Bridgnorth Journal - 01-Dec-2022

HAVE ASAY OVER PARKINGPLANS

Town residents andbusinessesinvited to drop-insessionstooffer theircomments

Businesses andresidents

in Bridgnorth have been invitedtoattenddrop-in sessions to find outmore abouton-street parking schemes.

An online consultation was held in Mayand June this year,as the firststage in gatheringresi dents’views on thetown’sparking schemes.

Now, face-to-face events will be held in Bridgnorth Librarywhere newand proposed changes to the town’s parkingschemes will be on display.

Andresidents have been encour aged to drop in andhavea look,as well as offertheir comments

RichardMarshall, Shropshire Council’s cabinetmember with re sponsibility forparking,said: “In response to concerns aboutparking congestion we’regivingconsiderationtothe introductionand revi sion of anumberofresidents’onstreet preferential parkingschemes in Bridgnorth

“Now we really want people to seethe proposed changes,ask ques tionsand tell us what they think–whetherit’satone of these drop-in events, or onour website.”

Thescheduled drop-inevents are as follows:

Monday,December 5, from 2pm to 9pmand Tuesday, December 6, from 9amtonoon–for residents in theWestDivisionareas

Monday,December 12,from2pm to 9pmand Tuesday, December 13, from 9amtonoon–for residents in theEastDivisionareas

It’s happyhourinPhil’s back garden boozer

Phil Edwardsdoesn’thavefar to go when he wantstowatch theWorld Cupwithhis mates. he’s builthis ownlocal boozer in hisbackgarden Phil livesonthe outskirtsof Bridgnorth andusedhis building skillstospend threemonthscreat ingthe pubathis cottageinKnowlesands.

It is called FloridaPhil’s after

hisloveofthe American ‘sunshine state’,but it is England that is the talk of thebar at themoment That’s becausePhilhas been en tertaining hispalswithscreenings of WorldCup matchesonthe 6ft screen in thepub.And as thecost of living crisis continuestobitehe’s findingitcheaper to spendmore andmoretimein thebar

“Withfuelasdearasitis, it’s cheapertosit in theretowatch the TV than be in thehouse,withthe centralheating on forsix rooms,” he added.

Alongwiththe rest of thetown, thepub is nowgetting into thefes tive spirit,and is decked outwith Christmas lights andatree.

l Glass –Page4

Driver whokilled cyclist,

19,isjailed

Aman hasbeenjailedfor nine years forcausing thedeath of a19-year oldcyclist by dangerousdriving

Florentine Chinanga–Choudied afterhis bicyclewas struck by ared Vauxhall Corsa in theearly hoursof November27, 2020

ChristopherTalbot, of Orchard Road, Bridgnorth, pleadedguilty to causinghis deathbydangerous drivingwhenheappearedatWol verhampton CrownCourt on Tues dayafternoon.The 38-year-oldalso pleadedguilty to burglary,driving whilst disqualified,without ali cenceand insurance.

l Death–Page10

Severn flood alert lifted as rain

lets up

A flood alertthatwas in placefor Shropshiretowns alongthe River Severn, includingBridgnorth,has been lifted

TheGovernment’s flood advice servicegavethe all-clearasriver levels have nowfallenbelow the flood risk threshold.

No furtherrainfallisforecast, butthe situationisbeing monitored.

Riverside communitiesincludingShrewsbury, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth hadbeenon flood alert afterdaysoftorrentialrain.

A flood alertremains in placefor theRiver Tern at Walcot

County rose ‘retired’ duetonew climate

Famous rosevarieties,including ShropshireLad,are being‘retired’ becauseofthe county’s changing climate.

World-famous flower grower,Al brighton-basedDavid Austin Roses,has explainedwhy ithad hadto take thedecision to enddecades of tradition

The firm says Shropshire Lad, an award-winningvariety that has been abestsellersince 1996,isnow toodelicatefor today’schangingcli mate

Theroseisalso at risk because of therisingnumbers of pests

l Threat –Page3

Phil Edwards, wholives on theoutskirts of Bridgnorth, hasbuilthis ownbar/pub in hisgardenfor himand his mates

MEGANHOWE newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

hailed

Whyissupplyofeggs to stores cracking up?

Morethan11.6million pen sionerswillstart to receiveup to £600fromWednesday to help with theirenergybillsthrough thewinter months.

Thevastmajorityofpayments will be made automatically, the Department forWorkand Pen sions(DWP) said

Conservative MP Mr Dunne said:“Pensioners aresome of ourmostvulnerable residents so it is welcomenewsthat 24,495pensionersinthe Lud lowconstituencywill receivean additional £300

“Costoflivingpaymentshave also been avital lifeline for many as we face inflationary pressurescausedbyPutin’s in vasion of Ukraineand theener gy shockthatfollowed.

“Every householdwill be better able to face higher costs thanks to theGovernment’s£49 billion supportpackage, includ ingtargetedsupport and energy bill supportfor all. These are challengingtimes forusall,but thenew Chancellor andPrime Minister arecommitted to sup portingthe most vulnerable throughthe difficultiesahead”.

Supermarkets introducepurchaselimitsoneggsfor customers

MARK ANDREWS newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Chancesare you will have seen fewerthannormalonthe shelves, or even none to be foundatall

Afterthe shortage of flourand pastaduringlockdown, it is nowthe turn of eggs to enterthe groceryen dangered list.

Theproblemshavebeencaused by aperfect storm, with anumber of factorscombining.

TheUKiscurrently facing its largestever bout of bird flu, com pounding existing shortages caused by producerscutting back on out putorleaving theindustrydue to increasedcosts

Russia’s invasion of Ukrainehas been drivingupfarmers’energy bills, alongwiththe cost of chicken feed,hensand packaging.

Demand foreggsisalsoupascon sumers seek outcheaper sourcesof proteintooffsetsoaring food bills.

National Grid said that 98 prop erties in Bridgnorth were affected by thepower loss,which occurred shortlybefore4pm on Sunday.

Thehomesinthe WV15 postcode area were withoutpower forsome hourswhile National Grid staff workedtoresolve theissue

Thecompany said:“We areaware of this powercut incidentwhich wasraisedat3.58pmtandour engi neersare working to getthe power returned as quicklyaspossible.

“Weare sorryfor anyinconven iencethisiscausing you.”

Waitrosehas pledgeda £2.6 mil lion investment in itsegg suppliers as it remainsone of thefew super marketsnot to imposepurchase limits on customers. Marks&Spen cerand Morrisons arethe latest grocerstojoinTesco,Asdaand Lidl in rationingthe sale of boxesasthe impactsofrisingcosts andbird flu continue to take theirtoll.

However Waitrosesaidithas no planstointroduce such limits, add ingthatitisconfidentithas “strong availability of Britishfree-range eggs availablefor purchase both on line andinour shops”

Sainsbury’sand theCo-ophave also notintroducedany limits, with Co-opsayingitiscontinuingto monitor thesituation

TheNationalFarmers’Union (NFU)has called foran “urgent investigation” into theegg supply chaindisruption.

Chamberorchestraprepare to mark ‘a decade of music’

Achamber orchestraishostinga Christmas concertaspart of it’s 10th year celebratoryprogramme

Bridgnorth Sinfonia will perform at St Mary’s Church on December 17 at 7.30pm,conducted by James Ross andled by Margaret Wright

Themusical programmeincludes Copland’sFanfare forthe Common Man, Humpderinck’sHanseland Gretel Overture,Rimsky-Korsak ov’s Introductionand Polonaise, Delius’s Sleigh Ride,and Ander son’sChristmas Festival Overture

Aspokesman forthe orchestra said:“Having growninthe last tenyears from just afew mem bers,tobecomingafull orchestra,

Bridgnorth Sinfonia arenow look ingforward to theirnextten years

“Conductor Dr JamesRosswho conducts orchestras alloverthe world,heard them playingwhenhe visitedBridgnorth some yearsago andwas so impressedhejoinedthe company.

“Following averydisruptivepe riod duetoCovid theSinfoniaand theiraudienceshavereallyenjoyed thelast12monthsand arenow back to threefull orchestral con certsayear.”

Ticketscost£12 whileunder 16s go free.To buytickets, go to the Ticket Sourcewebsite.Tickets can also be bought on thedoor.

Community has givenwoods festiveappeal

To celebratethe run-up to Christ mas, tenShropshireschools and groups have made naturaldec orations to deck theboughsof living trees ina woodland near Bridgnorth

TheTreeTrail will be open daily in ComerWoods, on theNational Trust’sDudmaston Estate,from Saturday December 3until Christ masEve,from10.30am-2.30pm

Children andparents at St Leon ard’sPrimary School in Bridgnorth have handmadedecorations using willow,dried fruitand othernatu ralmaterials foraged by volunteers at Dudmaston.

Caroline Allen, receptionclass teacher, said:“Thechildrenare so excitedtotaketheir decorations to thewoodsand hang them in the tree.

“I thinkit’sa lovely idea to get everyone together at this time of year.It’sbeenarealcommunity effort whichisin thetruespiritof Christmas.”

Membersofthe WI’s Climate Change groupmet on Zoom to shareideas andinspiration fortheir naturaldecorations

Thegroup,togetherwithCound Crafters, arebringingtwigstars, firconegnomesand cardboardpar cels to hang on theirtrees in Comer Woods.

Visitors to thewoodsare encour aged to forage formaterials to make theirown decorations.

crash

Adriver escaped seriousinjury in acrash in southShropshire.

Emergencyserviceswere called to Old School Closein Highley, near Bridgnorth, at 2.30pm last Thursday afterre portsofa manbeing trapped in avehicle

However,ShropshireFire& Rescue Servicesaidthe man wasabletoget outofthe ve hicle. Paramedics from West Midlands AmbulanceService assessed theman at thescene

“Hedidn’trequirehospital treatment andwas discharged,” aspokespersonsaid.

Bridgnorth’s MP PhilipDunne haswelcomedaboosttowinter fuel payments

Lookingfor eggs foryour omelette, or in preparation foryourChristmas cake?

BridgnorthSinfonia. Photo: Dave Liddle

Hospitalmascotnamed afterlong-servingdoctor

TheLeagueofFriends of Bridgnorth Hospital have named theirnew mascot in honour of a long-serving doctor in thetown.

Thegroup held adrawtoname thenew caterpillar mascot,with thewinningnameCampbell, or ‘Cami’ forshort.

This is in memory of Dr Agnes Campbell,after whom ahospital ward isalso named.

Thedrawwas held at theFriends’ Christmas Coffee Morning last Saturday (26),which wasofficially opened by thetown’smayor,Coun-

cillor KarenSawbridge.

Entertainmentwas provided by theABUkuleleBand, andthere were bottle, craft, knitwear and cake stalls, as well as atombola andthe raffle.

In total, this raised£755for the Friends’ funds.

Donated

The£100prize in therafflewas wonbythe mayorwho kindly do natedher winnings to Bridgnorth Food Bank

ThenextButterflyCafésession forpeoplewithdementiaand their carers will be held between2pm to 4pmtomorrowafternoon (Friday) andthenthe sessionswill continue on the firstFridayofeverymonth during 2023

Theone exceptionisApril when it will be held on Friday,March 31 to avoid clashing with Easter Lots of activities areplanned for thenew yearand awarmwelcome awaits anyone whowould liketo attend

Changingclimate abig threat to roses, warnsDavid Austin

MEGANHOWE Community News Reporter

varieties. We arepassionateabout beingcustodiansofthe roseand arecommitted to doingeverything we cantoguarantee ourcustomers plants that thrive,thereby safe guarding thefutureofthe rose

“Thismeans re-trialling allour releases and, in some instances, re tiringverypopular varieties.

DavidAustinRoses, basedinAlbrighton, is famous globally

blooms andhas been on amission forthe last 60 yearstooffer itscus tomers “themostbeautiful anddis ease-freeroses”.

But, theongoingchallenges of global warmingand theincreasein pests,means that thebusinesshas been forced to retire popular flower varieties, includingthe Munstead Wood andAShropshireLad Paul ConstantineofDavid Austin Roses said:“As theleading experts in rosebreedingand care forover 60 years, we arewell-placed to witness theenvironmental changes that impact thehealthofthe na tion’s favourite flower

“Wecannotstand stilland ob serveaswesee diseases andpests evolve as conditions andclimates change,threatening thehealthand success of some of ourmostpopular

“Whilst these plants maycontinue to do well in some circumstances,in thelongtermthe changing conditions mean that we recommend alternativevarieties that are better suited to thechangingenvironment.

“Thisisnot an easy decisionand maywellresultinlower revenue, butwemusttakethe bravedecision to retire them.”

TheMunsteadWood is adark, velvety rosewhich wasintroduced in 2007,whileA Shropshire Ladisa lightpeachy rosewhich wasgrown at DavidAustinfor more than20 years.

DavidAustinRoses says thevarietieswill “alwaysremainpartof ourhistory”but that it made sense to pursue moreclimate-adaptable flowers

Mr Constantineadded: “Our simple aimistoget thebestroses possible into ourcustomers’hands, thereby ensuring them thebest chance of success andhappiness.”

BY COUNCILLOR RACHEL CONNOLLY,BRIDGNORTH WEST &TASLEY

Ihavebeentouched by how many communitygroups, or ganisationsand businesses have recognisedthe impact that the cost of living crisis is having in ourtownand have chosen to make donationstoBridgnorth Food Bank.The numbersof people they aresupportingisincreasing anditisheart-warmingtosee that they aresupport ed by so many in thetown.

If anyone hasany concerns aboutthe cost of living crisis Councillor JuliaBuckley and myself will be holdingour surgery at Bridgnorth Librarythis Saturday,December 3, from 11.30amuntil 1pm.

Pleasecome down andsee us if you need anyadvice.

Last Friday sawour annual Christmas Lights Eventtake place. Theweather waskind to us andeven though England were playinginthe WorldCup at thesametimethe lights switch on waswellattended. Iwould liketothank Bridgnorth Town Councilfor putting on such agreat eventand Ihopethat everyone enjoyed themselves.It wasparticularlylovely to watch ourfourprimary schoolssingingChristmas songs.

Last week also saw the85th anniversaryofthe Majestic Cinema in Bridgnorth.I,like many others Iamsure, have fond memories of this cinema.I went to seemy first film thereas achild andcontinuetosupport ourlocal cinema up to this day. It is wonderful to have this venue within ourtownand Iwould encouragepeopletocontinueto supportit.

Sundayweek(11), will seethe return of theBridgnorth Festive CharityTractor Run. The illuminated tractorswill meet at Bridgnorth LivestockMarket at 3pm, leavingat5pm through thetown. Donationsare being collected alongthe routefor Hope HouseChildren’s Hospice.

Tel: 01746 765255 www.perryandphillipsfunerals.com Email: enquiries@perryandphillipsfunerals.com 4Underhill Street, Bridgnorth, Shrophire. WV16 4BB Tel: (01746) 765255 CowleyHouse, High Street, Highley,Shropshire. WV16 6LF Tel: (01746) 862225

AvisitorlooksatDavid Austin Roses flowersatthe ChelseaFlowerShow

Campbell,the newmascot

Heroes of high street hailed

Acouncil hasrecognisedbusinesses whohavehad apositive impact on theirlocal high street

Twenty nine businesses have been rewarded across Telford& Wrekin in therun-uptoSmall Busi ness Saturday this weekend.

The firstSaturdayofDecember celebrates smallbusinesses across theUK, encouragingpeopletoshop local

The‘High Street Heroes’ campaignencouraged Telfordresidents andbusinessestovotefor theshop in theirlocal high street whichdeserves recognition.

Twenty nine shops, including conveniencestores, toyshops, cafes andrestaurants have been awarded thetitle of High StreetHeroand were presented with atrophyby Telford&Wrekincouncillors.

Councillor LeeCartersaid: “Small high street businesses are essentialfor theborough. We’d like to congratulate allthe business es whohavebeennamed as High Street Heroes, thepositive impact they have hadontheir high street.”

Requestover council’sfees

Campaignersinvolvedina £550,000 land roware demand ingacouncil revealshow much it hasspent on legalfees ahead of aSupreme Courthearing next week.Greenfields Commu nity Grouphas been embroiled in alegal battleoverthe sale of part of Greenfields Recreation Ground in Shrewsbury forsev eral years.

Thegroup will have itscase heardatthe highestcourt in thelandnextWednesday,when it will be decidedwhether plan ning permission grantedby ShropshireCouncil forhomes on thedesignatedcommunity land should have stood.

It comesafter Shrewsbury Town Council, whichsoldthe land to CSEDevelopments to build15homes, “unreservedly” apologisedfor thesaleinJune, andvowed to help return the land to thecommunity.Thatfol lowedthe publicationofanindependentinquiryintothe sale

Man, 57,incourt over road death

Aman hasappearedincourt in connection with theroaddeath of ayoung southShropshireman ChristopherCarloman,57, ap peared at TelfordMagistrates CourtonTuesday,accused ac cusedoffailing to stop andreport an accidentin relation to the deathofWill Rogers,anagricul turalcontractor whowas popular in thefarming andrugby commu-

nities in Bridgnorth andLudlow. The26-year-old waskilledon April30thisyearonthe B4368 at Diddlebury,between Craven Arms andMuchWenlock

Carloman’s defenceadvocate requestedmedical evidence in ad vanceofthe next hearing, which is duetotakeplace on January16 next year.Carloman, of Telford, wasgranted unconditionalbail.

Covidboostersfor over3mpeople

Morethanthree million people in theregionhavenow hadaCovid boosterjab this autumn

TheMidlandsisthe firstregion in Englandtohit themilestone and hasachieved3,003,647 of thecountry’stotal vaccinationsof15.3mil lion

So far, more than 853,858autumn boosterappointmentsinthe East Midlands andover787,604 appointments in theWestMidlands

have been booked sinceSeptember 12.Manymorepeopleare getting theirvaccinations through walk-in clinics. Andthose yettotakeupthe offerare beingurged to come forward

People aged 50 andover, theseverelyimmuno-suppressed and frontlinehealthand care workers canget vaccinated

TheNHS is also rolling outthis year’s fluvaccine.

Cheers! Beer-loverPhil raises glasstoback-garden boozer

ELEANOR LAWSON Community News Reporter

Phil Edwards, from Knowle sands, wanted aplacetodrink with hisfriends,but foundhis local wasn’t always open

So with ahistory in thebuilding tradehe settoworkand createdhis pub,FloridaPhil’s.

Thepub is not open to thepublic, andisinsteadaplace forPhiland hisfriends to relaxand watchthe football

The59-year-old,who liveswith hispartnerBev,said: “Weorigi nallycametothispropertytodo it up andselliton, butwefellin love with it

Dilapidated

“Itwas adilapidated oldcottage yearsago,but thelandcameup forsale, so we knockedthe cottage down andbuilt ahouse.”

Phil beganthe workonhis back garden pub last year,and although workwas slowed down by thepan demic, FloridaPhil’s wascompleted in threemonths.

Thepub takesits name from Phil’s love of theAmericanstate, whichhehas visitedmanytimes over theyears.And now, between 30 and40ofPhil’s friendsvisit Florida Phil’s for a drink and to watch football on theTV.

At themoment,they’re making

themostofthe opportunityand gatheringfor screenings of theWorld Cup.

“There’s asix foot TV,” Phil said, “it’sfullyinsulated,withafull bar, spotlights, two bifold doorsand disco lights.I’veeven installedalog fire

“I have no experience whatsoever in pubs. This is my ownsortofpro ject.It’smybaby.”

Thepub is nowgetting into the

festivespirit, andisdeckedout with Christmas lights andatree. Andas thecostoflivingbites,Phil is using the pubmorethanever.

“Withfuelasdearasitis, it’s cheapertosit in theretowatch the TV then be in thehouse,withthe centralheating on forsix rooms,”he added.

Phil andhis partner, BevStradins,havelivedin theirBridgnorth

home fortwo andahalfyears, and they harbouraspeciallovefor the Shropshiretown.

“I used to come to Bridgnorth fora dayout,” Phil said,“Iwas from Wolverhampton, butIalwayshad ambi tionstolive in Bridgnorth.

“WhenIbrought Bevherefor the firsttime, shethought it waslike Cornwall –withthe river andall the icecream shops.”

Musicaldirector’slastshow

ThePhoenix Singerswill perform their finalconcert with theirmusical director on Saturday before he re tiresfromthe position

RichardWalkerwillconduct the Shrewsbury choirfor thelasttime at St Chad’s Church on Saturday at 7.30pm

Theevening’s concertwillfeature Haydn’sHarmoniemesse

ThePhoenix Singerswill be ac companiedby thePhoenix Orchestra ledbyClare Horgan,and soloists sopranoHannahFraser-Mackenzie; contraltoLaraRebekah Harvey,ten or PhilipO’Connor,and bass Andrew Randall.

Chairman of thePhoenix Singers, BobMillingtonsaid: “Thisisgoing to be awonderful eveningofsublime

musicthatwillmakefor averyenjoyableexperience forthe audience

“However,itistingedwithsadness because this is thelastconcert that RichardWalkerwillbeleading us as ourconductor anddirectorofmusic

“Heisretiringfromthisposition after12verysuccessfulseasons but I’msurewewon’t have seen thelast of aman that hasbeensuchadriving forceonthe musicalfront –not just forthe PhoenixSingers butinShrop shiregenerally

“Soweare enjoyingthislastterm of hiswell-plannedand paced re hearsalsessionswhich have always resulted in successfulconcertsand Iknowthe choirislooking forward to an enjoyable concert, ledbyhim.”

Ticketsfor theconcert are£15

Aman from Bridgnorth hasset up hisown pub in hisbackgarden.

Phil Edwards, from Bridgnorth, hasbuilthis ownbar/pub in hisbackgarden

Ben’swriting talentsearnhim topnatureaward

An artistlivingnearMuchWen lock is celebratingafter success fullyturning hishandtopainting with words andbecomingrun ner-up in an internationalnature-writing competition.

BenCrane,49, of Cound, is de lightedthathis 8,000wordessay aboutthe interplaybetween falconry, Covidand thenatural world caught theeyesofthe judges

He gained second placeand is oneofsix finalistschosenbyjudges forawardsin TheNatureChronicles Prize.

as part of theKendalMountain Festival.His essayhas nowbeen publishedaspartofan anthology with thoseofthe other finalistsin TheWinnersofthe FirstNature Chronicles Prizewhich is available throughAmazon.

Bensaid: “I have been writing for20years andprimarily this in volves my love of falconry.Ihave hadmyworkprinted in various magazinesbut this is my firstcom petition

up againstmanywriters andthe judges consisted of medianames andprize-winningauthors.

“I am aself-taught writer and my essay mentionedthree pandemics of adiseaseinrabbits, Covid in humans andavian flu.

“All of theessaysincludedin theanthology touchonclimate change.Myessay wastitledThe Last Flightofthe Goshawk and Iwon £1,000 andinclusion in the anthologyas my prize.

Musictheatre groupauditions

Bridgnorth MusicalTheatre Company is launchingits comeback production for2023withafestive socialeveningnextFriday(9) at ChettonVillageHall.

Theeventisaimed at allthose whohaveexpressed an interest in participatinginthe production whichwillbeshowcased to thepub licinMarch

Ben, Etta andgoshawkThomas

Thecompetition wasonlyrecently introducedand awarded

“AsafalconerI have travelled allover theworld includingNorth America, Pakistan andtoCroatiabut forthiscompetition was

“There is also thekudos of being notedfor what thejudges said was embodying thebestofcontemporary nature writing.”

Former ‘eyesore’pub setto reopen after four-yeargap

DAVIDSTUBBINGS david.stubbings@mnamedia.co.uk

TheActon Arms in Morville, north west of Bridgnorth, is setto reopen next year afteradealwas agreed betweenDarwynHomes Ltdand Landywood Estates, which joined forces to buythe site

WhileLandywood, whichalready runs TheMaltat Landywood in CheslynHay,Walsall,willlookafterthe pub, Darwyn areset to build atrioof five-bedroom houses be hind it.

Supported

Outlineplanningpermissionfor thehomesand therefurbishment of thepub –which wassupported by Morvilleresidents –was grantedin August last year

Butnow,the site’s newownersare preparingtosubmittheir detailed planning applicationtoShropshire Council in thecomingdays.

CraigWhite,directorat Darwyn Homes, said theActon Arms will fo cusonfood when it reopenswhich, andwhile it won’tbethe cheapest will become aplace you“want to take thefamilyto”

“The pub is becoming an eyesore so it`llbegreat forthe localcom munity to get it back open,” he said Josh Cartlidge,co-owner of The

Malt at Landywood, andnow The ActonArms, said worktotidythe site andmakeitready forcustomers is duetostart in December or January, with theaim of having the pub readytoreopeninMarch

“WewantittobelikeThe Malt, which is allfresh andpreparedonsite,” Josh said.Workover thecom ingmonthsincludestidying thecar

Teenagerisraped in club toilets

A19-year-old womanhas been raped at aTelford nightclub.

Officers areappealing forinfor mation afterthe sexattackwhich happened betweenmidnightand 12.30amonSundayinthe toilets at MatureClub&CocktailBar on TheParade, Wellington.

Detective InspectorJoWhite head,said: “Webelieve therewere

anumberofpeopleinand around theclubtoilets at this time.Ifyou werethere we’d urge you to come forward, no matter how insignif icantyou feel yourinformation couldbe.

“The victim is beingsupported by specially trainedofficers andis beingkeptupdated as theinvesti gation progresses.”

park.The name is settochange slightly, with thepub due to become TheActon at Morville, to keep the name in thehouse stylealongside TheMaltatLandywood Eventually up to 25 jobs will be created at thepub,withthe first rolesbeing recruited in January andFebruary.

Despite thecurrent cost of living

crisis, Mr Whitesaidhe was“100 percent” confidentthe pubwould be asuccess.Healso hopes thepub cancapitalise attractingsome of thethousands of driverspassing by each day, as well as localresidents Longer term thereare plansto extend thepub at thereartopro vide more seatsfor diners, renovat ingrooms andreplacingwindows

Rotary club welcomes newmember

Church StrettonRotaryhas welcomedits newest member,David Bennett, afterhedecidedtoget involved with charitable organisa tionsthatsupported thecommuni ty

DavidjoinedMayfair’s teamof volunteers around threeyears ago andwill be seen in either of thereceptionareas of thetwo buildings most days of theweek.

He quicklygot to know ahuge number of people andisalways keen to be of help

Davidcontinued allhis duties throughout thepandemic andrefusedtolet down theusers of Mayfair despitethe risks.

Having learnt agreat deal about thecommunity andits needs he de cidedhewanted to give back more supporttothe widercommunity

Theproduction will featurea se lectionofshow songsalong with a modern update of Gilbertand Sulli van’soperettaTrial By Jury

Rehearsals beginonJanuary 4, 2023 on Wednesdayevenings.and will continue untilMarch

Auditionsfor themainsinging partswill be held at ChettonVillage Hall on SundayDecember 11

Anyone interested in joiningfor theproduction should contactthe companybyemail in the firstin stance on njh.aspiretuition@gmail. com

Concerns over airambulance

Councillorsfrombothsides of thePowys-Shropshireborder have combined forces to tryto haul airambulance chiefs in frontofacommittee

HeatherKiddfears that a move of theWelsh AirAmbulancefromWelshpool Airport wouldonlyadd to difficulties with delays to land ambulance response timesinthe county

Councillor Kidd’s ruralChirbury andWorthen ward is al readyinarelativelyremotepart of Shropshireclose to theborder with MidWales.She said:“The base’s removaltoNorth Wales will put20minutes or much more to areasalong theborders response times.”

TheLib Demcouncillor joined forces with herparty colleagues from Shropshire to requesta special meetingwithair ambu lancebosses.

Tenyears of creative fairs

Over 40 businesses areset to attend the10thannualShropshireHandmade andCreativeChristmas Fair in Shrewsburythisweekend

Theevent transformsSalop Leisureand Love2StayinShrewsbury into an indoor andoutdoor gift andfood hall,withastreetmar ket rammedfull of thebestgoodies from Shropshire’s finest makers andbakers. This year,organisers arecelebrating their 10th anniver sary of helpingsellthe waresof Shropshire’screativeresidents

Organiser, Carrie Hughes began herevent business,PinkPebble Events Ltd, with afriendin2012. Carrie said:“It’s grownand grown. Nowmystaff andI getto putonamazing events likethisone It’s more likeacommunity,we’ve grownthiswonderfulcommunity of traderswho come back time and time again.”

Bookingisrequired,withentry costing£1.

An ‘eyesore’pub in south Shropshire is settoreo penits doorsnextspring afterstandingempty for more than four years.

TheActon Arms near Bridgnorthisset to reopennextyear with anew name, TheActon atMorville

More than 100 newtrees are plantedintown

Effortstohelptowards theclimate change crisis andimproving green spaceswerestepped up in Newport as more than100 trees were planted

Aplantingteam, includingcouncillor PeterScott,put 135saplingsi thegroundaroundNorbroomPark.

Councillor Scottsaid: “There was an excellentturnout

“Weplanted Hazel,Cherry, Hawthorn, Birchand Willow trees –all smallernative species andgood for ourwildlife.

“Itall helpstowards theclimate change crisis so sincerethanksto allthe wonderfulvolunteers.We will be planting more trees soon in cludingafruit orchard.”

TheNewport Tree Projectstart ed last year with theaim of planting1000 trees in theareaover five years.

“Wehavemorethan400 trees plantedwithmoretogo in by the endofthe year,” addedMrScott “Wehavethe CovidMemorial Woodland by thecanal near Fishers Lock whichwill have more addedto it soonas well as abench

“Weplanted thesmall Dalbag Singh MemorialOrchard offFord Road earlierthisyear.

“Wewillbeextending theCom munity Orchardbythe canalby planting aPlumOrchardsoon.

“All of this is done with thehelp of volunteers andpart fundingby theTelford andWrekinCouncillor PrideFund. Anyone candotheir bit forclimate change.”

Ateamofvolunteerswill be planting at StrineParkonDecember8,from9.30am.

Lady Chatterley film is released

Thelatestscreenadaptationof Lady Chatterley’s Lover, filmed on aShropshireborder estate, hasbeenreleasedincinemas

TheSony/Netflix film was made at Brynkinalt Hall be tweenChirkand St Martin’s It tellsthe DH Lawrence story of thesteamy romancebetween Lady Chatterley,playedby Emmy nomineeEmmaCorrin (The Crown) andJackO’Con nell (SAS RogueHeroes)

Scenes are filmed both inside Brynkinalt Hall,aGrade ll list ed building,and in thegrounds, whichstraddle theEngland Walesborder.

Itsrelease this week hasseen the film hailed by TheTimes’ topcritic, KevinMaher as “immensely subtle andmoving”

ThecustodiansofBrynkinalt Hall,Iainand Kate Hill-Trevor, said that they were incredibly proudtohavehosted the film crew andhavesome of Britain’s best talent on theestate.

“Pleaseremember Brynkinalt is privatepropertyand is notopentothe generalpublic, except forspecificevents. Please seeour website andfollowour socialmedia forupdates on dateswhenthe house andgar dens areopenfor tours.”

Let’sfaceit, that’s an impressive guardian

Amysteriousfacehas been spot tedatthe entrancetoatunnel dugintothe sandstonecliffs under Bridgnorth Castle

Lavington’sHoleinBridgnorth appearstohaveastone guardian watching over theentrancetothe 69-footsandstone tunnel under Castle Hill.

In March1646, Bridgnorth was undersiege from Parliamentary forces,withRoyalists forced to re treat to thecastle.

Thetunnel waspartofa plot de visedbyParliamentarian Colonel Lavingtontoblow up St Mary’s

megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Church,where theRoyalists were storingtheir gunpowder. It was never completedasthe Royalists surrendered inApril that year Entrance to thetunnel is no longer permitted, butcan be found on Underhill Streeta shortstroll southofthe bridge across theRiv er Severn. Theopening is 14 feet across, 18 feet deep and19feethigh with thetunnel extending69feet from theopening

Photographer Joel Rouse spotted thefacewhilesnappingsome pic turesfor histravelblog.

He said:“IknewIwanted to take some photos of Lavington’sHole, then Isaw it.” Joel,originallyfrom Leedsand nowlivinginShropshire, is employedasaphotographerfor theRoyal Navy.Duringhis time in theservice he workedatDowning Streetasthe officialphotographer to theprime minister,covered an ti-piracyand counter-narcoticsin theGulf andhumanitarian aideffortsin theaftermathofHurricane Irma in theCaribbean

MP welcomes more doctors andnurses takenonbyNHS

AShropshireMPhas welcomed fig ures that show arecordnumberof doctorsand nursesare nowworkingin theNHS in England.

Almost 4,000 more doctorsand 9,300morenursesare working in theNHS compared to September 2021 -including 958moredoctors and1457morenursesinthe Midlands-Government figuresshow Daniel Kawczynski,the Shrews bury &AtchamMP, said:“Thepan demichas resulted in abacklog of operations andprocedures –but we must ensure that patients getthe care they need

Recruited

“Therefore,I am delightedthat 958new doctorsand 1,457new nurseshavebeenrecruited in the Midlands as part of arecruitment drivethathas seen more doctors andnurses workinginthe NHS than ever before

“Thisrecruitment meansweare well on ourway to recruiting 50,000 more nurses by 2024 –deliveringon ourpromise to theBritishpeople.”

TheConservativeGovernment says it is on tracktodeliver on its commitmentfor 50,000 more nurs es by 2024.These newstaff will help to deliver additional appointments, speedupdiagnoses andhelp to tackle Covidbacklogs.

Nationally,there arenow almost 1.24 million full-timeequivalent staffworking in theNHS in England –anincreaseofover 34,000 compared to September 2021

Health SecretarySteve Barclay said:“We aremakingsignificant progress in trainingand recruiting arecordnumberofnurses, doctors andhealthcareprofessionals.”

Survey finds‘vast majority’ of people backtwo county A&Es

Theoverwhelmingmajority of people questioned in asurveyby campaignerssay Shropshireneeds to have two fully-functioningA&E departments.

Atotal of 96.3 percentofthose questioned in arecentsurveyof 1,500people– includingrespond ents from theBridgnorth area were in supportofShropshirekeepingbothits A&Edepartments

Thecurrent Shrewsbury &Telford Hospital NHSTrust Future Fitproposals wouldsee theRoyal Shrewsbury Hospital become the county’s only full A&E.

Underthe plans, urgent care services wouldstill be availableat thePrincessRoyal Hospital,but emergencycarewould be delivered primarilyfromRSH’s newpur pose-built emergencydepartment.

MEGANJONES megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Therecentsurveyhas howev er demonstrated that thepeople of Shropshire areoverwhelmingly againstplansthatwould seethe closure of oneofthe county’sA&Es.

ShropshireGreen Party‘Healthy Greens’group askedmorethan 1,500peopleacross11Shropshire townsiftheythought Shrewsbury andTelford A&Es should remain fullyfunctional.

People in Bishop’s Castle, Bridgnorth, Church Stretton,Cra ven Arms, Ludlow,Market Dray ton, Much Wenlock, Shrewsbury, Telford, Wemand in Whitchurch were askedthe question:‘Should both Shrewsbury A&Eand Telford A&Eremainfullyfunctioning A&Es?’

Of those, 96.3 percentresponded in supportoftwo fullyoperational

A&Edepartments

In Telford, whichstandstolose itsA&E department underthe Fu ture Fitproposals, leavingitasone of thebiggest townsinthe country withoutanA&E department,100 percentofpeopleresponded with a‘yes’

Thelowestsupport forthe change came from Market Draytonat92.7 percent.

Senior nurse ClareNash, co-lead of Healthy Greens, said bossesand boardmembersat SaTH must “respondtothe consistent andstrong message from people acrossShrop shire.”

Conditions

Sheadded: “The forever ‘Future Fit’ plan to downgradeTelford A&Eintoayet to be defined ‘A&E Local’ will result in acutely unwell patients from Telfordareas being‘blue-lighted’ to Shrewsbury

–ajourney time that couldtakeupwardsof25minutes dependingon road conditions

“The livesand optimalrecovery of critically ill or injuredpatients will be at seriousrisk if they are forced to traveltothe west side of Shrewsbury to theonlyA&E in the plansfor thewhole of Shropshire.”

Former Councillor and‘Healthy Green’ contributor, PatMcCarthy said thetwo A&Ewerealready strugglingwithdemand.

He said:“Both A&Es have not met thenationaltargetto‘treat, transferordischarge’ 95 percent of A&Eattendees within four hours foryears,mainlybecause,asnow widely recognised, notenoughclinical staff, notenoughfreebeds be causeofnot enough availablesocial care provisionfor safe dischargefor recovering patients.Sohow only oneA&E in Shrewsbury will deliver therealemergency care whenever we need it is worryinglyuncertain.”

Lavington’sHole, Bridgnorth, wherekeen photographerJoelRouse,spotted afaceinthe rock

MEGANJONES

Festive season arrivesinBridgnorthastown switches on itsChristmas lights in High Street

Help NHSby practising self-care, urge health experts

Health expertsinShropshireare advising residentstopractiseselfcare when possible,asA&E depart mentsare settoget busier over the coming months.

ExpertsatNHS Shropshire, Telford &Wrekinsay “wemustall play ourpartin accessingthe right care forour healthcare needs”by self-treatingathome if possible to do so.Anew campaign launched this week recommends that medicinecabinetsathome arekept #stockedandlocked –stocked with essentialmedicines andproducts, as well as locked andout of the reachofchildren

Both pharmacists andGPs ad vise that medicine cabinets should includepainkillers, such as paracetamol andibuprofen, indigestion treatments, anda firstaid kit containing athermometer, plasters andbandages.

Thefestive season hasarrived at Bridgnorth andthe Christ maslights aretwinkling around thetownafterthe switch-onlast week

Residentsgatheredtolistento live music, watch stiltwalkers, andevenmeetFatherChristmas whowas entertaining guests in thetowncentre.Organisers said theturn-outwas particularly im pressive consideringitclashed with Englandplaying the USAin theWorld Cup.

TheRotaryClubTreeof

Boss’warning overmoves to taxelectric cars

ThebossofretailerHalfords hashit outatthe Chancellor’s move to starttaxingelectric cars, warningitwill hold back theswitchfrompetroland dieselmotors.

Chiefexecutive Graham Stapleton said Jeremy Hunt’s au tumn budgetannouncement that electric vehicles(EVs) wouldnolongerbeexempt from road taxfrom2025was “disap pointing”.

Underthe planslaidout in theautumn statement,electric cars registeredfromApril 2025 will paythe lowestrateof£10 in the firstyear, then move to the standard rate,which is currently £165

Mr Stapletonsaiditcould im pact themassadoptionofEVs, making them both costly to buy andnow more costly to run.

He said:“There’sno doubt thedutychangeonelectricvehicles is nothelpful “Itwon’t help theadoptionof EVsfor sure–weweresurprised to seethat(in theautumn statement).

“EVcarsaren’tgetting any cheaperquickly andincreasing duty at this stageisdisappointing.”

ELEANOR LAWSON newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Thoughtwas afocal pointofthe evening. It will raise moneyfor Macmillan Cancer Support, while helpingresidents to remember theirlovedones.

