18ct. The quintessential Cartier styling and modern construction of the watch made it the wristwatch of choice for Yves Saint Laurent himself.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Must De Cartier Tanks were produced using ‘Vermeil’ which is essentially gold plated 925 silver, which gave Cartier the edge over others in this category using traditional gold-plating techniques on a base metal. In terms of gold-plating, vermeil is the most expensive method. However, plated metal is still plated metal, so watch out for any signs of the gold plating rubbing off, if you can see silver underneath the gold then do keep in mind that the watch may need re-plating which can cost up to £100. The manual-wind movement will be the one to have in the future, so aim to find a mechanical piece.

UNIVERSAL GENEVE

WATCHES FROM THE 50’S-EARLY 60’S Up until about 20 years ago, one could find most watches from this company for very little money, alas, many collectors have caught onto the fact that the brand produced elegant, and incredibly well made wristwatches. Many Universal Geneve watches are achieving prices over £10,000. But some simple UG polerouters can still be found for under £1,000- but be quick!

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Universal Genève watches are now considered by many as pieces to rival vintage Rolex, and thus you will find examples that are claiming to be something that they’re not- thus beware of where you are buying from and make sure that the watch has been catalogued or described accurately by a trustworthy source.

MID-TWENTIETH CENTURY

MILITARY WATCHES

In terms of raw historical importance, watches from the ’40’s to the ’70’s that feature a ‘broad arrow’ on the dial and/or stamped on the caseback of a watch possess about as much history as one could ever want. These military consignments are a time capsule from a bygone era, and despite being very large in size in period, the case size is incredibly wearable by contemporary standards.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: As with anything that is becoming increasingly desirable, deceptive watches do appear in the marketplace. Perhaps the watch has a reworked dial that is replicating a more expensive version of itself, or that the case is not original.

With vintage watches, buyers tend not to look for ‘fakes’ as such; but should look for watches that contain original parts, but are not original. Many watch owners and enthusiasts have the skillset to perform repairs on watches, replacing waterdamaged dials etc... Just imagine what somebody could build with a financial incentive!

FINE ART

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Jerzy Pawlowski (1932-2005)

One of a set of three oils of Warsaw.

Estimated at ÂŁ400 - ÂŁ600 and to be sold in our fine art auction on the 20th March 2019.

Pawlowski was a fierce patriot. He fought in the Warsaw uprising during the closing stages of the second world war; represented his country as an Olympic fencer and was imprisoned for spying against the Warsaw Pact in the late 1970s.

He took up painting while in prison and on release followed this passion for the rest of his life.

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James Forster Pictures Specialist For further details on this and other works in our fine art sale please contact James Forster jamesf@hallsgb.com

FINE ART AUCTIONS CALENDAR Wed 9th January Collective

Wed 3rd July Collective

Wed 23rd January Books, Medals, Militaria & Toys

Wed 17th July Summer Fine Art

Wed 6th February Collective

Wed 7th August Collective

Wed 20th February Spring Fine Art

Mon 12th to Mon 26th August Timed Auction – Jewellery

Wed 6th March Collective

Wed 21st August Books, Medals, Militaria & Toys

Wed 20th March Fine Pictures, Silver & Jewellery

Wed 4th September Collective

Wed 3rd April Collective

Wed 18th September Fine Pictures, Silver, Jewellery & Watches

Fri 12th to Sun 28th April Timed Auction Modern & Contemporary Art

Wed 2nd October Collective

Wed 1st May Collective

Fri 11th to Sun 27th October Timed Auction Modern & Contemporary Art

Wed 15th May Asian Art

Wed 16th October Autumn Fine Art

Tues 21st to Fri 24th May Art Exhibition

Wed 6th November Collective

Wed 5th June Collective

Wed 20th November Asian Art

Wed 19th June Silver, Jewellery & Watches

Wed 11th December Winter Fine Auction

FINE ART

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David Lewis Toys & Models Specialist

At first glance, the humble model aeroplane kit does not immediately spring to mind as a collectable item, but the key requirements of strong interest and paucity of supply are increasingly driving values; so now is a good time to start collecting!

