Newport Advertiser - 08-Dec-2022

Sympathy messages pour in aftergrandmother is killed in crash

MEGANJONES

megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Thefamilyofa78-year old womanfroma village near Newportwho died in aroadcollision have said theirlosshas left a‘huge hole’ in many lives.

Patricia Jones,aged78, was killed in acrash on theA442, in Telford, near theLongLaneCafe on Sunday, November27.

Now, herfamilyhavepaidtrib utetothe ‘special andmuch-loved’ grandmother.

Patricia’s daughter said:“The tragic loss of mumhas left ahuge hole in thelives of her family and

hermanyfriends.She wasadevot ed mum, grandma, auntyand wife to herlatehusband,Graham.

“Mum wasfull of energy andled an active life. Shewas amuch-loved member of thechurch community

of St Lawrence’s,Preston Upon the WealdMoors,and secretaryfor the SixParishes, amember of Kynner sley WI andGarden Club anda school governor

“She lovedgardeningand walk ing, spending time with family and friendsand organising andattendingvarious socialevents. Sheenjoyed travelling,bothday tripsand holidays in thesun

“Weare so grateful forthe many tributes,messagesofsympathyand memoriesofmum that have been shared with us over thelastweek.

“She wasaveryspecial and much-lovedladywhose kindness, generosity andsense of humour will be greatlymissedbyusall.”

Aman wasarrested at thescene of thecrash on suspicionofcausing deathbydangerous driving.

Last opportunity to back Tree of Lightappeal

Time is runningout forpeoplein Newporttoremember lovedones andcontributetolocal charities through theTreeofLight charity appeal

Aminimum donation of £5 will sponsoralightonthe town’s Christ mastree, locatedinthe churchyard of St Nicholas Church

TheRotaryClubisappealing forresidents to getinvolved, as the charityhas seen participationfall

by 50 percentonlastyear. Thedonation allows residents to ‘buy’a lightfor thetreeinthe name of a lovedone,and have theircommemorationinthe memorial book and theAdvertiser.

Gareth Lambe, presidentofthe Rotary Club of Newport, explained: “It’saway of helping people rememberthose that aren’t with us at Christmas,aswellasraising mon ey forcharity.Any charityorgani-

sation will tell you that sincethe pandemic,their income hasfallen dramatically

“It’simportant that people participate in supporting theirlocal charities, andthisisjustone way they canhelpout.”

Lastyear, theappealraised £1,000 whichwas splitbetween the Mayor’scharities andRotary-supported internationalcauses. l Coupon –Page14

Newmilkvendingmachine will supportdairy farmers

Afamilybusinesshas setupa new base in Newport, offering fresh, local, andsustainable cowand buffalo milk

Chrisand SuzieWaterfall al readyrun TheMilkStop, ashop in Seighford village, Staffordshire, whichstocksfresh cowand buffalo milk alongwithavariety of milk shakes

Nowtheyhaveset up anew vendingmachine at BaddeleyCourt, Newport, with theirbusinesssup portinglocal dairyfarmers.

Thepairoriginallyfarmed themselves anddiversified into wa terbuffalo in 2011 as an opportunity to supply aniche market

Nowtheyare purely into the processing andretailofmilkbut

continue to follow thesamevision of sustainable produce.

“Webuy themilkfromother lo calfarms sowesit true to that idea of local, freshand sustainable produce,” said Chris.

“Westill usebuffalo milk as a unique selling pointtoo,that’sour speciality. At ourNewport base, you canbuy alitre,glass,reusable bottle, so that’s part of thesustain ability side of things

“You cantakeithome,washit outand bringitbacktouse next time so you have gotthatcontinuity.Sofar,the vending business has been well receivedand we arequite happywiththe initialresponse.As well as freshcow andbuffalo milk, we runsix flavours of milkshake.”

Owners Suzie andChrisWaterfall at theNewportMilkStop

Crash victim Patricia Jones

MP’s campaign to stop trophy huntingbacked

Shropshire health bosses confirm they areworking closely with schoolsand nurseries to raise awarenessofthe signsand symptoms of scarletfever It comesafter NHSShrop shire, Telford&Wrekinannounced services arefacing ‘extreme pressures’ from cases of flu, Covid, andfears about scarletfever or StrepA

Traditionalpanto story given elaborateupdate

Specialeffects in production of Aladdin hadcrowd gasping

Directorsofpublichealth from Shropshire andTelford & Wrekin councils sayteams are working closely with parentsto highlightthe signsand symp toms of scarletfever.And they areworking closely with schools on thenecessary stepstotake includinginfection control measures andwho to contact in theeventofanoutbreak.

Shropshire’s director of publichealthRachelRobinsonsaid: “Early symptoms includesore throat, headache, fever, nausea andvomiting. If you have any concerns contactNHS 111

“Ifschools or nurseries sus pect an outbreak, they cancon tact UKHSAon0344225 3560 option 0option2for advice or Shropshire Health Protection cell on 01743251234orshrop shirepublichealth@shropshire. gov.uk,”

Casualtyiscut free aftercrash

Apersonhad to be cutfreefroma vehicle afterasmash involvingfour vehiclestookplace on theM54 in Shropshire.

Emergencycrews were scrambled to theeastbound Junction 3atAlbrightonduringthe afternoonrush hour last Wednesday

AShropshireFireand Rescue spokesmansaid: “At5.17pmon Wednesday,SFRSFireControlreceived acallreporting that aroad trafficcollision hadtaken placein Albrighton: “One person assisted outofvehicle by fire service.”

Crewsusedcutters andspreaders andmadethe vehicles safe.

As wintry fogdescended on Drayton, theFestival Centrecurtainopened on astage radiantwith colour andexoticrazzmatazz.

Aladdinmay have awacky storyline,but with itsexcessoflively song anddance routines,excru ciating puns andlaugh-out-loud tomfoolery,plusatad of romance, it madecheeringseasonalenter tainment. Addgood-hearted en gagement with theaudienceand it hadall theelementsofatraditional panto, writes John Hargreaves

Nowaregular fixtureatthistime of year,the BigTinycompany ex ceeded itsown high standardsin termsofelaborate sets, costumes, andspecial effects. As if superb stagingwasn’tenough–a magical flying carpet ledtogasps across theaudience–thistimearound they even putthe stagemanager on

stage. Hers wasthe ‘handofdesti ny’, ultimately disclosed, that ledto theplot’shappy ending Aladdinisone of themostfamous storiesfromthe Arabic 1001 Nights, though it wasaddedmuch laterbyaFrencheditorwho heard it from an itinerantstoryteller.It hasbeenperformed as pantomime since1788.

WidowTwankey,still washing laundryinPeking’sslums after allthese years, wasplayedhereby DominicMcChesney,who worked hissocks offatthe centre of the shenanigans. TheEmpress of China,aided by hertwo henchmen Sergeant Pepper andPCWorld, threatened to forecloseonover duerent. Villainous megalomaniac Abanazahad asolutioninvolving free summer holidays butitwent pear-shaped inthe Egyptian de

sert.Acavefull of treasurelater, alantern andits genieled back to bras andknickersatthe laundry andhightrickeryinthe imperi al palace.Thank goodness forthe whiteboard of destinyand itsnot so-secret hand.

Parental advice oversymptoms of scarlet fever Specialfestive afternoontea

Musicalnumbers from different periodsand places were shoehorned into thestory wherealyric suited Spirited comicdancestoInkyPinky Parley Vous (popular in thetrenches of WW1) andInThe Old Bazaar In Cairoworkedatreat.Everybody WantsToRulethe Worldand Our HouseInThe Middle of theStreet swungalong.And therewas a charming duet in whichthe romanticleads Aladdinand Princess Jasmine sang Graham Nash’s paeanto domestic blissOur House

“The moralofthe story: teamworkdoesn’t make thedream work,”gloated Abanazashortly before he,and therestofthe cast, learnedjusthow wronghecould be

NorthShropshire’sMPhas thrown hersupport behind acampaignto stop Britishhuntersbringinghome trophiesofendangeredanimals HelenMorganissupported by re cord-breakingexplorerSir Ranulph Fiennes and conservationist Jane Goodallincalling fortrophyhuntingtobebanned.

Arecentcross-partycommittee report foundBritish trophyhunters hadbrought home 5,000 trophiesof threatened species in recent years. Lions, elephants, hippos andzebras areamong themostpopular animals. Others shot andbrought into theUKinclude polarbears, giraffes,cheetahs, rhinos andmon keys

Abill to prohibit trophyhunters’ souvenirsiscurrently going throughParliament. An opinion poll by Survationfound 86 percent of votersare in favourofthe ban, with justtwo percentagainst Helensaid: “Trophyhunting is disgusting andIfully agreewith banningBritish huntersfrom bringing back theanimals that they kill.The lawneeds to be changed andthat’swhy I’msupportingthis bill.Weneed to be lookingafterendangered species,not encouraging wealthypeopletopay thousandsof pounds to shootthem.”

SirRanulph said:“Iwholeheartedly supportHelen Morgan’scam paigntostopBritishtrophyhunters bringing home thesicksouvenirs.”

Aspecial Christmasafternoon tea will take placeinEccleshall this weekend.

Theevent takesplace at middayonSaturday–and allare welcome to attend.For £8 per person it includes tea or coffee, sandwiches, scones, mincepies andChristmas-themedcakes

It will take placeatChebsey Parish Hall from midday to 4.30pm, with sittingsatnoon, 1.30pm,3pm and4.30pm

Pre-bookingisrequired.To book aplace contactMargon 07514237465orDeborah on 761652

Startyoursearch

Turn to ourclassifiedpagesorvisit: bookanad.shropshirestar.co.uk

REVIEW:ALADDIN Festival CentreDrayton

Thelivelycast served up cheering seasonalentertainmentinMarket Drayton

Youththeatre launches folk-taleworkshopseries

Ayouth theatre is launchingaseries of folk-talethemedworkshops followingafunding boost.

NewportYouth Theatre’s ‘Folktalesofthe Shire’ is settoinvolve children in research andcreative storytelling througharange of workshops. Thelaunchofthe new programmefollows afunding boost by theArtsCouncil andWaitrose, whichhas allowedthe theatre to providethe workshops at asubsi disedcost.

Hannah de Quincey, founderof Moonstruck Astronaut Commu-

nity Theatre Company, said:“I am bowled overthatArtsCouncil England hasawarded us agrant to develop my workco-creating theatre with children.Thisgrant also enablesAnnaBelyavin,a movement/dancespecialisttojoin thedelivery teamand otherpro fessionals to mentor me in growing thecommunity theatre company.

“The teamlooks forwardtohelpingeven more children experience thefun of dramawhilst developing many lifeskillsand self-esteem. We have hadsuchgreat feedback

from parents/guardians, children andthe localcommunity which spursuson!”

Thefunding hasallowed forthe creation of twonew clubs, onefor seven to 10 year olds focusing on exploringdrama withoutthe pres sure of abig performance, andone fornineto14yearoldswhich will walk children through theprocess of creating aperformance from scratch. Afreetastersessionsto startthe clubswill be held on Saturday, January21atStNicholas’s Church Parish Room in Newport.

Pair appeal forhelpasthey plan Ukrainemercy mission

MATTHEWPANTER matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

–livingwithstrangersbut surviv ingasbesttheycan.These people arebrave,upstandingand proud of theircountry anddon’t deserve this.Theyfacethe prospect of an appalling winter wheremanywill diefromthe cold andfromhunger andwereallyneed to help.”

Gary Fear,fromGnosall,and DavidPerry,ofNewport,have travelledtothe devastated country threetimes sinceRussian president Vladimir Putinlaunchedhis invasion in February

Thepair–deliveringfood, medi cine andother supplies –havewit nessed allmannerofdevastation andare settoreturnearly in the newyear, as winter kicksin.

They aretryingtoraise fundsto help supporttheir latest mission andhopebusinessesand individu alsmightbeabletohelp.

“Itmightbegetting colder here butimagine it’s belowzeroand you have no electricity, no heating, no waterand no food,”saidGary.

“ManypeopleinUkraine are living in or alongsidethe remains of theirhomes. Others areliv ingindisusedschools, sometimes crampedwith20beds to aroom

Gary added: “Atthe startofthe newyearweare planning ourmost importantaid trip,takingfood and supplies to thepeopleinthese plac es

“Wewould appreciate anysup port.£20 buys abasic food parcel to last someoneaweek. Each time we visit, we spendeverything we have raisedinaUkrainian cash and carry, packingdozensofidentical bags with rice,pasta,lentils,tuna, canned meat,cheese, biscuits,cof fee, tea,chocolate andother basics plus atreat forkids. We then drive offand deliverittothose that need it themost.

“Ifany businesses canhelp, we’ll putittogooduse.Every pennydonatedwillbespent to providefood or supplies fora Ukrainianperson whoneedsit.

“Wepay forour own flights to Poland andwepay ourown accommodation.”

Anyone whocan supportthe pair’s mission, candonateatjustgiving. com/crowdfunding/gfukraine

Work underway on next phaseof technology park

Construction workhas startedon thenextphase of an innovative25acre agricultural technology park in Newport.

Work is underway on three 10,000 sq ft unitsatNi.PARK, whichwill form thesecondphase of Telford&WrekinCouncil’s plan for thesite.

Contractor MorrisProperty, whichcompleted phaseone of the development in October2021, was commissioned to undertakethe eight-monthbuild followingacom petitive tender

Phasetwo will deliver three larger units, suitable forcompa nies with afocus on supporting the fast-growingagri-tech sector

Themilestone wasmarkedwith aceremonyattendedbyCouncillor LeeCarter, Telford& Wrekin Council’sCabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services,Regeneration andthe High Street,the coun cil’sSeniorSurveyorCatherine Hawksworth andMorrisProperty’s SteveFlavell

Councillor LeeCartersaid: “Ni. PARK is agrowing communityfor agri-techbusinesses,as well as thosesupportingthe agriculture sector with theirproductsand servicesand thetake-up of unitshas been excellent.

“Ni.PARK is an extremely well regarded site whichisattracting high profile businesseswhosee it as aplacetomaximise theirpotential in aprime location.”

