Bridgnorth Journal - 15-Dec-2022

CHALLENGEFOR NEWFIRECHIEF

Brigadebossfacing industrialaction,budgetand recruitmentissues within service

MEGANJONES

megan,jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Industrial action,budgetsand recruitment to ruralstationsare among some of theissuesfacing Shropshire’s newChief Fire Officer.

Simon Hardiman wasannounced as thenew ChiefFireOfficer(CFO) forShropshireFireand Rescue in November, followingthe retirement of outgoing CFO, RodHammerton Amid a financialcrisis, with Britainfacingwide-ranginglabour forceshortage andindustrialaction on thehorizon,itwon’t be an easy firstfew months forthe newchief He is,however,excited forthe new challenge, andisconfident theservice is in agood position

He said:“I’mreallyexcited,it’s ahugeprivilege andhonourtobe taking on theposition of ChiefOfficer. Idothink I’mtakingover at what couldbea challengingtime, butit’sa newchallenge.”

In addition to budget constraints, from nowtoJanuary 30, firefightersand firefightercontrolstaff are ballotingonstrikeaction.

Outgoing chiefRod Hammerton said theservice wouldbetested by industrial action,but wasconfident Mr Hardiman wasuptothe jobof managing thechallenge

Keepingthe 20 stations staffed purely by on-callpersonnel running is high on thechief’s list of demands.

Mr Hardiman said:“Ouron-call staffare integral to ouroperating model. We areconstantlyrecruitingtomaintainthe availability on thosestations.”

Town sparkles withadventofChristmas lights

Visitors have been marvelling at themagical festivemakeoverwhile outshoppingin Bridgtown.

Pretty illuminationshavesheda festivelightonthe town,withmany of them installedbythe town council.

Twotrees have been litup, oneof

them theTreeofThoughts, which hasbeenput up by therotaryclub. Businesses have playedtheir part,withmanydisplayinglights on theirbuildingsand in windows

MayorCouncillor KarenSawbridge said thedisplay wasalready attracting welcomefeedback and

said thetown‘trulycamealive’at Christmas-time.

TheChristmas decorationswere theperfect backdrop foranilluminatedtractor runthrough thetown onSundayinaid of Hope House Children’sHospice.

l Festive –Page5

GPs overwhelmed by StrepA worries

GP practicesacrossthe countyhave been facingahugeincreaseindemand with parentsconcerned about Strep A.

As practiceshavebeeninundated with callsfromconcerned parents, some arehavingtotemporarily halt routineappointments.

Dr Jess Harvey,clinicaldirector forthe SouthEastShropshirePrimary Care Networkand aGPat Much Wenlockand Cressage Medical Practice,said: “Any practice making adecision to reduce routine workwould only do so in theinterests of patientcareand is never an easy decision to make.”

Luxury apartments at old mill up forsale

TwohomesinsideaGrade II listed former textilemillare up forgrabs in Bridgnorth

Fort Pendlestone, ared sandstonebuildingbesidethe River Severn, wasbuilt in 1845

Between2008and 2014 theformermillwas converted into 14 luxury apartments. Numberseight and13 arenow on themarketwith estate agents Mr andMrs Clarke Number 8, apenthouse,boasts twolivingspaces, threebedrooms andtwo bathroomsand is forsale at £400,000.Number13isequally stunning–and marginallycheaper at £345,000

Driver sought after multiple vehicles hit

Officers from West Mercia Police revealed therewereanumberofincidentsinand around thetownlast Friday afternoon.

Aspokesman said:“Officers are currentlysearching forthe individualresponsible forcolliding with a number of vehicles in andaround Bridgnorth.”

Theforce is asking anyone whose vehiclewas struck to report it to officers viathe websiteatwww.west mercia.police.uk

Acouple take in thesights of theChristmaslights in Bridgnorth. Picture:Steve Leath.

Police aresearchingfor adriver whotheysay is responsiblefor crashing into anumberofvehicles in Bridgnorth

Artist’s

work adorns wallsat health centre

Limitededition prints from a Shropshire artist will decorate thereception of alocal health centre this festiveseason.

ShelleyWingrove,ofLittle BlackMare, Much Wenlock, creates hand cutlinoprints, collagraphsand etchings,all of whichare inspired by andcelebratethe Shropshire countryside andits Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty.

Andaselection of her works will be availabletoviewand purchaseatThe NaturalHealth Centre in Shrewsbury untilthe endofFebruary2023.

“Asanadvocatefor thepower of naturaland holistic therapies myself,Iwas thrilled to be invited to displaymy artworkwithin TheNatural Health Centre in Shrewsbury,” Shelleysaid. “I hope that they bringsome joy andpleasuretothose in the waitingroom.”

Simon Hooker,partner at The NaturalHealthCentre said: “We’re allveryexcited to have Shelleyexhibitingher beautiful andbespoke artworkwithus, whichfocuses on theincrediblebeautyofShropshire. It’s a real joy to have them lining the walls, brighteningupour reception area,and beingsharedwith ourpatientsfor alltoenjoy.”

Bike markingto preventtheft

Police areofferingresidents the opportunitytohavetheir bikesprotected from theft.

West Mercia Police will be holdingafree, bike markingevent at Bridgnorth Police StationonDecember 15,from10amto2pm

Theeventoffersresidents the opportunitytohavetheir bikes marked with an identification numberand logged on anationaldatabase,sopropertyiseasilyidentified andreturnedinthe eventofatheft

Officers will also be availableat theevent to issueSmartwater and crimepreventionadvicetomembers of thepublic.

Decision on hold over care home on carpark

Committee agrees to determinecontroversial plansatlater date

DAVIDTOOLEY david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

Controversialplans to

Therehas been majoropposition to theLNT Care Developments proposaltobuilda66-bedcarehome on part of theOld Smithfieldcar park in Bridgnorth Councilofficers hadoriginally recommended that Shropshire Council’s Southern Planning Committee should give it thegreen light.

Butat Tuesday’s meeting, councillorsunanimously agreed to defer adecisiontoafuturedate.

Theprivately-owned carpark wasthe subjectofapreviousplan for five shops– whichhas nowbeen abandoned.

Therehavebeena number of objections to thelatestplan, with Bridgnorth Town Council, Worfield &Rudge Parish Council, Astley AbbottsParishCouncil,ShropshireCommunity Health Trustand Shropshire Council’sown conservation department allraising issues

Afurther objectioncamefrom SportEngland overconcernsabout thefactthatthe care home will borderthe boundary forBridgnorth Cricket Club –which hasusedthe ground for150 years. SportEngland raised worries aboutcricket ballshitting thebuildingoreven residents.

Bridgnorth Town Councilhas specificallyraisedconcern over theimpactofthe building on the Bridgnorth ConservationArea, and thelossofparking spaces.

Planning officerGrahame French said thedeveloperswould be providing£83,000 over twoyears to pay towardspotential costsfor thelocal NHSarising from thecarehome

Thedeveloper hassaidthe home’s rear garden area will have a‘large pergolasecured by cricketnetting’.

Owlgetsinstickysituation

An owlisonthe road to recoveryat aShropshiresanctuary afterbeing rescuedfroma glue trap

Thelittleowl wasbrought in to theCuanWildlifeRescuecentre near Much Wenlockwhere theteam of rescuers beganthe painstaking processofcleaningoff theextremely strong glue bindinghis feathers

Staffthink theowl probably got stuckinthe trapwhilefeeding on a wood mouse that hadbeencaught in it.Since beingcleaned offheis eating well,and especiallyenjoys

live mealworms.A Bill that received royalassentinParliament earlierthisyearmadeitanoffence foranyonetoset arodentgluetrap withoutavalid licence.

Thecentre tweeted:“He is currently eating well,and loving eating live mealworms (which canbefound on ourwishlistifanyonewould like to donate some forhim.”

Cuan is open to admissions 24/7, treatsthousands of animalsayear andisalwaysinneed of donations. Seecuanwildliferescue.org.uk

Weddingvenue is awardedtop prizeyet again

Awedding venue haswon aprestigious awardfor thefourthtime.

TheHundred HouseatNorton, near Bridgnorth, won theBest WeddingBarnVenue in theWest Midlands category at TheWedding Industry Awards 2023 (TWIA)and nowgoes on to challengefor thenational titleatanevent to be held in London on January25.

It is thefourthTWIAregional awardsuccess forthe family-run HundredHouse,following on from threewinspre-Covid.Alarge part of thejudging criteria wasmadeup of feedback andvotes from couples whomarried at thevenue

Weddings at theHundred House areheldinthe 17th centurytithe barn at therearofthe successful countrypub,restaurantand hotel andisfully licensedfor allcivil marriageceremonies. Theclient-voted TWIA were launched in 2011 to recognise andrewardexcellence within theUKweddingsindustry.

Stuart Phillips, of theHundred House, said:“We areabsolutelydelighted. Despitesome mega tough competitionfromother stunning weddingvenuesacrossthe West Midlands,wehavewon through again. It’s fantastic.

“The judgingprocess is primarily down to feedback andvotes from coupleswho have experiencedtheir weddingwithus, whichmakes the winextra specialfor ourteam.”

Bag abargain at book sale

Book lovers canbag abargain in asaleat Bridgnorth Library overthe next twodays.

FriendsofBridgnorth Libraryare hostingthe eventat theListley Street facility,from 2-5pmtomorrow (Friday),and from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday.

Christmas raffletickets are on sale with thedrawbeing madeat2pm on Saturday

Refreshments of tea, coffee andcakewill also be served Moreinformation on 01746 763358 or viabridgnorth.li brary@shropshire.gov.uk

buildacarehomeon part of atowncentrecar park have beendeferred by planners.

Theowl waswashedthoroughly after hisordeal.Photo:Fran Hill

Ex-schoolteacher andcouncillor dies aged 80

Aformerteacher andcouncillor for Bridgnorth hasdiedpeacefullyat home at theage of 80

Cedric Lea, whodiedonDecember 4, wasthe former head of mathematicsand deputy head of OldburyWells School

Mr Leatookuphis appointment as head of mathematicsin1973, andlater became deputy headteacher at theschoolin 1985

Gilbert&Sullivan amateurdramatics,havingbeeninvolvedwith them in previous schools.

He also served on theformer Bridgnorth District Council,representingBridgnorth East Ward from 1979 to 2003.

Duties

Leawas deputy head

He enjoyed theworks of Gilbert &Sullivanand also oneyearplayed Fagininthe school production of Oliver!. He hadquite atalentfor

He acted as chairman of the councilfrom1991to1993, with one of hisofficialdutiesbeing to escort theDukeofGloucester at theribbon-cutting openingceremonyat

AlveleyCountry Park in 1992 following thereclamation of thesite of theformerAlveley andHighley coal mines.

In addition,MrLea waschairmanofhousing,duringwhich time he wasinstrumentalinthe development of bungalowsfor theelderly in Morville, andalso Greenfields Courtin Bridgnorth

He is survived by hiswifeof56 yearsJudy, andthree children Christian, Charlotteand Sam. The funeralisonMondayat11amat St Mary’s Church, Bridgnorth

Tree-mendous way to getin thefestive spirit at woodland

ELEANOR LAWSON Community News Reporter

excitedtotaketheir decorations to thewoodsand hang them in the tree.

“I thinkit’sa lovely idea to get everyone togetheratthistimeof year.It’sbeenarealcommunity effort whichisinthe true spirit of Christmas.”

ComerWoods, on theNational Trust’sDudmaston Estate, is displaying decorationswhich have been made by 10 Shropshire schoolsand groups, includingthe Bridgnorth Townswomen’s Guild.

Anyone is welcome to visitthe treetrail,openeveryday from 10.30amuntil 2.30pm untilChristmasEve

Visitors to thewoodsare encouraged to forage formaterials to make theirown decoration to hang on the finaltreeofthe trail.

String,twigs,pinecones and dried leaveswill be availabletouse at HeathBarn.

Children andparents at St Leonard’sPrimary in Bridgnorth have hand madedecorations usingwillow, driedfruit andother natural materialsforaged by volunteers at Dudmaston.

Caroline Allen, receptionclass teacher, said:“Thechildrenare so

Membersofthe WI’s Climate Change groupmet on Zoom to shareideas andinspiration fortheir naturaldecorations.The group, together with CoundCrafters, are bringing twig stars, firconegnomes andcardboard parcelstohangon theirtrees in ComerWoods.

GowGibson, operations manager at Dudmaston, said:“It’s the first time we’veheldaChristmas event in ComerWoodsand what better waytostart anew festivetradition, than by working with thelocal community to help shapeit.

“We’dliketosay abig thankyou to everyone whohas contributedto thenew Tree Trailand hopevisitors will also sharetheir owndecorations with us, on the finaltree.”

Family gamesand refreshments will also be availableatthe barn daily, andfor festive-flavouredhot drinks andtreats, stop offat The Café

Visitnationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ shropshire-staffordshire/dudmas tonfor more information.

KARENSAWBRIDGE, MAYOROFBRIDGNORTH

It’s rapidly approachingthat time of theyear, when we eagerlyawait thearrival of Father Christmas on December 25,a daywhich brings so much joy to themajorityofus.

We areremindedofthisjoyoustimeofyear, everyevening forthree weeksinthe run-up to ChristmasDay,whenSanta goes around on hissleigh –my thanks to thevolunteers from theminiand junior sections of Bridgnorth RugbyClub.

However,it’salsoa time to reflectuponthose who find themselves in themostdifficult of circumstances, both here in theUKand furtherafield. So,I wouldurgeyou to consider the prospect of making adonation to anywelldeservinglocal (or international) charity, as opposedtobuyingadditionaland oftenunwanted festive gifts.

Ipersonallywill be making donationstoseveral localcharities insteadofwriting andsendingChristmas cards, although this doesn’tmeanthatI’m not sendingmyverybestwishes to allofmyfamilymembers, friendsand thecommunity of Bridgnorth, becauseI sincerely wish everyone awonderful Christmas,apeacefulnew year andeverygood fortunein 2023

On November26, Iattended theLeagueofFriends of Bridgnorth Hospital’s annual Christmascoffeemorning Iwitnessed firsthanda fine groupoflocal volunteers doinga wonderfuljob to support Bridgnorth Hospital.Iwas also luckyenoughtowin thenamingofthe mascot of thegroup, ‘Campbell’,being aptlynamed afterDrCampbell, whowas a fine doctor at thehospitalfor many years. Isubsequentlydonatedmywinnings(£100)tothe Bridgnorth Food Bank

Pleaseremember,we’re here to help,ifwepossiblycan,so please getintouch,ifneed be In themeantime, keep warm

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

AlexandraBlakeman decoratesatreeatComer Woods

Cedric

CLLR

Festivefamily funisonoffer at Arboretum

TheNationalMemorialArboretum hasinvited everyone to gather with family andfriends to enjoy some festivetreats.

TheArboretum on CroxallRoad, Alrewas, Staffordshire, hasstarted itsannualfestive event, inviting everyone to get into theChristmas spirit with itswinterlight trailand illuminated grounds.

Mark Ellis, National Memorial Arboretum lead, said:“Whether you arewatchinga memorial come to lifewithstunninglight andsound projectionsduringIlluminatedArboretum or just want to quietlyvisit aspecial memorial over thefestive period, everyoneis welcome to visitthe Arboretum at Christmas.”

Ticketsfor theIlluminated Arboretum experience startat £24 per adult, and£14 perchild,where visitors will be able to experience amagical 1.3-mile-long route throughthe woodlandsgardensand memorials.

Ticketsfor theChristmas carols eventstart at £8 peradult,and £4 perchild.Visitorswillbeabletoget into thefestive spirit by gathering foranevening of traditional carols amongstthe lights of theilluminated trees

Moreinformation on eventdates andtimes is on thegroup’s website thenma.org.uk/christmas

Club helpsfeed hungrynursery school children

AShropshireRotaryclubhas made aChristmas dreamcome true foraschoolin West Africa

Members of Shrewsbury SevernRotaryClubagreedtoan urgent ChristmasAid Appeal from thetrusteesofEbo Town CommunityNursery School in time forthisFriday’scut-off date.The club hasdonated £130 tohelpthe school reachits targetwhich will enable them to buya bagofricefor everyfamily at theschool.

Thecut-off date will ensure thatthe organisation of purchasingand distributing the bags of rice to children and families– andifpossibletothe widercommunity –can be completed before the school breaks up forChristmas

ThetrusteesofEbo Town CommunityNursery School in West Africa have said in response to Rotary’s donation: “Wehavehad an amazingresponse to ourChristmas Aid Appeal so far, it’s blownusaway that despitethe currentsituation we all find ourselves in,you digsodeeptocontinuetohelp andsupport these wonderful children andtheir families.”

Thetrusteeshavetold Shrewsbury SevernRotary Club:“Themoney raisedwillbe used to buyasmuchriceas we possiblycan to give to children andfamilies at ourschool.”

KK headingout to therailway to mark Hall of Fame award

ELEANOR LAWSON newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Heavymetal icon Ken ‘KK’ Downinghas celebratedJudas Priestentering theRockand Roll Hall of Fame with acelebratory photoshoot in Shropshire.

Theband’sformerguitarist,who livesnearBridgnorth, enlisted the help of alocal photographer to take some specialshots in Highleywith hisnew award.

“It’ssuchahardthing to get into,” Kensaidofthe Rock andRoll Hall of Fame.“We were nominated in 2017 anddidn’tmakeit.

“Itwas really greatbecause obviouslyoverthe decadeswe’ve seen alot of people notnominated,and lots of people wouldlove to getin.

“It’saveryverydifficult thingto achieve. Youhavetohavebeenprolific. Only threebands inour genre have done it:Judas Priest,Black Sabbathand Metallica.”

JudasPriesthavenow achieved this incredible feat,and anew display in theHallofFameshinesa lightontheir legacy

When theinstitution sent KK his awardtoacknowledgethe honour, he wasasked by hismanagement team to take apublicity picture for theaward,which couldbeusedon theHallofFamewebsite

Engine

Kentried to take some selfies, but knew he needed abit of help to get theright photo,and called on local photographerRussell Drye.

Theheavy metalstarsaid: “I gave Russellacalland said let’spop down to theEngineHouse at SevernValleyRailway.I’vealwaysrelatedheavy metaltothose greatbig engines–and many of thoseparts were made in theBlack Country.

“WhenI used to go on thebus to Bridgnorth as akid,I’d enjoy fishingand seeing thesteamtrains– so that’s whyIchose thevenue.Severn Valley hasaniceheritage.”

He added: “Itwas closed when we went,soweknocked on thewindow andgrabbedthe manager’sattention –itwas wonderfulofher really

“I hadtohurry,as Iwas on the

waytoafull medicalinBromsgrove Butit’scominguptoChristmas, andthe Engine Houseissucha wonderfulfacility.Itneedsmore publicity,peopleneedtoknowhow to gethere.”

Twoofthe photosfromRussell’s shoothavenow been used on the Hall of Fame website –anincredible achievementfor an amateur photographer.

Russellsaid: “AsI’m just starting outinthis fieldI’m always on the lookoutfor photographyopportunities.I’veknown Kenfor some years

as he employed my eldest stepson when he ownedthe AstburyHall–andalsoknowhe’sabusyman and noteasytoget hold of!

“Asitturns outhe didhavea smallwindowopenand agreed to a 45 minutesession,eventhoughhe wasprettymuchwalking outthe door to head to Bromsgrove fora medical–due to himsoontobejetting offaroundthe world

“I askedhim wherehethought wouldbeagood placetomeetand do theshoot andherecommended oneofhis favourite places to visit

in Highley–the Engine House, and ahugethank you to themanager NickyFreeman forallowingusto use themuseum forthe shoot.

“Tomysurprise he broughtalong hisguitarand awardhehas just received forJudas Priest’s induction into theRockand Roll Hall of Fame, whichwas to be televisedthe dayafteronHBO in America.

“Thiswas my firstproperphoto shootand Iwas nervousasyou can imagine. Kenput me at ease andlet me just shootaway. Thewhole experience wasfantastic andenjoyable.”

WhileKKhas travelled allover theworld with JudasPriest, he is still proudofhis rootsand to have been born andbredinWestBromwich

“I livedinHillTop, then wemoved to theYew Tree Estate,soI’m very familiar with West Bromwich,with FriarParkand CharlemontFarm.

Passion

“All of that area –WestBromwich,Wednesbury, Walsall,Dudley –it’sabsolutelywonderful foraspiringyoung musicians.There arelots of greatmusicians from here.”

He added: “Music wasmylove andpassion.Itwas my saviourreally.But therewas never really atype of musicfor mewhenIwas growing up

“There wasnever amusic that fitted blue collar kids likeme, there wasn’t amusic forus. Kids turned to theblues butitwasn’tquite for me.Mytwo sistersusedtodrive me crazylistening to pop.

“I sawacouple of artists that inspired me more andatypeofmusic that didn’t quiteexist yet.

“I sawJimmyHendrix at theCoventrytheatre andhis musichad elements that meantmoretomethan theblues.”

Butwiththe emergenceofJudas Priest andBlack Sabbathinthe BlackCountry andBirmingham,a newgenre began to crystallise,with theMidlandsbands rightatthe centre

“Itwas an evolutionary road that we created from theBlackCountry allthose yearsago,” says Ken.

“Now we have working classmusicfor youngworking classpeople.

“It’sall overthe world– butthat’s how it started out.

“Itstarted outhere.”

Ken‘KK’Downing with guitar, awardand engine

Theengraving on theaward KK Downingatthe Engine HouseatHighley.Pictures:Russell Drye KK,left, with singer Rob Halford

Shedding festivelight on town

Callsfor action on road safety

Acouncil leader hasinsisted road tragediesshouldnot be accepted as an “inevitable” part of life, and called for“seriousand sustained” effortstotacklethe problem.

Figuresshowthat121 people were killed or injuredonShropshire’sroads last year,and several more people have died in trafficcollisionsthisyear.

Councillor RobWilsonwill table amotionatafull meetingofShropshireCouncil today(Thursday), calling forthe authoritytotarget zero deaths on roadsinthe county.The meetinggetsunder wayat 10am

Councillor Wilson’s motion urges thecouncil to supportthe view that theonlyjustifiable target should be that in thelongertermnoone is killed or seriouslyinjured on the roadsinShropshire.

To read hismotionin full,visit shropshire.gov.uk/committee-ser vices/mgAi.aspx?ID=21123

Spreading word on saltmachine

Aschoolhas become the firstin thecountytotakedeliveryofa salt spreader to tackle theproblemoficy pavements–ithas been named‘SpreadyMercury’.

Otherschools arebeing invitedtoworkwithShropshire Counciltohelptackleicy pavements.

It is beautifulthroughoutthe year butatChristmas Bridgnorth really does come into itsown High Town andLow Town are festoonedwithfestive lights, adorningthe streetsand thebridges that crossthe River Severn.

Many have been putupthanksto Bridgnorth Town Council.

Answer call over broadband delay

AShropshirewoman says shehas such seriousinternetproblemsthat it is affectingher ability to work Toni Gross, of SixAshes, says herinternetprovider, Airband, has told herthatmaintenance is being carriedout in theBridgnorth area whichhas ledtothe difficulties.

Shesaysshe hasbeentoldthe problems should be fixedinJanuary –but says this is not good enough

MrsGrosssaidthe problemhad been ongoingfor weeksand said shehad hadan apologyfromAirband.“We don’twantapologies we need an answer as to when it will be fixed,”she said.“Myself andmy husbandbothworkfromhome and it is becoming impossibletodo so.”

Aspokesman forAirband said: “Weare awareofthe serviceissues that this customer hasbeen experiencing andwholeheartedly apologise.Weare working tirelessly to improve thesituation whilst remainingindirectdialoguewith them.”

SUEAUSTIN

sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

Others lightupthe shop windows as businesses in thetownmake theircontribution.

Andthere aretwo enormous Christmas trees,one beingthe Tree

of Thoughts whichisthe workof thetown’sRotaryClub.

Town Mayor, Councillor Karen Sawbridge,saidthere were always lots of complimentsabout the Christmas lights

“Whatisalready amagnificent market town trulycomesalive at Christmas when it is transformed

by thewonderful lights,”saidCouncillor Sawbridge.

TheChristmas decorationswere theperfect backdrop foraspectacular, illuminated tractorrun through thetown’sstreetsonSunday.

Theevent wasorganisedtoraise fundsfor HopeHouse Children’s Hospice.

Farm’s newpiglets hoggingthe limelight

Twolitters of pigletshavebeen born at Scotty’s Donkeysand AnimalPark, just twoweeks aftertheir fatherdied.

The12adorable piglets, whoare yettobenamed,wereborntoPenny andPepperthree weeksago at thefarminNorton. Whileboth sows hadseven piglets, only six from each litter have survived.

Thepiglets’fatherStitchwas a belovedmemberofthe farm,having been hand-reared. However,hedid notlivetosee histwo littersborn.

Nowthere are16cutepiglets at thefarmonThe ApleyEstate, and anticipation is building as baby goatsare also dueany time soon.

Scotty’s Donkeysand Animal Park also have calves andplanon offering sessionsfromJanuary wheremembersofthe publiccan bottlefeed theyoung animals.

Staffare preparingtoget festive with ownerTonyScott planning to dressupas Santatotakethe donkeys into Bridgnorth fora special eventonDecember21, nearThe LookingGlassonBankStreet

The firsttotakeupthe offerwas Castlefields Primary in Bridgnorth, whichhas been providedwithbags of salt anda pedestrian salt spreader,which canbeusedtotreat pathsduringspellsofwintryweather.It wasnamed followinga pupils’ competition.

Councillor KirstieHurstKnight, Shropshire Council cabinetmember forchildren andeducation,said: “Weapproached Castlefields directly to seeifthey’dliketoworktogether andgot agreat response.”

Ice rink launched at garden centre

Agarden centre hasopenedits own festiveice rink

Bridgnorth Garden Centre,in Shipley,isinvitingpeopletoget theirskatesonand slideondownas it encouragessomeicy family funin therun-uptoChristmas.The skatingrinkopenedonSaturday–the firsttimeithas come to Bridgnorth It allows customers to browse and shop at theBritishGarden Centres storeand enjoythemselves on the ice.

Therinkwill be open today (Thursday) untilSunday. From Monday,itwill stay open untilDecember 30,exceptChristmas Day andBoxingDay,from9am –Sundays at 10 –to4.30pm

Thereisalso aSanta’s grotto

Ticketsare £6.95per person or £25per family–skate hire is included.Eachice skatingsession will last for30minutes Book at britishgardencentres. com/bridgnorth-garden-centre/

Tony Scottwith oneofthe piglets at Scotty’s Donkey andAnimalPark

AlleyKatzToy Shop hasaprettywindowdisplaywhich catchesthe eye

An beautifullyilluminated walkway

Bridgnorthisawinterwonderland TheRotaryClub’s Tree of Thought Lights hung overthe bridgecoming into Bridgnorth’sLow Town

Atreewith lights in thetown

Museum on high with £22m Lottofundfor development

MEGANHOWE megan.howe@mnamedia.co.uk

An ambitiousproject to transformand develop an award-winning Shropshiretourist hotspot hasbeenmadepossible thanks to £22.1million of funding.

Staffatthe RAFMuseum in Cosford have announced that funding hasbeensecured from TheNational LotteryHeritageFundfor their majordevelopment programme.

A total of £5 million has been awardedin the first-roundoffunding, whichmeans themuseumwill nowenter into adevelopment phase before workcommences in 2025

RAFMuseumCEO Maggie Appletonsaid: “I’d liketothank The National LotteryHeritageFundon behalf of allour staff, volunteers andtrusteesfor thegeneroussupport they have given us –wecould not be happier.

“We’re onestepclosertoour ambitiousplansbecominga reality, made possible thanks to National Lotteryplayers.Overthe coming months we will continue to work closely with ourlocal communities to develop theproject.”

Plansfor themajor development includeanimmersive exhibition whichwill be created to exploretoday’sRoyal AirForce andits criticalroleover thelast40years

Interactivedisplayswill invite visitors to discover more about the

RAF’smission,aswellashow the servicewillneed to adaptfor the future.Artefacts on displaywill rangefromaircraftto films– and multi-sensory displays will be developedthrough co-designwithmuseum partners

Theaim of thenew exhibitionis to deliver storytelling that better reflects thediverse communities of theregionand staffwillengage with awiderange of audiencesin thedevelopmentprocess inorder to achievethis.

Apurpose-built collectionshub will also be introduced, enabling

themuseum to conserveand care formorethan65,000 objectscurrently beingheldinstorage offsite. By working closelywithpartners andyoung people,the museum will design anew learning centre,dedicated to delivering educational programmes forpupilsacrossthe region.It is hopedthe newlearning space will inspirecuriosity –bothin STEM subjects as well as art, history anddesign–allowingyoung people to developnew andexisting skills.

Thevisitor experience will be enhanced with anew woodland area

andpublicrealm, to encourageoutdoor learning anddiscovery.The new, greenerlandscape will support themuseum’s commitment to becoming carbon netzeroby2030. Throughout theprogramme, museum teams will workwiththe RAF, as well as environmentalexpertstoinvestinsustainable technologies

Work will beginin2025and is expected to be completed by summer 2027

Formoreonthe redevelopment projectand how to getinvolved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands

Monthlyriseinunemploymentrateacrossregion

Therateofunemployment has risenagain,official figureshave shown.

TheOffice forNationalStatistics (ONS) said therateofUKunemployment roseto3.7 percentin thethree months to October, up from 3.6per cent in theprevious quarter.

In theWestMidlands, theunemployment rate also sawa rise Therewere143,000 outofwork –4.9 percentofthe working population, compared to 139,000previously.

Thenumberofpeople employed in theregionisat2.781 million–down 69,000 on thequarter and

down 36,000 on theyear. Across theregion, thenumbers claiming unemployment benefits, including UniversalCredit, last month have also been released

Figuresreleasedfor Shropshire andTelford &Wrekin, showed a drop in claimantsoverthe ageof 50 that areunemployedand lookingfor work. LocalAuthority areas showed a25per cent reductionfor year-on-year figuresuptoNovember2022.

BenMarr, partnershipmanager forShropshireatthe Department forWorkand Pensions,said: “Overallthe total figuresfor those whoare unemployed andlooking

forwork, continuestolookhealthy forbothTelford andShropshire.

“The year-on-year claimant count figuresinthe Telford&Wrekinareashowedan18per cent reductionand Shropshiresaw a20 percentreduction in theyearto November2022.”

Monthonmonth, therewas an increase in claimantsfromOctoberacrossthe West Midlands from 175,005to176,975,arateof4.8 per cent

In Shropshire,the claimant totalwas 4,565(2.4per cent), up from 4,500lastmonth Telford& Wrekin had4,030 claimants(3.6per cent)compared

to 3,960 last month. Nationally, data showed vacanciesdropped by 65,000 in thethree months to Novemberto1.9 million –the fifth quarterlyfallinarow andthe first annual fall sincethe beginningof last year

The figuressignalled that more peopleare choosing to return to work, with theinactivityratefallingto21.5per cent as thosein their50s opttogobacktoworkat atimeofrocketingcosts

TheONS said regularwages, excludingbonuses, roseby6.1 per cent in thethree months to October. Butwages continuedtobeoutstripped by rising prices

Festivepledge overroadworks

Nearly 900 milesofroadworks on motorwaysand majorA-roads will be removedahead of theChristmas getaway, National Highways have said

It said it wouldensure almost 98 percentofits networkwas fully open from 6amonDecember 20 untilthe endofJanuary 2byeither completing or lifting roadworks December 23 andChristmas Eve areexpected to be thebusiest days forpeoplemakingroadtrips to spendthe festiveperiodwithloved ones

TheAAestimates therewill be nearly 17 million cars on UK roads on both days

National Highways customer service director Andrew Butterfield said:“We know from experience that peak travel timescan vary in therun-uptoChristmas andso we’reencouraging driverstocheck trafficconditionsbeforeheading outtohelpkeeptraffic flowing.”

Earlybooking is theprescription

People whorequiremedication have been urged to get aheadfor Christmas by ordering prescriptionsearly.

NHSleaders arekeentoensurethatpeopleacrossthe county have enough of their routinemedicationand prescriptions forthe holiday period

Some pharmacies andGP practiceswill be closed over the bank holidays.Check opening timesatnhs.uk/service-search

Dr Nick White, chiefmedical officeratNHS Shropshire, Telford andWrekinsaid: “Now is thetimetoplanahead to help getyou andyourfamilythrough thewinter season.Byordering earlyand collecting on time, you’llsaveyourselfthe stress of possibly not gettingwhatyou need on time andplayyourpart in keepingthe pressure offour health services.”

Record-breaker back on screens

Shropshire’sCountdown legendwill be back on theTVtoday (Thursday).

TomStevenson, 21,fromBurford,nearLudlow,shook thenation during hisrecord-breakingappearance on thebeloved Channel4game show.Onhis last appearance,he wasthe firstcontestanttowin all eightofthe rounds he took part in, gained thehighestscore in oneprogramme of 154and setthe record time forsolving aconundrum.Now, he’s back forthe quarter-finals

He said:“Iwas quitesurprisedin asense,todosowellthe firsttime. I didn’t really setmyselfany expectations, Iwas just goingonand seeing what happened.”

If he is successful,Tom would competein thesemis on December 21,withthe finalset to aironDecember 23.Heisalso linedup to competeinJanuary’s Countdown: ChampionshipofChampions with RichardOsman

RAFMuseumCEO Maggie Appleton anddirector of contentand programmesKarenWhitting.Photo:Bob Greaves

Image of thelearning centre What visitors would seeonarrival at theRAF CosfordMuseum Impression of woodland area

Fundraisingeffortjustmagic

A91-year-old entertainer whose careerled him to Hollywoodtomeet theworld’s biggeststars, hasraisedalmost£4,000 forcharity throughsales of hisautobiography.

GeoffRushworth, knowntomany in Shropshire forhis extraordinary career as amagician, revealed the magicbehindhis longlifeinanautobiographycalledFromShrewsbury to Hollywood, with allproceedsgoingtoAlzheimer’s Research UK in memory of hiswifeMolly whodied of thediseasein 2020

Thefundraising team sent Geoff athank you certificate in recog-

MEGANHOWE megan.howe@mnamedia.co.uk

nition of hisefforts.Fundraising groupchairmanKatie Foster said: “The Rushworth familyare amazingand we aresogratefultothem forall theirsupport andenthusiasm.

“Theyhavemadeabig difference andhelpedtocreategreater awareness forthe need formoreresearch into dementia.

“There hasbeenalot of publicityabout anew drug,Lecanemab, whichmay help to destroythe amyloidplaqueinthe brainwhich is oneofthe causesofdementia. But there’sstill alongway to go.And

thereisstill only onedementiaresearcher foreveryfourcancerresearchers. Morefunding isvital if we aretodevelop really effective treatments.”

Geoffhas toured theworld on cruise shipsperformingmagic and even hada shot at the1964 Tokyo Olympicsafter teaching himself judo.Hestarted hisjourney in 1954, when he wasthe victim of ahit andrun accidentnearRAF Shawbury –where he workedasa radartechnician.

Despite beingleftwithsevere hearingdifficulties, thisdid not stop Geofffrompursuingthe martialart –and he laterbecame Shropshire’s firstever blackbelt. Geofftaughthimself magicout of

abook, andtogetherwithhis wife, they performedall over theworld andalso at theLondonPalladium, meetingsomeofthe world’s biggest stars.

In 2005,Geoff andhis family were on holidayinLouisville, Kentucky, visiting MuhammadAli’s museum when they happened to meet theman himself

Geoffsaid: “Wehad photostaken with himand Idid magicfor him as well.Heloved magicand used to performitonParkinson’sshow.”

Geoff’sson Paul said:“My dad hasled an amazinglife. It’s agreat book,and as mumpassedawayfrom Alzheimer’s, he thoughtitwould be an excellentway to raise moneyto tryand find acure.”

Hunt’s carols service called offamidfears

Achurchcancelled acarol service organisedbyaShropshirehunt“on police advice”afterconcernsabout safety

Theservice,for theSouth Shropshirehunt, TheUnitedPack, had been duetotakeplace at St George’s Church in Clun on Sunday.

Butthe DioceseofHereford, whichisresponsible forthe church, said it haddecidedtocancelthe service aftercommentsabout amemberofthe clergy on theinternet.

In astatement,the diocesesaid that amemberofthe church had been thesubject of “a number of untruths spread online”.

It said:“Based on police advice, we have takenthe decision that the servicewill not go ahead. There have been anumberofuntruths spread online abouta member of ourclergywho it wasassumed wouldbeleading thisservice

“The decision hasbeenmadein theinterests of herpersonalsafety. Ourchurchesremainopentoeveryoneand offeranyoneawelcome, whatever theirbelieforworld view,” it added.

ThreatscameafteraFacebook post askedpeopletoe-mailtheir thoughts to areverend, andto “keepitpolite”

Aspokesman forThe United Pack said newarrangementswere beingmade, blaminga“hate-filled campaign againstlocal clergy”on socialmedia.

Ahostoffestive funislined up for youngstersatChristmas holiday clubsaroundthe county

TheCrossbar Group, in partnership with theCrossbar Foundation, is putting the finishingtouches to a busy itineraryofactivities.

Designedtokeepchildren aged betweenfourand 11 active andentertained, clubswill be held at eight Shropshireprimary schoolsbothbefore andafterChristmas,fromDecember 19 to 23 andthenDecember 28 to 30

Luke Hughes,Crossbar’s holiday activities lead, said:“The firstweek will be Christmas-themed “There will be avisit from Santato alleightholiday clubswhenapresent will be delivered to everychild that

Ticketsgoonsalefor comedian’s live show

Ticketsare nowonsalefor stand-up comedian John Robins’biggestUKwide tour to date,which includes an appearancein Telford.

Themulti award-winningcomedian is embarking on hisbiggest live tour next year

Alongsidesome of thebiggestnational venues, Johnwill be performing hisbrand-new show HowlatTelford Theatre,inOakengates, on November 15

He hasmadeappearances on Live at theApollo, CelebrityMastermind, Mock theWeek, 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdownand StandUpCentral.

attends. Week twowillhavean‘I’m aCelebrity’theme,sothe children canlookforward to enjoying arange of games, activities,challenges and trials.”

TheChristmas clubs, whichwill also featureavisit from Shropshire Paintball’snerfgun arena, will be held in TelfordatLawley Primary School,Old Park PrimarySchool andRedhill PrimarySchool; at Much WenlockPrimary School andin Shrewsbury at Greenfields Primary, Radbrook Primaryand St George’s Junior School,aswellasatPontesbury PrimarySchool.