The inauguration of the commerciallyproduced, off-the-peg model, can be attributed to the 1932 Mark IV Interceptor of Charles Wilmot and Joe Mansour trading under the acronym Frog (Flies Right Off the Ground). This led to a series of almost ready-built rubberpowered flying aircraft, as the soubriquet suggests, and in 1936 to the world’s first plastic kits – the Frog “Penguins”.

These massively popular models were moulded in Cellulose Acetate and usually made to 1/72 scale, creating a Spitfire with a user-friendly wingspan of just over six inches. A collector will ideally be looking for the green-labelled box to be intact and the model should appear complete and include a container of glue, instructions and transfers. World War II saw widespread use of 1/72 for aircraft recognition models and massive leaps in injection moulding and hydrocarbon

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technology. Frog polystyrene kits were introduced in 1955, but the marketing skill and sales initiatives had been lost to Airfix, Frog’s parent company eventually failing in 1971.

In 1939 Hungarian communist refugee Nicholas Kove set up a company making air-filled rubber toys; Kove’s passion for being at the fore of any alphabetical listing and a penchant for words ending in “x” gave rise to the company name of Airfix, a title which was to prove serendipitous, but which owes nothing to aircraft. Production of military belt buckles kept Airfix fully occupied during the war, but the end of hostilities required a change of outlook, so to stave off post-war privations Kove invested in an injection-moulding machine for mass-production of hair combs. Illness saw Kove hiring Ralph Ehrmann who had

the vision to expand on the 1949 promotional Ferguson TE20 tractor kit which had been extensively sold

by Woolworth’s. In order to keep the price below the Woolworth’sstipulated two shillings, the Golden Hind kit was bagged, not boxed, with a header which featured the instructions on the reverse.

The 1953 release of a Supermarine Spitfire (with fuselage code B*TK) enabled sales to properly take-off and their meteoric rise Airfix led to floating on the stock exchange in 1957. Very early packages are rare and can be identified by “Airfix Products in Plastic” scroll logo.

The 1960’s saw perhaps the most paradigmatic packaging featuring the fabulously atmospheric and thoroughly-collectable artwork of Roy Cross; the first of these can be identified by a red stripe near the Airfix logo and description. Airfix expanded strongly until the difficult manufacturing circumstances of the early 1980’s saw their collapse in 1981 and a Palitoy/General Mills buy-out. This period gave us the nadir of Airfix boxing; gone were the child-inspiring dogfights and full-throttle afterburners; no more broadsides or blitzkrieg, shell-holes

or bullet pocks – all replaced by gloomy uninspiring photographs of models assembled to a distinctly mediocre standard, this boxing is fittingly blue to the ends and is unlikely to ever be collected by anyone – avoid!

Five years later Humbrol bought Airfix and 1987 saw the joyful return of colour paintings. Sadly, lack of investment from parsimonious parent companies and poor marketing decisions saw few new releases and over-sized re-boxing until Humbrol-Airfix was brought down by the catastrophic collapse of their French associate company Heller in August 2006.

November saw the purchase of Airfix by a resurgent Hornby and new enthusiasm for product investment. Dramatic computergenerated stylish artwork and an inspired choice of Anglo-centric new models has brought a significant reflux to the hobby of the same boys and girls who relish the glued fingers and paintdaubed tables and carpets of their youth. This loyal, long-suffering and knowledgeable clientele has returned to the fray; now armed with deeper pockets and rose-

tinted bifocals, baying for bygone models denied to them in their tender days.

If you are fortunate to own an early plastic kit the transfers are often yellowed and, almost certainly, useless – do not be tempted to throw them away as they form part of the yearned-for ephemera.

Although values are badly affected if the kit has been started in any way, large parts which have fallen off the moulding sprues are of lesser note. Ancient price labels should be left on; even if it says “reduced to 50p”! There are, of course, many more manufacturers than Frog and Airfix, many of whom are eminently collectable (Tamiya, Hawk, Monogram etc), but these represent the mainstay of the British market and still compose the majority of models to be found at auction. Happy hunting!

David Lewis is our toys and models specialist and is at Halls every Monday to help value any items you may want to sell.