Warningissued overweather

TheMet Office hasissuedase vere cold weatheralert forEng land,as it warned plummeting temperatures couldincrease health riskstovulnerable people. Thelevel three, or amber, cold weatheralert wasissuedat thebeginningofthe week and warnsthattemperatureswere expected to turn colder from yesterdayas airfromthe Arctic spreadsacrossthe country.

Daytimetemperaturesare expected to be near or just above freezing.Nightswill be ‘very cold’withseverefrosts.

Twomen whohavetak en part in aidmissions to Ukraineare urging Shropshirebusinesses to helpsupport their latest journey to the war-ravagedcountry.

Gary Fear delivering food to people in Ukraine

NewportYouth Theatreworkshop

Record intake of JLRapprentices

Jaguar Land Roverwill hireabout 300new apprenticesin2023.

Therecruitswill be trained in vitalfutureskillstobuild luxury electric cars forJLR’s RangeRov er,Defender, Discoveryand Jaguar brands.Intotal,morethan800 peoplewill join thecompany’s Early Careersprogrammesnextyear– a 55 percentincreaseon2022–arecord intake

JLR’senginemanufacturing centre is at thei54 near theShropshire border.Ithas assembly factoriesat Solihull andCastleBromwich.

Thecompany’s apprentice,undergraduateand graduate programmesopenfor applications in January.

Theannouncement followsthe unveiling of Jaguar Land Rover’s Future Skills Programme, which aims to improve skillsfor itscon nected carand data capabilities,to supportthe rapid transitiontoelectrification

Parentsadvised on symptoms

DowningStreetisurgingpar ents to look outfor symptoms afterariseininfectionscaused by theStrep Abacteria.

Officialssaidtheycan “fully understand”thatparents are concernedbyrisingcases but stressed theNHS is “wellpre pared” forsuchsituations.

AndNumber10saiditwas notaware of anycurrent shortageofthe antibiotic amoxicillin.

Acrossthe UK at leastseven children have died with an in vasive form of theStrepAbac teria.

ThePrime Minister’s official spokesmansaid: “Weare seeingahighernumberofcases of GroupAStrep this year comparedtousual. Thebacteriawe know causes amildinfection whichiseasilytreated with an tibiotics. In rare circumstances it cancause seriousillness.”

MetOffice warns of very cold snap

Temperatures today(Thursday) wereexpected to plungebelow zero as an Arctic chill sets in acrossthe country.

TheMet Office waswarning of heavy snow in Scotland as winter arrivedinmiddle of theweekwith avengeance. Windswhich arecur rently blowingfromthe east areexpectedtoshifttothe north,bring inganicy blasttothe countryand below-averagetemperatures forthe time of year.

Ayellow‘snow warning’ wasbeingput in placelastnight (Wednesday) whichthe MetOffice wasad vising couldcause disruption to road,bus andtrain journeys

Alex Burkill,Met Office mete orologist, said that temperatures overnightWednesday into Thursdaywould drop to minus7Cor minus8C–orevencolder, in some partsofthe country.

“Wecould seetemperatures of minus5Corminus 6C,” he said

Dressingupday makes elfy sumfor charity

Councilstaff channelled theirinner Buddyand dressedup as elvesto raise moneyfor an importantcause NewportTownCouncil decided to dressupfor ElfDay,aninitiative ledbythe Alzheimer’sSociety Councilmembersdonnedtheir elvish costumes on Friday of last week,takingpictureswithmem bers of thepublicwho donatedto thecause Acouncil spokesmansaid: “Our staffdressed up as elvesfor ElfDay to raise awarenessand money for

ELEANOR LAWSON Community News Reporter

theAlzheimer’s Society. Newport Town Councilisadementia-friend ly council,proud to be amemberof theNewport Dementia Action Al liance andiscommitted to helping people in ourcommunity whoare affected by dementia

“Manyofour staffhave firsthand experience of caring forsomeonewithdementia, so this is acause close to ourhearts.”

TheAlzheimer’s Societysaysthat £10raisedfor thecharity provides the firstconversationwithone of theirexpertdementiaadvisers, whichturns four ordinary citizens into so-calledsuperhero dementia friends.

And£50 raisedfor thecharity means312 people canaccess their helpfulonline community,Talking Point.

To donate,call0330333 0804 or go to alzheimers.org.uk/get-in volved/make-a-donation

Farmer found dead in aslurry pithad changed will,inquesttold

A90-year-old farmer founddead inaslurrypit hadchanged hiswill that day, an inquesthas heard.

JohnCharles BarnettofTybroughton, near Whitchurch,died on January2,2020.

Thejuryheard that Mr Barnett’s heavymobility scooterwas tipped over on itsside, close to theslurry lagoon.The pensioner’sbodywas foundbyapolicediver hourslater GP Dr Kieran Redman said in a statementthatthe pensionerhad attemptedsuicide previously.

However hisson Robert said the improvementinhis father in 2019 wasenormous andthathehad been in excellentspirits

Mr Barnett, knownas Charlie, visitedasolicitor in Chesterwith hisfamilyonthe afternoonofJan uary 2, to change hiswill, theinquestheard.The jury wastoldthat hiswill included an inheritanceof £20,000 forfarmworkerand friend NigelByrne with theremainder of hisestatetobedivided betweenhis sonand daughter

Senior coronerJohnGittins, sitting at Ruthin County Hall,heard that in 2012 awill hadleftMr ByrneMrBarnett’s interest in a farmhouseand almost 60 acresof farmland

Robert Barnetttoldthe coroner thefamilywanted answers. When Mr Gittinsasked himifhe believed therehad beenfoulplayhesaidhe honestly didn’t know

He said he wasathis ownhome during theevening when therewas aknock at thedoorand aman told himhis fatherwas in thelagoon, a couple of minutes away

Theinquest continues.

Ex-special constablein tears as he denies rape allegations

Aformerspecialconstable accusedofthe road side rape of awoman whileoff-dutyinShrop shirehas broken down in tearsashedeniedany wrongdoing andclaimed theallegations left him feelingscared.

Former MetropolitanPolicevol unteerPaulHoile said he believed hisalleged victim wasconsenting during alate-nightencounter while he wasvisitingthe county in July

The40-year-old conveyor belt engineer,fromEssex,deniesthree counts of rape relating to thesame incident, claiming consensual activitytookplace “without fuss”after he anda friend metthe womanby chance

Giving evidence from thewitness box, Hoilecontradictedthe wom an’s accountthathehad instructed hernot to driveafterquestioning

SIMONSTONE newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

herabout herlicence.Telling jurors he hadproduced hiswarrant card twiceat thewoman’s request, Hoile also alleged thecomplainant had lied to thejuryabout him“snatch ing” herphone Hoile,who hassince resigned from hisrolewiththe Met, told WolverhamptonCrown Courthe hadbeenpolitewhiletalking to the woman

He told thecourt:“Shesaidshe wascalling ataxi. Iwas just being kind.”

Afterhe“stupidly”propositioned thewoman,Hoile said,she dropped to herknees andperformed asex actonhim before furtherconsensual activity tookplace near afence in a“dark lane”.

Describinghis arrest on theday followingthe incident,Hoile said he rang police andprovidedhis addressafterfourofficers visitedhis

parents’ home.Wipingawaytears with hishands as he recalled how he wasdetainedand transported “ina cage” in apolicevan,Hoile added: “I didn’t know what had goneon.

“The police turned up at roughly 10 o’clock. Isaw aBMW with no lights on just crawling down the road.Thenpoliceofficers gotout.”

Family

Hoile, whosaidhewas brought up in apolicefamily, brokedownas he recalled themoment that he was told he wasbeing arrested on suspi cion of rape,beforebeing takento Basildon police station.

He said:“Iwas putina police cell Icouldn’tphone my family.

“I couldn’t tell anybodywhere I was, it wasjuststress.Ididn’tknow what on earthwas goingon.

“I wasjustscared, Iwas wor ried,” addedHoile

Undercross-examination by prosecutor Caroline GoodwinKC,

Hoile said he wasa respectableper son, andinsisted thecomplainant was“totally fine”and hadknown it “wasn’t apolicematter.”

Afterbeing takenthrough the wording of thepoliceoathtoserve with “fairness, integrity, diligence andimpartiality,” Hoile claimedhe hadnot produced hiswarrant card willingly andwas not performing hisdutywhenspeakingwiththe woman

TheCrown’s barristerasked Hoile:“Because of theway youhad treated her, Mr Hoile, shefound herselfinaposition on that road whereshe was, Isuggest,against herwillforced to comply with your drunksexualdemands.”

Hoilereplied:“Absolutely not.”

Thedefendant,ofThe Chase, Benfleet, deniesmisconductinpub licoffice,three counts of oral and anal rape,and achargeofcausing a person to engage in sexual activity withoutconsent.

Thetrial continues.

Stafffrom NewportTownCouncildressed up as elves for ElfDay to raise moneyfor theAlzheimer’s Society

Delightashighschoolholds onto its‘outstanding’ status

SUEAUSTIN sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

NewportGirls’High School pupils andstaff arecelebrating afterbeingjudged‘outstanding’ in allareas of theOfsted framework.

Inspectors visitedthe Wellington Road school at thestart of Novembertoconducta two-day graded in spection

It wasthe firstformalinspection of theschoolsince 2007,although ashortermonitoringvisit wasalso conductedin2019.

Sixareas of focuswereconsidered by ateamoffourinspectors, includ ingtwo of HisMajesty’s Inspectors over thetwo-day inspection.

Inspectors foundthatthe quality of educationatthe school wasexceptional.

Forefront

Staff were able to articulate a clearrationale on theiraimsfor the curriculum andinspectorsconclud ed theschoolwas at theforefront of best safeguarding andpastoral practice with a‘skilled’ pastoral team

Theopportunitiesfor students to complement theirstudies outsideof lessonsand thecareers guidance they receivewerebothcomplemented highly andinspectorsrecognised that pupils with special educational needs oftenoutperformedtheir peers

Headteacher, Mr MichaelScott, said he wasthrilled with theverdict of thereport.

He said:“NewportGirls High School is averyspecial placewith amazingstudents anddedicated staff.

“Thisoutcome is acause forcel

ebration foreveryoneinvolvedin ourNGHSfamily. Given therecent news coverageofeight outoften outstanding schoolsbeing downgraded –including in ourlocality–weare delightedtobeonceagain judged outstandingand to flythe flag for Newportand thewider region.”

Thereportcan be foundonthe school’s website nghs.org.uk.

In theirreportinspectorssaid: “All pupils know that they areexpected to workhard, andtheydoso.

“Theyenjoy seeing their efforts rewarded andlookforward to the next challenge. Pupils arekeento be successfulbut know they canask

forsupport whenever they need it andthatitwill be provided.”

Thereportalso praisedthose in thesixth form

“Sixth form students areanintegral part of school life.Theyare veryeffective role models andoften runclubs foryounger pupils,who aspire to be likethem.

Support

“Sixth form students take on a rangeofleadershiproles to support school life.

“Theyare active in identifying newwaysofimproving the school

experience forall.”

Mr Scottsaidthe school regularly achieved topresults at GCSE and A-leveland wasranked18thinEng land in 2022

He added: “Pupilsare encouraged to notonlyachieve highly in lessons butalso contribute to theraftofextra-curricular opportunitiesand ex periencesoutside theclassroom,includingwithinthe localcommunity

“Theschoolhas closelinks with theprimary schoolsin Newport andlaunchedanexpansion project in 2021 to raise thenumberofstu dentsonfreeschoolmeals whoattend theschool.”

MP in callfor improved help forbird flufarmers

An MP is calling on thegovernment to do more to stop thespread of bird fluand providefairercom pensation to affected farmers.

NorthShropshireMPHelen Morgan–who herself haskept chickens andworkedfor apoultry farm –highlightedhow farmers arefacing financialperil duetonot beingabletoinsureagainst avian influenzaand receivingunfair compensation

TheLiberal Democrat followed theparty’s ruralspokesman Tim Farron in speaking during aWestminsterHalldebateonthe ongo ingbird fluoutbreak.

Mr Farron called forthe compensationschemetoberevamped so that farmersare fairly paid for theirlosses, whileMrs Morgan highlightedhow difficultiesget ting insurancemadethe financial hitfar harder on poultrybusinesses.She also urgedthe government to do moretoprevent thedisease

from spreading. Farmersare currently only given compensation for birdsthatare alive at thetimeof culling.Thismeans that delays to culling, includingthose that arenot thefarmer’sfault,leadto farmerslosing outonmoneyfor birdsthatdie before the cull starts

TheLib Dems arecalling for these rulestobeupdatedsothat poultryfarmers aregiven fairer compensation whichcan in turn be used to help them containthe spread of diseaseand protecttheir livelihoods.

Speaking afterthe debate,Helen Morgansaid: “Bird fluisamajor threat to poultryfarmers’liveli hoodsand thereforeit’scrucial that they arefairlycompensated when their flocks arehit

“Thiswillhelpfarmers invest in stopping thespreadand protectingtheir businesses.The current scheme is outdated, unfair andunfitfor the21stcentury

“The governmentneedstoupdate therules andfocus resources on preventing future outbreaks andprotecting thiscrucialindus try.”

Speaking during the debate Mrs Morgansaid: “Asa representa tive of aconstituencywhich hasa largenumberofintensive poultry units, as someone whohas kepta backyard flockand also been the financialcontroller of apoultry farm,I’veseen first-hand thediffi cultiesfaced when trying to house poultry.”

“But, most importantly, thedif ficultiesfor thefarming industry in trying to insure againstavian influenza.

“Itusedtobepossibletoobtain insurance because it wasan unlikelyevent,itwas aperil that insurerswould happilyinsurefor you

“Now it’s almost impossible for them to getthatinsurance.”

Starmer says Corbyn cannot be Labour MP

SirKeirStarmer hasstatedhe couldnot seehow Jeremy Corbyncould standasa Labour candidateatthe next general election

Former Labour leader Mr Corbyn hadthe whip removed over hisresponse to thescath ingEqualityand HumanRights Commission (EHRC) report into antisemitism in theparty SirKeir, whoreplaced Mr Corbyn as leader in 2020,said: “I don’tsee thecircumstances in whichhewillstand at the next election as aLabour MP.”