Alleight of theCrossbar clubstake placefrom8.30amto4pm,costing £15eachday to attend.Bookatcross barcoaching.schoolipal.co.uk

Twonames confirmed forcomedyfestivalbill

Twoactshavebeenrevealedfor acomedyfestivalnextyear.

TheInternational Comedy Festival is settotakeover Shrewsbury next July,withperformancesatseveral venues.

TheGalaShow,at theSevernTheatre on July 16,willbethe highlightof thefestival. ClintonBapitiste of Peter Kay’sPhoenix Nights andstarofLive at theApolloand Comedy Central’s RoastBattleAdamRowewill feature.

Ticketsare £33.50 andavailable through theTheatre Severnbox office 01743281281orattheatresevern co.uk/

Piles of festive funfor youngsters at Christmasholiday clubsacrosscounty

COMMENT

Anew report says we’refallingout of love with theinternet andfalling back into love with theHighStreet.Ifthat’strue, many will welcome it

Theinternethas changed ourhabits, butthe absence of thehuman touch, of good customerservice andofa friendly face whowill advise andlisten remainsthe keyfailing foronline retailers. Customerservice is frequently poor,rules of engagement canbespeciousand whileit’seasytobuy it canbe all-too-difficult to return

Theworking conditions are poorfor some of thoseemployeeswho supply theinternet tradeand worktheir socks off to provideexpedited deliveries foronline goods. Many workin hothouse conditions wherepay is poor andwhere toughtargets areexpected on an hourly basis.

If themoveawayfromHigh Streetshas peaked,wecan look to thebenefits of shopping in physical shopsand also to the delights of Shrewsbury town centre,Telford’s Southwater or beautifulLudlow.

Thebesttowncentresnow have more reasonsfor people to visitthanjustshopping. Restaurants andfamilyattractions make aday at theshops allthe more rewarding, rather than it just beinga chore.

Thereare huge opportunities forour town centres, whichcan provideaccommodationand leisure,bringingfootfallduring thenight time as well as during normalhours

Planners,landlords,developersand others with an interest should continue to invest,for therewillalwaysbeaplace for agoodquality shopping,dining andleisure experience. It is up to them to provideit.

It is notsurprisingthatpeople arethinkingofholidaysatthe moment

Even when timesare tough, many familieswill cutcorners to find time to spendaweekor twoeitherabroadoronastaycation.Thatisunderstandable.

Qualitytimewithfamilyand loved-ones is pricelessand the Covidpandemicremindedus allabout themuchtalkedabout theneed fora good work-life balance.

With theweather so cold at presentand with thecosts for heatingour homessohigh, it is littlewonderthatpeoplewant to escape to thesun

That desire is good news for thetravelsector, whichlooked to be on itsknees during Covid. It is nowbackupand running andisbouncingbackwell.

With theUKeconomy strugglingand with recessionupon us,itisararegood news story in achallenging time

Theholiday industry needs earlybookingsnow

It’s back to the shops as we tire of clicking

Is ourloveaffairwith online shopping on the wayout?

Thesigns areshoppersare becoming less click-happyastheylook to take care of their finances

Andwiththatmorehesitantapproach comesadesiretotravelback to shopsagain,tophysicallycheck on goodsand ensure qualityand valuefor moneyisright.

Accordingtoexperts, almost half of gift shopping by people in theWestMidlandswillbedonein stores andhigh streetsthismonth That signalsawelcome return to thehighstreet andwithitaboost fortownand city centresthathave increasingly struggled to compete with theconvenienceofonline shopping,especiallyafter aCovid lockdown in whichpeoplegot outofthe habit of ‘going shopping’.

PricewaterhouseCoopers’annual Festive Predictionsreport, published today, hasfound that while thepandemicacceleratedthe shift to online shopping forChristmas presents, therehas been arecovery in thepreferencefor shopping in physicalstores.

FollowingBlack Friday,where PwC research foundthat43per cent of West Midlands consumers were interested in spending on the day, it is predicted that consumers areplanningtoslightlyreducetheir festivespendingthisyear, with an averagespend of £393 peradult in theUK, eightper cent less than last year’s £426.But more of themoney beingspent will be handed over at tillsratherthanthrough themobile phoneorcomputerscreen.

SarahPhillips, PwC consumer leader forthe Midlands,saidmajorshoppingcentres, such as the Bullring, MerryHill, Telfordand Shrewsbury should seea benefit.

Shesaid: “Footfallshouldincrease acrosshighstreetsinthe region this Christmas.Big events likethe return of theBirmingham GermanMarket,aswellasother festiveattractions putonagain in town andcitycentresacrossthe West Midlands will bringpeoplein andthatwill have apositive impact

“Whilst averagespend perconsumerin theUKispredictedto slightlydecline,45per cent of those in theWestMidlandsare planning

thekey spending priorities, with almost as many people saying they will spendmoreasspend less “Our research showsalmosttwo thirds of people in theWestMidlandswill be hostinganextended or immediate family gathering, thehighest proportion in theUK, showingthataftertwo years’ of restrictions, spending timewithloved ones is apriority.”

Retail expertsalsopoint to a growingcynicismamong shoppers at thelevel of discount availableonline andwhether thesavings being advertisedare genuine.

Pricecomparisonwebsite PriceSpy surveyed thetrendsin prices in theperiodahead of BlackFridayand noticed that online prices were artificiallyincreased in the weeksahead of theevent so that they couldthenbeadvertisedas discounted when thesales started This tactic of preparingfor ‘fake sales’ is part of an increasing trend. Around 14 percentofproducts tracked by PriceSpy increasedin theweeks aheadofBlack Friday andthenweresuddenly‘reduced’

TheUnitedKingdom hasa proudhistory of supporting those in need of protection Since2015, theUKhas resettled more than 27,000 refugees throughsafeand legalroutesdirectly from areasofconflictand instability

Fewepisodes canbetterdemonstrate Britishcompassionfor those fleeingwar andpersecution than theHomesfor Ukraineprogramme which hasseen145,000 Ukrainians housed with familiesupand down thecountry,including around 550 in Shropshire.

Thecriminalgangs whoexploit migrants anddealinthe despicable humantraffickingtrade, puttinglives at risk in dangerousdinghiesacrossthe channel, make amockery of this compassion anddoadisservicetothose whomigrate to theUKthrough proper legalroutes.

Morethan40,000 people have illegally crossedthe Channel in smallboats this year.Many originate from safe countries andtravelthrough safe countries. That is unfair on those whocome here legally, unfair on thosewho have agenuine asylum claim, andunfaironthe Britishtaxpayer. So,Istrongly welcome newmeasuresannouncedthisweekwhich will go much furthertotacklethe issue of illegal migration.

TheGovernmenthas reacheda newagreement so thevastmajority of over 10,000 single male Albanian claimants, whohave arrivedonsmall boatsacross theChannel,can be removedon weekly flights untilall those in ourbacklog aresenthome

Apermanent,unified Small BoatsOperational Command hasbeenannounced in the Channelwith700 newstaff that will bringtogethercivilian,militaryand crimepartnerstodetectand interceptsmall boats

to head in storefor theirfestive shopping, providingaboost to retailersand hospitalityvenues.”

PwC research showsthatthis year many consumers usedBlack Friday as an opportunitytostart Christmas shopping, lookingto make useofdiscounts when looking forgiftsasthe cost-of-living puts pressureondisposable income

Ms Phillips added: “Thismeans thatspendingduringDecember is likely to be lowerand retailers should help theircustomers economise,while keepingChristmas special. Christmasdinner –and food anddrink more generally–remain

Figuresfor 2021 show that beauty wasthe worst-affected sector, with 22 percentofall perfumes and 21 percentofall skincare products featuringinfakesales.Othersincluded computer components (18 percentofall products), hikingand trekking footwear (16per cent)and kitchenappliances(15 percent)

“Our data indicatesfakesales on BlackFridayin 2022 mayhave been much more widespread than in recent years,”saysLiisa Matinvesi-Bassett, thewebsite’s manager Consumer magazine Which? goes further–itfound that 99.5 percent of products in supposed BlackFriday‘deals’ were cheaperorthe same priceatother timesofthe year

Tougherimmigration enforcement will be introduced, boosted by 200new staffand better data sharingtocrack down on illegal migrants andcarry out 50 percentmoreraids on those whoexploit migrants to workillegallyinthe UK

Finally, RishiSunakmadea commitment to clearthe initial asylum backlogby2023.

Ourdeepeningco-operation with France andplans to pursueasylumprocessinginsafe countrieslikeRwanda, coupled with these measures will make asignificant difference in tackling this tragicissue

Ourlove affair with online shopping mayhavepeaked.

PHILIP DUNNE

‘There’s growing cynicism at the levelofdiscount availableonline’

Busy –Shrewsbury town centre

Immigration to theUKisnow at arecordhigh

Iquote theHome Secretary: “It’snot racist foranyoneto want to controlour borders, it’s notxenophobictosay that mass andrapid migrationplaces pressureonhousing,public services andcommunity relations”

Let’slookatthe realityoflivinginthe UK.The population hasrisenbysome eightmillion in just 20 years, 82 percentof that from immigration.

At theend of 2021,32per cent of theUKpopulation, 21.4 million people,werelivingbelowasociallyacceptableliving standard andthisprior to the cost of energy

Comparingpensionsasa percentage of netsalaryreplacementrate, theUKat28.4 percentfor an averageearner, is well belowthe OECD average of 58.6 percentand theEUaverageof63.5per cent

In theOECD’smeasure of lifequality,crime,healthcare, traffic, theUKisa poor23rd in theworld as aplacetowork andlive.Weare behindIceland,Norway, Sweden,Germany andsuchnations as Estonia, Oman,Lithuania,UnitedArab Emirates andPortugal.

We nowlearn that netlegalimmigration into theUK at 504,000isarecordhigh. By 2050 thepopulationinthe UK is forecast to be 85m, more thanGermany whichisalmost 50 percentbigger.

Ourgovernmentsaysmuch butits recordisabysmal,the opposition hasnopoliciesapart from ‘criticise thegovernment’.

Strategyfromthe topfrom both parties is fine,but if operationallyitispoorlythroughout andbadly enforced,itisworthless;suchisthisgovernment’s controlofall ourborders.

RDower,MuchWenlock

Novel ideato generate power

Feelingthe cold weatherlately me andthe Mrshaven’t done much apartfromputting up ourChristmas tree.

Isuggested to herthatI should getmybikeout andput it on astand next to thetree andinorder to save on electricitybills, take thebelloff and fit adynamo.

Shecould then pedalaway to powerthe lights andkeep

PICTURE FROMTHE ARCHIVE

warm at thesametime! Iam walkingaroundnow with a Christmas treeshovedwhere the sundon’t shine– shedidn’t thinkmuchofmyNobel Prize Innovation idea!!!

PeterHassall,Shifnal

Homeless face Christmascrisis

Thousandsofpeopleacrossthe countryare facing adistressing anduncertain Christmas withoutasafeplace to call home

In Britaintoday,227,000 households areexperiencing theworst formsofhomelessness.Thisincludespeople sleeping on thestreets,trapped in insecure accommodation withoutaccess to theirown cookingorwashing facilities, or sofa surfing

As therisingcostofliving pilesmoreand morepressure on people,homelessness charity Crisis is supporting people in desperatesituationsstruggling with unaffordablehousing and rocketingbills. As cost pressuresintensify,it’sonlygoing to getworse

Now’sthe time to standwith peoplefacinghomelessness Crisis at Christmas will be openingits doorstopeoplewho

wouldotherwise be spending December andJanuary sleepingonthe streets.

Crisis will be providingall itsChristmas guests with akey workerwho will give ongoing supporttohelpthemstart on ajourney outofhomelessness

Butthe supportCrisisprovidesisonlypossiblebecause of thegenerosity of theBritishpublic. Pleasegivethe gift of aCrisisChristmas andhelp someone leavethe trauma and hardship of homelessness behind.To find outmoreortodonate,visit crisis.org.uk/support Crisis Ambassadors

Money-eating vanity project

Given that we currently find ourselves,asa nation,onthe verge of anationalstrike, surely even this government must face thefactthatthe money-eatingvanityproject called HS2shouldbestopped

They continue to refertoitas thebasis of theirmulti-promises ‘levelling up strategy’when we allknowthose promises will neverbedelivered

Neil Hancock, Bridgnorth

PRAYER OF THEWEEK

BY CANEVCLAYTON,WHO CONTRIBUTESTOANUMBER OF NATIONAL PRAYER GROUPS

Whocan believeweare in December alreadyand that 2023 is around thecorner? Is Christmasall aboutpresents, parties, food andalcohol, or is theremoretoit? I liketothink so Christmas can be so much more with friendsand family. My thoughts turn to thosewho arealone.maybe we canhelptospreadthe kindness with arandomact Recently Iwas on abus anda flusteredyoung lady goton. Sheasked me if it wasthe rightbus.And then askedifIhad an iPhone charger. Ilet herhaveit. Andshe wasshocked and blessed.

Here is aprayertoreflect on:“Heavenly Father thank you that as we thinkabout this time of year,wecan look forward. Help us to find hope in thelittleand thebig things. Enable us to share with kindness.InJesus’ name Amen.”

Insidethe controlroom of Ironbridge PowerStation during thepowercutsofDecember, 1970, caused by strikes.

Jobs risk as firm in administration

Amajor clothing brand–with stores in Shropshireand across theMidlands– hasplunged into administration,putting 170stores andnearly2,000 employeesatrisk.

M&Co,whose Shropshire stores includeBridgnorth andNewport, announced it hadgoneintoadministration butwould continue to trade

Thebrand confirmed on itswebsite that AdeleMacLeod, Gavin George ScottParkand Robert JamesHarding of TeneoFinancialAdvisory Limited hadbeen ‘appointed jointadministrators of M&Co TradingLimited’.

Headquarteredin Scotland, M&Co has170 stores across theUK andane-commerceplatform, employing 1,910staff Mr Park confirmed no immediate redundancies hadbeenmadeand thejoint administrators were exploring apotential sale of thebusiness

Topaward goes to fire service

ShropshireFireand Rescue Servicehas been namedasthe emergencyservice of theyearat an awards ceremony in London

Theservice hadalso been shortlistedinthe Innovation of theYearcategoryfor on-call sustainability at theExcellence in Fire &Emergency Awards 2022,heldlastFriday.

Aspokesman said:“From the stationcleanerstothe chiefofficer, from theITdepartment to thetrainingand development centre,fromthe technicalservicesdepartmentto fire control, thehuman resources department to workshops, the financeteamtothe whole-time firefighters,the adminteamto theon-call firefighters, theprotection department to theprevention department,and allour othercolleaguesa massivewell done.”

Alertondanger of anti-freeze

Police have issued awarning to motoristsabout thedangers to pets from anti-freezepoisoning

PCSO Davisofthe Woodside &Madeley SaferNeighbourhood Team shared themessage

PCSO Davissaysmostpeopleare unawareofthe danger to pets from anti-freezepoisoning

Ingestingthe smallest amount of anti-freezecan causekidneyfailure anddeath, especially in cats, with fatalities seen in Ludlow in January this year

Accidentalpoisoningsfromspills or leakscan happen everyyearand peoplehavebeenurged to check theircar in caseitisleaking coolant. They have also been asked to take care in storing, usingand disposing of anti-freezeand water coolantasmostaccidentaldeaths areavoidable

Formoreinformation or advice, visitcats.org.uk/northherts/news/ the-danger-of-antifreeze

Unsung heroes gettogetherfor royal carolservice

Communityheroeswill represent thecountyata special royalcarol servicein thecapital

TheTogetheratChristmas carol serviceatWestminster Abbeytoday(Thursday)willtakeplacejust days aftera high profile eventin Telfordbrought together 200peopletoshine aspotlight on thearea’s unsung heroes.Fourpeoplefrom

Shropshire, JulieLockley,Christine Jones, Jane Rylandsand Rev LindaCox –and theirguests– have been invitedtoWestminster Abbey by Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Anna Turner,inhonouroftheir worktohelpothers.

King CharlesIII andCamilla, TheQueen Consort,The Prince andPrincessofWales andother

membersofthe RoyalFamilywill attend theTogetherAtChristmas carolservice

Aspokesman forthe organisers said:“It is dedicatedtoHer Majesty QueenElizabeth II andthe values HerMajesty demonstrated throughouther life.

“These principles aresharedand personified by theinspirational

guestswho have been invitedtothe Abbeyinrecognition of theirtireless work to help andcarefor those around them.”

Runningintandem with theAbbeyservice,afamilyofTogetherat Christmas communitycarol services is taking placearoundthe UK. Telford’sStGeorge’sChurchwas chosentohostaservice on Tuesday.

Endofthe world–fansare left dejected afteraspotofbother

DAVIDTOOLEY david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

left

across Shropshire

asuccessionofmissed chancesastheyexited theWorld Cupatthe quarter finalstage.

Thefrustration of skipperHarry Kane’s late penaltymiss at the Al Bayt StadiuminQatar wasfelt 4,355miles away from Shrewsbury’s Salopian bar.

Araucous crowdhad filled the pub with thesoundsofchanting andarousing renditionofthe National Anthem before kick-off

They gathered in theSmithfieldRoadbar –in some cases for hoursbeforethe matchagainst theworld champions started –and staffwereeventuallyhavingto turn people away agood 45 minutes before thekick-off. TylerAlcock, 35,fromShrewsbury, managerof league-leading Cruckton Rovers, predicted a3-1 winfor England.

Thecrowd wasmale-dominated butwomen were dotted in among thecrowd.Friends Lucy Andrews, Alicia Pritchard, NiaBowen and HannahCoachey were therefor the atmosphere.TheysecretlyadmittedtobeWales supporters, with oneadding: “We’re outnow so it doesn’tmatter”

FriendsJack Eberle,Sam Sandersonand OllieDavies-Pugh hadtravelled intotowntoget behind theboysinwhite

With Englandagoaldownatthe break, thegloom turned to glee as Kane levelledfromthe spot.Hope turned to disbeliefwhenFrance’s record goalscorer OlivierGiroud gave LesBleus a2-1 lead –and then came that late spot of bother from theusually reliable captain.

Carblaze putout

Staffatashopturnedinto firefighters when they extinguished acar blaze.

Firefighters were called outto theCo-Operative store, in Mill Street,Bridgnorth, at 2.17pm on Saturday to reportsofa vehicle on fire

When they gotthere they found that stafffromthe Co-Ophad managedtoput the fire outand

by shop staff

thecar hadbeendrivenaway. A spokesmanfor ShropshireFire &Rescue Servicesaid: “The fire wasextinguishedprior to arrival of fire servicebyCo-Op staff andcar hadsubsequentlydriven away.”

The fire serviceconfirmed that itsteamwas notrequiredtoput the fire outand that thecar had been driven off.

Ambulancerescueplandrawn up

ShropshireCouncil is considering what it cando to help solvethe ambulanceand hospital dischargedelaycrisis.

Membershavebeengiven therecommendations of ataskand finish groupthatwas puttogether followingcalls made to look into theissue last spring.

Councillorsheard on Monday thereare things they canlookatto

reduce thedemandonlocal accident andemergency departments. The authorityisalsolooking at re-shapingthe care market and finding ways to getpeople whoare fitfor dischargeout of hospital faster

Thereportwill go to ameeting on Mondaywhere councillorsaim to scrutinise health leaders’ actions and find outmoreabout what they proposetodotoeasethe problems

England’sLions

fans

ruing

Excessivehouse pricegrowthis nowstabilising,accordingtoa West Midlands estate agent.

Nick Berriman said therehad been twoyears of increasing prices that were never goingto be sustainable

ThedirectorofBerrimanEatoninTettenhall, Wombourne andBridgnorth,saidthatwhile aprice correction wasnot yet beingseen, he expected prices mightdropslightlynextyear.

But he remains bullish, saying his Bridgnorth office in particular had been very busy since the firstCovid-19lockdown.

He also saidthere remained strong demand in urbanareas, adding first-time buyers were strugglingand beinghit hardestbyinterestraterises

Matt Nicol, managing directorofNicol &Co, whichhas officesin Worcester, Droitwich andMalvern, said the “doomsayers”predictinga majorcrash post-Covidhavebeen provedwrong

He said:“Thelatestmarket data confirmsinflationisagain coming undercontrolmore quicklythanoncepredicted and ratesare reducing,signalling thereislight at theend of the tunnel.”

Expert predicts an upbeat future forpropertymarket

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Averagehouse prices in theregionwillsee a significant rise over the next five years, despite property values being expectedtofalldramatically in 2023,according to anew forecast.

Property expert Savillshas given an upbeat prediction forthe housingmarket in Shropshire

Anditsaysour region is also expected to be “moreresilient”than many otherparts of thecountry, particularly London wherethe slumpisexpected tohaveabigger impact

Aftermorethantwo yearsof strong growth, theaverage UK houseprice is expected to fall by 10 percentin2023wheninterestrates peak,but theprime marketswill seesmaller fallsand outperform over the five-yearforecastperiod.

PeterDaborn,directorinthe residential salesteamat Savillsin Telford,said: “Weanticipateagrowing divergence betweencashand eq-

HAPPENTOPROPERTYPRICESINTHE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

People escaping theurban jungle forabetterlife

Attractive market townsinShropshireare in high demand,and that meanstheyare likely to seeaparticularlystrongbounceback in the housingmarket

North West -8.5% +22.1% +11.7%

Yorkshire -8.5% +22.1% +11.7%

North East -8.5% +22.1% +11.7%

Wales -8.5% +22.4% +11.1%

Scotland -9.0% +19.7% +8.9%

West Midlands -9.0% +19.7% +8.9%

South West -10.0% +18.0% +6.2%

South East-11.0% +15.7% +3.0%

East of England -11.0% +15.7% +3.0%

London -12.5% +12.3% -1.7%

UK average -10.0% +18.0% +6.2%

uity rich or cash buyers andother groups in theirability to transact, andbetween themainstream market andprime marketswhere housingwealthismostconcentrated.”

Interest ratesare expected to graduallyeasebackfromthe middleof2024and Savillsisforecast-

ingvalueswill begin to recover andthe averagehouse priceacross Shropshire, Staffordshireand the widerWestMidlandswill rise by a net figure of 8.9 percentinnominal termsoverthe next five years. That wouldbe2.7 percenthigher than theprojected UK average.

People areincreasinglylooking to escapetheir urbanlifestyle and enjoyarural idyllwithgoodshops andschools, whilestill beingableto commutetowork.

In theperiodbetween January andOctober this year,the postcodesofMarket Drayton, Newport, Much Wenlockand theirsurroundingareas sawa 49 percentincrease in second-handhomespriced above £500,000 beingbroughttothe market,comparedtothe same period in 2021,accordingtodataprovider

TwentyCi

PeterDaborn of Savillssaid: “As alargermarket town,Newport is particularly attractivetohomebuyersbecause of thefantastic arrayof facilities within thetown, including aWaitroseand ahighstreet with a selectionofboutiqueshops

“Italso benefits from twofantastic statesectorschools andthe flourishingHarperAdams University.”

As well as areaslikeBridgnorth, Shifnal, High Ercall,Wem and Church Stretton, Much Wenlock hasalso been enjoying strong interestaccording to Savills.

Hospitaldelays areblamedfor extradeathsof waiting patients

West Midlands AmbulanceService hasadmitted that deaths linked to delays have increased.

Butitput theblame squarely on hospitals, whereits crewsare being forced to wait to dischargepatients. In some cases,paramedicshave been tied up formostofthe day waitingoutside A&E, preventing them from gettingbackonthe road New figuresobtainedbythe BBC relate to thenumberofdeaths wherethe case hasbeenhighlighted by theambulance serviceasapotentialserious incident.Theyhave risenfromone in 2020 to 37 in the firstninemonthsofthisyear.

Demand from patients andshortageofhospitalbeds have created adeepening crisis.Thatthreatens to be exacerbated by strike action plannedbyparamedicsand call handlers from theWestMidlands service.

Aspokesman forWestMidlands AmbulanceService said:“Theambulanceservice relies on each part of thehealthand socialcaresystem working together so that ourambulances canget to patients in the communityquickly

“Sadly,the pressuresweare seeinginhealthand socialcareleadto long hospital handover delays with ourcrews left caring forpatients that need admitting to hospital rather than responding to thenext call.The result is that ourcrews are delayedreachingpatients.

“Weare working incredibly hard with allofour NHSand socialcare partners to preventthese delays, lookingatnew ways to safely hand over patients quicklysothatour crewscan respondmorerapidly and save more lives.”

SouthShropshireambulance campaigner Darren Childs,who hashighlightedsignificant delays outsidehospitals in theregion, said: “Unfortunately37deathsare not that surprising if people arehaving to wait hoursfor an ambulanceand hourstoget into thehospitalthen thenumberofdeathsisgoing to go up.There areonlyone lotofpeople who areresponsibleand that is the governmentwhich needs to invest in theNHS.”

West MidlandAmbulance Service says itsclinicalvalidationteam of advanced paramedics andnurses arehelping them target ambulances on thosewho need it most by assistingmorepatientsoverthe phone or seamlessly transferring patients to otherpartsofthe NHSsuchasoccupational therapy, advanced nurse practitionersinthe community, districtnursesorreferring patients to SDEC services

It says newambulance decision areasatUniversity HospitalsofBirmingham (UHB)and Shrewsbury andsoonWorcester arealready making adifferencewithdelaysat UHBhalfwhattheyusedtobe.

Advanced paramedics areworkingwithambulance healthcare assistants to look afterpatientswithin dedicatedareas of thehospitalto free up crews.

They have additional skills that allowthemtostart teststhatthe patientneeds aheadofthementeringemergency departments.

Figuresdonot show full picturesayshealthboss

Ahealthbosshas urged caution over freshNHS figuresonGPappointments,warning they do not provide“thefullpicture”.

Newly-released figuresdetailthe number of appointments at practicesacrossthe country–and how long people have to wait forthat appointment.

However,Emma Pyrah,associatedirectorofprimary care at NHSShropshire, Telfordand Wrekin, said that thedata“givesno indication of qualityofcare”

Shealso said that practicesin thecountyare providingmoreappointments than ever,and were working hard to meet “exceptional demand”.

GeneralPracticehas faced considerable strain during andafterthe pandemic –but Ms Pyrah pointed to figureswhich showthat 91 percentofpatientsare being seen within twoweeks

Shealso highlighted thefact that seven outof10appointments arenow face-to-face,while nearly

half take placeonthe same day.

Shesaid: “Althoughan indication of appointmentavailability,as well as waitstosee ahealthcare professional,itisimportant to recognise that GP AppointmentData (GPAD) only measures dataabout appointments andisnot ameasure or indication of practice qualityor patientcare.

“Our GP teamsacrossShropshire, Telfordand Wrekin are working hard to meet exceptional demand,deliveringmoreappoint-

mentsthaneverbefore, andwe wouldliketoremindpatientsthat this newdatadoes notprovide the full picture when it comestopractice performance.

“Onaverageour practicesare offering five more appointments than before the pandemic andlockdown

“Aroundseven in 10 appointmentsare in person,with48per cent taking placeonthe same day andapproximately 91 percentof patients seen within twoweeks.”

NHSreveals wait timesfor GP appointments across county

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Telfordand

revealed in new figures.

Thegovernmentsaidthe new data published by NHSDigital will help patients “makeamore informed choiceabout thepractice they choose to visit”

Butthe move hasnot been welcomedbyeveryone,withthe Royal CollegeofGPs (RCGP) criticising thelackofcontext around howdifferent practicesoperate

Atotal of 284,225appointments took placeatGPpractices in the county in October.

At least54,354– equivalent to 19 percent–ofthese hadtaken place more than afortnight afterbeing booked, andofthose,12,746– four percent–saw patients wait longer than 28 days

Thepracticewiththe greatest proportion of appointments taking more than twoweeks wasMytton OakinShrewsbury, whereitwas 46 percent, whileStirchleyinTelford hadthe fewest,withjust1.5 per cent

NHSDigital cautionedthatGP workloads canbeaffected by several factorssuchasthe demographic of patients registered at thepractice,how deprived theareaisand thenumberofcarehomesthe practice offers services to Thenew practice-level figures come as part of thegovernment’s “planfor patients”, whichincludes

IN SHROPSHIRE, TELFORD &WREKIN, THE PRACTICESWITH THE HIGHEST PROPORTION OF APPOINTMENTS OCCURRINGAFTER AFORTNIGHT WERE

APPOINTMENTS TOOK PLACE MORE THAN TWOWEEKSAFTER THEY HAD BEENBOOKED IN OCTOBER

MYTTON OAKMEDICAL PRACTICE 46.1%of4,993 appointments

CLIVEMEDICAL PRACTICE 39.1%of3,446 appointments

RADBROOK GREEN SURGERY 378% of 6,889appointments

PRESCOTT SURGERY 35.3%of3,564 appointments CLEOBURY MORTIMER SURGERY 32.9%of5,614 appointments

KNOCKINMEDICAL CENTRE 31%of2,930 appointments BEECHESMEDICAL PRACTICE 30.2%of4,464 appointments

CLAREMONT BANK SURGERY 30% of 4,028 appointments

LINDEN HALL SURGERY 28.3% of 8,487appointments

SHAWBIRCH MEDICAL CENTRE 27.9%of10,359appointments

AT THE OTHER ENDOFTHE SCALE

APPOINTMENTS SAWPATIENTSWAIT LONGERTHAN AFORTNIGHTINOCTOBER

STIRCHLEYMEDICAL PRACTICE 1.5% of 12,447 appointments WELLINGTONMEDICAL PRACTICE 4.2% of 6,806 appointments

WOODSIDEMEDICAL PRACTICE 6.4% of 2,799appointments

IRONBRIDGE MEDICALPRACTICE 6.5% of 1,837appointments

HOLLINSWOODSURGERY 6.6% of 2,895appointments

COURTSTREET MEDICALPRACTICE 7.1% of 3,916appointments

HIGHLEYMEDICAL CENTRE 7.3% of 1,757appointments

CHARLTON MEDICAL PRACTICE,4%of5,469 appointments

MARKETDRAYTON MEDICAL PRACTICE 8.4% of 9,626 appointments THEMEADOWS MEDICAL PRACTICE 8.6% of 1,914appointments

anew ambition foreverypatient to getanappointment at theirGP practice within twoweeks

However,the RCGPsaidthe governmentshouldaddress theroot causeofGPpressures –includingrecruitment andretention of doctors– “insteadoflumbering a struggling servicewithnew expectations”

ChairProfessor Kamila Hawthorne said:“Arecord36.1million consultationsweredelivered in October, almost 40 percentofthese on

theday they were booked andmore than 71 percentdelivered in-person, thehighestproportionsince before thepandemic.”

Prof Hawthorne said GP workloadshaveescalated whilethe number of fullyqualified full-time equivalent GPs hasfallenby719 acrossEnglandsince2019.

“GPteams arejustasfrustrated as patients when they don’thave theresourcesand time to deliver thehighstandardofcaretopatients they want to,” sheadded.

This week,the Governmentset outplans to overhaul NHSpension rulesinan attempttoretainmore senior doctorsinthe service.

Launchinganeight-weekconsultation,ministers said theproposed changeswould also remove barriers to retiredclinicians returningto work–including new“flexibilities” to allowretired andpartially retiredstaff to return to workorincrease theirworking hourswithout having payments to theirpension reduced or suspended

Public health chiefs areworking closelywithschools over scarletfeverinfectionrisks

Shropshire health bosseshaveconfirmed they areworking closely with schoolsand nurseries to raise awarenessofthe signsand symptoms of scarletfever

It comesafterNHS Shropshire, Telford&Wrekinannounced servicesare facing ‘extreme pressures’ from cases of flu, Covid, andfears aboutscarlet fever or Strep A.

Now, thedirectors of public

health from ShropshireCouncil andTelford &WrekinCouncil,have said teams areworking closely with parentstohighlightthe signsand symptoms of scarletfever Andtheyare working closely with schoolsonthe necessarysteps to take includingwhatinfection controlmeasurestotakeand whoto contactin theevent of an outbreak.

Rachel Robinson, director of Pub-

licHealthfor Shropshire Council said:“We wouldliketotakethis opportunitytoremindschools, parents andcarersofthe signs, symptoms andthe actionsschools should take if they become awareofanoutbreakatyourschoolornursery

“Scarlet fever is acommonchildhood infectioncausedbyStreptococcuspyogenes, or groupA streptococcus.The earlysymptomsof

scarletfever includesorethroat, headache,fever,nauseaand vomiting.

“Althoughscarlet fever is usually amildillness,patientscan develop complications. Good hygienepractice such as hand washingremains themostimportant step in controlling thespread. Patients candevelopcomplicationsand if you have anyconcernsNHS 111.”

TheGPpractices in Shropshire,

Wrekin wherepatients aremostlikelytowait longer than twoweeks foranappointment have been

spoken

Turkey supply worries amid bird flucrisis

Turkey suppliersare living on aknife edge in thedaysleading up to Christmasas thedevastating impact of bird flu threatenstohit.

Consumersnationallyhavebeen warned of a“big, bigshortage”of Britishfreerange turkeysover the festiveperiod.

Half of thefreerange turkeys produced forChristmas in theUK have alreadybeenkilledinthe bird fluepidemic, BritishPoultry Councilchief executiveRichard Griffiths told theEnvironment,Food and RuralAffairs Committee

Locally, one butcher, Darren Morgan, whorunsMorgan’sCountryButchersin Waters Upton, near Telford, said hissuppliers –Huxleys –had been impacted,leading to aheart-breakingcull.

Others, such as Wrekin Turkeys, have spoken of the‘nervouswait’ andthe costly effortsneeded to ensure they don’tsufferasimilar fate.

“Thisisimpactingoneveryone,” aspokesman forWrekinTurkeys said.“We have allhad to comply with thehousing order that came into forceatthe beginningofNovember, whichmeant everything hadtocome indoorsorgounder nets

“It’salot harder than normal. We have acouple more weekstostay safe andthatmeans it’s even more nerve-wracking becausesomething couldhappenatany time

“The turkeyshavetaken alot more caring for, Ihavetosay.When they canbelefttotheir owndevices, it’s easier.Our costshavegone up in termsofstrawbedding and excess labour,keeping the runs cleanand so on

“Weare keepinganeye on bird speciesinthe area.You arecon-

MATTHEWPANTER matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

stantlyanxious theyare goingto getintothe sheds.Fortunately, we arenot toonearwater courses, wherethere’s ahigher risk status

“Wehavealsohad to tighten security becausewhenever thereisa potentialshortage discussedyou not only have to watchfoxesbut also two-legged thieves, lookingto make aquick buck

“It’sjusta caseof fingerscrossed Fortunately,weare still goingand have some birdsstill available.”

He addedthere wasgovernment help forthose impacted.“Thereare compensation schemesfor farmers –theywill compensate forhealthy birdswhich areculled–but it’s devastatingfor thosewho have been impacted because it is alot of work.”

RosieWadlow,fromfamily-run Huxley Turkeys, confirmed they hadbeenimpacted,saying: “We areabsolutelydevastated.”

Thefarmsupplieswhole turkeys to thelikes of Morgan’sCountry Butchers andMrMorgansaid: “It’s somethingthatiscausing disruption locallyand nationally andit seemstobegetting worse

“It’sbeenreallydevastatingfor oursuppliers becauseyou only need it to happentoone turkey andunfortunately thewhole crop is condemnedand culled.

“Ithas affected us andseveral otherbutchersinthe area and furtherafield. Otherbutcherswill look to source from elsewhere, but we areloyal to oursuppliers

“Wedealwithaseparatesupplier forthe Stag birds, whichgivea boneless breast,and they have been allright,sowewill stillbeablesell those.

“Wewill stillhaveplentyofmeat

to feed people andwill endeavourto make sureeveryoneiswellserved.”

Otherbutchershavesofar escapedany concerns with Kevin Battams, of MBattams Butchers, Oswestry saying:“Touchwood, all beingwellweare fine with oursuppliers.Everythingisokayfor us but wewon’t temptfate.”

DanAllen-Rafferty, ownerof MeatmastersButchery, Newtown, is trying to persuade customers to optfor either lamb,beeforchicken cushions ratherthanawhole fresh turkey,which is selling forbetween £50and £100

“There is no problemgetting hold of turkeysfromlocal suppliersbut it’s theprice you have to payfor them,” he said

“I thinkit’suptothe butcherto tryto find alternatives that arenot goingtocostfamiliesafortune. Insteadofspendingbetween £50and £100 fora turkey,Iamencouraging themtohavealeg of lamb,abeef jointorachicken cushion, whichis aboned,stuffed chickenwrapped in baconwithgarlicand tarragon

“A lotofcustomers areaskingfor asmall piece of turkey andtheyare buying one of ourhampers which containagammonjoint,beef, chick-

en cushion, sausagemeat, pigs in blanketsand bacon.”

JamieTully,executive chef at Chartists1770atThe Trewythen, afour-star restaurant with rooms in Llanidloes,saysa combination of bird fluand thetraditionalChristmasmarketispushing up turkey prices higher than usual.

“Asfood prices in generalare goingup, weare allgoing to have to paymorefor ourChristmas meal this year,” he said

Some 1.6million birdshavebeen culled as of November20directly becauseofbird fluonfarms, the Environment, Food andRural AffairsCommittee has been told with around 36 percentofpoultry farms affected by theoutbreak.

Mr Griffithssaid: “Thisyearthe seasonal producershavebeenso badlyaffected.Ican seemanyof thosetakingagood look at whether they want to be in Christmaspoultry.”

Edward Garratt, NFUShropshireadviser, said:“Ongoing, soaringproduction costsare putting thepoultry sector under immense pressure.Shropshirepoultry farmershavefaced sky-rocketingenergy andfeedcosts formonthsnow,as

well as increasesinfuel, labour and packaging, whichare alladdingto theoverall costsofproductionon thefarm. Iwanttoassureshoppers, that whilethere arepressures, county farmerswill continue to do everything theycan to produce quality, affordable eggs andpoultrymeatwhich we know arevalued highly

“Our poultrymembers must have theconfidencetheyneed,working within afairand transparent supplychain,ensuringfairreturns so they cando what they do best –meetdemandfromshoppers for qualitypoultry meat.Inthe meantime,the NFUisexploringall avenuestohelpresolve this situation includingconversations with retailersand calling on Governmentto look in detail at thecurrent supply chainissues.”

It comesasauctioneerJames Evans, adirectorofHalls,spoke of a boom in demand forBritishbeef. He said:“Consumersare demandingfewer food milesonthe products they buy, so supermarketsare focusing more on Britishbeef, also boostedbythe uncertainty, caused by bird flu, surroundingthe Christmasavailability of turkey.”

