Telford Your NEW community magazine
NEWS AND VIEWS AFFECTING YOUR TOWN DIRECTORY LISTING OF LOCAL BUSINESSES COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY GUIDE AND MUCH MUCH MORE!
July 2009
HOME IS
HOME IS
Telford Welcome to the first edition of HOME IS TELFORD, a brand new monthly community magazine and web site for the wonderful town of Telford! HOME IS TELFORD is written by residents FOR residents and its aims are to promote the town we live and work in, provide the residents of Telford with an independent voice, and provide businesses in Telford with an effective shop window in these difficult times. My wife Alison and I have lived in Telford for five years now since we moved up to Shropshire from Northamptonshire and have been very happy here. We believe that Telford gets an unfairly negative image in the press and media and we hope we can play some small part in putting that right through this magazine! We’ll promote all the many good things about our town and ensure that areas for improvement are discussed and solutions suggested! We want this to be YOUR magazine so please let us know what you like/dislike about it and what you would like to see in it. We are particularly keen to encourage local contributors so get in touch if this appeals to you!
Mike Lynch Editor, Home is Telford
CONTENTS news and views News roundup ................................. New dawn for town centre .....
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health & beauty Latest news .......................................... Keeping safe in the sun ................
10 12
home and gardens Latest news .......................................... Add value to your home .............. Garden calendar ..............................
14 16 18
out and about Latest news .......................................... Great days out ....................................
20 22
sport and leisure Latest news .......................................... Fab Four .................................................. Club watch ..........................................
24 26 30
business Latest news .......................................... Advertising Rates ..............................
32 34
community Latest news .......................................... Gift of Life .............................................. Why don’t you...................................... Credit crunch blues ......................... What’s on................................................ Your voice...............................................
36 38 40 42 44 48
news and views
NEWS ROUNDUP We keep you updated on what’s been happenning in and around your town with our news roundup section! TELFORD MP DEFENDS EXPENSES BILL Telford MP David Wright has defended his recent expenses claim, the highest submitted by a Shropshire MP. He claimed £147,323 in the year up to March 2008, including more than £22,000 spent on renting a onebedroom flat in London. “I claimed £147,000 just over, but it doesn’t go directly into my pocket and this is the point we have to make,” he said. “Of the money that’s available, around £90,000 of that pays for my staff, my office, my photocopying, my electric bills and my office in Telford the running costs of being an MP.” “The truth is that the majority of the 646 MPs in parliament of all parties are hard working and honourable people. It is important that we now put in place an independently regulated expenses system so that we can rebuild public trust.”
TELFORD VOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM PLAY-OFF FAILURE The management of AFC Telford vowed to come back strongly from the disappointment of losing 1-0 to
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Gateshead in the Blue Square North play-off in May and ensure that they are promoted automatically when the new season starts in August. “We did not perform as well as we could. We did not get the run of the ball and when we did have chances we didn’t take them” stated assistant manager Larry Chambers. “Our supporters gave us fantastic support and I feel they deserved better. When you fail you feel like you’ve let them down”.
ANGER MOUNTS OVER PATIENTLINE Growing numbers of patients at the Princess Royal Hospital are not using the TV facilities because of the high cost and complexity of the system. The system, called Patientline, can cost over £15 per week to operate, claim local support group The League of Friends. Patient groups are incensed that negative feedback has not been acted on and are dismayed to hear that the owners of the system are to press ahead with plans to upgrade the system in the summer which they say will make it easier to use, but not cheaper. The League of Friends have expressed particular concern that elderly patients are suffering because
of the costs, which are only likely to rise if fewer patients use the system. Surprisingly, both the NHS trust and the company running the service have stated that they have had no complaints about the system and therefore believe that there are no issues to address.
BIRTHDAY FOR LONDON LINK The company which operates Shropshire’s direct rail link to London has celebrated its first birthday and announced that Easter was its busiest fortnight yet with nearly 9,000 people using the service. “We are delighted to be celebrating our first year of service and are proud to have made travelling more affordable and convenient for passengers” said Andy Hamilton, Wrexham & Shropshire’s managing director. It was a double celebration for the railway as they also saw off a potential competitive service from Virgin Trains that could have had serious implications for the profitability of the line.
COUNCIL LOSES ‘EXCELLENT’ RATING Telford & Wrekin Council have been assessed as a three star council by the
HOME IS
“The future of the Telford Tigers, the English Premier League ice hockey club, is in doubt as the current owners struggle to find a credible buyer for the club they have owned for six years”
Telford EDITOR Mike Lynch COMMERCIAL MANAGER Alison Lynch TELEPHONE 01952 201657 EMAIL enquiries@homeistelford.co.uk WEB SITE www.homeistelford.co.uk ADDRESS Unit 31 Business Development Centre Stafford Park 4 Telford TF3 3BA
Audit Commission, one down from their rating in 2008 of four stars, the top rating which they had held for the past five years. The slip in rating was due to issues over its services for children and young people, particularly the support given to children experiencing domestic abuse and the inequalities in GCSE exam performance between schools in the region. The Audit Commission praised the Council’s regeneration plans, which have already included further redevelopment of the council’s problem housing estates. They also praised the completion on time and on budget of Telford’s new £8 million International Railfrieght Park in Donnington.
TIGERS FUTURE IN DOUBT The future of the Telford Tigers, the English Premier League ice hockey club, is in doubt
as the current owners struggle to find a credible buyer for the club they have owned for six years. It seems the economic downturn has deterred potential bidders and time is running out for any new owners to secure the current crop of players for the coming season. “Telford deserves to have an ice hockey team performing at the highest level possible - and the planned new ice rink could be the facility to bring Elite League hockey to Shropshire,” said current owner David Candlin, who is stepping down to pursue other personal and professional ambitions. It is ironic that there is a question mark over the future of the team at the time that the council have announced the building of a brand new ice rink that could enable the team to reach the Elite division of the sport.
Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this publication are accurate, the publishers and contributors cannot accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions for any reason. HOME IS TELFORD does not endorse any advertising material published within this magazine and does not accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers or for the views or comments expressed by contributors. © Copyright 2009 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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news and views
SUCCESS FOR FOOD PROJECT
CREDIT UNION NEED YOUR HELP
A pilot project to encourage families in Telford to use their local shops and markets has been hailed a great success by the town council. The Food Champions Project encouraged five families in the pilot study to shop locally, plan their food buying and not buy on impulse, with the aim of saving money and supporting local businesses. The brainchild of council employee Matt James, it has resulted in the families saving up to 25% of their usual shopping bill. The results will now be assessed before any plans are made to expand the scheme. Let us know what you think of the scheme.
MWS Credit Union are appealing for donations of computer equipment to enable them to continue their work in providing residents of Madeley, Woodside and Sutton Hill with advice and low interest loans. Please email emworthy@blueyounder.co.uk if you can help!
REALITY STARS WOW TELFORD CROWDS Reality TV stars Same Difference and Signature visited the shopping centre in May and played to capacity crowds. There were minor problems with crowd control but the centre management were pleased with the huge numbers attending the event and vowed to bring more free entertainment to the centre in the future.
MUSEUM STEP NEARER A plan for Wellington to have its own town museum is a step nearer fruition after the Town Council released revised plans for the future of Edgbaston House, a former solicitors’ and coroner’s office after it was originally earmarked for demolition.
COMMUNITY BOOST FOR ADMASTON Admaston Community House Centre Trust have been awarded over £300,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s community
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buildings programme grant fund to extend the centre, creating a new single story annexe, utility room, meeting rooms and toilets. Co-funding has been contributed by St Christopher’s Trust, who will move their operations to Admaston House, when the work is complete, enabling them to work with local families and children.
CIVIC HUB PLANS UNVEILED Telford Council have unveiled plans for a development of around £8 million to create a new civic hub in Wellington. The Wellington regeneration concept includes a new registry office, a new state-of-the-art modern library to replace the existing library, and modern office accommodation for up to 200 people. The project will also create a new public square near the town centre.
BLUE BOX RECYCLING COMES TO TELFORD New containers that the council claim will make it easier to recycle are now starting to be delivered to every home in Telford that gets a kerbside recycling service. The new containers will include a divider for the existing recycling box to split the box in half, a smaller blue box with lid for paper, and a new bag for cardboard that can be folded and stored away when not in use. The divider for the existing recycling box will enable households to seperate glass from tins and cans. The council are aiming to ensure that all of the new containers are delivered by October. Further details are available on the Telford Council web site at www. telford.gov.uk
EDITORIAL More bad press for Telford and the ongoing row over MP expenses rages on WELCOME! Welcome to our new monthly magazine for you, the residents and businesses of Telford! My wife Alison and I hope you enjoy our new venture and we welcome your feedback on how we can develop the magazine in the coming months!
REPUTATION Before we came to live in Telford five years ago, we heard a fair amount of negative press about the town, much of which is undeserved and completely unfounded. So it was interesting to watch the recent storyline in popular BBC TV soap EASTENDERS that tarred Telford with a ‘worse than Walford’ tagline. Representatives from our town publicly welcomed the news that new character Danielle was to hail from Telford, one representative even being quoted as saying that “there are a lot of people working to put Telford on the map and this will help”. Clearly, those of us who have watched Eastenders before knew with a heavy heart that it would all end in tears, and it did! Danielle was duly killed off and the scriptwriters gave Telford a fond farewell when Danielle’s best friend Stacey went to the funeral in Telford, took one step out of the car and said with a scowl “no wonder she came to Walford”. It may only be a soap but surely someone representing the town should have come out and complained about the depiction of Telford in the show - any town dubbed worse than living in Walford has got to be pretty bad in the eyes of the huge audience that the show gets! What
do you think? Does the depiction of our town on TV make any real difference?
WITHIN THE RULES Our first edition would not be complete without mentioning the story of the year, namely MP expense claims. Our own MP had not been part of the Telegraph’s revelations at the time we went to print, and it is important for all of us to remember that there are surely many MP’s who are honest and trustworthy. The saddest aspect of the whole sorry saga for me has been those MPs who use the phrase “it’s within the rules”. These are the very people who set the rules and it is clear that they seem to have been written to allow as much creative accounting to take place as is possible. For example, is it really right to allow an MP with wealth we can only dream of to claim on a mortgage for their London flat - all within the rules MPs wrote for themselves but surely those who can afford to do so should pay for their own accommodation. Many benefits provided by government are means tested - why aren’t MP expenses??? Let us know what you think - HOME IS TELFORD will publish the best responses in our next issue. I hope you enjoy HOME IS TELFORD and we look forward to hearing from you!
LOOKING FOR A LOCAL BUSINESS SERVICE OR SUPPLIER? Our magazine is split into seven sections - find the section relevant to what you are looking for and you will find local businesses and community groups listed in these colour sections. From next month, we will also be carrying full colour advertisements, again positioned in the relevant section to enable you to quickly find what you are looking for! HOME IS TELFORD is your guide to what’s going on in your town so please support the local businesses listed in YOUR magazine!