Anticipation builtthroughout theeveninguntil thelights were switched on at 6pm, illuminating thetownwithafestive glow

Therewas also afood dona tion pointunder thetownhallfor Bridgnorth Food Bank

Hairdresserenjoys greatday at Palace

MEGANJONES megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Ayoung entrepreneurhas been recognisedbyroyalty andwas invited to meet HisRoyal Highness,King Charles, in acelebration of small business

Brooke Evans, ownerofhairand beauty salon, BE Ironbridge,was invitedtomeetthe King last week at theSmall Business Reception held at Buckingham Palace

Thereception sawsmall business owners from across theUKgather to celebratetheir contributions to theirlocal communitiesand the Britisheconomy.

Brooke opened herIronbridge sa lonin 2019,and in theshorttime sincehas faced flooding, lockdowns andnow, financialcrisis.

Brooke said:“Smallbusiness owners,suchasmyself have had areallytough couple of yearsand with thecurrent financialcrisis, I don’tthinkitwill getany easier any time soon, so it’s greattosee the newKingbringingeveryone togeth er in this way.

“ThisisamomentIwill rememberforever.”

Theseover-the-countertreat mentsare availableinhigh street stores andsupermarketsand are oftencheaper than prescriptions

Pharmacists also offerfreehelp andadviceonmanyminor illnesses, such as colds, coughs or feve

Dr IanChan, TelfordGPand place-basedcareclinical lead at NHSShropshire, Telfordand Wrekin, said:“This winter allNHS serviceswill be very busy,sowemust allplayour part in accessingthe rightcarefor ourhealthcareneeds.

“We’re asking people to practise self-carewhere possible.”

Providingexpertadvicewhenyouneeditmost

Please meet our FamilyLaw

Specialists, Ian Yatesand Samantha Hoyle.

Ian and Samantha have more than 55 combined years’ experience and specialise in all areas of familylaw, including preand post nuptial agreements; the separation and/or divorce of married couples; cohabitation agreements; disputes arising between cohabiting parties; thedissolution of civil partnerships and all aspects of thelaw surrounding arrangements forchildren.

Forthe remainder of 2022 of this year,Ian and Samantha will be offering an initial 60 minuteconsultation without charge, foranyone who mayneed advice in this particular area of law

Please do not hesitatetomake an appointment by calling 01746 761000.

in BRIDGNORTH &HEREFORD www.mortimers-solicitors.co.uk

FundraisersatBridgnorth’sChristmas lightsswitch-onevent

BrookeEvans,owner of BE Ironbridge,was invitedto meet theKing at Buckingham Palace

Membersofthe Rock Choir preparing to belt outanother festivetune.Pictures: DavidCooper

Thetown’sTreeofThought

COMMENT

Fearsabout shortagesfre quentlybecomeaself-fulfill ingprophecy

Concerns areexpressed,the publicpanic buys andshortages getworse whilepeoplebulkbuy itemsthattheywill notuse

We have seen it with petrol in thepast, even with flourand pastaduringlockdown. Toilet roll wasanothereveryday commodity that became subjectto thevagariesofthe market

Nowitisthe turn of eggs They areinshort supply and retailersare rationingthemso that they do notrun out. The shortage is partly down to in creaseddemand, in addition to bird flu, alackofsupplyand in creasedcosts

Farmerssay they warned supermarket chains that in creasedcosts meantpriceshad to rise or they wouldstoppro ducing eggs.Thisnow appears to have takenplace. Supermar kets’ supplies have been disrupted andtheyare having to limithow many eggs people can buyinorder to limitthe impact, butmanyofuswill have been metwithempty shelvesinrecent weeks.

It is crucialthategg farmers stay in theindustry. TheUK needs to have adegreeofself-re liance on such an essentialcom modity,justasitneedstohave energy security andcontrolover othersectors of theeconomy

That meansegg farmers must be helped throughthe bird flucrisis, making sure they are notsentunder by rising energy bills. Supermarketsalso have a role to play in giving farmersa fair deal.All thoseactionpoints mayleadtoa fewpence added to ahalf-dozen, butitmay be a pricewehavetopay fora guar anteed supply of eggs on our shelves. It is importanttokeep cool headsand make sure those whoneedshort-term help are assisted,lestwecause structur al damage to an industry upon whichweall rely so heavily.

Type2 diabetes is one of thebig gest dangerslooming overour society anditislargely aproblemofour ownmaking.

Todayweoffer some ideason how to avoidit.

Most will be familiar to us all –althoughwho knew teacould staveoff diabetes? Even so,it doesn’thurtustobereminded againthatwecan take positive choicesand live more healthy livesinwhich we avoid serious illness

We live in asocietyofexcess, even with thecostoflivingcri sis. It is up to us allwhether we embrace that excess or decide to take responsibility forour own health

We live in an advanced nation wherewehaveaccess to goodinformationand knowledge about health

We know therisks andthe consequences of living un healthylives.

We must alllooktodoour bit to avoid expensiveand unhappy illnesses,whether we arewell offoronalow income

How to avoid joining Britain’s Type 2Club

If youdon’t have type 2diabetes, thechances areyou know someone whohas.

By 2030,DiabetesUKpredicts that five-and-a-halfmillion people in theUKwill have thecondition

Andthe West Midlands is one of theworst areasaffected,withobe sity levels in urbanareas especially above thenationalaverage.

Thebestadvice, as always, isto preventthe conditionfromhappeninginthe firstplace

Thereare some really simple ways to reduce yourrisk of developingtype2 andimprove your over allhealthatthe same time

DietitianDrCarrieRuxton, who also works with theTea Advisory Panel, hascarried outextensive re search on thecondition

He says:“Diabetesisa condition whereblood sugarlevelsrun out of controldue to alackofthe hormone insulin, leadingtodangerous health complications such as blindness andkidneydamage.

“Morethanninein10 cases are type 2diabetes, whichunliketype1 is preventablebecause it’s linked to ourdietand lifestyle.”

So,whatsteps canwetaketo avoidjoining those statistics?Here areafew tips

1. KEEP AN EYEONYOUR WEIGHT

Everyone knowsweightisanissue Whileitisn’t everything when it comestohealth, beingoverweight canimpactyourchances of developingtype2diabetes.

“Withmorethantwo-thirdsof adults in theUK carrying toomuch weight, it’s ashockingstatistic that you areupto80times more likely to develop type 2diabetesifyou areobese,comparedwithhaving abodymassindex under22,”says

Dr Ruxton.“Scientists thinkthisis because thebodycells of overweight people become increasingly resist anttoinsulin, forcingthe body to keep producingmoreand more. This overuseexhauststhe pancreas –the organin thebodywhere insu linismade–and theproductionof insulinthendwindles.”

2. GETINTO FITNESS

There’snogetting over thefactthat exercise helps, even if it is just a walk to theshops andback.

“A report in theWorld Journal of Diabetesfound that,while vigorousexercise wasbestfor cutting risk,evenwalking foratleast 30 minper daylowered therisk by around half,” notesDrRuxton. “Whatweput into ourbodies, how we recharge,and howwemove are thethree keypillarsofmaintaining ourhealth. Irecommend acombina tion of cardiovascular andstrength trainingfor optimal fitness.”

3. DRINKING TEAHELPS

Maintaininghealthy blood sugar levels couldbevital forhelping keep type 2diabetesatbay

Dr Ruxton says anew report by theTea Advisory Panelfound simpledietstrategies,suchasdrink ingblack or greentea daily, can help boostour intake of polyphe nols –“naturalbioactive plant compounds, whichhelptostabilise blood sugarlevelsand reduce in flammation”.

Astudy in BritishMedical Jour nalfound that having morethan threecupsoftea dailyisassociated with lowerriskofType2diabetes.

4. TAKE BREAKS BETWEEN MEALS

Dr Ruxton suggests alongerfast betweenmeals is better forblood sugarcontrol

“A plan whereyou sticktowater, regulartea or herbal tea between 7pmand 11am givesyourpancreas abreak andhelps to stimulate fatburning.Ifyou can’tfacethat, trytokeepyourcarbs formealtimesonlyand sticktolow-sugar, high-protein snacks, such as nuts, seeds, cheese,yoghurt,ordark chocolate,”she says

5. TRYWHOLEGRAINS

Astudy published inDiabetologia foundthateatingmore fibreisas sociatedwithareduction in type 2 diabetes risk of around a fifth.

Many people pull afacewhenyou mention fibre, butthere is plenty of food outthere that is healthyand also enjoyable to eat.

“Fibre is foundin wholegrain bread, pasta, andriceaswellas oats, beans, vegetables,and fruit,” saysGP, Dr Gill Jenkins.

“Scientistsbelieve that wholegrain cerealtypes arebet terfor blood sugar controland re ducing theriskofdiabetes, butall sourcesare good forgeneral health

“Weshouldaim for30g aday,but intakesinthe UK arecurrently less than half of this.”

Iamdelighted that ameasurethatcolleaguesand Ihave called forwas yesterdayfor mallyadoptedbythe Govern ment whichwill help to clean up theUK’srivers, seas,and waterways.The Department for Environment, Food andRural Affairshaveannounced anew measurethatcould supportlocalinitiativesinShropshireand acrossthe countrytotacklepol lution usingmoney raised from finespaidbywater companies. Fortoo long these companies andothershavecontributed to shocking levels of waterpollu tion andhavelargely gotaway with it.Refunnelling record levels of finestoimprove nature –the ultimate victim of poorwaterquality –sends aclear signal that thepollutershouldpay to cleanupthe mess

Ourriversand seas bringnature into ourtowns andvillag es,createspacesfor recreation andhelpmakeour communities morebeautiful places to live. Butpollution toooften stops people enjoyingthese important naturalassets. Thereare no quick fixes: ourVictorian sew erageinfrastructureisageing andnot designed to copewith today’sdemand. Butthere’s far more we cando to cleanupour rivers andseas, andI’m pleased to seethe practicalproposals on whichI have been working adoptedby Governmenttoaccelerate ourprogresstoward resolvingthese long-term chal lenges

Since2015, theEnvironment Agency hasconcluded 56 prosecutionsagainst water andsew eragecompanies,securing fines of over £141m. At present,mon ey from finesimposedbyOfwat andthose arisingfromEnvironmentAgencyprosecutions is returned to theTreasuryfrom whereithas notemerged to in vest in water quality. Underthe newplans,funds raisedfrom fineswill go to Defraand will be invested directly back into en vironmentaland water quality improvementprojectstohelp fix thesourceofpollution

Thegovernmenthas toughened up finesagainst pollutingwater firms. This is expected to seea sharpincreaseinthe millions raisedby finesand sanctions. Thenew measureannounced yesterdaywillensurethatthe millionsofpoundsraisedfrom these fineswill be re-invested in schemesthatbenefitour nat ural environment, such as creatingwetlands, re-vegetating riverbanks andreconnecting meanders to themainchannel of riversunder thenew government plans. Thereisstill along waytogotoensureour rivers areasclean as we wouldlike, butthisisanother step along this path

PHILIP

Diabetes levels areincreasing

When will the pennydropover Brexit damage?

As Christmasapproaches, it’s time to thinkofwhatwewould likeasapresent underthe tree. Perhapsabookortwo to help us throughthe newyear. TheToryBookofLiesfor ex ample(volumesone to eight) or ThePlumbers’ Book of Tory U-turns.

It is advisabletoorder early as both couldbecome essential readingoncethe pennyhas dropped as to thestate thegov ernmenthas left theUKinaf terall thepre andpost-Brexit promises Forget the£350million for NHS, lowerfood prices, eas iertravel, andimport/export boomingoncethe drawbridge with theEUhas been pulled up.Thiswas what we were promised by the government pre-Brexit andduringthe sup posednegotiationsafter.

OurthenPMpromisedto ‘Get Brexit Done’whilst Truss toured theglobetrying–and failing –toget inferior and very expensivedeals done whichwould badlyaffectthe UK farmers.

Thegovernment’sown es timate wasanincreaseofUK GDPby0.02% after15years, possibly

Fortunately,these dealshave sincebeenproven uselessand cancelled. BorisJohnsonwas obviouslylessworried about theUK standardsofliving andthe effectsofpoverty on millions. Perhapshewas more concernedwithNumber10de corand hisforthcoming holi days whilst he wasstill being paid to do hisjob as PM Later, hisparty threwhim outfor,among otherthings, lying. TheToriesdecidedthat they needed someone with gravitas andnegotiatingskills to replacehim Truss, during hershortest reignofany PM,managed to crashanalready fragile post-Brexiteconomy in record time –beforethe lettuce dete riorated butaftergrave dam agehad been inflicted on the UK,withtalkofitbeing like the1950s

This budget waswatched with horrorasthe UK became thelaughingstock around the world andconditionsherede teriorated andweare told to reduce heating, cooking, eating etc.

As theoncenot-mentioned Brexit wordnow appearsmore often, we getstatementsfrom Bank of England saying:“The

PICTURE

FROMTHE ARCHIVE

simplest wayofthinking about what Brexit hasdonetothe economyafter thereferendum wasthe biggest depreciationof theUK’seconomy overnight” (November17, 2022 ).

Still,wemight allbesaved by Coffey “One million volun teerstohelpthe NHS” (Sep tember 22,2022) whilst the Tories slowly runthe NHSinto thegroundastheyfarmout contractstoprivate companies –some to mates.

RogerCain, South Shropshire

Whyhavewe nothad papers?

No doubtyou have followed previous debatesatShropshire Councilonwhether to make cuts to libraryservices(“li brarystrategy”consultation)

andthe closure of ActonScott HistoricalWorking Farm

Both of theseitems were scheduledfor debate at thecab inet meetingonWednesday of this week.However,byMon dayevening neitherpaper was readyfor publication

This is stretching thelimits of acceptable delayfor circulat ingthe papers in advanceofthe

meetingand Ihavepointed out to thecouncil that they have a constitutional requirement to providereports five days in ad vanceofmeetings

I find this astonishinggiven thehighlevelsofpublicinter estin both issues

Idohopethisisnot ade liberate tactic to avoid public scrutiny of anyunpopular deci sionsaroundservice cuts.Iam enquiringastowhether thede cision should now be deferred duetolackofpublicoversight.

Councillor JuliaBuckley, Bridgnorth West &Tasley

Best ‘warmhub’ if youcan getin!

With allthe talk aboutmanag ingenergybillsand warm hubs therecan be none better than theHouse of Lords.

Doze offina comfy, red leather-clad seat,cocoonedin warmth andget paid forbeing there! If you wake up peckish, there’sasubsidisedbar and restaurant nearby andanex penses-paidtaxitotakeyou home

Sadly, entranceisrestricted Mike Crump, Bridgnorth

We litour firstAdventcan dlelastSunday, thecandle of hope.Soitmay surprise you that Italkedonthe same dayfromLamenta tions, abookofcryingout to GodbyJeremiah, knownas theweeping prophet!

Adventisthe season of hope;the time when we re member Jesus, Godincar nate,comingtoEarth as ful ly man– or helpless babe,as oneofour Christmascarols TheServant King,terms it Yetfor so many,Christmas can be aseasonoffractured families,isolation and, this Christmas particularly,dis appearingunder adelugeof impendingdebt.

ThankGod thatHeloved us somuchthathe sent us Jesus –the sourceofour hope.And thankGod that He always offers us apath wayfromlamenttohope.

“Father, thankYou that YousentYourson Jesus to live amongus, experience allweexperience andshow us theroute from lament to hope.Amen.”

address and telephone number. Letterswill only bepublished anonymouslyinexceptional circumstances.The editor reserves theright to condense or amend letters

The firsttrainleaving Bridgnorthrailway station, on reopening dayatthe Severn Valley Railway in May, 1970.The trainwas hauled by GWR0-6 0No. 3205,drivenbyJohnHill.StandinginPlatform 2was thesecond trainheadedbylocomotiveNo. 46443,a2-6-0 built in 1950 at CrewebyBritish Railways to an LMSdesign of 1946

BY MARKTRIGGS,CHRISTIANS AGAINSTPOVERTY

PRAYER OF THEWEEK

MP’s concerns aboutschool’s musicfunding

An MP hasraisedconcernsabout thelossoffunding fora Shropshire school musicproject in theHouse of Commons.

Lucy Allan, MP forTelford, called foradebateinthe Housefol lowing theArt Council decision to withdraw fundingfor musiclessons at Old Park PrimarySchoolinMalinslee.

TheMPwelcomednewsthatthe Ironbridge GorgeTrust Museum, aWorld Heritage Site,would be receiving£2.25 million over three yearsfromthe Arts Council’slevel ling-upfund.

But, addressing Leader of the HouseofCommons PennyMor daund, sheraisedconcernsabout loss of fundingfor theprimary school project.

Shesaid: “The Arts Councilhas also withdrawnfunding from afab ulousmusic projectatOld Park Primary School in Malinslee, in which everychild learns an instrument andexperiences thepride andjoy of playingwithanorchestraatcon certs. Does theLeaderofthe House agreethatlevelling up is about creating opportunitiesfor communities such as Old Park Primary School,which serves adisadvantaged area?” sheasked theLeader ofthe House.

“Can we have adebateonArts Councilfunding andlevelling up?”

Councilpays£4,000 to manforcedtoliveincar

Acouncil hasbeenordered to pay £4,000 to aShrewsburyman who wasforcedtolivein acar afternot beinggiven suitable accommodation.The LocalGovernmentand SocialCareOmbudsman found that Shropshire Councildid not understand itsresponsibilities to wardshim

TimDraycottapproachedthe authoritywhenhebecamehome less in theautumn of 2021,and he wasprovidedwithinterim accommodation.However,hesoonmoved outashesaidhe wasunableto standproperlyand in pain because theceilingsweresolow.The coun cilmadeno furtheroffer of inter-

im accommodation, even though it latertoldhim it couldhavedoneif asked. Mr Draycott movedtolive in hiscar,withnoaccess to facili ties,and spentsome time living in agarageoverthe winter

TheLocal Governmentand SocialCareOmbudsman investigatedthe case afterhehad been through thecouncil’scomplaints process. TheOmbudsman’s in vestigationfound thecouncil did not review thesuitability of the interimaccommodationwhenMr Draycottcomplained. This meant he missed outonachancetohave been offeredanalternative MichaelKing, LocalGovernment

andSocial Care Ombudsman, said: “Thiscasehas highlightedacon cerninglackofunderstanding at ShropshireCouncilofits statutory duties towardshomeless people in thecounty. Sendinga letter which simply acceptsitowesa duty is not enough –itshouldthengoonto make an offerofaccommodation.”

Aspokesman forShropshire Council said:“We have accepted the findings of thereportand will abidebythe actionsrequested.We aredisappointed that despitetry ingtoworkwiththe individual to addresstheir concerns we were un able to come to aresolution.Wewill be reviewingour processes.”

Driver jailed fornineyears for causing teen cyclist’sdeath

LISA O’BRIEN lisa.obrien@mnamedia.co.uk

MrsMordauntreplied that she believed such adebatewould be well supported Telford’sConservativeParty facesmajor upheaval aftersix membersofits management committee resigned.

Upheaval as Tories resign

Thesix membersinclude the chairofTelford Conservatives, Councillor TammyWood, and Telford&WrekinCouncillor for Horsehay andLightmoor, Jayne Greenaway.

Both Councillor Wood and Councillor Greenawayhavealso resignedfromthe party. The move meansonlyone member of themanagementcommittee re mainsinplace.Itisunderstood thatafurther threeTelford Conservatives have also stepped down from thegroup’s executive –which decidesonthe re-adop tion of MPsahead of aGeneral Election

Both Councillor Greenaway andCouncillor Wood said part of theirdecision hadbeenbased on frustrationswiththe direction of thenationalparty –and theway national leadership contestshad takenplaceinrecent months.

Councillor Wood said that she hadalso become disillusioned with overtlypolitical rows, whichshe said do littletoaddressthe concerns of ordinary residents

Shesaidshe andotherswere hoping to setupanindependent groupofcouncillorstobetter representthe public

Florentine Chinanga–Choudied afterhis bicyclewas struck by ared Vauxhall Corsa in theearly hoursof November27, 2020

ChristopherTalbot, of Orchard Road,Bridgnorth, pleadedguilty to causinghis deathbydangerousdriving when he appeared at WolverhamptonCrown Courton Tuesday afternoon. The38-year oldalso pleadedguiltytoburglary, drivingwhilstdisqualified,with outa licenceand insurance. The case relatestoanearlier burglary at Boots, in Dudley Street,Wol verhampton, afterwhich thesame carwas in collision with Mr Chinanga–Chou ashorttimelater.Mr Chinanga–Chou,fromDarlaston, wastreated by emergencyservices followingthe collision,but despite theirefforts he wasconfirmed dead at thescene

HisfamilysaidMrChinanga–Chou hadbeenstolenfromthem “inthe cruellestofmanners”.

As well as thejailsentence, Judge StephenThomasbannedhim from drivingfor 14 years.

In mitigation, Mr Harinderpal Dhamisaidthe immediate build-up to thecollision wasshort-livedand Talbot lost controlofthe vehicle.

Attendees gathered aroundthe blue plaquefor D.H.SCranageinMuchWenlock.Photo:Bob

Plaque unveiled at restored Regencyhome

ARegency villahas been restored, with ablueplaquehonouring its most famous former resident.

Thepropertyin Much Wenlock hasnow been turned into two modern dwellingsin aprime lo cation at theentrancetothe town butlastweekThe High Sheriff, the Hon MrsSelinaGraham, unveiled aplaquetothe most renowned formerresidentofthe house;D.H.S Cranage, thechurch archaeol

Reservoirs fill up amiddownpours

Theautumn deluge hasseenres ervoir levelsrise rapidly,accordingtowater companies.

Levels in reservoirs,including thoseserving theWestMidlands, areupbyabout 20 percentcom paredtothe summer

Droughtwas officiallydeclared in August acrossmostofEngland followingthe driest July for50 yearsand thedriest first half of

theyearsince 1976.SevernTrent appliedfor adrought status in the summer,but neverimposedany restrictions on waterusage and recent heavy rainfall hashelped to replenishstocks.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday Thames Water, whichsupplies 15 million people,announced it waslifting thehosepipeban it im posedinthe summer

LAWSON newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

ogistand writer.Cranagelived from 1866 until1957and eventu ally became theDeanofNorwich He started outas ayoung curate at Holy Trinity, thetown’sparish church,where he excavatedthe ruinsofthe ancientpriory. Here, he uncovered remainsofthe An

glo-Saxonchurchestablished by theAnglo-Saxon abbess,princess andlater saint, Milburga

Cranage’sworkhas neverbeen supersededand he went on to createwhatisstill themostcomprehensivearchitectural accountof allShropshire’schurches

Theplaquewas unveiled in the presenceofthe mayor andvicar of Much Wenlock, theownersand membersofthe restorationteam.

Womaniskilled in two-carcollision

Awoman hasdiedfollowing atwo carcollision in Telford.

Emergencyserviceswerecalledto theA442, near to Long Lane Café, north of Wellington, at 3.46pm on Sunday,.Fire, police andambulancestaff includinga Midlands Air Ambulancerushedtothe sceneof thecollision

AWestMidlandsAmbulance Service spokesmansaid: “Onarrival crewsdiscovered twopatients, one

from each car. Awoman wasfound to have suffered critical injuries in thecollision andsadly,itquickly became apparent nothingcould be done to save herand shewas confirmed dead at thescene

“A man, from thesecondcar,was treated forinjuriesnot believed to be seriousbeforebeing takento RoyalShrewsburyHospital.”

Theroadwas closed forseveral hoursafter theincident.

ABridgnorthman has been jailed fornineyears forcausing thedeath of a19-year old cyclist by dangerousdriving.

TimDraycott

May.

ELEANOR

College open day offers detailsof intensivecourses to plug skills gap

TelfordCollege is holding aSatur daymorning open eventtopromote itsgrowing rangeofadult education courses.

Thesession,from10amto 12.30pm on December 10,willpro vide informationabout shortcours es,sector-specificprogrammesand distance learning.Manyofthe courses arefreetothose whoquali fy for financialsupport.Hot drinks, refreshments andmince pies will be served at theevent

Thecollege will also be promoting arange of othercourses whichstart in January, includinglevel three andlevel five HR programmes,plus levelthree coursesinIT, andleadership andmanagement.

Beckie Bosworth,Telford College’s head of employerengagement, said: “This is afantastic opportunity to learnhow we canhelpjobseek ersintoemployment,orupskill ex isting staff. Oursector-basedwork academyprogrammesare short courses –runningfor amaximum of threeweeks –which arespecifi callydesignedtoplugskillsgapsin sectorssuchasHGV driving, hospitality andsecurity.

“Wealso have othershortcourses delivering valuable qualificationsin areassuchasteamleading,customer service, lean management,warehousing, healthcare andbusiness administration

“And thebeautyofour distance learning coursesisthatyou can studyfor aqualification withoutthe need to attend college– perfectfor people juggling home or workcom mitments.”

Formoredetails,ortoregister, seetelfordcollege.ac.uk

Landlord on mission to spread festivejoy

StaffataTelford pubare collecting selectionboxes to handout over the festiveseason.

Foreightyears,landlord, Ed Lowe from ThePloughInn in Wellingtonhas been collecting selection boxestohandout to hospitals, hospices andcarehome acrossthe county andbeyond.

This year he’s on amission to beat last year’s record totalof1,200 boxes.

Thepub distributesdonated chocolateeachyeartohundredsof peoplethatmightbeinneed of alit tlefestive spirit

MEGANJONES

megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

SevernHospice, ThePrincess Royal, MorrisCareand Queens ElizabethHospitalBirmingham arejustsome of therecipients of the hundreds of donatedboxes thepub receives

Fulfilling

Ed explained: “It’sjustanice thingtodofor Christmas,for the staffand thekidsinhospitaland theolder people in thehomes.

“Everyonealwaysreallyappre ciatesit, it’s really fulfilling,” he added.

“Lastyearwehad 1,200boxes so this year that’s ourtarget. We’d like to at leastequal it.”

ThePlough, on King Street, is well knownfor it’s charitable endeavours,havingraisedover £168,000 formilitarycharities over thelast11years

Anyone wishingtocontribute, cantakeselection boxesdownto thepub during openingtimes,or contactthe pubon01952 255981

Family facedsecondwaitfor care as daughter is takenill

SouthShropshireNHS

campaigner Darren Childs had anightmare repeat itself –when hisdaughterfellill in Bridgnorth andfaced long waitsfor vitalcare.

Darren andCally Childs’one year-old daughter,Myla, hitthe headlinesin Januarywhenshe stoppedbreathing during apro longed seizureand hadtowait37 minutes foran ambulance.

Theirexperiencebegan Mr Child’snon-stopcampaigning for better NHSfunding

Thenightmare happened again on Tuesday, with a30-minutewait forparamedicsand beingtoldofa 10-hourwaitin A&E.

Bosses at theRoyal Shrewsbury Hospital apologisedtoall patients experiencing longwaits fortreat ment.Theysay children areusu ally given priority andhaveasked

SUEAUSTIN sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

anyone with concerns to contactthe Patients Advice andLiaisonService team

Mr Childs,fromLudlow, said: “WewereinBridgnorth when at 11.45amMylastarted fitting again –justlikeshe didin January. She went grey andher lips went blue It wasclear shewas struggling to breathe. That firstseizure only lasted abouttwo minutes –but then as soonasitstopped, shestarted to have moreseizures, called acluster seizure.

“Werang999 straight way. Of course we did. Your child’slifeisat risk andyou want theexperts there straightawaytoput things right.

“Butknowing theambulance servicecouldn’tguarantee afast response we decidedtotakeMyla to Bridgnorth Hospital becauseat leastthere wasagoodchancethat there’dbesomeone therewho could

give heroxygenand tryand gether stabilised.

“Wedrove to Bridgnorth Hospitalwhere thestaff were amazing. They dideverything they could, but they couldn’t getMyla’soxygenlev elsbackupand stabilised.

“Ittookhalfanhourfor that am bulancetoarrive. That feelslikea lifetime when you’rewatchingyour childstrugglingtobreathe.”

When they arrivedatA&E Mr Childs said therewere11ambulances parked outside.

“I knew that wasreallybad news That meantanA&E that wasfull, stretchedtobreakingpoint –or worse than that,” he said

“Mylawas seen by atriagenurse in A&E. Thenurse told us it would takearound10hours before Myla couldeven seea doctor.Thatisn’t emergencycare.

“Mylagot lucky. Whilewewaited,her oxygen levels gradually stabilisedand returned to normal. Shewasn’tright– butitbegan to

feel that theimmediate life-threateningepisodewas over.Werang ourGPbackhome in Ludlow,and we were promisedanimmediate appointment. That felt less of arisk than waitinghourafterhouratthe hospital.Wedrove Myla back to Ludlow andsaw ourGP. Myla’s now back home,onantibiotics,and she’s OK.But we’rescared. We’vegot an NHSthathas been underfunded andunderstaffedfor years. We need emergencyactionnow.”

Hayley Flavell, director of nurs ingatThe Shrewsbury andTelford Hospital NHSTrust,said: “Our urgent andemergency care servic es remain undersignificant pres sure,and we apologise to patients whoare experiencinglongwaits for treatment

“Our staffare working incredibly hard to ensure that ourmostclinicallyurgentpatientsare prioritised andthatany children whopresent in ouremergency departmentsare seen as quicklyaspossible.”

Kind shopppers supportcharity

Acommunity in Telfordhas been thankedfor raisingalmost£300in oneday forMacmillan Cancer Support

Staffatthe charity’slocal branch turned to theirfriends at theRotary Club of Wrekin whotookpart in abucketcollectionatTescosuper storein Madeley.

Volunteers from therotaryclub collected donationsfromshoppers throughout theday andmanaged to raise atotal of £286.17p forthe charity.

SueHarrisofthe Rotary Club of Wrekin said:“At least75per cent of Tescocustomers madedonations,a much higher proportion than at the annual collection we do at Telford Town Centre.

“Eachshift hadacollectionbucket andwhenItookittothe organisersonthe waybackitwas theheaviest bucket Ihad ever had. It just seemed to be such afriendly, giving andgenerouscommunity.”

Weekendoffun forlightsevent

Businesses andorganisations arerallyinground to make this year’s Christmaslightsswitchon in Bishop’s Castle amajor event.

Awhole weekendoffun and events hasbeenarrangedinthe town with aHollywood action blockbuster, music, aparadeof illuminated tractorsand alan tern parade building up to the bigmoment

TopGun –The Movieison at theSpArC Theatre today (Thursday) andthe Mayor’s Christmas Quizistakingplace at theSix Bellstomorrow.

Awhole dayofactivitiesis plannedonSaturday. Therewill be acraft fair at thechurch, a flea market at theTownHall, Father Christmas will join the illuminated tractorsand Lantern Parade to switch on the lights at 6pm.

Winter vouchers

‘will be paid out’

TheGovernment is “insistent”energy suppliersmustensurevouch ersdesignedtohelpcustomers throughthe winter reachtheir in tended targets, theBusiness Secretary hassaid.

GrantShappssaidhewould meet with supplierstoensurethe vouch ersare paidout

Thesupport is £400 over six months–paidininstalments of either £66 or £67.

Foramajorityofhouseholdsthis amount will be takenoff automati callyfromtheir bills.

Butcustomers whoare on pre-paymentmeterswill be given vouchers that they have to redeem at aPayPointoutlet.

Mr Shapps said he would“certainly want to know”ifthere are people notgetting thesupport they have been promised.

He said:“Thereisnoexcuse, be causethe Government hasprovided themoneytoproviders.”

LandordEdLowe from ThePlough Inn,Wellington, is collecting selection boxestogiveout to localhospices

County punters offeredfreebeer forWorld Cup

Football fans across Shropshireare beingoffered free Heineken beer duringthe WorldCup

Anyone goingtoa Marston’spub canget theirhands on Heineken or Heineken 0.0 everysingleday duringthe football tournament

Theoffer is in conjunctionwith theFANZO app–so, allcustomers need to do is download theapp for free on theirmobiledevicevia ei ther theApple storeorGooglestore, checkin at aparticipatingpub on anygameday to claimthe free beer

Once acustomerhas purchased aHeinekenorHeineken0.0 beer, they will be entitled to anotherfor free,and theoffer is availableat150 Marston’spubsacrossEnglandand Wales.

Thevenuesparticipating in Shropshire includethe Crownin Bridgnorth andthe Honeysuckle Inn in Newport.

DomCollingwood, co-founder of FANZOsaid: “Footballbringspeo ple togetheracrossthe world like nothing else

“Withacostoflivingcrisisand growingsocialdivisions,the coun tryhas felt increasinglydivided of late

“Sportisuniquelypowerfulin bringing people together.Nothing says togetherness likeacoupleof friendsenjoying90minutes of foot ball in agreat puband sharinga free beer with thegame.”

Full informationonhow to re deem theoffer canbefound on the FANZOwebsite:fanzo.com

Flying Salopian

flag in Qatar

ASalopianEngland supporter abroad in Qatarfor his first WorldCup in the fleshisdaring to dreamfootballcould be cominghome forChristmas JamieWallis, 29,isfollowingEngland throughthe group stageofthe 2022 WorldCup in Qatarwitha groupoffellow Shrewsbury Town fans

AgroundworkerfromDitherington,Jamie goes to as many England gamesashecan but it’s the firstWorld Cuphehas been to,havingmadethe deci sion last Christmas to flyout to Qatarfor thetournament.

Almost ayearlater,heand hisfriends Steven Fox, Kieran Croft, Conor Bannister, Josh Herbertand ScottPhillips ar rivedinQatar in time forEng land’s firstgameonMonday.

“First impressionswerefan tastic -fromthe airporttothe metro andwhenarrivingatthe hotel,everything wasstate-ofthe-artand thestaff were welcoming whilst doingtheir best to go theextra mile

Theparty explored Doha to soak in theatmospherebefore headingtoEngland’sGroup B opener againstIran.

Despite some technical issues andamisplaced Shrewsbury flag,Jamie andcogot to their seatswithout incident andenjoyed watching the ThreeLions sticksix goalspastIran.

Fans daring to dreamafter overcoming disappointment

DEBORAH HARDIMAN newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Have dispatchedIran6-2 in their openinggame, Englandmadeheavy weatheroftheir second match againstthe United States,before assuring theirqualification with an improveddisplay againstWales on Tuesday evening, winning3-0

TheJournal joined fans gather ingatThe CrowninAlbrightonfor theUSA matchonFriday.

Happy

Amongthemwas JennyOwen, 40,ofAlbrighton, whowatched the groupstage matchatthe public housewithpartner Will Gibbs,42, anddaughterIsabella, aged eight.

Will,aWolvesfan,saidhehad beenhappy about theteam’schanc es untilnow

“Itwas slow,disappointing,pon derous andboring. Awastedoppor tunity.

“I wasn’t toosureabout our chanceswhenIsaw theteamlist, buttheyhavedonewellsofar.It’sa winningteam.

“JudeBellingham is aclass play er.Beenthe best on thepitch with

Iran.Ijustwishhewas playingfor Wolves.” .”

AmyMitchell, ownerofWolver hamptonbusinessTin CanComms Ltd, wasamong agroup of former pupils of Idsall School,inShifnal, hopefulofawin

Shesaid: “I thinkEnglandhave gotthe best chance that they can hope for. It’s ayoung team. Ijust hope thepolitical issues won’tget in theway of thefootball.

“The Lionesses wonthe Eurosin thesummer.There’s no reason why theboyswon’t wintoo.”

Former TelfordUnitedand

Shrewsbury youthplayerSteve Meyrick, 63,gavehis verdict: “That wasdisappointing.I expected them to win. They will beat Wales. Iexpect them to progress

“I thinkit’safantastic team They should gettothe semi finals I’mlooking forHarry Kane to score to boostconfidence.

“There is averygoodatmosphere here.The owners have just taken over thepub andit’smakingabig impact on thecommunity andpeo plehavecome outtoget behind them andthe team.”

Engineer SteveTrevor, 39,said

he thoughtthe performanceagainst theUSA couldonlybedescribedas “pathetic” buttraininginstructor Adam King,40, of Cosford, was more positive

He said:“We aregoing to win theWorld Cup. We have gotthe strength anddepth in thesquad.I do thinkBrazilisthe teamtobeat, butifwewin this tournament it will be thebiggest national achievement in my lifetime.”

Outwardbound instructor Alex Steele,38, of Albrighton,said: “It’s goinggoodsofar.I thinkWales have toomuchofanageingsquad.”

Englandfootballfans saytheyremainoptimistic that theteamwill bringhomethe World Cup–despite signsof theteamfaltering afterabrightstart to the tournamentinQatar.

Englandfans at theCrown in Albrighton: Leighana Bethell,Amy Mitchell,DeniseFoulger, JessicaStevenson

Watchingthe tensegamelast night Flyingthe flag were DanCoppins,SyFoulger, SteveAdeyand Ed Hudson Fans Adam King andAlexSteele

CheersfromChrisSheppard andShane Dicken

Youngfans MiaCook,seven,Kai Cook, five,and Isabella Gibbs,eight

Firm takeson redevelopment of landmarksite at town barracks

Abuilding firm will take on the transformationofalandmarkbuild ing–offeringpeoplethe chance to “buy aslice of Shropshire history”

Pave Awayswill workwithhouse builders,Bellway HomesWest Midlands,tore-develop TheKeep at theformerCopthorne barracks, Shrewsbury into apartments.

Theformerarmoury building, whichgives itsnametothe Copthorne Keep development,will house nine two-bedroomapart ments, retainingits eye-catching characterand otherhistoricfea tures. Managing director Steven Owen said Pave Awayswas delighted to be partnering with Bellway Homesonthe scheme.

He said:“BellwayHomeshas areputationfor deliveringhigh standardsofdesignand build qualityand,withour extensive experience in therefurbishment of historic buildings, this will be no exception.

“Oncecomplete,the keep will offerarareopportunityfor home owners to buyaslice of Shropshire historyand we’relooking forward to working with Bellwaytogive the fort anew leaseoflife.”

MarieRichards, salesdirector of BellwayWestMidlands, said: “Bellway hasproudly delivered new housingatthe former Copthorne barracks in Shrewsbury over the past fewyears andweare now look ingahead to completing workonthe former barracks building.”

TheKnockin-basedcontractor said it will be utilising suppliersand sub-contractorsbased within a15mile radius of Shrewsbury

Magicof Christmasisalive at museum

Themagic of Christmashas re turned as visitors to aShropshire museum areinvited to meet Father Christmas in histraditionalworkshop.

Shrewsbury Museum &Art Gallery is openingupFatherChristmas’sworkshoptochildren and families throughoutthe festiveperiod.Followthe flagstones,through the stonearchwayand beginthe climbupthe sweeping staircase, whereFatherChristmas will be waiting.

Oneofhis elveswill be thereto guidevisitorsthrough adoorway to

MEGANHOWE Commmunity News Reporter

aworkshop, whichiscrammed full of historicand vintagetoys, bears, dolls, storybooks andmusical in struments.