Edward Garratt from theNFU

DanAllen-Raffertyhas

of thehigh costsofturkeys

Butcher Darren Morgan Jamie Tully, chef at Chartists1770

Thereare concerns overpotential turkeyshortagesasbird fluimpactsacrossthe country, including Shropshire

Animal charity’s festiveadvice

An animal charityhas issued advice on how to keep pets safe this festiveseason.

RSPCAShropshireisurgingpet owners to be prepared forany emergenciesthatarise over Christmas.

From toxicfoods, thedangers of decorationsand keepingyourpet calm amongthe Christmaschaos, here aresome of thecharity’s top tips fora‘pet-safe’ Christmas:

l Chocolateistoxic to cats and dogs so ensure it is outofreach

l Make sure yourpetsdon’t eat tinselorwrappingpaper –although cardboardboxes make greattoys!

l Raisins, currants andsultanas (inChristmas puddingand cake) areincrediblydangerous to pets

l Nuts areachoking hazard and macadamianutsare toxictodogs.

l Holly, ivyand mistletoecan be toxic; lilies aredangerous forcats.

l Leftover cooked turkey and carrotsare ok fordogsbut not bones, onions, garlic or alcohol.

Club helpswith plantscheme

Rotariansin Church Stretton have contributed to theplanting of trees andbulbs.

Rotarian Julian Hargreaves hadinitially investigated the possibility of participatingina national tree-plantingproject to mark theQueen’s Platinum Jubilee.

However,thisfailedtomaterialise duetodelaysinidentifyingthe legal ownershipofthe land,the club said Church StrettonRotary Club membership officerDerek Smithsaid: “Not to be defeated,itwas agreed that thesmall fenced-off area of land adjoiningRussell’s Meadow wouldbe called ContemplationCorner.

“The development hasnow been completedbyplanting trees and800 crocus bulbsin what will be awildflowerarea in thecentre.”

Charity

Morethan£3,500has been donated to an epilepsy charityinmemoryof afootball-loving son, whodiedafter aseizure twoyears ago.

Themoney, whichwas raised through afootballtournament andfroma substantial donation from theBeefy Boys restaurant in Shrewsbury,has gone to ShropshireEpilepsySupport

It hasbeenhandedoverinmemoryofGaryWatkin, whodiedatthe ageofjust27, afteraseizure.

Themoneywas presented by his mother,Kim Davis, andstaff from theShrewsburyburgerrestaurant.

Thefootballtournament, involvingfamilyand friends, washeldat Shrewsbury Town Football Club in October. Kim, whohelda raffle at theevent,was delightedithad provedasuccess.

Thefootballtournamentwas organisedbyGary’sfriends and raised£600. BeefyBoyshanded over more than£3,100fromtips.

Bard’s namecheck led tonew identity forhistorictownpub

TheWestMidlandshas arichhistory of being home to pubs dating back centuries, each with astory to be told anda unique character.

This traditional Bridgnorth pub, The Shakespeare Inn is a hub in thecommunity anddates back to 1792

Fast forwardmorethan200 yearsand todaythe hostelry is runbyhusband andwife, Dave andMarie Whelan

Marie, born andbrought up in Bridgnorth, says it is specialtobe runningapub in herhome town, especially onethatwas on her doorstep as shegrewup.

Located in West Castle Street, theShakespeare Inn is not justa placetosit anddrink.According to Mariethe pub is well knownfor itstop-quality food, forwhich it receives many compliments.

Speaking aboutrunningthe pub,she says:“Ihavealwaysbeen inhospitality,catering, hotels and also ownedapub in Pembrokeshirebut myself andmyhusband sold up andmoved to Bridgnorth

“I was born and brought up here butmovedawaylater in life, butit wasgreat to be back here with my husbandwho is from Cardiff. It is lovely workinginthisindustrybut especially in atownthatI grew up in whereIknow thecommunity

“Bridgnorth isthe kind of town whereeveryone knowseachother anditisatight-knit community, so we have that special connection with ourlocalsand regulars.We concentratealot on thefood we serveand thereisafantastic team of staffworking in thekitchen, andwetry to source localingredients whichwefeelisveryimportantasithelps theeconomy all around “And by sourcing ingredients likeour meat from abutcher that opened here just ayearago,we have gota lotofcompliments on thefood

“Weare specially proudofthe food we serve, andtokeepthings freshwechangethe menu everyso oftenbut keep theclassicstoo.”

Thepub wasoriginally called thePunch Bowl in 1792 Bridgnorth wasthe rallying point of King HenryIV’stroopsbefore thebattleofShrewsburynearly

300years earlierin1403, anditis believed thepub changed itsname to theShakespeare duetothe playwright andbard’splay, TheFirst Part of King HenryIV.

Shakespeare wroteinthe play: “OnWednesday next,Harry, thou shaltset forward; On Thursday,weourselves will march: Ourmeeting is Bridgnorth;and, Harry, you shallmarch through Gloucestershire; by whichaccount ourbusinessvalued, some twelve days henceour generalforcesat Bridgnorth shallmeet.”

Keepingwithits historyand its themeofbeing atraditionalBritishpub is somethingthatMarie andDavecontinuetodo. They believepubsplayanimportant role in Britishculture,especially from socialaspectand beingsomewhere away from home wherepeoplecan meet friendsand have conversa-

tions, somethingMarie feelswas really affected by theCovid pandemic, as well as thepub industry itself

Sheadded: “Covid wastough forusbut we came throughitbut oneofthe biggest things during thattimewhere pubs were closed wasnot just about thedrinkspeoplecouldn’tgoout for, buta pub is somewhereyou cangoafter work or in yourfreetimetounwind, have conversationswithpeople, meet people andevenifyou don’t talk to anyone in thepub,you’re around differentpeopleand away from thenormalfour-wallsofyour home

“Thisiswhatreallyaffected peopleduringCovid,and so we’reglad we gotthrough it andwecan get that communityfeelbackagain

“The socialaspectofrunning a pub is fantastic, you meet allkinds

of people from allwalks of life, and no dayisthe same

“Yes it really is allornothing when runningapub,and sometimesatthe endofa dayyou sit back andfeelohwhata day, but youdustyourself,and getbackup anddoitagain thenextday

“That’swhatrunningpub is all about,and this is acrackingpub, we arepassionateabout what we do andweare here forthe community.”

Marieadded: “Covid wastough, butthisenergycrisiswill be the real test.Domestic billshavegone up alongwithbusinessbills. We love servingour communityof course butweare abusiness

“I hadtoapologise to acustomer forincreasingour prices abit but they actually said Iwould rather you increase theprice andstay open rather than endupclosing.”

receives more than £3.5k

He wrote: ‘Sometwelvedayshenceour general forces at Bridgnorthshall meet’

TheShakespeare came into being aftera name change in honour of amention givenbythe bard to Bridgnorth

Dave andMarieWhelanwith employee TrudySykes Cheers!Mark andHilaryBullockfromKingswinford

LOVE YOUR LOCAL

Counciltax payers to seebillsrisefor West Mercia Police contribution

Shropshireresidents will be payingmorecouncil taxfromnext year as West Mercia Police is set to increase itsprecept West Mercia’s police andcrime commissioner said he had“no choice buttoincreasethe precept”, as governmentfunding wasnot keepingup with inflation.

It is proposed that theaverage household will payanextra £9.84

forpolicingeachyear, ariseof3.94 percent, basedonabandDproperty

However,the forcehas pledged an extra 20 officers forcommunities as part of itsproposedbudget for2023/24.

Theseadditionalofficers will bringthe force’sestablishment figure to 2,476, andtheywill be basedatthe heart of communities,

addressing andtacklingcommunityconcerns.

Police andcrime commissioner JohnCampion said:“Iamcommittedtoensuring this budgetcontinuesthe deliveryofmySafer West Mercia Plan,whilst tackling the unavoidablecostpressures we face andmaximisingthe valueofinvestments Ihavemadetoaddress theconcernsofcommunities

“Communities have told me loud andclear that they want more police officers.Thisiswhy Ihaveensuredthatfrontline policing numbers areprotected, butI have also allocatedfunding to boostnumbers by afurther 20.Itisalso

Contractor battlestokeep up with faulty street lightreports

DAVIDTOOLEY david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

ShropshireCouncil says itscontractor is making everyeffortto meet atargetfor fixing faulty lights in five days.Aspokesman forthe councilsaid: “Due to ahighnumberoffaultsbeing reported andan unprecedentednumberofemergency callouts, some repairsare taking alittlelongerthannormal.

“Our contractor is making every effort to meet the five-day target andwethank people foryourpatience andunderstanding.” The council says that if people have reported afault it will be looked into Recent reportsincludeMount PleasantRoad, Shrewsbury,where the councilresponded to areportof alightbeing outfor months by saying“ourinvestigationshows that no furtheractionisrequired.”

Amongthe multitudeofreports of street lights outofactionare in Park Avenue,Oswestry, wherea member of thepublichas told the councilthatitis“very dangerous at night”

In Crosswaysthere hasbeena report of twostreetlightsbeing permanentlyonand amemberof thepublichas reported that anew low-energy street lightinstalled in MillbrookDrive,Ludlow, has“never worked”

Delightoveraccoladefor communitypub

Asouth Shropshirepub hasbeen included amongthe top100 places to stay in theUK, eightyearsafter it wassavedbythe community.

ThePheasantatNeenton has been chosen by Timesand Sunday TimesTraveleditors as oneofthe 100bestplacestostayinBritain for2023.

It comesafterworktorefurbish thederelictbuilding began in 2014,led by NeentonCommu-

MEGANHOWE Community News Reporter

nity Societyincollaboration with ShropshireCouncil andthe ShropshireHousing Group.

Commenting on thenew-found national recognition, Mark Harris, head chef andco-managerat thePheasant, said “We’ve atalentedand creative teamontop of theirgamein ahappy kitchen.

“It’sterrifictoget aratingwhich recognises theirefforts, puts us on apar with some of thebestchef teamsinthe countryand encourages people from farand wide to come to Shropshireand stay with us.”

In Novemberof2014, thecommunity-ownedpub opened once more andhas sinceoffered countryhospitality and fine food to its visitors

Mezzo-sopranotoleave audience on ahighnote

Distinguishedmezzo-soprano JoyceTindsleywill take to the stagethisChristmas to bringsome festivecheer to aShropshiremarket town.

An experiencedvocal tutor, as well as aprofessionalsinger andacclaimed soloist, Joycehas workedfor theBBC foralmost30 years.

Forthe festiveseasonshe will take to thestage once more at FestivalDrayton Centre in Market Drayton, foralunchtime concert on Sunday.

Long-timevolunteeratthe centre Jo Humphreyssaid: “Thisseasonalsongrecitalisa wonderful

relaxing waytospend aSunday afternooninthe midstofall the Christmas frenzy.Itpromisesto be in turn joyful,reflective,and inspiring.

“Concertsinthe centre’s fabulousclassical musicseriesnormallystart at 3pmonSundays Butwe’ve broughtJoyce Tindsley forwardto1pm so people canget home in time forthe WorldCup finalkick-offiftheywish.

“Her gorgeous tone andclear soundwill be aperfect set-up for thenoise andbustleonthe pitch.”

Joycewill sing pieces by Bach andHandel, lieder by 19th century composersHugoWolfand MaxRe-

ger, as well as 20thcentury songs by Benjamin Brittenand Michael Head

Shehas given notablesoloperformancesinmanyofthe country’sleading venuesfor choral musicand hasworkedwithlegendary conductors such as GeorgSolti and RichardHickox.

Joycewillbeaccompaniedat thepiano by TimKennedy,staff repetiteur forthe School of Vocal andOpera Studiesatthe Royal Northern CollegeofMusic.

Ticketscost£15 or £3 forunder-21s.

Formoreinformation,visit festivaldraytoncentre.com

Plan forhomes on site of former school approved

Aproposaltodemolishaformer school andbuild23homesonthe site have been warmly approvedby planners

ShropshireCouncil’s wholly-owned housebuilding company, Cornovii DevelopmentsLimited, appliedtothe planning department to buildonthe site of theformer OaklandCountyPrimary School at BaystonHill,nearShrewsbury.

Thedeveloper proposes to include twoareas of publicopenspace as part of thescheme, whichisfor two single-bedroom bungalows, seven semi-detachedtwo-bedroomed homes, 12 semi-detachedthree-bedroom homesand twofour-bed, with onedetachedhouse

TedClarke, thewardcouncillor forBayston Hill, Column andSutton, said it putanend to “10years of deliberation andprevarication”. “I likethe site layoutand themix of housetypes,”headded.

Councillor Clarke said he regrettedthatearlier plansfor anew libraryhad “disappeared”fromthe scheme butintendedtosupport it

Planning officials hadrecommended that membersofShropshireCouncil’s Northern Planning Committeewhich metlastTuesday should give thego-ahead.

Areporttothe committee said that thedeveloper hasagreed to pay £75,000 as requested by SportEngland as part of a‘106agreement’ because of thelossofthe playing field.

E-cargobikes couldsoon be seen in county

E-cargobikes couldsoonbe seen making deliveriesacrossa Shropshiretown.

Themodernversion of theold ‘butchersbike’ nowhas electric as well as pedalpower andisbeingseenasagreen alternative to deliveryvansintowncentres.

At theirmeetinglastMonday Shrewsbury town councillors agreed to spend£13,000 on two of thebicycles. Thefunding will come from the£250,000town council ClimateChangeFund.

Areporttothe councilsaid that it waspresented with aproposal to usesome of theClimate Change fund in an E-cargobike scheme.The requestwas for £27,500bythe ShropshireCycleHub foratwo-yearperiodto fund twobikes andamemberof staff.

However,Councillor Alan Moseleysaidthe recommendation to councillorswas instead to spend£13,000 on twobicycles andretainownership of them, on loan to thebikehub

“Thiswill mean we retain more findingtohelpother energy-savingschemes,” he said

Councillor RosemarieDartnall said:“Anything we can do to getthisschemeoff the ground is good.Thisisthe future for‘last mile’deliveries. Cargobikes arethe waytogo.”

importantthatthe public canaccess West Mercia Police,soinvestment will also beplaced in improving publiccontact.”

Acouncil contractoris battlingtokeepupwith ahighnumberofstreet lightfaultsand emergenciesinthe system.

Cheers–the managerofThe PheasantInn at Neenton Mark Harris with assistant manager Andrew Burton

MP seeksbetter accesstohealth

MP HelenMorganstood up in Parliamenttourgethe governmentto boostpublictransport andimprove access to healthcare in ruralareas

TheLib DemMPhas championed improvingrural services sincebeingelected as theNorth Shropshire MP last year.She wantschronic problems in thehealthservice to be tackledand transport linkstobe improvedsothatpeopleare able to gettocrucialappointmentswhen they do become available.

Patients in Market Draytonneedingtotravelbypublictransport to Princess RoyalHospitalinTelford must take twobuses andatrain in athree-hour roundtrip.

MrsMorgantoldthe House: “It’s been well documented that people in ruralareas have worse health outcomesthanpeoplein urban ones. Andone of thedriversisa lack of access forthe most vulnerable people to be able to gettothe services they need.”

Woodlandcafe reopening hope

Acafewhich closed abruptly aftermorethanseven yearsinoperationcould soonreopen, with interest reported from anumberofpotential tenants.

Owners revealed they hadreceived enquiriesfromprospective newtenants forthe Green Wood Cafe,located in TheGreen Wood Centre in Coalbrookdale–runbySmall Woods–and that it couldreopensoon. Theprevioustenants announced thecafe wouldclose with immediate effect on November24, dueto “familyreasons”.

Thecafeisset amongcoppicedwoodland andbuildings whichoncewerea part of Coalbrookdale’sformerrailway station.Ideally,ownershavesaid they wouldbeabletoreopen thecafebeforeChristmas with ascaled-down coffee andcake service.

Call forbuilders to meet council

Acouncil hascalledonahousing developertofaceuptoleaders over plansfor 150homes.

Thecouncil hasobjected to a BellwayHomesdevelopmentnext to MeoleBrace Retail Park in Hereford Road, Shrewsbury,due to concernslocally over pollution, heavy trafficand detrimentaleffects to wildlife

Thenew housingestate, which would be made up of one, two, three andfour-bedroomhomes, including 37 “affordable” properties,would sitonlandbetween Home Bargains andthe park andride.

HelenBall, clerkofShrewsbury Town Council, submittedanobjection on behalf of theauthority Thedeveloper hassaiditwill be making a£500,000 commitment to educationinthe area as well as other contributions.

Thetowncouncil’s next planning committee meetingisscheduled for January10nextyear.

Firstofthree skateparks to open

Acouncil hasopenedthe firstof threenew skateparks,aimingto encouragemoreyoung people to take up sports

Wombridge skatepark, off Wombridge Road, is the firstof threenew parksset to open in Telfordand Wrekin in coming months

AnotheronTeece DriveinPriorslee is expected to be readyby

Christmas,withthe thirdinLewis CrescentinWellingtonplanned forearly next year.The facilities, funded throughcontributions from housing developers,will take thetotal number of skate parksinthe boroughto12.

Councillor CarolynHealy said: “Wewantchildren andteenagers to have access to qualityoutdoor sporting opportunities.”

Fewershoppers usecashpayments

Theproportionofpaymentsmade usingcashhalvedin2021, comparedwiththe previousyear, accordingto figuresfromthe British Retail Consortium(BRC)

In 2021,asstoresclosedfor lockdownsand people increasingly turned to contactlesspayments, cash usagefelltojust15per cent of alltransactions– down from 30 per cent in 2020

As aproportionofthe totalmon-

ey spent, cash accountedfor just eightper cent of consumer spend last year,the BRCfound

More than four-fifths of transactionslastyearweremadeusingcreditordebit cards, up from around two-thirds in2020, accordingtothe BRC.

As well as thepopularityofcontactless spending,the rise in card payments is also partly duetoan increase in online shopping in 2021

Firmsare namedin Commons forcontinued tradinginRussia

MARK ANDREWS mark.andrews@mnamedia.co.uk

Mark Pritchard, MP forThe Wrekin,asked Treasury minister JamesCartlidge in theHouse of Commonstolookatwaysofdiscouragingcompanies from doing business with Russia

He namedDPEurasia,the franchise armofDomino’sPizza,Unileverand HSBC,ascompanies which continuedtotrade with Russia.

During adebate, Mr Pritchard said:“Thereisnodoubt that the UK hasled theUkraine wareffort with theUnitedStates, andthere is no doubt that theUKhas ledthe internationalsanctions regime,but this urgent question is aboutUK companies.

“Does theministershare my concernthatDPEurasia is selling pizzas in Russia,Unilever is selling Cornetto icecreamsinRussia, and HSBC is still servicingRussian corporate clients? Does he thinkthatis acceptable?”

Mr Cartlidge,the ExchequerSecretary,saidthe Commonswas not theplacefor discussionsabout individual companies. Buthesaidthere wasa clearneedfor companiesto divest theirinterests in Russia.

Eric theTurkeyisbackwithtop tips song

Shropshire’sEricthe Turkey has made hisannualfestive return to YouTubewithaneagerly-awaited Christmas videorelease

Eric is thecreationofAdrian Hill, thefun-loving technology manageratMorrisLubricantsin Shrewsbury,who hasalso created a fictionalband, Jingle andthe Bells.

Eric hasbuilt upafan base and hissupporterswaitwithbated

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

breath everyDecember forthe latest Christmasvideoinstalment about theirfavourite festive bird whotends to ruffleafew feathers

Eric is nowbackofferingimportant festive tips forviewers –‘Eric theTurkey’sChristmas Dosand Don’ts’–tohelppeopleavoid a

disaster with theirDecember 25 celebrations

Thevideo hasgonelive at https://youtu.be/5EMgeV-VsFs and Adrian said:“With allthe gloomy news aboutacost-of-livingcrisis andinflation, Iwanted to come up with somethingupbeatand abit comicalatthe same time

“Thissongisall about surviving Christmas.Ihopethisyear’svideo will chimewithviewers.”

Furtherplanningrules proposed to protectGorge

Adraft planning document which aims to furtherprotectand conserveaUNESCOWorld Heritage site wasbeing presented to two councilsthisweek.

Telford&WrekinCouncil and ShropshireCouncil areseeking approval from theirrespective cabinets, on draftproposals to further protectIronbridgeGorge World Heritage site.Ifapproved, asixweek publicconsultationperiod will beginearly next year,where thepublic, includingresidents of theIronbridgeGorge,willbeencouraged to sharetheir views.

Thesiteisspreadover 550hectares, with approximatelythree

quarters sitting within theadministrative boundary of Telford &WrekinCouncil,and roughly onequarter within theShropshire Counciladministrative boundary

It wasgivenWorld Heritage Site status in 1986,in recognitionof thearea’srecordofinnovationduringthe Industrial Revolution Councillor RichardOverton, Telford& Wrekin Council’sdeputy leader andcabinet member for housing, enforcement andtransport,said: “Ironbridge is an internationally-recognisedareaofoutstanding universalvalue,and one of sevendesignatedconservation areasinthe boroughwhich we are

extremely proudof. Thecouncil, residents andbusinessesare custodiansofthe WorldHeritagesite, andthisdocumentwillensurethat thesiteisprotectedand that the history, conservationand sustainability of theareaare toppriorities foranyonewishing to bringforward aplanningapplication

“Through this guidance we want to underlinethe importance of Ironbridge in ourborough and ensureitisprotectedfor future generationsinyears to come.”

Approval forconsultationwas beingsoughtatShropshireCouncilyesterday (Wednesday)and Telford &Wrekintoday

AShropshireMPhas voiced concerns about companiescontinuing to tradewithRussia, despitesanctions imposed by thegovernment.

Ironbridge

AdrianHill with Eric theTurkey, whohecreated nine yearsago

Smalltraders concerned over plans fornew M&Sfoodhall

Smallbusinesses in southShropshirefearplans foraMarks & Spencerfoodhall coulddevastateits independentcompanies

Atwo-day consultation on the planswas held in Ludlow at theAssembly Roomsand membersofthe town’s ChamberofCommercewent alongtosee

Formal plansfor thesiteonSheet Road have yettobesubmitted to ShropshireCouncilbut chamber memberssaidtheywerenot impressedbythe potentialimpacton thetown’sfood businesses

Ludlow recently featured at numberone in anationalnewspaper article‘10 of Britain’sbestindependenthighstreets’

Butcampaigners fear this hardwonstatuscould be at risk

VickiOrttewell,who chairs the ChamberofCommerceand is the ownerofclothing, jewellery andaccessoriesbusiness Eclectica, went to last week’s publicconsultation hosted by Marks&Spencer

“I expressedmyconcern about a number of things includingtaking footfall away from an alreadyquiet town centre,the possibility of a precedentbeing set forother large multiples to move to thesitein that area andlonger-termretailpark possibility,” shesaid.

Sheisalsoworried that local supplierswould not be used by the brand.

“Weare rather surprisedthat that M&Sshouldthink that this is agood idea,especially afterthe openingofa largeSainsbury’s on theoutskirts of town less than a year ago, whichdoesn’t appear to be that busy.Also what with therisingfood costsand otherstrainson thehousehold purse projectedfor thenexttwo years, it seemsrather braveorpossiblyfoolish.”

Museum andgallery recognised forstaff

Staffatamuseum arecelebrating beingawarded a2022Tripadvisor Traveller’sChoiceaward

Shrewsbury Museum andArt Galleryhas been namedamongthe top10per cent of listings on Tripadvisor, with an averagescore of 4.5 outof five

TheTraveller’s Choice awardrecognisesbusinesses,venuesand attractionsacrossthe countrywhich areamongthe top10per cent of listings

Tripadvisorisanonline travel companyofferinghotel reservations andbookings, as well as reviewsfor attractions, restaurants, experiences andmore.

Locatedinanold Victorianmusichalland 13th centuryVaughan’s

megan.howe@mnamedia.co.uk

Mansion, Shrewsbury Museum and ArtGallery is afamily-friendly experience with children’s activities, acafeand exhibitionsshowcasing some of themostprominent local history.

People from acrossthe country have left reviewsonthe Tripadvisor website,highlighting themuseums’ interestingexhibitions andknowledgeablestaff

Lesley Anne from London wrote: “Thisisaterrificmuseum providingarealinsight to thehistory of Shrewsbury

“Volunteers arereallyhelpful

andveryknowledgeable. Lots to look at forall ages “Wespent acoupleofhours there butcould easily have spentthe wholemorning.”

Pete James’ review reads: “Really interestingexhibits– Shrewsbury hasafascinating historyand themuseum lays it allout in areally accessible andinterestingway

“The volunteers arereallyhelpfuland informative. Onegentleman really broughtitalive formydaughtertelling herstories aboutwomen standing up fortheir rights –excellent.”

Elaine Harris added: “Wevisited todayaftera twoyeargap andwere amazed at how beautifullythe exhibitswerepresented andframed.”

MP ‘refutes in full’allegations that shebullied ex-chairman

AConservative MP accusedofbullyingby aformerassociation chairman says she“refutesthe allegationsin full”.

It comesafterTammy Wood, who resignedaschair of TelfordConservatives lastmonth, submitted a formal complaint to theparty about TelfordMPLucyAllan

MrsWood, whostepped down alongwith five othermembers of TelfordConservatives’management committee last month, claims Ms Allanhad waged a“campaign” againsther in an attempttoget her removedfromher position as chair.

Astatement issued by Ms Allan’s office said she“refutesthe allegationsinfull”.

DOMINICROBERTSON newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Responding to theallegations the Conservatives’press officerfor the West Midlands said:“We have an establishedCodeofConduct and formal processeswhere complaints canbemadein confidence

“Staffare availabletohelp throughout thecomplaintsprocess.”

MrsWood, whoalsoleftthe party when shestepped down from her role as chair, said theMPhad made aseriesofcomplaints abouther whichshe believes were intended to forceher from herpost.

SheaddedthatMsAllan had called otherofficers of thelocal party on thetelephonetodiscussher beingreplaced as chair.

Shesaid: “She hasmadenumerous spurious complaints to my area chair, allofwhich have been thrown out.”

TheConservativeParty hasconfirmed that thereare no investigations into anycomplaintsregarding MrsWood

MrsWood said shehad “nodealings”withMs Allansince shehad beenchair,but said shebelievedthe MP hadwanted herremovedfrom herposition

Remove

Shesaid: “She haswaged acampaignand apersonalvendetta againstmesince thestart of the year andhas continuallytried to remove me sinceJune.”

Responding to theclaimsa spokesmanfor Ms AllanMPsaid:

“Ms Wood took on theposition of chairofthe TelfordConservative Association on June 24, 2022

“InSeptember 2022 Ms Wood made anumberofmedia appearances opposing theelectionofPrime Minister Sunak, whichwas held in accordance with theestablished rulesofthe ConservativeParty

“Ms Wood then resignedher position as chair.

“Lucy hasbeenmadeaware that Ms Wood hasmadeallegations to themedia abouther

“Noconcernswereexpressed to Lucy or herteamatany time

“Lucy is not awareofany complaintsbeing madetothe ConservativeParty or to anythird partyby Ms Wood

“Lucy refutesthe allegationsin full.”

Councildefends actionsover filthy takeaway

Acouncil hasdefendedits actions afterittook11years to closedown a filthy restaurant in Telford.

ZiaddinChoudury, whoturned80 earlierthismonth, narrowly avoided jail when he appeared at Shrewsbury CrownCourt last month.

He washandedaseven-month sentence,suspended for12months, andbannedfromrunning food premises againafteradmitting breachingfood hygienelawsrelatingtoMomma’s Pizzas in Market Street,Oakengates.

Thecourt heardthatproblems hadbeenpickedupbyhygieneofficers as farbackas2011, butit wasn’t until2018, when acomplaint wasmadebyamember of thepublic, that health hazardsincluding piles of mouldy dough,atin canopener with food on it,unclean equipment anduse of cardboardfor worksurfaceswerefound

Afterthe conviction,acouncil spokesperson said therewas “specificlegal criteria”tomeet“if a food business is to be closed down”, butdecidedtobring acasetostop Choudhuryfromrunningthe takeaway,orany otherfood business in thecountry,following theinspection in August 2018

“The casewenttomagistrates courtinApril 2019but Mr Choudhury used hislegal righttoask for thecasetobeheard acrown court,” sheadded.“Thedelay in securing theprosecutionwas then in waiting foracrown courthearing date to become available– aprocess which wasseverelyimpacted by theCovid pandemic.The environmental health teamhavebeendetermined to bringthe casetoa successful conclusion andare pleasedwiththe outcome.”

Jane Sarginson, prosecuting, said EnvironmentalHealthofficers foundChoudurywiththree employeeswhentheyvisited in August 2018.One hadnotraininginfood safety andthere wasnofood safety certificate

“One hadtoberemindedonseveral occasionstowashhis hands.”

Call to improve safety of road

Acallhas been made fora“dangerous”roadnetwork to be declared aschoolzone“before somebody dies”.

Anothercollision happened near MeoleBrace School and ThePriorySchoolinShrewsbury last week.Awoman in her60s sustained aheadinjury when shewas knockeddown at aLongden Road pedestrian crossing by ayoung cycliston hisway to school

Thewoman wastaken to the Nuffieldhospitalbeforespendingsix hoursinA&E at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.She did not suffer anybrokenbones,but hadasoreneck, back andarm.

It comesaftercampaigners called forroadsafetymeasures to be putinplace.Meole Traffic Grouphas been lobbying ShropshireCouncilfor saferroads for anumberofyears

JessicaRichardslooks at work by Andrew LoganatShrewsbury Museumand ArtGallery

MEGANHOWE

UK carsales are on theriseagain

TheUK’snew carmarket hasrecorded afourthsuccessivemonth of growth

Some 142,889new cars were registered in November, up 23.5 percentonthe same monthlast year,according to theSociety of MotorManufacturers andTraders (SMMT)

Thereweremixed fortunes for Jaguar Land Rover, whichhas its engine manufacturingcentre at the i54north of Wolverhampton. Land Rover sawsales rise 25.7 percent to 3,468for themonth, butJaguar wasdown45per cent at 736.

Overall, registrationslastmonth were 8.8per cent belowpre-coronaviruslevels. Thenumberofnew cars registered during the first11 months of this year is 3.4per cent down on thesameperiodin2021.

TheSMMTiscalling forGovernment action to boostelectriccar charging infrastructure andsupport theuptakeofplug-invehicles.

Animal faeces thrown at cars

Police have increasedpatrols afterreceiving reports of catlitter, animal faeces,sawdust and sand beingthrownatorover parked cars

Officers saytheydon’t know whythe behaviourhas started,but it includes atrafficcone beingthrownontoa driveways in avillage close to theSouth Shropshireborder.

Residents in Brimfieldwere told therehavebeentwo incidentsinthe Wyston Lane and Wyston Avenue area

Pc Adam Stobbart said:“It is notclear as to whythisbehaviour hasstarted butitisdisgustingto find foranyone.”

He said theSafer Neighbourhood Team will be increasing patrols in theareaand said anyone with informationshould contactthe police on 101with thedetails

£2mofrepairs at airfield done

Birmingham Airportcarried out£2 millionofessential airfieldmaintenanceworkthroughoutNovember.

Thework, whichincludedresurfacingand removing aircraft tyre rubber from therunway, took placeovernight when therewereno flights

Nick Roberts, senior projectmanager,said: “Our airfieldisvast, so thechances aremostpeople, even thoselivingnearby, won’thave been awareofour night-time activitythisautumn.Wedothese vital jobs annually to ensure ourrunway andits taxiways aresafeand in goodshape to serveour customers forthe next 12 months.”

Theairport continuallymonitors thegriplevel of itsrunway, using a high-pressurewater blasting systemtoremove rubber that accumulatesonthe surfacefromlanding aircraft tyres. Removing this rubberensuresthe runway surfaceis safe andoffersgood grip when wet.

Travellers warned of Christmasdisruption

Travellers have been warned to expect cancellationsand delays around Christmasasstrikes cause disruption

Affected airports have voiced theirdisappointmentatthe industrialactiondue to be takenbyBorderForce workers at Birmingham, Gatwick, Heathrow,Manchester andCardiff acrosseightdaysfrom December 23 to NewYear’sEve.

Some flights arelikely to be cancelled,accordingtoManchester Airport, andthe AirportOperators Association (AOA)saidifthe strikescannot be avertedthen

“concreteand deliverable contingencymeasures” must be putin place.

TheBusinessTravelAssociation said the“entiretravelsupport system will once morebeplunged into dealingwithcancellations and disruptions”.Aspokespersonsaid: “Further strike action puts Britishworkers’Christmases at risk Hard workers up anddownthe countrywill be stranded,strugglingtoget home

“The entire travel supportsystemwilloncemorebeplunged into dealingwithcancellations and

disruptionsratherthanbookings with no financialrecompense.We urge theGovernmentand unions to come together to ensurethere aren’t unnecessary emptychairs at this year’s Christmastable.”

Manchester Airportsaidit wouldworkwithairlinestoensure passengers have as much advance noticeofcancelled services as possibleand warned of “muchlonger immigrationqueues”.Aspokesperson said:“Unfortunately,we expect it will be necessaryfor airlinestocancelsome services on the days impacted by strike action.”

A‘generalstrike’ that

PETERMADELEY PoliticalEditor

Acool£28 billion.

That’s thecosttothe countryif thewhole public sector wastoget apay rise in line with inflation, accordingtoHealthSecretarySteve Barclay

Theunionswantmoremoney andbetterconditionsfor members, butthe Government says we can’t afford to meet theirdemands –particularlywiththe coffersalready emptiedout duethe bleakglobal economicsituation.

With bothpartiesseemingly unwilling to shift from theirpositions, it now seemsinevitablethe country is headingfor awinter of discontent.And thelevel of disruption couldhardlybegreater

Thenumberofworking days lost to strikesthismonth is expected to topone million –the highestfor any monthsince thetailend of MargaretThatcher’spremiership in July 1989

Whileitwon’t technically be a generalstrike, thereare so many strikestakingplace at once that it will have asimilar impact

Comparisons will obviouslybe made to theWinterofDiscontent in 1979,which effectively sawoff JamesCallaghan’s Labour government andled toThatcher’spurge on theunionsonceshe gotintoNumber10.

RoyalMailstrikes will ensure Christmas presentsdon’t getdelivered.Travelplans will be thrown into chaosbyyet more strikeson ouralready disfunctionalrailnetwork. University students will probably be gettinganevenlonger festiveholiday than usual. Andif you fancyescapingtoParis, don’t book aEurostar. It’s beingaffected by strike action too.

Of greatest concernisthe likelihood that ambulancestrikes will putlives at risk

Whileunion bosses have insisted that thestrikes arenot political, they certainlyhurtthe Government politically.

RishiSunak,who alreadylooks weak afterthree climbdowns on policy in as many days,doesnot look likeaPrime Minister whois fullyinchargeofthe country.

Thereisagrowing view that as we headtowards theend of 2022, very fewthingsinBritain areworkingproperly. AndwhileMrSunak

has been praised in some quarters fornot backingdowntounion demands, hisinability to find asolution to thewaveofindustrialaction posesserious questionsabout his ability to lead.The PM appearsto be scupperedatevery turn

Anumberofunionshavepointed outthatthe strikesare not just aboutpay.The RMT, forexample, hascalledfor reform of therailin-

dustry –somethingwhich ministers have admitted is long-overdue

MeanwhileGMB –which is sending3,000 Midlands ambulance workersout on strike fortwo days this month –saidits concerns were as much about staffing levels and patientsafetyas wages

Forthe Government, apartsolution be through anti-strikelaw, which wouldimpose requirements

to runaminimum levelofservice during strikesontransport networks

However,the legislationisstill in itsearly stages in theCommons andand as aresultwould not help to deal with theindustrialaction plannedoverChristmas

Theprospect of an officialgeneral strike seemsunlikely, given that such athing wouldbevirtually

Birmingham Airport

Discontent 1979 –Famousimage of London’s Leicester Square,filled with huge pilesofuncollected rubbish

Discontent 2022 –RailworkersonapicketlineatBirmingham NewStreet Stationonone of maydaysofaction

Councilchief says Tories must ‘get agrip’

Acouncil leader says thegovernment “mustget agrip” over strike action

TheLabourleaderofTelford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Shaun Davies,saidthatthe extent of industrial action plannedfor the month wasevidence of thegovernment’s failure.

He said:“These hard-working staffwho have keptthe countrygoingduringthe pandemic arerightly asking forbetterpay andconditions at workduringa cost of living crisis, butany strike is asignoffailure

andIurgethe governmenttoget around thetable with theunionsto hammer outafairdealfor working people.

“I know from speaking to many of thosepeoplewho arestriking, thelastthing they want to do is inconveniencethe public at large, as well as lose aday’s payinthe leadup to Christmas.Thatiswhy it is imperative that an agreed deal that is fair is arrivedat.

“The governmentisfailing workingpeople. We have thehighest tax burden sincethe Second WorldWar

andthese strikesineverysectorof oureconomy areasignoffailure andthisgovernment mustget a grip.”

MeanwhileHelen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP forNorth Shropshire, also criticised thegovernment over thesituation –but called forfurther negotiation, notmore strike action

Shesaid: “These strikesare a direct result of theConservatives’ mismanagementofthe economy: soaringinflation, lowgrowthand unfair taxhikes.”

ournationcan ill afford

Rotary club puts on Christmastea

Morethan60pensionerswereentertainedwithaChristmas tea thanks to alocal Rotary club

Shrewsbury SevernRotaryClub membersand partners laid on tea andentertainment at Barnabas CommunityChurch, LongdenColeham, Shrewsbury

Apartfroma breakduringthe Covidpandemic, theclubhas organisedsimilar Christmasevents forthe elderlywho aretransported to thevenue by rotarians.

In addition to enjoyingacarol serviceaswellasthe Christmas tea, therewerepresentsand raffle prizes andone of thehighlights was a‘surprise’appearancebySanta.

Rotarian JohnYeomans,who organises theChristmas event, said: “Wewereonceagain delighted to bringtogethersomanyofour local elderlyresidents to give them some Christmas cheer.

“Our thanks to theBarnabas CommunityChurch team.”

KEYDATES WHEN INDUSTRIALACTIONMAY IMPACT ON YOU

ROYALMAIL

Thursday December 15, Friday December 23,Saturday

December 24

Christmas deliveries of cardsand presents areset to be be affectedby this industrialaction.Royal Mail has offeredapay deal it says is worth up to nineper cent over18months, butwithinflation at 11.1 percent, theCommunication WorkersUnion wants more forits members.