01743 450 700 fineart@hallsgb.com

FINE ART

27

Tom Hunt Head of Marketing

LIFE IN A LIVESTOCK MARKET 28

I’ve known Richard (Dicky) Dawes since 2006 when a former employer of mine sent me to ‘Dinky’s Dinah’ on the A458 (Welshpool Road) for the Friday morning bacon sarnies. I arrived at a shack in a layby and was greeted with a shout from behind a small counter ‘Young Man… what would you like’. Ever since I have been popping in for the occasional sandwich and when I started at Halls Dicky told me to come and see him at the Livestock Market. Little did I know that the Dinky’s experience had been cloned within the market. When I arrived at the market for the first time Dicky was shouting out, with a wry smile, to all who approached his counter ‘Young Man…’ I sat down with Dicky to discuss his involvement with Shrewsbury Livestock Market, his memories and his thoughts on its future. Even though he was not from a farming family Dicky joined Nesscliffe Young Farmers and started what would be become a lifetime

association with the farming fraternity. ‘They’re the salt of the earth, you couldn’t hope to meet better people than farmers’ he says. Making sandwiches and serving breakfasts has introduced Dicky to all walks of life and farmers have always been at the core.

AUCTIONS

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‘In the late 80s, after my construction business went to wall I bought a burger van in a layby, well it was an old ambulance actually. We built up a good trade and then applied for planning permission to put in a permanent structure. It was denied by the Highways so we took it to appeal and had two MPs lobbying for us. It was finally granted in the mid-1990s and we were the first layby in the country with official planning permission on Crown (Highways) land. ‘ The expansion that Dicky was able to bring immediately made Dinky’s an iconic culinary hotspot for travellers and locals.

Some customers visit on their holidays to Wales others on their way to work or just because they have a hangover! And with this success came an opportunity, ‘David Giles [now MD of Halls] approached me when Shropshire Council were withdrawing from the catering at the market. This was when it was still on the old site at Harlescott, before it became Tescos. We moved in to the old dairy section and started serving breakfasts and sandwiches. We were well received and soon I was helping design the new canteen for the new Battlefield based Shrewsbury Auction Centre.’

The facility, which was built in 2006, is one of the best in the country and almost everyone who visits the auction pops in to Dicky’s canteen for a bite to eat, a cup of tea or just a chat.

Talking to Dicky I was beginning to appreciate that the livestock market represents far more than many would give it credit for. It is a bustling centre of the farming community bringing hundreds of farmers together. Dicky explains,

‘It’s a hub for the farming community, we get farmers from far and wide coming in, it’s a day out. It such a central location with a great road network, it means that farmers can travel from further away. There’s a gang on table 7 from out of county who always order one large and two small breakfasts. They stay all day but they are not here to buy livestock, they are here to socialise.’

Listening to Dicky I can tell that he has more invested in this than just a business, it’s a second home, a place to meet people and for people to meet. Like the farmers, he sees it as a place to mix and chat with contemporaries. As I cast an eye over the room it is clear that Dicky’s customers are mature farmers who’s sons or daughters have been left at home on the farm while they take the opportunity to catch up on local news, see their friends and handle the buying and selling of animals. I ask, ‘why no youngsters Dicky?’ and the answer is an obvious but nonetheless important one, ‘The youngsters have no time to come and spend the day at an auction, they are on the farm working. Farming has become more of a business in a way that it never was. Some farms have become very big whilst others have struggled. The next generation have been university educated, and are learning to run their farms differently because of the pressures they are under. In the future many will send their animals direct to wholesalers to speed thing up, sadly they just don’t have time to come to auction.’

So is the concept of the livestock auction dying? Well based on

Halls sales in 2018 it is actually on the rise but it is clear that whilst bringing animals to market is still a needed and trusted way to buy and sell there are threats in the future.

However, I believe the livestock market model is safe because it’s not all about buying and selling, it’ s a community hub that is valued by farmers in a way that money can’t buy. Dicky adds, ‘If these men weren’t here they would be at home… coming to auctions is something to do’.

And that’s it… coming to an auction gives them ‘something to do’, they can reminisce, compare notes and meet with peers who share their problems. Many have known each other since they were young and the market has given them a place to keep those friendships alive.

So, can anyone come to a market?

‘Of course’ says Dicky, ‘I would say to anyone, whether they be in agriculture or not, to come and experience an auction. You can see how it all works and if you come to one of the special sales like a rare breed sale, a Hereford cattle or Texel sheep sale you will see the lengths owners go to present their animals and maximise their price at auction, it’s a real show’.