There, Father Christmas will greethis guests from hisantique desk andfavourite chair, surround ed by histoy-craftingtools, books andcandles

Children will be invited to share theirChristmas wishes before re ceivingaspecialgifttotakehome

They canalsobring theirown letters or post oneinthe museum post box. Thereare anumberofactivities forfamilies to getinvolvedwith around themuseum’sgalleries,includingatoy trail andfestive arts andcrafts.

Children andfamilies canalso treat themselves to ahot chocolate, glassofmulledwineand amince pie at themuseum’s cafe.Tickets to seeFatherChristmas will be £15 perchild and£5for an accompanyingadult.Ticketsare nowonsaleat shropshiremuseums.org.uk/events/.

LengthyNHS wait cuttotwo

goes private

A16-year old boygiven anearthree-yearwait forahospital appointment will nowbeseen in twoweeks –after his grandparents stepped in to payfor aprivateconsultation.

Theboy hadbeenreferredfor a urologyappointment at Shrews bury &Telford Hospital NHSTrust by hisGP, buthis fathersaidthey hadbeenstunned to find outhe wouldnot be seen untilJune2025 –awaitof951 days.

Nowthe fatherhas revealed that whileunabletopay forthe appointment himself,the boy’sgrandparents have offeredtopay £250 for aprivate consultation,which will take placeonDecember 7.

He said that they were extreme ly grateful butaddedthatsimilar situations wouldforce more people to seek privatecare–withsome

DOMINICROBERTSON newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

notabletoaffordit. He addedthat thefamilyhad been advisedthat hisson’s condition, whilenot life threatening, mayrequiresurgery –opening up more potentialissues with waitinglists

Theboy’s fathersaidheunder stood theNHS wasfacingarange of issues,noneofwhich areeasy to solve, butsaidthatitwas de pressing to seethe difference in the waitingtimefor theprivate consul tation

“I do have adegreeofsympathy forthe government,” he said.“The NHSisamonolithicstructure that hasobviouslygot inherent weak nesses andinefficiencies,and it is difficult to manage asystemthat hasthe fifthlargestworkforce in theworld,Ibelieve

“Withanageingpopulationand thedemands that hasonthe system,combined andcompounded

by thesocialcaresystemwithbed blocking,and then compounded by Brexit andthe Europeanstaff that used to staffthe servicethatno longer do, furthercompoundedby Covidand theadditionalpressures, Idohaveadegreeofsympathywith whoever is responsiblefor theNHS –Icannotimagine anew govern ment coming in tomorrowcould simply wave amagic wand to solve theproblemsofthe NHS.

“Butfor ordinary folksinacost of living crisis, even on an aver agewage– when they encounter a health care problemand aregiven an option of an initialconsultancy yearsdownthe line –thenthe private option to turn that two-anda-half year wait into atwo-and-a half-weekwait, it is depressing.”

He addedthathedoubted they wouldbeabletoaffordprivate treat ment followingthe consultation, even with help from othermembers of thefamily– with thecosts likely to stretchtothe thousands.

He said:“This is just an initial consultation to look at what the problemis. TheGPhas said it could be asurgicalremedywhich privately wouldcostthousands.”

Followingthe report detailing thewaitencountered by thefamily, anotherShropshireman,Andrew Jones,61, came forwardtosay he hadalso received an appointment forthe same date

Thesituation hasbeendescribed as “appalling”bylocal health campaignerGill George,ofShropshire Defend OurNHS, whosaidthe trustleaders should “hangtheir headsinshame”.

In astatement Shrewsbury andTelford Hospital NHSTrust (SaTH),apologisedfor thesituation andsaiditwas working with other healthcare providerstotry to re duce thecurrent wait times.

Sheila Fryer, InterimDeputy ChiefOperating Officer, said:“We recognise that thecurrent waitsare not acceptable.”

Ex-striker given fine forspeeding

AformerWrexham andSwansea City footballer hasavoided adrivingban afterbeing caught speeding on theNewtown bypass

LeeTrundle,known forhis ac robaticshowmanshiponthe pitch, wasclocked doing72mph on the A483 in March

At Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday,Trundle was fined £230and orderedtopay £110 costs anda£34 victim surcharge,having admitted thespeedingat an earlier hearing.

Magistratesdecidednot to ban Trundleunder thetotting-uprules aftertheyheard that it wouldimpact on hisroleas an ambassador forSwansea CityAFC andhis work with thecommunity,schools and charities. The46-year-old striker,who livesinNeath, Swansea, admitted drivingat72mph in his Mercedes-BenzEClasssaloonon theUpper Dolfor Road sectionof theNewtown bypass on March 14

Help with the cost of living

Up to £865,000 is settobeinvested in communitiestohelp reduce thecostoflivingfor resi dentsand improve wellbeing.

TenburyWells,which is close to thesouth Shropshire border, is part of theMalvernHillsDis trictCouncil area wherethe ex ecutivecommittee has approved planstoinvestthe three-year UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UKSPF)in four projects.

Fundingwillbeusedtowards thefollowing projects:£350,000 formeasurestoreducethe cost of living forMalvernHills residents;£250,000tosupport communityorganisations to host CommunityBuilderroles; £130,000 to recruitanActive Travel Officerand developlo calCycling andWalking InfrastructurePlans;£130,000 to invest in communityarts, in cludingsupportingSevernArts.

Manposingas gardenersought

Police have issued aphoto of aman they want to speaktoafterahome ownerwas targeted in adistraction burglary.

West Mercia Police hasasked for help to identify theman who, of ficers say, maybeabletohelpthem with theirinquiries

Theburglaryhappenedataproperty in Copthorne, Shrewsbury,last Tuesdayatabout 2pm.

Aman,posingasa gardener, is believed to have enteredthe proper ty before distractingthe homeowner andmakingoff with acamera.

Anyone whomay recognise the manin thepicture –which canbe seen at shropshirestar.com –orhas anyinformation about theincident, is askedtocontact DetectiveCon stable CharlieTownend by emailing charlotte.townend@westmercia. police.ukquoting incident number 493i of 22 November, 2022

People canalso call Crimestoppers on 0800555 111

GeorgiePartridge andher daughterTheadorawith Father Christmas at Shrewsbury Museum &Art Gallery

Prison market is back again

Shrewsbury PrisonChristmas Market is back forits second year and will runovertwo days in December

Ticketsare free forthe festive market,which will showcasegifts, crafts, clothes, games, toys, and street food supplierswithits 65 stalls

Allofthisisset within the groundsofthe prison, Shropshire’s top-ratedtourist destination and winner of TripAdvisor’sTravellers’ Choice 2022 Award.

Themainmarket is situated in thebuildings at therearofthe prisonsite, whichinclude thevisits area,the chapel,and sports hall Street food vendorscan be found in theexercise yard,serving food includingdeliciouscakes, mince pies andmulledwine.

Themarket will be open on Saturday10and Sunday, December 11, from 10am until4pm each day.

Visitshrewsburyprison.com/ events/christmas-market/.

Show home opensdoors

Ahousebuilderhas unveiled a newshowhome at anew development in Shropshire Jessup Partnerships has opened itsBeechshowhome at TheWoodlandsdevelopmentin LightmoorVillage, Telford.

Thedevelopment, locatedon WellingtonRoad, features amix of two, three, andfour-bedroom homeswhich areperfect for families andyoung profession als. Each is builtwithecologi caland environmentallivingin mind andtoagenerousspecifi cation

LightmoorVillageisa joint venture betweenBournvilleVil lage Trustand Homes England, modelled on theprinciples of a Garden Village.

Prices startfrom£255,000 forathree-bedroom home.For furtherdetails visitjessupthewoodlands.co.uk

Golfers donate to garden appeal

Acountygolfclubhas raisedover £1,000 forThe Robert Jones and AgnesHuntOrthopaedic Hospital’s currentfundraising appeal –Gar den forAlice

Thecaptain of ArscottGolfClub Seniorsnamed theappeal, which will fund an inclusive, sensory garden forpaediatricpatientsand their familiesatShropshire’sspecialist orthopaedichospital, as theirwor thycause of theyearof2022, rais ing£1,100for thecampaign. The golf club andits 90 membershosted arange of fundraisingeventsto supportthe cause

NigelEaston, ArscottGCSen iorscaptain,said: “InSeptember 2017,Ihad successfulbilateral knee replacements undertaken at RJAH,and went from enduring in tense frequent discomfort to being healthyand pain free

“Asaway of saying thankyou I decidedtocontributesomethingto thehospital.”

Work pals face up to Movember challenge

Moustachioedmusketeers have grownsomeimpressivefacialfuzz inthe name of men’smentalhealth.

Work colleagues Glenn Hughes, Jon Haseley, SamEdwards,Ethan Willemsen, RayCohen andRocky Carpenter, aresportingmoustaches forMovember.

Thequintet,who workfor ARH GroupinShrewsbury, decided to “growthe mo”, andhavebeen sporting some interestinglooks Glenn, whoisrockinga handle barmoustache,said: “We’ve got one that lookslikethe ThreeMus keteers, andanotherwho looks like

NICK HUMPHREYS

nick.humphreys@mnamedia.co.uk

Tosh from TheBill.It’sall abit of funand we’retryingtoraise awareness formen’s mental health and prostate cancer.”

Theladswereaimingtoraise £100 when they started,but have more than tripled theirinitial target.

“We’re up to £360 nowand hope fullywecan keep raisingmoney,” addedGlenn.“Men’smentalhealth issues aren’t spoken aboutenough,

so that’s somethingwewanted to getonboard with.”

Accordingtothe charityProstate Cancer UK,itisthe most common cancer in men.

Morethan52,000men arediagnosedwithprostate cancer every year on average– that’s 143men everyday

Every45minutes oneman dies from prostate cancer –that’smore than 12,000 meneveryyear.

Oneineight menwill be diag nosedwithprostate cancer in their lifetime. Visitjustgiving.com/fundraising/glenn-hughes2

Menare urged to take stand againstviolence towardswomen

Telford&WrekinCouncil called on mentotakea standagainst crimes of violence againstwomen andgirls forWhite Ribbon Day2022.

Taking placelastFridayWhite Ribbon Dayencouragesmen and boys never to use, excuse or remain silent aboutviolence againstwom en

UntilDecember 10,Telford & Wrekin Counciland otherlocal partners will undertake16daysof action to supportthe global move ment

againstmaleviolence

The WhiteRibbonFacebookpage will raise awareness, Southwater will be litupwhite,and whiterib bonstickers will be appliedtolocal taxis, as well as West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire andRescueServices andcouncil fleetvehicles.

An eventtosupport andengage business in Telford&Wrekin’s nighttimeeconomy on drink-spik ingand othersafetyissuesaffecting womenisalsotakingplace on De cember 9.

AFCTelford United andTelford HornetsRFC arealso taking a standagainst domestic violence and areencouraging others to think about how they canmakeapositive difference.

Councillor KellyMiddleton,the council’scabinet member forleisure,publichealthand wellbeing, equalities andpartnerships, said: “Womenare disproportionallyaffected by domestic violence,as well as stalking andharassment.

“SincebecomingaWhite Ribbon town in 2011,wehavelongsince championedsupport andpreventa tive measures in Telford&Wrekin allyearround.”

LibDemswarnof£54 million repair bill at county’s hospitals

NorthShropshireMP

HelenMorganhas warned that thecounty’s hospitalsare in a “chronic stateofdisre pair”as figuresreveal they need more than £54 millionofrepairs.

Thecashisneededtorepair crumblingbuildings andclear the maintenancebacklog,according to newanalysis by theLiberal Demo crats. Theanalysisrevealedhospi tals in thecountyare facingarepair bill of £54.7m,withtwo thirds of this takenup by theShropshire’s twoemergency hospitals.

RoyalShrewsburyHospitalhas £23.4mworth of outstandingrepairsand Princess RoyalHospital needs £15.7m of work. Meanwhile, theOrthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen is waitingon£11.95m of repairs.

Thereis£3.6m of work outstand ingacrossShropshireCommu

MEGANJONES megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

nity Health Trust’ssites,which includeWhitchurchHospitaland Bridgnorth Hospital

Last week’s Autumn Statement revealed cuts to theDepartmentfor Health’s capitalspendingbudget next year,which is usedfor buildings,facilities,and infrastructure

Now, theLib DemMPfor North Shropshire, is calling on theGov ernmenttohalttheir plans, while theLib Dems propose urgent in vestmentintohospitalbuildings.

MP HelenMorgansaid: “Justlike waitingtimes,the repair bill forour crumblinghospitals is gettingbig gerand bigger.

“Unsurprisingly, people arewor ried aboutthe conditions theirloved ones arebeing treatedin.

“Now theGovernmentwants to make patients andstaff payfor theireconomicmess andare cutting thebudgettomakeessential

repairs. Shropshire deserves better

“The chronicstate of disrepair in ourlocal hospitalsisascandal in itself.But it is also asymptom of theConservativegovernment’sdire mismanagementofour NHS.

“PeopleinNorth Shropshire are fedupofwaiting hoursfor an am bulanceand months forahospital

referral only to then be seen in an outdatedand decaying building

“The faultliessquarely at the feet of Conservativeministers.It is theirinactionand disinterestin thehealthservice whichhas ledus to this disastrous point. TheGov ernmentshouldlay outaplanto recruitthe staffweneed.”

EthanWillemsen, Jonathan Haseley, RockyCarpenter andGlenn Hughes with theirmoustaches

RoyalShrewsburyHospitalhas £23.4m worthofoutstanding repairs

Mother’s fear mouldmay be impactingdaughter’shealth

MEGANJONES megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Ayoung mother in social housinginShropshire hasspokenofher fear that shemight bury her daughter afterdealing with months of mouldin herhome.

ChloeDaley andher one-year-old daughter Ophelia, areone of an es timated120,000 households in so cialhousing in Englandthathave problems with condensation and mould, accordingtoofficial figures.

The21-year-old,who recently suffered amiscarriage,said: “I lost my sonthree monthsago andI’m scared.Idon’t want to bury another child.

“Mydaughter’sgetting poorly andIcan’t do anything to help her.”

Window

Chloe, asinglemotherfromLaw ley, Telford, said theproblem has been ongoingsince summer,and that when shecontactsSanctuary Housing –the association in charge of hernew-build flat –she is simply told to open awindow.

“Itdoesn’t make adifference.” Chloesaid: “Theyjusttellme everyone is getting mouldthistime of year.Theyweremeant to send a surveyor outbut that wascancelled andI’venot heardanythingelse. I’m phoningeveryweek, asocial workerhas gotinvolved.”

PhotographssharedbyChloe show mouldgrowing inside oneof Ophelia’ssofttoysaswellasalong windows, doorsand walls.

Chloesaidshe believes themould is causingher daughter to become ill andhas takenher to concerns to thedoctor.

“She hasareallychestycough,”

Chloeexplained,“Itookphotosof themould to thedoctorand they said it wasprobablydowntothe mould.”

An inquestintothe deathoftwo year-old AwaabIshak in Rochdale hasled theGovernmenttowarn housingproviders that they will not hesitate to actiftheyignorecom plaintsfromtenants

Theinquest revealed thetwo year-old died from severerespira tory problems with fungus later foundin hisblood andlungs after beingexposed to “chronic”mould in thefamilies home

Rochdale BoroughwideHousing, whichmanaged theproperty, later

admitted to making “false assump tions” aboutthe family’sbathing habitsand lifestyle, andfailedto adequately addresscomplaints.

CoronerJoanneKearsleysaid thedeath of AwaabIshak must be a“defining moment forthe housing sector”.

Funding

In response,Housing Secretary MichaelGove said thecompany wouldnot receiveits £1 million of publicfunding

Mr Gove said last Wednesdaythat therulingshouldact as awarning to housing association

He said:“Everyone deserves the righttoliveina safe,decenthome andthisGovernmentwill always acttoprotect tenants.”

Aspokespersonfor Sanctuary said:“In recent monthswehave carriedout anumberofrepairs at Ms Daley’shome,including an emergencycall-outtoinvestigate a reported issuewiththe immersion andboiler.

“Whileonoccasions in thepast we have been unabletogainaccess to this property foragreedappoint mentsas part of ourongoingproac tive programmetotreat mouldand damp,wehavespokentoMsDaley andarranged an inspection.”

Ipredict asell-out! Fans snapup allChiefstickets

Ticketsfor atop indierockband’s summer gigataniconicsouth Shropshire venue have nowsold out.

Promoters of theKaiserChiefs’ show in theinner bailey at Ludlow Castle saytheyhaveexperienced veryhigh demand forthe 5,000 ticketswhich cost up to £85.25 for ‘premium’level tickets.

Postcode pre-sale ticketswhich were madeavailable forlocal peoplefor thegig in July,soldout in advanceofthe generalsale.

ChelseaBakewell, of theLeedsbasedpromoters Futuresound Group, said:“We have seen bigdemand from Ludlow forthisunique event.

“Weare very closetoselling out andare anticipating selling outby theend of theweekend at thelat est,”she said last week

Only ahandful of premiumticketswereavailable at theend of last week andthese,along with allthe

generaladmissiontickets,priced at £60.50, were allsnapped up by eager Chiefs fans

Theindie rock band famous for thehitsIPredict ARiotand Ruby will be performing at theinner baileyaspartofthe Within theWalls at theLudlowCastleonJuly21.

Thebandhaveasimilar style show planned forWarwick Castle

Ticketsfor Bastillehavesoldout fortheir Ludlow gigonJuly23.

AndChelseasaidmoreannouncementsfor theWithinthe Wallsserieswerein thepipeline.

Butshe wasstaying well and trulytightlippedabout possible bignames in theline-up

Generaladmissionticketswill be availablefromvia futuresoundgroup.com andEnts24.

Fordetails visitLudlow Castle’s facebook page:facebook.com/Lud lowCastleOfficial.

Progress ‘being made’inreport on baby deaths

Health chiefs saytheyare workinghardtochangethe culture of atrust that runs Telford’s andShrewsbury’s hospitalsfol lowing thebabydeathsscandal They saytheyare making goodprogressonthe 210actions they need to carryout following theOckenden Report that was carriedout followingthe sscandall

Aspokespersonfor The Shrewsbury andTelford HospitalNHS Trustsaid: “SaTHwill continue to deliver theremainingreportactions as outlined

“There is acommitmentand focusondeliveringmeaningful change to serviceusers,followingrobust governanceand as surancemechanismstomeet agreed timescales.”

A finalOckendonreportwas publishedinMarch 2022 in cluding93Local Actionsfor Learning whichare forSaTH only.There were also 117action required forimplementationat allproviders of NHSmaternity care in England.

Amedia briefing meetingon Monday wastoldthat“SaTH arenow in aposition where thereare safe staffing levels in maternity”

Health leaderssay they have delivered 46 of the52actions from the firstOckenden Report

Diphtheria cases areidentified in asylum seekers

Asylum seekershavebeenidenti fied with symptoms of diphtheria in theregion, accordingtoofficial informationfromaGovernment agency

It comesasministers spokeof planstoput potentialsufferers into isolation afterarise in thenumber of infections amongthose coming to theUK.

Theimmigration minister told MPsthatmigrantsshowingsigns of thehighly-contagious diseasewill be separated fora “shortperiod” at theManston processing centre in Kent or held in “secureisolation hotels”whiletheyare treated Anyasylumseekers whomay have theinfection butare already in hotels will be told to isolate in theirrooms whiletheyare treated, Robert Jenricksaid.

It wasrevealedthatthere had been diphtheria casesinthe West Midlands,which includes Shropshire, butgavenoother detailsoth er than to saythere hadbeen“fewer than five”cases

ThelatestHealthSecurityAgency (UKHSA)reportsaidthe region hadidentified cases alongwiththe SouthWest, NorthEastand the NorthWest. It declined to give a furtherbreakdown of wherethe caseswereidentified.The majority of cases–38–werereported in the SouthEast.

At least22hotelsinthe West Midlands arecurrently beingused to houseasylumseekers

Ticketsfor theKaiser Chiefs at Ludlow Castle sold fast. Picture:EdwardCooke

Chloeand herdaughter and, inset, themould problemattheir homeinTelford

Bidmadetosave furniturescheme

Theshock closure hasbeenan nouncedofa socialenterprise store that savespeoplea smallfortunein thecostoffurniture

Wrekin HousingGroup hasdecid ed to close TheFurnitureScheme, in Ludlow,and move to an online serviceonly, putting up to seven jobs at risk

Councillorshavevowed to starta campaign to save theservice,which they sayisvital to people during a cost of living crisis

Ludlow councillor Andy Bod dingtonsaid: “Our town wouldnot be thesamewithout thefurniture scheme.”

Aspokesman forWrekinHousing Groupsaid: “Following areview, we have takenthe decision to closeThe FurnitureSchemestore in Ludlow, andinsteadmove to supporting Ludlow with an online presence.”

Thestaff will “where possible”be offeredthe chance to redeploy to othersites

Carand lorryin junction crash

Acar driver wastaken to hos pitalafter acrash involvinghis vehicle andalorry closed aroad.

TheblackBMW andlorry col lidedonthe B4176bythe round aboutand ShellgarageinSut tonMaddock shortlybefore6am last Wednesday

West Mercia Police urged peo pletoavoid theareawhilethe road wasclosedwhile crews from West Midlands Ambulance Serviceand ShropshireFire& Rescue Servicealsoattended thescene

Four fire appliances were sent from Telfordat5.59am, with an operations officeralso in attend ance.A spokeswoman forWest Midlands AmbulanceService said:“Thedriver of thecar,a man, hadalready gothimself outofthe vehicle.Ambulance crewsassessedhim forminor injuries.”

Timeless appeal of boardgames

Lego,board gamesand puzzlesare amongthe giftsthatparents are most likelytobelieve will standthe test of time,accordingtoa survey

Bikes, Barbies, footballsand theRubik’s Cube were also pop ular choicesasthe toys that par ents believeare themosttimeless, Gumtreefound

Nearly nine in 10 parentsfeelun derpressuretodeliver giftstheir children will be pleasedwiththis year,accordingtothe findings Butmorethanhalfofchildren aged betweensix and 12 yearsold whoweresurveyed said they would not mind if agiftwas second-hand insteadofnew Whilepresentstoppedthe list of what children said they are most excitedabout in thelead-up to Christmas, this wasclosely fol lowedbytimeoff school during the Christmas holidays,eatingChrist masdinner andplaying gameswith friendsand family.

Mother’s frustrationafter two cancelledops forfour-year-old

DOMINICROBERTSON newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Lisa Leneveu, 44,fromLawley, Telford, said that herson Albert is awaiting theremoval of hisade noidsand atonsillectomy.

Theyoungster is duetohavethe operationatPrincessRoyal Hospi talinTelford,inanattempt to solve aproblem whereherepeatedly suf fers from tonsillitis–and is almost constantly on antibiotics.

Waking

Shesaidthe issuecauses severe problems with Albert’s sleep, with theyoungster frequently waking up several timesinthe night, and either herorher husbandhavingto sleepinwithhim

Shesaidthataswellasthe frus trationoverthe delaytogetting his issues sorted,there wasalsothe disruption causedtoarrangements to look afterother membersofthe family.

MrsLeneveu hassix children andsaidher husband, whoworks in Tamworth, hadtaken time offfor theoperationstoensuretheycould look aftertheir otherchildrenand getthemtoschool.

They have received afresh date forthe operation, although shesaid thehospitalhad againtoldher it wasnot guaranteed.

The firstoperation hadbeendue to placeinOctober,and wascan celled theevening before

Themostrecentwas scheduled forMonday, November21, butwas

cancelledjustanhourbeforebe causenobedswereavailable

MrsLeneveu said they aredes perate to getthe treatment done, with Albert also oldenoughtoun derstand what is happening.

Shesaid: “Heisquite excited aboutitbecause he knowshow poorlyhegetsand it does make him very upset.”

Shesaidthere wasalsothe diffi cultyofmentallypreparing them selves forAlberttoundergo an operationwhich requires ageneral anaesthetic. Shesaid: “Itisfrus trating.Everythingyou putintoit andmentallyprepare yourself and then it doesn’thappen.”

Sheadded: “I understand that you cannever sayifthere will be emergenciesbut to me if you have things likethat, especially with children,you wouldthink thereis aplaninactionthatifyou aremas sively busy thereissome wayofpre venting it.”

Guarantees

MrsLeneveu said that it wasnow acaseofpreparing forthe next date –and crossing their fingersthatitis notcancelled again.

Shesaid: “There arenoguaran tees.Itisa 12.30pm slot andthere areno guarantees it will happen

Hopefullyitwon’t be putoff but they cannot guarantee it.”

Hayley Flavell, ExecutiveDirec torofNursing at TheShrewsbury andTelford Hospital NHSTrust, said:“Whilewecannot comment on individual cases, we wouldlike to apologise forthe cancellation of this plannedprocedureontwo occa sions. We want to reassure patients that we aredoing everything we cantominimise thenumberofop erations that requirerescheduling “Weare working hard to provide safe andeffective care whilst facing significant winter pressuresand delays duetothe impact of thepan demic.”

County health organisationspreparing forstrikes

County health organisationsaf fected by next month’s strike ac tion have said they arecontacting patients settobeaffected RoyalCollege of Nursing(RCN) staffatbothShropshireCommu nity Health Trust(Shropcom)and theRobertJones andAgnes Hunt OrthopaedicHospitals (RJAH) voted in favourofstrikeactionear lier this month

TheRCN hassaidthatwhatwill be its firstnationalstrikewilltake placeonDecember 15 and20.

Detailswill be setout soonon whichserviceswithinthe NHS will be exempt from theaction. Services deemed “life-preserv ing” and“emergency-type care” will continue on strike days,a nursingchief said,but shedeclined to give exactdetailabout whichde partmentswould remain staffed when colleagues stageawalkout In similar statementsboth Shropcom andRJAHsaidthey

were workingonplanstocopewith theaction.

Stacey Keegan,Chief Executive at theRobertJones andAgnes Hunt OrthopaedicHospital, said: “Weare in theprocess of working on ourbusinesscontinuityplans, ensuring we maintain patientsafe ty,and will contactanybodywho will be directly impacted in due course.”

EchoingMsKeegan’scomments, aspokesman forShropcomsaid: “Weare in theprocess of work ingonour business continuity planstoensure patientsafetyis maintained.Anybody whowill be impacted will be contactedindue course.”

RCNgeneral secretaryPat Cul lenhas meanwhileurged Health SecretarySteve Barclay to “stop thespinand starttospeak”with nursestoavertawalkout,accus inghim of having “chosenstrikes over speaking to me”.

Mr Barclay hassaidthe nursing union’sdemands –which he cited as a19.2per cent payrise,costing £10billion ayear–are “not af fordable”.

ButMsCullensaidshe does notrecognise theHealthSecre tary’s figuresand said shehad madeitclear shewishedtodiscuss “non-monetary issues”. Both Mr Barclay andMsCulleninsisted that theirdoors areopenfor talks

Prime Minister RishiSunak said he has“enormous respect” fornursesbut that thepay rise re questedbythe unionis“obviously unaffordable”.Hesaid: “Whatthe unions areaskingfor,Ithink, is a 19 percentpay rise

“And Ithink most people watch ingwillrecognise that that’s obvi ouslyunaffordable, andthat’swhy I’mpleased that theHealthSecre tary is sitting down,talking to the union, andhopefullywecan find a waythrough this.”

Amotherhas voiced her frustrationafter her four-year-old son’sop erationwas cancelled twiceatshort notice once just an hour before it wasdue to take place.

Lisa Leneveuand herson Albert,who is awaiting theremovalofhis adenoidsand atonsillectomy

Restaurantbosses‘totallygutted’ over closure

Along-establishedrestauranthas closedwithimmediate effect and is up forsaleafter“substantial fi nanciallosses”

Theownersofthe PeachTree in AbbeyForegate, Shrewsbury, whichopenedin1997, announced therestaurant’sclosure yesterday afternoon, saying thedecision was taken“with deep regret”.

Both thePeach Tree andHa vana RepublicCuban-inspired cocktail barnextdoorhavebeen putupfor sale with aguide price of £1.8 million

“Itiswithaveryheavy heart that we aretoday announcing

that ThePeach Tree Restaurant Ltdhas hadtocease trading with immediateeffect,”astatement by Paul MonahanfromThe Peach Tree Restaurant Ltdsaid.

“The restaurant hasbeenmak ingsubstantial financiallosses on aweeklybasis throughoutthis year,and despitethe best efforts of themanagementand team,it hasgot to apoint whereweare no longer able to trade.”

Theclosure of therestaurant hasbeenput down to anumberof reasons.

Mr Monahansaid: “Themassive impact of Covidonall hospitality

venues; thehugedifficultyinre cruiting competentand proficient staffand management members sinceBrexit; thesignificant rise in energy costsand food prices and theconsiderable impact of the fi nancialinstability createdbythe mini-budgetin September

“Ithas unquestionably been the most stressfulyearwehaveever known, andweare fullyaware that alot ofother hospitalityven uesfaceexactly thesamestresses andstrains.”

Mr Monahansaidthe team was “totally gutted”atthe failureof thebusiness

Englandfans continue their Qataradventure at matches

DOMINIC ROBERTSON ChiefReporter

Graeme Harley andson Dylan, from Priorslee,are outinQatar, with tickets for every one of the ThreeLions’group games, as well as anyknockoutgames they qualify for. As they wait forEngland to take on theUSA in tonight’sgamethey have been mixing with fans from a host of othercountries –including SaudiArabiawho sawtheir side pull offone of thegreatestupsets in WorldCup historybybeating the much-fancied Argentina2-1

ThepairofBurnley fans secured ticketstowatch Morocco against Croatia– wheretheybackedthe NorthAfrican side,which included ClaretsplayerAnass Zaroury.

Unfortunatelythe matchwas a goalless draw,withGraeme hop ingfor more goalsfromEngland as they take to the fieldtonight.

Graeme said that theSaudi Arabi an fans hadbeen“ecstatic”attheir winand heavilyoutnumbered all otherfans. “Wespent theevening with theDanes,Argentines, Mex icansand some from Belarus.”He said they hadthoroughly enjoyed thetriptowatch Croatiaagainst Mexico,and thechancetosee anew stadium.

Beer sales soar as England’sWorld Cupcampaigngetsunderway

Beer salesare up by 50 percent thanks to theWorld Cup, pubs groupMarston’s hasrevealed.

TheWestMidlands-basedcom pany said thetournamenthad provided it with ahugeboost as it continuesits recoveryfromCovid

Andwithpeoplereturning to theirlocal ahead of Christmas,it says momentum is building fora

recoveryin thepubsindustry.

Largecrowdswereagain expect ed in bars this week acrossShrop shireasEnglandtookonWales in a finalgroup stagematch

This wasthenexpected to setup England foranother bumper week endas Gareth Southgate’smen bid to getintothe quarter finals in Qatar.

Marstons is oneofthe biggest puboperators in Shropshire,with scores of businesses servingup drinks andmeals

It says that,for thetwo Eng land WorldCup gameswhich have takenplacetodateagainst Iran andthe United States,total likefor-likesales on thosedayswere up around 30 percentcompared

to 2021.Drink salesimproved around 50 percentand food sales were also slightly up

It comesaftera period of lock down andthe disruption caused by theOmicron variantlastChrist mas. Marston’soperatesanestate of 1,468 managed,franchisedand leased pubsacrossthe countryand employs12,000people.

Garage charging ‘lowestprices since thespring’

Fuel prices at oneShropshire filling stationhavereached theirlowest levels formorethaneight months, providingabit of relief to driversin thecostoflivingcrisis.

DA RobertsFuelLtd at Grind leyBrook Garage in ChesterRoad, Whitchurch,isselling unleaded at 141.9p anddieselat163.9p.

In comparison, thelatestnation al averageis163.24p forunleaded and187.42p fordiesel.

TheEssar-branded forecourthas been selling fuel at thosepricesfor several days this week

RickyAllman, financedirectorat DA Roberts, said:“It wasmonths agowewerelastatthisprice,you’re lookingatearly March

“Overthe last twoorthree weeks prices have come down almost every day.

“Overall,priceshavedropped quitedramatically.”

Thegarage’spriceshavebeen hailed on socialmedia,withFace book postsadvertising itsprices receivingmorethan800 comments andsharedmorethan900 times this week

He said:“Onepostreached more than 650,000 people,comparedto theusual20-30,000,and that has ledtomoresales on theforecourt.

“We’ve hadpeoplecomingfrom 20-30miles away becauseit’s35p cheaperthanwhere they live

“Wehad someone come from the othersideofStoke.”

MP in pleafor carers to get financialboost

NorthShropshireMPHelen Morganhas called forcarersto be given the financialsupport they need

BackingNationalCarersDay 2022 shesignedaparliamenta ry motion tabled by theLiber al Democratswhich urges the GovernmenttoincreaseCarers Allowance at leastinlinewith inflation.

Themotionrecognises the “financial, mental andemotion al burden faced by millionsof unpaid carers”and commends Carers Rights Day, whichispro moted by Carers UK to ensure carers areaware of theirrights andwhere to find support.

This year’s themeis‘caring costs’,including the financial, employment andsocialimpact whichcaringresponsibilities have on carers

HelenMorgansaid: “Every dayofthe year,peopleofall ages andbackgrounds areworking extremelyhardtocarefor loved ones across north Shropshire

“Carerscarry ahugerespon sibility butalsohavetocope with the financialcostofsup portingfriends andfamily. It’s time thecountry caredfor carers.

“The cost of living crisis is forcingmanycarerstomakere ally difficult decisions.”

ATelford father andson supporting England at theWorld Cuphavecon tinued theiradventure, lendingsupport to Mo rocco againstCroatia.

ThePeach Tree in Shrewsbury

Graeme with SaudiArabian fans celebrating theirwin

Theviewfromthe seatsfor theCroatia vMorocco clash

Outsocialising with fans in thebarsinQatar

Road closures fortown’scarols

Road closures have been announced foratowncentre’s Christmascarol concert.

Shrewsbury’s annual Carols in theSquaretakes placeonDecember14, starting at 5.30pm

Shrewsbury Town Councilisorganising the concert, whichwill be broadcastlive on BBCRadio Shropshire.

Musicwill be provided by Shrews bury BrassBandwithmembers of Shrewsbury Male VoiceChoir lead ingthe crowds with renditions of classicChristmas carolsincluding Hark!The Herald Angels Sing,Silent Nightand JingleBells

Theconcert will also be available to watchon-line thanks to Shrewsbury-basedcompany,MicroVideo, with live-streamingvia thetown council’swebsite at carolsin thesquare.com/

To allowthe eventtobeheldsafely,there will be road closures in placein thetowncentre

Record sales forcarpet firm

Carpetsand floorcoverings

groupVictoriasaw its profits soar in thesix months to Octo ber1

TheKidderminster group’s pre-taxprofitof£53.1 million compared to a£2.9m profita year earlier. It enjoyed record revenue of £776.1min thehalf year from £489min2021.

Newacquisitionsmadea bigcontributiontothe operat ingperformance with revenue growth up 7.7per cent on alikefor-likebasis

Thegroup said that proactive management of rawmaterials andenergysuccessfullymitigat ed both inflationary pressures andsupplychain constraints

Victoria completed theacqui sition of therugsand UK carpet divisionsofBalta to make the groupEurope’slargestmanufacturer of soft flooring

Rivershuttle is running again

Ariver shuttleisbackupand running afterbeing suspended dueto high river levels.

TheShrewsburyriver shuttlewas launched to help ferrypeopleacross theriver whilethe Porthill Bridge is closed formaintenance work.

TheSabrina Boat andThe Boat housepub teamed up with Shrews bury BID, with supportfromShrop shireCouncil, to introduce the replacementriver shuttle, which wasintroduced at thebeginning of themonth, priced at £1 return

It wassuspended duetothe high waterlevels, butisnow running again, andwill operatefrom8am to 6pmeachday,crossingfromThe Boathousepub to thejetty in The Quarry,savingpedestrians the lengthydiversion routeacrossthe WelshBridge.

Porthill Bridge is expected to be closedfor threeweeks whileShrop shireCouncil carriesout mainte nancework.

Carollingand Crumpets Show headingtovenue

Folk star JohnKirkpatrick will presenthis Carolling andCrumpetsShow at SpArCTheatre in Bishop’s Castle this weekend.

An eveningofmidwinter music is promisedfor thevenue onSatur day, December 3, from 7.30pm

Aspokespersonfor SpArCsaid: “Takingits titlefromJohn’sunfor gettable song telling theNativity storyfromthe pointofviewofthe animalsinthe stable,thisshowis aheart-warming look at thetimeless ritualsfound in thefolklore andfolkmusic of England at midwinter

“Thisisalsothe officiallaunch of John’snew album, Joy&Jubila-

tion,out on Fledg’ling Record Featuring membersofCastleCarols who will join himonstage inthe second half of theshow andyou canpickupacopyofthe newrecord

“Johnpeels away thecommercial glossofmodernChristmas to re veal thepowerful paganurges that race throughusall at this time of year,and thelifeand deathstrug glethatissymbolisedinsomany traditionalsongs andcustoms.”

JohnKirkpatrick wasbornin London,joinedThe Hammersmith MorrisMen as a12-year-old in 1959,and hasbeendancing, sing ing, andplaying hisway roundthe

EnglishFolkScene ever since.

Becoming avirtuoso on various squeeze-boxes, he’s workedinall kindsofgroups, bands, andduos, as well as extensivelyinthe thea tre.Widelyrespected as oneofthe foremost champions of English TraditionalMusic in allits forms, he is also aprolificcreator of new work –whether songs, tunes, or TheShropshireBedlams

Johnwas awardedlifetimemembershipofThe InternationalCon certina Association in 2002,the EnglishFolkDance andSongSoci ety’sGoldBadge in 2003,and last year wasappointed an MBE.

Labblundersduring pandemic ‘could have caused 23 deaths’

PETERMADELEY peter.madeley@mnamedia.co.uk

Staffblunders at alab in theregionthatsaw thousandsofpositive Covidcases reported as negative couldhaveled to thedeathsof23peo ple,anew report claims.

Theerrorsatthe Immensa labin Wolverhamptonmeant that about 39,000 PCR testswerereported as negative when they should have been positive,the UK Health Secu rity Agency (UKHSA)claims.

It resulted in many people with Covidnot self-isolating,leading to “increased numbersofhospitaladmissions anddeaths”. Thereport estimatesthe errors –which took placebetween September 2and October12, 2021 –led to around 55,000 additional infections, mostly in thesouth-westofEngland.

Researchersalso estimatedthat therewerearound680 additional hospital admissions “thatmay not otherwise have occurred”.

“Similarly,weestimatethat theremay have been justover 20 additional deaths in these most af fected areas,”theyadded.

NHSTestand Tracesuspended testingoperationsatImmensa’s site,atthe city’s SciencePark, in October2021. TheUKHSA probe concludedthatthe erroroccurred becausestaff setthe thresholdlev elsfor reportingpositive andnegative resultsincorrectly

‘Urgentwork’ needed on Rowley’s House

Work is urgently needed to stabilise part of oneofShrewsbury’s most historic buildings, council officers have said.

An applicationhas been made to fita temporarytimberframe over damagedinfill panels to stabilise asection of thewallofRowley’s Housein Barker Street.