Mike Lynch Editor, Home is Telford
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news and views
feature
NEW DAWN FOR TOWN CENTRE We take a look at the two major redevelopment projects that are set to transform the town centre in the next decade The centre of Telford is set for a remarkable transformation in the coming decade if two major redevelopment projects come to fruition. However, the projects are set to be developed independent of each other and may even end up in court in a move that could prove damaging for the future of both projects. The first project in question is called the Southwater development and aims to redevelop Southwater in the town centre (the area around the lake (pictured below) in front of the Ice Rink down to the International Centre and up to the square in front of the library), with the intention of “creating a vibrant and active heart for Telford” over a ten year period starting in 2010. It is led by Transforming Telford, an economic development group that is working with partners Telford & Wrekin Council, Homes and Communities Agency, Advantage West Midlands and the Southwater Events Group.
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The proposals include offices, residential accommodation, leisure facilities, a Learning and Media Centre, retail units, bars and restaurants, provision for a new Meeting Point House and conference/events facilities. It is also proposed to include a redesigned water feature, public square, park promenade and a new
pedestrian High Street. “This exciting development will provide up to 400 new homes and up to 2000 new jobs” said a spokesman for Transforming Telford. They have already held a three day exhibition for residents to see the plans and provide feedback on the plans and they report that feedback has been “very favourable”. The development will retain and relocate the Ice Rink and Bowling Alley
but will have a significant impact on Southwater Lake, the stretch of water in front of the Ice Rink, its size being reduced significantly in the proposed plans. The second project sees Telford Shopping Centre owners Hark Apollo planning to extend the centre by adding more retail, leisure facilities and residential space. Hark, in partnership with renowned architects Benoy, plan to turn the successful shopping centre into a thriving mixed-use town centre,
creating a new heart for Telford which will be known as The Round. Benoy’s designs for The Round include new cafés and restaurants around new public squares, the development of new office space and a substantial number of new homes – all designed to “turn the shopping centre into an active and well connected town centre with a vibrant evening economy”.
WANT TO ADVERTISE AND GET YOURSELF SEEN IN HOME IS TELFORD? Get yourself listed in our unique colour coded directory for as little as £9 a month!
The first step in this development is a planned extension of the existing Primark store, almost tripling its size and giving it an outward facing entrance on to the Round walkway, with further retail development and refurbishment programmed across the entire site for both existing retailers wishing to expand and new retailers keen to come to the enlarged and improved scheme. Relations between Telford Council and Hark can best be described as strained, not helped by the defection of Asda and the International Centre from the Shopping Centre project to the Southwater development. Hark are now considering legal action over what they have described as “economic sabotage” and they have accused the council of undermining the future of the shopping centre.
“It would be damaging for the reputation of the town if all parties end up in court so it is hoped that the Council can liaise effectively and bring both projects together under one cohesive and exciting plan to transform the centre of Telford into something we can all be proud of” HOME IS TELFORD
FIND OUT MORE www.southwatercore.co.uk www.telfordshopping.co.uk
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Do you have an opinion on your home town? Is there a burning issue you would like to share with your fellow residents? We are starting a new section in the next issue for your letters/emails, with the best letter winning a £25 prize. Send your letter to us via email at enquiries@ homeistelford.co.uk or to our address listed on page five. We look forward to hearing from you!
HOME IS TELFORD is distributed throughout Telford, with around ten thousand copies going to homes, businesses, libraries, and public areas throughout the town! We will be introducing full colour classified advertising in the next issue of HOME IS TELFORD, from as little as £30 an issue! Further details on our rates and services can be found on page 34.
Telephone 01952 201657 9
health & beauty
HEALTH & BEAUTY SMOKERS WARNED THEY COULD BE UNINSURED Insurers are urging smokers to ensure they have declared their smoking habit on their life insurance, however casual it may be. It follows a spate of recent cases reported in the press where insurance companies have refused to pay up on life insurance policies where they subsequently discovered the insured had not been a non-smoker as declared on their application form. In one case, the post-mortem results showed the insured had a casual smoking habit, enough for the insurance company concerned to reject the claim on the policy. “Declaring you smoke will inevitably increase the premiums but better than paying for a worthless policy that could leave dependents without any compensation” stated an insurance industry spokesperson.
PROVEN TO REDUCE WRINKLES An anti-ageing face cream, which is part of Boots' Protect and Perfect range, has become the first to be proven to reduce wrinkles in a scientific trial. The trial showed that seven out of ten women and men had ‘significantly’ improved lines and shallower wrinkles on their skin after using the cream for a year. Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum is now available in stores at a cost of £19.75 FIND OUT MORE www.boots.co.uk
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HEALTHY DIET ESSENTIAL Research of recent independent studies from the US suggest that dieters who lose weight by using diet pills are far less likely to maintain any weight loss when compared to dieters who lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Whilst weight loss pills do require an individual to modify their diet and exercise regime, the research concluded that the pills
do not promote long term healthy eating habits and pill takers find it difficult to keep their weight off as and when they reach their desired goal. The vast majority of nutritionists strongly recommend that individuals participate in diets that focus on an overall healthy lifestyle, something that will ensure any diet pills taken act as effectively as possible.
HAVE A SIX WEEK BREAK FROM SUGAR Celebrity TV cook Delia Smith has reiterated her claims that obesity stems from addiction to sugar through not eating square meals. People start to rely on snacking on sugar rich foods such as chocolate which turns into an addiction that leads to significant weight gain. “To cure yourself, you need to have six weeks without either sugar or sweetener” says Delia. “You should only have natural sugars, such as in fruit and wine.
After six weeks, everything will taste sweet, things like milk, because you will have got your palate back to what nature created. We could cure the nation if we cut down sugar addiction”. Obesity experts agree that the six week break from sugar and sweeteners could have a beneficial effect on diet but disagree strongly with using the word addiction.
PARENTS URGED TO GET MMR VACCINATION
FRUIT AND VEG ALLERGIES ON THE RISE
The National Public Health Service (NPHS) in Wales is urging parents throughout the country to take note of the ‘massive’ measles outbreak in Wales and ensure their children are given the MMR vaccination. "We try not to be too scary when we talk to people about this, but children die of measles and children are impaired by measles” said an NHS spokesman. "It puts children in hospital. The reality it is that this is happening now, in Wales. Measles is very contagious”.
A Cambridge consultant has reported a sharp rise in the number of cases of oral allergies to fruit and vegetables , outstripping even peanut allergies. Dr Ewan said that the majority of the patients with reactions to fruit and vegetables that she saw were youngsters. Symptoms include swelling in the mouth and throat, and breathing difficulties. Any parents who suspect their children may have any symptoms should contact their local GP.
HEALTH & BEAUTY beauty treatments BODY ENRICH 07980773430 www.bodyenrich.com HAWTHORNS CLINIC 07527 544219 PINK NAILS & BEAUTY Shifnal 0776 265249 TOP 2 TOE 07710 340268 TUBES TANNING & BEAUTY SALON Shifnal 01952 460700 WELLINGTON BEAUTY CLINIC 01952 255381
hairdressers 3D HAIR STUDIO St Georges 01952 610139
SWINE FLU STILL A THREAT The swine flu pandemic is no longer headline news but that does not mean the threat has gone away. The symptoms are similar to those of any other kind of flu so be vigilant for: Sudden fever Coughing Shortness of breath Headaches Sore throat Tiredness Aching muscles Chills Sneezing/runny nose Loss of appetite.
The Department of Health advises that if you develop the symptoms and have recently been to Mexico or been in contact with someone who has, don’t go to your doctor’s surgery or A & E, but phone your GP or NHS Direct for advice on your symptoms and what to do next. If you are suffering, you should follow the mantra prominent on the promotional material - catch it, bin it, kill it. Cover your mouth and nose with a paper tissue when you sneeze, bin the tissue after a single use and then wash your hands with soap and hot water.
ALAN STEWART MOBILE BARBERS 07890 208672 www.mobilebarber.co.uk
FIND OUT MORE NHS Direct 0845 4647
HEALTH & BEAUTY
ATTITUDE Shifnal 01952 461500 UNIQUE HAIR & BEAUTY Oakengates 01952 620233 www.hairdressertelford.com
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health & beauty
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KEEPING SAFE IN THE SUN Make sure you and your family are safe in the sun this summer with our guide to enjoying the sunshine! It’s that time of year again when thoughts go to lazing and playing in the sun but a recent survey by Cancer Research that incidents of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, have quadrupled since the seventies serves to highlight that it’s more important than ever to ensure that you protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun. Unlike other forms of cancer, skin cancer incidents are disproportionately high in young people with almost one third of all cases of malignant melanoma occurring in people under 50. The most common site for men to develop a malignant melanoma is on the chest or back and for women it is on the legs. Malignant melanoma is more than twice as common in young women (up to age 34) as in young men, but more men die from it because they are less likely to go to the doctors when the first signs of the disease are noticeable.
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Light from the sun consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays and it is these rays that cause burning, tanning and skin damage. There are three types of UV rays - UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA and UVB are the two that reach us from the sun (UVC is stopped from reaching us by the ozone layer in the earth’s
atmosphere). All UV rays are strongest during the summer and when the sun is highest in the sky. The rays also get stronger the closer you go to the equator. So what should you do to protect yourself and still enjoy the sunshine? Avoid long periods in the sun during the hottest part of the day when the sun is highest in the sky, from around 11am until 3pm. If you are in the sun during this period, apply plenty of high protective sunscreen or sunblock, especially to children. Be aware that wet clothing can lose a significant percentage of its protection against UV rays so always change into dry clothes once out of the water. Be vigilant on cloudy or windy days because UV rays will still get through to your exposed skin, even if it doesn’t feel particularly warm. Protect eyes by wearing good quality sunglasses, preferably wraparound glasses to provide maximum protection. Look out for glasses carrying the ‘CE’ mark which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection. If they don’t carry the CE marking, don’t buy them! Although it’s illegal to sell non-UV-protective sunglasses, trading standards officers still find them on sale. Children’s hair is particularly fine and offers limited protection against
the sun so it is particularly important for them to protect their head by wearing a hat. Use an appropriate sunscreen or sunblock when in the sun, even if you are only in the garden. Sunscreen is rated by sun protection factor (SPF) – a rating of 10 means you can stay in the sun 10 times longer with the sunscreen than without. Children should use a minimum of 30 to 50 SPF, where the higher rating is used the fairer the skin. Test a small amount on your skin prior to using the sunscreen in the sun to ensure that you do not suffer any allergic reaction to that particular brand. You should ensure that your chosen brand specifically protects against both UVA and UVB rays and always use a waterproof version when swimming or exposed to water. Sunscreen should be applied generously half an hour before exposure to the sun and don’t forget all those places that tend to get forgotten, such as feet, back of the neck and lips. It should be reapplied every two to three hours and always when you or your child comes out of the water. Follow this advice and you’ll be able to enjoy your time in the sun and stay safe and healthy!
“Be aware that wet clothing can lose a significant percentage of its protection against UV rays so always change into dry clothes once out of the water”
HEALTH & BEAUTY fitness classes & training DANCE TO FITNESS Madeley 07833 298799 www.dancetofitness.co.uk
opticians GILES OPTICIANS Oakengates 01952 614143 TIM VANES Shifnal 01952 461387
physiotherapy Patrick Hyde at Elysium Albrighton 01902 374555 SB SPORTS INJURY & PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Shifnal 01952 676668 www.shropshirephysio.co.uk
weight control SURESLIM 01952 810296 SLIMMING WORLD St Georges 01952 614469
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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home and gardens
HOME & GARDENS REPOSSESSIONS ON THE RISE Home repossessions jumped by more than 50 per cent between January and March, with over 60,000 families losing their homes since the credit crunch began, a figure that is predicted to rise to more than 100,000 by the end of the year. A spokesman for Shelter, the housing charity, fears that things
HOUSE PRICE FALL
RATES CHECK
House prices in Telford have fallen by an average of 10% in the year up to June 2009, according to a survey of the major house price survey web sites covering the area. Prices for flats have suffered the most, falling by almost 25% to leave the average asking price at ÂŁ87,500. Experts differ when it comes to assessing whether the bottom of the market has yet been reached.
will get worse, especially as and when interest rates start to rise again. An increasing numbers of homeowners are struggling with mortgage payments, with over a quarter of a million borrowers missing three or more monthly payments between January and March.