Shrewsbury Livestock Market has sales every Tuesday and most Thursdays. There is a full list of sales in this magazine but if you want more information contact Jonny Dymond, Shrewsbury Auction Centre Manager on 01743 462 620 jonnyd@hallsgb.com

AUCTIONS

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LIVESTOCK Shrewsbury Auction Centre Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3DR

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

Tuesday 8th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 5th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 5th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 2nd Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Thursday 9th Store Cattle

Tuesday 11th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Thursday 10th Store Cattle

Thursday 7th Orange Market

Tuesday 22nd Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Thursday 14th Store Cattle

Thursday 14th Store Cattle Evening Sale of Hoggets

Thursday 4th Evening Sale of Hoggets

Thursday 24th Store Cattle

Tuesday 19th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls Tuesday 25th Dairy Young stock Thursday 28th Store Cattle

Tuesday 19th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls Thursday 21st Evening Sale of Hoggets Tuesday 26th Dairy Young stock Thursday 28th Store Cattle Evening Sale of Hoggets

Tuesday 9th Robin Maund Cup Dairy Show and Sale Thursday 11th Store Cattle Evening Sale of Hoggets Tuesday 16th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 14th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls and Sale of Hereford Cattle (HCBA) Tuesday 21st Dairy Young stock Thursday 23th Store Cattle Tuesday 28th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Thursday 20th Store Cattle Tuesday 25th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls and Dairy Young stock Saturday 29th Premier Breeders Sale of Hampshire Downs Sheep

Thursday 30th TB orange Cattle

Thursday 18th Evening Sale of Hoggets Tuesday 23rd Dairy Young stock Thursday 25th Store Cattle Evening Sale of Hoggets

Bishops Castle

Tuesday 30th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Station Street, Bishops Castle, SY9 5DD

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JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

Thursday 17th Store Cattle

Thursday 21st Store Cattle

Thursday 7th DQCA Sale

Thursday 4th Store Cattle

Thursday 2nd DQCA

Thursday 13th Store Cattle

Thursday 21st Store Cattle

Thursday 18th Store Cattle

Thursday 16th Store Cattle

AUCTIONS 01743 462 620

hallsgb.com/auctions

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Tuesday 9th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 6th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 3rd Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 1st Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 5th Bill Higgins Cup Dairy Show and Sale

Thursday 5th Store Cattle

Tuesday 16th Catalogue Sale of Breeding Sheep

Thursday 8th Store Cattle

Thursday 5th Store Cattle

Thursday 7th Store Cattle

Tuesday 13th Catalogue Sale of Breeding Sheep

Saturday 7th Shropshire and Borders Texel Club Annual Show and Sale

Thursday 3rd TB Restricted Cattle

Thursday 18th Store Cattle Saturday 20th Suffolk Sheep Sale Tuesday 23th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls Thursday 25th TB orange Cattle Sunday 28th Traditional and Rare Breed Sale Tuesday 30th Catalogue Sale of Breeding Sheep and including Pedigree Charollais Sheep

Tuesday 20th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls Thursday 22th Store Cattle Tuesday 27th Catalogue Sale of Breeding Sheep & Dairy Young stock Thursday 29th TB orange Cattle

Tuesday 10th Catalogue Sale of Breeding Sheep Tuesday 17th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls Thursday 19th Store Cattle Tuesday 24th Breeding Sheep & Dairy Young stock

Tuesday 8th Catalogue Sale of Breeding Sheep Thursday 10th Store Cattle Tuesday 15th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls Tuesday 22nd Catalogue Sale of Breeding Sheep & Dairy Youngstock

Tuesday 10th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Tuesday 12th Show and Sale of Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Saturday 14th Hereford Calf Show & DGS 2019

Thursday 21st Store Cattle

Tuesday 17th Bryan Challenor Cup Dairy Show and Sale

Tuesday 26th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls

Thursday 19th Store Cattle – Plus Annual Sale of Christmas Poultry

Tuesday 29th Weanlings, Cows, Calves and Young Bulls - Annual Sale of South Devon Cattle Thursday 31st Store Cattle

01588 638 639

hallsgb.com/auctions

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Thursday 11th Store Cattle

Thursday 15th Store Cattle

Friday 6th Love Lane 1st Sheep Sale

Saturday 5th Love Lane 2nd Sheep Sale

Thursday 14th Bishops Castle Store Cattle

Thursday 26th Store Cattle

Thursday 17th Store Cattle – Tom Gittins Cup

Thursday 28th Bishops Castle Store Cattle

DECEMBER

Thursday 24th Store Cattle (DQCA

AUCTIONS

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2018 Thoughts of

David Giles Managing Director

As an exceptionally busy year draws to a close, we can all ask the usual question: where has the time gone?