Rowley’s House,alongwiththe neighbouring Rowley’s Mansion, is aprominent building construct-

Crewscalledtotacklebin lorry

Firefighters tackledabin lorry on fire in aShropshiretownlast week

ShropshireFire&RescueSer vice received acallreportinga re fuse lorryon fire on Sutton Way, in Sutton Hill,inTelford

Thecallwas received just after 11am on Thursday

Two fire appliances were mobi lisedfromTelford stationbut only

one pump needed to be deployed. Meanwhile, fire crewswere called to Beddal Way, Wellington, at approximately8.15pmonFri dayafter reportsofa fire outin theopen.

The fire involved household wasteinaback garden andcrews usedone hose reel jettoput out the fire

SUESMITH newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

ed in thelate16thorearly 17th century, andlisted as of consid erable historic andarchitectural significance.

Although significant repair workwas carriedout in 1932 more is nowneeded on theimposing timer-framed building

MembersofShropshireCouncil’sNorthernPlanningCommittee, whichmeets on Tuesday,December 6, have been informed in thereportthatthe proposed work wouldenableamoredetailedinvestigationofthe repairsneeded to theGrade II listed building to be carriedout

Case officerKaren Rolferecom mended that permission should be given subjecttocertain conditions

Crowdinfluenceonrefsinvestigated

Ateamofuniversity researchers have been investigatingwhether football crowds areinfluencingref eree behaviour.

Theexperts, from theUniversity of Wolverhamptonand theUniver sity of Portsmouth, have compared thereferee’s actionsin ‘crowd vs no crowd’ games, consideringthe number of home andawayred and yellowcards that were recorded

TheCovid-19pandemic provided

an opportunitytoassessthe influ ence of crowds,due to theirabsence Alan Nevill,researchprofessor in thefaculty of educationhealthand wellbeingatthe University of Wolverhampton, said:“Ourstudy providesoverwhelming evidence that crowds areabletomanipulatepro fessionalrefereestoaward signifi cantly more redand yellowcards to away players,an effect that disappears when crowds areabsent.”

John Kirkpatrick

Rowley’s House in Shrewsbury hassufferedworse deteriorationthan firstthought

County lines drug dealer caught with heroin andcrack cocaine is jailed

Acountylines drug dealer caught with heroin andcrackcocaine hasbeenjailedfor more than five years.

Liam Brownwas stopped by po lice in Shrewsbury in September.A search revealed that the23-year oldwas in possession of 73 wraps of heroin and41wraps of crack cocaine.

In totalthe drugswereestimat ed to have astreet valueof£1,241.

AppearingatShrewsburyCrown Court, Brownwas sentenced to five yearsand twomonthsin jail.He hadoriginallybeencharged with twocountsofpossessionwithintent to supply acontrolled classA drug.Brown,ofLiverpool,admitted both chargesatanearlier hear

ingatthe courtinOctober Detective Sergeant SteveMill er,ofWestMerciaPolice, said the forcewas committed to preventing dealersbringingdrugs into the county.

He said:“This is agreat result as part of ourongoing worktotackle countylines acrossthe countyand keepingdrugs offour streetsand

protecting ourcommunities

“Drugdealers take advantageof vulnerable people andruins lives, andweare determined to protect ourcommunities.Thissentence showswewill prosecuteanyoneinvolved in drugssupply.

“Weurgeanyonewithany concernsabout drug crimetoplease getin touch.”

Businesses face ‘frightening’ future as billscrisisdeepens

MATTHEWPANTER matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Businesses have spo kenofthe uncertainty caused by notknowing howthe government planstotacklethe en ergy bill crisis beyond March.

Findings from theBritishChambers of Commerce suggestedsmall businesses across thecountyfear they will struggle to paytheir en ergy billsnextyearunlessthe government’s financialreliefschemeis extended

Thesituation hasalready been describedas‘incredibly worrying’ by theShropshireChamber of Commerce.

Nowbusinesses have spoken of thedifficultiescausedbyrising energy bills. HarryHaralambous, ownerofSalop Fish BarinOswestry,saidthe situationremains ‘frightening’for firms.

“It’sstartingtobeachallenge,” he said.“Things areveryvague,in termsofsupport moving forward, with no definite idea of what to ex pect.There’s no clarityand you just can’tplanahead

“Wehad our firstgas bill fortwo monthslastweekand it was£3,900 Thepreviousone hadbeen£300.

“Weare still waitingfor an elec tric bill so it’s tough. It really is a case of battlingthrough.Weknow thenextfew months aregoing to be astruggleso you just have to wait

andsee what happens. Hopefully, come thesummer,wecan come out theother side and, with anyluck, prices will come down or helpwill be there.

“There have always beenchallenges at certainpointsbut Idon’t thinkit’sever been as it is now. The worry forus, of course,other than rising bills, is the question –will customers, whoare goingtohaveto payextra in termsofenergy, going to be prepared to buyatakeaway?

“Wehavemanaged to keep our customers at thelevelswehaveso farbut will that be thecaseifpeople startrunning outofmoney themselves?”

Bill Barrass, of NewportEngravers, admitted he wasconcerned about thenextsix monthsorso.

“Wehavehad hadaprettygood year consideringeverythingthatis goingoninthe world,”hesaid.

“Butweare paying ahellofalot more forour electric andgas,like everyone else,and it’s toughgoing forany High Street business at the moment.Everythingisgoing up andwehavetotweak ourprices accordingly, otherwise we would go bump.”

Ruth Ross,deputychief executive of Shropshire Chamber, said the chamberwill be readytosupport thoseinneed

“We(Shropshire Chamber) have membersand partners with solutionswhich couldsavemoney forbusinesses, andwe’re keen to spread theword.

“For example, smallcompanies that areona nightand daytariff canchargea batteryduringthe evening, anduse thepowerstored during theday,makingsignificant savings.

“Wecan signpost businesses to this kind of support, whichisavail able rightherein Shropshire.”

OneTelford companyhas spoken of thelongand short-term ways in whichbusinesses canstart to cope with thechallenges of spiralling en ergy costs.

Mark Thompson, managing di rector of AceOn Group, pointed to a‘window of opportunity’ for firms to tackle issues surroundingenergy bills.

Storage

“Unfortunately, thegovern ment’s planstosupport businesses through theenergycrisiswill only provide temporary relief from the pain of rising energy costs,”hesaid.

“Asthe ChamberofCommerce rightlypointsout,battery storage can be an effectivemeans of re ducing energy coststhrough peak saving –chargingitwhen tariffs arelower overnight foruse in the day. Businesses andorganisations caninmanycircumstances reduce theirbillsand even earn extra in come simplybyinstalling battery storagethatcan trade andsupport theGrid.”

Firefighters to vote on strike as offerisrejected

Morethan700 firefighters in Shropshireand MidWales will de cide on whethertovotefor strike action aftera five percentpay rise wasrejected

Fire Brigades Union(FBU) chiefs turned down theincrease anddeemedit“absolutelydisgust ing” as they reiterated callsfor a boostin line with inflation.

Membersacrossthe area are nowset to be balloted in thecom ingweeks.Iftheyvotein favour it will be the firstnationalstrike over paysince 2003.

Theindustrialactionwould af fect 136full-time firefighters at

Shropshire Fire andRescueSer vice,53retained firefighters and nine controlroomstaff.A further 350full-time firefighters, 191re tained firefighters and23control staffat Midand West WalesFire andRescueService areset to be balloted.

Andrew Scattergood, executive council member forthe West Midlandsinthe union, said:“Strike action is always thelastresort, it’s somethingevery firefighter wantstoavoid.But over10years of payrestrainthas resulted in a real-terms paycut for firefighters “We’ve got firefighters using

food banks, theyare choosing be tweenheating andeatingover the Christmas period andthe payofferthey’ve made does notaddress these concerns

“It’simportant that thegovern ment recognises thecutsthatthey have made andhow they’veimpacted on the fire service– it has impacted on ourability to respond (toincidents)and it’s impacted on stafftoo.”

Theindustrialactionwould also affect 1,334whole-time firefight ersatWestMidlandsFireService

Voting will startonMonday, De cember 5, andend onJanuary 23

Plea issued for thoseatriskto take up booster

TheNHS in Shropshireisurging adults with long-termhealthcondi tionstotakeupthe offerofafree flu jaband Covid-19 boosterassoonas possible to protectthemthiswinter

Thoseathigherriskofserious symptoms from Covidand fluin cludepeoplewithlungproblemsincludingasthmaorchronic obstructive pulmonarydisorder,people with heartdisease, chronickidney or liver disease, cancer,aweakened immune system or people whohave hada stroke or thoselivingwithdementia

AlisonBussey, chiefnursing of ficerfor at NHSShropshire, Telford andWrekin, said:“Iurgepatients whoare at risk from fluand Covid, particularly thosewithhealthcon ditions, to have both vaccinations to protectthemselves,their family andfriends this winter

“Havingthese jabs reducesthe chancesofcatching fluand Covidat thesametime, whichcould be dangerous or even life threatening.

“Itis safe to have both vaccines at thesametimeand if this is offered then pleasetakeitup, butpeople mayneed to book them separately

“You don’tneed to wait to be contacted to get vaccinated as you can book online forabooster or contact yourGPpracticefor an NHS flujab or at apharmacythatoffersone.”

Visit: nhs.uk/conditions/vaccina tions/flu-influenza-vaccine/

Hunger to get outisaboost forTravelodge

Budgethotel chainTravelodgeis benefitting from ahungerfrompeo pletoget outand enjoy themselves

It says increasedrevenue in London broughtonbythe Queen’s deathduringthe summer hasbeen addedtobybig demand as people look forshortbreakstorelax

TheWorld Cupand Christmas hasspurred people on to getout and enjoythemselves,often taking on shortbreaks. Thecompany,which controversially planstocreatea 436sqmhotel next to iconic Rowley’sHouse in Shrewsbury,already has595 hotels acrossthe UK,Ire land andSpain

It said that by theend of thethree monthstoSeptember,ithad already beaten thefull-yearresultnotched up in 2019 before the pandemic struck.Underlyingearningshit a record £93.8million forthe quarter, up from £87million ayearago,afterrevenuesjumpedto£278.6mil lion –up21.5per cent on ayearear lier and33.5per cent higher than thesameperiodin2019.

Last year’s Omicronoutbreak createduncertainty andcancellations, butwithlifegetting back to normalbookingsare nowsignifi cantly up,boostedbythe WorldCup andChristmas.Thishelpedthe ho telchain notch up a22.7% rise in underlying revenues versus 2019 to £669.9million forthe firstnine months of theyearsofar.Underly ingearningsfor theninemonths stood at £164.4 million,upfrom £102.2 millionin2019.

Opportunity –Mark Thompson,the managing directorofAceOnGroup

Fearsraisedat qualityofwater

Astudy of theWye andother riversinareas of intensivelivestock farminghas foundtheycontain antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” whichcould pose athreattohuman health

ConservativeMPfor Ludlow PhilipDunnesaidthe studyhighlights “the risk in ourriversfrom emerging antimicrobialresistance” resultingfromroutinely giving an tibioticstofarmanimals

“Thisisanothergoodreasonwhy waterquality monitoring needsto be ramped up to avoidpeoplebecoming gravelyill,” said Mr Dunne, whochairsthe parliamentaryenvironmentalaudit committee,and hasfrequentlyraisedissuesofriver waterquality

In what it says is the firstre search of itskind, WorldAnimal Protection (WAP)workedwiththe Alliance to Save OurAntibiotics andthe Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ)totestwater and sediment from waterwaysnear12 poultryand pigfarms, includingin theWye valley

Therespected Fera Sciencelab foundthatE.coliand S. aureus bugs in thesamples showed resist ance to aclass of importantantibioticsknown as sulfonamides,more so downstream than upstream of thefarms, “suggestingresistance is entering theenvironment from thesefarms”the BIJsaid.

Fera Sciencedid notrespond to confirm itsinvolvement.

Golden Valley volunteergroup RiverDoreCitizen Sciencetweet ed:“Delighted to take part in this study. Horrificresults.”

Councilhailed forclimate plan

Areportbyfood andfarming charitySustain recognises Telford &WrekinCouncilasanational leader when it comesto climateactionaroundfood

TheEvery Mouthful Counts report highlights that sixin 10 councils omit food andfarming from theirclimate plans.

It says thebestcouncilshave planstosupport sustainable farming, tackle food wasteand buyhigherstandardfood for schools.

Outofnearly200 localauthoritiesanalysedacrossthe UK,only21councils– including Telford&Wrekin– were found to have made significant ad vances in theirclimate,nature andfood strategies

Thecouncil wasthe only West Midlands authoritytobe ranked in this category

Councillor CarolynHealy, Telford&WrekinCouncil cabi netmember forclimate change, greenspaces, naturaland historicenvironment andcultural services, said: “Telford & Wrekin Counciliscommitted to tackling climatechangeand creating amoresustainable world,and we embedthese valuesacrossall of ouroperations.

“I’d liketocongratulateour catering teamfor their‘local first’ approach to food sourcing andtheir workinschools.”

Awardfor programmetacklingknife-related crime

West Mercia Police’s SteerClear programmehas received national recognition, winningaHoward League Community Award2022.

SteerClear is atargetededuca tion andengagementprogramme aimedatyoung people whoare be lieved to be in some wayconnect ed to knife-relatedcrime,orthere areconcernstheymay become in volved

Officers will visitthe young per

sonathome andworkwiththeir families or carers, inviting them to monthly workshops held in the localcommunity,inorder to safe guardthemand preventcriminal activity in thefuture.

SteerClear,fundedbythe po lice andcrime commissioner and deliveredbyWestMercia Police, wasawinner in the‘Liaisonand Diversion’category. ChiefCon stable PippaMillssaid: “Congrat

ulations to everyone involvedin theaward-winningSteer Clear programme. This awardisgreat recognitionfor an innovative, in telligence-ledprogramme that is making arealdifferencetothe livesofyoung people.”

Police andCrime Commissioner JohnCampion,who hasinvested more than £30,000 in SteerClear, said:“Iamproud to seethisinvestmentmakingarealimpact.”

Gulf Warsoldier’sexplosive diarylifts lidonreality of war

In theimmediate aftermath of theGulfWar in 1991,asvictorioussol dierspreparedtoreturn home,itwas made clear to John Wolf in no uncertain termsthathis diary of theconflictmustbe burnt.

Buthemanaged tokeephold of it,and fornearlythree decades satonit, an explosive real-liferecord whichifpublished wouldhave endedhis career andeven, he was warned,get himsenttojail.

Becoming acivilian defused the threatsofthe military establishment andthe result wasthatthat diaryhas finallybeenpublished as abookcalledThe RealityofWar AndironicallyJohn, wholives near Whitchurch, says thefeedback hasbeensurprisinglypositive

He talks of aBritishArmyin which, at leastinthe unit in which heserved, rankcountsfor more than expertiseand knowledge, and ordinary soldiers often find them selves in effect treated,inhis view, as officers’slaves.

TOBY NEAL toby.neal@mnamedia.co.uk

Sent to theGulf as part of Brit ain’sresponse to Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait,Johnstarted keepingthe diaryafter afemale American soldiersenthim ablank book

“I keptadiary mainly because it wassomething new, something differentatthe time anditgaveme somethingtodoas well,” he said

“Astimewenton Istarted realisin therewerelotso things goingonand youthink ‘thepubli know none of this’.

“Myperceptiono what warwas like andwhattoexpect wasnot what happened.Meand friendswould chat andsay ‘people will never believethis, never believe what goes on.’ Ithought ‘I’m going

to writeitall down’.”At firstArmy colleagues were alittlescaredabout what he wasdoing,but as time went by they startedtocontributeand offerinformation,althoughhe did notinclude it if it wasnot relevant or wastheir personalexrience

“Atthe endofthe war my commandingofficer wanted thebookburnt,” he said

“I wasthreatened that if Iwas to publish they wouldgo allbells andwhistlesand get me jailed fordoing it.”

Hiscolleaguesknew what wasinitbecause he hadallowed them to read it so they couldfactually verify it as he went along.

Clearlyhis revela tionsheldanembar rassment factor

“Our officers es pecially areabreed whichare so unique.Unlessyou served in a cavalryregimentand came across them youwould not believewhat

they were like.”One surprising war zone task involved laying agreen carpet in oneofthe big tentsinthe desert –withany carpet left over beingusedonthe floors of theArmy vehicles.

An additional factor causinghim to delaypublication wasthathe wanted to avoidthe possibility of giving encouragement to potential adversaries by making them think that theBritish Army wasnot as good as it liked to believe. “I didn’t want to putpeopleinharm’sway by putting abookout telling thetruth about what we arelike.”

John, whois57, served 37 years in themilitary, starting outindivisional reconnaissanceand ending hiscareeras an instructor on the Apache helicopter. Hisservice in cluded atourin Afghanistan.

He movedtoShropshirewhen he workedat RAFShawburyand although nowa civilian,his work is stillmilitary-related.“Iteach in Europe –Iteach military pilots how to operateincombatzones,” he said.Heprefers nottomakehis real name public andhas chosen the pseudonymJohnWolf.

Steer Clear hasbeen commended

John picturedtaking an Apache helicopter foranair test. He endedhis longmilitary career as a flying instructor

John,aged57, served for 37 years

Adestroyed Iraqitank

John’s book

‘Real’ Shakespearerevealedinportraitimage

Aportrait hasbeenunveiledas theonlysignedand datedimage of William Shakespearepainted duringhis lifetime.

Theportrait,complete with trademarkbeard anddistinctlyrecedinghairline, hasbeendescribed as theforgotten face of Shakespeare waitingfor centuriestobe re-discovered.Inthe parlance of theart market,itisthe greatest ‘sleeper’evertoemerge.

Thepaintingisoffered forsale by privatetreatyand interest is expected from around theworld Theowner,who wishes to remain anonymous, hopes it will stay in theUK.

Prior to 1975,the picture hung in thelibrary of astately home in

thenorth of England, once home to theDanby family, whereitwas al ways knownas‘Shakespeare’.

Sincethen, it hasbeeninprivate handsand significant research has been undertaken that hasrevealed theartistand numerous connec tionstoShakespeare

ThepaintingisbyRobertPeake (1551-1619), Sergeant-Painter to JamesI.Itisdated 1608 and signed by theartistwithhis regular mark

Theage of thesitterisrecorded on theportrait as 44.William Shakespearewas 44 in 1608.The connectionsbetween Shakespeare andRobertPeake areextensive.

Peakewas awell-knownand highly respectedartistwho was

also commissioned by theOffice of theRevels, theCrown depart ment that oversawthe licensing andpresentationofplays.Hewas also commissioned to paintsceneryatthe buildingsofthe Revels, thePrioryofStJohnofJerusalem of Clerkenwell, wherethe Master of theRevels, Edmund Tilney, was based.

Peakewas regularlycommissioned to paintthe portraitsofnumerous high-ranking membersof theCourt andJacobeansocietys.

Shakespeare is knowntohaveto have residedinthe area

Allthe availableevidencesug gests PeakeknewShakespeare andwould have been thenatural choice foraportrait

Triumphant returnfor platoon whichreallyknewthe drill

Time is called foreverona once-lively borough pub

Time hasbeencalledforever on aShropshirepub whichwas thevictimofrepeated arsonattacks

TheCheshireCheeseinDoseley, Telford, hasbeendemol ishedafteritclosedinearly 2019 andsubsequently fell into dereliction.

Thepub wasavenue forlive musicand charityeventsbut be came financiallyunviableand, followinga period of unsuccess fulmarketing,aplantoknock it down andreplaceitwith10 homeswas submittedtoTelford &WrekinCouncil

This wasrefused in Novem ber2019, forreasons including theviewthatthe pubwas an “important signifier of thear ea’s industrial past,” particular ly in conjunctionwiththe near by GradeIIlisted railwaybridge whichcrosses DoseleyRoad.

Thedemolitionwas also thoughttohavean“adverse im pact upon thecharacter of the area,” accordingtoanofficers’ report at thetime.

However by thetimeamended plansweresubmitted theempty building hadbeenhit by arsonists, andplannersaccepted that demolition wasthe only option

alarge

Butthe 20 Ironbridge soldiers hadnot been triumphant in battle.

In fact,theywerereturning from theWelsh seaside.

There, during their annual summercampat Porthcawl, they had wonthe covetedPrinceofWales Shield awardedfor thebest-drilled platoonin theWelsh Division.The competitioncomprised turnout, rifleexercises, platoondrill, field work, andguard mounting

And, as therewereabout 190pla toonsinthe WelshDivision, it was arealfeather in thecap of theIronbridge men, whowerepartofthe 4thBattalion of theKing’sShrop shireLight Infantry –aTerritorial Army battalioncomprisingpart time soldiers

As ourpicture from thecollection of Bridgnorth postcard collector RayFarlow shows, on theirreturn

TOBY NEAL Nostalgia

home on Sunday,August12, 1923, thereweretumultuouscelebrations which filled thestreets.

Accordingtoacontemporary newspaperreport: “The thronged streetsweregaily decoratedwith flags andfestoons, andthe Jackfield PrizeSilver Band metthe platoon at therailway stationand marched them throughthe town to theArmoury.

“The menhad a fine welcome home.Asthe train steamedinto thestation thechurch bellspealed out. Theplatoon commander, Lieut. WNLRichardson, ledthe men throughthe crowdedtown, with Co.-Sergt.-Major A. Johnsoncarry ingthe shield.”

Presumably this photographwas oneofaseriesas, in this one, there is notasinglesoldier to be seen amongthe throng

No doubt they have already marched down Waterloo Street to

wardsthe Armoury, whichweimaginemeans the drill hall which used to be there.

“Onarrival at theArmoury, Lieut. Richardson dismissedthe menand thankedthe crowdfor givingthe platoon such agrand reception,” thereportcontinued

Threecheersweregiven thepla toon,and theplaying of theNational Anthem concludedthe ceremony

TheIronbridge platoonwas part of DCompany,which wascommand ed by CaptainGeoffreyBright.

Illustrious

He hadled thebattalion in the most illustriousevent in itshistory in whichitstormed Bligny hill in June 1918

That wasanexploit forwhich the entire battalionwas awardedthe CroixdeGuerreavecPalme by the French

Ourmoderncomparisonpicture wastaken from thesameplaceas theviewfromnearly100 yearsago –awindowat what wasthen, and formanyyears,Woolley’s clothing

stores,but is nowa cafe.Itstands onthe corner of MadeleyRoadand Waterloo Street

As you cansee,manyofthe buildingsonbothsides of theHigh Street in Ironbridge betweenwhich those1923crowdsgatheredhave sincebeenknocked down,and to daythere is amini-roundabout at thefootofMadeley hill whichcon fuses visitors trying to make the sharpturnleftiftheydon’t realise that they’resupposedtoturnleftby goingall theway around theround about andalittlebit more he 4thKSLIretainedthe Prince of WalesShieldinAugust1924, the winnersat thecamp, againheldat Porthcawl, beingNumber9Platoon of theWellingtonCompany,who were given asimilarly triumphant welcome when they returned home to Wellington.

In fact in that followingyearnot only didthe Wellingtonladswin the shield,but theCompany also won thebrigade andbattalion efficiency cups, theguard-mounting cup, and thebattalion footballcup

Local objections to theloss of thepub “are noted,” theofficers’reporttocouncillorssaid, buttheytookthe lack of interest from buyers to demonstrate “a lack of need.”

Officers said twoarsonat tackshad affected thestruc turalintegrity of thebuilding to thepoint that demolition was theonlyoption.

Despite some localobjections, thecouncil gave planning permissioninFebruarythisyear forthe pubtobeknocked down andreplaced by 10 homes.

Theboyswerebackin town –and

crowd turned outtowelcome home theirall-conquer ingheroes.

Crowdsturn outinIronbridge in 1923 to welcomehome theirheroesThe Ironbridge soldiers

TheCheshire Cheeseusedto stagelivemusic in Doseley

Theonly signedand dated image of William Shakespearepainted during hislifetime

Allthatisleftofthe pub following itsdemolition

MARKET REPORT

BRIDGNORTH

LIVESTOCK

REPORT –TUESDAYNOVEMBER29,There were 93 cattle.Not as busy as lastTuesday for theChristmas Show andabelting trade helped by some very good cattle forwardas anticipated. 100clean cattle and50bulls couldhave easily sold withoutspoiling prices OurthankstoMr John Rutter,Tipton,along standing supporter of BridgnorthMarket, for judging.His deliberationscame to thefore as setout below: Class1 –LightHeifer: 1st EP Parkes &Sons478kg LIMx 390p/kg. 2nd MrsCBurgoyne504kg LIMx 328p/kg. Class 2–Heavy Heifer: 1stEPParkes &Son 640kg LIMx 358p/kg, 2ndWJordin &Sons664kg BAx 300p/kg. Class3 –LightSteer: 1stWJordin & Son 522kgLIMx340p/kg, 2nd MrsCBurgoyne 510kgBRBx260p/kg.Class 4– HeavySteer: 1stI SnapeAgriculturalLtd 636kgBRB 328p/ kg,2nd WRodenhurst &Son 583kgLIMx 290p/kg. Class5 –Smallholder’s Beast:1st GC Bunning 546kgLIMx300p/kg,2nd RJ Pain &Son 448kgLIMx290p/kg.Class 6– Best

Bull: 1stJLHewitt678kg LIMX 278p/kg, 2nd JL Hewitt 640kgLIMx270p/kg. Class7 -Best

Pair of Heifers:1st RC Evans (Curdale)556kg LIMx 336p/kgand 598kgLIMx318p/kg,2nd RC Evans (Curdale)574kg LIMx 525p/kgand 538kg LIMx 342p/kg. Class8– BestPairof

Steers: 1stLHDalton660kg BRB294p/kg and 744kgBRB 280p/kg. Class9– BestCow/ OTMBeast (p/kg):1st APreece&Son 596kg BRB251p/kg,2nd DD Jones Ltd610kg LIMx 162p/kg(Cow).Class 10 –Supreme Champion (NockDeightonCup): EP Parkes &Son 478kg LIMx 390p/kg (£1864.20). Class11–Reserve Champion: WJordin &Sons522kg LIMx 340p/ kg (£1774.80).Manythankstoall ourfarmers and buyers fortheir continuedsupport, with further thanks toall oursponsors fortheir generous sponsorship,withaspecialnote of thanks forour major sponsorHSBC(UK). Therewere1,065 lambs–a much better entry of lambsforward forthe Christmas fatstock judgedthisyearbyAngusMutch anda`new’ Brian Meredith cup. TheGeorgeKing cupfor theChampion Penwas awarded this year to Pete Morris for42kgBeltex lambs, realising 550p/kgand sold to Adil Choudheryonbehalf of PakMecca Meats,Birmingham.1st prize lambsunder 40K also awarded to Pete Morris for 37kg Beltex lambs purchasedbylocal Bridgnorth butcher,Keith Anderson for Charlie Spencer, who also purchased theChampion Single Lamb 528p/kg, a45kg Beltex showedby LeePreece. Tradethroughout the sale wasvery brisk, with all the1st prizelambs over500p/ kg.2nd prizes around 400p/kg andseveral pensoflambs, with no cards,around 300p/kg Amarketaverage of 263p/kgwithcommercial lambsto294p/kg outsideofthe show.45kg Texels from RichardMorgan. Heavier lambs sold to 285p/kgfor DutchSpotted xlambs at 48kg from Sarah Levi.Lambs under 40kg a firmer tradewithcustomers keen to buya lighter lamb.Brian Meredith Cupfor BestSingle Lamb:1st LPreece45kg528p/kg KAlderson, 2ndIGC Morris41kg452p/kg KAlderson, 3rd AW Preece 60kg 300p/kg MutchMeats.Lambs Under 40kg: 1stIGC Morris37kg502p/kg K Alderson, 2ndEDavies& Son 39kg 390p/kg AllanBennett,3rd EDavies& Son34.5kg 300p/ kg PakMecca Meats.Lambs Over 40kg: 1st IGCMorris42kg550p/kg PakMecca Meats, 2ndM Preece&Co41kg400p/kg PakMecca Meats.Therewere700 ewes.The firsttime forsome weeksthe market average wasjust shy of the£100markand Texelewessold to £200 from StuartMoss. Theoverall average wouldbeareflection of thequality of ewes, plenty of strong ewes penned with customers keen to purchase qualityand weight. Suffolk ewes much dearerwiththe top endjustover £140 andMules nowherenearasstrong alast week sellingto£105. Strong butleanewes remain well sold however, absolute crackers sell at asimilar leveltorecentweeks. Hill ewes to £76, improvedWelshand Welsh£50 and plain kippers£31.Ramssold to £150 from P Skellern, DutchSpottiesand Texels £140 from JC Taylor.Three boergoats sold to £82for small,young goats

Correcting carbon mythscould bring‘cash boost’

UK agriculturecould benefitfrom paymentsworth as much as £500m everyyearifmyths around carbon marketsare corrected andfarmers arepresented with thebestinfor mation aboutthe opportunitieson offer, ameetinghas heard.

Growerscould top-up theirannual incomesbythousands of pounds if they monetise thecarbon they captureeachyearthrough sustainable farmingpractices such as reducing the intensityoftheir tillageand planting cover crops.

Andifincompleteinformation presented to growersabout how carbon marketsoperate is corrected,morefarmers standtobenefit,

industry expertsagree.Speaking at acarbonmarketsmyth-busting meeting, hosted by agronomy firm Soil Capital, more than 20 experts from acrossagriculture discussed ways to correctthe most important misunderstandingsabout how carbonmarketsworksothatmore growersfeelempowered to enter themarket

Topofthe list washow to help producersrealise carbon markets payfor carbon savedoraddedto thesoilon-farm each year afarmer participates in acarbonpro gramme —not forcarbonlocked in thesoilinthe distantpast.

“Fromour experiencesofbring

ingEurope’s firstcertified carbon paymentprogramme to themar ket in theUK, France andBelgium,wecan seewhere thebiggest informationgapsabout thecarbon market areinthe UK,” said An drew Voysey,SoilCapital’s head of impact andcarbon.

“British growersshouldunder standthatcarboncertificatescan be boughtbycropbuyers, notjust high-emittingbusinessesunrelat ed to farming, so thatcrops and carbon canbekepttogether, in line with industry netzeroexpec tations. Equally, carbon payments canreward the farmer’s transition up to netzero.”

Appointments made to Oxford Farming Conference board

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

TheOxfordFarming Conference (OFC), the UK’s leadingagricultural, business andfood event, hasmadethree newappointmentstoits voluntaryboard of di rectors.

CEO of TheFarming Community Network, Jude McCann,head of news at FarmersGuardian,Abi Kay, andproject manager(rural) at ScottishEnterprise,JuliaLatto, will join thecommittee afterthe next conference in January.

Thepublicrecruitment process looked to attract individualswho wouldsupport thecharity’s ob jectives to inform,challenge and inspiredelegates,bydeveloping a conference agenda that wouldbea forcefor positive change throughoutthe industry

In addition,applicantswereasked to demonstrate leadership qualities that wouldsupport OFC’soutreach initiatives, includingits bursary andscholarship programmes, supporting thenextgenerationof farmerstoattendthe conference, includingindividuals facing social or economic barriers,and those with leadership potential.

Jude McCann grew up on afamily farm in Northern Ireland, andhas

astrongunderstanding of thechallenges facingagriculture,having spentseven yearsasCEO forRural Support, acharity in Northern Ireland that supports farmersand their families. In 2020 he wasappointed CEO with theFarming Community Network(FCN),and nowworks acrossEngland andWales helping thosefacinghardship.

AbiKay haswon several awards

forher journalism,including the InternationalFederationofAgricultural JournalistsYoung Leaders accolade andthe BobDaviesMemorial Awardfor raisingthe profile of Welshfarming Shehas astrong background in politics,working fora ruralMPin Westminster andasalobbyistfor NFU, priortojoining the Farmers Guardian team. JuliaLatto has

over 25 yearsofexperiencein eco nomicdevelopment,and leadsona wide portfolioofnationalprograms forScottish Enterprise,including the Scottish RuralLeadershipPro gramme

Shehas presented on leadership andentrepreneurial development in ruralbusinesses worldwide.

Visitofc.org.ukfor detailsabout theconference.

Organictrade groupbacks useofnew environmentallabel forconsumers

Bosses at theOrganic TradeBoard (OTB)say they believeenvironmentallabelling will help consumers make more informed,sustainable andeducateddecisionsatpoint of purchase.

Aspokespersonfor thegroup said:“We supportand encourage ourmembers, alongwiththe wider organicindustryin theUK, to trial theinternationally recognised Planet Scorelabel

“Westronglybelieve theobjective of anyenvironmental labelshould be to reflectthe keymetrics that

resultin amoresustainable food production approach,deliveringa more transparentand honestlabelling system.”

Thespokespersonadded: “The increase of eco-activesinthe UK population will seea rising number of shoppers highly concernedabout theenvironment andwanting to take more seriousactions to reduce theirimpact.

“The rightenvironmental label will be awelcome tool in achieving this

“The OTB,onbehalfofthe UK

organicindustry, is fullysupporting thedevelopmentofenvironmental labelling on food anddrinksproducts that will furtherhelpconsumers in making betterand moreinformed choicesfor themselves and theplanet.

“Weneedtomakesurethatthis labelisasclear andtransparent as possible,aswellas avoiding anypotentialgreenwashingwhich could misleadconsumers

“Itis of utmost importance that aholisticproduct overview is achieved with clear assessments of

impactsincluding pesticides, biodiversity, andanimalwelfare

The‘perfectlabel’isanalmost impossible task duetothe number of variables, however we need to aimfor thehighest possible achiev able standard.And make sure it is updatedand improvedconstantly.”

TheOTB is availabletoany or ganicorganisationthatwants to know moreabout theenvironmentallabels beingdeveloped in theUK andEU, andadditionallyfor any brandwantingtotrial thePlanet Scorelabel.

Projectmanager (rural) at Scottish Enterprise JuliaLatto

Andrew Voysey

MARKETCHRISTMAS SHOW

Aberdeen-Angusbreed enjoys prominence in survey

Newmystery shopperresearchhas shownBritishAberdeen-Angus beef is themostprominent brand acrosspremium supermarket meat ranges

Analysis carriedout by theAberdeen-Angus Cattle Societyhas revealed thenativebreed is the beef of choice in thepremium meat productlines acrossarange of su

permarketsfromAldiand Asda, throughtoWaitroseand M&S.

Robert Gilchrist, thesociety’s CEO,saidthe findings of themys tery shopperresearchare incrediblyencouraging andtestament to thehardworkAberdeen-Angus farmersput in to producingbeef with such ahighmeat-eatingquality.

“Itisespecially reassuring to seesucha strong brandpresence in both discount retailersand the morehigh-endsupermarkets,”he said.“We’reproud to be able to fill theshelvesatevery pricepoint.”

Theresearchlookedateightof themainsupermarketsinthe UK andtheir own-brandpremium linesofbeef–looking specifical

ly at burgers, steaks,mince,and roasting joints –toinvestigate whetherabreed wasspecified and itscountry of origin.Aldi, Asda, Waitroseand Marks&Spencer all representedastrongbrand pres ence of Aberdeen-Angus across theirpremium labels, andpositive ly allthe participatingsupermarketsatleast boasted Britishbeef.

Sustainableproductionwas thekey themeatmeatevent

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

More than 700people flockedtoWynnstay’s Sheep andBeefevent.

Theconversation focusedonpro moting sustainable meat produc tion to combat misinformation and improve margins.

Gareth Davies,Wynnstaychief executive, said whilethere is alarge amount of uncertaintywithinthe sector,there area wealth of opportunitiesfor farmerstoproduce high qualityfood, in asustainable,effi cientand profitablemanner.

“The complex sustainability subject wasmentioned by everyspeak er at theevent,but theoverriding advice wastomakesmall changes to improve efficiency,” said Mr Davies

Linked to sustainability,the challengeofindustryperceptions wasalso akey topic. “While as an industry we know that we’renot the biggestcontributor of greenhouse gasemissions –one of ourbiggest challenges is promoting this wider andchallenging misinformation,” Mr Davies added.

Speaking at theevent,James Ruggeri from Hybu CigCymru Meat PromotionWales,saidmar gins aretightand whilethere are opportunitiesinbothsectors,much of these arereliant on improvedefficiency.“By making smallchanges, such as improvingfeedconversion or fertility, enhanced financialand environmentalsustainability im

provements canbeachieved,”said Mr Ruggeri.

Beef farmer Paul Williamssaid theindustry“cannot go greenifwe arein thered”.

“Inthe beef sector,there are things allfarmers candotoimprove efficiency to achievebetter return on investment, as well as reducing emissions. Forexample, reducing theage of firstcalving and calvingintervals, andincreasing calf survival canall make signifi cant improvementsacrossall areas

of thebusiness,”saidMrWilliams. He said agriculture, andin particularthe beef sector,seemtoalways be the firstindustrytoreceive criticismwhenitcomestogreen housegas emissions, andsoheinvestigated hisown farm’s emissions to gain agreaterunderstanding of farm level impact.“We took part in aFarming Connectproject which looked at thecarbonfootprints acrossavariety of beef farmsin Wales. Theresults from this high lightedthatthe average carbon

footprintonWelsh beef farmswas 11-16kgCO2e, whereasthe global averagewas 37kg CO2e,which rein forces whyweneedtopromote what we’redoing in theUK, as many of the figuresmakingthe headlines areglobal,”heexplained.

MatthewSmith, vice presidentof Alltechand head of AlltechE-CO2, reinforced this messagebysaying measurementand data is keyto improve efficiency andthiswill not only enhancemargins butreduce environmentalimpact.

Forestry values increasing, accordingtoreport

Commercialforestryvalueshave escalated by at least15per cent in thepastyearaccording to an in dustry report

Increasing demand fortimber assets driven by netzeroambitionscontributed to rising prices in amarket characterisedbyfew er, smaller, buthighervalue sales in 2022

Scotland “spearheaded the charge foreconomicforestry” with an 84 percentshare of UK commercialforestrysales

Thelandavailable fornatural capitalprojectsincluding native afforestation, peatland restoration andrewilding also trebled over the

past year,asectorled by England.

The figuresare included in the UK Forest Market Report 2022, the mostcomprehensive review of themarket, produced by Tilhill andspecialistforestry firm Gold crestLand&ForestryGroup

Thereportestimated that the market wasworth well over £200m –takingintoaccount aconsidera blenumberofoff-market saleson topofthe £195mmonitored by the two firms–and continuestooffer an exceptionaloutlook forinves tors

Greaterawareness of thebenefits of broadernatural capitalin creasedinterestinopportunities

offering wetland, islandsand other diversity,saidthe report.The fo cusonnature-basedsolutions be yond timber revealed farmoreland suitable forthese projects, swelling to £80.7m (from£26.4min2021) basedonthe data monitored.

England accounted forthe larg estmarket sharewith£32.4mof listings for2,500ha of totalland area,followedbyWales (£28.9m for2,100ha)and Scotland (£19.5m across2,300ha).