Mr Corbyn, whogrewupin Newport, andwho hasrepre sented IslingtonNorth in Londonsince 1983,could potentially standasanindependent, relyingonhis personal appeal to constituents.

AskedifhebelievedMrCor byncould standasanindependentagainst aLabour candidate, SirKeirsaid: “I canonlyspeak forthe Labour Party, Ican’t speakfor Jeremy on this.”

Mr Corbynhad thewhipremovedand wassuspended by Labour in theaftermath of the highly critical EHRC report in 2020

He hadhis partymembership reinstated within weeks, butSir Keir refusedtoreadmithim to thegroup of Labour MPs.

Santa sleigh tour is headingout on theroadagain

Santaand hiselveswillbecontinu ingtheir tour of theNewport area next week to raisefunds forcharity

NewportRotaryLite’ssleigh tour startedatthe Christmas Lights switch-onand aims to takeinmost streetsacrossthe town area this month

NewportRotaryLite’sChief Elf, Jon Humphreys, said:“We areabsolutely thrilled to be hittingthe streetsofthe Newportareawith Santaand hisnaughty elvesagain

“The sleigh hassucha loyalfol lowing across theNewport area it’s wonderful to see.”

Santaand thesleigh were today (Thursday) visiting Victoria Park, Vineyard Road andFishers Lock Tomorrow (Friday) it will be Vineyard Drive, Lapworth Way andSummerhouse Grove and, from 10am on Saturday,December 10, Santaand theelveswillbeonWaitrose’scar park

On Sundaytheywill tour Daniels Crossand Mere Park Gardensfrom 4pm. Avenue Road, Audley Park andUnderhill Closewill be visited on Monday –from5.30 pm andon Tuesdaythe sleigh will tour Broadway, Meadow Road, Meadow View Road andBarnmeadowRoad

On Wednesday thesleighwillbe in Gravelly Drive, SandifordCrescent,MoorlandRoad, andHigh Land Road

On Thursday,the sleigh will be on Heathwood Road, Ford Road, LeighRoadand StrettonAvenue

Pupils at NewportGirls HighSchoolcelebrating their‘outstanding’Ofstedreport

More chickens areabandoned

Nearly 2,000abandoned chickens have been reported to theRSPCA alreadythisyearand thecharity fearsbird flucould make theprob lemworse

In theMidlandsthere have been 194reports of abandonedchickens since2020and thenumbers are eightper cent higher than last year

Kate Norman,poultry expert at thecharity,said: “Keeping hens hasbecome increasinglypopular in recent yearsbut it’s incredibly sadtosee so many of them being abandonedand neglected.Weare concernedthatwecould seeanincrease in thenumberofdumped chickens duetothe cost of living crisis andconcernsoverbird flu.

“Weare nowsadly once again in themidst of abird fluoutbreak whichhas seen theUKGovernment take thenecessary stepstoissue a housingorder forall keepersof birdsinEngland. Notonlyisthis stressfulfor thehensasbirds that have previously roamed around a garden or smallholding arenow be ingkeptinside, butit’salsounder standablystressfulfor owners

“Wewould urge anyone whois struggling to care fortheir pets to please reachout forhelpfrom friendsorfamily, or charities. Pleasenever abandonany animal.”

Petownersare also advisedtofol lowgovernmentbiosecurity advice to help protectthe health of their birdsaswellastotry andlimitthe spread of thevirus.All petpoultry owners need to stay vigilant for signsofdiseaseintheir flocks and it’s vitaltheyseekveterinary advice if they have anyconcerns.

Stolen horseled throughmarket

Police areinvestigatingafteran elderlyhorse wasstolenfrom a fieldinShropshireand led througha busy German market in Telford.

Dollar,athoroughbred cross warmblood horse,wentmissing from his fieldinHinkshayon Saturday afternoon.

Police said they received subsequent reportsthathehad been ledthrough theGerman Market at Telfordtowncentre, andthattwo menhad triedto take himupthe escalator into thenearbyAsdastore

Dollar waseventuallyrecov ered at theThomasBotfieldpub in CentralSquare.

Hisowner said that he had been left “extremely distressed” andwas barely able to stand.

He sufferswitharthritis in oneleg andcannot be ridden, andrequires medication to treat thecondition

Shesaidthathehad been scared duetothe unfamiliar surroundings andatone point triedtoclimb on topofa police car. Shesaidthathehad been left “traumatised” by theexperience,and addedthatitcould have been dangerousfor members of thepublic.

Aspokesman forWestMercia Police said:“A19-year-old male waslater arrested on suspicion of theftand criminaldamage.”

Councillor left ‘gobsmacked’asshe is deselected

ThemotherofformerNewport student andTVpresenter RadziChinyanganya hasbeendeselected as a councillor in Wolverhampton.

BarbaraMcGarrity said shewas “gobsmacked” afterbeing deselect ed from standing in Spring Vale ward at next year’s localelections

TheLabourcouncillor was first elected in May2018and retained

herseatthisyear. Shehas nowbeen deselected by localLabourmembers andwill notbeabletostand in the ward at theelections in May.

Councillor McGarrity, whohas livedinWolverhamptonfor over 20 years, is atrained clinical nurse specialistand hastwo grown-up children,one of whom is former Harper AdamsGrammar School

studentRadzi.Aswellasbeing the council’sclimate change champion, shechairsthe residents, housing andcommunities scrutiny panel andsitsonthe corporateparenting board, scrutinyboard andselect committee

Councillor McGarritysaid: “I was actually chairing ascrutinypanel meetingatthe time Iwas deselect

ed,soIdidn’t find outuntil much laterasitwas done in my absence Iwas gobsmackedwhenIwas told “No-one hasgiven me anyreason why. Idon’t want to be forced out. If andwhenIdo go,I want to do it in my owntime.”

Acouncil spokesmansaidthe matter wasa ward issue andnothingtodowiththe Labour group.

Transformedderelictcottage is nowapopular holidaylet

When dairyfarmerSte ve Pendlebury bought 160-acre Lipley Farm in northShropshirein 1983,the land also had a derelict cottageonit.

Despite thecottage’s rough exte rior,after twodecades of living at theCheswardine farm,nearMarket Drayton, Stevedecidedtoembark on arenovationproject andtrans form thepropertyintoacharming holidayhome,completewithits owncrenelated mock church tower.

TheShootingFolly is nowapop ular holidaylet whichisalmost always fullybookedand generates just under £30,000ayear.

Steveusesthismoneytoreinvest in thecottage,mostrecently in stalling aluxuriouscedar hottub

ELEANOR LAWSON newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Thecottage is an unusualholiday home,withastepped gableatthe otherend of thetower

However,Steve’s renovation jour neywas notwithout itschallenges When he initiallyapproachedthe localcouncil in 2004 to secure plan ning permission,itwas rejected He re-approachedthe council in 2008 with photographs of the originalproperty, showinghow the property’s towerhad beenusedas a duck shooting follymanyyears ago, andthe council then decidedthis wassomethingworth preserving.

Determined to restoreittoits former glory, in 2009 Steve,originallyfromBolton, started on an 18-month renovation,spending

Tributetolatesociety members

ShropshireRailway Societywill holdits next meetingtonight (Thursday),payingtribute to two former members

Theevent at theGateway Education andArtsCentre in Chester Street, Shrewsbury, will startat 7pm.

SocietychairmanRob Smout will present an illustrated tribute to twoexpertrailway photogra

phers, thelateJohnMasseyand Alistair Grieve.

Johnwas asociety official whilst Alistair wasaheritage railwayvolunteer.

Robwill be showingphoto graphs whichhetookwhenin theircompany on many trips around thecountry Allare welcome to attend the evening.

over £120,000.Two localbuilders were employedtotacklethe project, ensuring that thetower andother features matchedthe building that wasoncethere

Steve, 61,said: “Whenwebought Lipley Farm,wehad no idea what an exciting projectitwould turn out to be

“I’m delightedthatwe’ve been able to rebuildthe Shooting Follyto itsoriginalspecification,complete with theuniquetower,comfortable furnishings, andmodernamenities

“Our guests canenjoy our160 acre farm,including itscountryside viewsand newcedarhot tub, while feelingreassured that we areclose by if thereare anyissues.

“We’ve lovedsharing theproperty with guestsoverthe last 10 yearsand hearingtheir feedback

sleeping in theoriginaltower is of tentheir favourite part abouttheir stay!”

Sinceopening TheShootingFolly in 2011 as aone-bedroom holiday let, Steveand hiswifeTraceyhave welcomedhundredsofguests.

Thecouplehaveteamedupwith SykesHoliday Cottages,which manages thebookingsand ‘takes thestressout’ofholiday-letting for them

“Wehavebeenthrilled with the number of bookings we have re ceived,” said Steve.

Sincethe pandemic prompted a staycation boom,the property has been almost fullybooked, securing over 60 bookings in 2022 alone.

To view TheShootingFolly,goto sykescottages.co.uk

Show runs into exhibition centre

TheNationalRunningShow is coming to Birmingham’s National ExhibitionCentre in thenew year

It takesplace on January21and 22 with speakers includingcurrent athleticsstars Dina Asher-Smith –the world andEuropean200m champion,and Eilish McColgan –the Birmingham 2022 Common wealth Games10,000m gold medallist

Therewillbea runningskills theatre,a runclinic, gait analysis andchildren’s zone

Thelatestkit andtechnologywill also be featured on thestands.

Therewill be an inspirationstage with otherspeakersincluding Colin Jackson, John Regisand JenniFal coner.

Ticketsare available. Seehttps:// nationalrunningshow com/

Thebedroom area in thecottage.Photos: SykesHolidayCottages.

TheShooting FollyatCheswardine hasbeen transformed overthe years

Afull conciergeservice has launched at Birmingham Airport

VIPFly offers apickand mix elementand customers can choose from adriven chauffeur driven carservice,express lane andloungeaccess.

Theconcierge serviceisavail able to book forall departing, arriving andtransferpassengers usingBirmingham Airport.The personalconcierge will accompanycustomers from thetimetheyarriveatthe airport to thepoint of departure.

Thereare arange of options to choose from.Customers can be metafterparking theircar in anyofthe on-siteparkingoptionsorthe drop offcar park

Afull meet andgreet option will includeachauffeur driven limousinetocollect customers from theirhome or office

Thepersonalconcierge will supportcustomers throughall thestagesoftheir pre-depar ture andwill allowuse of the expresslanethrough security “It’slikebeing aVIP,” said VinceEssex,the founderofVIP Fly. “Weknowthere isdemand forthistypeofassistancefor all travellersand we arepleased to be able to offerit.”

Treesplanted in move to help fightclimate crisis

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Effortstohelptowards

theclimate change crisisand improvinggreen spaces were stepped up in Newportasmorethan 100trees were planted.

Aplantingteam, includingcouncillor PeterScott,put 135saplings in thegroundaroundNorbroom Park

Councillor Scottsaid: “There was an excellentturnout

“Weplanted Hazel, Cherry,Haw thorn, Birchand Willow trees –all smallernative species andgood for ourwildlife

“Itall helpstowards theclimate change crisis so sincerethanksto all the wonderful volunteers We will be planting more trees soon in cludingafruit orchard.”

TheNewport Tree Projectstart ed last year with theaim of planting1,000 trees in theareaover five years.

“Wehavemorethan400 trees plantedwithmoretogoinbythe endofthe year,” addedMrScott “Wehavethe CovidMemorial

Woodland by thecanal near Fishers Lock whichwillhavemoreaddedto it soon as well as abench

“Weplanted thesmall Dalbag Singh MemorialOrchard offFord Road earlierthisyear.

“Wewill be extendingthe Com-

munity Orchardbythe canalby planting aPlumOrchardsoon.

“All of this is done with thehelp of volunteers andpartfunding by theTelford andWrekinCouncillor PrideFund. Anyone cando theirbit forclimate change.”

‘Nolossof accesstocouncil facilities’is leader’s pledge

Residentswillnot lose access to council services despitethe need for more than £40m of savings, itsleader hassaid.

ShropshireCouncilhas revealed itsbudgetdeficitrequires £45m of savingsfor thecomingyear.

Theauthorityhas said it has planstodeliver abalancedbudget, withoutcutting services

Thecouncil’s cabinetwill be askedtoapprove themeasuresin amid-yearreviewofits financial strategy at next week’s meeting.

Theproposals do includesetting acouncil taxrise at thehighest possible level permittedbygovernment,4.99per cent

ShropshireCouncil’s leader LezleyPictonsaidthatleisure centres, museumsand theatreswould be protectedand that thefocus on the savingswas on changing how the councildeliversits services

They mayalso includecharging forthe collection of greenwaste,although anyproposalfor thecharges wouldhavetobeput forwardin a separate plan.She said that there wouldbenoredundanciesaspartof thesavings,and used theexample of thecouncil’sspendingontem porary accommodationasone area wheresavings will be made

Thetreeplanting team in Newport

COMMENT

Britshaveacomplicated re lationship with drink.

Formost, alittletippleisan occasional treat that aids relaxationafteratiringday or week at work

Forsome,however,drinking in excess is aguiltypleasure. They know they should drink less butitdoesnot dominate theirlives.

Thereisanothergroup for whom alcoholisadangerous drug that hasthe potentialto ruin lives. Thevictims arenot just thedrinkers, butalsoloved ones

Christmas is adifficulttime, particularly forthose with an unhealthyrelationshipwith drink.

Thereare many whoneed to keep away from thetemptation that alcoholpresentsand their task is allthe moredifficult when advertsand socialoccasionsmakethatmorechallenging.

Progress hasbeenmade. Youngpeopleare nowaslikely to meet in acoffeeshopthana pub.But theculture of binge drinking remainswithmany andthatbringsthe obviousdan gers to health andwellbeing

Nowexperts have hadtheir sayand if,nothing else their advice should make us allcon siderour ownrelationshipwith alcohol.

Drinking in moderation is pleasurable anddoes notharm ourhealth.