We came out of a harsh winter into a very wet spring and before we knew it we were into a long hot summer which we have probably all wanted for many a long year.

What we did not and could not have anticipated is that it would go on and on and on. To be able to sit outside almost every night in a continental type atmosphere was fantastic, so long as no damage was being done. The only downside is of course that damage was done which livestock farmers, in particular are paying for dearly. The summer weather left the vast majority short of fodder, which is now beginning to tell. Every dairy farmer needs a strong milk price and every beef and sheep farmer needs a strong meat trade to help offset those higher costs.

Arable farmers may have seen crop volumes diminish in some cases but this has been more than offset by higher commodity prices. We see continual diversity of farm business which enables them to be very resilient and very often puts them in a position to take on other opportunities as they arise.

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The farm and land market look to be in good shape as we go into the New Year with various entities due to come onto the market, but equally very strong enquiries from farmers wishing to expand through land purchase, letting and alternative arrangements.

The strength of the residential property market is underlined by the fact that we have conducted 10% more sales in 2018 than we did in 2017. Add to this a vibrant commercial property section underlines how well-set Halls are to cover the complete property portfolios.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients for putting their faith in our many professional staff and allowing Halls to conduct business on their behalf. Very best wishes to you all, we hope you have a prosperous 2019.

MACHNERY SALES CALENDAR Kidderminster The Gallops, Stanklyn Lane Stone, Kidderminster, Worcs DY10 4AR 01562 820 880 / 820 990

Shrewsbury Auction Centre Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury SY4 3DR 01743 462 620

Friday 25th January

Friday 1st February

Friday 22nd February

Friday 5th April

Friday 29th March

Friday 7th June

Friday 26th April

Friday 2nd August

Friday 31st May

Friday 4th October

Friday 28th June

Friday 6th December

Friday 26th July Friday 30th August Friday 27th September Friday 25th October Friday 29th November hallsgb.com/auctions Catalogue Entries: 12 Days Prior To The Sale. Catalogues Can Be Downloaded From Our Web Site: www.hallsgb.com Delivery Of Items To Be On The Thursday 8am – 5pm Prior To The Sale Day All Items Must Be Removed Before 12 Noon Saturday Following The Sale Day

AUCTIONS

35

P R E M I U M C O M M E RC I A L P RO P E RT Y

CIM

COASTAL ESTATE Bwlchtocyn, ‘’Abersoch’’, Gwynedd, North Wales LL53 7BY 36

It is rare that a piece of land, with property and regular income streams on the Welsh coast becomes available, but this one has its own beach and is an opportunity to acquire an unbroken estate.

The land at Cim Coastal Estate extends to approximately 383 acres and provides a balance of leisure and agricultural income with significant potential for further enhancement of the leisure offer. Located in close proximity to the much loved town of Abersoch this is a chance for any investor to own a piece of Wales that has almost never-ending potential or could just be a lovely place to live.

THE PROPERTY PROVIDES: • Substantial detached former farmhouse divided

into three holiday letting properties, each with five en-suite bedrooms

• Caravan storage area with five barns suitable for approximately 250 touring caravans and boats

• Stone barns with existing implemented planning

permission for development into 3 or more holiday cottages to enhance the leisure offering

• Caravan site with capacity for 30 seasonal touring caravans

• Camping field and children’s play area • Owner’s private three bedroom residence which could offer further residential letting accommodation/ income

• A landholding extending to approx. 274.17 acres

(110.96 ha) and 95.20 acres (38.53 ha) of headland

• A coastal frontage of 2 miles that benefits from a beach with a significant frontage

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

37

P R E M I U M C O M M E RC I A L P RO P E RT Y

The successful buyer will acquire an outstanding unbroken estate with significant potential for further enhancement of the leisure facilities and alternative uses (subject to any statutory consents) which is located on the edge of the highly regarded town of Abersoch.