These listings averaged,per grosshectare,£13,200inEngland and£13,600 in Walesand £8,500 in Scotland Thereportsaidthe incentiveto

protectand replenishnatural capi talstocksand theappetitefor natural services from carbon removal to biodiversity netgainmeant forestryand afforestationoffered the “ideal entrypointsfor investors lookingtoenter theland-based sustainable investment space”

Meanwhile, limited supply and thesaleofahandful of premium forestsinthe southofScotland sawthe averagevalue of commer cialforestryrise by an estimated 15%overthe year

However,the report noted that thereweresome outstanding“outliers” that achieved sale prices well above this curve.

BY RICHARDYATES

On Monday it wasanhonourto representShropshireNFU at St Margaret’sChurch, Westmin ster Abbey, wherean estimated 500-strong congregation gath ered to payrespectsata service of thanksgiving forthe lifeand workofthe late Lord Henry Plumb

This esteemedpoliticianwas NFU presidentfor adecadedur ingthe seventies before stepping down to become aMember of theEuropeanParliament. This politicalascentculminatedin HenryPlumb becoming Brit ain’s firstand only leader of the European Parliament.Highly respected by hispeers, he was dubbed ‘thefarmer’sman’by PM Margaret Thatcher and finished hispolitical lifeinthe House of Lords. At theage of 15, Henry’sschooling endedabruptly during theSecondWorld War, when he wasrequired to assist hisfatheronthe Warwickshire farm.The impact of watching thenightly bombardmentof nearby Coventryby German bombers, instigated adrive that reconciliationmustbethe route forglobal stability

Lord Plumb reachedthe age of 97 andstill playedarolein shapingrural policy in hisdot age. He considered Brexit ahuge mistakeand,six yearsonfrom thevote, thejuryisstill out on this issue. Apparently Lord Plumbwas adamantthathe wasbornBritish butwould die aEuropean. In 2012,hecreated TheHenry Plumb Foundation to help andencourage ambitious young people to climbthe farm ingladder. Bursarysupport is underpinned by mentoringfrom farmerssuchasNewport flow er producer MichaelBubb. In its first10years,150 recipients have benefitted from this exem plaryfoundation, andlongmay it continue

Thevibes emanatingfromthe Westminster bubble arethatRishiSunakisessentially leading atemporary ‘caretaker’government.Despite having a69-seat majority theConservatives are riddledwithdivisionand rancour,and ourgovernmentlimps from oneweektothe nextwithoutgaining momentum

One of thecontentioustopics in thePM’sin-trayisthe issue of onshorewindturbines. In Shropshirethere hasbeena moratorium on theirwidespread introductionsince 2015.The clamourfor renewableenergy installation is huge,toreduce ourdependence on Russiangas

Whilst campaigninginthe summer,Sunak wasagainst huge wind farms, whichare the cheapest form of energy regeneration. Facing defeatinthe Commons, it appearsthe PM is about to stageaU-turntoappeasehis back benchMPs.The windsofchangeare blowing through Westminsterand now we need to tapintothem.

Hundreds attendedthe WynnstaySheep andBeefevent

School project is commended

AShropshirebuildingcontractor hasbeenhighly commendedfor itsconstructionofnet zero carbon school facilities at an awards cere mony celebratingthe topproperty projects in theWestMidlands.

Pave AwaysBuilding Contractors received theaward forits work at Harlescott Junior School in the West Midlands Property Awards at Birmingham’s Metropole Hotel

The£9.1m project, completed earlierthisyearfor Shropshire Council, involvedanumberofnew buildingsand therefurbishment of theexistingVictorian school,all to highly sustainable andenergyeffi cientstandards

Thebuild allowedthe Haughmond Federation to bringits infant andprimary provisiontogetheron one site in Featherbed Lane

It included anew nursery setting, 18 classrooms, apupil supporthub, ahall, kitchen, officesand meeting rooms.

Lack of ‘flexible’ jobsonoffer

Fewerthanathirdofjob ad vertslist flexible working op tionseventhoughmorethan half amillion people arelooking forpart-timework.

Thenumberofadverts mentioning flexible workhas only increasedbyfourper cent in the past year,researchsuggested Flexible working groupTimewise said thenumberofpeople workingpart-time to fitinwith issues such as caring respon sibilities or ill health hasincreasedfrom5.8 million in 2017 to 8.4million this year

Itsstudy of sixmillion jobadvertsfound that threein10listed anykindof flexible working options.

Despite theshifttoworking from home as aresultofthe pandemic,Timewisesaidonly around oneineightadvertsofferedhybridworking

Carproduction cutatJLR site

Luxury carmanufacturing group Jaguar Land Rover is reducing production at afactory in theWest Midlands untilthe spring.

It is duetocontinuingproblems in obtainingenoughcomputerchips forits latest models

Thereduction at factoriesin So lihull andinHalewood, Merseyside, is expected to affect theoutputof theJaguarF-Paceand Land Rover DiscoverySport

Themove is understood to be temporaryand JLR, whichhas its engine manufacturingcentre at the i54, north of Wolverhampton, will focusinsteadonits more profitable models

Thelatestcarsare heavilyreliant on computer chipstocontrola varietyofonboard systemsincluding anti-lock braking, emissionscon trols, satellite navigation andin-car entertainment. Supplies from East Asia have been heavily disrupted in thewakeofthe Covidpandemic

Ian’snew role with AceOnGroup

UK batteryand renewableenergy specialist,AceOn Group, has appointed anew director to the boardtofurther increase itstechnicalexpertise andenergyindus try experience

IanWassman hasstarted in thenewly createdroleofTechnicalSales Director,witharemit to elevate thecompany’s salesand technicalsupport functions.

He will be working closely with thesales teams to sharehis re al-world experience of theenergy sector andadd valuetocustomers by showinghow AceOn’s products fitintothe widerpower system Iansaid: “I thrive on achallenge, so when Imet with Mark andthe team at AceOn,Iknew therewould be plentytoget my teethinto.”

Fundingisvital to help jobsmarket

Asupported employment andtrain ingcharity haswelcomedthe Chan cellor Jeremy Hunt’s commitment to gettingmorepeopleintowork butwarnedprojectswhich currently supportedthose furthest from thejob market were at risk of losing vitalfunding

SoniaRoberts, chiefexecutive of supportedemploymentand train ingcharity Landau,said: “Whilst we welcome theChancellor’s pledge

to supportthe unemployed,whatwe really need is some firm decisions on thelevel of fundingthatmight be availablesothatwecan continue to deliver life-changing projectsand getpeopleintowork.

“Weneed to be ensuring as many peopleaspossiblecan secure employment and, withoutthiscom mitmentfromgovernment,werun theriskofalienatingthose whoare alreadyhardtoreach.”

Businesses urgedtogofor a granttomakebig difference

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Time is runningout for businesses to gettheir handson£10,000 EU grants to help them pay forvital equipment.

Morethan£670,000fromthe SmallEquipmentGrant pothas alreadybeenpaidtobusinesses in Shropshire,Telford &Wrekinand Herefordshire, helpingtocreate more than 70 jobs

Cash is still availablefromthe SEGproject butprogramme manager Caroline Cattle says thedeadline forapplicationsisJanuary 31, 2023

Thegrant scheme is supportedby theMarches LocalEnterprise Part nershipand itsbusinesssupport arm, theMarches Growth Hub, and receives European Regional Development Fund assistance

“SEG moneyhas alreadyhelped 91 businesses in theMarches to buy vitalequipment to help theirbusi nesses grow anddevelop, butthis moneyisn’t goingtobearoundfor much longer,” said Caroline

“A grantofupto£10,000 could make allthe difference to asmall or medium sizedbusiness andcould be thedifferencebetween beingableto expandand just standing still.”

Detailsofthe schemeare available throughthe MarchesGrowth Hub– marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/ support/marches-small-equipment grant/

Hugh settotakeonheadroleatlegal firm

Toplegal firm Aaron& Partners hasappointed anew head of its Shrewsbury office CorporateFinancePartner Hugh Strickland,who hasworked in thebusinesssince 2014,will take on therolefollowing signif icantgrowthinterms of people andrevenue forthe firm’s Shrop shire-basedoffice in recent years.

He succeedsStuartHaynes, a Corporate&CommercialPartner,

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

in therole. Stuart continueshis focusongrowing the firm’s inter national practice,inadditionto supporting hisclients

StephenTaylor, aPartner in theDispute Resolution Team,has been appointed as Deputy Head of theShrewsbury office

Nick Clarke,Senior Partner andHeadofDispute Resolution at Aaron& Partners,said: “Hugh leadsmuchofour banking, finance work,and is highly respected in Shropshireand beyond.Hugh’s reputation in theShropshirebusiness communitytogetherwithhis understandingofthe business and itsculture mean he’s theperfect fit. We look forwardtohim lead ingthe office.”

Company celebrates fifthbirthdayinrealstyle

AthrivingShropshirebusiness ownerhas celebrated hercompa ny’s fifthbirthdaywitha special partyatacountystately home

Ishbel Lapper,owner of HR SolutionsShropshire, invitedaround 50 guests to sharethe business’s birthday milestonewithher at a partyatWestonPark.

Ishbel,who has25years’experience in theHRsector, startedthe Telford-based business in 2017 af terleaving thecorporate world.

Shetoldguestsatthe partythe business nowhad more than 50 clientsand continuedtogo from strength to strength

“Itwas always adream of mine

to be my ownboss. Having takena year offfollowing thebirth of our beautifuldaughterWillow,wehad decideditwas nowornever andI embarkedintosetting up thefoundationsofmybusiness

“I have been blessedwithworkingwithsome greatpeopleand companieswho have been afantastichelpand arealadvocatefor my business.Despite thechallenges of Covid, Brexit andthe cost-of-living crisis, thebusinesshas grownyear on year whichistestament to my fantasticclients andthe faiththey have placed in me.”

HR SolutionsShropshirehas been shortlistedfor awards by

both Shropshire Chamberand na tional business organisationsand Ishbel hasregularly contributedto TV,radio andmedia acrossShrop shireand theMidlands.

HollyBrookstein, financeand commercialmanager of Telford-basedFerco Seating, was amongthe guestsat thespecial eventand said:“It is very reassuringhavingIshbelthere to call on forall ourHRneeds. Sheisvery supportive andoffersaveryprofessional serviceatall times.”

Stuart Smallwood, of Shrews bury-basedE-drive West Midlands, added: “Ishbel givesfantasticadvice.”

Deputy head of office StephenTaylorand NickClarkewith Hugh Strickland, CorporateFinance Partner

ACROSS

7. Literary prize won jointly in 1992 by Barry Unsworth and Michael Ondaatje (6)

8. School of painting initiated by Braque and Picasso (6)

10. Herring fillet rolled around onion slices and pickled (7)

11. Cruciferous plant whose leaves areused in salads (5) 12. 1854 battle of the Crimean War (4) 13. The second largest Italian city (5) 17. William, captain of The Bounty cast adrift in 1789 (5) 18. Hawaiian dance performed by a woman (4) 22. Robert, former lead singer with rock group Led Zeppelin (5) 23. Japanese island, largest of the Ryuku Islands (7) 24. Nonmetallic element, symbol C (6) 25. In communications, code wordfor the letter S (6)

DOWN

1. The peninsula consists of Spain and Portugal (7)

2. The derived SI unit of electric charge (7) 3. Enrico, Italian nuclear physicist awarded a Nobel prize for physics in 1938 (5)

4 Capital of the Madeira Islands (7)

5. Single dot on a computer screen (5)

6. US and Canadian Mennonite sect (5)

9. Antelope of southern Africa (9) 14. 1986 film which won aBest PictureOscar award (7)

15. Comtesse ---, mistress of Louis XV (2,5) 16. Alanguage of Catalonia (7) 19. The Islands was the former name of the Moluccas (5) 20. African republic whose capital is Kinshasa (5) 21. The southernstates of the US (5)

WORD WISE

VEHEMENT

former Côte d’Ivoiremidfielder at Newcastle 2010-17 (5)

Steve Scotland striker who moved from Spurs to Barcelona in 1984 (9)

Brian .’........, Ireland captain in their 2009 Six Nations Championship-winning season (9)

Upright wooden sticks that form part of acricket wicket (6)

Andy ....., former Sheffield Wednesday striker between spells at Huddersfield Town (5)

Kevin first ever player to be sent offinanFACup Final (5)

Charlie former Rangers and Scotland midfielder released by Stoke in 2019 (4)

QUICK QUIZ

Which actress plays crime solver Agatha Raisin in the Sky

drama of that name, based on the novels of M. C. Beaton?

8-ball and straight areforms of which game?

For which government department is MOD an abbreviation?

For which expression is COD an abbreviation?

In which continent is the Kalahari Desert?

Of which party was the Militant Tendency afaction?

What does an early birdcatch according to the proverb?

This puzzle has no clues. Instead, every number printed in the grid represents a letter,with the same number alwaysrepresenting the same letter.For example, if 8turns out to be aV,you can write in Vwherever asquare contains8.Using your knowledge of words, completethe puzzle.

Helpingpeopleto keepmovingisMarcus’saim

Gettingpeoplebackontheir feet andbacktoenjoyingthe sportthey love is theaim of Marcus Slade.

As asportstherapist,heworks with clientsfromall walkstolife, helpingthemtorecover from inju ries,ironout achesand painsand preparefor thelikes of marathons andtriathlons.

Marcus,who livesinNorton Canes, graduatedfromUniversity CollegeBirmingham with aBSc (Hons) degree in sports therapyin 2015

Shortlyafter finishinghis stud ies, he setuphis ownbusiness, PaeonInjuryand Fitness, as a part-timemobileinjurycareunit.

It went from strength to strength andthree yearslater his full-timesportstherapy clinic was up andrunningat premises based within Chasewater CountryPark

in Staffordshire. “I setthe busi ness up within the firstmonth of graduating andtofundthe venture Isoldsomeold collectables whichgavemeenoughcapital for equipment andmy firstweek’srent –thiswas around £150 total,”explains Marcus

“I likethe idea of walkingmy ownpathand building my own idea from thegroundup,”headds.

Over thepastseven years, he hasbuilt up ateamofqualified and experienced therapists andnow thousandsofpeoplevisit theclinic each year fora rangeofservices from injury assessmentand treat ment to conditioning andexercise rehabilitation

When someone is sufferingfrom an injury,atherapist will carry outanassessmentand create a personal treatment plan including

aftercaretoensureasuccessfulrecovery.All rehabilitation provided in clinic is supported by homework aftercarewhich includes exercise recommendations, progress mark ersand continuedsupport

Sports massages areone of the conditioning methodsby team and aresaidtobeagreat waytoiron outknots, replenishsofttissueand tackle aching,tired muscles.

Customers seekinghelprange from membersofthe public to am ateurand professional athletes,includingthose representing Great Britainin sports such as kick-box ing. Paeonhas also supported a wide rangeoflocal andnational organisations, includingSnapFit ness andIronman UK. ButMarcus says he is also pleasedtostill be working with same groupofclients he started with back in 2015

Denise Lewisonhitting 50 andstill staying fitand well

PRUDENCEWADE Health Correspondent

Like many eliteathletes, Denise Lewisadmitsto feelingadriftwhenher careerasaprofessional athletecametoan end. Afterwinninggoldinthe women’s heptathlon at the2000OlympicsinSydney, thestarwho grew up in theWestMidlandsannounced herretirementatthe ageof32in 2005

How didshe deal with this tran sition?“Notwell,”saysthe 50-yearold. “Because you have to setnew goalsfor yourself.You’renot aper former in thesamesense –you’re not thinking about thenextchampionships. Youbecome adifferent being, becausethe hoursyou spend on trainingare removed, andyour identity as ahigh-performing athlete changes

“Withinthat, you’vegot to grow andlearn to accept that that part of your life is over,and trytocome to an understandingthatyou’renot only definedbythatperformance, or thenextchampionships.”

Andyet Denise,who grew up in Pendeford, Wolverhampton, suggeststhisisn’t so differenttoany one goingthrough abig lifechange –elite athleteornot

“There is adefinite transitionpe riod that is very uncomfortable, but isn’tany change uncomfortable?” sheasks. “Whenyou’rechanginga newjob,it’suncomfortable because you don’tknowwhatthe next phase is goingtolooklike, andsoyou have to startaskingyourselfquestions about what it is you want to do.How do you feel dealingwiththe anxiety andnervousnessofstartingover?”

NowDenise,who hasasportshall namedafter heratKing’sSchoolin Wolverhamptonwhere sheattended,has launched anew podcast Runtethered,where shechats to a

rangeofpeopleabout how they got into theirchosensport

Some 17 yearsonfrompro athletics,she says shehas more clarity on “Deniseas an athlete” andwhat she’sliketoday

“I thinkback–itwas very much focusedonresults,and very much focusedonwhatI needed to do to getbetter,”she reflects.“So the mind wasengaged in understand ingmeand understandingmylev els, andpushing myself to be better.

“Thatconversation betweenbody andmindisverydifferent to what Ifacenow as amother-of four,and having allthose differentchallenges –relationshipchallenges,raising yourchildren, beingaworking mum –there’s alot morein my sphere nowthatI have to navigate.”

Onething shedoesstrugglewith as amother(heryoungestisfour yearsold andher eldest is 20)is findingtimefor herself. “Me, Den ise,and what Iwant. does get

squashed,” shesays. “It becomes very small. So Ihavetobeverycon scious of making sure I find that time

“I have to highlightlockdown, because it wastransformationalfor me.Havingbeenthatworking mum andbusy, Istarted really focusing back on exercise andwhatitreally meanstome. It reignitedthatpas sion againfor me,and Irealised actually,it’smorethanjustlooking good.It is very much about that re leaseand emptying thebrain during that 30 or 45 minutes of exercise.”

Denise knowsshe needstomake time forherself,but shesays: “I’m a workinprogress, because –and Iget this from my mum, I’msure–Idon’t liketosit down.Ifeellikethere’s al ways somethingtodo.

“SoI’vehad to forcemyselfto have thosemomentsofcalm. Hence thewalking,listening to arelaxation apporsomethinglikethatwhere I feel calm.”

Afterturning 50earlier this year, Denise is on thecuspofa newphase in herlife. “WhatI find at this glori ousage,istosit back andsay,‘Wow, you’vedonegreat,you’vegot to this age’.I’veaccomplished some amaz ingthings, andhad opportunities untold

“Asa woman, youare entering an otherchapter –which is inescapable Menopause –I’m glad it’s high on people’s agenda,it’sa talkingpoint now. Butit’slooking at ways Ican starttodealwithany symptoms

“Sofar,Ithink I’mOK, some wouldargue Ihavea little bitof brainfog,but that’s OK,itfeels manageable rightnow

“Butbeing open to newchallenges,creatingnew experiencesfor yourself, it stopsyou beingone-dimensional, it enriches you

“Fromthe things I’ve done,wheth er through sportorentertainment, it’s thoseexperiencesthatreallydid me aboost.”

l Thepodcast Runtetheredwith Denise LewisisonSpotify

ANTIQUES

WITH JOHN RIDGWAYOF OLDMILLANTIQUESCENTRE

Christmas is thattimeofyear when many people will be plan ning mealsfor anumberof guests...and perhapsrealisingtheir dining tableisjustnot bigenough! Even if you aimto eatinthe kitchenratherthana dining roomthe tableisreally importantifyou aimtocater for more than just afew

Butdon’t panicifyourexist ingtable doesn’tappeartobe suitable,you can find agreat vintageone at an affordable priceand getitdelivered in time if youstart lookingfairlysoon, If you plan to serveChristmas mealsina dining roomitmight be goodtofor amoreformaltable, thereare some lovely ones around in oakand mahogany that wouldbeideal.And fora kitchen, reclaimedoak andvin tage pine always fitinbeauti fullywithbothperiodand modernsurroundings. If you have limitedspace butare expecting alarge number of guests you couldbuy atable with fold-down leaveswhich couldtheneasily be used allyearround

Youmay also discover you mightnot have enough suitable

chairs, again look at what vintage chairs areavailable and don’tworry if they won’t match yourexistingones, they will still look goodand you canadd cush ionpadstocomplementcolour schemes. Youcan useall sortsof vintageitems to make your diningtable lookfestive,beginning with atable runner andifyou can’t find agenuinely oldone go forareproductionversion

Asilver candelabra makesa perfectcentrepiece andthese look amazingdecorated in re production ivy, as do acollection of matching candlesticks

Or you coulduse alarge vintage china tureen and fill it with festivegreenery. Go forsome lovely oldchina plates,bowls andserving dishes andlookfor some coloured wine glassesand even asilver punchbowlifyou can find onefor mulled wine

Useanold china cake stand foryourmince pies. Don’tforget therestofthe dining area,put coloured candles invintage candlesticksonwindow-ledgesor over your fireplace.

Olympic gold medallist DeniseLewis

Sports therapistMarcusSlade

Vintagestyle Christmas table

Risotto makes idealdinneron achillyevening

Actor’sdebut cookbook pays

much-loved dad

KATIEWRIGHT PressAssociation

MUSHROOMRISOTTO

Ingredients: Serves four/six 1tbspolive oil

50gbutter

1onion or shallot, chopped 1leek, finely chopped 300g mushrooms, chopped 4garliccloves,finely chopped 1large sprigofthyme leaves 400g risottorice

100mlwhite wine/Vermouth 1.5l chicken/mushroomstock

50gParmesan, grated Salt andblackpepper

To garnish:

15gbutter

250g mushrooms, sliced 2garliccloves, crushed

Method: Heat theolive oiland half thebutterinalarge sauté pan. Addthe onionorshallot andthe leek andcookverygen tly, stirring regularly, untilsoft andtranslucent Addthe mushrooms. Turn up theheatand fryuntil they have given outtheir liquid andlook drybut glossy.Add thegarlic andthyme andstir.

Addthe rice andstiruntil glossy with butter.Seasonwith salt andpepper. Pour in the wine andlet it bubble untilalmost evaporated.

Addalarge ladleful of thehot stock. Stirconstantlybut slowly untilmostofthe liquid hasbeen absorbedbythe rice,thencon tinuetoadd ladlefulsofstock untilthe rice has plumpedup andisaldente andthe sauce around it is creamy

Addthe remainingbutterand theParmesanand beat it into therisotto –thiswill make the risotto extra creamy.Taste and adjust theseasoning if necessary.Cover andkeepwarm.

Placeafryingpan over ahigh heat andadd thebutter. When it is foaming, addthe mixed mushroomsand frythemvery quicklyuntil well browned. Add thegarlicand stir foracoupleof minutes,thenseasonwithsalt andpepper.

Servethe risotto garnished with themushrooms andmore grated Parmesanfor people to addat thetable

Butreading JoeSwash’s odeto hisfatherRicky,who passed away suddenly when theLondon-born ac torand presenter was11years old, is incredibly moving “Hewas aLondontaxidriver buthewould do alot of half mar athons, he wouldrun threeorfour timesaweek,”Swash recallswith pride, speaking to me from the home in Essexheshareswithwife Stacey Solomon andtheir children Rex, three, andone-year-oldRose, as well as Zac, 14,and Leighton,10 (fromSolomon’s previous relation ships) andHarry,15(from Swash’s previous relationship with Emma Sophocleous)

“Hereallyate healthy. Likehe wouldcut thefat offhis bacon–I love thefat on my bacon! Thedoc torsaiditwas athing called sudden deathsyndrome,” Swashexplains.

“Itwas an undetected defaultin hisheart that couldhavehappened [atany time]. He couldhavedied when he waseight,he couldhave died when he was80. It wasjusta matter of time.”

Now40, theformerEastEnders star,who hasjustreleasedhis first recipe book,sayshehad difficulty coming to termswithhis griefasa child.

“Mymum andmysisters were crying –Isortofcouldn’tever open up anddothatmyself. I’donlyever cryorshow anyemotionsifI wasby myself,” he recalls. “Itwas areally sad, sadtimeinmylife. Isortofdetached myself from it alittlebit.It almost feelslikeI’m talkingabout anotherlittleboy,not really me.”

Swash– whogot hisbig breakin 2003 when he wascastas Mickey Miller in theiconicBBC soap –says hestill felt theimpactofhis dad’s deathas an adult.

“It’ssomething that’salways been with me,something thatIfeel

changed me quitealot.Ialways wonder what I’dbelikeifmydad wasstill with me,you know.Some of thebad decisionsI’vemadein life, wouldtheyhavehappened?”

Whilehe’snever hadcounselling, Swashsayshe’salwaysfound cook ingtherapeutic,which is whyhe’s themainchefinhis household: “I really getabuzzfromit. Although Stacey thinks it’s amazing that Ido it,Isortofsecretlydoitfor myself, it’s really goodfor me.”

It wasaftertakingpartinCelebrityMasterCheflastyearand reaching the finalthree that the amateurcookdecidedtoput pen to paper: “Itreallygavemealot of confidenceinthe kitchen. Irealised, youknow, I’maprettygood cook.”

Thebookaimstohelpother busyparents putwholesome meals on thetable.“Likealot of people, we’vegot families,webothwork.

It’s allthe sort of things that Stace andIdotomakeour liveseasier,” says Swash.

Alongsidefamilyfavouriteslike cheese andMarmite scrools, turkeyburgers andTottenham cake, Swashchronicles“my childhood andall thebig thingsinmy life like EastEnders,the Jungle,meeting Stacey –and allthe foodsthatrep resent thosemoments”.

AfterwinningI’m ACelebrity in 2008,Swash recallshow he “secretly fell in love”withSolomon when shetookpartinthe reality TV series twoyears later.

Hostingthe Extra Camp spin-off show,hegreeted theQueen of the Jungle readyfor herexitinterview only to find theobjectofhis affec tionswas –likemanycelebswho emerge afterweeks withouttoiletries –abit whiffy,tosay theleast

“I’m notsurewhether Stacey

wasthe worst smelling,orwhether Ihad such high expectations of her smelling so beautiful,” he says with alaugh.“Thesmell hitmelikea brick.”

Thepairstarted dating in 2016 andmarried earlierthisyear. Familylifewitha brood of five canbe hectic,but thekidsare happyto help outinthe kitchen.

“Theyloveabit of baking,” Swashsays. “Theyloveanything that’s messy, likemeringues.They take alot of pride in what they’re doing, so it’s lovely to see.”

They trytoprioritise family mealtimesasmuchaspossible, he adds:“It always gave me afeeling of security when Iwas akid,and it’s somethingI really want formy kids.”

Swashwants to create thelov inghome lifeheexperiencedinhis earlyyears,eventhoughtheir time together wascut short.

“Overall,I’vegot to thankmy luckystars that Ihad himfor the amount of time Idid,and theimpact he hadonmylife,”saysSwash.

“I hope he looksdownonmeand he lovesseeingusall together,try ingtodo what what he didwhen we were kids.”

n Joe’sKitchen:Homemade MealsFor AHappy FamilybyJoe Swashispublished by Pavilion Books, priced £22.

Mixthe

Roll up thedough alongthe long estside, then cutitinto12rounds. Arrangethe rounds over abaking tray linedwithbaking paper.

Cover with adamptea toweland leaveagain untilthe dough has increasedinsizebut is stillquite firm.Preheat youroven to itshigh estsetting

Brushthe rounds with beaten eggand sprinkle with cheese.Bake for20–25 minutesuntil they are adeepgolden brown. Servewarm from theoven.

It’s notoften acookbook canbring youtotears (unlessyou’retalking aboutthe onionchop ping-induced variety).

Actorand presenterJoe Swashhas released acook book

JoeSwash’s newcookbook

Mushroomrisotto

Delightful dishes settodazzle dinner guests this Christmas

ANDY RICHARDSON andy.richardson@mnamedia.co.uk

Christmas is around the corner andit’stimeto startpreparing recipes that will dazzlethrough theholiday season.

So Maldon Salt hascreated araft of deliciousrecipes that will add glitterand sparkle to thefestive spread

SALMON PATE WITH MALDONSMOKED SALT

Ingredients: Serves four 150g smoked salmon,cut up 180g creamcheese

2tbspcrème fraiche

Zest andjuice of 1lemon

Smallhandful of dill

Smallhandful of chives

1tbspcapers, drained and rinsed

1tsp smoked Maldon salt and crackedblackpepper

Method: Putthe ingredientsinto amixingbowl. Mixtogetherso everything is combined.Serve with ryebread, lemon wedges, andanextra sprinkle of dill

MALDONSALTCHOCOLATE& AMARETTOTRUFFLES

Ingredients: Makes12 220g dark chocolate, chopped 120g double cream

1tsp almond extract

2tbspamaretto

90gunsaltedbutter, cutinto small cubesatroomtemp

1pinch of Maldon salt

Coatings: finely chopped pistachios,desiccatedcoconut, cocoapowder

Method: Placethe finely chopped chocolateinalarge heatproofbowl. Putthe creamintoasaucepanand heat untiljustboiling,thenremove from theheatand pour over thechocolate.Allow it to sitfor a fewminutes before whisking until smooth.Add thebutter, amaretto, almond extract,and pinchofMal donSaltand then whiskagain until smooth

Transfer to ashallow tinand allowtocoolatroomtempbefore adding to thefridge to firm up (two hours).Whencooled, rollthe ganachetruffles in yourhands in balls, keepinginthe fridge whilst you do therest. Then roll thetruffles in either desiccated coconut, finely choppedpistachiosorcocoa powder

MALDONSALTPISTACHIO SOUFFLES WITH

Ingredients:

Method: Startbymakingthe base

thesouffles (the panade). Addthe milktoasaucepanand whiskin thecornflourand apinch of Maldon Salt untildissolved.Stirinthe sug ar andpistachio creamand place onto theheat. Allowthe mixtureto

come to theboiland then continue stirring untilthe mixturethickens (three to five minutes).Thenre move from theheatand cool.Once cool placeinthe fridge to cool completely.

Preheatthe ovento180C and placea baking trayinthe oven to heat up (thiswill help thesouffles rise). Preparethe ramekins by greasing with butter andthe dust ingout with icingsugar.Set aside.

Placethe eggwhitesinabowland whiskuntil foaming. Then slow ly addthe sugar, atablespoonata time.Keepwhiskinguntil allthe sugarisaddingand themeringue hasreached medium soft peaks.

Measureout 300g of thechilled panade mixtureand addthe fi nal20g of pistachiocream.Then carefullyfoldinthe meringue egg whites beingmindful not to knock theair outofthe mixture. Spoon the mixtureintothe ramekins and smooth offthe topwithapalette knife. Then use acutlery knifeto “top hat” around thetop rim. Place into theoven on thebakingsheet foreightto10minutes (donot open thedoor)

Remove from theoven, dust with icingsugar andserve immediately with pistachioice creamand cran berrycoulis.

MALDONSALTPISTACHIO &DARK CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Ingredients: Makes15

unsalted butter

castersugar

yolks

self-raising flour 30gcocoa powder 50gdarkchocolate, finely chopped

Forthe topping: 100g dark chocolate, melted 50g finely choppedpistachios

PinchofMaldonsalt

Method: Line abakingtraywith baking paperand preheatthe oven to 190C

Creamthe butter andsugar to gether with an electric whiskuntilpaleand fluffy.Beatinthe egg yolks, andthenadd the flourand cocoapowder. Kneadinthe chopped chocolateuntil smooth andwell mixed. Roll into arough disc and wrap in cling film,thenplace in the fridge to chill

On alight flouredsurface,rollthe dough untilisit2cm thickand then usea7cm cutter to cutroughly 25 cookies. Placeontothe baking tray andbakefor eightto10minutes

Take thecookies outthe oven and allowtocool. Once cool,dip onehalf in themeltedchocolate andsprin klewith finely choppedpistachios andasprinkleofMaldonsalt.

IN SEASON

by Andy Richardson

Mushrooms areperfect for winter eating

Winter is here.Not that you’dnotice.The weatherhas been unseasonallymild, whichhas extended theautumn growingseason. Some cropshavebeenfooledintothink ingit’sspring, whichwon’t auger well when frosts starttobite– as inevitably they will

Thereare still plenty of good cropsavailable andin season,not leastmushrooms

Wild mushroomsare ajoy and make forperfect late-autumn/ear ly-wintereating.

Panfried chickeninamushroom sauceisafabulous, creamy Frecnh recipe that mixesmixed wild mush roomswithchicken stock, drywhite wine anda potofdoublecream to make adelicioussauce

Anothercreamymushroomdish is creamofmushroomsoup. Use porciniand wild mushroomsto make this filling yetlight supper for cold nights.The basicingredients aredried porcini, butter,onions, garlic,thyme,mixed wild mush rooms, vegetablestock,crème fra-

iche or creamand plenty of truffle oil. It is best served with croutons andchives.

Wild mushroom tartlets area greatway to use an abundanceand make sure to useplentyofparme sanand asmall handfulofparsley leaves when toppingyourall-butter puff pastry.Mushrooms lend themselves well to risottoand adish featuringchicken,bacon andwild mushroom is adelight.It oozeswith rich winter flavours andisperfect foracurl-up-on-the-couch evening. It works best by combiningporcini mushroomswithchestnut mush rooms, alongsideplentyofstreaky bacon, parmesanand leftover chunks of roastchicken.Makesure toseasonitwithalittleparsley.An alternativeisabarley, chickenand mushroom risotto,which is alow fat wonder if it’s made with pearl barley,ratherthanrisotto rice

Mushroomsalsopairperfect ly with beef,for instance,ina braisedbeefstewwithred onions andwildmushrooms.Rich, sticky andpacked with flavour, this is thekindofbeefdishthatputsa smileoneveryone’s face,even on thebleakestwinter day. Usepor cini again, if you can find them,or halved chestnut mushrooms. Use braising steak, thicklysliced,and cook it lowand slow

Chocolateand

Pistachiosouffles

Smoked salmonpate

Porcini aretastyifyou can find them

Raisemoney by selling toys or find bargains second hand

Gentle parentingcan be acalm middle-ground foryoungsters

LISA SALMON PressAssociation

If beingsmackedand shoutedatwas howyou were raised,you may feel theremustbea betterway to bringupyour ownchildren.

With moneybeing tightfor many this festiveseason, parents can find alternative ways to buytheir kids thetoysthey’ve askedfor withoutforking outfor brandnew items.

Buying second hand is agood option forsecuringabargain for thebuyer,and raisinga littleex tra cashfor theseller.

Here areNetVoucherCodes co.uk’stop tips forbuyingand selling toys this Christmas: Forsellers:

n Take plenty of pictures showingthe toys at theirvery best.Ifthey’ve been in theback of acupboardtoupthe loft, give them agood wash down so they look as good as new. However, there’snopoint trying to hide anyimperfections

n Writeadetaileddescrip tion,describing theitems as ac curately as possible to avoid any confusion.Don’t be misleading It’s always importanttobehon estin yourdescription.

n Be prepared fora haggle Lots of buyers will offeryou a pricelowerthanyou areselling for. Be awareofthisand price accordingly.

n Have alookonline to see what thesameitems aresell ingfor,you don’twanttomissa sale because you’veoverpriced Likewise,you don’twanttoun derprice andnot getthe amount theitems deserve.

n Don’tsettleonthe firstof fer. It’s likelythatyou will re ceiveafew offers afterposting youritem. Hold outaday or two to be sure you getthe best price.

Forbuyers:

n Trytobuy itemsin your lo calareaand collect them wher ever possible. Often, sellerscan create theirown fees fordeliv erysoit’salwaysworth saving yourselfafew pounds by picking theitems up yourself.

n If you thinkthe pictures don’tdepictthe item clearly, ask formore. Youwanttobesure that you getwhatyou’repaying forand that it’s in thecondition they have stated.Particularly importantifyou’reshoppingfor theitemasagiftand you want it to look as good as new.

n If you have anydoubts aboutthe qualityorcondition of an item,ask lotsofquestions It maybethatthe seller wasn’t clearenough–it’salwaysbetter to erronthe side of caution.

Butifthe otherextreme –‘per missiveparenting’, wherethere’s very few boundaries and little or no discipline– is asteptoo far, could ‘gentleparenting’beagoodmid dle-ground?

Gentle parentingfocuses on four keyelements: respect, empathy, boundaries andunderstanding Andwhileit’sall therageonsocial mediaatthe moment,thisschoolof thoughthas been around underdif ferent namesfor alongtime.

As consultant clinical psycholo gist Emma Citron(citronpsycholo gy.co.uk)explains: “Gentleparent inghas likelybecome anotherfad, butit’smerelyadifferent name for oldrope.

“Any type of parentingshouldbe encouraged to be gentle parenting –inpsychology, we call it positive parenting.

“It’sbased on theideathatweno tice thepositive things children do andmakeafussofthem, butignore thesillythings, becausethe mod el is encouraginggood behaviours rather than poor.”

Shesaysthere’s no need forpun ishments or negativity ifyou have agood relationship with yourchild, basedonlistening andgentlecom munication

So,for example, insteadofsay ing, ‘Get yourfeetoff thecouch’, it’s more helpfultosay,‘I’dpreferyou not to putyourfeetonthe couchbecausethe mudgetsonand Ihaveto wash thecovers’.

“You canhaveconsequences,” explains Citron, “but there’sno need to raise voices or be negative or punitive –all that does is erode therelationshipand thetrust and communicationbetween you.”

Mum-of-one KellyMedina Enos “stumbled across” gentle parenting when herson George,now three, was18-months-old, andshe posted avideo on TikTok about himhitting herand asking foradviceonwhat to do

“Atthe time,Iwas just defaulting on howmyparents broughtmeup, whichwas authoritarian-style, with astern voiceand saying,‘No,you do not hitme!’ Somebody mentioned gentleparentingand Istarted look ingatvarious books,” shesays.

TheYorkmum has sinceem braced it so wholeheartedly that she nowposts videos of hergentlepar enting journeyto389,000 followers on TikTok.

“Research says childrenbrought up with gentle parentinghavemore regulatedemotions, andthere’s less chance of them having depression,” says Enos.“They’remoreemotion ally intelligent andabletocommu nicate thosefeelingstopeople. But Idon’t read toomuchintothe stats,

Ijustknowitworks formeand my family.”

Here,Enossharesher take on gentle parenting: n Usepositive language

Positive language is powerful, says Enos:“Just change afew things yousay to them.Insteadof ‘No, getdownfromthere’, it’s ‘Feet on the floorplease’.Insteadof‘Stop running’,it’s‘Walkingfeet, please’. There’snot a‘one sentence wonder’ foreverychild,you have to find out what works forbothofyou

“Ifyou say, ‘No! Don’tyou dare draw on that wall!’,childrendon’t tend to hear thewords ‘no’ and ‘don’t’, they just hear thepart after andthink,‘Oh,Iget to draw on the wall’,”addsEnos. “Sosay some thinglike, ‘Pensare forpaper’. You have to change theway youspeak to them.”

n If they ignoreyou…

Enos admits this will stillhappen andgentleparentingisnot “a mag ic wand that works overnight” says Enos.Explainingthather sonloved climbing on thetable:“I’dsay,‘Feet

on the floorplease’

“Ifthatwas ignored,thenI’d say, ‘Doyou feel safe up there?’Ifthey saytheydo feel safe,ask themhow they’regoing to get down.And as alastresort you mightsay,‘Either you canget yourselfdown, or mum my canhelpyou’.”

n Dealingwithhitting

Insteadoftelling achildtostop hitting andpunishing them,Enos explains that agentleparentmight say: “I won’tlet you hitme. If you continue to hitme, I’mgoing to move away to keep myself safe.”