Thereare many,however, whoare unabletoadopt that ap proach andfor them abstinence is anecessity

It is importantthatimproved educationisprovidedfroman earlyage aboutthe dangersof bingedrinkingand alcohol ad diction andabout ways to wean ourselves offitwhenitbecomes toomuch.

Those living on thecontinent have abetterrelationshipwith alcoholand we canlearn much from them

Housepriceshavestarted to fall,accordingtonew figures.

That is hardly surprising and probably isn’tabad thing,actually

Thehousing market hasbeen over-performing, pushingprices outofthe pricerange of many andforcingsometoborrow what they cannot afford.

Thehousing boomand the subsequent issues of negative equity helped feed thebanking crisis of adecadeago

Acheck in theever-increasing prices mayhelpavoid that happening again.

It mayalsohelpthose who wish to getontothe housing laddertoachieve theiraim.The keyistoavoid volatility in the market,which helpsnoone Having stability provides as surancefor thosewho paymortgagesand do not wish theirassets to depreciate.

It givescomfort forthose who want to buyand it avoidsthe mass of debt that would flood theeconomy if prices plummet ed andhouse owners defaulted

Don’t letalcohol spoil yourfun at Christmas

Canyou join in thefestive funand avoidthose dreadedhangovers?

Therun-uptoChristmas can be a frenzy of fizz-fuelled catch-upsand events –and whilebeing invitedto toomanyparties is agood problem to have, what if you’retryingto watch youralcoholintake?

Todayweexplorehow mindful drinking couldhelpusthrough the season,withsome helpfuladvice from experts.

Camille Vidal, agloballyrecog nisedmindfulness andmeditation teacher, says it is importanttoact in away that does notbring on re gret later.

Shesaid: “The waywecelebrate, theway we socialise –especially as we enterthe festiveseason–we want to have these momentsand make memories,but we do it in a waythatthe dayafterorfor afew weeksafter,wefeelheavy,wefeel anxious, we feel likewe’re notcel ebrating ourselves anddoing ourselves justice.”

So,how canyou embracefestive merrimentbut sticktoyourgoalof dialling down thehangovers? Here is some advice to take anoteof aheadofpartyseason:

THINK CAREFULLYABOUT THEEVENTS YOUATTEND

“It’shelpful to understand that for most people,iftheytry to go to all theevents they’reinvited to be causetheyfeelbad saying no,then firstlytheywill notbegreat compa ny as they will be feelingjaded with lowenergy– whichmakes excess drinking more likely,”saysSandra Parker of Just TheTonic Coaching, whoworks with clientsone-on-one to help them getcontrolover alco hol.

“Secondly,whenyou don’tgive yourself time to rest andrecover, you increase yourlikelihood of getting sick.Givingourselves permission to saynotosome invitations will ensure we canbeatour best at theevents we choose to attend.”

FIND QUALITYALTERNATIVESYOU LOVE

After15years in theindustry, Vidal appreciates theelementsthatmake certaindrinks feel special andthe role they play in socialoccasions andshe’s adamantdrinkingmore mindfullyshouldn’t mean missing out.

“For me,the keyistofocus on alternatives.Maybe it’s findingde licious, alcohol-free sparklingwine that you really enjoy, learning how to make averylow-alcohol cocktail that you’regoing to love this festive season,” says Vidal, whohas createda vast rangeof‘mindful cocktails’ recipes,ebooksand workshopsavailable viathe La Maison Wellness website.Some of these are alcohol-free,whilesome simply con-

tain less alcoholand more mindfully chosen ingredients.

“Bybringingthese optionsinto yourrepertoire, you aregiving yourselfthe opportunitytocelebrate, have aspecial moment and somethingthattastesdelicious, withouthavingthe impact of alco holthe dayafter.”

Garnishes, colour and flavourcan allstill shine–and don’toverlook detailssuchasglassware.Vidal says she’ll even pour asparkingsoft drinkintoa fancyglass at home in theevening: “It’sabout thinking how we candrink more mindfully butstill feel likeyou arehavinga sophisticateddrink.”

HAVE AN ACTION PLAN

What’s likelytomakestickingto yourgoals tricky?Getting to the barand panicking? Peer pressure? Explaining it to friendsand colleagues?

“It’scriticalheretoplanahead,” says Parker.“If you aregoing to a barorrestaurant, checkonline to seewhatalcohol-freeoptions there areand decide in advancewhatyou aregoing to drink. If you aregoingtosomeone’s home,takeyour favourite alcohol-free optionswith you.”

If telling others makesyou anxious, shesuggestsdoing so in ad vance: “Thisavoidsthe situation whereyou arehandedanalcoholic drinkand putonthe spot.Interms of how to tell people,Irecommend keepingitvague andsayingyou are on ahealthdrive,oryou’recutting down because alcoholhas disrupt ed yoursleep.Bothare easy explanationsthatwill resonate.Ifyou areworried aboutrealpressureto drink, then sayyou areonmedication.”

If you’rekeennot to draw too much attentiontothe fact you’re nothavingalcohol,havingadrink that lookssophisticated canalso help.Vidal says bartendersare used

to people asking them to “make somethingthatlooks likea ginand tonic– becauseyou don’twantto drinkbut also don’twanttohave that conversation with everyone to night”

STARTOFF SENSIBLY

AnotherofVidal’s toprecommenda tionsisto“startyoureveningwith somethingalcohol-free– because most of thetimewhenyou arrive at thebar or it’s theend of theday,actually youare just thirsty,”she ex plains.“Andifyou startwithsome thingalcohol-freethenyou quench that thirst,and you also have abit more time to thinkabout what you want to order.”

This is especially useful at abusy barorChristmas party, when abit of socialanxietycan creepinand it’s easy to getswept up in thewel come drinks or whatever everyone else is having

DON’TBEATYOURSELF UP IF YOUDON’T NAILITEVERY TIME

Vidal’s finalwordofadvice? “It doesn’thavetobeperfect,” she says.“People canhavereallyhigh expectations andthenfeellike they’vefailed, andsotheygiveup. Butit’sa journeyand there’sno rightanswer. We oftenfeellikeit hastobea one-size fits-all,instead of really figuring outwhatworks foryourself,” Vidaladds. “Find the balancethatworks foryou anddoit foryourself –itdoesn’t matter what otherpeopleare doing.

“And if you plan on beingalco hol-freefor theweekand then find yourselfgoing outand having a glassofwine, don’tbeatyourselfup about it.Itdoesn’t mean thewhole festiveseasonisgameover.”

AndParkernotes,ifyou do find it abig struggle andfrequently drink more than feelshealthy,itmight be time to seek furthersupport, whetherthat’svia yourGP, acoach or aspecialistcounsellor

PETERRHODES

Ourchanginglanguage. Optics once referred to thestudy of sightand light. Todayitisused to describe howanevent is perceived by thepublic.

Forexample,ifWilliam and Kate cuddle Paddington Bear, theopticsare great. Andifnurses areonstrikewhentoddlers aredying of strep, well,you can figure therest.

Coercive behaviouristhe latest bigthing in ourlegal system Bullies,whose behaviourwas once ignored by courts andcops, arenow likelytobeprosecuted forcoercivebehaviour whichis recognisedas abuse. TheHome Office says of theabusers:“They do this so they cancontrolthe victim andmakethemdothings theydon’t want to.”

Nowthe curiouspart. If police areeager to arrest coercive spouses in thehome,why do of ficers cheerfullyignorecoercive behaviourin broaddaylight? A groupofpeopleblock theroads, climbonmotorwaygantries or walk at asnail’s pace.They decide how andwhentheywill disruptother people’slives. They choosewhich vehicleswill be halted andwhich will be let through. They areplanningand executingthe mostblatant and bullying acts in ordertoforce theirviews on otherpeople. And if that’s not coercive behaviour, what is?Overtoyou,chief constable.And watchout forthose badoptics.

How reliable arethose “happi estplacestolive”surveys?St Ives in Cornwall is thelatest national winner.Ihaveamen talpicture of amerry town filled with smilinglocals. Andyet

Afew days agoIvisited Leam ington Spa, hailed in thesame survey as thehappiestplace in theMidlands. Theonce-elegant Parade is amesswithmany stores closed andhomeless folk sleeping in shop doorways “Happy”was nota wordthat sprang to mind

“Whatwill fill thevoid?” lamented oneSundaynewspaperatthe news that fewerthan half of Englishpeoplenow de scribe themselves as Christians Don’tpanic.Despite 2,000years of Christianteaching, we never seriouslyadoptedthe religion We embracedthe easy stufflike Easter eggs andBabyJesus in thecrib. Butwhatabout the hard stuff? Forgivingyourene mies?Turning theother cheek? Giving yourmoneytothe poor? Neverreallycaughton, didit?

December anddrink go hand in hand formany

Thebetterworld turned outtobe alladream...

Onenight as Ilay dreaming during thehot,dry period, my dreamcametrue.

1. That water companies wouldsee what wasneeded andact immediately to invest andcombatthe longperiodof neglect. They wouldjoinwith othercompanies to ensure that theUKhad thebestfacilities in thedeveloped countries.

2. They broughtinexperts from many fields andskilled workers to ensure that all pipeworksupplyoffresh, and disposal of polluted andcon taminatedwater wouldnot leak,toensureour tapsalways gave freshwater andnowaste flooded or leaked to polluteour homes, streets, naturalwater supplies or seas

3. Wasteofrainfallwas stopped by creatingstorage ar easbelow ground at frequent intervals, so thewater stored couldbefed aftercleaning, into ourfresh water supply

4. On thespace stationthere is no free water supply.All that is usediscleaned safe to be reused afteronlyafew hours. Watercompanies usedcheaper ways of disposing of ourwaste water to go into ourwater supply, or dischargeintoour water courses andontothe sea. Some firmsalready have theknowl edgeofhow to do this anddo useitalready.

This createdasafer environment,creatingalso, theability totop up or move on excess cleanwater to move wasteto overseas wheredecontamina tion wasavailable

5. Moreemployment, asafer environment, more enjoyment, abetterworld forall.

Then Iwokeup. What alet down realityis. So littledoneor plannedtobedoneinthe near future

Brenda Flowers, Newport

PICTURE FROMTHE ARCHIVE

This early 20th centuryimage takeninAlbrightonshows threemilkmen(CharlesYates in thecentre) with horsesand cartsare picturedinfront of asubstantial housebuiltofbrickwith sash windows.

performing worse than any otherG7country.The claim that Borismadethe rightdecisionsoverCovid do notstand scrutiny.The UK is tearing itself apartwithScotlanddemandinganother independence vote. Obviously thereare some good reasonswhy we areina badstate butthe reason Boris hadtoresignwas becauseover 30 of thepeoplehe chose to be in hisgovernment refusedto servewithhim as theirleader.WhenBoris ceasedtobe ForeignSecretaryhis deputy wasasked what it hadbeen likehavingBoris as hisboss. He said it waslikefollowing a horse with abucket andshov el! Ithink we allknow what he meant.

Therealpuzzleishow he ever became PM when so many Tories elected himastheir leader –but then they didthe same with LizTruss Pete Davies,Shropshire

of living today, thereisnot enough food on thetable at any time of day.

With so many goinghungry each morningbeing children, theconsequences affect not just theirhealth, butlong-term learning

An emptybreakfast bowl is not fuel forthe best startin life.Itisasad indictmentof ourmodernwaysand economic timesfacingour localcommu nities,thathow to feed hungry children hasbecome such a pressing issue.

Theprovision of free school mealsare appreciated by pu pils, parentsand staffalike.

It is amajor public health success

Clearly, such vitalsupport is needed allyearround,asfar toomanychildren arestarting theirday hungry

Doug James, West Midlands

Howdid heever become PM?

Borisboasted that he gotBrex it done,but theevidenceof Northern Irelandshowsthisis alie.Industrialrelations in the UK arethe worst foragener ation.

TheNHS is broken.Social care is in adesperate state despitepromises to fixit. The economy is in recessionand

Toomanykids arelefthungry

Nutritionistshavelongknown that the firstmealofthe dayis themostimportant forhealthy living,itputsthe snap,crackle andpop into yourday

Yetfor many people strugglingwiththe soaringcost

Public transport lettingusdown

If you’veusedpublictransport in theSouth East,you’llknow howeasyand cheaperitisto use.Its connectivity is partly whyit’ssosuccessfuleconomically,providing good access to jobs,education andleisure Thetentacles andbenefits of

Transportfor London reach farbeyondthe capitalinto what couldloosely be called the‘shires’, usinga zonalsys temwithacorresponding pric ingstructure

ComparethatwithTrans port forWestMidlands, where thebenefits arelargely con finedtothe county boundary Yetmuchofits road system is clogged with incoming traffic from,for example, SStaffordshireand SE Shropshire and otheradjacentshires.

Here,publictransport is largelyat themercy of what is deemed commercially viable by operators, hencehigher fares, fewermoneysavingoffers, re stricted operatingtimes and unattractivefrequencies with endlessthreats of servicewithdrawals.

As aresult, there’sa reli ance on thecar

If Transportfor West Midlandswas more regionalwith outerzones that offeredgood connectivity,thenjobs, leisure andeducation couldbeeasily accessed by many more people.

You’dthink this wouldbe somethingthe government wouldsupport with ‘levelling up’funding,especially as so much taxpayers’ moneyhas been poured intoimproving services in London.

Maybeour politicalrepre sentatives should consider raisingthiswithgovernment?

Mike Crump, Shropshire

circumstances.The editor reserves theright to condense or amend letters

Covid-19 and fluspread more easilyinwinterandcancause seriousillness.Sothebestway tostaysafeistoboostyourim munitywithvaccination.Ifyou’re50or over,pregnant,orhavealong-termcondition you’re eligible foranautumn Covidboosterandfreefluvaccination

“FluandCovid-19areunpredictable butthere arestrong indicationswe couldbefacingthethreatofwidelycir culatingflu,lowerlevelsofnaturalimmunityduetolessexposureoverthe last twowinters,and an increase in Covid-19 circulatingwith lots of variantsthatcanevadetheimmune response,”saysDrSusan Hopkins, chiefmedicaladvisoratUKHSA.“This combinationposes aseriousriskto ourhealth,particularlythoseinhigh riskgroups.TheH3N2flustraincan causeparticularlysevereillness.Ifyou areelderlyorvulnerablebecause of otherconditionsyou areatgreater risk,sogettingthefluvaccineisasensible,potentiallylife-savingthingtodo.