Did you know that many homes are in the wrong council tax band, and have been since 1991? You could be paying more than your neighbour even if you live in an identical house! The valuations made in 1991 were done by estate agents assessing homes from the street and a proper valuation has not been done since. You can check what your
neighbours are paying by logging onto the valuations agency web site. Martin Lewis’ Moneysavingexpert.com web site details how to assess your valuation and how to reclaim any overpayment you may have made. FIND OUT MORE www.moneysavingexpert.com
TRADER REGISTER FOR TELFORD
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The Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register has been set up to help consumers locate home improvement traders in the town. Whilst the register is not an approval scheme, consumers can use it to find a trader that has made a commitment to fair, honest trade and to provide good customer service. In the event of any dispute or issue arising from hiring a trader from the
register, the trader pledges to work with Trading Standards to broker a solution. You can use the register directly on the web site or telephone for details of suitable traders in your area. FIND OUT MORE www.traderregister.org.uk 08456 789023
HOME SERVICES
DON’T LOWER THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME!
bathrooms PRESTIGE BATHROOMS Showroom at Topps Tiles Stafford Park 4 01952 677730 JH PLUMBING AND BATHROOM FITTING 01952 608415 JEWSON Unit 13, Stafford Park 15 01952 290841
cleaning OVENMASTER Priorslee 01952 210067 SAFECLEAN 0800 1957303 www.safeclean.co.uk
curtains & blinds We all like to think that the work we do on our homes makes them a nicer place to live and also adds value when it comes to sell but recent research by Direct Line Home Insurance suggests that many of us we have spent millions on DIY jobs that have actually lowered the value of our homes. Top of the DIY crime list is poor and inappropriate decorating. Because it is so easy to do yourself, many homes are decorated in a variety of loud and clashing colours, no problem when it’s just for you but a nightmare when it comes to trying to sell your home. Poor or inadequate finishing also makes this top of the list. Second in the hall of shame is laying cheap wooden flooring, which is usually poorly finished and yellows significantly when exposed to light after about six months use.
Experts recommend taking up the skirting to lay the floor to ensure the floor edges are professionally finished and buying flooring that has some form of guarantee against fading in sunlight. Installing inappropriate and cheap PVC windows is next on the list, especially if fitted to period properties or in a street where the other properties do not have them fitted. A reputable window company can advise on what is and isn’t appropriate for your house and neighbourhood. The final two in the top five are removing period fireplaces and badly landscaping your garden. Creating badly sited garden ponds are specifically mentioned in the research as having a detrimental effect on the value of a property.
CURTAIN CREATION The Humbers 01952 603493 www.curtaincreation.co.uk PJ BLINDS 01952 541657
decorating WE DUNNE St Georges 01952 610443 SIMONS DECOR Trench 01952 413337
HOME SERVICES
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home and gardens
feature
TIME TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME The current economic climate means that improving rather than moving could ensure the value of your home is future proofed In recent years, the dream of many homeowners has been to buy a house, add their own personal touch to it whilst adding features that it needs, and then sell for a huge profit when the time comes, moving on to the next opportunity. Sadly the credit crunch has well and truly scuppered that grand plan for now but there are still projects you can carry out that will future proof the value of your home as and when the good times return to the housing market, as well as make your home a better place to live (and surely that’s what it’s there for!) REDECORATE/DECLUTTER
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We start with an option that shouldn’t break the bank but has the potential to transform the space you live in. It’s a well worn cliche but there is hard evidence that painting your home in restful shades of white or warm pastel colours can significantly change the perception of the size of rooms and make the house easier to sell. We have all seen programmes on TV where they feature people who can’t bear to throw away their clutter but it’s not as easy as it sounds.
If you are struggling to de-clutter your home, ask a friend to help you empty the room and then put back what you really want without compromising the space. BUILD AN EXTENSION A well-proportioned extension can add up to ten per cent to the value of your home, so long as it is in keeping with the design and proportions of the original house. It needs to be carefully planned and care must be taken to ensure that it does not create a situation where the number of bedrooms and reception areas become imbalanced. If wanting more reception space but the cost of a full-blown extension is an issue, the best compromise might be to add a modern conservatory, which may also have the added benefit of not needing planning permission. The cost of an extension can vary significantly so always shop around. We are currently looking at having one built and have had quotes that have been as much as £20,000 different from various Telford builders!
ADD/UPDATE A KITCHEN OR BATHROOM Modernising a tired kitchen and/or bathroom can add significant value to your home as well as make it far more saleable. The work done can range from completely gutting the room to just replacing the handles and doors on units. Many experts believe that the kitchen is THE key room in the house so time, money and effort spent here will almost always add value, but beware of budget or cheap looking units, which will need to be installed and finished well to ensure they don’t look cheap once installed. GETTING THE WORK DONE Finally, a few tips for getting the work done satisfactorily. Always get at least three written quotes from different builders/tradesmen when considering any work. Ask for references and follow them up, checking in particular the standard of after-sales service did they come back to tidy up any problems? Ensure you agree all details of the required work in writing and set a completion date.
HOME SERVICES electrics DEL CORLEY 01952 605311
kitchens 4D BESPOKE DESIGN Priorslee 01952 201676 R&R SERVICES Showroom at Lakeside Plant Centre, Priorslee 01952 293939 www.randrserv.co.uk
plumbing A WATSON Shifnal 01952 529765
roofing M&R ROOFING & SON Donnington Wood 01952 677267
window cleaning
“Beware of budget units, which will need to be installed and finished well to ensure they don’t look cheap once installed”
AQUA SHEEN 01952 246457 www.aquasheen.co.uk
window supply TROTFIELD WINDOWS Ironbridge 01952 433149 www.trotfieldwindows.co.uk
HOME SERVICES
17
home and gardens
GARDEN CALENDAR PLANTS Each month we bring you a simple checklist for the jobs that need doing to keep your garden looking its best!
Water your container plants daily and treat them to liquid feed Deadhead your flowering borders often to encourage further flowering. Deal with perennial weeds by digging out or treating with weedkiller
Send us your gardening tips for August and see your name in print! Best tip will win a ÂŁ25 gardening voucher!
Time to plant autumn flowering bulbs Cut back your hanging basket plants and feed to encourage new growth Mulch your borders to minimise weed growth and retain moisture Collect seeds from plants and take cuttings of container plants ready for next year Watch out for aphids on young shoots
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FRUIT AND VEG
GARDEN SERVICES
It’s harvest time in the vegetable patch so enjoy the fruits of your labour!
fencing
Time for fruit picking, especially strawberries, cherries and raspberries.
ROOKERY FENCING SUPPLIES St Georges 01952 615200
Protect ripening fruit from the birds with nets
garden centre
Thin out your apple trees if overcrowded
LAKESIDE PLANT AND GARDEN CENTRE Priorslee 01952 204466
Sow spring cabbage, turnips, chicory, fennel and autumn/winter salads Regular watering is essential to aid healthy development and help avoid diseases Check your climbing or cordongrown vegetables to ensure they are well supported
landscaping ALPINE LANDSCAPE & CONSTRUCTION 01952 276417 EVENFIELD 07813 811501 www.evenfield.co.uk V-SCAPES LANDSCAPING 0800 1123 283
materials
LAWNS Set the mower to a slightly higher level than normal in very hot weather Treat your lawn to a summer lawn feed fertiliser Water any new lawn regularly to help it through its first summer Dig out isolated weeds or spot-treat with a paint-on weedkiller Assess the lawn for any remedial work that may be needed in the autumn
HUWS GRAY St Georges 01952 620033 www.huwsgray.co.uk KAE AGGREGATES 07807501964 TAFS GARDEN CO St Georges 01952 620184 www.tafs-garden.co.uk
maintenance GARDENHAND 01952 606756
GARDEN SERVICES
19
out and about
OUT & ABOUT CULTUREFEST 2009
FREE YOUNG PERSON TICKETS Oakengates Theatre @ The Place has been accepted as part of a national scheme, entitled ‘A Night Less Ordinary’, offering free tickets to under 26 year olds - meaning thousands of young people in the region will be able to attend theatre for free for selected performances. The scheme is supported by a £2.5 million additional funding to the Arts Council's core grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and aims to get more young people into theatres across the country. All under 26 years will be included in the scheme and there will be an age appropriate offer to young children as well as young adults. For more information on the scheme, or to book tickets for the performances involved, call the box office on 01952 382382.
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Following the success of last year’s first CultureFest, another event is being planned for 2009 on Saturday 29 August in Telford Town Park. This free event will be a festival of music, dance and the creative arts providing a showcase opportunity for talented local people. Last year’s event attracted people of all ages and featured a dynamic programme of dance, singing, music, sport and the creative arts. Hundreds of runners, aged from five to 71, took part in the ‘Let’s Get Physical’ Fun Run challenge, running a two mile route around the Town Park which kickstarted the event. Other
highlights included performances from the Telford Chinese School, DNA Dance group, Telford Stage School and gymnasts from the Newport Gym Club. This year’s event will kick off at 11am with the annual Let’s Get Physical Fun Run, and the event promises to be another great day out in the park for people of all ages. If you would like be a part of CultureFest ‘09, please contact The Arts Development Team on 01952 382366 or email artsandculture@ telford.gov.uk.