RAIL STRIKE

December 16-17, December 2427,January3-4,January6-7

Services will be severely affected Largeareas including Shropshire likely to have no trains at all. The RMTwants apay offerreflecting therising cost of living –and a guaranteeofnocompulsory job losses.Thereare other associated disputes involving other unions

EUROSTAR

December 16,18, 22 and23

Eurostar linksservicesfromLondon to Paris, Brussels andAmsterdam alongside other European cities Severe disruption becauseofapay disputewiththe RMTislikelytohave an effect with 100train securitystaff walking out. Theimpactisnot yet knownbut thereisariskofservices being cancelled, spoiling Christmas travelplans to andfromEurope.

NURSES

December 15,December 20

Essentialcoverwill continue.Many trusts in theWestMidlands arenot involved because notenough voted in ballots, making them notlegally binding.Big hospitalsinthe Black Countryand Shropshireshould be workingasnormal. TheRoyal CollegeofNurseswants arise of five percentabove theRetailPrice Index inflationof14per cent

Cyclinghelmet call is rejected

Agovernment minister hasrejected callsfromanMPtolook at making helmetscompulsory forcyclists.

ConservativeMPMark Pritchard, whorepresentsThe Wrekin,asked in awritten parliamentaryquestionifthe TransportSecretary“will hold discussionswithroadsafetyand cyclerepresentativegroupson making it alegal requirement forcycliststowearhelmets on publicroads”.

In aresponse transport ministerJesse Norman said theDepartment forTransport “consideredthismatterat length in acomprehensive cyclingand walkingsafetyreviewin2018.”

He addedthatany benefit from making cyclists wear helmets is “likelytobeoutweighed by thefactthatthiswould put some people offcycling”.

In-personmeet hailed asuccess

AMBULANCE WORKERS

December 21,December 28

West Midlands andWelsh workers to strikeincluding paramedics and call handlers. Themilitary arebeing placedonstandby, accordingto reports.Unionswantanaboveinflationoffer as well as changesto working practices.

impossible these days from alegal standpoint.But thereisawhiff of discontent around andwithmomentum gathering, Mr Sunakwill notwanthis premiershiptobedefinedbyalonghardwinter.

Shrewsbury andAtchamConservativeMPDanielKawczynski said he wanted to seenew legislation broughtintoprevent thestrike action.Hesaid: “Clearly thenew

HIGHWAY WORKERS

December 30-31

Atwo-day strikeinWestMidlands is part of co-ordinated UK action on staggered datesthattakeina differentregioninturn. Unions want a10per cent payrise as well as some other improvements.Big road projects in theregion will fallsilent.

PrimeMinisterisgoing to have to bringlegislation to theHouse and even rely on theservicesofthe armedforcestobreak themilitant strangleholdthese unions aretryingtoinflictonour country. The tradeunionsare trying to hold our countrytoransom.

“Ifthe Governmentcaves in it will be devastatingfor oureconomy andtherefore Idonot thinkour leg-

islation is significant to deal with these militant trade unions.”

Wrekin ConservativeMPMark Pritchardsaidhe wasconcerned that some of theindustrialaction is ‘politically motivated’ andsaid he wanted to seea negotiated –but realistic–agreement

He said:“People have aright to strike butsome of thestrikes, not all, do appear to be somewhat politi-

callymotivated by some unionleadersand coordinatedtomaximise damage forthe government.

“Meanwhilemembersofthe publicare having theirliveshugelydisrupted andpotentially damagedas they struggle to gettowork, meet family or even miss importantmedical appointments.Ihopea negotiated butrealistic settlementcan be reachedsoon.”

The first‘in person’ meetingofTelford BusinessBoard sincethe Covid lockdown hastaken placewithall membersagreeingitwas greattobe able to meet face-to-face once again. Membersmet at TelfordCollege andcovered awiderange of topics, includingskillsand recruitment, access to finance, andthe importanceofgathering up-to-datemarket research andintelligenceto mapout thecurrent health of the Telfordeconomy

They discussedthe importance of aligning training andeducation with theneedsofthe locallabour market,and developing clearemployer-ledstrategies detailing what is required to supporteconomic growth andboost productivity

Will Westley, TelfordBusiness Board’schair,said: “Wehavebeen meetingregularly online sincethe Covidlockdown, butitisgreat to be able to meet up in person once again.

Councillor Shaun Davies

Electrician, 39, sent to prisonfor rape of younggirl he haddrugged

An electricianwho distributedvideos of himself raping ayoung girl has been jailed foralmost16years

Thomas Gwilliam-Carter, 39, from Leominster,was identified by National CrimeAgencyinvestigators afterchild abuse images he’d posted were foundondevices belongingtoaU.S.suspect arrested by theFBI

Chat logs showed that Gwilliam-Carter, usingthe online pseudonym‘keepedging247’,toldother paedophiles on theWickr platform that he plannedtodruga childto make raping hereasier. He then went on to sharevideos of theabuse andlater admitted that he had drugged thechild.

Gwilliam-Carterwas arrested by NCAofficers at hishome addresson October1

At WorcesterCrown Courton November7,hepleaded guilty to one countofrapeofachildunder 13,three counts of making indecent images and five counts of distributingindecentimages.Hewas back at thesamecourt forsentencinglast week

NCAoperationsmanager Phil Eccles said:“Gwilliam-Carterinflicted themostterribleabuse on ayoung girl anddistributed videos he’d made of it online,all forhis and otherpaedophiles’pleasure.

“Thiscasehighlights why the NCA’sclose co-operation with international partners is so vitalintackling childsex abuse.

“Wealso worktirelesslytoprotect thoseaffected by childsexual abuseand disruptoffenders who pose asexualthreattochildren,ensuring they face justice.”

Basketball projectnetsballs from Games

Anon-competitive communitybasketballteamisfull of bounce after receivingballs left over from the Commonwealth Games.

TelfordInterfaithCommunity Basketball provides abasketballexperience to thosewho want to either learnthe game or play thesport on anon-competitive basis.

Hezron Ottey, of thebasketball initiative at Telfordand Wrekin Interfaith Council, said:“We are delightedthatwewon andreceived almost twodozen basketballsfrom theBirmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

DAVIDTOOLEY

david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

They received thebasketballs andsharedthe goodnewswith membersonMondayatthe InterfaithCouncil’s building in New Street,Wellington.

Mr Otteysaid: “The TelfordInterfaith CommunityBasketball initiativeisanon-competitive basketball set-up as we do notcompete in leaguesoragainst otherbasketball teams, we simply provideand facilitateafun basketball experience to

thosewho want to either learnthe game or play non-competitively.”

He said thecompetition was launched by SportEngland followingthe CommonweathGames.“Following theCommonwealthGames, SportEngland ranacompetition whereby organisationscan entera competitiontohavevarious equipment donatedtothe organisation Given that we area charitybasketballinitiative, we submittedour applicationfor thebasketballpieces of equipment.Wealsoreceiveda plaquestatingthatthe legacy of the Gamessupportsour project.”

Hope that decision is finally to be made over relief road

DOMINIC ROBERTSON ChiefReporter

posaltobeconsideredinthe spring

decision over financingfor the£80 million scheme,which it is understood requires around £40m of extra fundingtogoahead, untilafter theapplication hasbeenconsidered.

ShropshireCouncil’s proposal to buildthe NorthWestReliefRoad (NWRR) around Shrewsbury has been thesubject of asuccessionof delays

Theapplication wasoriginally expected to go before thecouncil’s planning committee at theend of 2021 –but theproposalhas still not been considered by councillors.

Oneofthe main reasonsfor the delayhas been theEnvironment Agency asking formoredetailon theproposals, particularly how they affect thesiteofwater extraction in thetown.

NowCouncillor RichardMarshall, thecouncil’s portfolioholder forhighwaysand regulatory services,has said that he expectsthe pro-

He said thecouncil hadalmostconcluded theworkrequired by theEnvironmentAgencyand wouldhand it over in January.

Councillor Marshall hasmade thecommentsinresponse to awrittenquestionfromfellowcouncil members.

In hisresponse he states:“Iam delightedtosay that forShrewsbury NWRRwehavealmostconcluded theextensive amount of ground investigationand environmental assessment workrequired to satisfy therequirements of the EnvironmentAgencyand Natural England

“The aimistocompletethe submissionofthatinformation in January whichthenenables thematter to be considered by Planning Committee in thespring.”

It also appearsthere maybeno

Shrewsbury &AtchamMPDanielKawczynskihad askedthe Department forTransport (DfT) if it wouldbeabletoprovide £27m towardsthe increasedcosts –and was expectingaresponse in twoweeks

TheDfT hasdeclinedtocomment on whetherany decision has been made on extra funding, butit is understood thegovernmentwill nowonlyconsiderproviding extra moneyafter thecouncil submitsthe full business casefor theproject –a move whichwould follow anyplanning applicationbeing approved.

Askedwhether he hadreceived aresponse,MrKawczynskisaid discussionswere‘ongoing’ over the request.

Astatement from hisoffice said: “DanielKawczynskiMPhas held a number of meetings with ministeri-

al colleagues to discussthe funding of theNorth West Relief Road

“Hehas also held ameeting with theEnvironment Agency to discuss theproject.

“Heconsiders theNorth West Relief Road will reduce congestion and pollutionin thecentre of Shrewsbury andonthe ring road. Discussionsare ongoingover this project.”

Forces personnel in ‘low-grade’ accommodation

Morethanhalfofservice personnel in Shropshire arelivinginthe lowestgrade of serviceaccommodation, figureshaverevealed.

Newdatafromthe Ministry of Defencehas shownthat460 out of 800service personnel (57.5per cent)livein‘Grade4’SingleLiving Accommodation–the lowest rating given by thegovernment department.Thisishigherthanthe national percentage of 40 percent.

Additionally,a further4,360 personnel live in accommodationso poorthatnorentalchargeislevied andjust21per cent live in thetop ‘Grade 1’ accommodation, thelowestproportionsince 2018 Telford&WrekinCouncil leader, Councillor ShaunDavies, said Conservativeministers were “failing in theirdutytopersonnel,who are forced to live in discomfort as properties fall into disrepair”

He added: “Our ArmedForces should have homes fitfor heroes, butthese shocking figuresreveal thestate of theiraccommodation in theregion. After12years in governmentitshouldshame Conservativeministers that ourcountry’s Forces have to putupwithsuch poor conditions

“Labour stands four-squarebehind ourarmed forces,and Iwill continue to fighttomakesurepersonnel getthe standard of accommodation they deserve.”

TheMinistryofDefence hasbeen contactedfor comment

Ex-policeman is foundguilty

Aformerpoliceofficerwho messaged female victimsofcrime to tryand strike up sexual relationshipshas been foundguilty of perverting the course of justice

RhettWilson, 27,aformer West Mercia Police officer, who hadatone stagehad beenbased inShrewsbury, hasbeenontrial at WorcesterCrown Court. He haddeniedpervertingthe course of justice butwas convicted by ajury.

Wilson, of Tidworth, Wiltshire, whoresignedfromthe forceinJuly2020, hadpreviously pleadedguiltytothree police corruption charges.Hewill be sentencedonJanuary 20

Thecharges relate to Wilson contacting threewomen,who he hadbeencalledtohelp, in an attempttostart sexual relationships.

West Mercia Police’s Professional StandardsDepartment hadcarried outaninternal investigationafter receiving informationthatWilsonwas abusing hisposition forsexual gain.The offences took place betweenDecember 2019 and March 2020

Theincident wasreferredto theIndependentOffice forPolice Conduct(IOPC). Internal misconduct proceedingswill nowtakeplace

HezronOttey,TelfordInterfaith CommunityBasketballinitiative, TelfordMayor RajMehta andSam Richardson

Controversialplans for the£80 millionNorth West Relief Road could finallybeconsideredby aplanningcommittee next year.

An artist’s impression of theroad

Applications are open forgrant to help young

Acouncil is offering £500 to young people whoneedabit of help gettingintoeducation,employment or training.

Applications forTelford & Wrekin Council’s‘TheLeader andCabinet Members’ Young PersonGrant’haveopenedfor itsseventh year

Thegrantsaim togiveresidents aged 15-to-25 ahelping hand to take thenextsteps in theircareer.

CouncilleaderCouncillor ShaunDaviessaid: “I’m thrilled that we areonceagain offeringthisgrant to young people acrossthe borough.It’safantastic opportunitytosupport peopleintheir education, employment andtrainingand give back to ourlocal community.

“Overthe last sixyears, the grantschemehas supported 369young people with atotal of £79,697and made ahugedifference to theirlives.”

To be eligible forthe grantof up to £500,the young person must live in Telford& Wrekin, or be achild in care or care leaver living outsideofthe borough, aged between15and 25.Applicationsare nowopenand will close at 5pmonJanuary 5.

Formoreinformation or to submit an applicationvisit tel ford.gov.uk/ypg

MP makesplea forstruggling WASPIwomen

NorthShropshireMPHelen Morganhas called forWASPI women to be given interimpaymentstohelp them cope whiletheir full compensation is decided.

TheWASPI (WomenAgainst StatePension Inequality)campaign wasfounded in2015to“fightfor justice” forall women born in the 1950saffected by thechanges to the StatePension Age.

Lastyear, theParliamentary Ombudsmanruled that government officials were tooslow to tell many women they wouldhaveto wait longer fortheir statepension duetothe rising ageofretirement.

Womenupand down thecountryare settoreceive compensation followingthe WASPIcampaign. However,manyWASPI womenare alreadystruggling financiallydue to notknowing that they would have to wait longer fortheir state pensionasthe retirement ageincreased.

Speaking in theHouse of Commons, LiberalDemocratMPMrs Morgansaid: “I wonder if theSecretary of Statewill committoan interimpayment to women affected by this change whiletheywaitfor the finalOmbudsman’s report to be released?”

LauraTrott,Parliamentary Under-SecretaryofState forWorkand Pensions, said it “would notbeappropriate to take anyfurther steps at this stage” whilethe Ombudsman’sinvestigation is ongoing.

Mythsand legendsthathave shaped thecounty’sfolklore

MEGANHOWE Community News Reporter

Shropshireisone of England’smostrural counties,its origins datingbacktothe division of SaxonMerciamore than 1,000 yearsago.

Andinterweaved with itshistory, itsspectacular sceneryand architecture, arestories of fairies, magic,devils, hounds as well as ghosts andtragicheroes.

Folkloreisever-present in Shropshireand it livesand breathes in the rolling hillsand vast landscapes

AmyDouglas, astoryteller from Bishop’s Castle,has spentmuch of hercareerkeeping thespoken traditionalive.She is apublished author,afoundingmemberofthe Talesatthe Edge storytelling club andrunsspokenwordevents around thecounty.

NowAmy hasretoldsome of her favourite Shropshire legends, whichhavebeenhandeddownfrom generation to generation l Wild Edric

Edricwas an Anglo-Saxonnoblemanfromaroundinthe 11th century whoheldlandand estatesacross Shropshireand Herefordshire.

“He’sanincredibleherowith myth andlegendconnected to him,” Amysaid. “He’sthisincredible mythic hero of TheMarches.”

Knowntobea greatwarrior,a leader andlover of hispeople, Edric ledan Englishrebellion against William theConquerorduringthe

Norman Conquest.Out hunting in Clun Forest one day, Edriccame acrossagroup of womendancing barefoot on thegrass.The woman at thecentre,afairy called Godda, caught theeye of Edricand he took hertobehis bride

When shedisappeared,itwas said that Edricspent hislastdays in lamentation. He residesnow underthe Stiperstones.

Wild Edricalsohas connections to theLongMynd, in Church Stretton, sometimestakingthe form of alarge blackdog whoroams the heathlandorasthe leader of The Wild Hunt.There have been many

storiesofsightingsofThe Wild Hunt over theyears, Amysaid.

l TheWhite Lady of Oteley Oteley Hall is agrand estate in Ellesmere, whichoverlooksThe Mere.While thepresent housewas builtin1960, followingthe demolition of thepreviousbuild,the history of thesitedates back to theearly 19th century.

ThedaughterofOteleyHallwas said to be young andwell-educated Herfatherwas keen to have her marriedtoaman of suitable wealth, butshe wished to marryher sweetheart–the stable boy–who wasof no rank or station. Thepairmet in

secret andmadeplans to elope. The young woman wastomeether lover at theboathouse,where they would sneakawayinthe dead of night. Butthe young woman’s father overheardtheir plans.

With agun underhis arm, he was theone whomet thestableboy –andshothim dead.The young lady watched on as herfatherhurledthe body into TheMere. Overcome by grief, shewaded outintothe water afterhim.Legendhas it shecontinuestohaunt Oteley Hall

l TheDevil andThe Stiperstones

In herbook, Amysays“The Stiperstonesiswhere allthe bad things meet –presidedoverbyThe Devilhimself.” It beganasa prophecy.

“The storyofthe Devil’sChair is that therewas aprophecythatif TheStiperstonesfell, theworld and Shropshirewould be ruined,” she said

Hearingofthisprophecy,the Devilusedall hisbodyweightto poundonthe rocks. Repeatingthe motion over andover,harder,and harder,itmadeno difference and therockswould not crack.

Afterawhile,itissaidthe Devil’s heat mouldedthe rock into the shapeofachair around hisbody, nowknownasThe Devil’sChair

Amyrunsstorytelling andpoetry sessionsas‘Wordsatthe Edge’at WenlockPottery,Old Chapel House, Sheinton Street,oneverysecond Monday of themonth.She also runs BLAST! –amonthly storytelling performanceseriesinBishop’sCastle. Seeamydouglas.com

Piece of collegeactionfor Hollywood stuntman

An award-winning film andTV stuntman shared storiesofhis action-packedcareerwhenhegave atalktohundreds of collegestudents

Shropshire-born performerand co-ordinatorJustinPearsonhas workedonhugefranchises such as Star Wars, JamesBond, Harry Potter,Fast&Furious andPirates of theCaribbean,aswellascult TV showslikeGameofThrones

He spentan hour at theWellingtoncampusofTelford College sharingdetails about hiscareer as part of thecollege’s ‘wellbeing week’, whichhas broughttogether

arange of inspirationaland motivational speakers

Justin,who hasput hisremarkable lifestory into printinanew autobiographycalledRolling With ThePunches,has wonthree Screen Actors GuildAwards–for hisworkonJames Bond film Skyfall,WonderWoman,and thesecondpart of HarryPotter&The Deathly Hallows.

He explainedtostudents what it took forhim to earn aplace on the BritishStunt Register

He also revealedwhatitwas like working with big-namestars such as JohnnyDepp, Daniel Craigand

TomHardy –and explainedthe risk assessmentsand health and safety work whichwentintocreatingsome of thescreen’sbiggest stunts.

“I’vebeenfortunatetotravelall over theworld with my work,and after20-plus yearsinthiswonderfuland sometimeswacky business, it’s fair to sayI’veexperienced my fair shareofhighs, lows,and unpredictabletwists,”hesaid.

He added: “I oftenget asked ‘Isn’t it really dangerous?Of course thereare risks, butyou should never underestimatethe degree of planning.”

Justin Pearson at TelfordCollege,

AmyDouglasisa

storytellerfromBishop’s Castle.Picture:Joshua Crisp

SunriseoverThe Stiperstones Oteley Hall,Ellesmere,taken from theShropshire Star picture archive TheDevil’s Chair in 1958

Stress campaignisbackedbysafetyinstitution MARKET

BRIDGNORTH LIVESTOCKMARKET

DECEMBER 13,Cattle(76)–Numbersdif

outthe

is definitely cheaperthannot feeding them Moresteers were required by theawaiting buyers.Bestsorts topped at 306p/kgwith heavier notsoshapeytypes c. £1670inthe lump.Butchers’ heifers sold to aroaring trade– passed300p/kg on sevenoccasions to ahighof328p/kg. Heavyfemalessold to ahigh of £1897. Bullsinshortsupplyonce again, nothelping orderstoget going.Asharp tradeonheavy continentals sellingto270p/ kg for836kg (2,257).Adecenttrade on black and whitessold to 209p/kgfor 584kg. Lambs (1,000)– Aslowstart to theday with 1000 lambseventually penned, tradeimproved throughoutthe sale with thebestlambsshortin supplyand rising in valueasthe sale went on Caroline Evans lambstooktospotat312p/kg for 42kg, with severalpens297p/kg to 308p/kg. Although customers lookingtogainhigh prices per kilo for smartlambs–heavy lambstotted up nicelyto£140.40for 61kg from DT &LR Davies. Lean,under-finished lambsremain an issue trading around 200p/kg,detracting from theoverall average. Morelambscould easily be sold to advantage everyweek.Ewes(650) –An improvedewe trade, with cross-bred ewes to £189 andSuffolk xMules from Tony Davies at £173.50. North CountryMuleshit the£120 mark with heaviermeatedewesaroundthe £140 mark.Leaner lowlandewesuparound £10per head with very plainmules £75.Alarge proportion of theentrycomprised of hill sheep whichsold to an improvedtrade.Swalesto£61, plain Scotch Blackface £40.50 andWelsh £46 meatto£70 improvedsorts.31ramssold,with a£167CharollaisfromG Needham,£152from Andrew Preece Texeland £142 forZwartbles

Barley regarded by company as topofthe crops

KWS’songoing commitment to breedingspringbarleys that deliver in themalthouse andthe fieldhas been underlined by theadditionof KWSCurtistothe 2023/24AHDB

Recommended List

That is theviewofthe company’s cerealsproduct managerDrKirsty Richards,who said:“The firstofa pipeline of similarhighperformers nowenteringRLcandidate trials, KWSCurtisisastrongall-round varietybredspecificallytobeeasy to grow andmanagewhilst meeting thedemands of thesupplychainin an increasinglycarbonfootprint focusedfuture.

“It’sahighyieldingtwo-rowvariety. It outperformsthe best in class forquality whilst deliveringthe highestspirityields/ha of crop combinedwithreduced levelsofcarbon emissionsthroughoutthe production cycle.

“It’sagreat exampleofhow genetics cancontributetomoresustainable production beingstrongly alignedwithour ‘Sowingfor Peak Performance’ initiative arming customerswiththe varietiesneededfor success in an increasinglychallengingfuture.”

KWSUK spring barley breeder Dr HenryBarbersaidKWS Curtis’ resilience andperformance has been tested in avariety of growing conditions acrossEuropewiththe varietyhavinganagronomicprofile perfectlysuitedtothe UK.

“It’sa varietythatperformswell acrossthe countrywithtreated yields of 105per cent of controls in theEastand 103per cent in the north andwestregionswithanaverageyield of 104per cent forthe UK as awhole,” he said

Aleading health andsafetyorganisation hasjoineda campaign tackling work-related stress in the agriculturesector.

TheInstitution of Occupational Safety andHealth(IOSH)has become thelatestpartner on the WorkingMinds campaign

Thecampaignwas launched a year agobythe Health andSafety Executive (HSE)

Theworkplace regulator’s figures show of the1.7 million workerssuffering from awork-related illness,almosthalfweresuffering from stress,depressionoranxiety HSE’sWorking Mindscampaign encourages employerstostart to

tackle work-relatedstressand to talk to theirstaff andtakesteps to supportemployeeswiththeir mentalhealthinthe workplace

Theagriculture sector is oneof theprioritysectors that arebeing targeted by thecampaign. The campaign hasa series of partners whoworkwithHSE to highlight issues around workplace stress andits impact on mental health includingthe Farm Safety Foundation.WithIOSHnow signed up, it meansthe number of partners hasmorethandoubled to 19 since WorkingMinds waslaunchedlast year.HSE’s research highlighted many employers areunaware of

theirlegal duties or how to spot the signsofstress

In response,Working Minds looked to developnetworkstopromote thelegal duties by encouragingemployersand workers across allsectors of theeconomy to sign up as campaign champions

Itsmainaim is to raiseawareness of stress andthe impact it hasonmentalhealthofworkers andbusinesses.The campaign is also recognisingthe significant milestoneof1,000 WorkingMinds champions as it celebrates itsoneyear anniversary

LizGoodwill from theHSE said:“When we launched Working

Mindsa year ago, we were under no illusion that stress,anxiety anddepressionwereonthe rise in theUK. Ouraim wastoensure psychosocialrisks aretreated the same as physicalones, that employers recognise theirlegal duty toprevent work-relatedstressto supportgoodmentalhealthinthe workplace,and that they have the toolstheyneed to achievethis.

“Now,atatimewhenwehave majorchallenges facing the country, welcomingnew partners extendsour reachand helpsget our messages to businesses.Thatis whyIOSHjoining WorkingMinds is so important.”

Water firm’s biodiversity work recognised by awardsuccess

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Severn Trenthas been crownedBiodiversity Championatthe 2022 Responsible Business Awards.

Thewin waslargely attributed to thecompany’s £1.2 billion investmentinthe ‘Great BigNature Boost(GBNB).

JasonRogers, head of water qualityand environmentat Severn Trent, said theaim of theGBNBis to make thecatchment area abetterplacefor thepublic, andwildlife, whilesupportingfarmproductivity andcutting carbon emissions.

“Tobethe stand-outwinner from awiderange of leadingbusinesses is atruecredittoour ambitionsand delivery,”hesaid.

Theaward judges were particularlyimpressed with SevernTrent’s workwithpartnersand third-party collaborators

Thejudges said thecompany’s partners notonlybenefitfromthe work, butare also helpingtogo above andbeyondoriginalplans

Thepanel of judges said Severn Trentwas an ‘anoutrightwinner forthiscategory’.MrRogerssaid theGBNBkickedoff in 2020.

It had, a10-year plan to enhance biodiversity on over 5,000ha and improve over 2,000 km of rivers by 2027,as well as plant1.3 mil-

lion trees by 2030.Partofthiswas deliveredthrough Severn Trent’s EnvironmentalProtection Scheme (STEPS). That programmeisa grantschemeinwhich thecompany helpsfarms acrossthe region protecttheir localenvironment,local watercourses andimprove farm infrastructure andriver health Mr Rogers said thehardworkof thecompany’s employees, partners

andthird partycontributorshas meantitisalready well on itsway to meetingtargets

“Currently over 4,600haofland hasbeenimprovedand 466,745 trees have been planted, with the riverstargetalready exceeded by over 1,200km. On topofthissuccess with GBNB,we’ve also launchedan extra commitmentto‘GetRiver Positive’, whichaddstoour origi-

nalpromises to includesupport for farmers, businesses andthe community to care forrivers,”hesaid. “Wehopethatthisrecognition will help to raise awarenessofthe vast amount of work we’redoing to enhancenature, andencourage more farmers, organisationsand community memberstoget involvedand continue to improve ournatural landscapeand sustainability.”

University scheme backsnew entrantstofarming by developingskills

Newentrantstofarming arebeing invitedtoapply to aDefra scheme beingpiloted by Harper Adams University

Theschemewill enable participantstodevelop theskillsand networktheyneed as well as theirbusiness case to secure land

Aseriesoforganisations across Englishregionsare working to pilot variousprojectsinparticularsectors during the pilotphase –with Harper Adamsleading the pilot in theWestMidlands.

Thepilot will deliver atraining

andsupport package, starting in January, with ablendofface-toface andonline activities

It will involve specialistacademicsfromthe university,together with external experts, financial partners, fieldvisitstothe Harper AdamsFutureFarmand to various partnerorganisationsduringthe programme.

As theUK’sleading specialist university forthe agri-food andruralbusinesssectors, Harper Adams leadsthe wayindeveloping the new generationsoftechnologyand tal-

entthatwill transform agriculture, with vast expertise in howtodevelop successful land-basedbusinesses,plusmyriadstakeholdersfrom acrossthe agricultural sector

WiRE director PollyGibbsaid: “The recent impactsofBrexit,the Covid-19 pandemic andthe effects of theUkraine warhavefar-reachingconsequencesfor agriculture.

“Whencoupled with changes in subsidy payments, andthe urgent need to move towardsmoreregenerativefarming,a chance presents itself fornew entrantswithnovel

ideasand innovative practicesto generate exciting newwaysofworkingin this traditional sector.”

Theprogramme will showcase innovativepractices andtechnologicaldevelopments andclearly demonstrate successfulbusiness models in action

Delegateswillalso have theopportunitytoworkontheir business skillsand developtheir pitchesto articulate theirvisionand business case forthe land andresourcesthey need to jump-start theirnew farm venture

JasonRogers andDrJodie Rettino from Severn Trentwith theaward

ficult to come by onceagain,saw prices holding theirown generally. As usual producers who had meat on their cattle were rewarded.The auctioneerisquick to point

costof feed to ourring of buyersbut feeding them

Newdevicecan

Leadingdairy innovator smaXtec haslaunchedTruDrinking,anew piece of technology whichaccurately recordsindividualcow’s waterintake.

Bosses saidthislatesttechnicaladvance is aworld firstinthe sector-leading health monitoring system

It helpsfarmers to optimise milk

help measurewater intake of cattle

production andanimalmanagement

ChrisHowarth, of the firm,said: “Water is oftenthe forgottennutrientindairy herds.

“Ifa cowdrinks toolittle, her feed intake will reduce,and her milkyield will drop “WithTruDrinking,farmers canimmediately detectany dis-

ruptiontonormalwater consumption.Thiscan be an earlyindicator of emerging health problems or flag atechnical problemwiththe water supply.”

Thetechnologybehind TruDrinkingrecords how often andhow many litresofwater each cowconsumesdaily Data is retrieveddirectlyinthe

cows’reticulum usingauniquebolusand AI-supported applications whichmeasure internal changes to body temperatureaftereach drinkingcycle

TruDrinkingreliablytracks waterintakewhich is monitored withoutany additional effort using smaXtec’s real-timesystem, the firm said

Heat stress in dairyherds couldcostfarmers thousands

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Dairyfarmers couldbe losing milk production worthtensofthousands of pounds by failingto protecttheir cows from heat stressduringthe summer.

That wasthe message from independentvet consultant,DrTom ChamberlainfromChalcombe Ltd, at aLallemand Animal Nutrition workshopatTotal Dairy.

Alivepollrun during theworkshop indicated92per cent of farmershaveseenheatstress on their farm and86per cent thoughtthey’d lost more than50litres/cowduring lactationasa result of this, with many suggesting they’d lost more than 150litres/cow.

To reiteratethe impactsofheat stress,duringthe workshopDr Chamberlainsharedresults of a study, carriedout in conjunction with Lallemand, to assess whether heat stress is aproblem in British dairyherds

Thestudy focusedonninefarms in Englandinthe summer of 2022 –from Cheshire in thenorth to Devon in thesouth –and temperature andhumidityweremeasuredinside cattlesheds andout at grazing.

“The studyshowsthe amount of time cows suffered from heat stress during thetrial period, whichran from ApriltoOctober,was 57 per cent forcowskeptinside, and22per

cent forthose outatgrass,” said Dr Chamberlain.

He said thestudy suggests theaveragehousedcow lost 139litresof milk production duetoheatstress during thesummer,whilethe averagecow outatgrass missed outon 129litresofproduction.

“Acrossthose nine farms, the averagelossofproductionfrom

heat loss is £128 percow,withherd losses rangingfrom£24,000 to £90,000,” he added.

He encouraged farmerstodraw up aheatstressmanagementplan forsummer 2023 andsuggested adopting asiestamanagementapproach

“Thisinvolvesgetting thecowsin at 10am andkeeping them in until

aftermilking,beforeturning them outagain at 4pm,”saidDrChamberlain.

“Thismeans they areindoors during thereallyhot period;when thereisa lotofdaylightthe cows will have amajor grazingboutin theevening,soyou arestill makinggood use of grasswiththisapproach.”

Guidance on howtoget most outofsilagesupply

Maximising thelitresofmilkproduced on farmsisa“no brainer”

Buthighinput costsmeandoingthiscost-efficientlyisset to remain essentialin2023. That is themessage from Volacsilage specialistPeter Smith. He said although milk prices have hit45-50 penceper litre during 2022,dramaticcostincreases forfertiliser, feed andfuelmean findingwaysto producemilkmorecost-effectively will be vitaltostopthese costseatingintoprofit.

Mr Smithsaid: “Feed costsaccountfor asignificant proportion of theoverall cost of milk production andfertilisercosts have gone

through theroof, so it’s important to getareturnonthese increased investments

“Whilepurchased feedsare akey elementinmostrations, homegrownfeeds will be themost cost-effective base to thediet. By making better silage,sothatmore of thecow’s nutritional needsare provided by silage,itcan help to ease feed costs. Andwithmilk prices having improved, certain stepstoimprove silage that may have previously been considered marginalbysome farmerscould now give amuchbetterreturnon investment.”

Pointing to ways of improving

silage,MrSmith said paying extra attentiontocutting grassat itsnutritional peak is key. Too many fields arecut when grass hasalready headed,hesaid, but digestibility fallsby0.5 Dunits aday post-heading. By oneweek post-heading,around1.5 kgsmore concentrateper cowper daywill need to be fedtomakeupfor this, he said,inorder to achievethe same milk yield.

Similarly,wilting grassrapidly, so that it canbeclamped as soon as possible aftercutting is vital, says Mr Smith, in ordertominimise the losses in energy andprotein that continue aftergrass is cut.

RICHARDYATES

Brrrr.Winter has finallymade itsannualappearancewith aplomb.Sofar,mostSalopian farmerswill be appreciatingthe chillyconditions;the squelchy mudhas been replaced by a firmer,frostyfooting. Allofmy 1,500sheep arestill outsideand none of them appreciatemud Thankfullywe’ve not reached temperatures below-5which freezeswater pipes andcan make some oldertractorsreluctant to start. As long as there’s shelterfromthe wind,which our copiousnetworkofthick hedges allows,thenthe livestockcope with sub-zerojust fine

As my 360January lambing ewes edge nearer to theirdue date,I’vehad to drop afew bales of hayaroundtomaintaintheir feed intake.They’ll be housed in time for lambing, which typically starts on Boxing Day. For now, thelongerthey’re in the fields thehappier they areand I’musing less beddingstraw.

Therockhardgroundallows us to cleanout cattleyards and transportthe muck onto bare headlandson fields destined for spring cropping.It’spreferable to muck theyards outmonthly during thewinter.The greater themuckdensity,the less air space underthe roof canopy, whichifnot addressed, leadsto respiratoryissues. Oftenwhen carolsinging,I’m thinking of ‘blowing’cattle–not ‘lowing’ ones.For thenon-initiated,I’m referringtothe pumpers.

Ihad contemplated digging some morefodderbeet, Ineeded the fieldatHoardsParktodry up alittlesoasnot to transferexcessiveamounts of mudthrough Bridgnorth.The sudden shift in temperatures caught me outas thebeethas become frosted.If dugnow,the huge football-sized rootswould soongomushy and inedible when thawed out. Patience now, as theywillbe fine in thegroundwhilst theleaves arestill intact

Thedusting of snow andfreezingweather have knockedthe canopyofthe root crops. Ispend an hour aday,every day, extendingelectricfences, andthisisan easier operationwithless foliage to getentangled in four strands of wire.Thisislabour-intensive Iappreciate, butit’sthe most efficientway of maximising the field’scapacity–until thehungry/greedysheep hopover

In ourwinter cerealsand oil seed rape,the mild autumn has encouraged extensivegrowth. Indeed,theyare in danger of gettingover forward, so it won’t hurt them to pause growingin thecoldsnap.

Of course asustained spellof subzeronightswill knockover predatory aphids andsaveus some money

As always in farming, the trickistofarmwithMotherNature,not againsther

From left,DrTom Chamberlain,NicoVreeburgand Mark McFarlandfromLallemand

PeterSmith

Carecompany to stageopenday

Acarehome in Shrewsbury is inviting thelocal communitytotake asneak peek inside itsnew,purpose-builtfacilities

Care UK’s OxbowManor,onOteleyRoad, will be openingits doors to thecommunity tomorrow (Friday) from 2-6pmsothatlocal people cantakea closer look at thestateof-the-art care home

Membersofthe communitycan book an appointmenttomeetthe team andtakeatouraroundthe care home,which comescomplete with itsown cinema,hairsalon and café

LindseyQuegan, home manager at OxbowManor,said: “We’re lookingforward to openingour doors to OxbowManor –itisset to be a greatday forall

“Weunderstandhow importantit is to gain arealinsightintoacare home,which is why we’reencouraginglocal people to come andtakea look around thefacilities.”

Teldocexpands with newoffice

Teldoc hascompleted theletting of amodernground flooroffice suiteatTelford’s Towergate House

Thesuite,which occupies an excellentlocationatEuston Way, extendstoapproximately 5,007sqft andwill be used by Teldoc –Shropshire’s first ‘Super-Surgery’–asadditional offices.

Teldoc,which hasapatient population of around 50,000 people,was createdthrough the merger of Oakengates Medical Practice,LawleyMedical Practice andTrinity Healthcare Toby Shaw,who handledthe letting of thesuite forTowler Shaw Roberts, said:“Towergate Housewas identified by Teldoc as suitable fortheir requirementsinproviding additional office space andweare delighted to have completedaletting.”

Firm landsdeal forhistory centre

Shropshire construction firm Pave Awayshas been awardedthe contracttodeliver abrand new£5.4m historycentre.

TheStaffordshire HistoryCentre will be formed by extendingthe existing county Record Office on Eastgate StreetinStaffordtoincorporate theWilliam Salt Library.

Amodernglazedentrancewill link both buildings, creating exhibition spacetoshowcasemuseum, archiveand librarycollections with additional strong roomsinstalled to buildspace forafurther 55 yearsof collections.

Managing director Steven Owen said:“We areverypleased to be working with thecouncil to deliver this flagshipbuilding, whichwill play an importantrolein thepreservation anddevelopmentofStaffordshire’shistory

“Havingpreviouslybuiltarecordsand archives centre in Mid Wales, we can’twaittoget started.”

Newa-fjordable flightstoNorway

Flights andcitybreakstoBergeninNorwayare to be launched from Birmingham Airportin 2024

Leisureairline Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks planstostart the programmeinthe spring of that year to give people an opportunity to experience Norway’s famous fjords

Theprogramme is nowonsale.

Theleading leisureairline and city breakspecialistislaunching thenew programmeinresponse to increasing demand from customers whoare lookingfor more discovery-basedexperienceholidays. Theprogramme is part of anew andgrowing productrange called Discover More, designed to appeal to thosetravellerswitha sense of adventure.

Making Christmasplans forbusiness

Newresearchreveals 36 percentof UK adults believechildrenwho are good at playingboard gameslike Monopolyare morelikelytobecome entrepreneurs in laterlife.

Theresearchcommissionedby Virgin StartUpcomesatatime when 26 percentofUK adults say they plan to launch abusinessin 2023, with 46 percentof18-24 year olds saying they areplanningto become an entrepreneurnextyear.