Weareextremelyfortunatetohave vaccinesagainst thesetwo diseases. Most eligiblegroupshavebeenselectedbecausetheyareathigherrisk ofsevereillness.”

Manyadultsand childrenalready getafreefluvaccination,whichisimportanttokeepuptodateasthevirus canchangeeachyear(findoutifyou’re eligibleatnhs.uk/wintervaccinations) Similartoprimary school aged children,two-andthree-year-oldsareeligibleforanasalsprayfluvaccination, providedtheywereagedtwoorthree on August 31, 2022. They gettheflu vaccineattheirGP.Primaryschoolkids usuallyhavethevaccineatschool.

Best protection

ProfessorSteve Powis,NHS England nationalmedicaldirector,warnsofa possible‘twindemic’ofCovidandflu, butsaysvaccinesofferthebestprotectionagainstit.“Withmanypeoplein hospitalwithCovid-19,andfluposing anevengreaterriskthisyear,Iurge everyone eligible to book both vac cines as soonaspossibletoprotect themselvesandtheirlovedones.With thousandsofGPpractices,localphar maciesandotherNHSsitesacrossthe countryofferingbothvaccines,it’snever beeneasiertogetthisprotection.”

Remember,ifyou’reinan eligible groupandnothadyourfirstorsecond dose of theCovid vaccine, or first boosterdose–bookanappointment onlineorvisitawalk-incentre

Mum of two Nicole,41, has lived with ulcerativecolitis since she wasin her20s and, likemanyotherswith aweakenedimmune system, she says keeping up to date with her Covid and flu vaccinations is vital.

“Ulcerativecolitis causes inflammation of the colon,and if I have aflare-up Ican getquitepoorly,with bleeding anda need to go to the toilet around 30 timesa day, which canresult in hospital stays,” says Nicole,fromManchester,mum to Sofia, six, and Alyssia, two.“No one canlivelikethat, so Ihave regular doses of immunosuppressants

“Running my baby sleep coaching business Baby2Sleep,and having twolittle kids,there’s no wayIcan function when I’mpoorly.”

Nicole waswaiting foramessage

–and when she wasalso offered the flu vaccine nthe same day, she as glad to take both.

“With my weakened mmune system, Iwas orelievedtoget my accinations.Ialways makesureI’m up to ateand have aflu ab every year.

“I wasworried hat if Icaught Covid I might endupin hospital,unableto ookafter thekids.”

Nicole is glad she canlivelifeto thefull, knowing she’s protected.

“It’s true that the vaccine doesn’t alwaysstopyou getting Covid, but it doesstopyou getting very ill with it, which is what’s importanttome. To dateIhave had Covid twiceafter my vaccinations and been fine.”

Whyisitimportant

Asatype1diabetic,I’m fullyawarethatthepotential sideeffectsofcontracting flu,coldsorCovidcanbe moresevereandcanplay havocwithmybloodsugar levels.Assomeonewhois immunocompromisedand whohasexperiencedthese sideeffectsinthepast,and withmyworkschedule presentingshowsandshoots alloverthecountryduring thePremierLeagueseason andupcomingWorldCup, Idon’twanttotakeanyrisks thiswinter

Did your diabetes diagnosis come as ashock to you? WhenIwasfirstdiagnosedin 2015,itwas atotal shockto

me,andIkeptitto myselfand close family andfriends foracoupleof years.Ididn’thave anyongoinghealth issuesandhadfull bloodstaken six months prior to di

SkySports presenter Adam Smith, 37,was shocked by his diabetes diagnosis –but it’s encouragedhim to be extra-careful whenthere areviruses about

Nicole Ratcliffe lives with along-term condition –but needs to stay healthytolook afterher daughtersand run abusiness

from her GPtocall her forthe Covid vaccine

for somethingcompletelydifferent, which showednothingamiss Thatchangedreally rapidlywithinafewmonthswhen ybecameveryill–I ustedand losing witharagingthirst stantneedtogo

ureact to thenews? challengingtoget round. I’dbeenin beforefor minor eeverythinggets youleave.Notthis as told:“Youhave pe1diabetesand willneedtoinject insulinevery day.”Howoften? “Fivetimes a day.”For how long?” Forthe restofyourlife Ifyoudon’t,you won’tsurvive.”

So it’s even more vital youhave the vaccinations? Yes! Ipersonally don’twanttotake chances,which is whyIwillbegetting Covidandfluvaccisthiswinter.

London-based business development director BayanMohajeri, 26,has multiple sclerosis,which makes him vulnerable to infection –sovaccinesare

“Duringthe pandemic I’dbeen isolating along with my mother, whois also immunocompromised. My neurologistput me forward foranew treatment called HSCT –it’sa week of intense chemo in an isolation room

“Theycollect your stem cells, freeze them, then wipeout your immune system completely and giveyou the stem cells back to create anew immunesystemin you. It meant my immunesystemwas pretty much that of anewborn “I then spentamonth in a hospitalroom. When doctors enteredtheywould be fully masked-up and my room was

disinfected everyday as I wassovulnerable.

“After 100 days Icould start gettingrevaccinated– all my childhoodjabs, thefluvaccine and my first Covid vaccine earlier his year

“That wasa hugemilestone –I wasnow on a ourneybackto normallife’.

“I had to have three Covid doses, then Iwas able to move back to London anddo things –thoughI still stayed outdoorsjusttobe safe.Ihad abooster inAugust, then another booster about three weeksago.It’svital to do everything Ican to protect myself.The colder it gets,the

vitalfor him

moreyou’restuck indoorswith an increased risk –especially with immunitywaning over time –soitwas critical Igot thelatest Covidjab andthe flu vaccine.

“It means Ican do regular activities: I’mgoingona work trip abroad, andifitwasn’tfor the newbooster,I’m notsure Iwould have been going.”

‘Vaccinations help me lead anormal life’

Police targeting hare coursers

Police are“actively targeting” hare coursing in southShropshireafter an increase in reportsabout activity. West Mercia Police areworking with landowners andfarmers to target coursing,inwhich dogs are usedtochase,catch andkill hares.

It comesafter an increase in re portsofcoursinginareas in the southofthe county includingBishop’sCastleand Chirbury Hare coursing hasbeenillegal since2004, yetstill takesplace in some partsofthe UK today. The illegal nature of hare coursing and itsassociatedgamblingoftenleads to theparticipation of people who areundertaking otherforms of criminal activity

Police areaskingresidents report anycrime online at:westmercia police.uk/report or call 999ifthere is acrime in progress.Anyonewith informationabout hare coursing is askedtoemail bccar.snt@westmercia.police.uk

Better lights plan at junction

Temporarytrafficlights being installedatamajor roundabout will operateona ‘moreintelli gent’system, trafficbosseshave promised.

National Highways is installingthe temporarylights at Em streyIslandinShrewsburythis week during overnightwork.

Lights on thewestern side of theroundabout, controlling eastboundtrafficonthe A5 joiningthe roundabout,have been outofactionsinceadriver ploughed into controlboxes last month, knocking outpower to twosetsoflights.

National Highways hassaid thetemporary tightswillbe in placeuntil workers have ac quired theparts to fixthe af fected controlboxes.

Aspokespersonsaid: “Itisa more intelligent temporarysys temthatwewill be using.”

Chamber in bid to join forces

‘Working together,wecan be stronger’was themessage to the business communityatShropshire ChamberofCommerce’sAGM.

Morethan80peoplecametogether forthe meeting at theWroxeter Hoteland presidentPiran Littleton said:“It’s been atough year,and it’s goingtobearemarkableyearnext year as well.But with people like us working together,Ithink we can getthrough it easier.”

RichardSheehan,the Cham ber’schief executivewho will be retiring at theend of March, told members: “I thinkitisimportant foryou to know that you arepartof somethingveryspecial. TheChamberhas enormous aspirationsfor growth andistotally committed to doingthat.”

Four newdirectors were elected to join theboard –RuthRoss, who replaces Mr Sheehanaschief exec utive, Carl Jones,MattSmall and Kirsty Smallman

Historic pubgiven newlookafter £420krevamp

AhistoricShropshirepublichouse near Shifnalhas reopened with a brandnew look followingacom plete £420,000 refurbishment.

ThetransformationofThe Bell Inn at Tong hasseenabrand new Farrow &Ballcolourpalette in troducedintothe venue, alongside wall panelling andbespoke tiling

Anew homely ‘snug’ sectionwas addedtothe barfeaturing cosy Chesterfieldseatingwhile theal frescodiningareahas been updated

Kate Harding-Jack,general managerofThe Bell Inn,said: “We aresoexcited to open thedoors andtoshow ourgueststhe final

result of ourrefresh.

“Wehaveinvested more than £420,000 into breathingnew life into TheBellInn.”

“The pub is much lovedbyits regulars, andweare so gladtosee everybodybackagain.”

Overhaul

Thepub’s transformationhas rung thechanges to keep pace with dining trends andthe needs of themodernfamily.

As aresultthere have been ma jorchanges to thefood offerand themenuhas receiveda complete overhaul

Thenew selectionofdishesincludes home-madechicken and chorizokebab,oven-bakedgarlic flatbread, crumbled feta cheese andpomegranate seed salad, honey,fruitychilli sauceand seasoned fries, antipastiboards, andsoy glazed salmon

Situated within theShrop shirecountryside,The Bell Inn is housed within a250-year-oldlist ed building,markedbyan18th centuryobelisk

Thepub’s orchard-stylebeer garden allows gueststodrink or dine alfresco,whilst thespacious andmoderninterior offers arelaxeddiningexperience

Health hubtransportissueis high on list forNHS leaders

DAVIDTOOLEY david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

Butbecause theNHS in ShropshireTelford andWrekinsaysit does notknowwhere thenew venue will be sitedyet they have confirmed that a“transportassess ment is impossibletoprovide”.

Apublicquestionwas raisedat thelatestmeetingofthe Integrated Care Board. It hadbeensubmitted in Septemberbut an answer de ferred.Itreferredtotransport and access forthe plannedhub SirNeilMcKay,who chairs the ICB, said:“This is an importantissue–itneedstobecarefullyborne in mind as are-appraisalofoptions is undertaken.”

Gareth Robinson, theexecutive director of delivery andtransformation at theNHS in Shropshire Telford andWrekin, said:“It is probablythe most high-profile issuethat ourcitizensand patients areraising andaskingfor us to bear in mind

“Until we areaware of theactual site location –and we arecurrently working through that processdur ingthe course of this calendar year –atransport assessmentisimpossi bletoprovide becausephysicallywe don’tknowwhere it will be.”

Museum helping visitors getinfestive spirit

Festivemagic awaits forvisitorsto theIronbridgeGorge this winter with preparations underway to welcome Father Christmasback.

TheTrust is promisinga Christ mastoremember at Blists Hill VictorianTownwiththe return of itspopular Christmas Weekends andChristmas grotto experiences.

As Blists Hillistransformed into ascene freshfromthe pages of aDickens’classic,visitorscan

Investigationovercheatingclaims

Acourse fortrainee firefight erswas suspended afterrecruits were suspected of cheating in an exam, fire chiefs have said

Midand West WalesFire andRescue Servicesaidithad launched an investigation.

Thecourse hadbeentaking placeatthe Earlswood Training Centre,JerseyMarine, Neath Port Talbot,where firefighter

recruits areput theirthrough theirpaces afterhavingpasseda selectionprocess.The fire service confirmed thecurrent course has been suspended because recruits were suspected of cheating It is notclear how many of therecruits were suspected of doingso.

Aspokesman said furthercom ment wasnot possiblepending theoutcome of theinvestigation

ELEANOR LAWSON Community News Reporter

soak up thefestive atmosphere at oneoftwo ChristmasWeekends.

From December 3to4 and10 to 11,families will be transported back to 1900 to experience howthe town’s resident Victorians prepare forthe Christmasseason. With plenty of traditional festive

fayreonoffer forfamiliesand food iesalike, theweekendsoffer the perfectopportunitytobrowsethe town’s shopsfor unique Christmas gifts, enjoy apantomime in theBig Topand even meet Father Christ mashimself

Children canalsolearn some brandnew elfskillslikehow to wrap presents, howtospreadfes tive cheerand howtodecorate the Christmas tree.

Shiningalight on best festive houses

AShropshiretownishoping to find thebestChristmas lights in the area by runningaspecial competition forresidents

People in Market Draytonwho love to celebrateChristmas arebeingencouragedtodecktheir homes with festive lights anddecorations, whileshopownerscan competein theirown category

Market DraytonTownCouncil is runningthe annual competition,

whichpeoplecan enterbydownloadinganapplication form from thewebsite

They canalso collecta form from thetowncouncil office from Mon daytoFridaybetween 9amand 1pm.

Theclosing date forapplications is December 8.

Judgingfor thecompetition will take placeduringthe week commencingDecember 12

Transport to ahealth andwellbeing hubin Shrewsbury is “proba blythe most high-profile issue” beingfaced by county NHSleaders,a meetingheard.

TheBellInn at Tong

Carol singing will be taking place at Blists Hill Victorian Town,Ironbridge

Popularpets with interesting survival adaptationsinthe wild

Fora specieswhich is non-native andinvasive andwhich also eats its owndroppings,rabbits arerather popular.