NEW ATTRACTIONS AT BLIST HILL A massive £12 million development of Blists Hill Victorian Town has resulted in the opening of the new state of the art Visitor Centre, Incline Lift and Narrow Gauge Mine Railway at the popular tourist attraction in Ironbridge. The new Visitor Centre offers a full range of amenities, including a new ticket office, shop and a restaurant serving quality food and refreshment in a setting reminiscent of a Victorian market. The new narrow gauge railway takes passengers in covered carriages along a journey of discovery through a wooded mine
landscape. A round trip will take about half an hour, and during that time you’ll be able to see what it was like underground in the Clay Mine Experience, learn about the importance of the railways to Victorian industry and the geology of the site that makes it perfect for clay mining. With stations at each of the key points, you’ll be able to disembark from the train to investigate these fascinating elements of industrial history. FIND OUT MORE www.blistshill.org
FOOD & DRINK farm shop YOUNG’S FARM SHOP Priorslee 01952 291443
meals to your door WILTSHIRE FARM FOODS 01952 299222 www.wiltshirefamfoods.com
pubs BOAT INN Jackfield 01952 885777
LOTTERY BID SUCCESS FOR TOWN PARK The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) have announced that Telford Town Park is one step closer to a major transformation after receiving a £162,000 lottery grant to back their exciting regeneration plans. The stage one development grant has come from the HLF and BIG’s ‘Parks for People’ programme*, and will enable Telford and Wrekin Council to work up plans for their stage two £2,135,000 application. Stephen Bentley, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Telford & Wrekin Council is delighted to have secured the Lottery funding to improve Telford Town Park. The new investment means we can move ahead with our plans to develop the park. These include new heritage and ecology trails, picnic areas and viewing platforms. All these activities will really help enhance the park for generations to come and demonstrate the Council’s commitment to preserve this wonderful asset in the heart of the borough.” Key aims and improvements include: improved access and signage for visitors including information boards and maps; an
Ecology Trail and a Heritage Trail to provide educational opportunities and improve the central and northern areas of the park; and the creation of community spaces offering new vantage points overlooking the vast 150 hectare landscape. In addition to these developments, the industrial heritage of Telford Town Park, which contains Stirchley Chimney - part of a wider smelting site, will have improved interpretation and complement Ironbridge World Heritage site and Ironbridge Museum located at the nearby valley complex. Anne Jenkins, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “We’re delighted that Telford and Wrekin Council has been given the green light to develop its exciting plans. The UK’s parks are wonderful places that in many cases need a helping hand to help return them to their former glory. Today’s news will do just that, and enable local communities to see, enjoy and experience the hidden gems of Telford Town Park.” FIND OUT MORE www.telfordtownpark.co.uk
ELEPHANT & CASTLE Dawley 01952 505459
restaurants BOAT INN Jackfield 01952 885777 HADLEY PARK HOUSE 01952 677269 www.hadleypark.co.uk SPICE LOUNGE Oakengates 01952 610313 www.spice-lounge.org TIN TIN CANTONESE Donnington 01952 608688
FOOD & DRINK
21
out and about
feature
GREAT DAYS OUT The summer holidays are almost upon us so time to start looking at how to entertain your wonderful children with some great days out! BY THE SEA WHERE Borth, a coastal village just off the west coast of Wales HOW Travel there by car takes around two hours from Telford, depending on what you get stuck behind on the winding single lane roads to the coast! HIGHLIGHTS Fantastic uncrowded sandy beach don’t be fooled by the pebble bank visible at high tide! It is particularly child friendly because of its shallow waters and there are vast areas where dogs are allowed on the beach.
WHERE Central London HOW Travel on the Wrexham & Shropshire railway from Telford - a family ticket costs from just £69 for a day return. The train takes you to Marylebone station right in the heart of London. HIGHLIGHTS Relaxed and unhurried journey to London on a railway line that really cares about its customers! Shopping!
The sand dunes at the Dyfi National Nature Reserve at nearby Ynyslas.
Science Museum - free entry into one of the best museums in the country and just two stops on the tube from Marylebone. Lots of hands on exhibits and displays for children and adults of all ages! Don’t miss the Wallace & Gromit world of cracking ideas.
A new surf school called Aberadventures has started in Borth, ideal for beginners looking to learn how to surf!
Natural History Museum - next door to the Science Museum and its FREE as well! The dinosaur gallery is not to be missed!
Supergrass, The Beat, Skindred, and Drumsound are amongst a host of musicians set to appear at The Square Festival in Borth on 24 to 26 July 2009.
Museum of London - six stops on the tube takes you to discover the capital’s history up to 1666
FIND OUT MORE www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/borth/
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IN THE CAPITAL
FIND OUT MORE www.wrexhamandshropshire.co.uk www.nhm.ac.uk www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
TRAVEL
IN THE TOWN
limousine hire 2XL LIMO HIRE 0800 0430 127 STRETCH AHEAD 01743 359470
rail travel WREXHAM & SHROPSHIRE RAILWAY 0845 260 5900 www.wrexhamand shropshire.co.uk
taxi services WHERE Telford Town Park is 170 hectares of urban park and attracts in the region of up to a million visitors per year. It’s a facility residents should be proud of, featuring a number of attractions to keep all ages entertained! HOW Walk, bus, drive to the Town Centre! HISTORY The park was developed in the seventies, the remit being to provide a ‘green lung’ for the new town, with 48 mine shafts capped and over a million cubic metres or earth being moved to create the park! HIGHLIGHTS Wildlife lovers will love the 60 hectare nature reserve which contains heritage features, pools, pit mounds, woodlands, meadows and grasslands. It has to be seen to be believed! It’s a great place for children to play with toddler’s areas with springy animals, sand diggers, swings, slides, a pirate ship and train, to the more challenging equipment
for the older ones of a giant spider’s web, rocket slide, tyre swing and a wooden adventure area. There is also a children’s adventure park in the town called WONDERLAND with unlimited rides, a giant indoor soft play area and a chance for the children to meet fairytale characters. A family ticket costs £25. FIND OUT MORE The Spout Farm House visitor information centre in the park has a reception service, catering outlet, toilets and a baby changing facility. Situated at the north entrance to the park, it handles all visitor enquiries, first aid, complaints and provides information on what the park has to offer.
AMBASSADOR TAXIS Stafford Park 01952 292292 COUNTY CARS Wellington 01952 248888 DIAMOND CARS Wellington 01952 222255 EXCEL CARS Dawley 01952 353545 K&L CARS Wellington 01952 503031
A voluntary organisation called Friends of Telford Town Park work very hard to promote the park, raise money for various projects and regularly lead clean ups of the park. You can contact the Park Manager on 01952 416964 for further details. www.telfordtownpark.co.uk
TRAVEL
23
sport & leisure
SPORT & LEISURE
GOT YOURS YET? The Flex card, which is renewable annually, offers discounted rates on many activities at participating Telford & Wrekin leisure centres, as well as access to special offers throughout the year. Flex Cards are FREE to all Telford & Wrekin residents. To obtain a card simply fill in an application form, downloadable from the council web site, and hand it to a member of staff at any of the leisure centres in Telford. You will need to produce proof of residence, age and concessionary entitlement (where appropriate). Your card will be issued and be valid immediately. FIND OUT MORE www.telford.gov.uk
ONE POUND MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE! Did you know that you can sponsor a dog for as little as £1 a week with the Dog’s Trust in Roden? The Dogs Trust is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Every year they look after over 15,000 dogs at their seventeen rehoming centres around the country. Your support means they are able to rescue and rehome even more dogs who desperately need their help. Most of the dogs in their care find loving new homes, but some of them aren’t able to settle in a home environment because of health problems or because of their
difficult pasts. Dogs Trust never destroys a healthy dog so they will look after these dogs for the rest of their lives. When you decide to sponsor a dog, you’ll receive regular news from your chosen dog, as well as a sponsorship pack of fabulous free gifts, including a special photo certificate of your new pal, a walletsized sponsor’s card, a car sticker and more. FIND OUT MORE www.dogstrust.org.uk
DAWLEY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT Dawley Wanderers Junior Football Club would like to invite clubs to enter the LUKE MORRIS MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT, in aid of CRY (cardiac risk in the young) The Tournament will be held at The Phoenix Centre, Dawley, the home of Dawley Wanderers
24
on Saturday 11th July 2009 and this years competition is open to boys U8’s, U9’s & U10’s (5 a-side) & U11’s,U12’s, U13’s & U14’s (7 a-side). FIND OUT MORE www.dawleywanderers.com
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
1) Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order 2) Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order 3) Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 Every Sudoku games begins with a number of squares already filled in, and the difficulty of each game is set by how many squares are filled in. The more squares that are known, the easier it is to figure out which numbers go in the open squares.
9
9
3
9 7 8 6
8 3
1
5 6
3
7
3
3
archery
2 8
6 5
7 3
2
3
1
6 5
1 3
4 2
9 8
9 2
9
6
athletics
TELFORD HARRIERS enquiries@telfordharriers.co.uk www.telfordharriers.co.uk
6
9
TELFORD ARCHERS 01952 240414 www.telfordarchers.org.uk
TELFORD ATHLETICS CLUB 01952 550805 www.telfordathletics.co.uk
1
5
WREKIN ROAD RUNNERS 01952 417817 www.wrekinroadrunners.co.uk
badminton DAWLEY BADMINTON CLUB 01952 223415 TELFORD BADMINTON CLUB 01952 581768
basketball
5
SHROPSHIRE WARRIORS TCAT 01952 505685 www.shropshirewarriors.co.uk
4 3
6 9
Good luck! (Solutions on page 46)
1 8 2
6
7
MEDIUM
The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. There are three very simple conditions:
5
7 2
5 9 1
SPORTS CLUBS
2 3
1 2
6 9 2 5 7 4
1 8 9 5
2 7 4 3 9 1
3 1 6 1 4 9
bowls
2
HARD
Sudoku requires no calculation or arithmetic skills and is essentially a game of placing numbers in squares, using very simple rules of logic and deduction.
4
9 6 5
EASY
8
5 9
DONNINGTON WOOD 01952 608100 MADELEY COURT 01952 883885
6
SPORTS CLUBS
25
sport & leisure
THE FAB FOUR We take a look at the four most popular adult participation sports/activities in a recent Active Sport survey and where you can get involved in and around Telford this summer!
WALKING Recreational walking is the most popular activity among adults, with over 20% of the adult population taking part at least once a month. Telford is surrounded by a wealth of great walks and trails, many of which have been documented by Telford & Wrekin Council on their web site - visit their web site at www.telford.gov. uk for further details. Shropshire county council have a dedicated web site for
No article on walking in and around Telford would be complete without mentioning the 407m high Wrekin. Detail of the walk to the top can be found on the www. walkingbritain.co.uk web site - go to walk 1009.
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getting to know the best routes in and around Telford - visit www. shropshirewalking.co.uk for further details. South Telford Rights of Way Partnership (STROWP) organise the annual TELFORD TRAIL challenge walk held in September which follows the path of the South Telford Way - contact Madeley Parish Council for further information on 01952 567280.
POPULAR ROUTES Severn Gorge Countryside Trust manages most of the woodland, grassland and other countryside within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. They welcome people to explore the historic landscape along its networks and trails. For more information and to download a copy of the Walking in the Severn Gorge Map visit www.severngorge.org.uk The South Telford Heritage Trail is a 12 mile circular walking route that takes you on a journey around known, and lesser known, heritage sites within the Parishes of Stirchley & Brookside, Madeley, Dawley Hamlets and the Ironbridge Gorge. For more information on this trail visit the web site at www.walktelfordheritage.co.uk Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust organise a series of walks under the WALKABOUT WREKIN banner. Further details are available from the Health Promotion Officer on 01952 686332 or visit the web site at www.whi.org.uk
SWIMMING Swimming is second most popular pastime according to Active Sport and there are three pools in Telford run by the Council: MADELEY COURT SPORTS CENTRE OAKENGATES LEISURE CENTRE WELLINGTON CIVIC AND LEISURE CENTRE Full details and timetables are available on the Telford & Wrekin Council web site at www.telford.gov.uk Free swimming is now available on certain sessions for Telford and Wrekin residents aged 19 and under, or aged 45 and over. To qualify for free swimming, you must have a current Flex Card which can be obtained from any Telford & Wrekin Council leisure centre. Flex Cards are free to all borough residents.
There is a also a community swimming pool at the Hadley Learning Community - call 01952 388470 for further details
EVERYDAY SWIM PROJECT SUCCESS You may have wondered what was going on when a large outdoor swimming pool appeared in Southwater Square last July. It was a project run by the Everyday Swim organisation and proved a huge success with resident of Telford. The Everyday Swim project aims to improve access to water based opportunities for people with a disability and low-income children and their families and is a nationwide initiative. Anyone wanting to find out more can contact Matt Shields, the Everyday Swim Coordinator for Telford and Wrekin, on matt. shields@swimming.org or by phone on 07818 017803.