If thechildgetsupsetwhenthe parent movesaway, you couldsay: “I understand you’reupset, butI will notlet you hitme.”

n Facing tantrums

Enos says parentsneedto“be the calm in yourchild’s storm” when tantrums occur. “WhenGeorgewas having atantrum,Ijustsat down on the floorand gave himenough space andallowed himtofeelhis feelings,” shesays. “Whenthere wasabreak in thecrying, I’doffer a hug, andifhesaidno, I’dsay Iwas

therewhenheneeded me

“I’d remain calmly sitting, mod el deep breaths, andifhegot abit more verbal,I’d discusshow deep breathscould help himwhen he’s really frustrated.Expectingthem to regulate theiremotionsontheir ownat this ageisimpossible.”

n Give themoptions

If you find yourself in apower strugglewithyourchild,givethem options, suggests Enos.For exam ple: It’sbathtimesoon–doyou want me to setthe alarmfor five minutes or 10 minutes?Or: How much more playingdoyou want to do, twominutes or five minutes?

“They’ll feel really in control of theirroutine,” says Enos.“And you’restill respecting them, but you’regetting them to do what you’d likethemtodo.”

n IntroducethemtoHappy

TheHoglet

NewITV children’s series,Happy TheHoglet–about ababyhedge hogwho learns howtobuild inner strength by tackling hisbig feel ings –could be ahelpful waytoget young children more familiar with this approach.Enossays: “We’ve started watching[and] that’s been absolutelyamazing –you cansee theanimals having emotionsand everybodycomingtogether, helping them resolvethatemotion.”

n Teachthembreathingexercises

Enos says herson uses a‘breathe board’,which hasaninfinity loop shaped groove in it that thechild runs their finger alongone side as they inhale,and down theother side as they exhale.“Andyou can do aclever thingwhere youput five fingersinfront of them andpretend they’recandles andask if they want to blow them out,”she says.“They blow allyour fingersdown, andthat really helpstoregulatetheir emo tions–not smack-bang in themid dleofatantrum,I’lladmit.”

n Create a‘calm down corner’

Enos suggestsputting cushions, books, abreathe board, non-stimu lating ‘fidget’ toys etcinone space –she’s usedacupboardunder the stairs wherethe door waskept open,offeringittoher sonwhen he wasgetting frustrated. “A lot of people thinkit’sinplaceofthe naughtystep, butthe difference is thatachild goes to thenaughty step to thinkabout what they’vedone, whereasthe calm-downcorneris forwhenyourchild’s emotions start to rise,” sheexplains.“It’s nota placeofdiscipline.”

n Don’texpecttobea ‘perfect’gentleparent

“Gentleparenting –especiallyif you’vebeenbrought up in avery differentway –isevenmoretricky,” sheadds. “But if parentsare even changing just oneortwo things that theirparents didwhen they were growingup–for instance,ifthey were smackedand they chosenot to smacktheir ownchild –they’re still breaking thecycle.”

n HappyThe Hoglet airs in the UK everyweekday at 10.40amon ITV’slittleBe

Budgeting advice to make surenothing is wasted

From budgetingshockstocostof-livingchaos,we’re allkeento save afew quid at themoment,and TikTokissteppingintohelppeo pledojustthat.

Food pricesare through the roof, making it harder to feed our familiesand keepthe cupboards stocked.

Food anddrink inflationsurged to thehighestonrecordagain last month, with Britonswitnessing mammothincreases on everyday items. Prices of food andnon-alco holicdrinks rocketed 16.2%inOc tober. So,manyofusare taking to TikTokto find greatwaystosave, andluckily thereare plentyofbril

liantcreatorstryingtohelp. Gina Zakariahas become ahugename on MoneyTok (the money-saving communitywithinTikTok) and shehelpfullyshowsher audience some incredible food-related hacks.

Oneofher best tips is aboutpro cessingyourown food.Withthings likecheesegoing up in cost,buying it pre-prepared is just notfeasible.

So,Gina suggestsgrating and slicingcheese,and then freezing it forfutureuse.Fewer additives, less money, less waste. Yousee some thingonoffer in thesupermarket, it goesoff tomorrow,but is so well priced.Whatdoyou do?Well, The Gleason Co have theanswertothis

dilemma. They advise taking say, chickendrumsticks, laying them outona covered tray, part freez ingthem(foranhour),thentaking them out, baggingthemupand freezing them fully. Because they arepar-frozen, they won’tall stick together,makingiteasiertotake outexactly what you need Ever opened thefridge andfound somethingyou totallyforgotwas in there? Creating ahandy inventory that you canbuild shopping lists with will save on wasteand cash That way, you canmealplanand look forrecipes basedonwhatyou alreadyhave, not what you will spend.

Thinkcarefully before cutting back on your pensionsavings

VICKYSHAW PressAssociation

Rising billsmeanpeople

are findingitstressful to plan forthe future.

Paying forthe ‘hereand now’ as living costsrise canmakeplanning forlater lifeseemevenmorediffi cult

Around threein five people say they feel stressed when thinking about retirement planning,and seven in 10 areconcerned theirre tirement fundswon’t be enough,ac cordingtonew research from Aviva.

With billsonthe rise,LucyCart er,49, says shecan’t afford to puta lotintoher laterlifesavings right now.

“I can’tput alot into apension pot, as Ineedmostofmywageto live on,” says Carter,who livesin York andhas twoteenage children

“I understandthatpayingmore into yourpension each month is the best idea,but howcan you do this when Ineedmywagetoactually live on?

“I wouldliketostart saving,but thecost-of-livingatthe moment meansIcan’t.”

RosDonaldson,fromEdinburgh, whohas an adultson,isalsocon cerned abouther longer-term fi nances

The55-year-old says:“Ihaven’t checkedmypension recently,so Idon’t know how much Ialready have saved, or how much I’ll have in my pensionpot when Icome to retire.Ishouldprobablycheck

“One thingI do know is that I’ll need to save more over thenextfew yearsifIwanttohavethe lifestyle I desire in retirement

“It’sthat, or I’mgoing to have to worklongerbeforeI canput my feet up.”

Meanwhile, 27-year-oldElleMac kenzie from London,says: “I cur rently have no pensionplan– so I’m worried that Iwillnever startand then nothaveanythingwhenI need it.”

Mackenzie, whosaves into aLife

time Isa(whichcan be used to help buya firsthome or forretirement), says:“I’maprobablystill 40 years offretiringsoI’m nottoo concerned at themoment –Iguess it’s some thingyou always thinkisyears away andyou canstart tomorrow, butifIkeepgoing at this rate,I’m not goingtohavemuchsaved at all.”

Alistair McQueen, head of sav ings andretirementatAviva,says: “Withinflationata41-year high, it is understandable that many are working hard to make ends meet

“Cutting back on ‘non-essentials’ is wherewetypically turn to make savings. Butweshouldthink care

fullybeforeputting ourpension on this list.” Giving some generaltips, he suggests getting afreestate pen sion forecast from Department for Work andPensionsasastarting point(gov.uk/check-state-pension).

Pensionproviders also have free online retirement planners,which couldhelpwithunderstanding the impact that anychanges made now couldhaveonlong-term finances

People couldalsoconsiderdial ling up or down theamounts saved into pensions each month –soif you’re findingsavingtough right now, you couldtemporarily reduce yourcontributions –ratherthan stopping completely.

McQueenemphasises it’s impor tant to remember to increase your pensioncontributions as yoursitu ationimproves.

Younger adults may find that even if they only save smallamounts ini tially,the interest earned will grow significantly overtime.

Forpeopleinmidlife, McQueen suggests possiblyconsidering con solidating pensions in oneplace Over-50s canbookfreeguid ance sessions with theGovern ment-backed PensionWise service (available viamoneyhelper.org.uk).

Some people mayalso benefitin thelongertermbypayingfor finan cialadvice.

Alwaysbeon your guardfor scams andlook outfor red flags

With hisdistinguishedmilitary background,Jason “Foxy” Foxisn’t someone you’d ordinarily expect to make an errorofjudgmentwhile underpressure.

But, showingjusthow easy it can be foranyonetobecaughtout by scams, Fox– whohas foundhimself in many high-pressuresituations during hiscareer–admits he was once caught outbyabogus text whilehewas busy

TheSAS:Who DaresWinsstar hasnow teamedup with online bank Marcus by GoldmanSachs, sharingtop tips to help people com batfraudsters.

“I liketothink I’mpretty switched on –but fraudisevery wherenow andanyonecan get

caught out,”explainsFox,46. “Once, Ifellvictimtoatextscam becauseIwas busy at workand got distracted.”

ThetextFox received waspur portingtobefromatrusted deliv eryservice,askingfor asmall pay ment

He says that,with“amillion oth er things”onhis mind,hepaidit immediately–and it wasn’t until laterwhenhe took astepbackfrom thesituation that he realisedwhat he haddone.

“Now,everytimeI geta text, phone call,orhavetoshare my card details, ImakesureIstop everything else I’mdoing,” says Fox.

“I give it my full attentionand really thinkabout what I’mbeing askedtodo.”

Giving histipstohelpothersstay safe,hesays: “I’d remind people to puttheir guardupiftheyever feel they’reput underpressure.

“Someone mightphone andag gressively tell you to make an im mediatetransfer, or you mightget an emailtelling you you’ll miss a deal if you don’t actnow

“Pressureisatechnique used in the field–and by fraudsters,”he adds.“Take an extra 30 seconds to startthinkingrationally: whyis this person applying this pressure?

“Mostofthe time,it’sa red flag, andyou need to find away to escape thesituation.”

He add: “Ifyou sense danger or areunsureofsomething,recruit thesupport of your friendsorfam ily.

“Ask if it feelsrighttothem. The best operations always come from working as ateam.”

Pension providershave free onlineretirement planners

Interest will growonfundsovertime

Notthe time cut pension budgets

JasonFox of SAS: WhoDaresWins

Rail heritage meets fine dining in York

There’sanenergetic buzz about TheGrand in York,and it’s not alldowntothe beehives on the roof, writes AmyCrowther.

Thetwo colonies of industri ousresidents arebeing brought up to strength by an experienced beekeeper, butare alreadysup plying honeytoThe Grand’s newest restaurant –Legacy.

TheGradeIIlisted building housingmostofThe Grandis hard to miss when you arrive by train.Justa couple of minutes’ walk from York station, you slip throughawidearch in themedievalcitywalls andThe Grandis directly ahead, redbrick warm againstthe ancientgreystone

It wasopenedin1906 as the headquarters forthe North EasternRailway andconverted to ahotel in 2010 with thepar quet flooring andkeystone-cor nicedarchesretained, along with thequirky numbersthat designated office doorsrath er than suites.Hugewindows facing thecitywalls still contain theclever Edwardiandou ble-glazing fitted to keep outthe clattering noise of horse-drawn vehicles

Oneofthese rooms with heritageglazing intact is home to Legacy,the intimate neweight course tastingmenudevisedby head chef AhmedAbdalla. Open sincelateAugust, it seatsjust 26 covers.

Nowafter asympathetic rede sign that pays homagetoindus triouspioneersofYork, with art deco lighting andarchitectural designsofthe hotel writ large on thewalls abovecurvedban quettes, it is awelcoming and intimate spacewhere diners getthe full attentionofAhmed andrestaurantmanager Derek Scaife.WhenIchecked in,there wasaVikinginmybed –Viktor, acharmingsofttoy included in welcome packsfor children.He provesacompanion not just for exploring thecity, butalso the hotel, as there’sa scavenger hunt mapoffeatures to help younger guests find theirway around York itself is atreasuretrove of activity forfamilies, from the famous Jorvik Viking Centre, to Clifford’s Towerwithits new roof deck offering unrivalled cityviews.The National Rail wayMuseumisbarely10min utes walk from TheGrand and thewidearray of spooky ghost toursare more treat than trick in what is said to be themost hauntedcityinthe UK.

Tampaisstealing limelightas theplace forsavvy travellers

BY SARAHMARSHALL

America’sSunshine Statehas long luredus across thepondwith thepromise of sublime coastalscenery,glamorouscitiesand some of thebesttheme parksin theworld.

Andwhileit’salove affair that showsnosignofsubsiding –more than 157,000 of us visitedinthe firstthree monthsofthisyearalone –savvy travellersare now looking beyond thetheme parksofOrlando andthe art deco delights of Miami.

Stealing thespotlight is Tampa. Located on Florida’spleasingwesterncoast andlappedbythe warm watersofTampa Bayand theGulf of Mexico,it’sacitythatdeliverson historyand culture, as well as ad venture,relaxationand allthe finer things in life.

So,it’slittlewonderVirginAtlan ticchose it as itsbrand newroute –its third destination in thestate afterMiami andOrlando

Andthe airlineispulling out allthe stopsfor Tampabyserving the newdaily servicefromLondon Heathrow with itsnew state-of-the artaircraft: theAirbusA330neo

The first flightwas celebrated in typical Virgin stylewiththe sightof SirRichard Bransonzipping across TampaBay on ajet ski, joined by membersofcabin crew.Here’swhat to expect

1. Tampa’s first5-starhotel

Boutique meetsbotanical at The Edition(doubles from £430;edi tionhotels.com), locatedinthe newly-developed WaterStreet district

Thousandsofhouse plants domi nate thelobby to create an incrediblerainforest-esquespace.Beyond theferns andfoliage,there are172 comfortableand chic rooms, adark anddecadentnightclub,and arooftoppool.

2. Contemporary cuisine Tampa’semergingculinary scene hassomething forall tastebuds andbudgets. Oneofthe most ex

citing eateries is NakedFarmer (eatnakedfarmer.com),afarm-to tablerestaurantserving seasonal, uncomplicatedand contemporary cuisine, with producefromfarms around Tampa.

Want somethingalittlemorerus tic? Reserveatable at Willa’s(willastampa.com)and feastondishes such as seared gulf snapperwitha tomato andthyme vinaigrette.

Satisfyyoursweet toothwitha visittoMayday (maydayicecream com),anice-cream parlourserving up scoops of handcrafteddairy perfection. Thetangy keylimepie with toastedcrackersisespecially good.

3. Beautifulbeaches

No trip to Floridawould be completewithout some beachtimeand theTampa region is blessedbeyond belief when it comestosandy shores.About 45 minutes from downtown TampaisStPetersburg andClearwater,home to 35 milesof sand

If you canbeartodragyourself away from thesunlounger, stretch yourlegsalong thecraft beer walk ingtrail that weaves itsway from Tarpon SpringstoTreasureIsland.

Alternatively, visitthe Clearwater Marine Aquarium,which is lookingfresh afteran$80million refurbishmentthatincludesa new habitat forrescueddolphins

4. Ybor City is amust-see

Thegleamingglass-fronted skyscrapers of Downtown Tampamay give theimpressionthe city has appearedout of nowherebut that couldn’t be furtherfromthe truth, andthere’s no better placetodis cover itscolourful past than the Ybor City neighbourhood

Dating back to the1880s,itwas foundedbywealthy Spaniard Vi centeMartinez-Ybor andquickly became knownas‘CigarCity’ due to thebooming industry he established –one that wouldgoonto transform Tampa’sfortunes

At itsheight, therewere232 cigar factoriesproducing more than than 500million each year.It’salegacy that livesontoday.Takea stroll down 7thAvenue,passing theher itagebuildings,boldstreet artand striking Spanishtiled murals,and you’llsee anumberofspecialistcigarstoresand bars.Pop inside one andyou mayevensee them being hand-rolledbehindthe counter.

As well as cigars,YborCityisfamous forits chickens.Protectedby law, thebirds arefreetoroamthe district andare acommonsight in allareas of theneighbourhood

5. Wonderfulwaterways

Oneofthe most novelwaystoexperience Tampaisonthe water. Ur banKai (urbankai.com) offers fun andinformative guided tourswith adifference.

Setting offtoexplore thewater ways around Downtown,you can choose to either sitdowninakayak or stand-upona paddle board

Tampaiscurrently stealing theFloridaspotlight

UrbanKai paddleboarding in Tampa

Ybor CitySeventhAvenue,famousfor itscigar stores andbars

TheGrand HotelinYork

Festivefragrancesto fill the airwithcheer at Christmas

SAMWYLIE-HARRIS PressAssociation

Christmassycandles

anddiffusers canhavea magicalglow.

Alongsideatwinkling Christmastree, the flickerofcandlelight makeseverything feel alittlemore luxe during this time of year

As Thomas Gibson, co-founder of designer dupefragrance firm Not ed.Aromas(notedaromas.co.uk), says:“It’s themostwonderfultime of theyear, whichmeans it’s time to switch up yourhome fragrance wardrobe to somethingdelightfully festive.”

From thedelectablysweet smells of gingerbreadand candycanes to thefreshand invigoratingscent of thetree, Gibsonsaysfestive fragranceshavethe powertoevoke memories andfeelingsofnostalgia from Christmases past

Heroes

Scented candlesare theunsung heroes of Christmas decorations–mood-enhancing andstress-busting, it only takesafew minutes of alit candle to putyou in afestive frameofmind.

As well as theusual bright citrussy scents, ChloëLuxton, founder of Bramley(bramleyproducts. co.uk) recommendsplaying around with festive fragrancenotes,such as clove, frankincense,orange, myrrh, andpine.

This year,candlejunkies will love ESPA’s limited edition midnight blue vessel,withthe enticing scent of Christmasspiceand allthings nice

Katy Simpson, founderand CEO of NobleIsle(nobleisle.com),says: “Fragrance is as importantfor a home, as décoris at Christmas adding to theatmosphere.”

Andbeyondthe festive scents of Christmas trees,frankincense and myrrh, herseasonalfavourite is the smellofwhisky, saying it “evokes afeeling of sittingwithasmooth

dram of whisky by the fire”.

Theuplifting scentofpinecones canalso empowerfeelingsofwellbeing. “Pinecones makefor perfect holidaydecorations –and areeven better when they arefragranced,” says Luxton

Shesaysyou firstneed to collect abunch of fallen pine cones–either straightfromyourgarden or awin terwalkinthe woods.

“Dry yourcollected pine cones andpresent them in adecorative bowl,” sheadvises, then spraythem with acinnamon-scentedoil Gibsonisalso allabout bringing atouch of theoutdoorsinside, saying:

“Seasonalplantsand flowers are notonlylovely to look at,but they also addfreshness andalovely

scenttoboot.”

Morefestive fragrances to try…

Noted. Aromas Christmas Tree Candle,£19.99

Loaf ChristmasEve Smelly Reed Diffuser, £29

St Eval FiggyPudding Scented Christmas TinCandle, £13.45

RichardPomeroyXBramley Winter Candle,£50,Bramley

TheWhite CompanyMyrrh Sig nature Candle, £20

NobleIslePinewoodLuxury ScentedCandle, £42

ZestyLemonsHoHoHoChristmasReed DiffuserinEnchanted Forest,£16 (was £20);Xmas2022

Christmas Scented Candle in EnchantedForest, £12.50

AndSoToShopChristmas Reed Diffuser, £33-£36.50

Don’tget the needleover theprice of Christmastrees

Christmas is on theway andfor many of us,thismeans choosing atree. Butthisyearmorethan ever,keeping costsdownisatop priority.

Themostpopular real Christ mastree, theNordmann fir, a non-drop variety, cancostupwardsof£50 dependingonsize, making alarge holeinanalreadystretchedbudget.

So,how canyou getthe best deal on arealChristmas tree?

Shop around

“Search fordeals at supermarketsand otherstorestotry and find thebestprice,” says ReenaSewraz, moneyand shop ping editor of Which? (which co.uk).“In 2020,wefound Aldi offeredthe most competitive pricefor a1.5-1.75m cuttree.

“Aswellasthe big retailers, it’s worth checkingout your localgarden centre.Keepan eyeout fordeals too. Forexample, Ikea will be offering a£10 voucher when you buyareal Christmas treefor £25overthe Christmas period.”

Bagasmaller tree

If you need heightbut don’t have alot of space forbig branch es at thebase, consider buying asmaller treeand placing it in itsstand onatable or on an upturned pot, suggestsMarcus Eyles, horticultural director at DobbiesGarden Centres(dob bies.com). Asmaller treealso meansfewer decorations, which will save money.

Rent atree

“Inrecent years, there has been an explosioninChristmas treehirecompanies,and many plantnurseries andgarden centresare nowofferinga Christ mastreerentalservice,” says Sewraz. Youhireatree, useit forabout threeweeks,making sure youwater it regularly, and then return it to thesupplier, whowill re-plant it andleave i untilthe next Christmas.

Make it last

“Toensure your treeremains in goodconditionobuy it as late as you dare –ideally theweekendbeforeChristmas,” says Se wraz. “hesecretofalong-last ingChristmas treeistocarefor it properly,soitdoesn’t drop its needlestoo quickly.

Buyapot-grown tree

If youare prepared to look afterit, apot-grown tree(not potted)may be good investment

ChristmasEve Smelly Reed Diffuser,£29,with aromasof firtrees,cedarwood andcinnamon,Loaf

AndSoToShop Christmas Reed Diffuser, from £33.00 to £36.50BramleyRichard PomeroyXBramleyWinterCandle, £50

Thereare many ways to make themostofyour Christmas tree

Katy Simpson,CEO of Noble Isle

GRANITE HARBOUR

BBC1, 7.00pm

Aberdeen is known as the Granite City,which is such astriking nickname that it’s clearly just crying out to be the setting of adetective drama.

The good news is that TV bosses have now recognised that fact and are bringing us the new three-part series Granite Harbour The BBCisexcited at the prospect. Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBCScotland says: “Weare thrilled to have commissioned this new drama for the BBCScotland channel and BBC One. Audiences will be treated to an intriguing and captivating story with strong characters that will play out against the dramatic city scape of Aberdeen and the North East.

“Weare delighted to be working with our colleagues in BBCiPlayer to bring high quality content based in Scotland to audiences across the UK as part of our co-commissioning strategy.”

Aberdeen isn’t the only starofthe drama though. The cast is headed by rising talent Romario Simpson, whose credits include Noughts + Crosses, the Lovers Rock episode of Small Axe, and the recent Star Wars spin-off Andor He plays Lance Corporal Davis Lindo, who has just completed his final tour with the Royal Military Police and now dreams of being adetective at New Scotland Yard.

So, he’s abit taken aback to discover that he’s instead of pounding the mean streets of London, he’s instead being packed off to Old Scotland to train as aDetective Constable.

It’s going to be something of aculture shock for the former soldier but, luckily,hewon’t have to navigate this new landscape entirely on his own. It turns out he has apotential ally in his mentor,DCI Lara ‘Bart’ Bartlett (Hannah Donaldson, who has

Scottish detective drama previous thanks to roles in Rebus and Shetland).

She’s sharp, streetwise and anative Aberdonian, meaning she’s the perfect person to show him the ropes. However,inthe grand tradition of maverick TV cops, she’s used to working alone, so she has an adjustment of herown to make now she has a partner

The duo aren’t going to be eased intotheir new working relationship gently,asthey discover their first case involves the murder of one of Aberdeen’s most recognisable faces from the oil industry

The crime has stunned the city, and Lindo realises that not only does he need to get to grips with a city and force that are completely alien to him, he’s also going to be dragged into acorporate battle between old and new energy.But it also seems that this high-profile investigation may have historic roots…

The supporting cast includes Dawn Steele, Gary Lewis, Fiona Bell and Bhav Joshi, and the good news for anyone who can’twait to find out what happens next is that all three episodes are available to watch as aboxset on iPlayer

6.00 Breakfast (S). 9.15 Morning Live (S). 10.00 ExpertWitness (S). 10.30 Claimed And Shamed (R) (S). 11.15 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S). 1.00 BBC News At One; Weather (S). 1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather (S). 1.45 Doctors (S). 2.15 Planet Earth: AMonkey’s Tale (R) (S). 2.30 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 South Korea vs Portugal. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 Pointless (R) (S).

6.15 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 7.15 Bargain Hunt (R) (S). 8.00 Sign Zone: Trawlermen: Hunting The Catch (R) (S). 9.00 BBC News (S). 10.00 BBC News (S). 12.15 Politics UK (S). 1.00

FILM: HeartOfThe Holidays (Corey Sevier 2020) Festive drama, starring Vanessa Lengies (S). 2.25 Beechgrove Repotted (R) (S). 2.45 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 Ghana vs Uruguay.Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 Flog It! (R) (S).

6.00 Good Morning Britain (S). 9.00 Lorraine (S). 10.00 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S). 1.30 ITV News; Weather (S). 1.55 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 2.00 James Martin’s Great British Adventure (R) (S). 2.30 Tenable (R) (S). 3.29 ITV Regional Weather (S). 3.30 Tipping Point (R) (S). 4.30 The Chase (R) (S). 5.30 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 5.45 ITV News; Weather (S).

UNDER

SIEGE

MISERY

Sport

6.05 Countdown (R) (S). 6.45

Cheers (R) (S). 7.10 Cheers (R) (S). 7.35 Everybody

Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.00

Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.30 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 9.00 Frasier (R) (S). 9.30 Frasier (R) (S).

10.00 Frasier (R) (S). 10.30

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (R) (S). 11.25 Channel

4News Summary (S). 11.30

Chateau DIY (R) (S). 12.30

Steph’s Packed Lunch (S). 2.10

Countdown (S). 3.00 APlace In The Sun (R) (S). 4.00 Sun, Sea And Selling Houses (R) (S). 5.00

Four In ABed (R) (S). 5.30 Come Dine With Me (R) (S).

6.00 The Simpsons Bart falls for the wrong girl (R) (S).

6.30 Hollyoaks Juliet continues to push Peri away (R) (S).

7.00 Channel 4News (S).

7.30 Unreported World A devastating drought being suffered in Kenya (S).

8.00 Grayson’s ArtClub: The Exhibition The series’ third national exhibition, staged in Birmingham (S).

9.00 Gogglebox Theamateur critics share their thoughts on the week’s telly (S).

10.00 The Last Leg Acomic review of the past seven days (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine (S). 12.30 Bargain-Loving Brits In The Sun (R) (S). 1.25

5News At Lunchtime (S). 1.30

FILM: Christmas Together (David DeCoteau 2020) Premiere. Drama, starring Vivica AFox (S). 3.15

FILM:Sugar Plum Christmas (Eric Close 2021) Premiere. Festive drama, starring Jamie Gray Hyder (S). 5.00 5News At 5 (S).

PAKISTAN VENGLAND

6.00 The Early Rundown (R).

6.30 The Early Rundown (R). 7.00 Sky News Breakfast (R). 7.30 Sky News Breakfast (R). 8.00 Hope ForWildlife (R) (S). 9.00 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 9.30 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 10.00 Supergirl (R) (S). 11.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R) (S). 12.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R) (S). 1.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R) (S). 2.00 S.W.A.T (R) (S). 3.00 Big Cats: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 4.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 4.30 Will &Grace (R) (S). 5.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.30 Futurama (R) (S).

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 6.35 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 7.00 The Cabins (S). 8.00 Love Bites (S). 9.00 Love Bites (S). 10.00 Dress To Impress (S). 11.00 Dress To Impress (S). 12.00 Rolling In It (S). 1.00 Family Fortunes (S). 2.00 Supermarket Sweep (S). 3.05 One Tree Hill (S). 4.00 Chuck (S). 5.00 Chuck (S).

6.00 Classic Coronation Street (S). 6.35 Classic Coronation Street (S). 7.00 Classic Emmerdale (S). 7.35 Classic Emmerdale (S). 8.05 Man About The House (S). 8.35 Maigret (S). 10.25 Maigret (S). 11.35 Heartbeat (S). 12.35 Heartbeat (S). 1.40 Classic Emmerdale (S). 2.15 Classic Emmerdale (S). 2.50 Classic Coronation Street (S). 3.20 Classic Coronation Street (S). 3.50 ATouchOfFrost (S).

8.55 Kirstie’s House Of Craft (S). 9.15 APlace In The Sun: Home Or Away (S). 10.05 APlace In The Sun: Home Or Away (S). 11.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It (S). 12.05 Find It, Fix It, Flog It (S). 1.10 Heir Hunters (S). 2.10 Four In ABed (S). 2.40 Four In ABed (S). 3.15 Four In ABed (S). 3.50 Four In ABed (S). 4.20 Four In A Bed (S). 4.50 Kirstie And Phil’s Love It Or List It (S). 5.55 Escape

To The Chateau: DIY (S).

11.05 The Big Narstie Show (S).

11.55 Spaced Daisy and Tim throw ahousewarming party (R) (S).

12.25 Spaced (R)(S). 12.55 Spaced (R) (S) 1.25 Spaced (R) (S). 1.50 FILM: Misery (Rob Reiner 1990) Oscar-winning thriller,starring James Caan (S). 3.45 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas (R) (S). 4.00 Come Dine With Me (R) (S).

6.00 Holidaying With Jane McDonald: The Caribbean Jane heads to St Lucia (R) (S).

7.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out The comedian explores the historic city of Oxford and the Chilterns (S). 7.55 5News Update (S).

8.00 The World’s Most Expensive Christmas Cruise Yuletide on the world’s most expensive cruise ship, the Seven Seas Explorer (R) (S). 9.00 The Big Fight Live: Kelly vs Williamson Josh Kelly vs Troy Williamson (S).

7.00

TopOfThe Pops

Performances by M-People, U2 and Björk (S).

7.30 TopOfThe Pops (S).

11.05 FILM: Rise Of The Footsoldier (2007) Premiere. Fact-based crime thriller,starring Ricci Harnett (S). 1.25 The LeoVegas Live Casino Show (S) 3.25 Eggheads (R) (S). 3.50 Eggheads (R) (S). 4.15 The Funny Thing About Growing Up (R) (S).

8.00 TopOfThe Pops Featuring Eddy Grant, Jona Lewie, AC/DC, the Boomtown Rats and Abba (S). 8.30 TopOfThe Pops (S). 9.00 Elaine Paige At The BBC Archive performances by the West End star (S). 10.00 Elaine Paige: I’m Still Here Highlights of the West End star’s farewell concertatthe Royal AlbertHall (S). 11.00 Evita: The Making Of ASuperstar Suzy Klein travels to Argentina to discover the real Eva Peron (S). 12.00 Peaky Blinders (S). 1.00 Peaky Blinders (S) 2.00 Peaky Blinders (S). 3.25 Close

8.00 The Simpsons Homer’s Las Vegas “wife” turns up (R) (S). 8.25 The Simpsons (R) (S). 8.50 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.15 Rob&Romesh vs West End The comedians trytocrack the world of musicals (R) (S).

10.15 Resident Alien Harry comes face to face with his greatest enemy Last in the series.

11.15 Late Late Show Best Of The Week Highlights of the talk show

(S).

6.00 Futurama Part two of four.Leela protests against the Wongs’ new business venture (R) (S). 6.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 8.00 Bob’s Burgers Bob secures anew meat provider (S). 8.30 Bob’s Burgers (S). 9.00 FILM: Wedding Crashers (2005) Comedy,starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn (S).

6.55 Escape To The Chateau The startofthe wedding season sees Dick and Angel at their busiest (S).

SOS (R) (S).

Doctor (R) (S).

And Posy (R) (S)

Radio

11.25 Family Guy Stewie is traumatised by avisit to Santa (S). 11.55 Family Guy Meg and Quagmire become a couple (S). 12.25 American Dad! (S). 12.50 American Dad! (S). 1.20 The Stand Up Sketch Show (S). 1.50 The Stand Up Sketch Show (S). 2.20 Hey Tracey! (S). 3.00 Teleshopping 7.00 Dress To Impress David, Tunji and Ryan battle

7.55 Grand Designs

Following the building of ahandcrafted house in Herefordshire, 10 years in the making (S).

6.00 Heartbeat Aspate of vandalism appears connected to Lord Ashfordly’s godson (S). 9.00 Astrid: Murder In Paris The body of adeceased man vanishes. In French (S). 10.15 24 Hours In A&E A 12-year-old is airlifted to St George’s (S). 11.15 24 Hours In A&E Junior doctor Silas works his first ever shiftinresus (S).

12.20 Rescue: Extreme Medics (S). 1.25 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (S). 2.25 24 Hours In A&E (S). 3.25 Food Unwrapped (S). 3.55 Close

CLASSIC FM

BBC RADIO 1 6.33am Radio 1’sBestNew Pop. 6.57 Newsbeat 7.00 Radio 1Breakfast With Greg James. 10.00 Radio 1Anthems. 10.30 Newsbeat 10.32 Radio 1Anthems. 11.02 KatieThistleton. 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 Matt And Jamie. 3.00 Radio 1’sParty Anthems. 4.00 The Official Chart On Radio 1WithJack Saunders. 5.45 Newsbeat 6.00 Radio 1’s Dance PartyWith Danny Howard. 8.00 Radio 1’sFutureDance With Sarah Story 10.00 Pete Tong. 12mdn’t Radio 1’s Essential Mix. 2.00 Radio 1Dance Presents. 3.00 Danny Howard 4.00 Radio 1’sWind Down Presents. 5.00 Radio 1Relax-X1. BBC RADIO 2 6.30am The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show 9.30 KenBruce 12noon Jeremy Vine 2.00 Scott Mills. 3.30 Scott Mills’WonderYears. Thehostplays back-to-back tunes. 4.00 Sara Cox. 7.00 Michelle Visage. 8.30 Michelle Visage’sHandbag Hits. 9.00 TheGood Groove With DJ Spoony.Joyful floor fillers, soulful houseand lyrical garage tunes. 11.00 The Rock Show WithJohnnieWalker 12mdn’t Quincy Jones: FortyThousand YearsOfFunk. 1.00 TBA. 2.00 Radio 2UnwindsWith Angela Griffin. 3.00 Sophie EllisBextor’s KitchenDisco 5.00 Radio 2InConcert BBC RADIO 3 6.30am Breakfast. 9.00 Essential Classics. 12noon Composer Of The Week: Chopin. 1.00 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon Concert. 4.30 The Listening Service. 5.00 In Tune 7.00 In Tune Mixtape. 7.30 Radio 3In Concert. The London Philharmonic in Tippett’s oratorio AChild of Our Time 10.00 The Verb 10.45 The Essay: Listen Harder 11.00 Late Junction. 1am Tearjerker With Sigrid. 2.00 Downtime Symphony 3.00 Through TheNight. BBC RADIO 4 6am Today. 8.31 (LW) Yesterday In Parliament. 9.00 DesertIslandDiscs. 9.45 (LW) Daily Service. 9.45 (FM) Book Of The Week: How To StandUpTo ADictator. 10.00 Woman’s Hour 11.00 Britain’s Communist Thread 11.30 Unite 12noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04 FDR’sFour Freedoms. 12.57 Weather. 1.00 The World At One. 1.45 Understand:The Economy 2.00 TheArchers. 2.15 Drama:Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Firewall 2.45 Why Do We Do That? 3.00 Gardeners’ Question Time. 3.45 From Fact To Fiction. 4.00 Last Word. 4.30 Feedback. 5.00 PM. 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather 6.00 SixO’Clock News. 6.30 TheNow Show. 7.00 The Archers 7.15 Add To Playlist. 8.00 Any Questions? 8.50 APoint Of View 9.00 Past Forward: ACentury Of Sound. 10.00 The World Tonight. 10.45 Book At Bedtime: Beautiful World, Where Are You. 11.00 Americast. 11.30 Today In Parliament. 12mdn’t News And Weather 12.30 Book Of The Week: How To Stand Up To ADictator 12.48 Shipping Forecast. 1.00 As BBC WorldService 5.20 Shipping Forecast 5.30 News Briefing 5.43 PrayerFor The Day 5.45 Four Thought BBC RADIO 4EXTRA 6am TwoWay Cut. 6.30 TheMindOfMrJG Reeder. 7.00 Romance And Adventure. 7.30 Now You’re Asking WithMarian Keyes And Tara Flynn. 8.00 Parsley Sidings. 8.30 Married 9.00 Act Your Age 9.30 Bleak Expectations. 10.00 Barry Lyndon 11.00 The Reunion. 11.45 David Attenborough’s Life Stories. 12noon Parsley Sidings. 12.30 Married. 1.00 TwoWay Cut 1.30 TheMindOfMrJGReeder 2.00 Packing My Library. 2.15 Ordinary Heroes. 2.30 The Etymology Of Entomology 3.00 BarryLyndon. 4.00 Act Your Age. 4.30 Bleak Expectations. 5.00 RomanceAnd Adventure. 5.30 Now You’re Asking With Marian Keyes And Tara Flynn. 6.00 Psycho 6.15 The Haunting Of Hill House. 6.30 Musical Genes. 7.00 Parsley Sidings. 7.30 Married. 8.00 TwoWay Cut 8.30 The Mind Of Mr JG Reeder 9.00 TheReunion. 9.45 David Attenborough’s LifeStories. 10.00 Comedy Club. 10.00 ComedyClub: Now You’reAskingWith MarianKeyes And Tara Flynn. 10.30 ComedyClub: Mitch Benn’s Crimes Against Music 11.00 Comedy Club: Mark Thomas: The Manifesto. 11.30 Comedy Club: James Acaster’s Perfect Sounds 12mdn’t Psycho. 12.15 TheHauntingOfHill House. 12.30 Musical Genes. 1.00 TwoWay Cut. 1.30 TheMind Of Mr JG Reeder 2.00 PackingMyLibrary. 2.15 OrdinaryHeroes. 2.30 The Etymology Of Entomology 3.00 Barry Lyndon. 4.00 Act Your Age. 4.30 Bleak Expectations 5.00 Romance AndAdventure. 5.30 Now You’re AskingWithMarianKeyes And Tara Flynn. BBC 5LIVE 6am 5LiveBreakfast 9.00 Nicky Campbell 11.00 Chiles On Friday. 1pm ElisJames And John Robins. 2.00 World Cup 2022. 3.00 World Cup 2022. 5.00 World Cup 2022. 5.30 5LiveNews. 6.30 WorldCup 2022 7.00 World Cup 2022. 9.00 WorldCup 2022. 10.00 Stephen Nolan. 1am Hayley Hassall 5.00 5Live Boxing. BBC 6MUSIC 7.30am Lauren Laverne. 10.30 MaryAnne Hobbs 1pm Craig Charles. 4.00 SteveLamacq. 7.00 ThePeople’s PartyWithAfrodeutsche. 9.00 Tom Ravenscroft. 11.00 TheRaversHour 12mdn’t 6 Music’s IndieForever 1.00 6Music’s Emo Forever 2.00 FocusBeats. 4.00 Ambient Focus

ICAN HEAR YOUR VOICE

BBC One, 9.15pm

Stop! It’s time to give alittle respect, break those chains of love and take achance on ICan Hear Your Voice.