Thethird most cherishedpet,apparently,and alongwithsquirrels andrats, probably thewildmam malyou aremostlikelytosee Butasidesfromtheir fluffy ap pearance andappealing looks, what is thestory behind theirnat ural history? We have hadagood chance to gettoknowthemas they have been here foraverylong time.It’sthought they arrivednot long afterthe Norman Conquest in 1066.Theywereinitially spread throughoutEuropebythe Romans, although they appearnot to have reachedBritain until700 yearsafterthe Romans left Rabbitsweredomesticated for meat in theearly middle ages and were keptinextensive walled en closures. At one Christmas feast in themid 1200sheldbyHenry III,500 haresand 200rabbits were eaten. Theirmainpredators are

ON THEWILDSIDE

With Ben Waddams

foxes, weasels, stoats, polecats and birdsofprey, specificallybuzzards andgolden eaglesinScotland. This is averygoodreasonfor theirhab it of ‘refection’. In ordertoget full nutritionalvalue outofits grass andherb food, arabbitorharemust pass it through itssystemtwice, eating itsown droppings. Butapart from thenutritional valueofdoing this, it also meansthatthe animals spendlesstimeout in theopengraz ingand candosome of theirsecondary‘eating’ in safe hideaways. We allknow what to look for when scanning thecountryside for this species,beitthe animal itself or theirpiles of droppings. Butless well-known arethe sounds that rabbits canmake. Although rela tively quiet, it does have at leasttwo vocalisations. Thebest-knownisa high treblescreamorsqueal. This is adistress call.Duringthe spring, bucksexpress contentmentby emit ting grunting sounds,whileaggression is expressedwitha low growl.

On thesecondSundayinAdventwehelda serviceofcarols andlessons at Ashley Methodist Church

It wasdelighttosee so many children join us allofwhom were welcomedbyour steward Rosalind Chatburn

Our servicewas ledbyour minister,Rev Mark Lawrence In lighting the second of our four redAdventcandles,Rosalind said “Today we lightacandlefor peace” remindingusthatin Ad ventwestrivefor peace.

Afterhis call to worship,Mark took us through theChristmas story, from theprophesiesinthe OldTestament to theeventsrecounted in theNew.Heshowed us avideoonthe giving of Christmas giftswhich reminded us that thegreatestgiftisthat of ourLordJesus

On Friday (9)at 6.30pm you arewelcome to join us forcarols at theCarwash,Loggerheads.

On Saturday (10) at 7pmin ourchurch, Wesleyan Road, Ashley,weinviteyou to join us at aChristmas MusicalEvening with Ashley Voices andMusic Free Entrywithtea/coffeeand mincepies. Donationswelcome, proceedstoour missionfund. On Sunday ourpreacherwillbe MrsCarolyn Lawrence andyou arewarmlyinvited to join us Seewww.ashleymethodist.co.uk

Rabbit. BenWaddams’art canbeseenatCallaghan’s andRowlesGallery

ASHLEY METHODIST CHURCH, WITH RONLUCAS

Finalchancetobackappeal

NewportRotaryClubisinviting residents to remember lovedones andcontributetocharity through theTreeofLightappeal.

Therun-uptoChristmas can be hard withoutfamilymembers or lovedones, so theclubhas once againlaunchedits appeal to provide thecommunity with away ofrememberingthose that aren’t with us during thefestive period

Aminimum of a£5donation will sponsoralightonthe tree locatedinthe churchyard of St Nicholas’Churchinthe name of aloved one.

MEGANJONES newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

Each year,the club usesmoney raisedtosupport localand international charities, with funds splitbetween theMayor’s charities andRotary-supported internationalcauses. Lastyear, the appeal raised£1,000.The names of lovedonesremembered will be printed in theNewport Advertis er andamemorialbookwillbe displayedinthe Guildhall. The closingdateisFridayDecember 9 so please be quick.

Driverswarnedover newbreathtests blitz

Drivers in Shropshire arebeing warned they are50per cent more likelytobebreathtested this December than any othermonth.

AnalysisofHome Office data by personalbreathalyser firm AlcoSense showsthatinDecemberlastyear, West Mercia Police stopped721 motoristssuspected of drink driving. That compared with 486inanaverage month.

Atotal of 64 motoristsinthe

SUEAUSTIN sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

West Mercia area tested last De cember were foundtobeover the limit. Thefailure rate of nine per cent wasjustbelow thenationalaverageof10 percent.

Police arenow stepping up their campaign againthisyear, targeting anyone tempted to driveunder the influenceafterwatchingthe World Cuporcelebrating Christmas.

“Enjoyinganevening game,

whetherathome with family or down thepub,increases thelikelihood of drivingthe next morning with alcohol stillinyoursystem,” says Hunter Abbott,managingdirector of AlcoSense

“Ifyou drinkfourpints of medi um-strong beer or four largeglasses of wine during thefootball, it could take as long as 14 hoursfor thealcoholtoclear yoursystem.

“The rule is simple.Ifyou’vebeen drinking,don’t driveand if you’re driving, don’tdrink.Ifinany doubt, self-testwitha breathalyser.”

CentralCo-op supports21charitiesand good causes

CentralCo-op’scommunity divi dend fund hasawarded £31,980to 21 charitiesand good causes, allof whichsupport access to food, health andwellbeing,inclusion andthe en vironment.

As part of thefund, eligible groups canapply forbetween £100 to £5,000 to supportall manner of projects

“Asaco-operative,supporting

ourcommunities is akey element of ourethos andanessential part of this is ourCommunity Dividend Fund

“We’re pleasedtosupport so many goodcauses andinitiatives that make ameaningfuldifference to membersofour communities,” commented theLichfield-based co-operative society’s secretary, Andy Seddon.

“Community dividend fund grants showcases how,bybeing a member andshoppingatyourlocal CentralCo-opstore allows us as a society to continue to invest and fund vitalprojectsinthe community.”

Thoseinterested can find outthe full criteria andhow to applyfor fundingbyvisitingcentralengland coop/community/

Salonoffersexpertise andprecision

celebratingthe firstyear of theirsalon locatedon Eccleshall High Street.

Dependingonwhatyou’regoing for, whetherit’sa freshtrimorcol our, theirteamhas thelevel of ex pertise required to achievethe very best results

Jon hasbeenhairdressingfor more than 33 yearsand hasagreat passionfor shorthair, spending timeonprecision andaimingfor

perfection.Paula hasbeenfront of house working alongsideJon for19 yearsand is passionateabout en suring clientshaveasmoothand professional client journeyfromthe making of appointments onwards.

Jon andPaula were aleading franchiseeofa well knownhairdressing companyonStMary’s StreetinNewport for19years prior to openingtheir ownsalon in Ec cleshall in November2021.

Thecouplesaid: “Fromthe mo ment you step into oursalon,you’ll

experience thelevel of care that Jon Main Hairdressing is knowntooffertoeveryclient.

“For over 32 yearswe’ve taken prideinofferinghigh-qualityand professional hairdressing services that aredelivered with utterpreci sion.Being highly recognised and accredited,our talented teamofexpert stylists andcolourtechnicians aremotivated by afocus on quality.”

Theteamalsoincludessalon manager Jill,who hasbeenhairdressing forover40years, Flick,who works

alongsidePaula on frontofhouse, senior stylist/colouristJude, senior stylistJenny,who hasrecently joined theteam, stylist/colourist Jodieand senior colouristAlison.

Jill,Jenny,Jodie andFlick previouslyworkedwithJon andPaula in theirNewport salon.

TheEccleshallsalon,which is unisexand open sixdaysa week, is an exclusive Wellaapprovedcol oursalon andastockistofSystem Professional,Sebastian andNioxin productranges.The team offers

15% offcutsfor clientswithaBlue LightCardonaMonday, Tuesday andWednesday

As part of their firstyearofopen ingcelebrations, thesalon team have issued avoucher,which canbe foundonthispage, offering 20%off allhairdressingservicesthrough outthe months of Januaryand February2023.

To find outmoreabout Jon Main Hairdressing,visit thewebsite www.jonmainhairdressing.co.uk or call theteamon01785 851409

Jonand PaulaMainare

Jonand PaulaMainopenedtheir ownsalon in November2021Senior stylistJenny Theteam at JonMainHairdressing in Eccleshall

Call to help care forgardenbirds

Nearly 9,000 callstothe RSPCA aboutsickorweakgarden birds have prompted apleafor bird-lovers to cleantheir feedersregularly As autumn turnstowinterand bird-lovers step up supplementary feeding, datafromthe RSPCAhighlights just how vulnerable garden birdscan be to illhealth.

Thecharity received 8,750calls about sick or weak garden birdslast year,and with thehelplinestrug glingwithanunprecedentedhigh volume of calls, it is asking the publictohelpmaintainthe health of garden birds.

Whileonly52ofthose callscame from Shropshire,aspokesperson from thecharity said that this year’s bird fluscare wasatimelyre minder of thedevastationthatcan occurfromcontagiousdiseases

Whilebird fludoesn’ttendtoaf fect garden birds, stepstoprevent highly infectiousdiseases from spreadingthrough abirdpopulation areessential whatever thespe cies.The charityhas recommended cleaning feedersweeklyand water containers everyday

Feedersshouldalsoberotated around thegarden to keep bird droppingsand bacteria from buildingup, andfeeding areasshouldbe kept raisedabove thegroundtodetermice.

RSPCAscientificofficerEvieBut tonsaid: “It’ heart-warmingthatso many people –aroundhalfthe population–wanttohelpgarden birds by feedingthem. Butdatasuggests that birdsare notashealthy as they should be andone waywecan make adifferenceisgood hygiene.”

Dealerwho hid drugsisjailed

AdrugdealerfromShropshire whohid astash of cocaineand cannabisworth an estimated £21,000 around ahouse has been locked up for five years

Hayden De’Harrwas arrest ed afteraraidinwhich police foundthe haul of drugsata housein December 2021

The27-year-old is previously from Ketley in Telford.

He hidthe cocaineand cannabisin‘elaborate places’ata home in Rugby, Warwickshire Police said

Followingthe drugsraid De’Harrwas arrested andappeared before acourt

He washeldonremandfor al most ayearuntil his courthear inglastweek.

At Shrewsbury CrownCourt, De’Harrwas given aprisonsen tencefor possessionwithintent to supply classAand Bdrugs

He wasalsolinkedtoanout standing money laundering case

He wassentenced to a five year jail term forthe crimes Rugby-basedDetective Constable MatthewRapkins said: “Wewelcome thecustodial sentenceofDe’Harr

“Hewas sitting on alarge amount of controlled drugsthat no doubt wouldhavebeendis tributed to residentsofRugby.”

Ambulanceworkers vote to back industrial action

Nearly 3,000 ambulanceworkers acrossthe region have voted in fa vourofindustrialactionover pay andstaffing woes

Chiefs at theunion GMBsaid workers across theambulance servicesand some NHStrustshad vot ed to strike over thegovernment’s four percentpay awardwhich it claimedwas in effect apay cut.

Paramedics,emergency care as sistants, call handlers areamong theteams settowalkout in the West Midlands AmbulanceService

over possible datesinthe runup to Christmas. Thedispute is be tweenunionsand theDepartment of Healthand SocialCareand not theambulance trust.

Theunion will nowmeetwith reps to discusspotential strike datesbeforeChristmas,but the rulesrequiringemergency care to be provided will mean therewillbe limitedimpactonpatients.

Interimchief executiveofNHS Providers, SaffronCordery,said: “Trust leadershavebeenpreparing

forstrikes,including thepossibili ty of industrial action by different groups of NHSstaff,and trusts affected will do everything in their powertokeepdisruptiontoa minimum.

“Butwithstrikes by nurses and ambulanceworkers looming, trusts arerightly worried aboutthe potential forcoordinated andprolonged industrial action in thecoming months.Weunderstandwhy staff arevotingfor industrial action but it’s vitalthatthe governmentand

unions talk urgently.”

“Trust leadersremaincommitted to ensuring the safe deliveryof care andsupportingthe wellbeing of staffthroughoutany industrial action.”

GMBNationalSecretaryRachel Harrison: “Ambulance workerslike otherNHS workers areontheir knees. Demoralisedand downtrodden,they’ve faced 12 yearsofCon servativecutstothe serviceand theirpay,and nowfacethe worst cost of living crisis in ageneration.”

Shirehalldemolition‘awaste of money’ says poll in county

NICK HUMPHREYS nick.humphreys@mnamedia.co.uk

Campaignersbelieve de molishingShropshire Council’sHQ in favour of amulti-million pound civichub wouldbeunpopularwithvotersand a“wasteofmoney”.

TheSaveOur Shirehallgroup hascarried outa survey among countyresidents, asking whether they thoughtShropshireCouncil should spendthe money on anew Shrewsbury town centre office as plannedorinvest£4million to £5 million in refurbishing itsAbbey Foregate building.

Anger

Thegroup says 96.8 percent backed refurbishing Shirehall. The campaigners’ architects’and engi neers’ assessment,theysay,forecastsarefurbishment to cost up to £5 million.However,the council abandonedplans in 2019 to revamp Shirehall–workwhich theauthor itypredicted wouldcostmorethan £24million

On theSaveOur Shirehallsur vey, groupmemberMartina Cham berlainsaid: “Weapproachedacou ple of hundredpeopleatrandomon thestreets of Ludlow andShrewsbury andfound very littlesupport

forthe idea of anew Shirehall. Many people expressedanger that ‘moreofour moneyisbeing wasted againlikeonthe shopping centres’ anditwas ‘a no-brainer’thatthey should refurbishthe currentbuild ingwhich also serves thecounty better on thepresent site

“Thisnew buildwillbea very un popularmove with voters, especial ly in financiallydifficult timesand when continueduse of arefurbished Shirehallisthe only financialand environmentalresponsible option.”

Fellow member SallyStote added:“It is clearwhatShropshirepeo plewant. Hadweasked people in everyShropshiretown, villageand hamlet we thinkthe resultswould be very similar.”

Thecampaigners have been call ingfor Shirehalltobesaved formany years. They saythe largegreybuilding, whichwas officiallyopenedby thelateQueen ElizabethIIin1967, is of importanthistoricalsignificance. However an attempttoget English Heritage to give it acertificate of im

Lessonsand post disruptedasstrikes

ThousandsofRoyal Mail workers, university lecturersand sixthform staffacrossthe region hitthe picket linesoverpay andconditions.

Yesterday’sstrikeaction–one of thebiggest walkouts in ayear dominatedbyindustrialunrest–ledtopostaldelaysand cancelled lessons.

In theWestMidlandsUniver sity andCollege Union (UCU) memberswereonstrikeatAston University,BirminghamCityUni versity, University of Birmingham, StaffordshireUniversity andUni versityofWolverhampton

Thestrikes were also backed by theNationalEducation Union

(NEU)and theCommunication WorkersUnion (CWU)–which is also planning seven morestrikes in December,including on Christ masEve

TheUCU followed up a48-hour strike last week with a24-hour stoppage amonguniversity staff. Arally in London sawstaff from theUniversity of Wolverhampton’s School of Artinattendance.