Thesurveyofmorethan2,000 UK adults foundmorethanathird(36 percent) will ‘use thefestive break to workonour business plans’ whilst oneinthree (33per cent)will be spending less over thefestive period to help fund anew venture

Virgin StartUpmanagingdirector Andy Fishburn said:“It’s encouragingtosee so many people showinganinterestinstartingup theirown business next year.”

Apprenticescould be answer for firmsin recruitment fight

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Shropshirecompanies strugglingtorecruit staffinthe challenging economic climateare beingurged to look at apprenticeshipsasthe potentialanswer.

Thecounty’schamber of commercewarns that seriousrecruitment struggles facing localbusinesses have createda‘dangerous tickingtimebomb’ forthe economy.

Beckie Bosworth, TelfordCollege’s head of employer engagement,said: “Companies say they arestrugglingtoattract candidates fora diverse rangeofpositions. They areeithergetting no applicationsatall,orattractingpeoplewho lack therequiredskillsets

“The beauty of an apprenticeship is you canmould acandidate to yourcompany’s specificrequirements–and from theirpoint of view,theywill earn andlearn at the same time.”

Apprenticeshipsoffer apathway into permanentjobs.

Beckie added: “Apprenticeships arerealjobs. Forthe apprentice, it’s achancetogainvaluablequalifications, alongsidereal-worldwork experience.For theemployer, it’s an opportunitytogrowyourown talent, shaped to your specificneeds.”

To find outabout apprenticeships at TelfordCollege,see telfordcol lege.ac.uk

Firm sets outmission to save million turtles

An award-winningbusiness, formed at theheightoflockdown, haslaunchednew products as it sets an ambitious environmental target –tohelpsaveone million seaturtles

Lost YearsRum,based in Ludlow, whichrecentlycelebratedits second birthday, ploughs profits into supporting seaturtleconservation

Throughits partnershipwith

MATTHEWPANTER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

US charitySEE Turtles, every bottle of rumsoldgenerates a donation to supportcommunity-basedconservation. Thecompany,the creation of Leeand Trudy Smith, hashelpedsavemorethan 50,000 baby seaturtles

Thefamilywereinspiredto

launch thebusiness on atripto Jamaica.

Thebusinesshas provedabig success so farand this month the familylaunchedanew Wandering Turtle range.

Leeadded: “Wehavewon 16 awards with ourrum,for itsquality, sincewestarted thebrand.We received aMasterMedal forone of ourrums, of whichonly12were given outglobally.”

Expressdeliveryaslogistics firm adds to fleet

Transportand logisticscompany CargoExpress have continued theirbusinessgrowthbyadding threenew vehicles to their fleet.

Operatingout of Birmingham and Telford, thelogistics experts providetransport,logistics,customs andwarehousing solutions acrossthe UK andinternationally, delivering to morethan2,000 destinationseveryweek.

Theexpansion of theirvehicle fleetwithtwo newScaniaR460 trucks andaRenault Master Low Loader is thelatestinalongline of developmentstothe business focusedonproviding better logistics services to theirclients.Ear-

lier this year CargoExpress also expanded theirteam, employinghighlytrained individualsin preparationfor thecustoms declaration changes from thecurrent CHIEFsystemtothe newCDS They nowoffer afullymanaged customsdeclaration servicethat ensuresthe seamless importand export of clients’ goodsacrossthe UK,Europeand beyond,including acting as Importer of Record and supporting with thepreparation andsubmissionofall necessary documentation.

This comesontop of becoming oneofthe few firmsin itsclass to achievethe Driver andVehicle

StandardsAgency(DVSA)Earned

Managing director of CargoExpress, Joseph O’Reilly, said:“It’s an exciting period forus. We’realways lookingtoinvestinthe fleet, drivers, andother team members to ensure we providecustomers with thehigheststandardofservicesinthe logisticsindustry.”

Joseph andthe CargoExpress team arealready preparingfor furtherincreases to theiroperating fleetin2023astheir business continues to grow,witha further 13 vehicles andmultipletrailers on order anddue in thenextfew months

MD Joseph O’Reilly

LeeSmith,owner of theaward-winningLudlow firm Lost YearsRum

ACROSS

7. Bay window,often supportedby brackets (5)

8. Pear-shaped fruit of the treePersea americana (7)

9. Viral disease also called German measles (7) 10. Croatian seaport on the Adriatic (5) 12. Alfred, field marshal who devised aplan forGerman strategy in World WarOne (10)

15.The partofthe alimentarycanal between the stomach and the pharynx (10) 18. Republic whose capital is Damascus (5) 19. Popewho introduced the calendar currently in use (7) 21. American television westerndrama featuring theCartwright family (7)

22. ‘--- Ivory’, novel by R. M. Ballantyne (5)

DOWN 1. See 13 Down

2. Baggins, character in The Hobbit (5)

3. Israeli airline (2,2)

4. Lauren, actress formerlymarried to Humphrey Bogart (6)

5. Henri, French painter known as le Douanier (8)

6. Boris, horror film actor bornWilliam Henry Pratt (7)

11. Former state of E. Africa (10)

13 &1DRudyard Kipling novelset off Massachusetts (8,10)

14. ‘Air on the ---’, arrangement of the second movement of Bach’sSuite no. 3 (1-6)

16. The Sea is abranch of the Mediterranean between Greece and Turkey (6)

17. The Sea in the Pacific extends from the New Hebrides to Australia (5)

20. River in the Czech Republicand Germany which flows intothe North Sea (4)

WORD WISE

GONFALON

A Pedantic style of writing

B An ancient continent

C Ensign or standardwith streamers

1983 German GP (6)

Ibrahima retired Senegalese defender who was at Ipswich Town from 2011-12 and Harlow Town from 2015-18 (5)

Paul ......., a1980 and 1982 Wimbledon men’sdoubles tennis champion (7)

Dean ......., England Test cricketer who took 6-60 against Australia at Melbourne in 1998 (7)

Clay shooting, sport also called clay target shooting (6)

MS ....., Man of the Match in the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final (5)

See 18 Across

Hashim South Africa Test cricketer who hit aworld record311 n.o. against England at The Oval in London in 2012 (4)

P F T U Y C E S A E B T A E D S N B B O R K N S K Q Q J S A M U L K B O A A I C U Q N W Y J U G M N W T H S A C A N A V R I N Z Q S G

The following events all occurred in living memory.Can you guess the year?

1The US Navy shot down an Iranian airbus

2AFish Called Wanda became ahuge hit at British cinemas

3Top rate income tax was cut from 60% to 40%

4Paddy Ashdown was elected leader of the SLD party

1Christian Dior’sNew Look was unveiled in Paris

2AlCapone died

3British rule in India came to an end

4Harold Wilson joined the Cabinet at the age of 31

1The Mousetrap opened in London

2RichardNixon went on TV to deny misusing funds

3The English translation of Anne Frank’sdiary was published

4Elizabeth Taylor married Michael Wilding

QUICK QUIZ

1. Which choirmaster lifted the nation’sspirits during the coronavirus outbreak with the BBC2 series The Choir: Singing for Britain? 2. What type of creatureisacoot? 3. In which county is the sea port Harwich? 4. Which method of food preservation uses vinegar? 5. Of which country was ImreNagy prime minister? 6. What type of precious stone is the hardcrystalline form of carbon? 7. What is the astronomical term for ashooting star? 8. Of which country was Macbeth king from 1040? 9. How is the fairground ride the big wheel also known? 10. What arethe two official languages of Canada?

This puzzle has no clues. Instead, every number printed in the grid represents a letter,with the same number always representing the same letter. For example, if 8turns out to be aV,you can write in Vwherever asquarecontains 8. Using your knowledge of words, complete the puzzle.

Great skill (8)

Queen of __, Biblical wife of Solomon (5)

Wasted (8)

Former Nirvana drummer and founder of the US band Foo Fighters (4,5)

Pudding ingredient (4)

Female person or animal (3)

Spanish noblemen (8)

Ex-Commando’s flying stars

Star fascinated by vanity of MP whofaked owndeath

Fast andsleek,Paint wasa greatfavourite.

Paintwas apigeon, andnot just anyold pigeon, butastarracingpigeoninLionelSwadling’steam.

Lionel Swadling,from Bridgnorth, wasone of Shropshire’s once largearmyofpigeonracers, theabilities of hisbirds complemented by hisown skillswhich made hima valued figure in the localpigeonracingworld.Agood mathematician, he couldworkout velocities by hand,longbeforethe adventofcalculators

Apicture we carriedawhile ago of theWrekinHomingPigeonSocietyprompted hisdaughterPhyl Taylor to getintouch,asLionelwas once itssecretary

During thewar he served in the Commandos, before beingswitched to theIntelligenceCorps andworkingatthe topsecretcodebreaking centre at BletchleyPark, although Phyl andher sister Elaine Swadling know virtuallynothing of hiswartime serviceashenever spoke about thosedays. “Afterthe war

TOBY NEAL

ourfatherreturnedtohis previousjob as aWiltoncarpetweaver making beautiful expensive carpetswhich ultima went to bighotel cruise ships,”saidP from Bridgnorth Anditseems it in this post-warp od that he took up racing,joining Bridgnorth Hom PigeonSociety. Hi pigeonloftwas on hisallotment afew hundredyards away from hisSevernStreethome, andwhenhe later movedtoStNicholas Crescent the loftwentwith himand wasput in thegarden Sherememberst he hadaspecialclo

whichwould record thetimeaspecialringcarried on theleg of areturningpigeonwas slotted in Shecan’t remember how many pigeons he kept.

“Itwas probably 15 Ishouldsay, ever verymuchinas achild– anddon’t omuch.

enever allowednear yoncewentintothe rhad abscesses on andwas in bedand hadtogivemeinructions on whatto do andhow to getin andfeed them

“Theywerealways fedverywell. My mother used to saytheywere fedbetterthanwe were.”

TheBridgnorth groupwas quitea ving societyatthe me andwas basedat eBull HotelinLow

Town.Her late father additionally became secretaryofthe Wellington-basedWrekinfederation, which wasmuchlarger, servingfrom about 1950 untilroughly 1960

“Hewas responsiblefor arrangingfor thebirds to be sent off wherever they were going. He was also instrumental in them buying atransporter,which wasa huge trucktogoabroadwiththe birds. They used to go over to France and somebody over therewould release them.Hedid notgohimself

“Itwas exciting stuffwaitingfor them to come back.They’re very clever birds.”

Bridgnorth wasinthose days a town knownfor itscarpetmaking. Hisjob as acarpetweaverwas at Southwell’s, whichbecamethe Kidderminster Carpet Company, where he workeduntil theBridgnorth plantclosed.

Lionel,who hadsome pigeonracingsuccesses,winningcupsand prizes, gave up thepastime onhis retirement at theage of 65 anddied at theage of 83 in 1991

MatthewMacfadyen said the “chutzpah andvanity” of the West Midlands MP whofaked hisdeath is fascinating as he playshim in an upcoming ITV series

The48-year-old Succession actor, whoplays JohnStonehouse in Stonehouse,addedthat inthe former cabinetminister’s “mind’seye”hewas JamesBond as played by RogerMoore

Macfadyen starsalongside his wife of nearly 20 years, Keeley Hawes, whowill play Stonehouse’swifeBarbara,in thereal-lifedrama writtenbyformer journalist andnewspaper editor JohnPreston

In 1974,Labour’s former postmastergeneral andWalsall NorthMPStonehouse left his clothesand passport on aMiamibeach –fuelling speculation he hadbeeneaten by ashark –and fled usinga passport in the name of adeadconstituent Months later he turned up in Australia, wherethe authorities suspected he wasactuallyLord Lucan, whowentmissingatthe time afterbeing suspected of murderinghis children’s nanny.

Once Stonehouse’s identity wasrevealedhewas sent back to Britainand jailed forseven yearsin1976for theft, fraud anddeception –onlythendid he quit as an MP

It wasalsolater revealed he hadalso been working as an agentfor theCzechoslovak Socialist Republicmilitary intelligence.

Macfadyen said:“In Stonehouse’smind’seye he wasEdward Fox, RogerMoore –one of thoseguysinan overcoat with thecollarturnedup.

He also said:“It’s that chutzpah, asortofvanity, whichI foundfascinating.‘I’ll just do it –it’ll work’.”

Hawes, 46,saidStonehouse’s “incrediblybright, confident andsavvy”wifemusthave foundit“horrendous, humiliatingand deeply upsetting for her” andtheir children at the time.Theythought he wasdead for five weeks, to then discover he wasinAustraliaand he had an affair with hissecretary

Sheadded: “I thinkshe was very strong andbrave underthe circumstances.”

Stonehouse will beginonITV on January2,2023.

John Stonehousecelebrates

Nostalgia

SomeofLionel’s belovedbirdsthat were kept in hispigeon loft at home

Lionel Swadling,left, with twounidentified Commandocolleagues

Lionel,second from right, with fellow pigeon racers.Third from rightisaMr Holloway.The manfar righthad only oneeye anddrove abus.Thirdfromleftis KenKnowles,fromAlveley,and thesurnameofthe person second from left is thought to be Delo.The photograph is undated

Feeling festive?

TopEuropean cities to getinto seasonal spirit

Cities around theworld transform into festivewonderlands during theChristmas season, andonesEuropeare among some of themostimpressive.

Holidu,the bookingportalfor holidayrentals,has crunched thedatatorevealwhich cities in Europe arethe most festive Berlin, Germany

It’s official– Berlin takes first prizeasthe most festivecityin Europe.Thiscityisnostranger to Christmasmarkets, with more than 80 scatteredacross thecityand the firstdating back to 1530.Beblown away by FrankfurterAllee’s Christmas Carnival andenjoy asteaming cupofGlühweinasyou take in thecolourful lights, or head to Berlin Town Hall andridethe iconic Ferris wheel.

Vienna,Austria

Skatingintosecondplaceon thelististhe Austrian capital. With its first“December Market” dating allthe waybackto 1298, Vienna is afestive wonderland. ItsmostfamousChristmasmarket is Rathausplatz

Prague,Czech Republic

Whilehavingfewer Christmasmarkets, Prague still packs apunch with itssearches and Instagramhashtags forthe winter season.Peopleare not only drawntoits picturesque cobblestonedstreetsand festive markets, butalsoits affordability!Check outsomeofthe main attractions likethe magnificent Christmastrees located in both Old Town Square and WenceslasSquare. Prague is a must-visit this winter if you are lookingtoget festive!

Munich,Germany

With rootsstretching back to 1310 when the firstofficial ‘Christmas market’ took place in Germany, theBavariancapital holds some of theoldest festivestalls. Checkout the bustling Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatzsquarewithmore than 150stalls, or thecharming Christmas Villageatthe Munich Residenz

Copenhagen,Denmark

In theheart of theOld Town, you will find theJulemarkedin HøjbroPlads.Ifyou arein fora thrill,check outTivoliGardens, themarketinthe second-oldest amusementparkinthe world!If you areaftertradition, you will want to checkout Julemarked KongensNytorv.

Historyand charmamong the ingredientsfor perfectbreak

Thecharmingcityispacked with historyand offers awealthof unique boutiques, quirky cafesand restaurants, alongsideall theusual high street chains

Anditispossibletoexplore and make themostofits charms on foot

Afriendand Ispent acoupleof nights at HotelIndigo–acontemporary boutique hotelwhich opened in June 2019 in Grosvenor Park Road.Justa shortwalkfromthe heartofChester,the stylishhotel’s roomsweredesignedtoreflectthe city’s famous architecture andthe oldest racecourse in theUK.

Thereare 75 guestrooms, decorated in threebeautiful themes, each inspired by theheritageand locality of historic Chester. Allrooms areequippedwithcomfy Hypnos beds with luxury Egyptian cotton linen, spa-inspired bathrooms, Nespressocoffeemachines, high speed Wi-Fiand avariety of channels on a 40” flat screen TV

Mealsare served in thehotel’s 70-seater restaurant,which is home to chef andrestaurateurMikeRobinson’sThe Forgewhich opened in 2021.The open kitchencooks over wood andcharcoal, usingamazing wild andlocally reared meat,thatis allaged on thepremises

Atable forbreakfast needs to be pre-booked andawarmwelcome is always on themenu. Thetop notch servicewas matchedbythe deliciousand extensivechoiceofcontinental andtraditional English breakfastoptions, includingfresh fruit, pastries,cereals andcheese. Iplumped forscrambled eggs and salmon on thesecondmorning and it wasdeliciousand cooked just right. Theperfect starttoaday spentexploring what this historic city hastooffer

Amustfor anyChester trip is the historic Rows –the city’s medieval

networkofopengalleries at first floorlevel that line themainstreets in thecentre.The Rows boasts a mixofhigh-street namesand individual boutiques, galleriesand more. Aself-guidedaudio tour is availableatwww.visitchester.com/ discover-the-rows–tours arealso availableatwww.romantoursuk. comand www.chestertours.org.uk

From onehistoricshoppingexperience to amuchmoremodernone Just opened in NorthgateStreet is thenew ChesterMarket. Open six days perweek, it replaces themarket whichhad been locatedinthe Forumsinceitopenedin1967.

The11th-centurycathedral is acityhighlightand it’s possible to take acathedral at height tour, whereyou climbtothe topofthe towerfor afabulousviewover the city,acrossthe surroundingcountryside andtowards theWelsh hills.

Theoriginalcathedral,until 1541,was St Johnthe Baptist, on

Vicar’sLane, whichhas some romantic ruinsatone side,aswellas an impressive entrancearchand acclaimedNormaninteriors, with a14th-centurywallpaintingofSt John.

Next to thechurchisanexcavated sectionofthe city’s Romanamphitheatre,the UK’s largest. Just around thecornerare theRoman Gardens.

TheGrosvenor Museum hasa fascinating collection of Roman gravestones, whichtellthe stories of gladiators andother people of that time in picturesand words.

An unusual take on localhistory is nowavailable at Sick To Death, an entertaining newmuseum that tellsthe gory tale of medicine throughtime. Theteamhas just opened theDeva RomanDiscovery Centre,too Making themostofasunnyday, we took ahalfhourcitycruisewith ChesterBoat. Thefamily-owned

companyhas more than 40 years’ experience of welcomingvisitorsto thebeautiful RiverDee.The tour takesvisitorsonascenictripto thecitylimits with an informative sightseeing commentary

Othercitycentre attractions includeStoryhouse, theartshub,set in thecity’sold ArtDecocinema. Nowithas atheatre,acinemaand thepubliclibrary;Grosvenor Park is thecity’smaingreen spaceand features aminiature railway. The park is next to TheGroves, the promenade by theRiverDee

Furtheralong,the wallsoverlook ChesterRacecourse,aka TheRoodee,the oldest working racecourse in Britainand setinthe former Romanharbour

Chesteralso offers awidechoice of cafesand restaurant servinga wholehostofcuisines. Andwith achoiceofpubsand bars, Chester really does have allthe ingredients foragreat weekendaway.

If youfancy aweekend away with your significant other, afriendora family member,why not choseChester?

Ascenicboattripalongthe

TheRows–amedievalnetwork

Berlin tops thelist

Putthe pizzazzintoplating up over theChristmas period

SAMWYLIE-HARRIS PressAssociation

Want to bringalittle magictothe Christmas table this year?Really putthe pizzazzintoplatingup?

“Forgetthe minimalChristmas tabledesign,”saysAlyshaAlli,head of interiorsatRedrow. “Bringinga sliceofyourpersonality to thetable will ensureyou standout.”

Indeed,styling up yourtable settingisa sure-fire waytoshowcase yourfestive flair– especially if you’relooking forsome wow factor when hostingfamilyand friends.

“Incorporatinghints of amore personal palettecreates amuch moreauthentic look,withacontemporary edgeonthe classicChristmas,”suggests Alli

When it comestocreatingyour look,she says blending luxurious fabricslikegreen velvet with rich comforting textures such as redlinens, or usingdried botanicals with open constructionsfor an organic look is on trend this year

Classical

“Pairing these with contemporary finishes like mixedmetallics canexude a‘perfectlyimperfect’ finish foranunderstated classical Christmas look,” sheadds.

Andfor peaceofmind–especially if you’re anewbie to themingyour tablewareand dinner setting –Wendy Rea, expert floristatDirect2Florist,sayscreatingaluxurious tablescapedisplay forChristmas that looksprofessionallydonedoesn’t have to be stressfulorexpensive

“The firstthing you need to decide on is your theme, liketraditional or modern,and then yourcolour scheme,” suggests Rea.

Onceyou’vedecidedonthe theme, shesaystopickthree to four keycolours you want to incorporate throughoutthe display.

Littledetails –likenapkins,rib-

bons, crackers and flowers–can be pulled in forcolourful accents, whiletreedecorations canbeawonderfulway to addinterestand pops of personalitytoyoursetting,too

Whetheryou want to create a more elaborate centrepiece,orkeep it simplebypopping abaubleatop each plate, it’s allabout injecting some style.

Alli also suggest exploringdifferenttextilesand finishes

“Tactile finishes standout,” she says,“so look fordifferent materials, likefeltand velvet foranindulgent feeling. Tabledressings combinedwithcolourful accessories likenutcrackercandles will also help create acelebratory mood

“Tinted glassdecorations andusingtabletopLED lighting or candle holdersalso addawarmambiance to yourtable,” notes Alli.Rea says

to dot these around yourfoliage and flowerstocompletethe centrepiece.

“Thisisyourchancetobereally creative.A floral displaythat’s fresh, dried, or both is usuallywhat professionalsoftenopt for.

“You cancreateyourown,orbuy one if you’restuck fortime,”suggestsRea. “One of my professional tips is if your floral displayisextravagant,chooseasimplevase– if it’s notsobold, choose amorelavish vase.”

Forthe final flourish,whenit comestoarranging stemware for thetable,HilaryGreen,headof design at Dartington Crystal, says positioningiskey

“Creatingastunningfestive tablesetting hasbecome one of the biggest Christmastrendsinrecent years,”observesGreen.“Festive decorationsand beautifulcrockery

usuallytakethe most attention,” shecontinues.“However,drinkware provides the finishingtouch and, likeeverything else on thetable, requires carefulconsideration.”

When selectingdrinkware for thetable,Green says to only includeglasses guests requirefor both thestarter andmaincourses. Although,ifyou don’t really have space forall of these at once –don’t worry

“Any glassesrequired forfollowingcourses, such as adessert wine glass, should be placed on thetable afew minutesbeforethe course is served,” adds Green.

Dependingonformalities,family traditions, children andthe menu, once everything’s in full swing, shesaysglasses no longer required should be removedfromthe tableto free up space.

Usethe winter seasontoget your plotsready forplanting

Christmas maybenearing,but don’tthink youcan sittightjust because thenightshavedrawn in –there’s plenty you couldbe doingonthe allotmentorvegetablepatch nowtogive yourself aheadstart fornextyear.

Gardeningexpert, author andYouTuberCharles Dowding(charlesdowding.co.uk)urges people to usethe winter to give soil aboost andmakeplots readyfor planting.Headvises: Lose theweeds

“Ifyou have amassofweeds on yourallotment whichare goingtobetoo much effort to hand-weed,lay cardboardon top, with alittlebit of compost on topofthat, whichshouldget you weed-freeveryquickly.”

Leavethe roots of finished crops

“Don’t trytoheave allthe rootsofspent cropsout.Justcut them offatgroundlevel,takingout enough of thetop that they can’tregrow. Then youcan spread abit of compostoverthe surfaceand you’reready forthe followingyear.”

Lift some remainingveg

Whilesome vegetables like parsnips canremaininthe ground over winter,Dowding recommends lifting carrotsbefore they startbeing eatenby slugs. “Turnipscould also be liftedastheyget frosted,”he adds.“Celeriac canget aleaf diseasewhich will make it start to rot, so Ireckontoget celeriac outbythe middle of December andthe same with beetroot.”

Tend to fruits

Autumn-fruitingraspberry canescan be cutdownto ground level betweenDecember andMarch.Spreadwoodycompostorwoodchip over thearea, he advises

Don’tdig

“The only diggingI’d recommend is if you’ve gotany woody plants or brambles or large docksonyourallotment,the sort of plants whichwould come through amulch.Dig them out.”

Take care of overwinteringcrops

Spring onions, cabbageand cauliflowers, sown at theend of August andtransplantedby theend of September,should be establishedbeforewinter “Provide protection,particularly with brassicaswhich canbe attacked by pigeons.”

Bring aslice of your personality to thetable to ensure youstand out, says Alysha Alli,headofinteriorsatRedrow

Wilko8-packmajestic bloom crackers,WilkoKew GardensLiving Jewels dinnerservice,PureTable Top

GardenerCharles Dowding

Canair fryer recreate easy dishes and save youcash?

As thecost-of-livingcrisisbites, you mightbelooking forwaysto save money in thekitchen –and using an airfryer couldbethe key.

NewresearchfromWhich? (which.co.uk)suggestsair fryers canbeuptothree timescheaper to runthantraditional ovens. If you’venever used an air fryer,you couldbeforgivenfor thinking it just friesfood, butin ahealthier way. Butthe truth is, you canfry,bakeorroast most things with these gadgets –fromroastingawhole chicken to baking acake. Which? found that whileitcosts around 39pto cook aroast chickeninan oven, an airfryer wouldcost18p to cook a“perfect” roastchicken Of course,any savingswould need to be balanced againstthe initialprice of an airfryer –whichcan cost up to £300,with cheapermodelscominginat around £50.

Ocado’s(ocado.com) in-house food expert LauraRowesaysair fryersare “incrediblyversatile Here aresome deliciousways to cook in an airfryer

1. French toast–Rowesuggests coatingsliced breadin a custardmixture of beaten egg, milk, vanillaextract andcinnamon,thenshaking offany excess liquid before placingthe slices in yourair fryer andcookingthemfor around threeminutes on each side

2. Cheesecroquettes –Danilo Cortellini,formerheadchefat theItalian Embassy in London, suggests making (orbuying) a tomato,chilli andgarlicsauce, andmixing200gofsmall white breadcubes with 300g of grated GranaPadanocheese, four eggs,garlic, parsleyand seasoning, andkneadingitintosmall balls.

Lightlyspray theballs with oiland placeinbatches in the airfryer.Cookat180˚Cfor two minutes,turnand cook foranothertwo minutesuntil golden, then serveontop ofthe tomato sauce.

3. Speedypizza –Rowesuggests usingpitabread or tortilla wrapsasanalternative pizza base,spreading them with tomato saucebeforeair frying for around eightminutes.Add grated cheeseand toppings of your choice,press them firmly into thebase, andcookfor afurther threeminutes

Enjoyfestive food that is full of flavour, butlow on sodium

CelebrateChristmasthe healthierway this December,withfestive recipes from LoSalt®.

From aClementineMarinated PrawnCocktailthatservesasthe perfectChristmas dinner starter, to aJewelledRoast Turkey &Couscous Salad, whichisideal forusing up leftovers, each recipe is lowsodium butstill full of flavour.

LoSalthas 66%lesssodiumthan regulartable,sea or rock salt,and canbeusedexactly thesameway as normalsalt, whethercooking,bakingorseasoning with it

CLEMENTINE MARINATEDPRAWN COCKTAIL

Ingredients: Serves four 3clementines,2zested, 3juiced

Method: Mixthe zest of aclementine andjuice of twowiththe garlic, half theLoSaltand alittleblack pepper,stirinthe prawns andmarinate forat least30minutes

Mixtogetherthe mayonnaise, yogurt,remaining clementine zest andjuice andremaining LoSalt.

Heat theoil in afryingpan and addthe prawns andjuice andfry on ahighheatfor twominutes until pink

Divide thelettuce betweenfour bowls, topwiththe avocado, prawns andthe juices andspoon over the sauce. Usinga9cm star cutter,cut four starsfromthe toasttoserve

Cookstip: Marinate theprawns andmakethe dressing aheadof time andsimplycookand assemble when required

CHRISTMASBISCOTTI

Ingredients: Makes30biscuits

175g plain flour

½tsp baking powder

1tsp mixed spice

125g golden castersugar

¼tsp LoSalt

2mediumeggs, beaten

Zest 1orange

50gdriedcranberries

50gwhole blanched almonds

25gmilk chocolate chips

Method: Preheatthe oven to 180oC, gasmark4.Linealarge baking traywithbaking parchment

Mixthe flour, baking powder, mixedspice, sugarand LoSaltin alarge bowl andmix in theeggs andorangezest, bringthe dough

together with yourhands to form a soft dough.Stirin thecranberries, almondsand chocolatechips.Divide into two, on a flouredsurface, roll each to a25cm sausage shape, transfer to thebakingtrayand bake for25-30 minutes.Allow to cool.Reducethe oven temperature to 140oC, gasmark1

Sliceeachloafwitha serrated knifeinto1½cmslicesdiagonally andplacebackonthe tray.Bakefor 15 minutes,turnoverand bake for afurther 15 minutes.Allow to cool completely

Cookstip: Greatbagged up as aChristmas gift or simply served with coffee

JEWELLED ROASTTURKEY& COUSCOUS SALAD

Ingredients: Serves four 200g wholewheat couscous Bunchspringonions, thinly sliced

200g roastturkey, shredded 100g driedapricots, chopped 100g pistachios

100g pomegranate seeds 28gpackcoriander,chopped Juice4satsumas

2tbspextravirginolive oil

½tsp LoSalt Black pepper

Method: Placethe couscous in a largebowland pour over 300ml boiling water, cover with clingfilm andleave for five minutes. Fluff up with aforkand allowtocool.

Stirin theonions, turkey,apricots,nuts, pomegranateseedsand coriander.

Mixtogetherthe satsumajuice, oil, LoSaltand alittleblack pepper andstirintothe salad.

Cookstip: Tryusing leftover roastchicken or some cooked tiger prawns insteadofturkey. Tryswapping thepistachioswithwalnuts or pecans

SPROUT,CABBAGE &CRANBERRY STIR FRY

Ingredients: Serves four as an accompaniment

1tbspolive oil

1onion,sliced(180g)

300g frozen Brusselssprouts, defrostedand halved

½Savoy cabbage, shredded 180g pack wholechestnuts, roughlychopped 3tbspcranberry sauce(75g)

½tsp LoSalt

Method: Heat theoil in alarge fryingpan andfry theonion forthree minutes untilgolden.Stirinthe sprouts, cabbage, chestnutsand 2 tbspwater andstirfry for five minutes.Stirinthe cranberrysauce andLoSaltand heat through fora minute.

Cookstip: Freshorleftover sproutsworkjustaswellasfrozen.

Clementine Marinated PrawnCocktail

Sprout, cabbage&cranberry

Christmas biscotti

Jewelled roast turkey &couscous

Roast chickeninanair fryer

Deliciousdinner partydishes that will impressyourguests

CAESAR DRESSING, CROUTONS

Ingredients: Serves four

Michelin-starred West Midlands chef Andreas Antona hasa newbook outfor Christmas, called Eureka.

These recipes,sharedfromthe book,provide greatideas fordinner partydishes. Thebookisavailable directly from Chef Antona’s restaurant,Simpsons,atEdgbaston.

CANTALOUPE, HONEYDEWAND WATERMELON SALAD,

withFeta, Pomegranate, Salted Melon Seeds,Basil

Ingredients: Serves four Melon Salad

400g watermelon

400g cantaloupemelon

400g honeydewmelon

120mlolive oil

45ml balsamicglaze

Salt Pepper

To Finish:

Seedsfromsmall pomegranate 200g feta cheese, crumbled 75gsaltedmelon seeds

Basil

Forthe melonsalad: To prepare thewatermelon,remove allrind anddiceinto1cm cubes.

Forthe cantaloupe,scoop outthe seeds anddiscard. Remove therind andthinlyslice thecantaloupeusingapeelertocreateribbons

To preparethe honeydewmelon, remove therindand seedsand dice into 1cmcubes.Inabowl, whisk together theolive oiland balsamic glaze. Addthe melon to thebowl andseasonwithsaltand pepper to taste. Mixuntil evenly coated

To Finish:Place themelon in a bowl.Sprinklethe feta,melon seeds andpomegranate seeds on top. Garnish with basil.

COD, BABY GEM,BLACK GARLIC, ROASTEDJERSEYPOTATOES

Ingredients: Serves four

500g Jersey Royals, halved

Salt

2tbspunsaltedbutter

Chives, chopped finely

2headsofbabygem lettuce, base root removedand halved 2tbspolive oil

Salt &Pepper

100mlchicken stock

4cod fillets(180g per fillet),

Method: Putthe JerseyRoyalsin apan andcoverwithcold, salted water.Bring to theboilover medium heat,thenreducethe heat and simmer forabout 10 to 15 minutes untiltender.Drain once cooked.Before serving,melttwo tablespoons of butter in asaucepanand addthe JerseyRoyals. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Forthe Baby Gem: Heat thevegetable oilina frying panovermedium heat.Place thebabygem inside theplancut side down.Cookuntil nicely browned. Carefullyturnover andpourinthe stock. Reduce the

heat andcontinuetocookfor about five to 10 minutes, untilsoftbut still hold theirshape.Remove from thepan anddrain on kitchenpaper

Forthe Cod: Preheatthe oven to 180˚C. Coat thecod in flourand shakeofany excess.Lightlycoatan oven prooffryingpan with oliveoil andplaceovermediumheat. When hot, placethe codinthe panand fry forabout twotothree minutes until golden.Carefully flip thecod over andadd in atablespoonofbutter. Bastethe codwiththe melted butterand placeinthe oven forabout four to five minutesuntil cooked through.Add asprinkleofMaldon salt.Itisrecommended to cook the fish rightbeforeserving

To Finish:Scoop theJerseyRoyalsintoasidedishand topwith chives.Place thebabygem lettuce on aplate andpipea couple of dots of blackgarlic. Topwithnasturtiums. Placecod next to thebaby gemand serve.

GEM LETTUCE, BLACKPUDDING, POACHED HEN’SEGG, GRUYÈRE,

CaesarDressing: 2anchovies, mashed 2clovesofgarlic,roastedand crushed or 1clove of rawgarlic, crushed 100g mayonnaise 120g Parmesan, finely grated ½tsp Dijonmustard 30ml lemonjuice

Blackpepper& salt to taste

GemLettuce Salad: 4heads baby gemlettuce 200g blackpudding,crumbled Poached Hen’sEgg

4large eggs 1tsp whitewinevinegar Salt &Pepper

To Finish: Croutons

Gruyere shavings

Chives, finely chopped

Method: ForThe CaesarDressing–Mix theanchovy,garlic, Dijon mustardand lemon juicetogetherin amediumbowlora pestleand mortar. Addinthe Parmesanand mayonnaise.Mix untilfullycombined andthe consistencyisofyoghurt.If it is toothick,add in asplashofwater. Season with salt andpepperto taste. Storeinthe fridge untilready to use. This canbekeptfor up to threedays.

ForThe GemLettuce Salad: Fry thecrumbed blackpudding in a largefryingpan untilcrisp.Drain on atraylined with kitchenpaper andleave to cool. Forthe lettuce, startbyslicing the root offand separatethe leaves

Slicethe largeleavesinhalfor even quarters.Washthe lettuce in coldwater andthendry usinga cleantea towel. Transfer to alarge mixing bowl

ForThe PoachedHen’s Egg: Fill adeeppan with waterand bringto theboil. Reduce theheattoavery gentle simmer

Addinthe vinegar. Crackthe egg into abowlorcup.Createagentle whirlpoolbystirringthe water. Gently tipthe eggintothe centre of thewhirlpool. Poachfor aboutthree to four minutes or untilthe white is cooked.Remove from thewater usingaslotted spoonand drainon kitchenpaper

Season with salt andpepper.

Serveimmediately

To Finish:Mix thecroutons, Gruyereshavingsand blackpudding with thelettuce.Dress the leaves with theCaesardressingand mixuntil evenly coated.Divide into four bowlsand topwithapoached eggand asprinkleofchives.

IN SEASON

by Andy Richardson

Recipes to keepturkey on themenu

There’sonlyone food to go to at this time of year,and that’s thetraditional festive turkey

Of course,there areparsnipsand cranberries, chestnutsand fabulous fluffy potatoes to roastingoose fat. Butit’sall aboutthe bird as December25approaches–unlessyou’re vegan, in whichcaseit’sall about thechanterelle

Butthe turkey is king –well, it wearsa crown– when it comesto thefestive table. Andhavingroasted your fabulous bird,the challenge becomestokeepeatingthe damn thingthroughoutthe 12 days of Christmas

RaymondBlanc hasagreat roast turkey recipes that involves abird seasoned with seasalt flakes,freshly ground blackpepper, butter and alittlerapeseed oil. Theturkeyis broughttoroomtemperature before behind roastedat160C, so it staysniceand tender.A little waterisadded to thebakingtray, to keep thebirdmoist.The trimmings areusedtomakea deliciousgravy

whilethe bird is finished,thenrested,soit’sservedatthe same time as roastpotatoes, pigs in blankets andother timmings

Thechallenge then becomesto consumevastquantitiesofturkey over thefollowing days,thatdon’t merely involveafragrantcurry, warmingcasserole or creamy pasta dish

Turkey salads areagreat way to useleftovers. Useegg,pancetta, tomatoes,avocado andbitterchicoryleavesfor a filling andhealthy supper

Aturkeypasta bake is always welcome as alow-costdish, with a fewleftoverpigsinblanketsgiving diners apleasantsurprise

Theultimateturkeysandwichis anew spin on themore-traditional club sandwich, andcan usered cabbage,salad, cheeseand whatever else you have leftover

Turkey nachoswithsourcream, salsaand jalapenosprovide for relaxedeatingwhileanext-level hamand turkey piefeaturesshopboughtpastry, or,evenbetter, home made pastry with plenty of butter

Aturkeyand clementinelunchbowl is afabulousseasonaldish, with thesweet acidityofthe clementine providingarefreshingtwist Cajunturkeysalad with guacamole also offers bags of flavour.

Cantaloupe,honeydew and watermelon salad

Gem lettuce, black pudding, poachedegg

Cod, baby gem, jersey potatoes

ANDY RICHARDSON andy.richardson@mnamedia.co.uk

Traditional turkey

Indoorjungles in ourhomes canoffer many health

Presentershareshis advice on keeping homessafeand warm

LISA SALMON PressAssociation

Architectand TV presenter George Clarke is an expert on creating stunningand sustainable homes.

Butthere’s so much more to a dreamhome than it just being greenand good-looking, he insists.

Houseplantscontinuetosurge in popularity,withmanyofus keen to turnour homes into indoor jungles

Filling thehome with plants inevitably helpsenhance our connection to nature,but many don’trealise that beyond addingasplashofcolourand visual interest to yourdécor,bringing theoutdoorsinwillbenefitwellbeingin amultitude of ways

Scandi lifestyle expert at Contura, CatharinaBjörkman, explains:“Plants inspirecreativity,theyhavethe ability to reduce stress,aid relaxation andboost mood, as well as improvingair quality, so it’s littlewonder we allget so much enjoymentfromincorporating them into ourhomes.