SPORTS CLUBS (BOWLS continued) ST GEORGES BOWLS 01952 411532 TELFORD & WREKIN BOWLING 01952 299933 TRENCH BOWLING 01952 612957 WROCKWARDINE WOOD 01952 677710
cricket ALLSCOTT CRICKET CLUB 01952 250245 www.allscottcc.co.uk MADELEY CRICKET 01952 299629 www.madeleycc.co.uk ST GEORGES CRICKET CLUB www.stgeorgescc.co.uk WELLINGTON CRICKET CLUB 01952 242613 www.wellingtoncc.co.uk WREKIN CRICKET CLUB 07960 969194
cycling WREKIN RIDERS BMX CLUB 07976 100463 www.wrekinriders.co.uk WREKIN CYCLING CLUB davidpoulter@aol.com
football ADMASTON JUNIORS 01952 407006
SPORTS CLUBS
27
sport & leisure
GOING TO THE GYM Third in the poll is going to the gym and there are a number of different companies running gym memberships throughout Telford. There has been a lot in the press recently about the inflexibility of gym memberships, particularly for anyone who suddenly finds themselves made redundant or unable to work. Before you sign, ask for a free trial, check the flexibility of the contract and make sure you’re able to leave if you move house or lose your job. Research has concluded that going at least twice a week for an hour to the gym:
• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely
• Reduces the risk of heart disease and developing diabetes
• Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety
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CHOOSING A GYM Choose a gym that’s close to home
• Helps control weight, especially as part of a calorie controlled diet
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints
• Helps increase confidence and self-esteem
• Helps relieve stress and improves ability to sleep well
• Improves flexibility and suppleness
• People with medical problems
should always check with their doctor before starting any exercise programme
Make sure the instructors are qualified and the equipment/classes you want are offered by the centre Ensure you are given a guided tour and ask lots of questions while you are being shown round Visit the gym at the times you intend to use it ensure you will be able to get on the equipment that you want to use! Check out any classes you want to attend and ensure they are not overcrowded and that the people attending are of a similar age group to you NEGOTIATE!! Gyms are desperate for new members so haggle and make sure you get at least 10% off
CYCLING Cycling in all its guises comes in a very respectable fourth and Telford offers the budding cyclist a wealth of opportunities, whether you just want to cycle around town or if you want to tear around a BMX track! Within Telford, there are a large number of cycling routes, some of which you can download a map of from the council web site at www.telford.gov.uk
WREKIN RIDERS BMX CLUB The club is affiliated to British Cycling (the governing body for the sport and the only Cycling Club in the area to become a 'Go-Ride' Club). Anyone is welcome to come along and take part in club events. We recommend that you try riding around the track a few times before racing. The track is open all the time. You can have a go at actual racing before joining the club, but you will need to get a consent form completed if you are under 16. Better still, bring your parents along. FIND OUT MORE www.wrekinriders.co.uk
CYCLING TOURISTS CLUB WREKIN SECTION
WREKINSPORT CYCLING CLUB
The Cycling Tourist Club is a national cyclist club with a Wrekin section serving Telford. Most of their club rides start from the car park outside Wellington Leisure Centre and new riders and visitors are always assured of a warm welcome. There is no commitment to join the CTC to try any of the rides.
Wrekinsport are pleased to welcome anyone interested in any type of cycling. So if you ride a bike for any reason and would like the company of like-minded people, Wrekinsport would like to hear from you.
All scheduled club rides are graded so that you can join in at an appropriate level and the club cater for beginners as well as experienced riders. Members have valuable benefits including third party insurance, legal aid, advice on all aspects of cycling and an excellent bi-monthly magazine. The CTC has an increasingly important role in working for all cyclists.
Recent information dates the formation of the club to 1922. We're not quite sure what happened between then and 1943, but it seems that the club was in formation at the start of the second world war, and has functioned continuously ever since. During that time we have been able to boast several national and area Champions at various Cycling Disciplines.
FIND OUT MORE Steve Holloway 01952 249202
FIND OUT MORE www.wrekinsport.co.uk
SPORTS CLUBS (FOOTBALL continued) DAWLEY BANK FC 01952 415537 LAWLEY COMETS 01952 505096 MADELEY SPORTS 01952 526741 www.madeleysports.co.uk OAKENGATES ATHLETIC 01952 402639 ST GEORGES JUNIORS 01952 617892 TELFORD JUNIORS 01952 595606 WELLINGTON AMATEURS 01952 504652 WREKIN JUNIORS 01952 411417
golf HORSEHAY VILLAGE GOLF CENTRE 01952 382640 THE SHROPSHIRE GOLF CENTRE 01952 677800 www.theshropshire.co.uk WREKIN GOLF CLUB 01952 244032 www.wrekingolfclub.co.uk
gymnastics TELFORD GYMNASTICS CLUB 07891027152
SPORTS CLUBS
29
sport & leisure
feature
CLUB WATCH Local clubs are the lifeblood of community sport so we spotlight some of those making our town a happier and healthier place to live! TELFORD WADO-RYU KARATE Our aim is to teach the art of Traditional Wado-Ryu Karate, which includes everything from basic defence, to the more advanced aspects of Traditional WadoRyu which include Kihion’s and Ohyogumite to knife and sword defence for the Dan grades. Wado-Ryu karate is a Japanese martial art based upon a unique blend of Japanese Jujitsu, elements
of Okinawan karate and principles of older schools of swordmanship or Kenjutsu. FIND OUT MORE www.telfordwado-ryukarateclub. co.uk
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Our club has over 150 Members, our main base since moving in April 2008 is now Horsehay Village Golf Centre, on the edge of Telford, Shropshire. We were founded in 1984 by Jim Bremner and we have members of all abilities, from beginners through to athletes who have represented their country. We are affiliated to England Athletics, and are members of UK Athletics, British Triathlon, the Fell Runners’ Association (through UKA) and Shropshire Athletic Association.
WREKIN TENNIS CLUB Wrekin Tennis Club prides itself on being a friendly club that encourages members of all ages and standards to play tennis in a relaxed atmosphere. We offer a wide range of facilities at the club from Club Competitions, League Matches, Social Play and Coaching, whilst also arranging a variety of Social Events throughout the year.
TELFORD HARRIERS
We are based at the Ercall Wood School, off Golf Links Lane in Wellington, and we have four all - weather courts backed up with state-of-the art floodlights for all year round play. FIND OUT MORE www.wrekintennisclub.co.uk
We are known locally as the Club that promotes the very popular Ironbridge Half Marathon, and we have a proud reputation for being a friendly and sociable bunch of people. FIND OUT MORE www.telfordharriers.co.uk
PHOENIX TRAMPOLINE CLUB The Phoenix Trampoline Club has been established for more than 15 years and is a well respected Trampoline Club (Grade D - I) within the West Midlands. While we actively encourage those who want to enter competitions, our main objectives are to introduce people (ages 5+) to the sport of Trampolining in and around the Telford area. FIND OUT MORE www.freewebs.com/ phoenixtrampolineclub/
Let us know if you want YOUR organisation featured FREE in this section of HOME IS TELFORD
CLUB 2000 Club 2000 is a sports & leisure club based at Madeley Sports Centre for young people (16+) and adults with disabilities, including learning disabilities. Football, bowls, indoor curling, darts, pool and swimming are sports which are available. There are also crafts and table games available with the chance to socialise. There are at least 3 discos per year with occasional quizzes and bingo, and weekend outings and sports days taking place between March and September. A Butlins long weekend is also planned for September. FIND OUT MORE sue_c_harris@lineone.net Madeley Court Sports Centre
SPORTS CLUBS martial arts TELFORD AIKIDO 01952 403195 WREKIN STAR JUDO CLUB 07746 132660
netball TIBBERTON CLUB 01952 550461
rugby league TELFORD RAIDERS 07952 769551
rugby union TELFORD HORNETS 01952 505440
Email us at enquiries@ homeistelford .co.uk
swimming MADELEY CLUB 07971 414454 OAKENGATES CLUB 01952 382810 WELLINGTON CLUB 01952 619307
tennis DAWLEY/HARTSHILL PARK 07775 814383
TELFORD ARCHERS We are a group of archers (of varying talents!), who shoot in Wellington, Telford. Founded in 1976 we now have over 75 members including an active junior section. We offer Target Archery facilities for all bow types and can cater for disabled archers as well. Our members range from 7 to 70+ in age and from novice to GB National Squad
in ability. During indoor season (October to May) we shoot at the Charlton School, Wellington, TF1 3LE and our outdoor venue is the BRJ School, Wellington, TF1 3DY.! FIND OUT MORE www.telfordarchers.org.uk
LILLESHALL TENNIS CLUB 01952 604757 WREKIN TENNIS CLUB 01952 242892
SPORTS CLUBS
31
mind your own business
MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS FINDING THE RIGHT ADVICE Local banking business centres have reported a significant increase in the number of small businesses starting up since March, despite the difficult economic situation. We thought it would be an opportune time to look at what you should look for when engaging an accountant to help you manage your business. DO YOU NEED ONE? You have to assess your in-house skills to decide if you can manage without an accountant. You should ensure you are fully aware of what you need to legally record and submit, especially if you are operating as a limited company, and be sure that you can meet the requirements. WHAT SHOULD I ASK?
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If you need an accountant, go to and meet at least three different ones in your area. You should check they are qualified and that they are experienced in dealing with similar businesses such as yours and that they have an understanding of the sector you are working in. This is where a personal recommendation form someone in the same business sector can be invaluable.
Find out who you will be dealing with on a day to day basis and what their response times will be. Fees vary widely so check what the charges will be and what you get for the money. Is there a fixed fee or do hourly charges apply? Ask them for references from their clients running similar sized businesses to yours. They should be happy to do this - if they are not, walk away. Check that they will be in contact with you during your accounting year, not just at year end. Good accountants will diarise calls to their clients and keep them updated with any relevant legislative changes. TRUST Most importantly, ensure you like and trust the person you are dealing with so that you can develop a good long-term relationship. Don’t forget - the finances of your business are YOUR responsibility, not your accountants, so ensure you know what they are doing (or not doing) on your behalf. FIND OUT MORE www.businesslink.gov.uk
HAVE YOU SWITCHED RECENTLY? A leading comparison web site has urged broadband business customers to check their current deal against a raft of new and cheaper deals now available. Broadbandchoices.co.uk states that the average cost of broadband has fallen by almost 40 per cent in the past three years and switching supplier regularly can result in significant savings. They also indicate that switching is also likely to result in a faster service as the average speed of broadband services has increased by over 600 per cent in the last three years. FIND OUT MORE www.broadbandchoices.co.uk
TIME TO CHECK CLAIMS The furore over MP expense claims has highlighted the need for all selfemployed traders to ensure that their own claims through their business are in order. All expenses made must be ‘wholly and exclusively for business purposes’ to ensure that it will not be challenged at a later date by the taxman. Any expense where only a proportion is business use should be checked to ensure an acceptable percentage is being claimed for.