At sitesin Birmingham staff were on thepicket linesfrom8am, demandinganimprovedpay offer, fairer pensions andanend to the reliance on casualworkers

In theafternoonaregionalrally took placeinthe city centre fea-

turing stafffromacrossthe Black Countryand Staffordshire.

Strikers in Wolverhampton were backed by theuniversity’s students’union,which said in a statement: “The Students’Union stands in supportofthe Universi ty andCollege Union(UCU) staff taking strike action this month.”

Generalsecretary Jo Gradysaid: “University staffare prepared to do whatever it takestowin de cent pay, secure employment and fair pensions, andvicechancellors need to understand that they cannot simply ride this out. Students andstaff areunitedlikenever be fore

munity wasrejected in October2020 as it didnot meet thecriteria.

Thecouncil is expected to remain at Shirehalluntil newofficesare built. Theauthority wantstobuild a‘multi-agency hub’ as part of plansfor amajor re-development of theRiverside area in Shrewsbury

Thesitewould have space for about 200workers,and thecouncil said it wanted to occupy theoffices by 2026 –althoughasyet thereis no firm date over when anyofthe Riversideproject will be completed

Aspokesman said recently:“As we’vepreviouslystated,weare planning to leaveShirehall and move to anew council office and multi-agency hubaspartofthe Shrewsbury town centre regenera tion scheme

“Office hubs will also continue to be availablefor staffand coun cillorstouse in otherareas of the county,providing desks/office space outsideofShrewsburyfor staffwho requireit.

“Withfewer staffusing Shirehall,lessspace is required andonly theground, firstand second floors arenow availabletouse.Thiswill also lead to significant savingsin thecostofheating andlightingthe building.”

emailing editorial.support@mnamedia.co.uk

“Itisclear thosewho runour universities arebecomingincreas inglyisolated.

“Our union is readytodeliver more industrial action next year, butavoidingthatisentirelythe re sponsibility of employerswho have this week to make an improvedoffer. Theballisintheir court.”

ARoyal Mail spokesmansaid: “The CWUisstrikingatour busi esttime, holdingChristmas to ransomfor ourcustomers, businesses andfamilies acrossthe country.

“Weapologise to ourcustomers andstronglyurgethemtopostear ly forChristmas.”

Shropshire Councilwants to demolish Shirehalland build acivic hub

Farewell fornow to themighty Wurlitzeras it leaves county

DAVIDTOOLEY

david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

Ahistoricpipeorgan hasbeenremoved from itsShropshirenightclub home in onelast‘wurl’ of effort andglory.

The1930s Wurlitzer, whichhas been afeature at theButtermarket in Shrewsbury since1988, hasbeen movedtoanew home to make way forchanges at theHowardStreet venue.LastTuesday asquad from theShropshireTheatre Organ Trustshifted themightyWurlitzer from itshomeofmanyyears to a new, hopefullytemporary,home in Suffolk.

EddHordley,ofthe trust, said it wasan“incredibly difficult day” as they sawthe safe removalofthe Wurlitzer console from TheButter market

Entertained

He added: “Describedbyour presidentPhil KelsallMBE as ‘one of thebesttransplantinstallations in thecountry’, Shropshire’s only theatre organinapublicvenue has entertainedthousands of people over theyears andhas been played formanyeventsranging from concertstoweddings, dances to birthdayparties

“The Shropshire Theatre Organ Trustis dedicatedtopreservingour piece of musicalheritageand is on thelookout forsuitablevenuesto accommodatesuchaninstrument.

“Inthe meantime, theWurlitzer will be kept at theGrangeMusical Collection in Suffolk, whose proprietor Jonny Ling hasarrangedlong term storage. Thetrust is indebted to Mr Ling forhis kindness andassistance during this time.”

Thetrust hasthanked theown ersofThe Buttermarket forhousingthe organfor so longand it is planning furtherevents around Shropshire in thenearfuture, until atimea suitable home canbefound whichcan accommodatethe 1936 Opus 2204 Wurlitzer.

It wasoriginallyinstalled in The Ritz Cinema in Chatham, Kent

In 2000,two additional ranksof pipes were addedat TheButtermar ket,Kinuraand EnglishHorn. The ShropshireTheatre OrganTrust currentlyputsonother elec tronicconcerts/ around thecou untilthe Wurlitz canplayinpub licagain

Even though theorgan or ig in al ly came from theUSA the tec hn ol og y wasinvented in theUK.

TheWur litzer’s finalcon cert at theBut market wash Sunday, September 18

Theowner of Shrewsbury’s Buttermarket Martin Monahansaid recently that thevenue hashad

to adaptand become ‘morethana nightclub’ to ride thestorm that hashit thenight-time economy.

Martin hasinvested around £500,000 into theButter,which he says booked up for ents from September forover ayear.

Th e three-storey club hosts re gu la r events on the top floorfrom boxing match es to themed nights while ill maintain gthe nightclub entinthe cellar bar.

An expansion of thestage andother changesaspartofa £500,000 investment in thevenue

by theowner meantthatthe Mighty Wurlitzerhad to be moved.

TheWurlitzer hasauniquesound andeventhoughthisorgan orig inallycamefromthe States,the technology wasinventedin theUK.

It started outatthe 2,332-seat Ritz Cinema in Chathamand was orderedfromthe Wurlitzer factory in NorthTonawanda,America, on November23, 1936

It wasshipped to theUKonDecember 12 of thesameyear.

Prior to theRitzCinemagoing overto bingo, theorgan waspur chased andremovedbyorgan builder DavidPawlyn in 1971 andstored in hisworkshops at Aylesbury. Da vidPawlynlater installedthe organ at TheButtermarket,Shrewsbury, in 1988

Formoreinformation on the trust visithttps://www.face bo ok .c om /6 84 82 32 58 2011 27/ posts/6086626101354122.

Orchestrahonours Queen’scoronationcomposer

Arenownedcomposerwho wrote thescore fora film of thelate Queen’scoronationwas honoured by aShropshireorchestra,with herniece amongthe ensemble TheShrewsbury Symphony Or chestra playedDoreenCarwithen’s Bishop Rock Overture in aconcert marking100 yearssince thecom poser’sbirth in November1922.

Joiningtheminthe violasection at theconcert last nightat Shrews bury School wasDoreen’sniece JenniCarwithen

WhileDoreen’smorefamous husbandWilliam Alwynearneda CBEfor hiscontributiontomusic, with five symphonies,fouroperas

andnumerousconcertos,classic film scores andstringquartets to hisname, hiswife’soutputhas been largelyoverlooked,until re cently Doreen’s centenaryyearhas seen arenewed interest in her work; therewas amusic festival in hernameinher birthplace village of Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, earlierinthe summer andthe BBC Promsincludedthree of herworks in its2022season.

JohnMoore,formerdirectorof musicat Shrewsbury School,and conductorofthe Shrewsbury SymphonyOrchestra,said: “Being able to introduce theorchestra andau-

diencestothese neglected works hasbeena huge privilege.

“Doreen’scomposition Bish op Rock is amasterpiece in film score-writing, fora film never made,but onethatonhearing her music, exists immediatelyinour minds. Thepiece is beautifully constructedand onecan sense the narrativeofthe wind,the surging sea, thecalling of seabirds andthe calm afterthe stormand freedom ofthe wide open spacearoundthe Bishop Rock lighthouse with avis ta to thedistant westernhorizon

“Itisexhilaratingand it stands in comparison with anyother work in that genrethatI canthink of.”

Poorlybunnies aretaken in by county rescuer

Eightpoorlystrayrabbitshavebeen welcomedbyaShropshireanimal rescue centre in abid to find them happyhomes.

TheFuzzy Furriesrabbit and guinea pigrescue centre in Pulverbatch,south of Shrewsbury, steppedforward to help eight‘malnourished’ bunnieswho hadcome into thecareofSilth’s Sanctuary.

Silth’sisa charitythatrescues, neutersand rehomescatsinLiv erpool.Whenthe servicerescued strayrabbits thatwerespotted roamingfreelateatnight in pour ingrain, theteambegan reaching outtoother animal rescue services to help rehome them

FuzzyFurries volunteered, andit wasarrangedfor theeight rabbits to arrive in Shropshire last Sunday.

ChloeOwen, from FuzzyFur ries Rescue,said: “I wasasked by anotherrescue owneronarescue networkFacebookgroup called BunnyAngelsUKifIhad spaceto do so,due to so many beingfulldue to thecurrent crisis.Isaidyes and wasput into contactwithafounder from thesanctuary straight away.”

Chloeisappealing fordonations to keep up with rising costsand the influx of animalsbeing surrendered as households struggle with thecost of living crisis

Thecentre will hold afundraisinggroomingday in December to help manage costs. Thedatewillbe announcedonthe FuzzyFurries so cialmedia page

Publicaskedto help shape the future in project

Aproject hasbeenlaunchedto ensure Shrewsbury’s future de velopments pass ‘The Shrews bury Test’.

Shropshirecouncil,onbehalf of theShrewsburyBig Town Plan partnership, haslaunched aproject that will askthe public what makesthemsay ‘Thisis Shrewsbury’.

Theproject hopestoestab lish aset of designprinciples forfuturedevelopment in the town,ensuring that thefuture design of Shrewsbury’s buildings,streets andpublicspaces enhancethe town’s unique character-whatthe councilhas dubbed meeting‘TheShrewsbury Test’.

Designand planning consult ants, LDADesignare planning on leadingaseriesofstakehold er engagement workshops to gaugepublicviews.

People canalso getinvolved developing thedesignprinciples by visiting shrewsburydesign code.commonplace.is andcom plete ashort survey to share theirhopes forthe future design of Shrewsburytowncentre

DeanCarroll,Shropshire Council’sCabinet member for growth andregeneration, said: “Wewanttoknowwhatmakes people go ‘wow!’; andconversely, what hasthe opposite effect.”

Thousandsofpeople have been entertainedbythe Wurlitzer’srichsound

Loadingthe organontoatruck

Aviewofthe impressivekeyboards

Wurlitzerfans

Accomplished -Doreen Carwithen

Detached old schoolhouse

It’s ablank canvas

This four-bedroom detached house isready to move into –it’sa blank canvas just waitingfor you to add your finishingtouches.

Andit’soffered to themarket with no upward chain.

Setinthe popularresidential area in Parker Bowles Drive, with afront garden andalarge driveway forparking,thisnicely presented property offers you spaciouslivingaccommodation. On theground flooristhe entrance

MORETON

OIRO £500,000

This is afabulousopportunityto purchasean extremely characterful detached former school houseinan attractive villagelocation.

Thepropertyprovides flexible family accommodationincluding an entrance vestibule, L-shaped hall way, lounge with feature fireplace, largesitting roomwithspiralstair case leadingtogallery room and first flooroffice

Thereisalsoaccess from thesit ting room to thelarge garden room, akitchen andmorning roomand utility.There aretwo ground floor bedrooms andtwo bathroomsand a staircasefromthe hall to themas terbedroom suitewithdressing roomand access to bathroom anda furtherbedroom.Outside,isaparkingarea, triplegarageand gardens. Call Barberson01952 820239

Locatedina pretty village

HINSTOCK

OIRO £560,000

This beautifullydesignedmodern detached houseisinanenviableposition offaprivate road within the pretty villageofHinstock.

TheWicketsoffersveryspacious accommodationincluding afeature entrancehall, W/C, cloaks,storage cupboard,snug/office/bedroom five, lounge andspaciouskitchen/living/ dining room

On the first flooristhe main bedroomwithwalk-in wardrobe/ dressing roomand en-suite,three furtherbedroomsand alarge fami ly bathroom

It’s allset in agoodsized plotwith parkingfor several cars, access to integral garage andEVcharging point. Thereare attractivereargar denswithalovely summer house/ office.Toarrange aviewing,call Barberson01952 820239

MARKET DRAYTON

OIRO £325,000

hall,cloaks/WC,lounge, dining room with French doorsout to the rear garden andkitchen

On the first floorthere isaprin cipalbedroomwithen-suiteshow er room,plusthree furtherbed roomsand thefamilybathroom.

Outsideisa good-size enclosed rear garden with patio. Fordetails, call Barberson01630 653641

Full of charm, characterand potentialtobeaforever home

MARKET DRAYTON

OIRO £425,000

Thecharm andcharacter atElm dale in AlexandraRoadwinsyou over from themomentyou walk throughthe frontdoor.

It does need some modernising to become theperfect familyhome, butit’sagorgeous, traditionalproperty,witha good-sizegarden andin agreat location forschools andthe town centre.Plus, it’s offeredtothe market with no upward chain

Thereception hall givesataste of what’s to come in therestofthe house– originalfeatures, doors with theiroriginalhandles,beams, an open fireplaceand astaircase leadingup to the first floor.

Thereisalsoa lounge,dining room, dining kitchen, inner lobby andutility

There is theprincipal bedroom, bedroomtwo overlooksthe front of theproperty, bedroomthree is currentlyset up as ahome office andbedroom four as ahobby room Completing the first flooraccom modation is alarge bathroom with both ashower andaspa bath.

Thereisalovely mature rear garenwithpatio area

To arrangea viewing, call Barbers on 01630 653641

Beautifully presented andinaquiet cul-de-sac

HINSTOCK

OIRO £300,000

This is abeautifullypresented modernthree-bedroomdetachedproperty with greatkerb appeal anda detached garage –and setinthe quiet, highly popularcul-de-sac of Badgers Croft.

Ground flooraccommodation in cludes aspaciouslounge, smartdin ingkitchen andutility

On the first flooristhe principal bedroomwithen-suite, twofurther bedrooms andafamilybathroom.

Thepropertyisonacornerplot with an enclosed garden.CallBar bers on 01630 653641

Mixedfortunes forJLR in sales

TheUK’snew carmarkethas re corded afourthsuccessivemonth of growth

Some 142,889new cars were registeredin November, up 23.5 per cent on thesamemonth last year, accordingtothe SocietyofMotor Manufacturersand Traders.