Sometimes the show features asurprising but wonderful guest, and that’s certainly the case with the latest episode –bona fide 1980s pop superstar Andy Bell, frontman of Erasure, is joining in the fun. He’ll be assisting regular celebrity investigators Jimmy Carr,Alison Hammond and Amanda Holden when they try to help two sisters from Leeds figure out which singers have thevoice of an angel, and who is tone deaf –simply by watching them lip-sync to awell-known tune

Andy may have more of achance of guessing correctly –after all, despite having abrilliant voice, he was forced to mime many,many times during performances alongside his bandmate Vince Clarke during their appearances on Topofthe Pops back in the day

It promises to be acracking edition of the game show which is now in its second series. Like The Masked Singer,the format started life in South Korea and has since been remade around theworld. The BBCversion is given adown-to-earth British feel by its host, Paddy McGuinness. He promises that at the startofeach programme, he’s as much in the dark about who’s good and who’s bad as the competitors and everyone watching at home.

“I like it that way because otherwise Ithink I’d be the type of person to be giving the contestants a wink,” he laughs. “It’s always asurprise at the end, and although Ihave my own opinions, Idon’t share those with the guys as I’m not there for that, I’m there to host the show.That is the job of the celebrity investigators, they are there to help the contestants

with any little nuggetsthey have spotted.

“So, on that final round, when the singer sings, whether they are good or bad, Ialways think the otherway around! Ialways think abad singer is going to be good, and agood singer is going to be bad. So, every show is asurprise for me.”

McGuinness loves the series, but perhaps not for the reasons you might think –it’s not necessarily the competition itself that prompted him to take on the presenter’s role.

“When Iheard the format and watched the American pilot, Iinstantly knew Ihad abit of free rein,” he explains. “The reason Iloved Take Me Out was because Ihad that element

“There is the script but after that you canhavefun with it, and that’s what Ican do with thisshow.There is alot of singing and dancing, all non-scripted much to theproducer’s disapproval –but Igowith it!”

Let’s hope the producer is particularly annoyed this week, because those impromptu moments are often what make the entireshow –and if Paddy can persuade Andy to take part too, then all the better

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 Breakfast (S). 10.00 Saturday Kitchen Live: Countdown To Christmas (S). 11.30 Nigella: At My Table (R) (S). 12.00 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 1.00 BBC News (S). 1.10 BBC Regional News; Weather (S). 1.15 Bargain Hunt (S). 2.00 MOTD World Cup Top 10: Greatest World Cup Goals (S). 2.30 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 (S). 5.25 BBC News; Weather (S). 5.40 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results (S).

6.45 Love Monster (R) (S). 6.50 Go Jetters (R) (S). 7.05 Hey Duggee (R) (S). 7.20 Shaun The Sheep (R) (S). 7.30 Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed! (R) (S). 7.40 Ninja Express (R) (S). 7.55 The Deep (R) (S). 8.15 Odd Squad (R) (S). 8.30 One Zoo Three (R) (S). 8.50 Newsround (S). 9.00 Deadly Pole To Pole (R) (S). 10.00 FILM: Strange Magic (GaryRydstrom 2015) (S). 11.30 Mountain Vets (R) (S). 12.00 TopOfThe Shop With Tom Kerridge (R) (S). 1.00 Britain’s Secret Seas (R) (S). 2.00 FILM: Operation Crossbow (Michael Anderson 1965) (S). 3.50 Flog It! (R) (S). 4.50 FILM: Nativity! (Debbie Isitt 2009) (S).

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 CITV 9.25 ITV News (S). 9.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning At Christmas (S). 11.40 John And Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen (S). 12.45 James Martin’s American Adventure (R) (S). 1.45 ITV News; Weather (S). 2.00 Fifa World Cup 2022 Group Awinners vs Group Brunners-up. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 In For APenny (R)(S). 5.45 ITV News; Weather (S).

6.00 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 6.15 Fifa World Cup 2022 Group Cwinners vs Group Drunners-up. Kick-off is at 7pm (S). 9.15 The 1% Club Quiz, hosted by Lee Mack (R) (S).

from 1979 (R) (S).

10.10 Classic Albums: American Pie –Don McLean Acelebration of the singer songwriter’s 1971 release (R) (S).

11.10 Sounds ForSaturday: Don McLean (R) (S). 11.45 Johnny Marr At 6 Music Festival 2022 (S).

1.00 FILM: The Conversation (Francis Ford Coppola 1974) Thriller,starring Gene Hackman (S). 2.50 The Millionaire’s Gift Guide (R) (S). 3.50 This Is BBC Two (S).

10.15 ITV News; Weather (S). 10.30 FILM: Pretty Woman (1990) Romantic comedy,starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere (S).

12.45 Shop: Ideal World 3.00 Unforgettable World Cups (R) (S). 3.50 Unwind With ITV (S). 5.05 Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook (R) (S).

DIRTY DANCING

(Channel 5, 6.20pm)

Jennifer Grey plays the idealistic teenager Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, who goes to asummer camp with her wellheeled parents. When resident dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze, pictured) needs someone to fill in for his partner (Cynthia Rhodes, whose storyline proves that Dirty Dancing isn’t as fluffyassome people remember), Baby steps in and is soon receiving lessons in love as well as lifts. The great (if often very 1980s-sounding for a film set in the1960s) soundtrack includes the Oscar-winning (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.

NATIVITY!

(BBC2, 4.50pm)

This feelgood festive movie (which spawned three sequels and astage show) is set in overcast Coventry, where teacher Paul Maddens (Martin

Freeman) reluctantly takes charge of the nativity play at St Bernadette’s primaryschool as afarewell gifttooutgoing headmistress Mrs Bevan (Pam Ferris). To help Paul in this hour of need, he is assigned an odd classroom assistant, Mr Poppy (Marc Wootton).

6.15 The King Of Queens (R) (S).

7.00 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.15 Frasier (R) (S). 9.15

The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.40 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.10 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.40 The Simpsons (R) (S). 11.10 The Bear (R) (S). 11.40 We’re Going

On ABear Hunt (R) (S). 12.15

Father Christmas (R) (S). 12.45

The Snowman (R) (S). 1.20 The Snowman And The Snowdog (R) (S). 1.55 Four In ABed (R) (S). 2.25 Four In ABed (R) (S). 2.55 Four In ABed (R) (S). 3.30 Four In ABed (R) (S). 4.05 Four In ABed (R) (S). 4.35 World’s

Greatest Train Journeys From Above (S). 5.30 Christmas At Castle Howard (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 10.00 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S). 10.15 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S). 10.25 Entertainment News On 5 (S). 10.35 Friends (R) (S). 11.05 FILM: AWelcome Home Christmas (Brian Herzlinger 2020) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Jana Kramer (S). 1.00 FILM: AVeryMerryBridesmaid (David IStrasser 2021) Premiere. Festive romance, starring Emily Osment and Casey Deidrick (S). 2.50 FILM: Christmas In Montana (TW Peacocke 2019) Romantic drama, starring Kellie Martin (S). 4.35 FILM: Mistletoe Time Machine (Virginia Abramovich 2022) (S).

Sport

MANCHESTER UNITED VASTON VILLA

6.00 Futurama (R) (S). 6.30 Futurama (R) (S). 7.00 Futurama (R) (S). 7.30 Futurama (R) (S). 8.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 8.30 Will &Grace (R) (S). 9.00 Will & Grace (R) (S). 9.30 Will &Grace (R) (S). 10.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 10.30 Soccer AM With John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard. 12.00 Live WSL Manchester United vs Aston Villa. Kick-off is at 12.30pm (R). 3.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 3.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 4.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 4.25 The Simpsons (R) (S). 4.50 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.15 Legends Of The Pharaohs (R).

6.00 Unwind With ITV (S). 6.20 Coronation Street Omnibus (S). 10.10 Dress To Impress (S). 11.10 Dress To Impress (S). 12.10 I’m ACelebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Coming Out (S). 1.15 In ForAChristmas Penny (S). 2.00 Family Fortunes (S). 3.05 FILM: Flushed Away (David Bowers, Sam Fell 2006) Animated comedy,featuring the voice of Hugh Jackman (S). 4.50 FILM: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde (Charles HermanWurmfeld 2003) Comedy sequel, starring Reese Witherspoon (S).

6.00 Bless This House (S). 6.35 Maigret (S). 8.10 ATouch Of Frost (S). 10.20 ATouch Of Frost (S). 12.35 ATouch Of Frost (S). 2.45 Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S). 5.00 Midsomer Murders (S).

8.55 Food Unwrapped (S). 9.30 APlace In The Sun: Home Or Away (S). 10.25 APlace In The Sun: Home Or Away (S). 11.25 A Place In The Sun: Home Or Away (S). 12.30 Location, Location, Location (S). 1.30 Location, Location, Location (S). 2.35

Come Dine With Me (S). 3.05

Come Dine With Me (S). 3.40

Come Dine With Me (S). 4.10

Come Dine With Me (S). 4.40

Come Dine With Me (S). 5.10

Four In ABed (S). 5.45 Four In ABed (S).

of the week takes place at Ambles House in Northampton (S). 6.50 Four In ABed (S).

7.00 FILM: Titanic (1997) Romantic drama, starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio (S).

9.20

Tommy Cooper: 30 Funniest Moments

The most memorable sketches and routines from the comedian’s career (R) (S).

7.00 Raiders Of The Lost Past With Janina Ramirez (S).

7.15 Shark With Steve Backshall The naturalist celebrates the diversity of sharks in the oceans (R) (S).

7.00 Midsomer Murders

Aformer supermodel is murdered during a comic convention (S).

7.25 Four In ABed The B&B owners meet up for a final showdown (S). 7.55 24 Hours In A&E: HeartSpecial (S).

11.15 FILM: AFistful Of Dollars (1964) Western, starring Clint Eastwood (S).

9.00 Señorita 89

Valenzuela’s widow appears on television, asking for help (S). 9.45 Señorita 89 (S).

9.15 FILM: Spider-Man (2002) Comic-book adventure, starring Tobey Maguire (R) (S).

9.00 FILM: Love Actually (2003) Romantic comedy,with Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon (S).

9.00 Midsomer Murders

Tragedy strikes at a family friend’s wedding (S).

9.00 24 Hours In A&E A woman with asevere formofautism is brought in by her sister (S).

11.00 To The Manor Born Audrey injures her back (S).

11.30 The Young Ones The students decide to throw aparty (S).

11.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks With Ellie Goulding, TomGrennan and Yungblud (R) (S).

RADIO 4EXTRA

11.45 Family Guy Peter and Quagmire help Mortwith his financial troubles (S).

11.00

11.10

Jane Austen’s Sanditon Edward attempts to exploit Clara’s predicament for his own ends (S).

8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown With Joe Wilkinson, Seann Walsh, Danny Dyer and Bill Bailey (S).

THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE

BBC1, 5.30pm

Prince William’s environmental awards were inspired by President John FKennedy’s moonshot –after all, if scientists could solve the problem of landing aman on the moon, surely we can also come up with ways to solve the problems facing the Earth? So, it makes sense that this year the ceremony is coming from JFK’s birthplace of Boston. It will reveal which five environmental solutions from ashortlist of 15 finalist will be awarded £1 million each to further their work.

As Prince William points out, all of the nominees deserve praise He says: “They are directing their time, energy,and talent towards bold solutions with the power to not only solve our planet’s greatest environmental challenges, but to create healthier,more prosperous, and more sustainable communities for generations to come.”

This year,British projects have made theirway on to the shortlist, including London start-up Notpla, which makes packaging from seaweed and plants as an alternative to single-use plastic.

Co-Founder &CEO,Pierre Paslier explains: “Fourteen million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans each year.Wefounded Notpla when we discovered the solution lies in our oceanstoo. We are already replacing plastic that plagues our seas, and working with seaweed farms that give back to the environment and the local economy “Thank you for recognising us as we take our next big step and eliminate single-use plastic for good!”

Meanwhile, Low Carbon Materials (LCM) is based in County Durham and uses unrecyclable plastic waste to make concrete blocks without carbon emissions.

CEO Natasha Boulding says: “Until now, construction has been one of the hardest industries to decarbonise. With LCM, that could all change. We’ve turned concrete net zero and now we need

the world to start using it. We’re so excited to be a finalist of The Earthshot Prize and to be recognised for our work to fixour climate.”

There’s also astrong showing from the Netherlands –it’s given us the Great Bubble Barrier, which sees air pumped through aperforated tube to create acurtain of bubbles, which brings plastic up to the surface and into awaste collection system, and the City of Amsterdam Circular Economy group, which wants to see nothingwasted and everything recycled in the Netherland’s capital by 2050.

That’s an ambitious goal, but as Prince William has pointed out, big ideas and actions are needed.

He says: “The Earth is at atipping point and we face astark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet, or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve. People can achieve great things.The next tenyears present us with one of our greatest tests –adecade of action to repair the Earth.”

Hopefully,tonight’s winners will all play apart in those repairs as well as protecting the planet for more years to come.

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 Breakfast (S). 9.00 Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg (S). 10.00 Politics England (S). 10.30 My Life At Christmas With Sally Phillips (S). 11.30 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 12.00 Bargain Hunt (S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S). 1.15 Songs Of Praise (S). 1.55 Money For Nothing (R) (S). 2.30 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 Group D winners vs Group Crunners-up. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.10 BBC News; Weather (S). 5.30 The Earthshot Prize 2022 (S).

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.20 Gardeners’ World Winter Specials (R) (S). 7.20 Countryfile (R) (S). 8.15 Landward (S). 8.45

This Farming Life (R) (S). 9.45

Saturday Kitchen Best Bites (S). 11.15 MaryBerry’s Country House Secrets (R) (S). 12.15 Top Of The Shop With TomKerridge (R)(S). 1.15 AToZOfChristmas Cooking (R) (S). 2.00 FILM:

The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp (Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger 1943) (S). 4.40 Snow Monkeys: Natural World (R) (S). 5.30 Flog It! (R) (S).

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 CITV 9.25 Love Your Weekend With Alan Titchmarsh (S). 11.20 Love Your Garden (R) (S). 11.50 John And Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen (R) (S). 12.50 ITV News; Weather (S). 1.00 English Football League Highlights (R) (S). 2.00 Fifa World Cup 2022 Group Dwinners vs Group Crunners-up. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals (R) (S). 5.40 ITV News; Weather (S). 5.50 ITV Regional News; Weather (S).

6.00 Fifa World Cup 2022 Group Bwinners vs Group Arunners-up. Kick-off is at 7pm (S).

Dickinson 2021) Premiere. Drama, starring Patrick Gibson (S). 12.20 QI (R) (S). 12.55 Sign Zone: Question Time (R) (S). 1.55 Sign Zone: Ambulance (R) (S). 2.55 This Is BBC Two (S).

9.15 It’ll Be Alright On The Night Television disasters featuring Elton John, Bradley Walsh, Ant and Dec, and others (R) (S).

10.20 ITV News; Weather (S). 10.30 FILM: Wonder Woman (2017) Fantasy adventure, starring Gal Gadot (S).

1.05 Shop: Ideal World 3.00 MotorsportUK (R) (S). 3.50 Unwind With ITV (S). 5.05 Euro 96 England vs Netherlands –ITV Football Classics (R) (S).

WONDER WOMAN (ITV,10.30pm)

Diana (Gal Gadot, pictured) is an Amazonian princess who lives on the island of Themyscira under the benevolent rule of her mother,Queen Hippolyta. During the First World War, handsome US Army spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash-lands in the sea close to the island. He tells the Amazons about the conflict with the Germans, whose forces are marshalled by iron-fisted General Erich Ludendorff.Horrified by mankind’s self destruction, Diana bids tearful farewell to her clan and prepares to head to the front, via London.

COW (BBC2,

10.30pm)

Andrea Arnold OBEhas won three juryprizes at the Cannes Film Festival forher dramaticfeaturesRed Road, Fish Tank and American Honey.Cow is her

debutfeaturedocumentaryand,asthe title suggests, exploresthe day-to-day life of adairy animal called Luma. The film opens with the animalgivingbirth to acalf,but the pair are quickly separated on an industrial farm where time is precious and the herd must be quickly and efficiently milkedfor profit.

6.05 The King Of Queens (R) (S). 6.30 The King Of Queens (R) (S).

6.50 The King Of Queens (R) (S).

7.15 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 7.40 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.30 The Simpsons (R) (S).

9.00 The Simpsons (R) (S).

9.30 Sunday Brunch (S). 12.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 12.55 The Simpsons (R) (S). 1.25 The Simpsons (R) (S). 1.50 FILM: Bee Movie (Steve Hickner,Simon JSmith 2007) Animated comedy, with the voice of Jerry Seinfeld (S). 3.40 Jamie: Together At Christmas (R) (S). 4.45 FILM: Deck The Halls (John Whitesell 2006) (S).

6.30 Channel 4News (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 10.00 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S).

10.15 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S). 10.25 Entertainment News On 5 (S). 10.30 NFL End Zone (S). 11.00 FILM: ACountry Christmas Harmony (Edmund Entin, GaryEntin 2022) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Brooke Elliott and Brandon Quinn (S). 12.45 FILM: Candy Coated Christmas (Ellie Kanner 2021) Premiere. Romantic comedy, starring Molly McCook (S). 2.35 FILM: Jack Frost (Troy Miller 1998) Family fantasy drama, starring Michael Keaton (S). 4.40 FILM: Scrooge (Ronald Neame 1970) Musical fantasy,starring AlbertFinney (S).

6.00 Trolls: Trollstopia (R) (S). 8.05 The Simpsons (R) (S). 8.35 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.05 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.35 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.05 Futurama (R) (S). 10.35 Futurama (R) (S). 11.05 Futurama (R) (S). 11.35 Futurama (R) (S). 12.00 Dogs: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 1.00 Dogs: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 2.00 Dogs: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 3.00 David Attenborough’s Conquest Of The Skies (R) (S). 4.00 UFO (R) (S). 5.00 The Simpsons (R). 5.30 The Simpsons (R) (S).

6.00 Unwind With ITV (S). 6.25

Love Bites (S). 7.25 Love Bites (S). 8.15 Dress To Impress (S). 9.15 Dress To Impress (S). 10.15 Dress To Impress (S). 11.20

Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow: Christmas Special (S). 12.20

Celebrity Catchphrase: Christmas Special (S). 1.25 In ForAPenny (S). 1.55 FILM: Rio (Carlos Saldanha 2011) Animated comedy,with the voice of Jesse Eisenberg (S). 3.50 FILM: Step Up (Anne Fletcher 2006) Romantic dance drama, with Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan (S). 5.55 FILM: Coyote Ugly (David McNally 2000) Comedy drama, starring Piper Perabo (S).

6.00 Man About The House (S).

6.35 Emmerdale Omnibus (S). 9.20 ATouch Of Frost (S). 11.35

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S). 1.50

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S). 4.00

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S).

8.55 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces (S). 9.55 Ugly House To Lovely House With George Clarke (S). 11.00 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home (S). 12.00 Come Dine With Me (S). 12.35 Come Dine With Me (S). 1.05 Come Dine With Me (S). 1.40 Come Dine With Me (S). 2.10 Come Dine With Me (S). 2.40 Four In ABed (S). 3.15 Four In ABed (S). 3.50 Four In ABed (S). 4.20 Four In ABed (S). 4.55 Four In ABed (S). 5.25

Come Dine With Me (S). 5.55 Come Dine With Me (S).

6.25 Come Dine With Me (S). 6.55 Come Dine With Me (S).

7.00 Christmas At Liberty The famous London department store prepares for Christmas (R) (S).

8.00 Escape To The Chateau Dick and Angel visit one of the last unexplored areas of the attic (S).

9.00 The Handmaid’s Tale June and Serena form an unlikely duo (S).

7.00 Jackanory (S).

7.10 Animal Magic (S). 7.35 Think Of ANumber

An episode of the children’s science series from 1978 (S).

Saturday Night Live Keke Palmer is on hosting duties (R).

(2006) Romantic comedy,starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet (S).

7.30 Come Dine With Me Essex boy Mark try to impress his new Geordie chums (S).

Helicopter Medics Medics tryto keep aman alive after he hasaseizure (S). 12.10 999: On The Front Line (S). 1.15 24 Hours In A&E (S). 2.20 Emergency Helicopter Medics (S). 3.25 Food Unwrapped (S). 3.50 Close

Radio

BBC RADIO 4EXTRA

Christmas

presents

of

LIVE: WINTER ON THE FARM

Channel 5, 8.00pm

Just before the first series of Winter on the Farm aired this time last year,presenter Helen Skelton revealed that the cast and crew were worried it wouldn’t go ahead.

Storm Barra had been causing havoc across the UK, following on from Storm Arwen which battered the country aweek previously,and therefore the Channel 5show was touch and go.

Thankfully it did, with Helen making it to Cannon Hall farm in South Yorkshire and announcing: “It has been really stormy over the last few hours, but we’re here, we’re in one piece, we’re relatively warm but we’re definitely live!”

This Week on the Farm, Springtime on the Farm and Winter on the Farm have all been ratings winners.

As well as hosts Helen, Adam Henson, Jules Hudson and JB Gill, there have also been appearances by other popular Channel 5personalities, including Peter Wright and Julian Norton from The Yorkshire Vet, Our Yorkshire Farm’s Reuben and Amanda Owen, as well as Ben Fogle, Graeme Hall and Stefan Gates.

Skelton started her TV career in children’s television, presenting Newsround and Blue Peter on CBBC.

Since then, she has presented shows including Countryfile, Lorraine, ITV Tonight, as well as several major sporting events.

The 39-year-old Cumbrian has received alot of praise for her live presenting while On the Farm and admits she’s been amazed at its popularity Helen told the Daily Express: “I’m genuinely really overwhelmed at how into and behind this programme, you know,people are.”

She also thinks that Cannon Hall’s farming brothers Rob and Dave Nicholson, who one critic called “the Ant and Dec of agriculture”, are akey factor

“The reason that On The Farm is asuccess is because Rob and Dave have such amassive social media following, that people are able to engage so easily,” she says.

“I think it’s definitely,you know,weare learning from them.”

“People want to know about British grown tea and British grown produce.

“A lot of those little pointers and tips were picking up from viewer suggestions you know

“It’s definitely atwo-way street. Ithink we learn every week about –God there’s always someone messaging in about the most random stuff

“It’s alearning curve for all of us Ithink.”

Tonight, Helen and Jules begin aweek of live wintery shows from the gorgeous Cannon Hall Farm with Rob and Dave and their Farmy Army of experts on hand to provide anecdotes and advice.

JB joins the team overthe next four nights, along with The Yorkshire Vet’s Matthew Jackson-Smith and Shona Searson.

Expect plenty of pre-festive fun, with insights into how the farm’s animals are adjusting to thecolder months, beautifully shot films exploring the British countryside, plus acelebration of local crafts and producers, food and drink, and much more.

Although we’ve had some wind and rain lately,there is thankfully no sign that thisyear’sWinter on the Farm will be disrupted by the weather

However,if Helen is still in contention to win the Strictly Glitterball by the time this live show goes out,she may need to do squeeze in some training, and there could be a scheduling storm brewing…

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 Breakfast (S). 9.15 Morning Live At Christmas (S). 10.00 ExpertWitness (S). 10.45 Claimed And Shamed (R) (S). 11.15 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S). 1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather (S). 1.45 Doctors (S). 2.15 Planet Earth: An Elephant’s Tale (R) (S). 2.30 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 (S). 5.15 BBC News At Six; Weather (S). 5.45 BBC Regional News; Weather (S).

6.15 My Life At Christmas

With Sally Phillips (R) (S).

7.15 Bargain Hunt (R) (S). 8.00

Sign Zone: MasterChef: The Professionals (R) (S). 9.00 BBC News (S). 10.00 BBC News (S).

12.15 Politics Live (S). 1.00

Best House In Town (R) (S). 1.45 Eggheads (R) (S). 2.15 Lightning (R) (S). 2.45 Fish Town (R) (S).

3.15 The Great British Sewing Bee (R) (S). 4.15 Back In Time

ForSchool (R) (S). 5.15 Flog It! (S).

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 Good Morning Britain (S). 9.00 Lorraine (S). 10.00 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S). 1.30 ITV News; Weather (S). 1.55 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 2.00 Fifa World Cup 2022 Group Ewinners vs Group Frunners-up. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 5.45 ITV News; Weather (S).

THE

11.15pm) RobertRedford(pictured) directs this thriller about 1960s radicals whose past catches up to them. Susan Sarandon stars as ahousewife who, after 30 years of living under an assumed identity,turns herself into the FBI over her partinrobberycarried out by an underground militant group. Her storyprompts ayoung journalist to do some further digging, which leads him to discover that respected lawyer Jim was also once partofthe cell. Realising he is now awanted man and amurder suspect, Jim goes on the run.

ROCKYIII

(ITV4, 9.00pm) Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed and starred in this second sequel. The world heavyweight boxing champion settles down to alife of luxury–but a

Elite Wrestling: Dynamite Hard-hitting action (R) (S).

cloud appears on the horizon in theshape of brutal contender Clubber Lang (Mr T), who demands a shot at the title. However,while Rocky is eager to take on the new fighter,his trainer Micky doesn’t want him enteringthe ring against such abrute. Entertaining drama, with Talia Shire.

6.05 Countdown (R) (S). 6.45 Cheers (R) (S). 7.10 Cheers (R) (S). 7.35 Everybody

Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.30 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 9.00 Frasier (R) (S). 9.30 Frasier (R) (S).

10.00 Frasier (R) (S). 10.30

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (R) (S). 11.25 Channel

4News Summary (S). 11.30 Chateau DIY (R) (S). 12.30

Steph’s Packed Lunch (S). 2.10

Countdown (S). 3.00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas (R) (S).

4.00 APlace In The Sun (S).

5.00 Four In ABed (R) (S). 5.30

Come Dine With Me (R) (S).

6.00 The Simpsons Bart persuades his family to go on acruise (R) (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine (S). 12.30 Bargain-Loving Brits In The Sun (R) (S). 1.25

5News At Lunchtime (S). 1.30

FILM: Christmas Unfiltered (Sarah Sherman, ZacharyRay Sherman 2021) Premiere. Festive fantasy,starring Alison Fernandez (S). 3.15 FILM: Much Ado About Christmas (Michael Damian 2021) Premiere. Festive fantasy, starring Susie Abromeit (S). 5.00 5News At 5 (S).

Sport

PAKISTAN VENGLAND

6.00 The Early Rundown (R).

6.30 The Early Rundown (R).

Sky Sports MainEvent, 6.00am Live coverage of day five of the First Test in the three-match series, which takes place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. MONDAY 47

7.00 Kay Burley (R). 7.30 Kay Burley (R). 8.00 Hope For Wildlife (R) (S). 9.00 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 9.30 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 10.00 Supergirl (R) (S). 11.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R). 12.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R) (S). 1.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R) (S). 2.00 S.W.A.T (R) (S). 3.00

Monkeys: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 4.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 4.30 Will &Grace (R) (S). 5.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.30 Futurama (R) (S).

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 6.35 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 7.00 The Cabins (S). 8.00 Love Bites (S). 9.00 Love Bites (S). 10.00 Dress To Impress (S). 11.00 Dress To Impress (S). 12.00 Rolling In It (S). 1.00 Family Fortunes (S). 2.00 Supermarket Sweep (S). 3.05 One Tree Hill (S). 4.00 Chuck (S). 5.00 Chuck (S).

6.00 Classic Coronation Street (S). 6.35 Classic Coronation Street (S). 7.00 Classic Emmerdale (S). 7.35 Classic Emmerdale (S). 8.05 Man About The House (S). 8.35 Man About The House (S). 9.10 Maigret (S). 10.25 Maigret (S). 11.35 Heartbeat (S). 12.35 Heartbeat (S). 1.40 Classic Emmerdale (S). 2.15 Classic Emmerdale (S). 2.50 Classic Coronation Street (S). 3.50 ATouch Of Frost (S).

7.00 Christmas University Challenge Edinburgh takes on Leicester (S).

7.30 Great American Railroad Journeys (S).

What We Were Watching Grace Dent examines the television schedules from 40 years ago (S).

The Magical World Of Julia Donaldson Celebration of the life and work of the bestselling children’s author (S). 10.00 AVeryBritish Romance With Lucy Worsley Romance in the Victorian age (S). 11.00 Horizon: The Lost Tribes Of Humanity An insight into pioneering research that sheds new light on humanity’s ancient ancestors (S). 12.00 Painting The Holy Land (S). 1.00 Great American Railroad Journeys (S). 1.30 The Magical World Of Julia Donaldson (S). 2.30 AVery BritishRomance With Lucy Worsley (S). 3.30 Close

8.10 David Attenborough’s Dragons AndDamsels The world of dragonflies and damselflies (R) (S).

9.15 FILM: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) Comedy adventure sequel, starring Eddie Murphy (R) (S).

Celebrity Catchphrase: Christmas Special Stephen Mulhernhosts acelebrity special of the classic game show (S).

6.55 Escape To The Chateau Dick and Angel prepare for Angel’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary(S).

11.15 The Russell Howard Hour Topical comedy and entertainment show (R).

6.00 Futurama (R) (S). 6.30 The Simpsons Bart befriends an ageing film star (R) (S). 6.55 The Simpsons (R) (S). 8.00 Bob’s Burgers Linda finds apotato that resembles her late grandfather (S). 8.30 Bob’s Burgers (S). 9.00 Family Guy Peter and Chris go to Canada (S). 9.30 Family Guy The men go to aranch in order to regain their sense of masculinity (S). 10.00 Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich Olivia delves into the ever-expanding world of cam girls (S). 11.00 Family Guy Peter stars in his own children’s television show (S). 11.30 Family Guy With the guest voice of Ricky Gervais (S). 12.00 American Dad! (S). 12.30

American Dad! (S). 1.00 The Stand Up Sketch Show (S). 1.30

Stand Up Sketch Show (S).

Cracker Part one of two. An amnesiac may be amurderer (S).

Coastal Railways With Julie Walters The actress travels along Scotland’s West Highland Railway (S). 11.05 24 Hours In A&E A nine-year-old boy is unable to move his limbs after falling on his head (S). 12.10 Emergency Helicopter Medics (S). 1.15 8Out Of 10 CatsDoes Countdown (S). 2.20 24 Hours In A&E (S). 3.25 Food Unwrapped (S). 3.50 Close

BBC RADIO 1 6.57am Newsbeat. 7.00 Radio 1Breakfast WithGreg James. 10.30 Newsbeat. 10.32 Rickie,MelvinAnd Charlie 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 Dean And Vicky 3.30 Newsbeat. 3.32 Going Home With VickAnd Jordan. 5.45 Newsbeat. 6.00 Radio 1’sFutureSounds WithClaraAmfo 7.00 Radio 1’s Hottest Records Of The Week. 8.00 Radio 1’sFuture Artists With Jack Saunders. 10.00 Radio 1’sPower Down Playlist With Sian Eleri. 11.00 Rock Show With Daniel PCarter 1am BBC Introducing Rock On Radio 1WithAlyx Holcombe. 2.00 Radio 1’sFuture Alternative 3.00 Radio 1’s Workout Anthems. 4.00 Radio 1Dance. 5.00 Radio 1Early Breakfast With Arielle Free. BBC RADIO 2 6.30am TheZoe Ball BreakfastShow. 9.30 KenBruce. 12noon Jeremy Vine 2.00 Scott Mills 4.00 SaraCox 6.30 SaraCox’s Half Wower 7.00 Jo Whiley’s Shiny Happy Playlist. Jo playsher favourite albumtracks andmusical gems rarelyheardonRadio 2. 7.30 Jo Whiley.Music andchat. 9.00 TheBlues Show With CerysMatthews. New and classic blues tracks. 10.00 Trevor Nelson’s Magnificent7 10.30 Trevor Nelson’s Rhythm Nation. 12mdn’t OJ Borg 3.00 Pick Of The Pops 4.00 Early Breakfast Show BBC RADIO 3 6.30am Breakfast 9.00 EssentialClassics. 12noon Composer Of The Week: Franck. 1.00 Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon Concert. 4.30 New Generation Artists. 5.00 In Tune 7.00 In Tune Mixtape.Aneclectic non-stop mixof music. 7.30 Radio 3In Concert. Martha Argerich andMaria Joao Pires performMozart’sPianoConcerto No 10 in E. 9.00 Ultimate Calm.OlafurArnaldsshares aselection of sleep-inspired music. 10.00 MusicMatters. 10.45 The Essay:ALandscapeFor Recovery. 11.00 Night Tracks. 12.30am Through The Night. BBC RADIO 4 6am Today. 9.00 Start The Week. 9.45 (LW) Daily Service 9.45 (FM) BookOfThe Week: NightTerrors. 10.00 Woman’sHour. 11.00 TheUntold 11.30 MichaelMorpurgo’sFolk Journeys. 12noon News 12.01 (LW) Shipp ng Forecast. 12.04 YouAnd Yours 12.57 Weather 1.00 The WorldAtOne. 1.45 Please Protect Abraham. 2.00 The Archers 2.15 Drama:Death Knock. 3.00 Nature Table. 3.30 The Food Programme 4.00 The Dying Of The Ice. 4.30 Bad Blood:The Story Of Eugenics 5.00 PM. 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.30 I’m SorryIHaven’t AClue. Jack Dee hoststhe comedypanel game from Croydon’s FairfieldHalls 7.00 TheArchers 7.15 Front Row. Arts programme. 8.00 Putin.The story of Vladimir Putin’s earlylife. 8.30 CrossingContinents. Current affairs reports from around theworld 9.00 Falling Stars. 9.30 Start The Week. 10.00 The WorldTonight 10.45 Book At Bedtime: The IcePalace 11.00 The Witch Farm 11.30 Today In Parliament 12mdn’t News And Weather 12.30 Book Of The Week: NightTerrors 12.48 Shipping Forecast. 1.00 As BBC World Service. 5.20 ShippingForecast. 5.30 News Briefing 5.43 Prayer ForThe Day 5.45 FarmingToday 5.58 Tweet Of The Day BBC RADIO 4EXTRA 6am Peril At EndHouse 6.30 Master And Commander 7.00 Dearest Squirrel. 7.15 APassage To India 7.30 Dot. 8.00 BrothersInLaw 8.30 Legal, Decent, Honest And Truthful. 9.00 Dilemma. 9.30 RomanticFriction. 10.00 Evelyn Waugh –Put OutMore Flags 11.00 Peril At EndHouse. 11.30 MasterAnd Commander 12noon Dearest Squirrel. 12.15 APassage To India. 12.30 Dot. 1.00 Brothers In Law 1.30 Legal,Decent, Honest And Truthful 2.00 Dilemma. 2.30 Romantic Friction. 3.00 Evelyn Waugh –Put OutMoreFlags 4.00 Peril At EndHouse. 4.30 Master And Commander 5.00 Dearest Squirrel. 5.15 APassage To India 5.30 Dot 6.00 Brothers In Law. 6.30 Legal, Decent, Honest AndTruthful 7.00 Dilemma. 7.30 Romantic Friction. 8.00 Radiolab. 8.55 InheritanceTracks. 9.00 Unreal: ACritical History Of RealityTV. 10.00 Comedy Club. 10.00 ComedyClub: I’m SorryIHaven’t AClue 10.30 Comedy Club: Dave Podmore’s WorldOfCricket. 11.00 ComedyClub: The NowShow 11.30 Comedy Club: As Told To CraigBrown. 12mdn’t Evelyn Waugh –Put Out MoreFlags. 1.00 Peril At End House. 1.30 Master And Commander 2.00 DearestSquirrel. 2.15 A Passage To India 2.30 Dot 3.00 BrothersInLaw 3.30 Legal, Decent, Honest And Truthful. 4.00 Dilemma. 4.30 RomanticFriction 5.00 Evelyn Waugh –Put Out More Flags BBC 5LIVE 6am 5LiveBreakfast. 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 11.00 Naga Munchetty 2pm 5LiveSport 3.00 World Cup 2022 5.00 World Cup 2022. 5.30 5LiveNews. 6.30 5Live Sport. 7.00 WorldCup 2022. 9.00 World Cup 2022. 10.00 ColinMurray 1am Dotun Adebayo. 5.00 Wake Up To Money BBC 6MUSIC 7.30am Lauren Laverne. 10.30 MaryAnne Hobbs. 1pm Craig Charles. 4.00 Steve Lamacq. 7.00 Marc Riley 9.00 TomRobinson. 12mdn’t Kendrick Lamar At The BBC. 2.00 Kendrick Lamar Live 3.00 Kendrick LamarTalksToMary.Anne Hobbs. 4.00 The Kendrick Lamar Playlist. 5.00 Chris Hawkins CLASSIC FM 6am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 Alexander Armstrong 12noon Anne-Marie Minha l. 4.00 John Brunning. Old favouritesand new discoveries. 7.00 Smooth ClassicsAtSeven 10.00 Smooth Classics. WithMargheritaTaylor. 1am Bill Overton 4.00 Early Breakfast.

6am Dave Berry 10.00 Leona Graham 1pm Sarah Champion. 4.00 Bush And Richie 7.00 Danielle Perry. 10.00 Jay Lawrence. 1am Dan Noble December5

FOCUSOFTHEWEEK

Wecompleteallofourjobstoaveryhighstandard

Weundertakelargeandsmallprojectsfromdesign throughtocompletionthroughoutourlocalareafor domestichomes.Wecanalsoservicecustomersoutside ofourlocalareadependingonthesizeoftheproject

OurbaseisinTelfordandwehaveanofficeinShrewsbury somostofourworkisinandaroundTelford,and Shrewsbury.

Wealsoworkinthesurroundingareas Forfurtherinformationpleasecontactuson 07462571860or01743817840orvisitourwebsite www.tripaveconstructionltd.co.uk

Deaths

BUNN

Frances Mary

Of Stottesdon, passedaway peacefullyonNovember 19, 2022, aged 99 years.

Beloved Wife of the late Stanley,lovingMother of Richard and Robert, Shirley and Jane, Grandmotherand Great-Grandmother

Funeral and Cremation Service will be held at Wyre Forest Crematorium on Wednesday,December7,2022 at 1.30pm.

Family flowers only.Donations received in memoryofFrances will be given to Midlands Air Ambulance.

All inquiries to AHCALDICOTT &SONS

Funeral Directors 15 Market Street TenburyWells WR15 8BH Telephone 01584 810281.

CHARLES

Of

DUKE

Richard David

On November20, 2022, suddenly at his home in Bridgnorth, Richard Duke, aged 55 years.

The dearly beloved Son of Michael and Eunice, special Brother of Linda and Helen, dear Brother-in-law of Charles and special Uncle of Jennifer and James.

Much loved, Richard will be sadly missed by all his Family and many Friends.

FuneralService will be conducted at Te lford Crematorium (TF2 9NJ) on Thursday,December 15, at 3.30pm.

Fa mily flow ers only by request please,but donations, whichare to be divided between Cancer Research U.K.and The British Heart Foundation are being gratefully received, for whichpurposeacollection boxwill be providedat the Crematorium,oronline at www.perryandphillips funerals.com

All inquiries to Mr.J.C.Adams,

PALMER

Ivy Elizabeth

On November18, 2022, peacefullyatHospital in Bridgnorth, Ivy Palmer,of Chelmarsh,Nr. Bridgnorth, aged 87 years.

The Wi fe of the late Theodore Palmer and loving Mother of Marie and John. Much loved, Ivy will be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends.