BUSINESS SERVICES accountancy services NEIL BRADBURN Priorslee 07918 703821
financial adviser DAVID EDWARDS 07710 280311 www.parkrow.co.uk
insurance CASH FLOW KEY TO SURVIVAL Cash flow problems are responsible for causing over 70% of businesses to fail within their first year, according to a report by the government agency Business Link. Cash flow is the movement of money within a business, both income and expenditure, and many viable businesses have gone bust because they have not managed their cash flow effectively. It is a problem that particularly affects small businesses, especially when one or more of their customers are much larger organisations. These businesses can abuse their position by purposely delaying their payments to suppliers because they know that the supplier is dependent on the company for a significant proportion of its income. When customers fail to pay you in accordance with your agreed credit terms, it can have a major impact on your cash flow particularly if the money owed is a significant amount. This can leave you short of money and unable to pay your own bills, a major problem if one of those you owe money to is the taxman. So what can the small business do to minimise cash flow problems?
Adopt a good credit policy and effective credit control. Use a credit checking service for potentially significant debtors (all of the major banks offer such a service for a small monthly fee). Invoice your customers promptly and chase up any delay in payment immediately, another major reason why small businesses run into trouble. Make it clear to your customers that you will charge interest on late payments, in accordance with recent legislation. Factoring should be considered by small businesses who know that they would be in serious trouble if certain debts would not be paid on time. The factoring company provides you with around 80% of the value instantly, paying the rest to you minus the factoring fee when the total debts have been recovered. FIND OUT MORE Contact your accountant for further details or contact your business advisor at your local bank.
COVERSURE INSURANCE Madeley 0845 293 7998 MACH INSURANCE Madeley 01952 415566 MID COUNTIES BROKERS Wellington 01952 242030 PLM Wellington 01952 248800 ROLLINSON SMITH Hortonwood 01952 607600 SWINTON EQUITY Wellington 01952 261622
BUSINESS SERVICES
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mind your own business
REACH YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH OUR HELP! You can have the best product in the world but its not going to be much use unless your target customers know about it! HOME IS TELFORD is committed to promoting local businesses to Telford residents and has a package that will suit all budgets.
DIRECTORY LISTING
CLASSIFIED ADVERTS
Our unique colour coded directory listing is prominently displayed on all right hand pages throughout the magazine, meaning that your business details are easy to find and relevant to the content of the page it is printed on.
Next month sees the launch of our classified pages, which will be printed in the relevant sections of the magazine.
Our rates offer incredible value for money, with prices starting at just £30 plus VAT for a single 48 x 58 mm advert.
You can have FOUR lines of text in your entry for just £10 an issue (£99 for a year). Charities and community groups are entitled to a FREE listing.
Book for more than one month at a time and benefit from substantial discounts of up to 50%!
All advertisers who take out a classified ad order worth £50 or more gets a FREE directory listing.
CLASSIFIED ADVERT RATES
The rates shown below are per issue so that you can easily see the discount available for block bookings, with the total cost shown in smaller print.
1/16 Page
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35 x 49 mm (width x height)
78 x 49 mm
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166 x 68 mm
166 x 104 mm
166 x 216 mm
One Issue
£30
£50
£85
£110
£140
£240
Two Issues
£25
£44
£75
£95
£125
£210
£50 total
Three Issues
£22
Six Issues
£20
Twelve Issues Total payable quarterly in advance
£114 total
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Total payable quarterly in advance
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£38 £66 total
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We can provide you with SIX different sizes of advert - full page, half page, third page, quarter page, eighth page and sixteenth page - and offer a wide range of discounts for bookings of two or more issues.
£15
£210 total
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BUSINESS SERVICES
We can help you reach your customers with a tailored advertising package so why not give us a call on 01952 201657 to discuss your requirements - we look forward to hearing from you!
it services BESPOKE COMPUTING Stafford Park 08450 043045 ROCKFORD IT LIMITED 01952 208592
Alison Lynch Home is Telford
support & advice
FREE WEB PAGE! All advertisers who take out classified adverts get a FREE web page on our community web site at www. homeistelford.co.uk for the duration of the booking. We can also help you setup your web page with a unique web address so that you can establish a web presence.
FREE ADVERT DESIGN! All advertisers who take out an advert for two or more issues can have their advertisement designed by our team FREE of charge (usual cost around £30-£50).
PREMIUM Inside Inside Double Centre Back RATES Front Back Page Page Cover Cover Cover Feature Spread Per Issue
£250
£250
£350
£400
£375
Web Home Page Banner £250
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Stafford Park 0845 6448983 SHROPSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Stafford Park 01952 208200 www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk TRANSFORMING TELFORD 01952 567567
revenue & customs BUDGET 2009 DETAILS www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2009 EMPLOYER ORDERLINE 08457 646646 PAYE EMPLOYER HELPLINE 08457 143143
All prices quoted are subject to VAT at 15%. All payments must be made in advance of the publication deadline date (10th of the month). Adverts should be submitted to us in print ready format. We also provide a design service if you need help with your advert - call us on 01952 355808 for further details. You can spread the cost of a booking for six and twelve issues by paying quarterly in advance at no extra charge - contact us for further details.
01952 201657
PAYE NEW EMPLOYER HELPLINE 08456 070143 VAT ADVICE LINE 0845 010 9000
BUSINESS SERVICES
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community
COMMUNITY NEW ADVICE CENTRE FOR TELFORD RESIDENTS
GET INVOLVED IN SHAPING YOUR LOCAL SERVICES The Telford & Wrekin Local Involvement Network (the LINk) was set up in 2008 by an act of parliament to assist local communities to influence health and social care services. Parliament has given the LINk the right to look into the way that publicly funded health and social care services serve community needs and to recommend improvements, regardless of whether the services are delivered by the NHS, local authority, voluntary organisations or independent providers.
reducing bills. It is open every day except Sunday.
There is a new FREE advice centre inside Telford Library called FIRST POINT, advising on benefits, discounts, debt management, legal issues, housing, affordable warmth, jobs, training and
FIND OUT MORE 01952 380000
RECYCLING REMINDERS Telford residents can sign up to a new reminder service to help make remembering to recycle even easier. GreenBoxDay can send you a tailor-made reminder to let you know when to put your rubbish and recycling out for collection. Simply log onto greenboxday. co.uk and register free of charge to receive email reminders up to three days before your collection is due. You'll get automatic
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reminders every week direct to your computer, including collection changes over the bank holidays, telling you when to put out either your household waste bin or kerbside recycling box, and also what goes in them. The service is also available via text at a cost of 25p per text message. FIND OUT MORE www.greenboxday.co.uk
The LINk is run by volunteers and they are keen to hear from anyone who has time to help organise surveys, focus groups and events. They particularly welcome assistance from people who are already involved in community or voluntary organisations. FIND OUT MORE www.telfordandwrekinlink.org.uk
COMMUNITY SERVICES
We are keen to unity promote comm rd so let groups in Telfo want us know if you ured in your group feat RD! HOME IS TELFO
emergency numbers POLICE FIRE AMBULANCE 999 or 112 GAS LEAKS 24 hour service 0800 111 999 ELECTRICAL FAILURES 0800 328 1111 WATER BOARD 0800 783 4444 FLOODING 0845 988 1188
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO A CHILD’S LIFE Do you have what it takes to be a foster carer? Children in care benefit from a range of support including foster care, residential care and initiatives to improve their attainment at school, health, well being and life chances. Anyone can apply to be a foster carer and people from all walks of life and backgrounds make excellent carers. Ways in which you can look after children and young people include providing supportive lodgings for youngsters aged
NEW NAME FOR NHS TRUST Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust have changed their name to NHS Telford and Wrekin to “better reflect the organisations role as leader of health care in the borough.” NHS Telford & Wrekin is responsible for buying health services for the town’s population, with an annual budget of £225 million to fund a wide range of health care services. FIND OUT MORE www.telford.nhs.uk
16 plus, being a full time foster carer or offering respite care, where you care for a child for a few days during the holidays or occasional weekends. Foster carers are given full training and undergo an assessment to make sure they have what it takes to care for children separated from their own families. FIND OUT MORE Fostering Information Line 01952 385888.
BT RESIDENTIAL 0800 800151 BT BUSINESS 0800 800154 WOMENS REFUGE 01952 381921 office hours 01743 246058 outside office hours
non-emergency numbers WEST MERCIA POLICE 0300 333 3000
A4U A4U provide free, confidential and impartial information, advice and advocacy on all aspects of disability, to people with disabilities, their families and carers as well as health and social care professionals. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3.00pm and by answer phone for out of hours. Advice sessions are available Monday to Friday by appointment. FIND OUT MORE www.telford.nhs.uk
SHROPSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE 01743 260200 WEST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE 01743 364061 BT RESIDENTIAL 0800 800150
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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feature
THE GIFT OF LIFE Every year the lives of thousands of people are saved or transformed through organ transplantation and blood transfusions. Now it’s even easier to sign up to the Donor Register with the launch of a new contact number.
It is now simpler than ever to register to give blood or donate organs thanks to the introduction of a new, lifesaving hotline that connects donors to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). The new number - 0300 123 23 23 – known as the Donor Line - is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and all calls are charged at the standard local rate, even from mobile phones. Henrietta Joy, NHSBT’s Director of
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Communications and Public Affairs, is urging donors to key in the new number to mobile phones and other address lists as a top priority. She said: “We have brought in this new single number to make it even easier for people to find out about donating blood, organs, bone marrow or tissue. Now, one call is all it will take to book your place to give blood or join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
“Hundreds of lives are saved or transformed every day through donation. There is a constant need for blood and our regular donors are able to give every 16 weeks so if they store the new number in their address lists, they will always have it handy in case they need to contact us. The new number will also make it easier for people wanting to find out about organ donation and register as organ donors.”
NATIONAL TRANSPLANT WEEK
COMMUNITY SERVICES telford & wrekin council MAIN SWITCHBOARD 01952 380000 CHILDREN & FAMILY CARE 01952 641641 COUNCIL TAX & BENEFITS 01952 383838 ENVIRONMENT 01952 384384 ROADS & FOOTPATHS 01952 384000
5-12 July Now in its 19th year the campaign is highlighting that today more than 9,000 people in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant that could save or dramatically improve their life. Most are waiting for a kidney, others for a heart, lung or liver transplant. But less than 3,000 transplants are carried out each year. There is a desperate need for more donors. Last year nearly 400 people died while waiting for a transplant. One in ten people waiting for a heart transplant will die and many others will lose their lives before they even get on to the waiting list. Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this life-saving gift to others. The more people who pledge to donate their organs after their death, the more people stand to benefit. By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help make sure life goes on.
PLANNING 01952 380380 Joining the register records your agreement to the use of your organs and tissue for transplantation after your death. When you register it is important that you tell those closest to you about your decision. To decide whether or not you wish to become a donor after you have died is something very personal and it is important that everyone makes their own decision. UK Transplant produce a booklet that contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about organ and tissue donation and aims to resolve any doubts you might have about leaving a legacy of life for others after you die.