If you want to own a private estate in Wales with a beach and potential to run multiple business enterprises we suggest you contact us to discuss the full extent of this wonderful property.

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Offers are invited over ÂŁ5 million and any interested parties should contact James Evans on 01743 450 700 or email james.evans@hallsgb.com

Halls provide a comprehensive commercial property service.

Whether you are looking to buy, sell, rent or develop, the Halls commercial property team will help you achieve your business objectives in a way that is appropriate for your situation.

Sales Lettings Valuations Property Investment Auctions Building surveying Development Consultancy Property & Asset management

STAFFORDSHIRE

NORTH WALES

SHROPSHIRE

WEST MIDLANDS

WORCESTERSHIRE

Halls Commercial: Halls Holdings House, Bowmen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury, SY4 3DR 01743 450 700 commercialmarketing@hallsgb.com hallsgb.com/commercial

C O M M E RC I A L P RO P E RT Y F O C U S

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

5 Market Street

Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1BP Commercial shop premises with uppers in the sought-after town of Ludlow requiring refurbishment for residential consent.

Fronting onto Market Street in the Town Centre of Ludlow Benefiting from planning consent and listed building consent for mixed residential / commercial conversion An enclosed rear yard area Offers in excess of ÂŁ200,000 (exclusive)

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Unit 1 & 2, 5 Watergate Street

Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 1DP A substantial two storey property located in a prime retail position in the town centre of Whitchurch.

The property provides a Total Floor area of approximately 6,212 sq ft (583.31 sq m) Substantial property currently arranged as two shop units with a Total Sales Area of approximately 6,212 sq ft (537.31m sq) Prime retail location in the town centre of the market town of Whitchurch Suitable for a variety of retail and leisure uses (subject to statutory consents) Arranged currently as two shop units Offers in excess of ÂŁ900,000 (exclusive)

FOR SALE

Oakdale Beds

Units 20-21 Ellesmere Business Park, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 0EW A rare opportunity to acquire a modern detached commercial/business unit with parking in the premier commercial estate in Ellesmere.

Modern detached commercial/business unit of approximately 8,072 sq ft (750 sq m) Providing ground floor offices and showroom, along with warehouse accommodation Self-contained office suite with kitchen and toilets The property benefits from a generously sized car parking forecourt area.

Offers in the region of £750,000 (exclusive)

TO LET

First Floor, Demolition House Forge Way, Dorrington, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 7JW First Floor Office/Business/Leisure Space Central village location in proximity to the county town of Shrewsbury Total Net Internal Floor Area 1,159 sq ft (107.65 sq m) Generous car parking provision £8,100 per annum

18, St Georges Court

PARKING SPACE FOR SALE

Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 8BJ An opportunity to acquire a car parking space in Shrewsbury Situated close to Frankwell Roundabout opposite Majestic Wines Within walking distance to Town Centre £25,000

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

41

C O M M E RC I A L P RO P E RT Y F O C U S

FOR SALE/TO LET

Unit 5, Puma Court

Kings Business Park, Knowsley, L34 1PJ High quality office building for sale or to let.

Two storey offices extending to 9,523 sq ft (884.74 sq m) The property includes 26 car spaces (1:366 sq ft) For Sale: £1,190,000 (Exclusive) Rent: £123,500 per annum (Exclusive)

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FOR SALE FOR SALE

5 Old Street

Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1NW A rare opportunity to acquire a substantial property in commercial use and with residential potential in the sought after town of Ludlow. The property has significant development potential subject to statutory consents and provides an attractive investment /development opportunity Prominent Grade 2 listed property located fronting onto Old Street, Ludlow Provides an attractive investment/ development opportunity Total Net Sales Area of approximately 484 sq ft Significant development potential, subject to statutory consents Offers in excess of £500,000 (exclusive)

30 High Street & 1-3 Earl Road

Mold, UK, Flintshire CH7 1AX A rare opportunity to acquire a prominent retail investment in the centre of the established market town of Mold.

The properties are located in the centre of the established market town of Mold, fronting onto High Street and Earl Road The properties are let on informal lease agreements currently producing an annual income of £27,300 per annum The premises comprise five fully tenanted, lock-up shop premises located at the junction of High Street and Earl Road The properties offer further significant asset management opportunities in the future including potential conversion Current rental income of £27,300 per annum.