“Plantsalso release water vapour into theair,increasing humidity levels, whichcan help with respiratoryand skin health by counteractingthe drying effectsofheatingsystems.They canalsohelptoreduceairborne dust levels–fantastic forthose that suffer from allergies.

“And with winter on thehorizon, there’snobettertimeto boostyourwellbeing by embracinghouseplants at home.”

Themoneyplant features fleshy,glossy andsmooth, circularleavesand is said to bring prosperity andgood luck in life. Used extensivelyinFengShui –essentially thepracticeof harmonisinghuman existence with thesurrounding environment –itmakes foratraditional mood-boostingadditiontoa home

If you want to make astatement,opt forthe easy to care forbut visuallyimpactful bird of paradise,which boastsglossy dark greenpaddleshapedleaves andelegant stems.

Theyellowtipped, green stripedsnake plant, also known as mother-in-law’stongue, is fantasticat filteringthe airof common airborne toxins

Englishivy is theperfect low-maintenanceplant to keep high up on abookcaseorshelf, enabling you to make themost of itsbeautiful tumblingvines

Anotherlow-maintenance addition to thehome is arubber plant. Itslarge,glossyleavesabsorb andbreak down airborne chemicals, whilealso eliminatingbacteriaand mouldspores in theair

We should never forget thefundamentalsofhomes, he stresses –they need to be warm,comfortable,and safe

Clarke, thepresenter of shows includingGeorgeClarke’sAmazing Spaces andOld HouseNew Home, says:“Obviously, it’s allabout savingenergyand reducingbillsat themoment,and part of that is beingsustainable forthe planet.But there’salso somethingthatpeople don’ttalkabout enough, andthat’s beingcomfortable andwarmand protected in yourhouse.Thatfeels great.”

Here areClarke’stipsfor keeping sustainably warm andsafeinyour home –and saving moneywhere you can…

INSULATION IS KEY

Clarke stresses that insulation is the best thingtokeepyourhouse warm.“Make sure yourloft’sreally well insulated, andget ridof draughts,”headvises.

As well as getting ridofgaps around windows anddoors, andinsulating theloft, Clarke says wall insulation is definitely worth considering too.

He says hiscompany installs alot ofdry lining,where internal surfacesare cladwithplasterboardto provideanextra layerofinsulation. “You’vegot to be carefulabout how destructiveitistothe house, becausetakingthree inches offevery wall makesevery room feel alittle bitsmaller.”

Clarke hashad hisown home in London drylined,aswellashaving it triple-glazed.“I’ve gone thefull hogwithecologicalupgrades,”he says proudly.

REPLACEYOUR BOILER WITH AHEAT PUMP

Clarke hasalsochanged hisgas boiler foranair source heat pump, whichhedescribesas“phenomenal”. Buthe’smakingno claims they’re an affordable option –although over thelong-term,the heat pumpscan save alot of money on bills, andthey’re farmoreenvironmentally-friendlythanstandard boilers.

“These heat pumpsaren’tcheap, so you can’tsay they’reaffordable. If you want to replaceagas boiler it’s goingtocostyou acouple

of grand, butwhenyou putanair source heat pump in,you’rechangingalot of thesystem, andthe averagecostis£6,000-£8,000,dependingonthe size of yourhouse.”

He says homesneedtobewell-insulatedfor theheatpumps, which arepowered by electricity, to work well

“Ifyou’vehad astandardgas boiler in yourhouse for12-15 years, it’s probably very inefficientand needs to be takenout andupgraded,” he says.“ButIwould suggest, if anyone canaffordit, do not replaceyourgas boiler with another

gasboiler, andifyou can, putinan airsourceheatpump. Really take a long-termviewonit.”

MAKESUSTAINABLE ENERGY- AND MONEY-SAVING CHANGES

“Changeyourlifestyle andthe wayyou live in your house alittle bit,” suggests Clarke.“Things like turningyourboilerdownbyone or twodegrees –whenIwas akid, my nannaand grandadusedtosay, ‘Justput an extra jumper on.”

He says boiling akettleisone of themostenergy-consuming things in thehouse,and advises:“If you want onecup of tea, justboilone cupofwater in thekettle.”

He suggests trying to useless water at home,too,and points out: “Showers useahugeamountless water than baths.”

CAMERASECURITY

As well as keepingwarmand cosy in yourhome,Clarkestresses how importantitistofeelsafethere, andhe’shad security camerasinstalledathis house.

“Backinthe day, you mightput up asecuritylightthatwould go on if someone walked past,and you mighthaveahome alarm. Buttechnology hascome on so much over thelast10years, andnow there’s veryhigh resolution cameras,”he says

“Any stepsyou cantaketoput people offburglingyourhouse are important. I’ve gotsecuritycameras because Idon’t want anybody getting in,it’sassimpleasthat.”

He says standard securitylights arealso agoodidea, andtimer switches on lights.“These are good,low-costthingsyou cando,” he says. “And you just cannot beat really good locks. At theend of the day, if someone really wantstoget in,they’ll getin. You’ve just gotto make it as difficult as possiblefor them to do that.”

n George Clarke haspartnered with smart-homesecuritybrand Arlo (arlo.com/en_gb) to help homeowners keep theirpropertiessecure through DIYconnected security cameras.

houseplantscosyaswinterchill bites

With thecoldweather of winter arriving,it’sbecomingmoreand moreimportant to keep indoor plants warm andcosysotheycan surviveand thrive into spring

That’s why thegardeningexpertsatGardenBuildingsDirect. co.ukhavenamed themosteffective ways indoor plantloverscan keep theheatin this winter Despite beinginside, houseplants arestill vulnerable to dramatic temperaturechanges throughout theday,causing the soil to freeze andthaw.

This processcould result in heaving, wherethe rootsbecome exposed, exposing the indoor

plants andputting them at risk of diseaseand withering.

Here areGarden BuildingsDirect’s tips to keep indoor plants warm this winter:

n Find thewarmest room –Theeasiest waytomakesureindoor plants stay an idealtemperature is to find outwhich room in thehouse is thewarmest.Make sure that this room hasagood levelofsunlightduringthe day andkeepmovingthe plantstothe warmest, best litspotin theroom.

n Bubble wrap –Another simple tricktokeepindoorplants warm is to wrap layers of bubblewraparoundthe plant potto

containasmuchheataspossible around theplants.

n Heat mats –Heatmatsare thin sheets of plasticwhich have heatingelementsinside. Themat is plugged inand thesurface heats up.Simplypop anyindoorplants on toptohelpkeepthemwarm.

n On topofthe fridge –The topofthe fridge produces some heat,sokeeping plants on topof thefridgewill allowthe plants to absorbsome heat fornoextra cost n Waterindoor plants carefully –Sprayingwater mist over theplantswill help them grow in thedry airwhilst avoiding over-watering.

benefits

GeorgeClarke suggests heat sourcepumps andcameras for your home

Musician gets in on theact forhit period drama

Notmanymusicians cansay they landed their firstprofessionaljob on one of themost-watched television showsofthe year

Butviewers cansee Julius Eastwood, whogrewup on theShropshire-Powysborder,playing the bugleinthe second season of Netflix’s hitperioddrama Bridgerton The“incredibleopportunity” aroseduringthe finalmonthsof hissongwriting degree inLondon when theproductioncompany contacted hisuniversity lookingfor musicians.The classicaltrained saxophonistjumpedatthe chance to play aroleinthe show andspent aweekina film studio in west London, wearinga hat, wigand ared andgoldtailedcoat.

“I sent in my headshot anda bit of informationabout myself,and I waschosen. Iwas filmingfor one

week,startingat5/6am through to 9pm. During that week,I had four deadlinesfor university so I wascominghome at at 9.30pm and writingmy essays until2am.Then goingtowork.”

He said:“It wasamazing.I’m a massivefan.The costumewas fantastic.It wasaballroomscene and Iwould play afanfare to announce theQueen’s arrival.”

Therolehas ledtomoretelevision and film workfor the27-yearoldbut,for now, he hastoremain tight-lipped.

Julius hasreleasedtwo selfpenned singlestogreat acclaim andhas also writtenhis debutEP, whichisnow in theprocess of beingrecordedand produced.His debutsingle, Westminster’sonFire, wasinspiredby“alackoftransparencyand decencyinUKpoli-

tics”. Thesongwas namedTrack of theWeekbythe BIMM Institute andJuliusalsofeaturedasan‘ArtisttoWatch’.

He released hissecondsingle, a folk-pop ballad titled Borderlines, in September.Itamassedmore than 2,000streamsinits first two weeksonSpotify andhas been playedbyBBC RadioinShropshire andHereford.

Describingthe single,which he wroteinthe winter of 2021,ashis love letter to Shrosphire,hesays: “Borderlines’isanostalgic story abouthome,whatitmeans to come from this region,and howithas shaped my perspective.”

Follow Julius’music journeyon socialmedia @julius.eastwood on TikTokand Instagram. His first twosingles areavailable on allmusicplatforms

Theshort storythat‘grew and grew’intoDavid’s debutnovel

HEATHER LARGE heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Holdinghis debutnovel in hishands forthe first time wasasurreal moment forDavid HYeats.

“Itwas veryodd.Icouldn’tquite relate to it because thewords had been on my computer or in my head forall these years,”hesays.

Theauthor wrotealot of The Opal Causeway, published under thepen name of DH Yeats, while living in Shrewsbury in 2005

At thetime, he waslivinginrented accommodationin Shrewsbury town centre whilewaitingtobuy a house.

“I didn’t have internet or alaptop so Iusedtogotothe oldreference libraryand rent acomputerfor an hour at atime,”explainsDavid

“The book startedout as ashort storyabout afalse arrest.I felt I needed to know more aboutthe characters andIstarted inventing families forthem. It grew andgrew andgrew.”

Reality

Butitwasn’tuntil 2020 that the opportunityfor thebooktoreach a wideraudiencestarted to become reality.

ThroughWriting West Midlands, whichsupportscreativewriters in theregion, andThe Literary Consultancy (TLC), he wasabletoreceiveafreemanuscriptassessment.

Thepositive response ledtohim securing apublishingdealfor The Opal CausewaywithLeicestershire-basedestablished independentpublisher TheBookGuild Ltd.

“It’sbeenalongroad,”saysDavid, wholaunchedthe book at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery.

Describedasacoming-of-age packed with diverse characters,the novel’ssynopsisreads:“As he exploreshis sexuality, Pete,agay pho-

tographer, stillmourningthe death of hisFrenchgrandmother,experiencesthe crueltiesand injustices of aworld completelyatoddswiththe tenets instilledin himduringchildhood

“Whilesharing aNotting Hill squatduringaseeminglyendless summer with friendsMel andBaz, he meetsBrad, amysteriousAmerican,atahappening in ChalkFarm.

“Travelling to California in search of Brad,Pete, seekinglove andadventure,ventureshalfway around theworld lookingfor answersonlyto find them back home once he crosses over TheOpalCauseway.”

Although hisbookisset in the 1970s, David, whowas broughtupin

East Kent,believesthere aremany similarities betweenthatperiodin historyand today. “All of theissues that people face todayare exactly thesameastheyfaced then likethe issues of gender,race, poorand rich andthe environment.

“It’salmostlikethey’re coming back to hauntusinsomewaysbecausetheyhaven’t been dealtwith when they should have been,” he explains

He says hisbookwas inspired not just by thecriticalissuesofthe decadebut also “the fact that so many politicians seem forked-tongued and incapable of either telling thetruth or deliveringthe change theworld so desperately needs”

“I also wanted to developinthe novelagay characterwho feelsno shameabout hissexuality andis notdetachedfrombut amember of afamily; anon-nuclear familythat transcends blood ties,language andnationality,” he explains

SincecompletingThe Opal Causeway,hehas also written Talesfromthe Opal Shores,a collectionof15shortintegrated stories spanning from 1935 to 1965, andanovelof82,000words

Even before he started writing, bookshad been an importantpart of hislifeand in the1970s he rana bookshop called BookstoreinTan Bank,Wellington, with hissister JennySmith, to whom TheOpal Causeway is dedicated.

Bookstorerelocated to themarket some yearslater andbecame popularbothwiththe general publicand localschoolteachers includingProfessor Mary Beard’s mother

Admiration

David, whoappearedatlast month’sShrewsburyFestivalof Literature,sayshe is full of admiration forthe owners of independentbookshops suchasPengwern BooksinShrewsburyand Bear Bookshop in Bearwood

Over thelasttwo years, he has been working on DriftingAimlessly ThroughLockdown. Around 70,000 words long, it is structured into differentparts andinfluenced by dreams,memories, observations, dailynewsitems andhis tinnitus

David, whohas sincerelocated to Smethwick, hasbeenpleased by theresponse to TheOpalCausewayand hopes to publishsomeof hisother workinthe future.“It’s nice,peopleseemtolikeitand I’ve hadalot of reviewsonGoodreads from people Idon’t know.”

n TheOpalCauseway, published by TheBookGuild,isavailable now, priced £9.99.

ANTIQUES

Christmas is almost upon us andwhilstmanyofyou may have been shopping forweeks andeven monthssomepeople maybeexperiencinglastminutefestive gift panic!

Don’tworry,think vintage andantique andgofor presents that arethatlittlebit different andshow that real thoughthas gone into thebuyingprocess

Youdon’t have to spenda lot, youmay well find ‘pre-loved’ items a lot less expensive than newones. Let’sstart with smallergifts, such as piecesfor ahome likeitems of china, glass andsilver.China trios(cup, saucerand plate)makegood presentsasdodecorated jugs and figures(animal models, such as thosemadebyBeswick,are perfect forpet andhorse lovers)

Sets of vintageglasses and vases arealso nice andlookout forglass paperweights as small giftsand stocking fillers.

Silver-backed mirrors are lovely,as aresilver pincushions, dressing tablesets, snuff-boxes, photograph frames andcigarettecases

Othersmall andfairlyinexpensivegiftscould include classicbooks,fountainpens, handbags,magnifying glasses, operaglasses,binoculars, thimbles,wax seal stamps (especially thosefeaturing appropriate initials)and itemsofpop and musicmemorabilia.

Vintagedolls, teddy bearsand model cars always make good presents andyou canalways find somethingfor themodel railwayenthusiast. Goingup thegift size scalethere arepieces of jewellery,sewingboxes, writingslopes, mirrors,candlesticks andlamps

Jewelleryisofcourse an obviouschoiceand againyou don’t have to spendafortune, stickto abudgetand go foragemstone rather than apreciousone if fundsare limited

If you want somethingreally unusualyou may find avintage sleigh,aVictorian dolls’ house, arocking horse or even areplica suit of armour .solongasyou thinkyou canwrapthem!

Author DHYeats with hisnew bookThe Opal Causeway

Musician JuliusEastwood

WITH JOHN RIDGWAYOF OLDMILLANTIQUESCENTRE

Victorianpin cushion

NICK KNOWLES’ AMAZING RAILWAY ADVENTURE

Channel 5, 8.00pm

If Nick Knowles was thinking of making anew year’s resolution to travelmore, then he’s already got ahead start.

It was recently announced the DIY SOSpresenter has signed up for two new travelogues for Channel 5. One of the shows is Nick Knowles’ Big Adventure –The American Southwest, which will see him venturing into theGrand Canyon and kayaking along the Colorado River

Before that though, he’s letting the train take the strain with the other new series, Nick Knowles’ Amazing Railway Adventure.

It seems both programmes are passion projects for Knowles. He explains: “My love of trains developed when Iwas achild and my father would take me to standona bridge in Southall, London, to watch old steam locomotives run by underneath.

“I have also been fascinated by,have visited and have even lived with indigenous cultures in Australia and the Navajo in the US. Achance to combine the two with some of the best camera men and film makers to showcase the wonders of the world is a lifetime’s ambition made real.”

However,ifboarding atrain initially sounds alittle less exciting than learning how to withstand the temperatures of Death Valley,you needtolook at a list of Knowles’ destinations.

The series will take him to Mexico, Alaska, Malaysia and the Arctic Circle, but he begins with a trip across the extraordinary landscapes of Peru to magical Machu Picchu.

Knowles hops on board at Puno on Lake Titicaca, and then alights at La Reya, the fourth-highest train station in the world. It’s achance to explore the local street market andput his haggling skills to the

test when he spots awoven alpaca throw

Back on the rails, he gets to sample the Pisco Sour,Peru’s national cocktail, before swapping the train for aboat as he visits the floating islands of the Uros, apre-Inca tribe who still live in southern Peru.

He later arrives at the Inca capital of Cusco, where Nick ventures out of town to visit the ancient ruins at Moray,aswell as the celebrated restaurant Mil Centro, which is conveniently located next door

Hopefully,hegives his dinner time to settle before the next leg of the journey,which takeshim through ‘El Zig Zag’, aseries of five sharp turns in the track via points changes, which enables the train to climb out of the city

His penultimate stop is Ollantaytambo, where Knowles visits an architectural dig. As regular viewers of DIY SOS will know,he’s nothing if not hands on, so he’s keen to get involved, and even manages to unearth an ancient artefact.

Then it’s finally time for his last destination, Machu Picchu. The train is the only form of transport available as there is no road, and the presenter is moved by the stunning views of the ancient citadel, which he gets to share with the viewers.

6.00 Breakfast (S). 9.15 Morning

Live At Christmas (S). 10.00

ExpertWitness (S). 10.45 A Countryside Winter (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 Shakespeare &Hathaway: Private Investigators (S). 3.00

Escape To The Country (R) (S).

3.45 The Bidding Room (R) (S).

4.30 The Weakest Link (R) (S).

5.15 Pointless Celebrities (R) (S).

6.30 Escape To The Country (R) (S). 7.15 Money ForNothing (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

Meet The Street At Christmas (R) (S). 1.45 Celebrity Eggheads (R) (S). 2.15 FILM: Fixing Up Christmas (Jessica Harmon 2021) Festive romance, starring Marshall Williams (S). 3.35 FILM: AChristmas To Savour (Jessica Harmon 2021) Romantic drama, starring Britt Irvin (R) (S). 5.00 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 Dickinson’s Real Deal (R) (S). 3.00 Tenable (R) (S). 3.59 ITV Regional Weather (S). 4.00

Tipping Point (R) (S). 5.00 The Chase (R) (S).

Britain’s Busiest Airport Security Officer Estefania investigates an oddly shaped object (R) (S). 12.10 Shop: Ideal World 3.00 Happy Birthday Mr Bean (R) (S). 3.50 Unwind With ITV (S). 5.05 Tenable Christmas Cracker (R) (S).

UNCLE DREW

(Film4, 6.55pm)

Emotionally scarred basketball fan Dax (Lil Rel Howery) hopes to win the coveted Rucker Classic street basketball tournament with acrew led by star player Casper.Fierce rival Mookie (Nick Kroll) steals Dax’s well-drilled team and his materialistic girlfriend Jess (Tiffany Haddish), leaving the crestfallen loner on the brink of financial ruin. Elders in the community advise Dax to track down one-time street basketball legend Uncle Drew (Kyrie Irving, pictured).

LATE NIGHT

(BBC1, 11.25pm)

Late-night talk show host Katherine Newburyfears slipping ratings mean she is set to lose her longrunning series, so hires an inexperienced writer to

her staff,mainly on the basis that she is an IndianAmerican woman with fresh perspective while all remaining writers are white men. As viewership improves, asex scandal involving Katherine comes to light, and the host’s future is once more put in the spotlight. Comedy,starring Emma Thompson.

(S).

(S).

Loves Raymond (R) (S). 9.05 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 9.35 Frasier (R) (S). 10.05 Frasier (R) (S). 10.35 Frasier (R) (S). 11.05 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (R) (S). 12.00 Channel 4News Summary (S). 12.05 Couples Come Dine With Me (R) (S). 1.05 Jamie’s Easy Christmas Countdown (R) (S). 2.10 Countdown (S). 3.00 Escape

FILM: Under The Christmas Tree (Lisa Rose Snow 2021) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Elise Bauman (S). 3.15 FILM: Christmas With The Darlings (Catherine Cyran 2020) Premiere. Drama, starring Katrina Law and Carlo Marks (S). 5.00 5News At 5 (S).

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 Road Wars (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

Extreme Snakes: Africa (R) (S). 4.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 4.25 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: Christmas Special (S). 1.00 Family Fortunes (S). 2.00 Catchphrase (S). 2.50 One Tree Hill (S). 4.00 Chuck (S). 5.00 Chuck (S).

theft(S). 8.35 Everybody

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 The Darling Buds Of May (S). 10.25 The Darling Buds Of May (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 Vintage Gems (S). 9.15 APlace In The Sun (S). 10.05 APlace In The Sun (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 Heir Hunters (S). 3.10 Four In ABed (S). 3.40 Four In ABed (S). 4.15 Four In ABed (S). 4.50 Four In A Bed (S). 5.20 Four In ABed (S). 5.55 Escape To The Chateau: DIY (S).

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7.00 Christmas University Challenge The last two teams standing do battle for the series title (S).

7.30 TopOfThe Pops (S).

8.00 TopOfThe Pops: Christmas 1993 Featuring Take That, 2 Unlimited, the Bluebells, Gabrielle and MPeople (S).

9.00Fleetwood Mac: Don’t Stop Aprofile of the rock band (R) (S).

8.00 ALeague Of TheirOwn Christmas Special 2022 Afestive edition, with Tony Bellew,Eve Muirhead, John Barnes and David Seaman (R).

9.00 Micky Flanagan –An’ Another Fing Live Astand-up show recorded at London’s O2 Arena (R) (S).

10.00 Fleetwood Mac: The Dance A1997 live performance by the band (S).

11.45 Fleetwood Mac: A Musical History Fans celebrate the group’s success (S).

12.45 CountryMusic By KenBurns (S). 1.40Country Music By KenBurns (S). 2.30 Fleetwood Mac: Don’t Stop (R) (S). 3.30 Close

11.00 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special (R) (S).

7.55 Grand Designs Restoring a100-yearold blacksmiths in Co Antrim (S).

9.00

24 Hours In A&E A man comes in having severed three of his fingers with an electric saw (S).

10.00

11.05

12.10 8Out

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’s PartyAnthems. 4.00 The Official Chart On Radio 1WithJack Saunders. 5.45 Newsbeat 6.00 Radio 1’sDance PartyWithDanny Howard. 8.00 Radio 1’s Future Dance With Sarah Story. 10.00 Pete Tong. 12mdn’t Radio 1’sEssential Mix. 2.00 Radio 1Dance Presents. 3.00 Danny Howard 4.00 Radio 1’s Wind 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. 4.00 SaraCox 7.00 Michelle Visage. Aselection of hits from across thepop music genre. 8.30 MichelleVisage’s Handbag Hits. Feelgood party classics. 9.00 TheGood Groove WithDJ Spoony.Joyful floor fillers, soulful house and lyrical garagetunes. 11.00 TheRock ShowWithJohnnie Walker. 12mdn’t Romesh Ranganathan: ForThe Love Of Hip-Hop 1.00 Quincy Jones: FortyThousand Years Of Funk 2.00 Radio 2Unwinds WithAngela Griffin. 4.00 Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco. 5.00 Radio 2 In Concert: Shakin’ Stevens BBC RADIO 3 6.30am Breakfast. 9.00 Essential Classics. 12noon Composer Of The Week: LeokadiyaKashperova. 1.00 Radio 3Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 Afternoon Concert. 4.30 The ListeningService. 5.00 In Tune 7.00 In Tune Mixtape 7.30 Radio 3InConcert. Amusicaltake on Dickens’s AChristmas Carol. 10.00 TheVerb. 10.45 The Essay:Postcards From TheFloating Coast 11.00 Late Junction. 1am UltimateCalm. 2.00 Ultimate Calm. 3.00 ThroughThe Night BBC RADIO 4 6am Today 8.31 (LW) Yesterday In Parliament 9.00 DesertIslandDiscs 9.45 (LW) Daily Service 9.45 (FM)Book Of TheWeek: AHeartThat Works. 10.00 Woman’s Hour 11.00 The TruthAbout Jazz. 11.30 Un te 12noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04 HowSantaStole Christmas 12.57 Weather 1.00 The World At One. 1.45 Please Protect Abraham. 2.00 The Archers 2.15 Drama:Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Firewall 2.45 Why Do We Do That? 3.00 Gardeners’ Question Time. 3.45 Short Works 4.00 LastWord. 4.30 Feedback. 5.00 PM. 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’ClockNews. 6.30 DeadRingers. 7.00 The Archers. 7.15 Screenshot. Ellen EJones and Mark Kermode investigatewhodunnits. 8.00 AnyQuestions? Topica discussion from Compton Verney,Warwickshire 8.50 APointOfView 9.00 Past Forward: ACentury Of Sound. Omnibus episode. Last in the series. 10.00 The World Tonight. 10.45 Book At Bedtime: ATownCalled Solace. 11.00 Americast. 11.30 TodayInParliament 12mdn’t News And Weather 12.30 BookOfThe Week: AHeartThat Works 12.48 ShippingForecast. 1.00 As BBCWorld Service. 5.20 Shipping Forecast. 5.30 News Briefing. 5.43 Prayer ForThe Day. 5.45 Four Thought. BBC RADIO 4EXTRA 6am Detective. 6.30 TheBlackburn Files. 7.00 The Crossway. 7.15 APassage To India. 7.30 Romance And Adventure. 8.00 Parsley Sidings. 8.30 Married. 9.00 Act Your Age. 9.30 Bleak Expectations. 10.00 Julie And The Prince. 11.00 Detective. 11.30 The BlackburnFiles. 12noon TheCrossway 12.15 A Passage To India 12.30 Romance AndAdventure. 1.00 Parsley Sidings. 1.30 Married. 2.00 Act Your Age 2.30 Bleak Expectations 3.00 JulieAnd ThePrince. 4.00 Detective. 4.30 TheBlackburnFiles 5.00 The Crossway 5.15 APassage To India 5.30 Romance And Adventure. 6.00 Parsley Sidings. 6.30 Married 7.00 Act Your Age. 7.30 Bleak Expectations. 8.00 GhostStoriesFrom Theatreland. 8.30 Be My Guest. 9.00 Unreal: ACritical History Of Reality TV 9.50 David Attenborough’s Life Stories 10.00 Comedy Club. 10.00 ComedyClub:The Confessional. 10.30 Comedy Club: The Cariad Radio Show. 11.00 Comedy Club:PennyDreadfuls:BrothersFaversham. 12mdn’t Doctor Who: The WarDoctor 1.00 Julie And The Prince. 2.00 Detective 2.30 The BlackburnFiles. 3.00 TheCrossway 3.15 APassage To India 3.30 RomanceAnd Adventure. 4.00 Parsley Sidings. 4.30 Married. 5.00 ActYourAge. 5.30 Bleak Expectations. BBC 5LIVE 6am 5LiveBreakfast 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 11.00 Chiles On Friday. 1pm Kammy &Ben’s Proper Football Podcast. 1.30 Kammy &Ben’sProper Football Podcast. 2.00 Elis James And John Robins 4.00 5LiveDrive. 7.00 5Live Sport: TheFriday Football Social. 8.30 Match Of TheDay: Top10. 9.00 5Live Sport 10.00 Stephen Nolan. 1am LauraMcGhie. 5.00 5Live Boxing. BBC 6MUSIC 7.30am Lauren Laverne. 10.30 Jamz Supernova. 1pm Craig Charles. 4.00 Steve Lamacq 7.00 The People’s PartyWith DJ Paulette. 9.00 TomRavenscroft. 11.00 TheRavers Hour 12mdn’t 6Music’s Indie Forever 1.00 6Music’sEmo Forever 2.00 Focus Beats 4.00 AmbientFocus CLASSIC FM 6am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 Alexander Armstrong. 12noon Anne-Marie Minhall 4 00 John Brunning 7.00 Smooth ClassicsAtSeven. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1am Katie Breathwick. 4.00 Sam Pittis. ABSOLUTE RADIO 6am Dave Berry 10.00 LeonaGraham. 1pm Ben Burrell. 4.00 Bush AndRichie. 7.00 Absolute80s Greatest Hits With Claire Sturgess 10 00 SophieK 4am Ross Buchanan. December16 BIRMINGHAM CITY V READING Sky Sports MainEvent, 8.00pm Paragraph style like this, use best terrestrial main choice copy 500 word feature to fill text bo FRIDAY 41

STRICTLYCOME DANCING: THE FINAL

BBC1, 7.05pm

In theory,2022 has seen Strictly Come Dancing get back to business as usual.

During the previous two years, some changes had to be introduced due to Covid restrictions, but for this 20th series, the show once again had afull studio audience, and was also able to make apilgrimage to Blackpool, the spiritual home of ballroom.

That doesn’t mean that the current run, which concludes tonight, has been predictable. Not only have viewers had the added excitement of guessing what night it was going to be on as the quarter and semi-finals were moved around the schedules by the football, we’ve also had plenty of surprises thanks to the public vote.

The hotly tipped likes of Molly Rainford and Fleur East found themselves making regular visits to the bottom two, even in weeks when they had scored highly with the judges, while Tony Adams and Ellie Taylor both lasted considerably longer than their marks may have suggested.

There was also anew themeweek this time around with an episode celebrating the BBC’s centenary –although seeing how hampered some of the couples were by the music they were given, quite afew fans will be hoping we don’t see that repeated in the future.

However,asAnton Du Beke, who hasbeen with Strictly since the very beginning, would point out, the show has changed alot since it first began, even if viewers haven’t always noticed. He says: “The show has evolved, there hasn’t been arevolution or amassive change. We started with eight couples and now we have 15. We didn’t have group numbers in the early days. Theshow has just sort of gently moved on and on.”

Even his role has evolved –hebegan as a professional dancer,and is now ajudge, achanged

that he hasembraced. “I’m loving judging on Strictly Come Dancing, it’s incredible. Idowatch some of the pros do the numbers and get abit of dance envy, thinking Iwish Icould have been apart of that. But judging is so much easier on the knees.”

He’ll be offering his scores again tonight as the finalists take to the floor to perform aroutine of their own choosing, one decided by the judges and a final show dance. There’s not quite so much pressure on him and his fellow experts Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse though, as tonight their marks are for guidance only –it’s the viewers who decide who lifts the glitterball trophy

Last year,the public voted for Rose Ayling-Ellis in what was one of the most emotional finals theshow hasever seen. As Anton says: “It’s difficult to think about last year’s series without thinking about Rose and her incredible journey.Ithink the dance her and Giovanni won the BAFTA for was extraordinary,and there were other extraordinary moments through her Strictly journey.”

Will we be in for any equally moving moments tonight as the couples battle it out?

6.00 Breakfast (S). 10.00

Saturday Kitchen Live: Countdown To Christmas (S). 11.30 MaryBerry’s Festive Feasts (R) (S). 12.30 Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas (R) (S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S). 1.15 Bargain Hunt (R) (S). 2.00 MOTD World Cup Top10: Winners (S).

2.30 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 Coverage of the third-place play-off.Kick-off is at 3pm (S).

5.15 BBC News (S). 5.25 BBC London News; Weather (S). 5.35 The Hit List (S).

7.10 Shaun The Sheep (R) (S).

7.15 Danger Mouse (S). 7.40

Odd Squad (R) (S). 7.50 Odd Squad (R) (S). 8.05 One Zoo Three (R) (S). 8.25 Malory Towers (R) (S). 8.55 Malory Towers (R) (S). 9.20 Blue Peter (R) (S). 9.45 Deadly Pole To Pole (R) (S). 10.15 Reindeer Family & Me (R) (S). 11.15 FILM: Summer Holiday (Peter Yates 1963) (S).

1.00 TopOfThe Shop With TomKerridge (R) (S). 2.00 The AToZOfTVCooking (R) (S).

2.20 FILM: Meet Me In St Louis (Vincente Minnelli 1944) (S).

4.10 FILM: Move Over,Darling (Michael Gordon 1963) (S). 5.50

Remarkable Places To Eat At Christmas (R) (S).

6.00 CITV 9.25 James Martin’s Saturday Morning At Christmas (S). 11.35 John And Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen (S). 12.30 ITV News; Weather (S). 12.40 Live Champions Cup Rugby Exeter Chiefs vs Bulls. Kick-off is at 1pm (S). 3.30 FILM: About ABoy (Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz 2002) Romantic comedy,starring Hugh Grant and Toni Collette (S). 5.30 Celebrity Catchphrase (S).

Love Your Weekend With Alan Titchmarsh (R) (S).

6.15 FILM: Capture The Flag

(Enrique Gato 2015) Animated sci-fi adventure, with the voice of Sam Fink (S). 7.50 The Simpsons (R) (S). 8.15 The Simpsons (R) (S). 8.45 The Simpsons (R) (S).

9.10 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.40 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.10 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.40 The Simpsons (R) (S). 11.10 Couples Come Dine With Me (R) (S).

12.10 FILM: Christmas Encore (Bradley Walsh 2017) (S). 1.55

Four In ABed (R) (S). 2.25 Four In ABed (R) (S). 2.55 Four In A Bed (R) (S). 3.30 Four In ABed (R) (S). 4.00 Four In ABed (R) (S). 4.30 Channel 4News (S).

5.00 The Snowman: The Film That Changed Christmas (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 10.00 SpongeBob SquarePants (S). 10.15 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S). 10.30 Entertainment News On 5 (S). 10.40 Friends (R) (S). 11.10 FILM: Jumanji (Joe Johnston 1995) Fantasy adventure, starring Robin Williams (S). 1.15 FILM: AGingerbread Christmas (Pat Kiley 2022) Premiere. Romantic drama. starring Tiya Sircar (S). 3.10 FILM: Once Upon AChristmas Miracle (GaryYates 2018) Drama, starring Aimee Teegarden (S). 5.05 Strictly Come Dancing’s Greatest Moments (R) (S).

6.00 Big Beasts: Last Of The Giants (R) (S). 7.00 Big Beasts: Last Of The Giants (R) (S). 8.00 Big Beasts: Last Of The Giants (R) (S). 9.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.30 Soccer AM Jimmy Bullard and John Fendley are joined by guests from the world of sports and entertainment for the Saturday morning institution. 12.00

Football’s Funniest Moments (R) (S). 2.00 Cinderella: After Ever After (R) (S). 3.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 3.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 4.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 4.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.30 The Simpsons (R) (S).

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records Christmas Special (S). 6.35 Coronation Street Omnibus (S). 9.25 Love Bites (S). 10.25 Dress To Impress (S). 11.25 Dress To Impress (S). 12.30 Celebrity Catchphrase: Christmas Special (S). 1.25 Family Fortunes (S). 2.30 Donkey’s Caroling Christmas-tacular (S). 2.40 The Madagascar Penguins In AChristmas Caper (S). 2.55 Kung Fu Panda Holiday (S). 3.30

FILM: Mr Popper’s Penguins (Mark Waters 2011) Family comedy,starring Jim Carrey (S). 5.20 FILM: The Grinch (Yarrow Cheney,Scott Mosier 2018) (S).

6.00 Man About The House (S). 6.40 FILM: Mutiny On The Buses (Harry Booth 1972) Comedy, starring RegVarney (S). 8.20 Man About The House (S). 8.55 Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S). 10.05 Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S). 11.10 Lewis (S). 1.10 Midsomer Murders (S). 3.05 Midsomer Murders (S). 5.00 Midsomer Murders (S).

8.55 APlace In The Sun (S). 9.55

APlace In The Sun (S). 11.00

APlace In The Sun (S). 12.00

Location, Location, Location (S). 1.00 Come Dine With Me (S). 1.35 Come Dine With Me (S).

2.05 Come Dine With Me (S).

2.35 Come Dine With Me (S). 3.10 Come Dine With Me (S). 3.40 Four In ABed (S). 4.10 Four In ABed (S). 4.45 Four In ABed (S). 5.15 Four In ABed (S). 5.50 Four In ABed (S).

7.00

7.35

7.00 Winter Walks (S).

7.30 Iceland: Land Of Ice And Fire –Natural World The volcanic fires of Iceland (S).

7.00Live

7.05 FILM: Bruce Almighty (2003) Comedy, starring Jim Carrey and Morgan Freeman (S).

7.00 Midsomer Murders

Rivalries behind the scenes at atouring dance show lead to murder (S).

7.25 Come Dine With Me DJ Denver hosts the third evening in Leeds (S).

7.55 Come Dine With Me (S).

9.00 FILM: Knives Out (2019) Comedy mystery, starring Daniel Craig (S).

9.35

9.30 FILM: Made In Dagenham (2010) Fact-based comedy drama, starring Sally Hawkins (S).

11.30

11.30

BBC RADIO 4EXTRA

9.00 FILM: Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) Comedy, starring Jason Bateman (S).

9.00 Midsomer Murders Barnaby and Winter investigate when a beekeeper is attacked (S).

9.00 24 Hours In A&E Ateenage aspiring Olympian fractures his pelvis (S).

Christmas At Warwick Castle Part two of two.

Historian Melissa Perry helps decorate the castle’s historic Daisy sleigh (R) (S).

Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders Inspector Anton Sullivan follows a white van being driven erratically (R) (S)

Fight Night Chris Billam-Smith vs Armen Xhoxhaj (R).

The Best Christmas Day Telly Ever! Alook at what makes up the ideal festive viewing schedule (S).

FILM: The Firm (1993) Thriller,starring Tom Cruise (S).

Britain’s Favourite Christmas Adverts Julian Claryrevisits memorable festivethemed advertisements (R) (S).

YesMinister Christmas special. Hacker runs for prime minister.Last in the series (S).

Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas Special (R) (S).

Family Guy Peter is asked to fill in for amall Santa (S).

Family Guy (S).

Agatha Christie’s Poirot An actress’s estranged husband is murdered (S).

8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown With Henning Wehn and Victoria Coren Mitchell (S).

HIS DARK MATERIALS

BBC One, 7.00pm

It’s been along wait –over two years –but viewers are finally about to see what’s next for Lyra, Will, Lord Asriel and Mrs Coulter

The previous entry in Philip Pullman’s trilogy,The Subtle Knife, ended on acliffhanger,with prophesied child Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen) hidden in atrunk after being kidnapped by her mother Mrs Coulter (Ruth Wilson).

Meanwhile, the bearer of theknife, Will Parry (Amir Wilson), is embarking on anew mission based on his father’s dying wish.

With all that going on, Lord Asriel (James MacAvoy) has also called upon the angels to help him wage awar against the Kingdom of Heaven.

The delayed final series, based on the third novel The Amber Spyglass, opens with Lyra dreaming and finding herself in amysterious place with someone familiar –Roger (Lewin Lloyd).