BUILDING REGULATIONS 01952 384555 FAMILY INFORMATION SERVICE (including Schools) 01952 385385 HOME IMPROVEMENT AGENCY 0845 002 0097
You can now register online at www. uktransplant.org.uk or by ringing the Organ Donor Line on 0300 123 2323 twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are charged at the standard local rate. FIND OUT MORE www. uktransplant.org.uk www. thetransplanttrust.org.uk
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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WHY DON’T YOU? Telford has a wealth of activities, campaigns and interests you can get involved in, all on your doorstep and just a phone call or click away! Let us know if you want YOUR organisation featured in this section of HOME IS TELFORD Email us at enquiries@ homeistelford .co.uk
TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY
TELFORD MODEL AERO CLUB The Telford Model Aero Club has been established for well over 30 years and is dedicated to the enjoyment of many forms of model aircraft. These include gliders, free flight models, radio controlled aeroplanes and helicopters. There is a club meeting on the first Tuesday of every month in the Horseshoes pub in Ketley, Telford. The meeting starts at 8:30 pm with discussions on club issues, as well as practical advice to all would be flyers. New and prospective members are welcome to attend - please come along and have a chat!
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FIND OUT MORE www.telfordmac.com
Did you know there was a steam railway in our town? Telford Steam Railway (TSR) is a preserved railway operated by a small and friendly team of volunteers on Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of September, and at Christmas. TSR is based at Horsehay & Dawley station and goods yard and operates on a line that was originally part of the Great Western branch line from Wellington to Craven Arms and closed in the 1960s. Trains now operate on a regular basis as far as Heath Hill tunnel. The railway is currently being extended in both directions with the aim of an eventual return to the Ironbridge Gorge. The TSR season includes a programme of gala events to suit both enthusiasts and the general public, and provides a great day out for all the family. FIND OUT MORE www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk
COMMUNITY SERVICES
TELFORD ADVANCED MOTORISTS TWAMM promote on a local level the aims of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM ), the improvement of the standard of driving and riding, and the advancement of road safety. We provide free driving guidance on the road for cars and motorcycles up to the IAM Advanced Driving Test standard. FIND OUT MORE www.twamm.co.uk
health care TELFORD YOUNG WRITERS GROUP Telford Young Writers Group meets every second Wednesday in the month at the Library at The Place, Oakengates between 6.00 - 7.30pm. Anyone aged 11 to 16 and keen to develop their writing skills is invited to attend. FIND OUT MORE Jo Heaton/Jane Baker on 01952 382923
TELFORD AGAINST NEW COAL Telford Against New Coal (TANC) is a campaign group dedicated to calling a halt to the extraction and burning of coal in Telford, Shropshire and the UK as a whole. TANC has formed primarily to oppose a planning application submitted by the company UK Coal in 2007 to extract around one million tonnes of coal from two sites known as Huntington Lane SMS (Surface Mine Site) at the foot of the Wrekin, near Telford, Shropshire. The 230 acre site, encompassing both open ground and woodland, would eat into the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is protected by planning law, and is also home to the protected scheduled New Works Ancient Monument through which a road would have to be driven. FIND OUT MORE www.tanc.org.uk
TELFORD PROTEST AGAINST INCINERATOR NOW Formed in October 2008, we are a group of concerned local residents living in the Telford area who care about our local environment and the air our children breathe. Our purpose is to raise awareness and stop the construction of the proposed waste Incinerator which is to be built adjacent to the existing Granville Landfill Site, less than 2 miles north-east of Telford Town Centre. TelfordPAIN has enjoyed good press and TV coverage since its inception and continues to campaign and look for fresh, innovative ways of getting its campaign message across to the Telford public. TelfordPAIN will be meeting soon at a venue near you. Dates and venues will be confirmed soon. Please register with info@telfordpain.co.uk for details FIND OUT MORE www.telfordpain.co.uk
NHS DIRECT 0845 4647 SHROPDOC 08450 202131 PRINCESS ROYAL HOSPITAL 01952 641222 CHARLTON MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 620138 DONNINGTON MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 605262 HOLLINGSWOOD MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 200454 IRONBRIDGE MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 432568 LAWLEY MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 560012 LINDEN HALL SURGERY 01952 670060 MALINSEE SURGERY 01952 501234 OAKENGATES MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 615122 PRIORSLEE MEDICAL CENTRE 01952 299521 SHAWBIRCH MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 641555 STIRCHLEY MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 660444 WELLINGTON MEDICAL PRACTICE 01952 226000 WOODSIDE SURGERY 01952 586691
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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THE CREDIT CRUNCH BLUES Men are struggling to cope with the effects of the recession and are less likely to talk about their problems than women Mental health charity Mind have warned that men are struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the credit crunch. They have launched the GET IT OFF YOUR CHEST campaign to encourage men to talk about their problems and have called for a strategy on men’s mental health, to match the existing women’s mental health strategy already in place. They would also like to see employers do more to help stressed male workers. The charity said that almost three million men in England currently have a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or stress. Whilst the figures in themselves are worrying, the underlying issue is that men are far more reluctant to talk about their problems when compared to women. Paul Farmer, chief executive at Mind, said: “The recession is clearly having a detrimental impact on the nation’s mental health, but men in particular are struggling with the emotional impact. Being a breadwinner is something that is still crucial to the male psyche so if a man loses his job he loses a large part of his identity putting his mental wellbeing in jeopardy. Too many men wrongly believe that admitting mental distress makes them weak and this kind of self stigma can cost lives.”
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Out of 2,000 adults surveyed, almost 40% of the men admitted to feeling low at the moment, citing concerns and worries over job security, work and money. 5% of men said they had experienced suicidal thoughts compared with 2% of women. Only 29% of men would talk to friends about their problems compared with 53% of women and they were also less likely to talk to their family. Men were also less likely to seek out professional help and a third would feel embarrassed about it. Mind also said even though men and women experience mental health problems in roughly equal numbers, men are much less likely to be diagnosed and treated for it. Research has shown that one in seven men develop depression within six months of losing their jobs and that some minority ethnic groups are at a higher risk of mental distress than others. Stephen Fry is supporting the Mind campaign to encourage men to seek help and said: "For so long I tried to get on with my life and career, somehow coping with the huge highs and lows I experienced. If I had felt able to get it off my chest when I was younger I could have got more of the support I needed."
GETTING HELP Telford Mind is an independent voluntary organisation affiliated to Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales Telford Mind provides a professional, confidential, free Counselling Service for adults. Counselling can offer you the opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings in a confidential, safe and understanding environment. When we are listened to with empathy, valued and accepted for what we are and not judged we are able to talk about our worries, conflicts, confusion and pain. Counsellors do not give advice or make decisions for you, but can help you see alternative ways of thinking and behaving and explore problems more fully so that you are more able to make decisions and act for yourself. This requires time, courage, openness, honesty and trust from you and your counsellor. To arrange an appointment, call in at Telford Mind, Alan Goodall Centre 76-83 Severn Walk, Telford TF7 4AS or telephone us on 01952 588367.
“The underlying issue is that men are far more reluctant to talk about their problems when compared to women”
COMMUNITY SERVICES local advice lines ANIMAL WELFARE 01952 384384 FIRST POINT TELFORD 01952 380000 TELFORD TRAVELINK 01952 200005 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU 0845 146 1554 TELFORD CVS 01952 291350 TELFORD MIND 01952 588367 FAIRSHARE CREDIT UNION 01952 282528 WREKIN HOUSING TRUST 01952 217100
national advice lines NATIONAL DEBTLINE 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 08457 484950 PDSA 0800 731 2502 RSPCA 0870 5555 999 SAMARITANS 08457 909090
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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community
WHAT’S ON
Send us details of YOUR event and we’ll include it for FREE in HOME IS TELFORD !
There’s lots going on in your home town so please support your local community events! Please confirm the event details before travelling by using the contact details given! Children & Young People’s Open Art Exhibition
29 June to 12 September Oakengates Theatre 01952 382364
Sickle Cell Disorders Awareness Month 1-31 July Campaigning to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Anaemia. www.sicklecellsociety.org
ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS WEEK 5-11 July
Sounds in The Square
Saturday 4 July - 11am to 4pm Market Square, Wellington Sounds in the Square is a series of five performances featuring local musicians organised by community group H2A. www.wellingtonunderthewrekin. co.uk
I Can 2
Saturday 4 July - 11am to 4pm Telford International Centre Free family fun day for disabled children, young people and their
families. For further information please contact Helen Irvine on 01952 385923.
Dynamic Dance Magic of the Musicals Show Saturday 4 July Dawley Town Hall Telford Stage School perform excerpts from favourite musicals. For further details and tickets contact Lee Baldwin on 07980 919430 www.telfordstageschool.org.uk
Urban Games
Sunday 5 July - 11am to 9pm Leegomery BMX Track/Skatepark This fantastic free event is back again this year bigger and better than ever. Off road space hopper racing, BMX racing, skateboarding, inline skating, moto stick freestyle, sumo gladiators, bouncy boxing, extreme trampolining, circus skills, face painting, live music, food on sale and lots more.
National Transplant Week
5-12 July Campaigning to increase public awareness of the positive benefits of organ & tissue donation for transplantation. www.thetransplanttrust.org.uk
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COMMUNITY SERVICES URBAN GAMES Sunday 5 July
libraries DAWLEY 01952 382901 DONNINGTON 01952 382905 HADLEY 01952 388475 MADELEY 01952 382950
Alzheimer's Awareness Week
5-11 July The purpose of the Week is to raise public awareness and understanding about dementia, its causes and the impact that it has on people. www.alzheimers.org.uk
Twins, Triplets & More Week
6-12 July Promoting greater understanding of the unique needs of multiple birth families. www.tamba.org.uk
National Shed Week 6-11 July A celebration of garden sheds! www.shedweek.co.uk
Behind the Scenes at Blist Hill
Tuesday 7 July Friends of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. 01952 433522
Wrockwardine Church Fete
Saturday 11 July at 2pm Wrockwardine Hall host a traditional village fete.
World Population Day
Saturday 11 July The Day seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, particularly in the context of overall development plans and programmes, and the need to find solutions for these issues. www.un.org
Lions Day on Wheels
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July Bowring Park, Wellington Come along to a Free family fun event with charity stalls and fun fair - theme is ‘anything on wheels’’ - organised by Telford Lions. The cavalcade will be leaving Wrekin Road car park at 9.30am arriving at Bowring Park at 10am. For further details contact the Lions club secretary Ken Mellish on 01952 256915 or email kwmellish@yahoo.co.uk
MOBILE LIBRARY 01952 382990 OAKENGATES 01952 382390 STIRCHLEY 01952 382980 TELFORD TOWN CENTRE 01952 382915 WELLINGTON 01952 382990
You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July The Place, Oakengates Performed by Gaston Payne School of Dance - Saturday 12 noon and 6pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets £9 available from Tony Causer on 01952 883188 (continued on page 46)
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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in the church, please contact Darren Blackburn on 07817580573 or email thebankgroup@yahoo.co.uk
Back 2 Miami
Saturday 25 July Oakengates Theatre 01952 382382 The return of Telford’s very own soul outfit in an unstoppable soul spectacular.
Park Live! WHAT’S ON continued from page 45
Telford Town Park Race for Life
Sunday 12 July - 11am start Raise funds for Cancer Research UK with a 5km walk, jog or run www.raceforlife.org
Chris Addison
Thursday 16 July Oakengates Theatre Chris Addison, star of award winning comedy The Thick of It, is back with a brand new show. Ring 01952 382382 for further details on ticket availability.
Wrekin Writers Group
Saturday 18 July Wrekin Housing Trust offices 01588 660433 The monthly meeting of this friendly group for writers of all genres. www.wrekinwriters.co.uk
Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival
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Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron Two days of free entertainment featuring Shropshire’s finest brass bands. Admission free. Park and ride service, real ale bar and refreshments available to purchase. Starts 11am on Saturday 18 and 12 noon on Sunday 19 July.