Offers in excess of £330,000

Chez Sophie

BUSINESS FOR SALE

10 Mardol Head, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1HD A rare opportunity to acquire a prominently located licenced business.

A well-established business trading in the sale of crêpes and as a restaurant Prominent town centre position, within the sought-after town of Shrewsbury Potential for further growth Offers in the region of £120,000 plus SAV for the purchase of the business goodwill (exclusive).

The current rent is £25,000 per annum.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

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Common land accounts for nearly 400,000 ha in England and includes some of our most iconic locations, such as the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Dartmoor.

There are over 7,000 commons registered in England and here in Shropshire, some of our most beautiful landscape features are also common land, with the Long Mynd being perhaps the best-known.

But...

WHAT IS

Louise Preece BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV Rural Chartered Surveyor

COMMON LAND?

Common land can be loosely described as land over which certain people hold beneficial rights, when they do not actually own it.

This does not mean that common land belongs to everyone, in fact the majority of common land is privately owned (for example the Long Mynd is owned by the National Trust) but managed by a “community” of users who hold rights over the land, together with the landowner.

The law relating to the possession of common rights is both ancient and complex and can vary from common to common. They are a legacy of the manorial system which pre-dates even the monarchy. Many rights were established through custom or by the implied or express granting of rights by the landowner, or the “Lord of the Manor”

THE MOST WIDESPREAD RIGHTS OVER ACOMMON INCLUDE:

• Right to graze

(known as a right of ‘pasturage’ or ‘herbage’)

• Right to take timber or gorse

(known as a right of ‘estover’)

• Right to take peat or turf

(known as a right of ‘turbary’)

• Right to take sand and gravel (known as a right of ‘marl’)

• Right to take access

over the land on foot (known as the ‘right to roam’)

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The area of Common Land in England might only equate to 3% of total land, but it is disproportionately important because commons provide so many benefits to society from ecological, recreational and cultural perspectives. Approximately 39% of the open access land enjoyed by so many is also common land and 11% of our very important Scheduled Monuments are located on common land.

In Shropshire, and indeed the rest of Great Britain, commons are perhaps most fundamental to agriculture, particularly in the uplands and on more marginal land. Farmers not only turnout livestock to graze, but manage common land through important conservation and environmental stewardship schemes.

Evidence of the method and extent of grazing livestock on the Long Mynd, as far back as the Bronze and Iron Age exists, and today the Commoners continue this ancient practice, making the hill what it is today. This is the case across the country.

Common land is at the heart of our most loved and visited places and the management carried out by both commoners and the landowners delivers so many public benefits.

Shaun Jones BSc Hons MRICS FAAV Rural Director

Pennine Pods Ltd manufacture different and distinctive Hobbit Houses covered with grass, living or artificial.

Ideal for Embankments and even underground. Be different create high occupancy levels, high rental and quicker return on your investment. Bespoke structures available, any style, shape, or colour.

T: 016974 75713 www.penninepods.co.uk.

FARMERS LOOKING INTO

HOBBIT HOMES

Following the Brexit vote and the proposed reduction in Basic Payment, many farmers are carefully considering their enterprises. The last 10 years have seen many new entrants into broiler or free-range egg production. We have secured planning consent for many sites with a 100% success rate and have a number of current applications which we are currently handling.

A more recent opportunity is rural leisure with camping pods, log cabins and yurts. The number of recent applications in Shropshire and adjoining counties shows a strong demand for holiday accommodation in our green and pleasant land. We are currently handling an application for nine Hobbit Homes in Powys adjoining an existing holiday let business operated by the entrepreneurial applicant.

The introduction of a new income stream which is not reliant on government support and isn’t exposed to commodity price fluctuation is an objective for many farmers. Fortunately, glamping and other holiday let accommodation units can suit a very rural location where a poultry

enterprise may not be suitable on highway grounds.

Farmers interested in a new venture should consider the need for planning consent, VAT treatment, finance and grant availability for the projects.