Fu neral Ser vice and Interment at The Parish ChurchofSt. Peter The Apostle,Chelmarsh, on Tuesday,December 6, at 12.00 noon.

Fa mily flowers only by request please,but donations for The Agnes Campbell Ward at Bridgnorth Hospit al ,a re being gratefully received, for which purpose acollection boxwill be provided at the Church, or online at www.perryand phillipsfunerals.com

All inquiries to Mr.J.C. Adams

Peter

Bridgnorth

Passed away peacefully on November 13, 2022,aged 63 years.

Beloved Husband of Jane, loving dadtoThomas and Sarah, loving Brother of David and Sister-in-law Anita.

Fu neral Ser vi ce an d Cremation at Te lford Crematoriumat2.30pm on Monday,December12.

No flowers by request, donations for Russells Hall Hospital (all cheques payable to BInce) c/o

BINCE FUNERAL DIRECTOR, Bank House, Bewdley DY12 2DX

Inquiries 01299 403105.

JONES

John David

Of Maple Crescent, Alveley, near Bridgnorth.

Passed away peacefullyon November 16,2022, at The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, aged 83 years.

LovingHusband of the late Jan, much lovedDad of Suzanne and David, Father-in-law of Andrew and Lucy,devoted Grandad of Scott and Stefan and aloving Great-Grandad.Brother of Roy, Trevor,Dianne and the late Derek andMarj.

Funeral Service at the ChurchofStMarythe Virgin, Alveley on Thursday, December 8at11.15am to be followedbyCremation at Wyre Forest Crematorium.

Familyflowers only please, donations if desired for Alveley First Responders, for which purp ose a collection boxwill be placed at the Church.

RALPHS

Steven John

Of Tasley Close, Bridgnorth. Passed away peacefully at The Royal Shrewsbury HospitalonNovember8, 2022, aged 43 years.

Loving Son of David, Stepson of Ann and aloving and devoted Father of his Daughter Tayler

FuneralService to be held at Telford Crematorium on Tuesday,December 6at 3.30pm.

Family flowers only by request, donations if desired for the NSPCC, for which purposea collection box will be provided at the Crematorium.

Heather

In loving memoryofmy Wife.

Passed away November 29, 2019.

Sadly missed by loving Husband John also Vi and Fred.

Old bottles, pot lids, printed stoneware, advertisingitems. Coins, medals, gold and silver items. Cash paid. Anything old and interesting considered. 07980 469859 /01743 361786

WANTED BY COLLECTOR ENAMEL SIGNS

MASSIE

human interestfeatures, bringing in frontpageleads and substantial online trafficand able to take on lively and interesting background news features.

These areroles forambitious, dedicatedand enthusiastic journalists with aproventrack record

As amulti-media journalist, youmustbecomfortable producing contentfor all of our printand digital platforms –fromin-depth news features forour newspapers, to breaking news articles for our websites, as well as covering storiesastheyhappen on live blogs.

We arelooking forNCTJ-trained journalists, able to deliver accurate,entertaining copy to meetstrict deadlines. Afull, clean driving licence is required.

We will also consider NCTJ Diploma trained journalistswho are working towardstheirNQJ

This is abrilliantopportunity to join our newsroom, covering a diverse, vibrantand busy patch.

Benefits include acompetitive salary, 25 days’annual holidayand the chance to develop your career at Britain’slargest independent regional news company.

If youare interestedinthisrole,pleasesend acopyofyour CV and covering letter forthe attention of theeditor-in-chief, MartinWrightbyDecember 19, to:hr@claverleygroup.co.uk

Rallying funinthe most unlikely SUV

TEDWELFORD PressAssociation

SUVs aredominating newcar salesright now, with 46%ofall newcars sold in Europe in 2021 beingmodelsofthisbod ystyle –a figure that’s only expectedtokeep growing, with theinflux of newSUVsdue on the market in coming years. It’s easy to seethe appeal:these models bringmoreeye-catching styling, whiletheir higher ride heightgives driversand occupants abetterviewout on theroad

An increasing number arepurely frontorrear-wheel-drive, with many buyersnot interested in whetheritisactuallysuitableto take offthe tarmac

But, what if you still want an SUV that cangooff thebeatentrack?

Whilea Jeep or Land Rover might be thesafeand sensible options, safe andsensibleisabit boring What isn’tboringisthe Lamborgh iniUrusPerformante –perhaps the silliestand mostextreme SUVon sale,even dubbed a‘SuperSUV’by theItalian marque

Whilethe Urus firstintroduced in 2018 andnow Lamborghini’s most popularproduct –might be morelikelytobeseenlapping Har-

rods than an off-road course,the firm is keen to demonstrate it can be used on tougherterrain

Forthe newPerformante,Lam borghini hasengineeredanew ‘Rally’driving mode –and to tryit out, we headed to an off-road rally course next to theVallelungarace circuitnearRome

Admittedly,it’smoresuitedtoa dirt track than ascendingasteep bank or negotiatingdeeper water butitaddsafurther dimensionto theUrus, andwill come in useful forthose wantingtodemonstrate theirSUV’s capability in adifferent setting.

On jumpingin, it’s clearthis

HuracanSterrato: Lambo’soff-road supercar

is no rough-and-readyutilitari an SUV. Thecabin is awashwith blackAlcantara –asuede-likematerial widely usedin high-end performance cars.It’sonthe steering wheel, theseats, even thedashboard.

Once you’vepressed theengine startbuttonand themighty4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine’s fired up,it’stimetoactivatethat‘Rally’ mode on thecentralcluster,which Lamborghinicalls the‘Tamburo’

Theterrain is no DakarRally, andadmittedly afront-wheel-drive crossoverwithadecentamountof ground clearancecould probably master most of it.That’snot the

pointhere, though,asit’sthe fun factor that makesthisSUV so special. What theRally mode does is ease offthe tractioncontrol, allowingfor moreoversteer– essentially meaningyou canget it alittlemore sideways

At thesametime, theRally mode sendsagreater chunkoftorqueto therearwheelsand meansifyou putyourfootdowncomingout of thedirtstages’corners, it’s really easy to getittoslide,yet always in acontrolled fashion. It feelslikeit’s been engineered so that anyone can enjoyitwithintheir capabilities

Thegriplevelsare also impres sive,admittedly on this predom

inantly drycourse,and more so when consideringour test Urus Performanteisridingonnormal ‘off-the-shelf’roadtyres

This dirt stagedidn’tlet us expe rience thefull 657bhp,but accompanied by thefantastic growlofthe ti tanium Akrapovicexhaust system, it’s impossible not to smilewhen driftingaround. ThoseAlcantara seatsalso keep you firmly in hold, whileeven though thePerformante rideson fixedsteelsprings,you don’tfeellikeyourback’sabout to give way. Farfromit.

ALamborghini with aRally Mode showsthisItalian firm’s eccentrici ty as itsvery finest

StayingwithLamborghini,the firm hasgiven a firstofficiallookatits up coming HuracanSterratoahead of the officialrevealthismonth

Designed‘formaximum driving pleasure even away from theasphalt’, theSterratoisa versionofLamborghini’spopular Huracancapable of head ingoff-roadand onto surfaces that theregular carwould struggle to deal with

Thecar’s increasedrideheightisvis ible from theimages,asare some more off-road focuseddesigntweakssuch as chunky wheelarch trim piecesand LEDlights integrated into thefront grille. There’salsoa roof airscoop somethingseenonthe range-topping HuracanSTO –which helpstocoolthe engine moreeffectively Smallroofrails arealso fitted to the topofthe Sterrato,which suggests

that it mightbecompatiblewithaccessories such as topboxes or bike racks.

Underneath theSterratowillbe poweredbya5.2-litre naturally-aspi ratedV10 engine,which is predicted to be thelasttimesuchan engine will be used in aLamborghini as the firm move towardselectrification.

Though Lamborghinihas yettoannounce anyperformance figuresfor theSterrato, in theHuracan STOthis setupdelivers631bhpand 565Nmof torque, equating to azeroto60mph time of 2.8seconds andatop speed of 193mph.It’slikelythatthe Sterrato’s topspeed will be slightlylower,howev er,owing to theincreased ride height

Theinitial teaser videos showcase thecar beingpushedtothe limitindif ferent environments, with Lamborghini statingthatthe Sterrato wasdue to be unveiled in full in Miamithisweek.

Electrifying performancefromGV60

BILLMcCARTHY

When it comestostyling, theall-electricGenesis GV60 is abit of ashowstopper–a caroffering luxury,performance anddecentrange –apremium vehicletomatch anything theestablished German andSwedish brands canoffer.

It looksgreat with itsquad lamps, large clamshellbonnetwith adistinctive,yet familiarbadge and lowercrest grille, togetherwith stylishalloy wheels

Thecoupe-likedesignhas astrik ingsideprofile,and this modelfea turedanunusual matt paint finish that stillhad ametalliclookand Thunderbirds ‘FAB’numberplate It never failed to attractattention

Packed with high-specequipment toocomprehensive to list,itoffers cutting-edgetechnologyand in this four-wheel drivetwinmotor model, supercar performance.

Innovations includethe Preview-ECS whichusesthe frontcam eraand navigation system to recognise potentialbumps andpotholes, likespeed bumps, then adjust the suspension accordingly.

It is also the firstinthe stable to featureatouch-controlled Connected CarIntegrated Cockpit, apan

oramic displaythatcombinesthe instrument andnavigationscreen acrosswhatseems thewidthofthe dashboard

It receives real-timeupdateson navigation andhas smartphone connectivity viaApple CarPlayand AndroidAuto.

Thereare threemodelstochoose from:Premium;Sport or Sport Plus.The so-calledentry at 48kis rear-wheel drivewhilethe other twodrive allfourwheels.

Theinterior centrepiece is the ‘Crystal Sphere’. Once that starter is pressed, thesphererevolves

around to presenttothe auto gear selector.Switchitoff anditrotates back to deliver subtle ambientlighting.

It is housed on a“floating”con sole,which also contains arotary controller for the touchscreen and otherfunctions

Theinterior is roomy andcom fortable with high qualitysoft touch finish andcomfortable and supportive poweredleather seats. Thereisenoughspace forthe rear seatstorecline andtheycan also be folded to increase boot capacity from 680 litrestoa capacious1,580

litres, whichcan be accessed viathe poweredtailgate.

It is becoming abit of atired phrase these days,but performance from the360 kW/490 PS dual mo tors on this modeliselectrifying. It deliversamaximum torque of an impressive 700Nm, to deliver straightlinespeedtomatch most performancecarsonthe road.Itis quickenoughanyway, buthit the boostbuttonand you arethrown back in yourseattoreach 60mphin justfourseconds

Allthatpower demandsmaximumgripand stability andhere

thetorquevectoring system sends drivetothe correctwheelstomax imise grip

Additionally,the electroniclimit ed-slipdifferentialaddscontrolin treacherous roadconditions.

Thevehicle also offers acomprehensivelistofadvancedsafetykit, includingahostofwarningsand alerts

Theclaimed rangeis289 miles,I gotnearer200,but that couldhave somethingtodowithenjoyingthe sparkling performancetoo much TheGV60iscompatiblewith standard,rapid andsuper-rapid chargers andwiththe latter canbe charged from 10 percentto80per cent in just 18 minutes

FACTFILE

GENESISGV60DUALMOTOR SPORTPLUS

Price: £65,405

Mechanical: 490PS,dualmotor driving allwheels wheelsvia auto gearbox

Maxspeed: 146mph 0-60mph: 4seconds

Combined range: 289 CO2 emissions: 0g/km Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles

EV6GTbecomes newKia flagship

Kiahas discontinuedits striking-look ingStinger,withthe electric EV6GT taking themantleasthe firm’s new flagshipinstead.

Firstintroduced in 2016,the Stinger showcased anew,moredynamic side to theSouth Korean firm,withthe car’s 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 makingitKia’s fastest-accelerating car formanyyears.Itcould manage the 0-60mph sprint in 4.5 seconds.

However,the arrivalofthe newEV6 GT with its577bhp all-wheel-drive electric setuphas dashed theStinger’s performance figures. It cangofrom 0-60mph in under3.5 seconds, in fact, andtakes theplaceasKia’s most powerfulproductioncar to date

Paul Philpott, presidentand CEO of KiaUK, said:“Thelaunchofthe Stinger will go down as atransformative moment forKia.Its driver-focused ‘grand tourer’credentials, paired with Kia’sreputationfor vehicle qualityand

KiaStinger

design,madeitanincrediblycompelling carfor drivers. At thesametime, it also hadatransformativeeffectonhow people sawKia.”

Kiahas stated that theStinger will remain in production in itsnative SouthKorea andall existing UK customerorderswill be fulfilled.The EV6 GT,meanwhile,isnow availabletoorderahead of firstdeliveriescommenc ingin the finalquarter of 2022

Philpott added: “The EV6GTisthe ideal cartotakethe batonfromthe Stinger in theUK. Ourfutureproduct plan hasamajor focusonelectrifica tion,and globally Kiaplans to offera line-upof14EVs by 2027

“Combining high-performance capa bilities with an incredible design and along-rangeelectricpowertrain,the EV6GTisanimportant part of this plan,and atruenew flagshipfor the Kiabrand.”

Kia’snew EV6GT

Winnersinthe spotlight on anight of celebration

MALCOLM FLETCHER sports@mnamedia.co.uk

Memories of thepast came flooding back as Shropshire’s biggest bowlingleaguesuccess fullyre-launched itsan nual presentation dinner.

TheSPS Whitchurch League’s 2022 titlewinnerswerehonoured at thefunctionatthe town’s Civic Centre when 110peoplewere bookedtoattendafterathree-year hiatus causedbyCovid

Guestsofhonour included reigningBritish Senior Meritchampion Callum Wraight–who plays forArchibald Worthingtonin the league –countypresident Mike Potterand Warwick&Worcester presidentPhilEllett.

“It’sbeenalongtimesince we have been able to gettogetherto celebratethe season,” said happy league secretaryJulietteSire.

“Butweremembered thosewe

have lost with aminute’ssilence

“Itwas greattohearplayers chatting andcatchingupinarelaxedatmosphere, with greatfood andafew laughs too.

“I lost my voice–whichproved tricky trying to do theraffle! –and allin allitwas alovely evening.”

County presidentPottercon curred,saying: “Itwas agood eveningcelebrating theachieve mentsofteams/clubs andindividual

players throughthe 2022 season.”

Theicing on afantastic campaign fortreblestars Woore–winnersof the firstdivision, Shropshire Star Cupand JubileeDoubles triumphs –was forkey manGaryBefftobe presentedwiththe Individual Merit trophy.

Otherindividualtitle winners: Norman Ford Classic&Under-25 Merit, Ed Proudlove (Adderley);La dies Merit, HelenHinton(District);

Over-60s Merit, Alan Boulton(Ad derley); Under-21Merit,Ben Hin ton(District); Under-15 Merit, Ben Cutler (Edgmond).

St Alkmunds Trophy,Mike Mullock(District)&Dee Simcock (Chester Rd); Doubles, GeraintWil liams&AideHumphries (Ifton); Judith Purcelltrophy, Marie& Phil Scott(Hanmer); MixedDoubles, DerekWright& Mo Corley (Wem USC)

Younggunsare making theirmarkinShropshire

It’s forever been agamethathas struggledtodispelits traditionally stuffy image.

Even today, when people think of chessclubs many will conjure up images of middle-agedmen sitting in thecorners of socialclubs huddledover chessboardsinnear silence.

Andwhile there’snodenying that thegameretains many of itstra ditional virtues, when it comesto thoseplaying thetimes area-chang ing, writes PeterKitchen

Morewomen andjuniorsare play ingthe game across Britainand the world –and nowhereelseisthat more clearthanhereinShropshire.

ShropshireJuniorsChess Club’s team is in astrong position to gain promotion in its firstseasonin the

national junior online league.The team lies eighth outof32teams in division five of the4NCLJuniorOn line League with oneround to go andthe topeightgoing up

Some of theclub’sconveyor belt of talent is also making thetransition to senior chess. SamHollands, CharlieBethune andRohan Easton have joined theShrewsbury-based Telepostclub,withHollandsand Bethunemakingappearances for theclub’sEteamin division twoof ShropshireChess League

Both Bethuneand Hollands pickedup victoriesasTelepostE secureda surprise 3-2derby win over senior clubmatesTelepostD last week

Thejuniorshavejoinedalong with promisingteenagerDan

Hilditch-Love, whoassists at the junior club andhas transferred from Newporttoplaytop board for Telepost Binthe county’stop flight. AnotherofTelepost’smembersis Kate Walker,who hasmadeaname forherself in recent yearsonthe weekendcongresscircuit picking up anumberoftop prizes in theface of verystrong competition.

Nick Holmes,a spokesmanfor the club,saidHollandshad rejoined the club aftergaining experience with ShropshireJuniors,and that the youngsterswerebeing mentored by club member Paul Billingtonand beinggiven theopportunitytogain experience of over-the-board competitive chess.

He addedthe club wasdelighted to welcome a“true newgeneration

of players” whichhesaidwas a “promising show of health forthe club andthe game”.

ShropshireJuniorshavewon theirpasttwo 4NCL Junior On line League matches4.5-3.5,with HilsmarkJuniors1 theirlatestvic tims.RudiBedford wonbothofhis matches, whileHollandspickedup awin andadrawand Henry Bedford pickedupone win.

Meanwhile, elsewhereinleague action it wasagreat week forthe TelfordclubinShropshireChess League division two. TelfordA made it four wins outoffour, going twopointsclear at thetop ofthe ta blethankstoa4-1 winover New port B. AndTelford Balso enjoyed a bigwin,winningalocal derbyaway atMaddocksC4.5-0.5

Maddocksduo aretargeting Doublescrown

It wasthe turn of theGraham CoopeDoubles first roundand quarter-finals to take centre stageinthe Bridgnorth Snooker League

Andfour-time winnersSimon Thomas andDaveSiddons, from Chelmarsh, madeitthrough to anothersemi-finalfollowing a walkover in the firstround and then a2-0 victoryoverSt. John’s Mark Jonesand JasonBrown

On fire Paul Harper (Mad docks) must nowlay claimto beingthe league’s number one seed.Herecentlyknocked in an 88 breakas he,Tom Maxfieldand DanMorrisreached thesemi-finals of the3-a-Side knock-out. ThetriobeatMick Crawley, Mark Jones andMark Worsdell from St. John’sbyan aggregatescore of 263-91

Harper hasalready recorded thehighest breakofthe season to date,anexcellent 92,and last week he notchedanother55.

Andnow,along with James Brennan, he is eyeing silverware aftersecuringa placeinthe last four of this competition.

Progress

Theduo knockedout Chelmarsh’sChris Lewisand hisson, Richard, 2-1and then beat MartinLippitt andJosh Summers (St. John’s) 2-0toprogress.

Lippittand Summershad knockedout five-timewinners Mike Brezwyn and Nick Carson from Broseley in the firstround Andy Carsonand Owen Hughes (Broseley),runners-up last season,are also through.

They sawoff Woodfield’sNeil andCameron Drewett2-0 and then overcame themuch-fancied IanPostans andCarlWalker (Chelmarsh)bythe same score.

Postansand Walker hadprevi ouslybeatenSt. John’sduo Mike Crawleyand KevinSmith, also 2-0.

Beamer Jones andChris Petford,representingChelmarsh, make up thesemi-finalfour somesinwhatcan only be de scribedasone of thescrappiest of thenight’ssessions.

Andfor Petford, oneofthe league’s topseedsitwas anight to forget,despite making it through.

Having said that,Petford and Jones cruisedthrough their first roundmatch,easilydispatching Alveley’sSteve Coldecottand BrianArnold2-0

It wasinthe quarter-finalthat things were not as they should be.Petford lost 71-1 to Broseley’sMattSmout,but fortunate ly forhim Jones outplayedBrian Edwardstosendthe matchtoa doubledecider.

Once again, Petfordwas outof sortsbut Jones helped seethem overthe line

Smoutand Edwardshad reached thequarter finals by beatingAlveley’s ChrisJepson andReg Burton.

Thesemi-finals and finalwill be played at ChelmarshonTuesday,April 25

Whitchurch League winnerstakecentre stageatthe awards nightastheyshowoff thespoilsoftheir success

Double trophywinnerEdProudlove is pictured receiving onehis rewardsfromLinda Potter

Edgmond’s Shirley Hadley picks up thebestkept green awardfromW&W presidentPhilEllett

League presidentIsobel Jonesand officerSimon Fullardwith theveteransinter-league shield

League chiefs move to explain afternoonplans

MidShropshireBowling League chiefs have movedtoallay thecon cernsofother leaguesabout plans to launch anew afternoondivision next year.

They have writtentoofficers of theHighley,Shrewsbury Ladies, MidShropshireSeniorCitizensand TelfordLadiesAfternoon leaguesto explainthe proposal.

Theideaofa six-a-side division forbowlers of allagesand playedon either TuesdaysorThursdays af ternoons is thebrainchildofSteve Wall,the vice-chairmanofthe Mol sonCoors-backedMid Shropshire League

Andthe league’ssecretary Mal colm Fletcher hasnow contacted officials of allthe otherleagues as they have fixtures or competitions on thosedaystotry andexplain the situationfully.

“Delegates of our25clubs have been askedtogobacktotheir clubs to seeiftheyhaveany interest in joiningsuchadivisionnextyear–andonwhich afternoontheywould prefer to play,” said Fletcher

“Wehopetoget abetterideaby ourmeeting on December6,and if thereislittleinterestthe proposals will be withdrawn.

“Butifthere is ademand, the MSBL will caterfor it –and two clubshavealready expressedaninterest andwehavea potentialsponsorinthe pipeline.”

nn nn

Aworryinglackofinterestand cancelledbowls competitions is a growingconcern forShropshireLa dies association

Trying to find remedies wasdis cussed at thebody’sjoint endof season meetingand presentation eveningwiththe Shrewsbury La dies League held at Sinclair BC in Ketley,Telford

County secretaryHelen Clee said:“It wasa veryinformalaffair.

“The main comments from my self were around thefuture–or not –ofthe county,given thesmall numbersinterested in beingconsidered (for selection)

“And thefactwewereunableto play themajorityofour competi tionsdue to lack of interest.”

Such adropininterestisdisap pointing,given that Shropshire have such agood recordinthe Brit ishLadiescountychampionship, beingrunners-uptoYorkshire last season

nn nn

Achangeofheart hashelpedease ShropshireCrown GreenBowlingAssociation’s manpower crisis Mike Potter’syearascountypresidentwill endatFebruary’sAGM andhehad previously announced that thewishedtostand as county competitionsecretary at thesame time

ButTelford-based Potter told the latest county executivemeeting that, having received pleastocon tinueinchargeofcomps, he would nowstand forre-election.

If re-elected,Potterwillbein charge of next year’s Senior County Merit, from whichfourShropshire bowlerswill qualifyfor theBritish finals

Shropshirechiefs arestill search ingto find anew treasurer anda safeguarding officerfor 2023

Howell strikes to claimawinterwin

Quality, notquantity, wasthe key to success of the firstwinter onedaybowls competitionwithknock outtiesinShropshire.

Biggunsled by Callum Wraight, DerekWright, Stuart Rutter, Cedric Bancroft andAndyArm strong contested Saturday’s promo tion at Whitchurch’s District Club

ButitasAdderley’s IanHowell whocameout on topofthe 27 en triesashebeatPhilJones of Nant wich Park Road in the final.

AndorganiserJamie Brookes, the manbehindNorth Shropshire Parks’ boomingwinterseries, was happywiththe level of interest “BeforeI advertisedthe competi

tion Iwould have been contentto getbetween 16 and20entrantsin theinaugural onedayer,”hesaid.

“Sotostart offwith27taking part is brilliantand really encour aging.

“Itwas runwiththe sixround robingroup winnersand 10 next best in theaverages progressing into a13-up handicappedround of 16

“Fromthe quarter-finals it still handicappedbut 21-up–but I’mal ways open to suggestionssoaslight change in format mightbeconsid ered

“The finalwas wonbyIan How ell– whoqualified in 16th spot!He

beat Phil Jones 21-17and therewas some greatbowling throughoutthe day.”

Thetwo finalistsand Rutter all enjoyed sixwinsonthe dayand therewerefoursuccess forWraight, Will Brookes, CraigJones,Gary Whitehalland organiserBrookes nnn n Blooming success!Clubsponsor David Austin from DavidAustin Roseswas guestofhonourat Al brightonBowling Club’s annual dinner andpresentationnight.He presented allthe prizes,including the Rigley CuptoHelen Blunt,a keymember of Albrighton’s teams in theMid Shropshire League

Club going from strength to strength five yearson

Shrewsbury School of Boxing is celebrating five yearsinexistence andisthe only club in thetownregisteredfor boxers to take part in active bouts.

They have 40 people training with them on aregular basisat theOld Grange School on Mount PleasantRoad, including17junior fighters andtwo females, with eight beingmembersbeing active in tour naments.

Recently,atNewdigate Colliery Sports andSocialClubinBedworth, Welshpool-basedLennoxMcDonald took part in theWestMidlands fi nals of theNationalAssociation of Boys andGirls Clubscompetition Boxing in the70-75kg category, the18-year-old faced IsaacVander puye of StokeStaffsABC,and frus trated himwithslippingand great

PAUL JENKINS paul.jenkins@mnamedia.co.uk

lateralmovement.

McDonald landed multiple overhand rights alongwithsomeleft hookstobring aunanimous points win.

He then movedontothe quar ter-finals by beatingQasim Khan,a national championand EnglandinternationalfromOne Nation ABC, whohad an impressive record of 26 wins from 33 bouts.

ButMcDonaldwas unfazed, and boxedwithconfidencefrombellto bell,commandingthe pace of the bout andcounteringKhanagain andagain to againclaim aunani mous points win.

Buthis hopes of progressingto thesemi-finalended in heartbreak before theboutwhenhe fractured hisright thumbinsparringand had to pull outofthe tournament

Kian Evanshad alreadyhad to

pull outofthe same tournament at thestart duetounforeseencir cumstances,but he didenjoy success in onelastmonth hosted by Brooklands ABCand held at Bag geridge in Dudley

He faced apowerful lookinghome boxer ZidanHines butstopped him in theopening round afterlanding multipleshots whichprovedtoo fast andtoo accurate forthe Brooklands boxer to respond. Athree-shotcom binationsaw thereferee give Hines astandingcount,withhis corner throwing in thetowel shortlyafter.

Paul Dowler,who helped startthe Shrewsbury School of Boxing,said theclubhad gone from strength to strength sincestartingand they were lookingtobecome more active in competitions

He said:“We arethe only club in Shrewsbury registered forladsto boxand we have eightsofar,with an 80-per-centwin rate sincewe started, whichisprettygood for

such ayoung club.

“Meand Sam(fellow coachMa jski)are tryingtobring fighters through when they areready while encouraginganall inclusivefeelto theclubwhich includes youngsters, femalesand thosewho just want to trainbut don’tnecessarily want to fight.

“Boxingtrainingisagreat wayto keep fitand forthose with thetal entordrive to go on andparticipate in tournaments, theopportunities arethere

“InLennox’scasehewas very unluckytosustain thehandinjury as he wasgoing well in thetournament –but he looked greatin his twobouts, full of confidenceand twogood forexperienced fighters Histimewill come again.”

Shrewsbury School of Boxing is open threenightsaweekfor train ing, formoreinformation call 07536 003904 or e-mail shrewsbury schoolofboxing@outlook.com

LennoxMcDonald with coachesPaulDowlerand SamMajskiand right, alongsideanother of theclub’syoungboxersJackMacken

DavidAustinpresentsthe Rigley CuptoAlbrighton’sHelenBlunt

Worfieldsignoff theseasonwith aspecial night

WorfieldCricket Club have official ly putthe 2022 season to bedafter hostingasuccessfulannualawards evening.

Theseasonreportwas present ed by CharlieFox-Davies, whosaid it hadbeenatesting year forall teamswiththe first, second,and women’s firstelevensmaintaining theirleaguestatusdespite aseason plaguedwithinjuryand availability problems.

The firstteam finished theircam paignin stunningstyle,winning threeout of theirlastfourgames to remain in theBirmingham League Division Twowhilethe secondsalso finished strongly to maintain their ShropshireLeagueDivisionOne status

Thethirds finished mid-table in SundayDivisionone whilethe women’s firstteamcontinued their rebuilding by finishing fifthinthe West Midlands WomenLeaguePre mier Division

Some of thestand-out perfor mances were by firstteambatter BasitZaman,who scored 909Bir mingham League runs, 708ofthem in boundaries.Zaman will be back in themiddle forWorfieldnextsea sonafter recently agreeing anew deal with theclub.

CharlieCallaghan scored over a1,000 runs forthe club andOllie Wood scoredaseasonhigh208

Offthe field, Jennie Joneswas presented with an awardfor long servicetoWorfieldjunior cricket whilethe eveningalso sawpresidentRichard Garbettjoinedby seven otherformerpresidentsfor a photograph.

Dawley arethe talk of the town afteranother victory

Thereisjustnostopping Dawley Town this season, whatever thecom petition.

TheSalop LeisureLeaguePre mier Division leadersturnedtheir attentions to theShropshireSat urdayChallenge CuponSaturday, butthe outcome wasthe same as usualastheyextendedtheir perfect record to 14 wins from 14 gameson theirway throughtothe semi fi nals

Visiting Broseley hadnoanswer to theirfree-scoringhosts in as they were sweptaside 6-1.

CharlieKnowles ledthe charge with ahat-trick,and wasjoinedon thescoresheetbyDanielBeddows, George Lees andsubstituteBrodie Mcleod.Asa Deangrabbedalate consolation forBroseley Church StrettonTownalso booked theirplace in thelastfour but needed penaltiestoedgeout GobowenCeltic

Ed Rogers firedCelticinfront twiceduringtheir firsthalfonlyfor thehosts to hitbackthrough Jack Briscoe andJames Hill to make it 2-2atthe break.

Therewerenofurther goalsand it wasStrettonwho triumphed 5-4 from thespot.

Hodnet’s cuphopes areoverafter they went down 3-1awaytoWest Midlands League Division Oneout fitAllscottHeath

An owngaolgaveHodnetthe ad vantageathalf-time butHeath hit back in thesecondhalfthanks to twogoals from Ryan Mansell and onefromAiden Jehu

TheSalop League action saw PreesUnitedgogoalcrazy in their PremierDivisionclash with SAHA FC

Preesplundered 14 goalswithout replywithSamuelFlorytakingthe individual plaudits with ahat-trick

Alex Kirk,JoelBrowne, Daniel Whelan andLiamMoore allstruck twice. TomClive,Matthew Owen andan owngoalcompleted therout.

MadeleySportsbagged three goalsand threepointsatthe ex pense of Ercall ColtsJuniorsEvo lution

JasonIllingworth,Shaun Davies andRyanEdwards were on target forSportswithEricMensahbag ging oneinreply forErcall.

Shrewsbury Up &Comersleft it late to secure victoryawaytoSt Martins.

Thehome side ledathalf-time afterLogan Richards hadscored direct from acorner.

Jordan Bailey equalisedfor Shrewsbury with 75 minutes on theclock andthenOwenRothwell grabbedadramaticwinnerinstoppage time

MatthewStuartbagged both goalsasWrockwardineWood JuniorsbeatWem Town 2-0.

Wood’s victorypushwas also

helped by goalkeeper Kareem Zaman saving apenalty

Therewas just onegameinDivision Oneand that sawtitle hope fuls AFCBridgnorth Development Squad beat BrownClee2-0

Thethree points left second-placedBridgnorth levelon points with leadersWellingtonAmateurs Development having played agamemore.

Saturday’s fixtures -Premier

Division: Dawley Town vSAHA FC;Madeley Sports vChurch StrettonTown; PreesUnitedv St Martins; WemTownv Hodnet; Wrockwardine Wood Juniorsv Shrewsbury Up &Comers;Ercall ColtsJuniors EvolutionvGobowen

Celtic Division One: EllesmereRangersvWellingtonAmateursDevel opment;ShrewsburyJuniorsDevelopment vErcallColts Juniors Revolution Colts.

League Cup: Ercall ColtsJun iorsRangersv BrownClee.

Bridgnorthpull clearfollowing awelcome win

Twogoals in five second-half minutes earned AFCBridgnorth apriceless away victoryatrelegation rivals Ingles

Atense affair in Leicestershire sawthe sides– whobothstarted theday on 18 points just outside therelegationzone–goalless at thebreak,withneither unableto breakthe deadlock

Butthe Meadow Men burst into lifeafterthe interval with a quickfire doublethatcould prove crucialinthe race to climbaway from thedottedline.

Firstitwas thefamiliar fig ureofnine-goal topscorerCraig Knowles, whocoollyconverted a ball in from Will Reid

And, minutes laterwithIngles shell-shocked, ShaquilleOlogiteremadenomistake to adda second afterbeing foundbyMatt Dean.

Ingles struck back shortlyafterwards to create atense finale butthe visitors held on to put threepointsbetween themselves andtheir hostsand,moreimpor tantly,seven points clearofthe drop zone

Shawbury United areasin glepoint better offthantheir countyrivalsBridgnorthafter an important 2-1 victory of their ownagainst mid-tableSmeth wick Rangers.

It wasanexcitinglateshow for thehosts, whofound themselves agoaldown, whileCianFenlon wasinthe sinbin,withjust20 minutes to play butshowed characterinbucket-loadsto spark aturnaround.

Former Shrewsbury Town youngster MarcoAdaggio slid in at thefar post fora crucial equaliser.

It gotevenbetterfor thehosts down in Ludlow as ex-TNS and Cardifffull-back Ryan Pryce noddeddownand in at theback post from acornertocomplete theturnaround.

Apostponementsaw Haughmond drop to thefootofthe tableas rivals CradleyTown pickedupapoint elsewhere.

Mond,whose clashagainst leadersDudleyTownwas washed out, aresix points from safety butdo have acoupleof gamesinhandonsome rivals

In thePremier Division, Shif nalTown closed thegap on leadersWalsall Wood, whowere washed out, to eightpointswith a2-1 home winover Stourport Swifts.

Thewin wasinspiredbyAFC Telfordloanyoungster JezAbbey, who fireda first-half brace.

Whitchurch Alport versus Highgate United and Market DraytonTown’s home clash with DarlastonTownfellfoulto theweather.

EllesmereRangers were dramatic late winnersinthe NorthWestCountiesLeague Edward Case Cupsecondround

It appeared theSwans were headingout thanks to a1-0 defi citatCheadle Town,but quickfire goalsfromJackHarrisand Karl Bailey inside the final10 minutes turned thetie

PresidentRichard Garbettisjoinedbya number of WorfieldCricket Club’s former presidents at theawardsevening

Run-machine Charlie Callaghan with presidentRichard Garbett

JennieJones receives herlongserving awardfromGarbett

OllieWood,who scored aseason high 208, picks up hisaward

NICK ELWELL

nick.elwell@mnamedia.co.uk

Howzat foranight?

Awards handed out at cricket club –Inside

ALLBLACKSWIN DELIGHTS COACH

Bridgnorth turned on thestyle as they returned to winningways in Regional 1Midlands.

Afterarun of threestraight de feats, theAll Blacks offeredglimps es of thefree-flowingrugby head coachBryan Smallman wantsto seethemplaying as they beat Stoke.

Luis Evittscoredtwo trieswhile Loti Molitika andElliot Murphy both toucheddownonceand Mur phyaddedthree conversionsand a penaltytosee thehosts to a29-23 success

“Itwas abetterperformance,” said Smallman

“Wehad spoken before about players stayingontaskand during ourfreeweekweheldtalks about how we want to play

“Wehaven’t reinventedthe wheel butwehavemovedupagear.

“Ifwehad played likewedid on Saturday andlost, Iwould have still been very happywiththe perfor mance.

“Wecreated alot of opportunities andthe speed of ball wasbetter.

“There were some mistakes but that wasbecause we were asking theplayers to play in afatigued state.

“The first20minutes wassome

of thebestrugby we have playedall season

“Wehavegot some breathtaking playersinthe backsbut they hav en’t really been gettingtheir hands onthe ball.But things dovetailed nicely on Saturday

“Had we played Saturday howwe didin theprevioustwo gameswe wouldhavelost.

“There wasalevel therefor the lads to look at.That’swhatweneed to be doing.”

Thevictory left theAll Blacksit tingthirdin thetable,six points be hind leadersDudleyKingswinford andthree behind second-placed Bromsgrove

Bridgnorth areathome again this weekendwhentheyhostBroad street andSmallmanisbracedfor anothertough test

“Broadstreet will bringa differ entsortofchallenge,” addedSmall man.

“Theyare very bluntand physical up frontand theirset-piece canbe awesome

“Wehavetotry to controlwhat they aredoing andget ourplays in place.”

Wren shines to securenew trophy

Mark Wren created at little piece of historyashebecamethe first winner of Bridgnorth Golf Club’s Champion of Champions Trophy

In thepast, theclub’spresenta tion eveninghas seen memberswho have woncompetitionsduringthe year invitedtobeofficiallypresent ed with theirtrophybythe men’sor ladies’captain,which waspreceded by ameal.

This year to make theday more

appealing theclubintroduced The ChampionofChampions Trophy, whichwas playedfor on thesame dayand open to allmemberswho have wonone or more trophies in thepast12months.

It provedtobeapopular decision as 39 trophywinnersbattled it out forgloryonthe fairways before headingintothe clubhouse fora two-coursemealand thepresenta tions.

Anditwas Wren whoclaimed the newChampionofChampions tro phy, thanks to afantastic scoreof 43 points, whichwas four clearof runner-upBen Taylor.Thirdplace went to Matt Lunn,also with 39, followed by TimCox (36) andthen Robert Jones (35)

Thenew eveningwas hailed as a success as therewas asignificant increase on membersattending the mealand presentation.

Bridgnorthboys keen to build on avital victory

AFCBridgnorth will be looking to upsetthe odds on Saturday when they host MidlandLeague high fliers Hinckley Hinckley will arrive at Crown Meadow sitting fifthinthe Divi sion Onetable andhavingham meredCoventryCopsewood 9-0 in midweek.

ButBridgnorthwill also have aspringintheir step following amuch-needed 2-1victory away to fellow strugglers Ingles last weekend–secured by goalsfrom CraigKnowles andShaquille Ologitere

“Ittookusawhiletoget going on Saturday,” said secretarySte ve Groome

“The conditions were farfrom idealand the firsthalfwas very scrappy.

“Butwestarted very strong in thesecondhalfand took thelead within acoupleofminutes.We then went 2-0and then letthem back into thegamebyconceding with around 20 minutes to go Butweheldonprettycomfort ably

“The performancelevelshave been goodrecentlyand it wasa good win.

“Hopefullywecan follow it up againstHinckleyonSaturday butitwill be atough game.

“Butwehaveplayedsome of ourbestfootballthisseason againstsome of theleading sides andthe winwillhavegiven the lads’confidence aboost.”

MarkWrenand men’scaptain Dave LewisPicture:MikePurnell

NICK ELWELL nick.elwell@mnamedia.co.uk

Bridgnorth’sLotiMolitika is allsmilesafter scoringatry Pic: Robert Nicholls