Ayoung girl, Ama (Amber Fitzgerald-Woolfe), arrives at Mrs Coulter’s derelict hideaway,and asks Mrs Coulter why she is there.

Mrs Coulter shows her Lyra, claiming an enchanter has placed her under asleeping spell. But Ama has no idea that Lyra is being kept there against her will.

Seventeen-year-old Dafne explains what she thinks are the main themes across this season, and what audiences have to look forward to.

“Firstly,I’d say love,” she says. “Whether that’s family love, friendship, romantic love, or love of faith.

“I’d also say death and beliefs are amain part of the season too.

“I also think this series feels much bigger.There are so many more storylines and so many more characters.

“I think in the first two seasons, audiences are figuring out the world around Lyra, Will, Mrs Coulter,Asriel and everyone, whereas now,the premise has been set,so people can understand what’s happening.

“In this world that Philip Pullman created, there are lots of different worlds, there are daemons, there are worlds without daemons, there’s Metatron, there’s the concept of God that he’s created, and it’s navigating through that and understanding that better.”

With Lyra being held captive by Mrs Coulter,Will continues his quest to find her.

But as he scours the worlds, he is being pursued by two angels.

In another world, Asriel continues his recruitment drive for his war against the Authority,using his Intention Craft to breakresistance leader,Commander Ogunwe (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), out of prison.

Later,Willconfronts the angels following him, and discovers they wish him to take his knife to Asriel, to help him in his war

They strike adeal –if Will promises to take the knife to Asriel, the angel Balthamos (Kobna Holdbrook-Smith) will help him find Lyra.

At the Magisterium’s HQ in Geneva, ‘Father President’ MacPhail (Will Keen) meets adevoted young priest, Father Gomez (Jamie Ward), and instructs him to personally retrieve Lyra –using whatever force necessary

In the north of Lyra’s world, Will comes across Iorek causing destruction at aPort Town and enlists his help in the search for Lyra.

Pullman’s award-winning trilogy is considered amodern masterpiece of imaginative fiction and has sold over 18 million copies worldwide.

This BBC/HBOTVadaptation has also been ahuge success, and over the next few weeks, the much-loved characters are about to get the perfect send-off

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 (R) (S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S). 1.15 Songs Of Praise (S). 1.50 Lifeline (S). 2.00 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 The final. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.45 BBC News (S).

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 The HairyBikers’ ComfortFood (R) (S). 11.45

Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas (R) (S). 12.15 Olympia: London Horse Show The fourth day of the Olympia International Horse Show (S). 2.45 Flog It! (R) (S).

3.10 The Secret Life Of Mary Poppins: ACulture Show Special (R) (S). 4.10 FILM: Saving Mr Banks (John Lee Hancock 2013)

Fact-based drama, with Emma Thompson and TomHanks (S).

6.00 CITV 9.25 ITV News (S). 9.30 Love Your Weekend With Alan Titchmarsh (S). 11.25 Love Your Garden (R) (S). 11.55 ITV News; Weather (S). 12.00 English Football League Highlights (R) (S). 2.00 Fifa World Cup 2022 Final Live coverage of the final. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.30 The Chase Celebrity Special (R) (S).

6.30 ITV News; Weather (S). 6.45 ITV Regional News; Weather (S).

7.00 Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow Christmas Special The comedian hosts afestive edition of Child’s Play (S).

8.00 Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician Stephen Mulhern hosts as 10 illusionists compete to win £50,000 (S).

HIGHLANDER

BBC Two (S).

10.00 ITV News; Weather (S). 10.20 Michael Bublé’s Christmas In The City (R) (S).

11.15 Chris Kamara: Lost ForWords The former footballer finds out about apraxia of speech (R) (S).

12.20 Shop: Ideal World 3.00 MotorsportUK (R) (S). 3.50 Unwind With ITV (S). 5.35 James Martin’s Great British Adventure (R) (S).

SAVING MR BANKS

PL Travers, who penned the series of books on which the film was based, famously rebuffed Walt Disney’s efforts to purchase the rights for more than 20 years. That infamous tug-of-war between the writer and Hollywood filmmaker is recreated in this witty comedy starring Emma Thompson.

Sport 6.15 FILM: TadThe Lost Explorer And The Secret Of King Midas (David Alonso 2017) Animated adventure, with the voice of Oscar

Barberan

6.00 Milkshake! 9.30 Entertainment News On 5 (S). 9.35 NFL End Zone (S). 10.00

Friends (R) (S). 10.30 FILM: AGospel Christmas (Erica CSutherlin 2021) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Demetria McKinney (S). 12.20

FILM: CountryRoadsChristmas (Marco Deufemia 2022) Premiere. Drama, starring Lanie McAuley (S). 2.15 FILM: My Christmas Family Tree (Jason Bourque 2021) Premiere. Drama, starring Aimee Teegarden (S). 4.05 FILM: AMerryBerryChristmas (LindaLisa Hayter 2020) (S). 5.50 FILM: The Italian Job (Peter Collinson 1969) Crime comedy,starring Michael Caine (S).

6.00 Extreme Animals: One Wild Day (R) (S). 9.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.00 The Christmas Letter (R) (S). 10.30 FILM: How To Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (Tim Johnson 2019) (R) (S). 11.00 FILM: Extinct (David Silverman, Raymond SPersi 2021) (R) (S). 12.45 The Simpsons (R) (S). 1.10 The Simpsons (R) (S). 1.35 The Simpsons (R) (S). 2.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 2.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 3.00 Great Barrier Reef With David Attenborough (R) (S).

6.00 Unwind With ITV (S). 6.20 Love Bites (S). 7.20 Love Bites (S). 8.10 Dress To Impress (S). 9.10 Dress To Impress (S). 10.10 Dress To Impress (S). 11.10 In ForA Christmas Penny (S). 11.55 Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow Christmas Special (S). 12.55 Celebrity Catchphrase: Christmas Special (S). 1.55 MerryMadagascar (S). 2.25 FILM: Trolls Holiday (Joel Crawford 2017) (S). 3.00 FILM: Smallfoot (Karey Kirkpatrick 2018) Animated adventure, with the voice of Channing Tatum (S). 4.50 FILM: Arthur Christmas (Sarah Smith, Barry Cook 2011) Animated comedy,with the voice of James McAvoy (S).

6.00 Man About The House (S). 6.35 Emmerdale Omnibus (S). 9.25 Man About The House (S). 9.55 Midsomer Murders (S). 11.55 Midsomer Murders (S). 1.55 Midsomer Murders (S). 3.55 Midsomer Murders (S). 5.55 FILM: AChristmas Carol (Clive Donner 1984) Dickens’ classic tale, starring George C Scott (S).

8.55 Amazing Spaces Snow And Ice Special (S). 9.55 Amazing Spaces Winter Wonderland (S). 11.00 Amazing Spaces: Northern Lights Adventure (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 A Bed (S). 3.50 Four In ABed (S).

4.20 Four In ABed (S). 4.50 Four In ABed (S). 5.25 Come Dine

7.00 The Perfect Morecambe &Wise (S).

7.30 The Perfect Morecambe &Wise Christmas Special (S).

9.30 The

10.35

11.50

12.50

6.00 FILM: The Polar Express (2004) Animated adventure, with the voice of Tom Hanks (R) (S). 9.00 FILM: Love Actually (2003) Romantic comedy,with Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon (S). 11.40 Family Guy Brian is accused of ruining Mayor West’s nativity scene (S). 12.10 Family Guy (S). 12.40 Family Guy (S). 1.10 American Dad! (S).

8.00 Predators Acommunity of polar bears struggle to survive. 9.00 FILM: Batman vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) Superhero adventure, starring Ben Affleck and HenryCavill (R)(S). 11.45 ALeague Of TheirOwn Christmas Special 2022 Afestive edition, with Tony Bellew,Eve Muirhead, John Barnes and David Seaman (R). 12.45 Micky Flanagan’s Christmas (R) (S). 1.45 Saturday Night Live (R). 3.10 Street Crime UK (R) (S). 3.40 Street Crime UK (R) (S). 4.05 Will &Grace (R) (S). 4.30 Will &Grace (R) (S). 5.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 5.30 Will &Grace (R) (S).

8.00

6.25 Come Dine With Me

Celebrity Christmas Special (S). 6.55 Come Dine With Me

7.30 Come Dine With Me

Celebrity Christmas Special Margi Clarke hosts the final dinner party in Liverpool (S).

1.35 American Dad! (S). 2.05 All American (S). 3.00 Teleshopping

10.00

11.50

1.55 Man

2.30 Man

3.00

8.00 Emergency Helicopter Medics Acrew battles bad weather to reach an injured hill-walker (S). 9.00 999: On The Front Line The construction of a summer house goes badly wrong (S). 10.00 24 Hours In A&E A law student is treated for acondition that causes his ribs to grow inwardly (S). 11.05 Emergency Helicopter Medics Acrew battles bad weather to reach an injured hill-walker (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

BBC RADIO 1 6am Radio 1’sChillout Anthems. 7.00 Sam And Danni. 10.00 Radio 1Anthems. 10.30 Newsbeat. 10.32 Radio 1Anthems. 11.02 Radio 100s With Nat O’Leary. 1pm MattAnd Jamie 4.00 Radio 1’sLife Hacks. 6.00 The Official Chart:First Look On Radio 1. 7.00 Radio 1’s ChillestShow. 9.00 Radio 1’sIndie ShowWithJack Saunders. 11.00 BBCIntroducingOn Radio 1. 12mdn’t Radio 1’sFuture SoulWithVictoria Jane 1.30 Radio 1’s UK R&B Mix. 2.00 Radio 1’s Decompression Session 3.00 Radio 1’s Chill Mix. 3.30 Radio 1’s Motivate Me Mix. 4.00 Radio 1Dance. 5.00 Radio 1Early Breakfast With Arielle Free BBC RADIO 2 6am Good MorningSunday. 9.00 Steve Wright’s Sunday LoveSongs 11.00 TheMichael Ball Show. 1pm Elaine Paige On Sunday. 3.00 Sounds Of The 70s With Johnnie Walker 5.00 RobBeckett. 7.00 Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour.Popular music from the past 50 years. 8.00 SundayNight Is MusicNight. AWest End Christmas Extravaganza. 10.00 Radio 2 Unwinds WithAngelaGriffin. 11.00 Radio 2Unwinds WithAngela Griffin. 12mdn’t OJ Borg. 2.30 One Hit WondersWithOJBorg 3.00 Alternative SoundsOf The 90s WithDermot O’Leary 4.00 Early Breakfast Show BBC RADIO 3 7am Breakfast. 9.00 Christmas Around Europe. 3pm Choral Evensong 4.00 ChristmasAround Europe 11.00 Keelan Carew’s Piano Odyssey 12mdn’t Classical Fix 12.30 Through TheNight BBC RADIO 4 6am News Headlines. 6.05 Something Understood. 6.35 Natural Histories 6.57 Weather 7.00 News; Sunday Papers. 7.10 Sunday 7.54 Radio 4Appeal. 7.57 Weather 8.00 News; Sunday Papers 8.10 SundayWorship. 8.48 APoint Of View. 8.58 Tweet Of The Day 9.00 Broadcasting House. 10.00 The Archers. 11.15 Desert Island Discs. 12noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast 12.04 I’m Sorry I Haven’t AClue. 12.30 The Food Programme. 12.57 Weather 1.00 The WorldThisWeekend. 1.30 Faith In Music. 2.00 Gardeners’ Question Time 2.45 Property Of The BBC. 3.00 Drama: StarChild. 4.00 OpenBook 4.30 Edward ThomasAnd TheSong Of ThePath. 5.00 What’s ATory? 5.40 Profile 5.54 Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather 6.00 SixO’Clock News. 6.15 Pick Of The Week.Catherine Bott presents highlights of the past seven days. 7.00 TheArchers. 7.15 TheConfessional. 7.45 Voices In TheValley 8.00 Feedback. 8.30 Last Word. 9.00 Money Box 9.25 Radio 4Appeal. 9.30 Britain’s Communist Thread. 10.00 TheWestminsterHour 11.00 Loose Ends. 11.30 Something Understood. 12mdn’t News And Weather 12.15 ContainsStrongLanguage LiveFrom Birmingham 12.45 BellsOnSunday 12.48 Shipping Forecast. 1.00 As BBCWorld Service. 5.20 Shipping Forecast. 5.30 NewsBriefing. 5.43 Prayer ForThe Day. 5.45 FarmingToday 5.58 Tweet Of The Day BBC RADIO 4EXTRA 6am Poetry Extra. 6.30 The Crossway Omnibus. 7.40 Inheritance Tracks. 7.50 APassage To India Omnibus 9.00 Stilgoe’s Around 9.30 SomethingTo Shout About. 10.00 Desert Island Discs. 10.30 Close Up:Agatha Christie. 11.00 Poetry Extra 11.30 The Crossway Omnibus. 12.40pm Inheritance Tracks. 12.50 APassage To India Omnibus. 2.00 Stilgoe’s Around 2.30 SomethingToShout About. 3.00 Desert Island Discs. 3.30 Close Up:Agatha Christie. 4.00 AlgernonBlackwood –The Camp Of The Dog. 4.45 The Waxwork. 5.00 PoetryExtra 5.30 TheCrossway Omnibus 6.40 Inheritance Tracks 6.50 APassage To IndiaOmnibus. 8.00 Stilgoe’sAround. 8.30 Something To Shout About. 9.00 DesertIsland Discs. 9.30 Close Up: Agatha Christie. 10.00 ComedyClub 10.00 Comedy Club:ElectricInk 10.30 Comedy Club: Son Of Cliche. 11.00 Comedy Club: OldHarry’s Game. 11.30 Comedy Club: The Clemmie HartYears 12mdn’t PoetryExtra. 12.30 TheCrossway Omnibus. 1.40 InheritanceTracks. 1.50 APassage To India Omnibus. 3.00 Stilgoe’s Around 3.30 Something To Shout About. 4.00 Desert Island Discs. 4.30 CloseUp: Agatha Christie. 5.00 Rogue Herries. BBC 5LIVE 6am 5LiveScience. 7.00 Sunday Breakfast. 10.00 Helen Skelton. 12noon World Cup 2022 3.00 World Cup 2022 5.00 World Cup 2022. 6.00 6-0-6. 8.00 Kammy &Ben’s Proper Football Podcast. 8.30 DifferentWithNicky Campbell. 9.00 StephenNolan. 12mdn’t MomentOfTruth 12.35 If BlackburnSigned Zidane. 12.45 If BlackburnSignedZidane. 12.55 5 MinutesOn. 1.00 DotunAdebayo. 5.00 Wake Up To Money BBC 6MUSIC 6am Amy Lamé. 8.00 RadcliffeAnd Maconie. 10.00 Cerys Matthews. 1pm The First Time With Shabaka Hutchings 2.00 Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour 4.00 IggyPop. 6.00 NowPlaying @6Music 8.00 Stuart Maconie’s Freak Zone. 10.00 DonLetts’ Culture Clash Radio 12mdn’t TheHuey ShowPresents The HipHop Mixtape. 1.00 6Music’s Rave Forever 2.00 ThisIsUs –6 MusicAt20. 3.00 This Is Us –6Music At 20 4.00 TheBBC Introducing Mixtape. 5.00 The RemixWith Chris Hawkins. 5.30 Chris Hawkins. CLASSIC FM 7am Aled Jones. 10.00 John Brunning. 1pm Catherine Bott 4.00 John Humphrys. 6.30 Gaspard’s Christmas With Zeb Soanes. 7.00 ChristmasWithThe Bocellis 9.00 Moira StuartMeets –John Rutter 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1am Bill Overton 4.00 Early Breakfast. ABSOLUTE RADIO 8am Jason Manford. 11.00 Sarah Champion 2pm TheAfternoon Show 6.00 Request Show With Claire Sturgess. 8.00 Sunday Night Music Club 12mdn’t Emil Franchi. December18 LUTON TOWN V MILLWALL Sky Sports Main Event, 11.30am Live coverageofthe Championship match. SUNDAY 45

PAUL O’GRADY: FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS –A ROYALSPECIAL

ITV1, 9.00pm

Battersea Dogs &Cats Home, now known simply as Battersea, is avery special place.

The animal rescue centre was established in Holloway in 1860 by Mary Tealby,who called it “The Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs”.

Initially,The Times ran astory ridiculing the idea of opening ahome for dogs when there were homeless people in London.

But Tealby’s work eventually won manyadmirers, notably Charles Dickens, who wrote about a“remarkable institution” that had saved over athousand dogs in 1860.

In 1885, Queen Victoria became patron of the home, and it has remained under royal patronage ever since.

To mark its 150th anniversary in 2010, the charity’s London Cattery was opened by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, and Royal Mail released aset of stamps featuring aseries of dogs and cats that had been adopted by staff

Then, in 2015, Queen Elizabeth II unveiled aplaque to officially open the intake kennels named after their founder, Mary

Tonight, ITV is celebrating 160 years of Battersea with a one-off special episode of Paul O’Grady’s NTAand Baftawinning series.

The programme will feature Her Majesty The Queen Consort, along term supporter of Battersea and selfconfessed dog-lover,inher previous role as The Duchess of Cornwall helping Paul care for some of the abandoned dogs and hosting acelebratory event at Clarence House.

Last month, The Queen Consort shared details of her special relationship she has with Beth and Bluebell, two rescue Jack Russells she got from Battersea.

“Beth came from afamily who could no longer care for her and poor Bluebell had been found abandoned in the woods, three weeks old, starving, covered in sores, with a docked tail and just afew patches of fur

“Battersea nursed her back to health andIfell in love with her when Ivisited their brilliant centre in 2012.

“They are both colourful characters –and now Icannot imagine my life, my home or my sofas without them.”

The Queen Consort is now apatron of Battersea and she

joins Paul at its Brands Hatch site in Kent to celebrate the special anniversary

Together they meet some of the dogs struggling to be rehomed and assist with their treatment and care.

Paul and Her Majesty set about teaching ablind Jack Russell to find its way around, bathe and comfort dogs that were abandoned on the street, and attempt to find them a happy-ever-after home in time for Christmas.

TopofPaul’s rehoming list are agiant Schnauzer with alife-threatening gastric issue and apuppy with awill of steel, fighting all the odds to survive.

Battersea is currently incredibly busy due to an overwhelming number of dogs that are more difficult to rehome due to their older age, medical or behavioural issues.

Paul says: “In the 11 years that I’ve been filming at Battersea, I’ve never known it so busy

“What’s worrying is, there are alot of dogs in here who would be classed as hard to home. Dogs with disabilities, blind dogs, you name it, we’ve got them in hereatthe moment.”

With the situation becoming increasingly desperate, Paul turns to a“very special friend” for help in throwing a garden party to drum up interest –wewonder who that could be?

6.00 Breakfast (S). 9.15 Morning

Live At Christmas (S). 10.00

Animal Park Christmas Special 2022 (S). 10.45 ACountryside Winter (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 Attenborough’s Wonder Of Song (R) (S). 2.45 FILM: Dolittle (Stephen Gaghan 2020) Fantasy adventure, starring Robert Downey Jr (S). 4.15 Gangsta Granny Strikes Again! (R) (S).

5.15 Pointless Celebrities (R) (S).

6.10 FILM: Christmas In Toyland (Bill Corcoran 2022) (S). 7.35

FILM: Baking All The Way (Yannick Bisson 2022) Romantic drama, starring CoryLee (S).

9.00 BBC News (S). 10.00 BBC News (S). 12.15 Politics Live (S).

1.00 Celebrity Eggheads (R) (S).

1.30 FILM: TeaWith Mussolini (Franco Zeffirelli 1999) Period comedy drama, starring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench (S). 3.20

FILM: The Young Victoria (JeanMarc Vallee 2009) Historical drama, starring Emily Blunt (S).

5.00 The TwoRonniesChristmas Sketchbook (R) (S). 5.30 FILM: Porridge (Dick Clement 1979) Prison comedy,starring Ronnie Barker (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 In ForAChristmas Penny (R) (S). 2.45 FILM: Back To The Future (RobertZemeckis 1985) Sci-fi comedy adventure, starring Michael JFox (S). 5.00 The Chase (R) (S).

Coronation Street Spider digs for information on the identity of Griff’s financial backer (S).

Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs –A Royal Special Camilla, Queen Consort, joins Paul to help out at Battersea (S). 10.00 ITV News At Ten (S). 10.30 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 10.45 Gordon, Gino And Fred: Unseen Bits (R) (S). 11.40 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite Hard-hitting action from the world of All Elite Wrestling (R) (S). 1.25 Shop: Ideal World 3.00 Cooking With The Stars (R) (S). 3.50 Unwind With ITV (S). 5.05 The Cube (R) (S).

MISBEHAVIOUR

SCROOGE

–ACHRISTMAS CAROL (Channel 5, 4.10pm)

Alastair Sim stars as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who refuses to show any goodwill to men –not even his hardworking clerk Bob Cratchit (Mervyn

Johns). Then he has aghostly encounter with his deceased business partner Jacob Marley (Michael Hordern), who warns him he is about to be visited by three ghosts that will show him the error of his ways, along with his past, present and future. Kathleen Harrison and Jack Warner also star

hosted by comedian Bob Hope.

6.05 Countdown (R) (S). 6.45 Cheers (R) (S). 7.15 Cheers (R) (S). 7.40 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.35 The King Of Queens (R) (S). 9.05 The King Of Queens (R) (S). 9.35 FILM: Christmas At The Palace (Peter Hewitt 2018) (S).

Romantic drama, starring Lori Loughlin and Victor Webster (S). 1.10 Jamie: Together At Christmas (R) (S). 2.10 Countdown (S). 3.00 APlace In The Sun (S). 4.00 Chateau DIY At Christmas (S). 5.00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas (S).

6.00 The Simpsons Krusty and his daughter spend Christmas with the Simpsons (R) (S).

6.30 Hollyoaks (R) (S).

7.00 Channel 4News (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine (S). 12.30 FILM: Saving Christmas Spirit (Wendy Faraone 2021) Romantic drama, starring Ashley Newbrough (S). 2.15 FILM: AVeryYorkshire Christmas (Steven Nesbit 2019) Romantic drama, starring Rachel Shenton (S). 4.10 FILM: Scrooge –A Christmas Carol (Brian Desmond Hurst 1951) Charles Dickens’ fantasy,starring Alastair Sim (S).

Sport

ATHLETIC V SHEFFIELD UNITED

6.00 Orangutan Jungle School (R) (S). 7.00 The 80s: Cinema’s

Greatest Decade (R) (S). 8.00 The Simpsons (R). 8.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 11.00 David Attenborough’s Natural History Museum Alive (R) (S). 12.30

FILM: The Borrowers (Tom Harper 2011) (R) (S). 2.15 Jack &The Beanstalk: After Ever After (R) (S). 3.15 The Simpsons (R) (S). 3.40 The Simpsons (R). 4.05 The Simpsons (R) (S). 4.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.00 Sport’s Funniest Moments (R) (S).

6.00 Unwind With ITV (S). 6.25

Love Bites (S). 7.25 Secret Crush (S). 8.15 In ForAPenny (S). 8.45 In ForAPenny (S). 9.15 Ninja Warrior UK: Race ForGlory (S). 10.20 FILM: ACinderella Story: Christmas Wish (Michelle Johnston 2019) Premiere. Family comedy,starring Laura Marano (S). 12.10 FILM: Sherlock Gnomes (John Stevenson 2018) Animated comedy,featuring the voice of James McAvoy (S). 1.55 Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician (S). 3.55 Catchphrase Christmas Special (S). 4.55

FILM: It’s AVeryMerryMuppet Christmas Movie (Kirk Thatcher 2002) Festive comedy,with Joan Cusack and Whoopi Goldberg (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 The Darling Buds Of May (S). 10.25 The Darling Buds Of May (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).

6.00 Lidl’s Christmas Secrets Alook at how the budget supermarket prepares for the festive period (R) (S).

6.55 5News Update (S).

7.00 Police Interceptors (R) (S). 7.55 5News Update (S).

8.00 Five Star Christmas: Inside Corinthia Behind the scenes at one of Britain’s most exclusive hotels (S).

9.00 The Handmaid’s Tale June must find away to keep herself and her family safefromGilead. Last in the series (S).

10.10 Lighting Up Christmas Festive displays at John Lewis, KewGardens, Longleat Safari Park and Blackpool (R) (S).

11.15 Christmas In New York: Inside The Plaza Abehind-the-scenes look at the Manhattan hotel over the festive period (R) (S).

12.15 Joe Lycett vs David Beckham: AGot Your Back Christmas Special (R) (S).

1.10 Taskmaster: Champion Of Champions 2022 (R) (S). 2.05 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (R) (S). 2.55Come Dine With Me: Celebrity Christmas Special (R) (S).

8.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders Storms bring travel chaos to the roads (R) (S). 9.00 Police: Night Shift 999 An altercation in abar leads to afoot chase through Gloucester city centre (S). 10.00 Police Raids: Caught By Surprise Ahundred officers prepare for a series of simultaneous dawn raids (R) (S).

FILM: The Meg (2018) Action thriller,starring Jason Statham (S).

7.00 Winter Walks

Celebrities explore landscapes in Yorkshire and Cumbria (S).

7.30 The Good Life (S).

Of The Pops Christmas edition from 1998 (S). 9.00 HenryVIII’s Enforcer: The Rise And Fall Of Thomas Cromwell A profile of the 16thcenturylawyer and statesman (S). 10.00 Peter Kosminsky Remembers –Wolf Hall (S). 10.10 Wolf Hall (S). 11.15 Wolf Hall Harry Percy arrests Cardinal Wolsey for treason (S).

(S).

On 5 (S)

(R) (S)

(R) (S)

(R) (S)

Monday Night

House

House

The Capture (S). 1.10 The Capture (S). 2.10 The Capture (S). 3.10 Winter Walks (S). 3.40 Close

9.00 The Unofficial Science Of Home Alone Guz Khan and James Acaster recreate booby traps from the hit 1990 movie.

6.00 The Christmas Movie Countdown Simon Callow reveals the Yuletide number one, as voted for by the public. 9.00 Gordon, Gino And Fred’s Great Christmas Roast (S). 10.30 Family Guy Peter goes on aquest to save Quahog’s annual Christmas carnival (S). 11.00 Family Guy Brian and Peter go on a mission to find anew Thanksgiving turkey (S). 11.30 Family Guy (S).

12.00 American Dad! (S). 12.30 American Dad! (S). 1.00 The Stand Up Sketch Show (S). 1.30 The Stand Up Sketch Show (S). 1.55

(S)

Radio

Heartbeat Aboy’s life hangs in the balance when he falls down a well (S).

6.55 Escape To The Chateau Dick, Angel, Arthur and Dorothy share more enchanting tales (S).

7.55 Grand Designs A couple give a1950s house amodernist makeover (S).

Man About The House (S).

Unwind With ITV (S).

10.00 Coastal Railways With Julie Walters The actress travels on the famous Great Western Railway (S).

11.05 24 Hours In A&E A 14-year-old is rushed to St George’s after an accident on her bike (S).

12.10 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (S). 1.15 Emergency Helicopter Medics (S). 2.20 24 Hours In A&E (S). 3.25 Food Unwrapped (S). 3.50 Close

8.30

7.30 Dot. 8.00 Brothers In Law 8.30 Counterpoint Christmas Special. 9.30 Romantic Friction. 10.00 Rogue Herries. 11.00 Detective. 11.30 TheLeftHanded Sleeper. 12noon AMaigret Christmas. 12.15 HighLites: SplitEnds. 12.30 Dot. 1.00 Brothers In Law. 1.30 Counterpoint Christmas Special. 2.30 Romantic Friction 3.00 Rogue Herries 4.00 Detective. 4.30 The Left-Handed Sleeper. 5.00 AMaigret Christmas 5.15 HighLites: Split Ends 5.30 Dot 6.00 BrothersInLaw 6.30 Counterpoint Christmas Special 7.30 Romantic Friction. 8.00 Radiolab 8.55 InheritanceTracks 9.00 TheFilm We Can’t See. 9.50 Witness History: The Monkees. 10.00 ComedyClub. 10.00 ComedyClub: I’mSorry IHaven’t AClue. 10.30 ComedyClub: Dave Podmore’s World Of Cricket 11.00 Comedy Club: DeadRingers. 11.30 ComedyClub:AsTold To Craig Brown 12mdn’t Rogue Herries. 1.00 Detective. 1.30 The Left-Handed Sleeper 2.00 AMaigret Christmas 2.15 HighLites: Split Ends. 2.30 Dot. 3.00 Brothers In Law. 3.30 Counterpoint Christmas Special 4.30 Romantic Friction. 5.00 Rogue Herries. BBC 5LIVE 6am 5LiveBreakfast. 9.00 Nicky Campbell. 11.00 Naga Munchetty 1pm Nihal Arthanayake. 4.00 5Live Drive. 7.00 5LiveSport. 9.00 5Live Sport 10.00 Colin Murray 1am DotunAdebayo 5.00 Wake Up To Money BBC 6MUSIC 7.30am Nemone. 10.30 MaryAnne Hobbs. 1pm Craig Charles. 4.00 Huw Stephens 7.00 Marc Riley 9.00 Gideon Coe. 12mdn’t TheFirst Time WithBjork. 1.00 TheStoryOfBjork 2.00 BjorkLive. 3.00 Army Of Me: Bjork Now 4.00 The Bjork Playlist. 5.00 The Remix With ChrisHawkins. 5.30 ChrisHawkins CLASSIC FM 6am More Music Breakfast. 9.00 Alexander Armstrong 12noon Anne-MarieMinhall. 4.00 John Brunning. 7.00 Smooth ClassicsAtSeven. 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1am BillOverton. 4.00 Early Breakfast ABSOLUTE RADIO 6am Dave Berry 10.00 LeonaGraham 1pm Ben Burrell. 4.00 BushAnd Richie. 7.00 Danielle Perry. 10.00 Jay Lawrence. 1am Dan Noble. December19 WIGAN

BBC RADIO 1 6.57am Newsbeat. 7.00 Radio 1Breakfast WithMatt Edmondson. 10.30 Newsbeat. 10.32 Rickie, Melvin AndCharlie. 12.45pm Newsbeat 1.00 DeanAnd Vicky 3.30 Newsbeat. 3.32 GoingHomeWithVick And Jordan. 5.45 Newsbeat. 6.00 Radio 1’sFuture Sounds WithClaraAmfo 8.00 Radio 1’s Future Artists With Jack Saunders 10.00 Radio 1’s PowerDown Playlist With SianEleri. 11.00 Rock Show WithDaniel PCarter 1am BBC Introducing Rock On Radio 1With AlyxHolcombe. 2.00 Radio1’s FutureAlternative 3.00 Radio 1’s WorkoutAnthems. 4.00 Radio 1Dance. 5.00 Radio 1Early Breakfast WithArielle Free. BBC RADIO 2 6.30am TheZoe Ball BreakfastShow. 9.30 KenBruce. 12noon Jeremy Vine. 2.00 Scott Mills. 4.00 Sara Cox 6.30 SaraCox’s Half Wower 7.00 Jo Whiley’s Shiny Happy Playlist. Jo plays her favourite albumtracks and musicalgems rarely heard on Radio 2. 7.30 Jo Whiley. Musicand chat. 9.00 The Blues Show WithRonnie Wood. Ronnie Wood sitsinfor Cerys Matthews. 10.00 Trevor Nelson’s Magnificent7 10.30 Trevor Nelson’s Rhythm Nation. 12mdn’t OJ Borg. 2.30 One Hit WondersWith OJ Borg. 3.00 Pick Of ThePops. 4.00 EarlyBreakfast Show BBC RADIO 3 6.30am Breakfast 9.00 Essential Classics. 12noon Composer Of The Week: Bach At Christmas. 1.00 Radio 3LunchtimeConcert. 2.00 Afternoon Concert. 4.30 New Generation Artists. 5.00 In Tune 7.00 In Tune Mixtape.Aneclectic non-stop mix of music 7.30 Radio 3In Concert. AperformanceofParts 1, 2and 3 of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio 9.00 Ultimate Calm.A selection of songs on thetheme of hope 10.00 Music Matters. 10.45 1922: LeisureAnd Entertainment. 11.00 NightTracks 12.30am Through TheNight. BBC RADIO 4 6am Today 9.00 StartThe Week. 9.45 (LW) Daily Service. 9.45 (FM) Book Of The Week: Agatha Christie: AVeryElusive Woman. 10.00 Woman’s Hour 11.00 The Untold 11.30 MichaelMorpurgo’s Folk Journeys. 12noon News. 12.01 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 12.04 TheNew Gurus. 12.30 Sliced Bread 12.57 Weather 1.00 TheWorldAtOne. 1.45 Living With TheNews. 2.00 TheArchers. 2.15 Drama: ThatDinner Of ’67. 3.00 Nature Table. 3.30 The Food Programme. 4.00 The Susurrations Of TheSea. 4.30 BadBlood: The Story Of Eugenics. 5.00 PM. 5.54 (LW) Shipping Forecast. 5.57 Weather 6.00 Six O’Clock News 6.30 I’mSorry IHaven’t AClue.WithJohnFinnemore Pippa Evans, Fred Macaulayand Rory Bremner.Last in the series. 7.00 The Archers 7.15 FrontRow.Arts programme. 8.00 (LW) Putin.New series. Jonny Dymond looks at recenteventsinthe extraordinary storyofVladimir Putin’s life. 8.00 (FM)Putin.

Crossing Continents.

DORRELL Sandra (San)

December 20, 2010.

How does one write on paper feelings we haveinside. The heartache and the emptiness when the Mom we love has died.

Aspecial Mom we had for thatweknowistrue. Yougave to us abundantly in everyway of you.

Your memorygives us strength it’s what guides us through. God greeted the best Mom ever the day that he met you.

Love you always

Des, Jan, Keith, Stu, Karen and Sophie.

XX X

BAKER Colin Edward

Born May 29 ,1 948 in Bridgnorth, Colin passed away peacefully at home on December 4, 2022.

Devoted Husband to Carol, lovingFathertoColin and Rachael and doting Grandpa to Jon, Nick and Hannah.

Colin will be sadlymissed by his Family and many Friends.

Funeral Service will be taking place at Telford Crematorium on Wednesday,January4,2023 at 11.30am.

Flowers from immediate Family only please.

Donations gratefully received in support of the Severn Hospice, whose team gave amazing support to Colin and his Family

DAVIES

Marjorie

On November 30, 2022, peacefully at her home in Worfield, Nr.Bridgnorth, MarjorieDavies, aged 91 years.

The devoted Wife of the lateRegina ld Dav ies , loving Mother (Mammy) of John, Heather,David, Alan, Russell, Kathyand Wayne, a dear Mother-in-law,aspecial Grandmother (Nanny), Great-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandmother

Muchloved, Marjoriewill be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends.

Funeral Service at The Parish Church of St. Peter The Apostle, Worfield, Nr Bridgnorth, on Tuesday, December 20, at 2.30pm, to be followed by Interment at Worfield Parish Cemetery.

Family flowers only by request please, but donations for Cancer Research U.K. and TheBrainTumour Charity are being gratefully received, for which purpose acollection boxwill be provided inside the Church porch, or online at www perryandphillipsfunerals.

com

All inquiries to Mr.J.C. Adams

GRIFFITHS

Maisie Winifred nee Westwood

On November 28, 2022, peacefully at Danesford GrangeResidential Care Home, Bridgnorth,inthe presence of her Family, following ashort illness.

Mai sie Griff ith s, of Goodwood Av enue , Bridgnorth, aged 92 years R.I.P

The Wife of thelateHarry Griffiths, lovingMother of Mandy and the late Nigel Griffiths,the dear Nan of Craig andDaniel and the veryspecial Sister of Marlene, Alan and thelate Bill.

Much loved, Maisie will be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends.

Funeral Mass at The R.C. Church of St. John The Evangelist, Bridgnorth, on Thursday,December 22 at 11am, to be followed by IntermentatBridgnorth Town Cemetery.

Fa mily flowers only by request please but donations, which are to be divided betweenHope House Children’s Respite Hospice and TheBritish Heart Foundation, are being gratefully received, for which purpose acollection boxwill be provided outside The Church, or online at www.perr yand philli ps funerals.com

All inquiries to Mr.C.C. Adams

LEA

Cedric John

On December4,2022, peacefullyathis home, in the presence of his Family, following along illness borne with great fortitude, Cedric Lea, of Conduit Lane, Bridgnorth, aged 80 years.

The beloved Husband of Judy,loving Father of Christian, Charlotte and Sam, Father-in-law of Sharon, Vivand Sally and a verydear Grandad. Much loved, Cedricwill be sadly missed by all his Family,Friends and former colleagues and pupilsat BridgnorthOldbury Wells School, where he served as Deputy Headmaster

Aformer District Councillor for Bridgnorth East Ward (2).

Funeral Service at The Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth, on Monday,December 19 at 11am, to be followed by IntermentatBridgnorth Town Cemetery.

Fa mily flowers only by request please but donations,which are to be divided between The British Heart Foundation and Bridgnorth Foodbank, are being gratefully received, for which purpose acollection boxwillbeprovided at The Church, or online at www.perr yand philli ps funerals.com

All inquiries to Mr.C.C. Adams

POOLER Elizabeth Jean (Betty)

On December2,2022, peacefully at Bradeney House Residential Care Home, Wo rfield, Nr Bridgnorth, BettyPooler, formerly of Greenfields Court, Bridgnorth and of Stableford, Nr.Bridgnorth, aged 94 years.

The devoted Mother of Margaret and the late Anne, the dear Gran Bett of Dan and Laura and Great-Gran Bett of Sam and Lucy

Much loved, Betty willbe sadly missed by all her Family and Friends.

Funeral Service at The Parish Church of St. Peter The Apostle, Worfield, on Monday,January9,2023 at 12 noon, to be followed by Interment at Worfield Parish Cemetery.

Fa mily flowers only by request please, but donations for Compton Care are beinggratefully received, for which purpose a collection boxwill be provided inside the Church Porch, or onlineatwww perryandphillipsfunerals. com

All inquiries to Mr.C.C. Adams

On November 18, 2022, peacefully at her home,in the presence of her Husband John, Joan Williams, of Birmingham Road, Kiddermins ter,f or mer ly of Bridgnorth,aged80years. R.I.P

The beloved Wife of John, loving Mother of Greg, Mother-in-law of Melanie, very dear Grandmaof Connor,Jessica,Jordan and Kieran, and the GreatGrandma of Malcolm.

Much loved,Joan will be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends.

Reception into The R.C Church of St. John The Evangelist, Northgate, Bridgnorth, on Wednesday, December 14 at 7pm.