Halls can assist with planning application advice. Contact Shaun Jones on 01743 450 700 or email shaunj@hallsgb.com

RURAL PROFESSIONAL

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Lunch Menu

Soup of the day with crusty bread

£4.50

The Shropshire Pasty Local lamb, potatoes, onions and swede in freshly made buttery shortcrust pastry Takeaway Eat in with coleslaw and a side salad

£4.00 £5.50

Breakfast/Brunch Menu

Sandwiches and Wraps on white or granary bread, a wrap or gluten free All served with homemade coleslaw and a side salad

Served until 12pm

Cheese and pickle

Toast £1.50 white or granary bread, with jam or marmalade G.F. available

Egg mayonnaise Tuna mayonnaise

£4.00

Prawn marie-rose

Bacon and sausage bap or wrap

£5.00

Sweet chilli chicken

Add a fried egg

£0.60

£5.00 BLT crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato with mayo on white or granary bread, wrap or ciabatta Eggs on toast fried, poached or scrambled

£4.50

Baked beans on toast

£4.50

Mushrooms on toast

£5.50

Toasted bagel with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs

£6.00

Coronation chicken

£5.00

Or choose any of the above fillings as a salad £5.50 £6.00 Toasties/Panini All served with homemade coleslaw and a side salad Ham and cheddar Bacon, brie and cranberry Three cheese and red onion Tuna, cheese melt Cheese and tomato Tomato, basil pesto, mozzarella (panini only) £8.00 Halls’ steak sandwich Served in a ciabatta roll with sweet red onions and mustard mayo, chips and dressed leaves Jacket potatoes Served with homemade coleslaw and a side salad

£6.50 Breakfast burrito bacon, sausage, mushrooms, fried egg and melted cheese in a tortilla parcel

Baked beans

£8.00 Full English breakfast Bacon, sausage, egg, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms & toast

Tuna

£8.00 Full vegetarian breakfast avocado, tomatoes, mushrooms, poached eggs, watercress on toasted sourdough

£4.50

Ham and tomato with mustard mayonnaise

Bacon or sausage bap or wrap

£6.00 Alex’s Breakfast Hash Sautéed potatoes, onions, smoked bacon lardons and black pudding pieces on a bed of buttery spinach served with a fried egg on top (substitute black pudding for sausage if you prefer)

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Served from 12pm onward

Alex and his team prepare fresh, traditional favourites using local ingredients. The menu is honest and unfussy so you get exactly what you want with no surprises. We hope you can join us to enjoy your choice from the menu soon.

Coleslaw Cheese £5.50

Prawn marie-rose Coronation chicken Spicy chilli

£6.00

Chips

£2.80

THE MEANING

OF SOUP

It’s warming, comforting, healing, diverse, full of flavour and can be any colour. Soup is amazing! You can make soup with pretty much any vegetable, meat and use any amount of herbs, stock and seasoning. In Britain we spent £78 million on fresh soup in 2007 but our hunger for soup is definitely on the rise because at last count in 2017 we spent £134 million (almost double). As far back as the 12th Century, physicians were recommending chicken soup - known as “Jewish penicillin” - to combat a cold. Modern science has since found their instincts were largely right and it can be soothing and antiinflammatory for those with colds.

So soup is the unsung hero of the kitchen, an easy hearty meal that has the power to make you feel better. However, not many of us make it. We buy it in cans, spend £134 million on it fresh but simply can’t be bothered to put it together ourselves.

Maybe it is the time it takes to make a soup, maybe it is that we have never really considered it because you can buy it so cheaply or maybe it is

because you never think you fancy soup until you see it on a menu.

At The Auction Café, Alex Miles, has freshly made soup on the menu pretty much all year round because there are always customers who ask for it. Often he has two or three soups on offer each day, especially in winter. Spiced butternut squash, broccoli and stilton, beetroot the list goes on. He says, ‘Soup is so versatile, you can make it with pretty much anything. The most interesting thing about soup is that every region in every nation has its own take on it.’

And he’s right. From Miso to Clam Chowder the whole world loves soup and every culture has its take on it. In Thailand they make super spicy broths. In India they make Dahl soup. In Spain they love Gazpacho (cold soup). To some cities it is a perfectly good reason to have a festival, like in Toronto where they celebrate soup for two days!

At Halls we celebrate soup in our café every day so if you want a bowl of warming, satisfying soup pop in.

FOOD

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