Oakengates in the Park
Sunday 19 July - 12.30pm to 6pm Hartshill Park, Oakengates Free family fun event including stalls, fun fair, side stalls, donkey rides, Punch and Judy and a bouncy castle. Event organised by Oakengates Town Council - contact Max Clowes 01952 618844
Come on a Quest
Tuesday 21 July Telford Library Free stories and crafts for children aged 5-11 years. Places must be booked in advance. Sessions 2pm to 3pm and 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Call in or telephone Telford Library on 01952 382918.
24/7
Friday 24 July 24/7 raises public awareness of the work of Samaritans that goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dawley Bank Day
Saturday 25 July Free community annual fun day organised by the Bank Community Group and Dawley Baptist Church, with attractions to include donkeys, a bouncy castle and a display from the Shropshire County Fire Service. For information about booking a stall or participating at an open exhibition
Saturday 25 July The Arena, Telford Town Park Free music festival featuring well known local bands including Babytwin, Fight The Bear, Inertia, Innersanctum, 4 Legged Wonder and headline band Casino. For further details contact Janice Williams on 01952 382366.
Coalbrookdale Festival and Old Furnace Opening
Saturday 25 July Friends of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust 01952 433522
Detective Weekend at Blists Hill
Saturday 25 July and Sunday 26 July Join the residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town for a weekend of mystery inspired by Victorian detective stories. www.blistshill.org
Oliver!
30 July to 1 August Oakengates Theatre Youth Summer School 01952 382382 A wonderful adaptation of the Lionel Bart musical by the pupils of the Oakengates Theatre summer school. EMAIL US with details of YOUR event and get it included in HOME IS TELFORD free!
IN THE PARK
COMMUNITY SERVICES churches
The town park has FREE events every weekend this month, a great way to spend the day in your home town!
Abelwell Foundation Band
Sunday 5 July The Bandstand Free musical entertainment for park visitors. 2pm to 4pm
Wong Wei Oriental Magic
Sunday 5 July Canopy Area, Spout Farm House Free children’s entertainment 12noon to 3pm.
Professional Hallows Punch & Judy Show Sunday 12 July Canopy Area, Spout Farm House Free children’s entertainment 12 noon 3pm
Highley Colliery Band
Sunday 12 July The Bandstand 2pm to 4pm. Free musical entertainment for park visitors.
3 in a Bar
Sunday 19 July The Bandstand Free musical entertainment for park visitors. 2pm 4pm
The Dynamic Trio Guitarist
Sunday 19 July Canopy Area, Spout Farm House Free children’s entertainment. 12 noon to 3pm
Magic Mayhem
Sunday 26 July Canopy Area, Spout Farm House, Telford Town Park Free children’s entertainment 12 noon 3pm
ADMASTON METHODIST CHURCH 01952 640079 www.admastonmethodist. org.uk ALL SAINTS CHURCH Stirchley 01952 596445 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS Wellington 01952 257443 ELIM PENTECOSTAL CHURCH Hadley 01952 242157 DAWLEY HOLY TRINITY 01952 595915 DAWLEY METHODIST CHURCH 01952 505108 FLETCHER METHODIST CENTRE Madeley 01952 586115 HADLEY METHODIST CHURCH 01952 254809 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Hadley Hollow 01952 254251 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Wrockwardine Wood 01952 613865 JOHNS CHURCH HALL Lawley Village 01952 503875
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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YOUR VOICE
Who are the people who represent you and your views at local, county and national level?
YOUR MP
YOUR MEP
YOUR COUNCIL
Telford is represented in Parliament by David Wright, who won the Telford seat for Labour with 48% of the vote.
There are seven West Midlands Members of the European Parliament (MEP) representing you in the European Parliament prior to the June 4 elections:
Telford is run by Telford and Wrekin Council, a unitary authority which means that it is responsible for all local government services in the area including education, social services and libraries. The council is comprised of 54 councillors from 33 wards. The council has a leader who is chosen from the ruling party or coalition. The council also has a mayor who is chosen by all councillors.
He is Telford born and bred and has been the MP for Telford since 2001. 2005 General Election Results: David Wright (Labour) Stella Kyriasis (Conservative) Ian Jenkins (Liberal Democrat) Thomes McCartney (UKIP)
16,506 11,100 4,941 1,659
FIND OUT MORE www.davidwrightmp.org.uk
Philip Bradbourn OBE (Conservative) Philip Bushill-Matthews (Conservative) Michael Cashman (Labour) Neena Gill (Labour) Malcolm Harbour (Conservative) Liz Lynne (Liberal Democrat) Mike Nattress (UKIP)
The political make up of the council is as follows:
The MEPs also sit in the European parliament and legislate on various things. This can be anything which has to have a consensus reached across Europe before it becomes law.
Conservative 25 Labour 18 Telford & Wrekin People’s Association 4 Independent 4 Liberal Democrats 3
FIND OUT MORE www.writetothem.com
The next full council elections are due in May 2011. FIND OUT MORE www.telford.gov.uk
GET INVOLVED There are local branches of all of the main political parties in Telford FIND OUT MORE www.telfordconservatives.com www.telfordlabourparty.org.uk www.wrekinlibdems.org.uk www.ukiptelfordandwrekin.co.uk
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TELFORD MAYOR Liberal Democrat Karen Blundell is the new mayor of Telford, appointed at the annual meeting of the council in May. She has represented the Apley Castle ward since 2003, works as a civil servant and has also served as a special constable in Telford. Her interests include travel, wildlife, music and history. She hopes to assist in building a stronger and fitter community during her term in office. FIND OUT MORE www.telford.gov.uk/Council+democracy/
YOUR COUNCILLORS Church Aston & Lilleshall Andrew Eade (Conservative) 01952 380194 andrew.eade@telford.gov.uk
Nigel Dugmore (Conservative) 01952 380237 nigel.dugmore@telford.gov.uk
Donnington
Adrian Lawrence (Conservative) 01952 380208 adrian.lawrence@telford.gov.uk
Elizabeth Clare (Labour) 01952 380192 elizabeth.clare@telford.gov.uk
Priorslee
Clive Mason (Labour) 01952 380211 clive.mason@telford.gov.uk
telford north
Muxton
Hadley & Leegomery Keith Austin (Labour) 01952 380183 keith.austin@telford.gov.uk Roger Aveley (Conservative) 01952 380184 roger.aveley@telford.gov.uk Malcolm Smith (Labour) 01952 380222 malcolm.smith@telford.gov.uk
Ketley & Oakengates Joy Francis (Conservative) 01952 380197 joy.francis@telford.gov.uk Sean Kelly (Conservative) 01952 380207 sean.kelly@telford.gov.uk
Ian Fletcher (Conservative) 01952 380195 ian.fletcher@telford.gov.uk Veronica Fletcher (Conservative) 01952 380195 veronica.fletcher@telford.gov.uk
St Georges John Minor (Labour) 01952 380214 john.minor@telford.gov.uk
COMMUNITY SERVICES churches KETLEY METHODIST CHURCH Red Lake 01952 612740 MADELEY BAPTIST CHURCH 01952 588111 METHODIST CHURCH St Georges 01952 618384 SALVATION ARMY Oakengates 01952 620263 SIKH TEMPLE Leegomery 01952 411730
Richard Overton (Labour) 01952 380215 richard.overton@telford.gov.uk
ST JOHNS CHURCH Muxton 01952 604281
Wrockwardine Wood & Trench
ST MATTHEWS CHURCH Donnington 01952 604239
Robert Groom (Independent) 01952 380200 bob.groom@telford.gov.uk Charles Smith (Labour) 01952 380223 charles.smith@telford.gov.uk
Hilda Rhodes (Labour) 01952 380218 hilda.rhodes@telford.gov.uk
CONTACTING YOUR REPRESENTATIVES WriteToThem.com is an independent, charitable project to help the public contact their elected representatives. You input your postcode and the site lists your local councillors, your MP and your European representatives. It isn’t perfect - we were given Mark Pritchard, MP for Wrekin, as our MP - but it provides a quick and easy way to raise issues with the people who represent you!
ST PETERS CHURCH Priorslee 01952 612923 TELFORD CENTRAL MOSQUE Wellington 01952 242933 TELFORD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Wellington 01952 272961 WELLINGTON METHODIST CHURCH 01952 250944
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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telford central
community
Apley Castle
Ercall
Park Ward
Karen Blundell (Lib Dem) 01952 380187 karen.blundell@telford.gov.uk
Miles Hosken (Conservative) 01952 380205 miles.hosken@telford.gov.uk
Denis Allen (TWPA) 01952 380180 denis.allen@telford.gov.uk
Arleston
Haygate
Shawbirch Ward
Angela McClements (Labour) 01952 380212 angela.mcclements@telford.gov.uk
Rosemary Chaplin (Conservative) 01952 380191 rosemary.chaplin@telford.gov.uk
Bill Tomlinson (Lib Dem) 01952 380226 bill.tomlinson@telford.gov.uk
College
Lawley & Overdale
Gary Davies (Independent) 01952 380193 gary.davies@telford.gov.uk
Jayne Greenaway (Conservative) 01952 380199 jayne.greenaway@telford.gov.uk
Dothill
telford south
Karen Tomlinson (Lib Dem) 01952 380226 karen.tomlinson@telford.gov.uk
Brookside
Horsehay & Lightmore
The Nedge
George Ashcroft (TWPA) 01952 380181 george.ashcroft@telford.gov.uk
Tracy Hope (Conservative) 01952 380204 tracy.hope@telford.gov.uk
Yvonne Hicks (Labour) 01952 380202 yvonne.hicks@telford.gov.uk
John Dixon (Conservative) 07794 213523 john.dixon@telford.gov.uk
Clive Mollett (Conservative) 01952 380236 clive.mollett@telford.gov.uk
Ute Sambrook (Labour) 01952 380220 ute.sambrook@telford.gov.uk
Cuckoo Oak
Ironbridge Gorge
Graham Hossell (Conservative) 01952 380206 graham.hossell@telford.gov.uk
Louise Lomax (Labour) 01952 380209 louise.lomax@telford.gov.uk
Richard Tyler (Conservative) 01952 380229 richard.tyler@telford.gov.uk
Alan Mackenzie (Labour) 01952 380210 alan.mackenzie@telford.gov.uk
Madeley
Dawley Magna
Gillian Green (Independent) 01952 380198 gillian.green@telford.gov.uk
Vic Tonks (TWPA) 07794 213505 vic.tonks@telford.gov.uk
Dave Wright (Conservative) 01952 380233 dave.wright@telford.gov.uk
Adrian Williams (TWPA) 01952 380232 adrian.williams@telford.gov.uk
Malinsee
Helen Williams (TWPA) 07794 213504 helen.williams@telford.gov.uk
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Roy Picken (Labour) 01952 249252 roy.picken@telford.gov.uk
Phil Homer (Labour) 01952 380203 phil.homer@telford.gov.uk Kuldip Sahota (Labour) 01952 380219 kuldip.sahota@telford.gov.uk
Woodside Mike Swift (Labour) 01952 380225 mike.swift@telford.gov.uk Derek White (Labour) 01952 380230 derek.white@telford.gov.uk
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