Funeral Mass at The R.C. Church of St. John The Evangelist, Northgate, Bridgnorth, on Thursday, December 15 at 12 noon, to be followed by Interment at Bridgnorth Town Cemetery.

Fa mily flowers only by request please, but donations for Macmillan Cancer Support are being gratefully received, for which purposea collection boxwill be provided outside the Church, or online at www.perryandphillips funerals.com

All inquiries to Mr.C.C. Adams,

HALL

Elizabeth Mary (Betty) nee Hewins

Formerly of Severn St, Bridgnorth.

Passed away peacefully at Ditton PriorsCare Centre, Bridgnorth, on December 2, 2022, aged 92 years.

Reunited with her beloved late Husband Wilfrid ‘Bob’ Hall.

She was greatly lovedby Children Angie and Rob, Grandchildren Raine, Gavin, Dan, and Chloe,Great-Grandchildren Maisy and Farah and their respective Spouses and Partners.

Funeral willtake placeon January6,2023, St Mary Magdalene Bridgnorth at 11.45am.followed by Cremation at Telford.

PEAKE

Jeffrey John (Jeff)

On December 3, 2022peacefully in Hospital at Telford, in the presence of his loving Wife, Jeff Peake, of Victoria Road, Bridgnorth, aged 83 years.

The beloved Husband of Mandy,the loving Father of Mark, Julian and John, Father-in-law of Raine, Lucy and Jenny,the very dear Grandad of Ben, Olive, Amelia, Freddy,Eliza and Hugoand the Brother of Joyce and Glennys.

Much loved, Jeff will be sadly missed by all his Family and Friends.

Funeral Service at The Pa rish Chu rcho f S/S Peter and Paul,Tasley, Nr Bridgnorth, on Monday, December 19 at 1.30pmto be followed by Interment at Tasley ‘new’ Churchyard.

Family flowers only by request please, but donations, which aretobe divided between Bridgnorth Rugby Club Colts and The R.N.I.B., are being gratefully received, for which purpose acollection boxwill be provided at the Church, or onlineatwww.perryand phillipsfunerals.com

All inquiries to

Isabel AdaMary nee Barker

On November 28, 2022, peacefully at ‘Arden Grange Residential CareHome’ Ditton Priors, Nr.Bridgnorth, following along illness, Isabel Williams, formerly of South Road, Ditton Priors, aged 89 years.

The Wife of the late George Williams,the lovingMother of Stephen and Stewart, Mother-in-law of Sueand Janet, the dear Nan of Nicola and Andrew,ofDaniel and Lucy and of Sian, the Great-Nan of Charlotte, Joe, Jacob, Lilyand Marley and the special Sister of Violet.

Muchloved, Isabel, will be sadly missed by all her Family and Friends.

Funeral Service at The ParishChurch of St. John The Baptist, Ditton Priors, on Friday,December16, at 12 noon, to be followed by Interment in the Churchyard.

Fa mily flowers only by request please, but donations for ‘Brown Clee Medical Practice’are being gratefully received, for which purpose acollection boxwill be provided at the Church, or onlineatwww.perryand phillipsfunerals.com

All inquiries to Mr.C.C. Adams,

Acknowledgements

Joan Francis nee Hopkins

WILLIAMS

Ruth Barwick

Deborah Bashall

Julie Bridgewood

John Donaldson

Dorothy Feasey

Garth Goodall

William Gough

Judy Green

Phyllis Harpham

Jean Holmes-Brown

Vivien Hotchkiss

Jane Hurcomb

Paul Jones

Carole Lawrence

Jackie Reading

Richard Tomlinson

FirstDrive: CitroenC5Aircross

TEDWELFORD PressAssoiation

Citroen’sknown fordoingthings alittlebit differently,and itsC5 Aircrosswas a fine example of this.

Arriving in 2018 as theFrench firm’s largestSUV it hasproven successful, with morethan260,000 sold.Citroen is nowbackwitha mid-liferefresh, to ensure it can remain competitive next to newer models likethe Qashqaiand Ford Kuga.But is theC5Aircrossableto competein this toughclass?

Thebulkofthe changes as part of this update stem around theC5 Aircross’ interior –the model’s slightweaknessbefore. Citroen has workedtoimprove qualitywitha modernisedcentre console,anew touchscreen andafurther emphasisoncomfort –anareawhere this crossoveralready impressed.

Around theexterior,you’llnotice theAircrossnow gets new headlights, variousnew colour and wheeloptions as well as Citroen’s updatedlogo.

Forthose wantingsomething electrified,there’s a222bhp plug-in

hybrid that canmanage38miles on electric powertoacharge, whilea 128bhp 1.5-litrecaterstohigh-mileageusers,withthisfuelbecoming an increasing rarity in this class. Butour test carusesthe entry-levelpetrol– a1.2-litre turbocharged petrolgenerating129bhp and230Nm of torque

If you come to theC5Aircross lookingfor somethingsporty, you’re barkingupthe wrongtree, as this is amodel that majors on comfort andeverydayeaseofuse.The lightsteering inspires littleconfidencedownatwistybackroad, but around town,itmakes it very easy to manoeuvre, aidedbyfantastic visibility.The Aircrossremains a comfortable, if soft-riding choice, though it canbeabit unsettledby potholes

Citroen’s designersaren’tafraid to be bolder than otherbrands, and theresultisafunky-lookingcrossover.Likebefore, you’vegot the brand’sfamed ‘Airbumps’ on the doors–the plastic trim stuckhalfwayup thedoorthatcan also help preventdoordings –aswellasvariouscolourpacks

Thevisualchanges arewelcome, with thenew LEDlightingsignature that runs into thegrillebeing aparticularly neat touch. Youwon’t

Electric versions forVauxhallAstra

Vauxhall hascontinued itselectriccar offensivewiththe introductionofbattery-powered versions of itsAstra and Astra Sports Tourer

Settoarriveinthe UK next year, both models mean that theAstra will nowbeavailable with the choice of four powertrainsbeitelectric, plug-inhybrid or petroland diesel.Italso boosts the number of fullyelectricVauxhall vehicles currentlyonsaletosix

Both arepowered by a114kW electric motorand a54kWh batterywhich, Vauxhall says,will return up to 258 milesinbetween charges.Thanksto 100kWDCchargingcompatibility, theelectricAstra will also be ableto manage an 80%chargeinas littleas 30 minutes.

JamesTaylor, managing director of Vauxhall,said: “The Astragoing electric is abig milestone forbothour popularfamilycar as well as forthe Vauxhall brandas we move towards ourcommitmentofonlyofferingfully electric cars andvansfrom2028.

“The Astra Electric andAstra Sports Tourer Electric will offereverydaypracticality, comfortand locally emission-freedriving pleasure combinedwiththe innovativetechnology andboldand pure design language that Vauxhall is knownfor.”

Becausethe batteryissituated within thecar’s underbody, theAstra is stillabletooffer adecentamount of luggagespace.As such,the Astra

find wheels smallerthan18inches in size,whilethe plentiful plastic claddinghelps to give theC5Aircrossachunky andrugged look that will go down well with customers.

Theinterior feelslikethe biggest step up,withthe centre console feelingmuchmoremodern. On automaticmodels, there’sasmall gear selector that helpstofreeupspace, andthe qualityingeneral is good. It’s notpremium,but feelssolid and durable,withour test cargetting some pleasanthalf-Alcantaraseats, whichutilise Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ program, andnow get more supportthanever.They’re greatfor taking theliteral backache outoflongerjourneys.

TheC5Aircrosswill also work brilliantlyasafamilycar.There’s plenty of space in therearseats, whileeachseatinthe rear foldsand slides individually.Evenwiththe seatsupright,the boot measures a fantastic580 litres, easily eclipsing theroomoffered with aQashqai

AllC5 Aircross models getalong list of equipment.The entry-level Sense Plus comeswiththe brand’s new, much-improved10-inch touchscreen,a12.3-inch digitalinstrumentcluster,front andrearparkingsensors andareversing camera

Themid-range Shinetrimbrings

thesmarter part-Alcantara seats, as well as adaptive cruise control (not on manual models)and blind spot monitoring, whilethe top-spec C-Series Editiongrade packslarger 19-inchalloy wheels, apanoramic sunroofand leatherseats

In termsofprice,the C5 Aircross remainscompetitive next to rivals, starting from £26,930,thoughit will cost you more than £2,000 more acrossthe rangefor an automaticversion –adecision we’d thinktwice aboutmaking, giving theautoisn’t allthatgreat.Hybrid models, packingplentyofextra pace andimprovedefficiency,seempretty goodvalue considering; starting from £35,835.

TheC5Aircrosswas alreadya likeableSUV,and these updates have only improvedthat. Still offering eye-catchingdesign,plenty of equipment andlotsofinterior space,itnow hasasmarter interi-

or to go with it.ThisCitroen won’t challengethe best in this classfor tophonours, butnevertheless, it’s an appealingchoiceand one that deserves to be considered if you’re in themarket fora mid-size crossover.

FACTFILE

CITROENC5AIRCROSSSHINE PURETECH 130EAT8AUTOMATIC

Price as tested: £31,125

Engine: 1.2-litreturbochargedpetrol

Power: 129bhp

0-60mph: 10.1 seconds

Topspeed: 117mph

Economy: 46.7mpg

CO2emissions: 148g/km

Sports Tourer Electric canoffer up to 516litresofspace –or1,553 litreswith theseats folded –which is thesameas you’ll find in plug-inhybridversions.

Allcarsget Vauxhall’s Pure Panel infotainmentsystem, whichcombines a10-inch digitalinstrumentcluster with a10-inch centraldisplay.All versionsget plenty of safety equipment as standard,too,including automatic emergencybraking,active lane keepingassistand rear crosstrafficalert

Orders forthe Astra Electric will open from early2023withdeliveries expected from June 2023.The Astra Sports Tourer Electric,meanwhile, will be availabletoorder in thesummer aheadofdeliveriesinthe ‘latterpartof theyear’,accordingtoVauxhall. Full UK pricingwill be announced closer to theiron-sale date,too

VauxhallAstra andAstra SportsTourer as they gainelectric versions

SharphandlingfromMercedesC300

BILL MCCARTHY

Mercedes’compact executive thoroughbred,the C-Class, is abestseller foragood reason.

It looksthe part,offerscutting edge technologyand hasthe sheer desirability andaspirationalquality many look for.

Thelatestversion is as slickand stylishaseverand with this plug-in hybrid version, offers a step forward againstmanyofits rivals

With an electric-onlyrange of around 65 miles, you couldask the question,why go forfull electric as thecharginginfrastructure continuestogrowatasnail’s pace?Even when thechargerunsout,you still

have thepetrolenginetodeliver power.

Whilemanyplug-ins offeraround 30 miles, doublingthe rangehere meansmostjourneyscan be completed on electric poweronly

Thetwo litre engine is mated with a128bhp electric motor,powered by alarge 25.4kWhbattery to deliver rapid pace andbrilliant economy. Thelow CO2emissions mean low,for now, road taxand the lowerend of theBenefitin Kind taxationtable

It hasanominalmpg of 470.8, but true mpgdepends on how much you driveonelectriconly, so is probably nearer to 60-65mpg

TheC-Class modelrange consists of four equipment levels, including Sport;AMG Line;AMG Line Pre-

mium;and AMGLinePremium Plus.Ithas alow-slung sleeksilhouette,attractive alloys,and elliptical lights either side of thelarge grille sporting theiconicMercedes star

Theinterior is premiumquality with heated andpowered leather seats, soft-touch finish,classyinserts, anda12.3-inch digitalinstrument clusterdisplay

Thecentre is dominatedbythe standard 11.9-inchdisplay which operates theimpressiveMBUXinfotainmentsystem, whichhas now fullyintegrated themajor music streamingservices. It is also capableofreceiving over-the-air updates. Full smartphone connectivity is availableand certainsystems canbeoperatedbyvoice command. Wireless phonechargingisalso

available. On theroad, thecar is an impressive performer. Thehybrid system is matedwiththe familiar nine-speedautomatic transmission to deliver seamless changes and swiftacceleration

Thedriver canselectanumber of modesincluding Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport+,Individualand two hybrid-specificmodes:Battery Level andElectric, fora choice of performance andeconomy Otherwise,the carglidesalong almost silently on electric power,withplentyinreservewiththe powerfulpetrolenginelurking in reserve.

Handling is sharpand thecar performs well on twisting country lanescompetently,alwaysfeeling well-balanced andaided by responsive steering

Usingan11kWcharger,you’ll need twohours forafullcharge, whichlimitsthe potentialfor zero-emissions runningonlonger journeys unless you have that time to spare at aservice station.

Thelarge batterymeans boot

space is reduced on thehybrid to 315litres, whichisnot ahuge amount in itsclass.

Mercedes hasa reputation for safety andequipmentisextensive with afull rangeofairbags,Blind Spot Assist;rearviewcameraand a hostofother aids.

FACTFILE

MERCEDESC300 EAMG LINE SALOON

Price: £44,895

Mechanical: Combined 205hp 1,999cc,4cylpetrol engine and electric motor driving rear wheels via9-speedautogearbox

Max speed: 152mph

0-62mph: 6.1seconds Combined mpg: 470.8

CO2emissions: 13g/km Warranty: 3yrs/100,000 miles

Hondatopslistof reliable carmakers

Hondahas come outontop ofanew report on carreliability

TheJapanese firm –which produces cars likethe Jazz andCivic –cameout in firstplaceinWarrantywise’s Reliability Index, whichcompiled131,000 active warranty plansbetween 2021 and2022.

TheIndex rankseverycar based on anumberoffactors,including the cost andfrequency of repairs. With its overallscore of 96.8 outof100,Honda came out firmly on top, with itsJazz modelnamed themostreliableused carinthe Indextoo

Toyotacameinsecondplace with an overallscore of 91.2/100, followed up by Suzuki andKia with scores of 88.7 and86.2out of 100respectively

Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise said: “Asthe cost of living continuestorise,it’simportant to keep things likereliability at theforefrontofour mindswhenchoosing a used cartobuy

“By collecting andcollating allthis data into an indexlikethisone,we’re able to furtherhelpour customers with theirpurchases by arming them with informationtotry andhelplessen theburden as much as we can.”

Ford came outatthe bottom of the top10listwithanoverallscore of 73.1/100,which wasmatched by Mazda.

Renaultand Citroen enteredthe list justabove,withrespective scores of 73.2 and74.3

Honda tops list of most-reliable carmakers

Salopian make it threewinsfromthree at Wirral

Salopian dartscontinued to build on theirsolid starttothe season with a20-16 victoryatWirralin UK Division Three–backing up triumphs away at Shropshireand at hometoNorthumberland.

Despite theperfect starttothe season,three debuts were awarded within theladies’ Bside–two of whichfeaturedinthe opening twogames with lady-of-the-match PaulaDavies(16.61) andKaren Weston (14.75) enjoying respective 3-1wins.

Claire Boyle(14.83)sufferedher firstlossfor Salopian Ladies before Rachel Williams(12.67) returned

to winningwaystorestore the twogame advantage.

Thethird debutant,KateLeach (13.91),wentdowndespite showing promise andthe ladies’Bmatch concludedwithanemphatic3-0 winfor Tracey Dean(14.45)

That two-game advantagewas halved afterChris Sharp(23.77) defeated RobPaine (21.90)inthe openingmen’s Bmatch butafter Darren Lane (17.43)won anervy second matchinthe deciding leg Salopian never againtrailed inthe men’s Bsection

Once Andy Kynaston (19.10)had firedSalopianBahead,the spine

of theteam firedoncemoreasthey reeled offthree successivevictories through Mark Jones(23.76),Jamie Kynaston (23.15)and Paul Ashworth (18.02).

Wirral fought back,takingthe next threegames,but Martin Riggs (18.79)and man-of-the-match Gary Crowther (25.91)gavetheman11-7 advantageovernight Evonne Taylor (17.68)started the ladies’Amatch with an emphatic 3-0win,but Salopian progress was checkedasWirralhit back through Jane Robson (19.03).

AllisonGallagher (16.49)and JulieGriffiths(15.73) responded

forSalopian before SarahRoberts (22.51) fell to her firsteverSalopian defeat,losing ahigh quality match3-1 to KimHolden(21.41).

It waslefttoSteph Clarke (17.68) to secure ladies A’sthirdsuccessive victoryofthe campaign to give an overall 15-9 lead goingintothe men’sAmatches

With Salopian needingjustfour gamestosecureoverallvictory, Jon Mansell (23.18), JoeHiggins (24.97), AshHilditch(24.71),Matt Elsey(27.37) andKacey Jones (23.48)ensured it with five games still to play.ThoughSalopian would winjustsix furtherlegsafter that

Golfers club together to supportrisingstarIsla

Shrewsbury Golf Club membersswung into action to chip in foranew golf trolleyfor ateenageprodigy whoistakingthe golfing worldby storm.

Isla McDonald-O’Brien,aged16, from Nesscliffe,isinthe England under-18,and cardinggood scores againstsomeofthe best adultamateurplayers in tournamentsinthe UK andEurope.

Shrewsbury Golf Club proJohn Richards says Isla,witha3.8+ handicap,has “outstanding natural talent”and thegolfing mental ability to become agreat player. Shecan also outdrive most male golf club members.

“I’venever seen such agood female player at herage,” said Richards.“Shehas allthe skilland capabilities to make it in world golf

“She wonthe Shrewsbury la-

dies’clubchampionshipat12years of ageand hasgone ontoachieve in national events andrepresent GreatBritain andIreland.”

ParentsAndyand Alisonchose Shrewsbury Golf Club’s course at Condover as theperfect training ground forIslaand herbrother Rory,also an Englandplayer, where thefastand true greens aresimilartosome of thebesttournament courses

Theclub’sthree golf captains, representingall 500plusmembers, backed thesenior men’sideato buyIslaatrolley to help herasshe progresses in tournamentsagainst some of thetop players in herage group.

Women’scaptain Mary Saull said: “Weare very proudofwhatIslahas achieved so farand aredelighted to be able to help her.

“Not only is sheanexceptional golfer butshe is also alovely girl We will be watchinghow hergolfing career develops with greatinterest.”

Isla’sgrowing golf cv includes coming second in theR&A Girls’ competitionatEnville,secondin thePeter McEvoy Trophy,thirdin theEnglishGirls’under-16openat Formby and fifthinthe HelenHolm Scottish Women’sCompetition at Troon, beatingmanytop amateurs Shealso came fifthinthe Justin Rose competitioninPortugal.

Isla,who pickedupher firstgolf club as a five-year-old, hasjustvisited theUnitedStateswhere she wasinvited to threeuniversities in Arizona, Ohio andTexas,which producesome of theworld’s best future golfing talent

Golf proRichardscontacted Isla’s familytotellthemthatthe club wanted to supportIslaasshe progresses.

Dad Andy,aformerKentcounty cricketerand averyrespectable golfer with athree handicap,said: “Johnphoned me to saythatthe senior sectionhad some sparemoney left andtheywanted to reward Islawithatrolley as sherepresents Shrewsbury Golf Club wherever she goes

“Theythought it wouldbeanice gestureand it certainlyis.”

Apupil at Moreton Hall School, whereshe is studying Alevelsin history, geographyand PE after taking GCSEs ayearearly,Islawill take hernew trolley with herasshe travelswithEnglandGolffor warm winter traininginPortugalinFebruarypreparing formoretournamentsin2023.

Shealso hopestofollowinelder brotherRory’sfootsteps as theEngland golfer settlesintohis university in southCarolinawhere he won agolfing scholarshiptoprogressin theworld of topclassgolf.

Arch leadsthe medalrushas Northgateaces make asplash

NorthgateSwimmingClubare celebratingafterabrilliant weekendofcompeting at the WolverhamptonOpen, whichsaw twodaysofhard-fought races.

Theeventwelcomedswimmers from across theWestMidlands from nine to 18 yearsofage,all of whom were challengingfor medals on apackedscheduleof events

Northgate, whoseswimmers train at Bridgnorth andMuck Wenlockleisure centres, came away with 50 medals

Twenty-one club members competed,witheachsetting at leastone personal best time,and collectively as agroup gaining aremarkable84personalbests acrossthe differentraces

Therewerenumerousstandoutperformanceswith14-yearoldDewiArchleading the way.

Thetalentedyoungster claimedanimpressive12podium places,which included striking gold in the200mbutterflyand 200m backstroke events

He wassubsequently crowned ‘top boy’ forhis agecategory, pipping clubmatesElliottPabla and IsaacGibbard,who were placed second andthirdrespectively overall

Additionally,Gibbard claimed agoldmedal in the200mbreaststroke,as did15-year-old Anna Cole in the50m backstroke, with Cole gainingasecond-placed rankingfor herage group.

CharlotteSmith, aged 10, amassedsix medals acrossa series of races, whichled toa second-placed rankingoverall –anachievementequalledby 12-year-oldMarthaGibbard

LeoJohnson, Rory Yarnley, EddieGibbons, SamConnerand EmilyWootton allcompetedat an open eventfor the firsttime, whichservesasanother indication of theexcitingtalentthat is emerging from this Shropshire-basedclub.

IslaMcDonald-O’Brienwith club proJohnRichards, seniormen’s captainMikeLloyd-Court, men’scaptain AdePrice andwomen’s captainMarySaull

Northgate star DewiArch

Kitman JP pressesontoget Town dressedfor success

Teaand biscuits withEngland’s newsuperstar Bellingham

wayhehas –and he revealed he wasalwayspartial to a biscuitinthe kitroomatBirminghamCity.

Thekitmanplays an integral role within any sporting dressing room –looking afterplayerstoensuretheyhave everythingtheyneed to performonthe pitch.

Anditisnodifferent at Shrewsbury Town whereJon Pearce,referred to as ‘JP’ by staffatthe club, hasthe importantjob of ensuring theplayers at theMeadoware well looked after.

Pearce,who is from east London, wasanother of SteveCotterill’s additionsinthe summer as he arrived from Birmingham City –aclub he hadworkedatfor almost nine years.

Butwhatexactly does he do on aweeklybasis to give theplayers nothing to complain about?

Pearce said:“Iliketobeinearly, Iaminwellbeforethe players,possiblyaround6.30 or 7am.

“I like to be in before themanager because it sets agoodexample that you aredoing yourjob properly

“And you want hiskit to be put out first, andthen, half an hour later,everyone’skit is out.

“Ifthe managerknows they have hadasession in themorning and then they have gym, he will askme to getthemfresh kitout,you don’t want them in cold clothes.”

AndPearceisverybusyon matchdaystoo

“WhenIworkedatBirmingham, Iwould probably go andset up the nightbefore, butitdoesn’tseemto happen so much in League One, so Iprobablyget to thestadium at 9.30am or 10am,” he continued.

“Even if youare away,Iliketo getthere earlyand getthe dressing roomset up

“I putwhattheywearinthe warm-upout forthem, boots, shin pads, flip flops, towels andany specificrequirements that theplayers have

“I always watchthe firsthalf.

“Butasakitman, you have to be twosteps ahead.

“Sosomethingcould happen on thebench andthe sports scientist couldneed somethingand Ineedto go andget it

“You have to be readytobeonthe move

“Ifthe players have less to worry about,theymightget threemore points aseason.

“Inthe same way, it givesthem less to moan about, if you give them nothing to moan about– allthey have to worry aboutiswhathappens on thepitch.

“I can’tchangewhathappens there, butyou want theplayers to be as prepared as possible forany eventually “And that is akitman’sthing,

you will always take too much. You will take things you don’tneed and things youwon’t use,but you will always getasked forsomething.”

AndPearcewill take allmannerofdifferent things to agameto make sure theplayers have allbases covered.

He takestoothbrushes, batteries andsometimeseventoiletpaper –asopposition teams have been knownnot to leaveany in thepast.

He refers to himself as an ‘odd job man’ andifthe players need something, he believes he should have it forthem.

When Town play away,hetakes aclubemblemwithhim to stickon thechangingroomdoortomakeit feel liketheir home forthe day, as well as packingseveral speakers –he says AaronWilbraham andLuke Leahyare usuallyinchargeofthe music.

The43-year-old hasnot always been akitmanbeforehetookup his role at Birmingham,heworkedasa baggagehandler,but Pearce always hadaspirations to workinfootball justlikehis fatherhad before him–he wasastadium manageratWest

Ham, hisboyhood club.Hedid work as afootballagent forawhile,but Pearce foundthat‘cutthroat’and even though he liked watching gameshefound talkingtoplayers andparents difficult

Andafter applying forafew jobs, he gota role Blues, andhemoved hisfamilytoTelford as aresult.

Away from football,hehas apassion forcollectingfootballshirts, somethinghehas done sincehewas young

He said:“Shirtcollectinghas been my real bigthing of mine,it startedwhenIwas 21 when my dad workedasthe stadiummanager at West Ham.

“I wasclose to thekitman, andI startedgetting shirts from there, Icollected more andmorethrough people Iknew.

“Itjustspiralled,and Iprobably have 700orsonow

“I like weirdonesthatnoone wantsbecause everyone wanted the biggerones.

“ButIhaveended up with aMessi shirtfromwhenhewas at Barcelona

“Footballismymainthing,but

shirtcollectinggoesalongside with it.”

Pearce hasworkedwithTown’s currentbossbefore, when Cotterill wasthe managerofBlues, andhesaystheyshare agood relationship

“Reallywell,”hesaidwhenasked how he gets on with the Salopboss.

“Hesaved us at Birmingham that season,Harry Redknapp wasthe face of it,but Stevehad putall the groundworkin.

“Not alot of people seehis attention to detail,tactics andset-plays

“Heisverygoodtactically, andhe is so driven by that,which is whyhe is so good at it

“I wasgood friendswiththe analystatBirmingham,and he would openly tell youthatwhentheywere working on preparingfor agame hisattention to detail wassoimportant

“Heisnormallynot toomany stepsbehindmewhencomingin, andalmostthe same when leaving.

“Wewill allhavea dayoff,and he will probably be watchingthree or four videos on whoever we areplayingnext.”

Thepairformeda good relationship when they were together at BlueswhenBellingham wasstill a playerthere,and Pearce workedfor BluesbeforemovingtoSalop this summer

Pearce remembersthe firsttime he sawthe youngster when he was ayoung boy, andhesaidashegrew up,hewould always find himinthe kitroomraiding histub of biscuits

He said:“Thekit room does become abit of homingpoint that all theplayers converse on

“Itmightnot be agreed by sports science, butthere is atub of biscuits in my room.

“And you don’twanttonamedrop,but Jude Bellingham wouldalwaysbeinmyroom having abiscuitatthe endofthe day.”

He made his firstappearance

forBlues when he wasjust16 yearsand 38 daysold before signingfor Borussia Dortmund for £25million

Andnow he hasbeenperforming on football’s biggeststage playinga starring rolein hiscountry’s World CupcampaigninQatar

He started allEngland’sgames as they reachedthe quarter-finals andimpressed with hisdynamic displays

Pearce is notsurprised to seehow well he is doing, andsayspart of it is down to howwellthe 19-year-old hasbeenbroughtupbyhis parents.

He said:“Icould not speakany higher of him–Imet himthe first time when he wasnineor10.

“I am so pleasedwithhow it’s turningout forhim,meand my son aredue to go to Dortmund in Januarytowatch himplay.

“The family aresuperb,and Jude is 100per cent theway he is through hismum anddad

“Heisone of thebestIhaveever hadtodealwith. Thekit room is justthatroomthateveryone comes in.”

Plenty to do:Kitman JP Pearce always ensure bossSteve Cotterill’s traininggear is ready first

JonPearce,Shrewsbury Town kitmanager,inhis kitroom atMontgomery Waters Meadow

In the firstofaseriesoffeatureswith ShrewsburyTownbackroom staff, OLLIEWESTBURY speaksto Salop’s kitman JonPearceabouthis role.

Shrewsbury Town’s kitman Jon Pearce is not surprisedEngland star Jude Bellingham hasturned outthe

JonPearce with asignedJude Bellingham shirthavingworked with theEnglandstarletwhenhe wasayoungsteratBirmingham

Karate kidBilly landsamedal

Atalented youngster from a Shrewsbury karate club medalledatthe recent European championships andhas abright future ahead.

BillyJones, 13,travelled with theWadokaEnglandteamfor the47thcontinental championship in Macedonia aftersuccessfullymakingitthrough the selections processinApril

It saw610 participants competing in Kumite andKatsa, with theyoungster entering thelater category.Hecontinuedthrough Repecharge which is acompetition to determine thirdplacefor athletes whowere knockedout by the finalistsand wonabronzemedal.

Billyhas been astudentatthe KoshikiKarateClubinShrewsbury sincethe ageofseven ledby SenseiFrank Johnson, 6thDan Johnsonaninternational competitorinthe EnglandSquad andcompetedinJapan.Billy, whose mumHeidi achieved a bronze in theveteransKatathis year,isnow practicing readyfor the2023EuropeanchampionshipsinBelgium

Whitehead honours great-nanwith fight

Familymeans everything to Ryan Whiteheadashedevotes hisnext ring assignment to thememoryof hislategreat-grandmother

It’s been an emotionalridefor him, justgetting to BCBPromotions’ finalbill of theyearatthe Hangar Events Venue, in Wolverhampton, on theFridaynightof December 16

Hisgreat-gran sadlypassedaway in November, with bereavement also coming Whitehead’sway in hisprevioustrainingcamp, when

great-grandadRonaldalsodied. Butthe 28-year-oldsuper middleweightisbattlingonwiththe aim of improvinghis prorecord, which stands at 2-0withaTKO registered last time out.

Whitehead, whogrewup in the TelfordtowninOakengatesbut nowlives in Muxton,stopped Steve Davies in thethird round, aftera relentless onslaught.

He’s trained by ex-pro Tristan Davies, whoalso coachesamateurs at DonningtonBoxingClub. White-

head said:“My grand-grandmother passed away in November, so Idedicate this fighttoher.Mygreat-grandaddiedthree weeksbeforemylast fightand Idid thesamethen.

“Theyhad abig impact on me growingupand it’s heart-breaking I’ve been mentally puttothe test andI’vehad timeswhenIwantedto pull out, butIdon’t have that in me

“I don’task questions. Iget in thereand do my job. I’mnot bothered aboutthe rounds,overfour, I just want entertaining fights.”

Maddocks bounce back to claimwelcome victory

Maddocks Bput the disappointment of beingstripped of their only previous league winofthe season by defeatingTelepost Bina keyShropshireChess League division onerelegation scrap.

TheOakengatessidetriumphed 3-2overtheir rivals on thesame nightasaleagueappealcommittee dismissedtheir appeal againsta ruling that cost them victoryover Oswestry Alastmonth

It marksadecentweekfor the club –MaddocksBwill be outofthe relegation zone at Christmas,while theclub’sA teamhas gone back to thetop of thetable aftera3-2 win overstrugglingOswestryA

MaddocksBhad initiallybeaten Oswestry A3-2 back in early November. Butthe hosts hadbeen awardedawin on topboard when Oswestry’s Rudy vanKemenadearrived40minutes late VanKemenadewas told he had arrivedtoo late to play as he was more than half-an-hour late and made thelongjourney back home –onlyfor officials on both sidestolaterdiscover theleague’srules state an hour must pass before adefault wincan be claimed.

MatthewClark,Shropshire ChessAssociation president, declared theboard null andvoid, whichmadethe matchresulta2-2 draw.Maddocks’ appeal wassubsequentlydismissed,withthe appeal

committee urging allcaptainstobe awareofthe rulesbeforethe start of play andifpossiblehavea copy of therules to hand

Elsewhereindivisionone,Newport Aended Shrewsbury A’sunbeaten startwithahardfought 3.5-1.5victory wherethe finaltwo boards to finish were theonlydecisive scores of thenight Meanwhile, Telepost Bare the earlyleaders of Shropshire Rapidplay League division twoafterthe openinground of fixtures

They wonall threeoftheir matchestoheadthe division,which is only open to players with an ECF ratingof1640and below.

Online,ShrewsburyB arerooted to thefootofShropshireOnline ChessLeaguedivisionone aftera 3-1lossagainst Oswestry B. The highlightwas aspectacular sacrificialwin forOswestry’svan Keme-

nade againstShrewsburycaptain Mark Smithonboard two.

Finally, entriesfor Shropshire ChessCongressare steadily on the rise.Todate69players have enteredthe tournament,which will be held at Wrekin HousingTrust in TelfordfromJanuary 6to8,across itsfoursections.

Players have untilDecember 31 to enterwithout incurringa£5late entrycharge. Formoredetails visit www.shropshirechess.org/shropshire-congress

Latest results -ShropshireChess

Leaguedivision one: Telepost B2-3 MaddocksB;NewportA3.5-1.5ShrewsburyA;MaddocksA3-2 Oswestry A. Onlineleaguedivisionone: Shrewsbury B1-3 Oswestry B. Rapidplaydivision two: TelepostC 1-2NewportB,TelfordB 1.5-2.5 Telepost B; NewportB0-4 TelfordB,TelepostB 3.5-0.5TelepostC;Telford B3-1 TelepostC,Newport B0-4 TelepostB

Toptwo start to pullawayin race forglory

It lookslikebeing atwo-horse race in thebattlefor gloryin theBridgnorthSnooker League afterBroseley Band Maddocks recorded 5-0 victories.

Broseley Bremainthree points aheadofMaddocksfollowing aone-sided clashwith AlveleyB

Pete Thompson,Owen Hughes,Nickand Andy Carson, andEddie Mullardall more or less romped home,althoughperhaps it couldbesaidthatArek Ziemkiewiczand Dave Jones did putabetter fightfor Alveleyin the finaltwo frames

It wasa similar storyfor Maddocks, whostrolled to victory againstAlveley B. Paul Harper knockedina breakof48, while allowing hisopponentNorman Jones just tworeds.There was also a44break forJames Brennan, whobrushed asideReg Burton.

Wins forNeilPearsonand Simon Yateswerealso never in doubt.The onlyMaddocksplayer that wastroubledwas Dan Morris. He hadtosettlefor afortuitous finalblack to beat Chris Jepsontosecuremaximum points forhis team.

Therewere4-1 wins forboth ChelmarshBand ChelmarshSc.

However,the droppingof thosesingleframesmeans that both teamsare noweight points adrift of theleagueleaders

Thereigningchampions completed thedoubleover St John’s A, thanks to competitive wins from Gary Smithand Simon Thomas,amoreconvincingwin from Paul Manningand ademolition jobfromAndySmith

In fact,Smith putonthe performance of thenight,knocking in breaks of 50 and39. Theconsolation forStJohn’scamefrom KevinHawkins,who beat Mike Rogers in anotherverycompetitiveframe.

ChelmarshSc’svictory came at St John’sB.Chris Petford, Ian Postansand Beamer Jones were puttothe test playingagainst MikeCrawley,Jason Brownand Mark Jonesbut foundenough to secure safe wins whileCarl Walker,aided by a39break, rolled over Mark Worsdell. KevinSmith wasthe St John’s star,comfortably beatingMatt Judd

Woodfieldhaveopenedupa six-pointleadinthe Second Division afterbeating Broseley A3-2 in themostcompetitive matchof theevening.

The firstframe went to Broseleythankstoa blackballwin forNeilCaswell againstLuis Ferraro. RogerLees,playing forWoodfield, just managedto getthe upperhandoverCameron Barden on the finalcolours Gary Watsonrompedhomefor Broseley,beating JasonMorris andthe same couldbesaidfor Woodfield’sNeilDrewett,who beat Matt Smout. Thelastword went to RichardCastle, whoupstaged Andy Garbetttoconfirm Woodfield’svictory

Ryan Whitehead is dedicating hisnext fighttothe memory of hisgreat-grandmotherPicture: ManjitNarotra/MSN

Clubbing together

ALLBLACKSEYE MORE HOME JOY

NICK ELWELL nick.elwell@mnamedia.co.uk

Bridgnorth will be keen to sample more home comforts whenthey bring2022toan endon Saturday.

Thefourth-placed AllBlacks host aBurtonsidesitting oneplace belowthemin rugby’sRegional1 Midlandsdivision.

Bridgnorth edged atight game 18-12awaytothisweekend’s opponentsearlier in theseasonand head coachBryan Smallman is expecting anothertough afternoon.

“I have said before there areno badsides in this division andfor me Burton areone of thebest,”said Smallman.“They will come with a lotofarmoury andtheyare awellcoachedside.

Maintain

“Wemanaged to grindour way into thegameattheir place. We denied them ball andmanaged to controlthe game.It will be very difficult to replicatethatbut that’s what we need to do.”

Smallman’s menwill go into the clash having wonall theirhome gamesthistermand he is keen to seethemmaintainthatform.

“The players highlightedour home form before theseasonstarted andsaidthatwemustmakeit adifficult placefor sidestocome,” addedSmallman. “And so farwe have managedtodothatand our home form will be akey factor,especially as have more homesthan away gamesafterChristmas

“Hopefullywecan continue in that vein

“Afterhavinglastweekend’s game called offitwould be nice if we couldget some rugbyinbefore thebreak.”

Arnoldsteps up to skipper’srole

WorfieldCricket Club will have a newvoice calling theshots next summer afterJoe Arnold was appointed firstteamskipper Arnold hasstepped up from vice-captain to take over from Will Cook followingthree successfulseasons in charge,which included leadingthe side into the Birmingham League

“I’vereallyenjoyedit, but with abad shoulderinjurythat will need an operationand with ourpositionsecureinthe Birmingham League Ithink it’s time forthe lads to hear anew voice,”saidCook.

“Joe andIhavealwaysworked as ateamand he knowshewill have my full support.”

AndArnoldislooking forward to thechallenge

“Wesurvivedthe toughest test last season andlearnta greatdealabout what’s required at this standard,” he said

“Wenow need to move forward so,withacoupleofnew additions, I’mhopeful we canmake abig impact.”

Vice-chairmanIan Jones said theclubwas grateful to Cook

“Hebrought stability aftera rockyperiodfor the firsts andin his firstfullseasondeveloped a team spirit that helped us dominate theShropshireLeagueand theplay-offs whichtookustothe highestlevel theclubhas ever playedat.

“Heand Joeworkwelltogether andIknowJoe will do agreat job”

Jude Bellingham took theWorldCup by storm andthere canbefew prouderofEngland’s rising starlet than

Shrewsbury Town kitman JonPearce –who describesthe teenagesensation as oneofthe nicest players he hashad thepleasuretowork with in acareerlooking afterprofessionalfootballers.The pair worked together at BirminghamCityand would enjoyachat overtea andthe oddbiscuitbeforeBellingham movedtoBorussia Dortmundand Pearce movedtoMontgomeryWatersMeadowthissummer.