Thereweremixed fortunes for Jaguar Land Rover, whichhas its engine manufacturingcentre at the i54north of Wolverhampton.

Land Roversaw salesrise 25.7 percentto3,468 forthe month, but Jaguar wasdown45per cent at 736.

MG,which is basedatLongbridge buthas itscarsmadeabroad, saw salesup20.9per cent to 5,062.

Top-selling carmodel in the monthwas theNissanQashqai at 5,636.Itisalso leadingthe wayon totalsales this year at 39,198

Volkswagen topped theNovembersales chartwith13,757- up 59.3 percent. Plug-incarsaccounted for morethanaquarter of themarket

Salesshoppers show caution

Airfryers, clothesairersand electric blanketsbuckeda down ward trend forBlack Friday salesthisyearasbudget-conscious consumerstooka cautiousapproach.

This year’s BlackFridaydelivered theweakest resultsfor thetechnologyand durables sector for five years, with the totalmarket down 2.1per cent andonline salesbyvalue falling 3.8per cent,accordingtoana lystsGfK

However,consumers seeking to cutenergybillssentsales of airfryersup145 percentina year in oneofthe fewpositives.

Othertop-selling energy-effi cientappliancesincludedelectric blankets, heated clothes airers andheated throws.

Thermalcurtainsand blinds also provedpopular,partofthe “low-costrefresh”trend

Rail unionasked to considerdeal

NetworkRailworkers aretostage an extra strike in thelong-running disputeoverpay,jobsand conditions.

Membersofthe Rail,Maritime andTransport union(RMT) will walk outfrom6pm on Christmas Eveuntil 6amonDecember 27 and will pressahead with two48-hour strikesnextweek.

Theunion announceditwillput thelatestoffer from NetworkRail (NR) to itsmembers, with arecom mendationtoreject

TheRMT said therehad been no improvedoffer from thetrain op eratingcompanies,claimingthey still awaiteda mandatefromthe Government. Butrailunion chiefs have been urged to “think again” andcalloff strikeswhich areset to causetransport chaos.

DowningStreetsoughttoput pressure on theRMT to accept a newpay deal,insisting it wasthe “rightoffer”.

Growingpopularityfor a favouritefestive tradition

At Leaton Forest,nearShrewsbury,around2,000 trees,plant ed andcared forbythe dedicated team,are sold everyyear.

RichardDowmanhas been in volved in nurturingthe plantations forthe past 12 yearsand hasseen many familiar facesreturnduring thefestive season year afteryearto picktheir tree.

“I’vewatched children grow up andI’veseenteenagerscome back when they areolder with theirown children.It’snicetosee people come back andbuild arelationshipwith people,” says thefatherofthree Thousandsoftrees of varying heights andvarieties canbefound across14acres of land,which forms part of theLeatonKnollsEstate.

Everyyear, thegrowers replenish theforestbyplantingnew saplings, whichare sourced from trusted suppliers.

“Weonlybuy them from sources we know andtrust,” explains Rich ard. “Weknowthenthatthey’ve got theright starttolifeand they been well looked after.”

Thenew trees,which areusually around four-years-old when they go in theground, areplanted in the gaps left behind thosethathavealreadybeenharvested

Although many growerswill plantsaplingsshortlybeforethe startofspring, Richardprefers to plantLeaton Forest’s cropsinthe autumn,which he says hasmany benefits forthe young trees.

“There is still moisturein the ground

“Ifyou plantinspring, then by summer themoisturehas gone.In autumn,the trees areenteringdor

mancyand have abetterchanceof survival.Ithink this makesamas sive difference,” he explains Oftengrowers will plantthe same species in thesameareabut Richardtakes adifferent approach

“I’m notatraditional Christmas treegrower,”hesays.

“Mybackgroundisin arboriculture andforestrysosome of theide as come from there.

“Traditionally,Christmas trees of thesamespecies aregrown to gether butwevarywhatwegrow each year andmix thespeciesup.”

This reduces theriskofdisease spreadingthroughoutthe same species andpotentially wiping outa largenumberoftrees

Importantmembersofthe team at Leaton Forest arethe Shropshire sheepwho grazeonthe grassgrowingamongstthe trees

“Wetry not to usetoo much pes ticide andherbicide. The flockgraze betweenthe trees anditmeans we’renot using astrimmer or herbicide so it’s more environmentally friendly

“Where thesheep don’tgo, we will usea strimmer or roughter rain mower,”explains Richard.

Thereisnever aquiet daywhen managing aChristmas treeforest as they requireconstantcareand

attentionthroughoutthe year

“Everything is done by hand Thetrees arehand-planted,handtrimmedand hand-felled. It’s quite labour intensivebut it’s worth it,” says Richard.

It cantakesix to seven years forsomespeciestoreach 6ftwhile Nordmann Firs mayrequireafull decade to reachthatheight.

Leaton Forest is amemberofthe BritishChristmas TreeGrowers Association,which is dedicatedto representing andactively supportinggrowers acrossthe UK

Richardsaysthe organisation, with more than300 memberssellingapproximately sixtoeight mil lion trees per year,isalso on hand to offeradvice.

It’s no surprise that therun-up to Christmasisthe busiesttimeof year with theteamfulfillingorders fortrees andwelcoming customers on site

Notonlyare Leaton Forest’s trees destined forhomesacrossthe region,but they arealso chosen to be thecentrepiece of villages and townsinthe county Town andparishcouncilsalong with Shrewsbury BIDare among thosewho source theirtrees from theestate.

From November26until Decem-

ber23, thesiteisopentothe public whocan choose from trees ready cutinthe yard,orout in theplantations.

“People canchoosetheir treeand cutitdownwithahandsaw,” says Richard. “It’snicemeeting people It gets abit stressfulat that time of year butitisenjoyable.”

GrowingChristmas trees is a satisfying andrewarding process, Richardsays. “The ground conditionsand theway wetreat thetrees works andproducesgood trees.”

To help customers keeptheir trees as healthyaspossibleduring thefestive season,herecommends keepingthe treeoutside in water, outofits netand away from frost, untiltheyare readytobring it in doors.

“Cut twoand ahalfcentimetres offthe bottom of thestump,use a wateringholding standand don’t letitrun dry. Take it into thehouse as late as possible,” says Richard. He also advises people to keep their treeawayfromany heat sources such as radiatorsorlog burners once they have broughtitindoors

l Foropening times, visitleatonforest.co.uk/christmastrees andfor moreinformation aboutthe British Christmas Tree GrowersAssocia tion,visit www.bctga.co.uk

Thereisnothingquite like arealChristmas tree andfor many fami lies choosing theirown from the fieldisamuchlovedtradition.

JoePalmerharvesting NordmannFir trees

Trevor Garsidecutsthe trees Rows of Norway SpruceTrees at Leaton Forest

RichardDowman of Leaton Forest

Campaigntosavehospital wasabig victoryfor ‘people

HEATHER LARGE heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

2005:Amassive campaignwas launched to wardsthe endofthis year to save Bridgnorth Hospital,thenunder threat of closure be causeofa£36 million NHSfunding crisis.

LocalMPPhilipDunneand the leader of Bridgnorth District Coun cil,Elizabeth Yeomans, metatthe hospital in NorthGatetourgeas many people as possible to sign a petition againstany move to close wards.

Thehospitalwas underthreatbecauseShropshire’shealthservices were £36million in thered Potentialsolutions suggested by ateamofconsultants to clear severe debt problems included ax ingcommunity hospitalsincluding Bridgnorth Mr Dunnesaidhewanted thou sandsofsignaturesonthe petition before theofficialconsultationpro cess started in thenew year

He said:“Communityhospitals providemuchbettervalue formoney in health care provisionthanscrap ping them andmakingeveryone use acutehospitals.Weare such along wayfromTelford andShrewsbury that it makesmuchmoresense, particularly forpeople coming out ofmajor surgeryfor rehab, forthem to usetheir localhospital.”

Mr Dunneaddedthe consideration to closeBridgnorthwas absurd in themiddleofamulti-million poundinvestmentprogramme

Work began in June on atwo-sto reymulti-use health centre for maternity, minor injuries andout patients, dental, chiropody, physiotherapy,x-ray andrehabilitation clinics.

“Bridgnorth is rightinthe middleofa £6.5 million project and they arethreatening to closethe hospital,”headded. “Where is the

joined-upthinking?”

Councillor Yeomans, said it was importantfor residentstoshow

Shesaid: “People need to be very awarethatweare up againstitand we need to unite. We aretalking aboutthe needs andrequirements of thepeoplewecareabout.”

Twomonthslater,morethan 1,000 people took to thestreetsin amassive show of forceagainst the possible closure of theircommunity hospitals.

CampaignersfromBridgnorth andsurrounding areaswereonthe march to protestagainst plansto close hospitalstotacklespiralling debts.Young,old,sickand healthy alljoinedthe rallies to show the huge strength of feelingabout losinglocal healthcare.Councillor Yeomans, said it wasthe dayfor

people to standupand be counted

At least1,000 people gathered in thegrounds of Bridgnorth Castletohearrousing speechesbefore amarch throughthe centre of the town

Thebanner-waving campaigners, whotooka hospital bedthrough thestreets at theheadofthe procession, were handingpetitions containingthousands of signatures to Mr DunneatBridgnorth Hospital

As they setoff on theirtrek, they joined together to sing “Closing Bridgnorth is notanoption”to the USCivil WartuneBattleHymnof theRepublic.

Trafficwas broughttoa stand still as theprotestersmarched alongthe High Street.

Councillor Yeomanssaid: “Itis time forpeopletostand up now andshowthe strength of feelingfor

theirhealthservice andwecan only do it with strength of numbers.

“Weneed to keepitgoing -thisis only the firststage.Weneed to keep thepressureonfor therestofthe hospitals. We cannot allowour NHS to be destroyedinthisway.”

Thankfully, therewas goodnew in March 2006 when campaign erscelebrated thethe newsthat Shropshire’scommunity hospitals were safe Abriefing papertoNHS officials reported that closing hospi tals at Bridgnorth, Whitchurch and Ludlow wasnolongeranoption.

Mr Dunnesaiditwas avictory forpeoplepower

Bridgnorth mayor, Councillor Jennifer Durham,saidshe wasrelieved to hear thehospitalwas safe butadded: “Wedon’t want to be complacent.”

Shiningalight on little-known industrial historyoftown

Much hasbeenwritten about Ludlow’s royalconnections and itswell-knownmedieval, Tudor andGeorgianbuildings.

Butits northern, industrial quarterhas never been as well documented –until now. Previouslyuntoldstories aboutthe people wholived andworkedin this part of town as well as its buildingshavebeenrevealedin anew book

It hasbeenwritten by Jon athanand Rosemary Wood, whomovedintoThe Merchant House in LowerCorve Street in 2006.This15thcentury half-timberedhouse with the river Corverunningbehindit hasbeenowned by wealthydyers, tannersand glovers.

Andmorerecently it became world-famousasthe home of aMichelin-starredrestaurant ownedbymasterchef, Shaun Hill

When Jonathanand Rose mary movedintoThe Merchant House,Jonathan, amotoring historian, journalist andauthor, beganresearching itshistory Work intervened,and thefor mer chairman of Ludlow Historical Research Groupput the projectonholduntil his retire ment wouldallow himthe time to finish it

Sadlyin2019Jonathansuf feredastroke, whichmeant he couldnolongerwrite or carry outany research,sothe baton waspassedtoRosemary.

To ensure theworkhehad done prior to hisstrokedidn’tgo to waste,the couple then agreed thebookshouldbecompleted andthatRosemarywould un dertakethe outstandingwork.

“Jonathanhas always been in terested in localhistory andhas given anumberoflectures and Powerpoint presentations on localhistory,” shesays. “When we movedintoThe Merchant House,hebegan researching it in depth. He hadtoput it to onesideand theideawas that when he retiredhe wouldpick it up again. He hadspent alot oftimeresearchingand writing 30,000 words on thehistory of Merchant’sHouse so it seemed a greatshame if it didn’t happen.”

n ThePeopleand History of LowerCorve Streetand St Mary’s Lane,Ludlow, will be availablefromCastleBookshop, Ludlow,at£20

theirsupport

Protesters pass thetownhallonthe high street on theway to Bridgnorthhospital

Marchers proceeddownthe High Street to protestinJanuary2006Thousands gatheroutsidethe HospitalinBridgnorth

Jonathanand Rosemary

Helplinecan offersupport

Followingthe introductionof Defra’sAvian Influenza(AI) mandatoryhousing order, farm ingcharity RABI is reminding poultryproducers of thesupport services availableduringthis worryingtime.

RABI’s services managerHelen Sisk said anyfarmerimpacted by therapid escalationofthe latest AI outbreakcan access thecharity’s free confidential helplineand arrangeprofessional in-personmentalhealth counselling

MrsSisksaid: “These hous ingmeasureshavebeenintroducedtosafeguard animal welfare, yetRABIknows that this mandatoryorder places ad ditional stresses on an already pressuredpoultry sector

“Weprovide easily accessible, round-the-clock servicesthat canhelpfarmers during diffi culttimes

“Ifanyoneisstrugglingas aresultofthisrecentnews, please call ourfarming-trained teamwho canhelpyou getthe supportyou need.”

RABI’s free counselling is delivered by BACP accredited counsellors. Counselling ses sionscan take placeface-to face,bytelephoneorvideocon ferencingand aretailoredand ledbyeachindividual Call thehelplineon0800188 4444 forsupport

Tool measures peatland levels

Hill andfenland farmersare being urged to measureand manage their farm’s natural capital in light of the renewedfocus on peatland restoration

Butwithmismanagement of peatlandhavingthe potentialto derail theindustry’snet zero am bitions, farmersmustbegiventhe righttools to do so,saidTrinity AgTech’s director of business development Anna Woodley.

“Peatlandisincrediblyimpor tant forimproving therural econ omy, domestic food security,and reaching ournet zero ambitions,” explainedMsWoodley. “Yet many first-generation carbon calculators do nottakepeatlandintoaccount.

Whereitdoes exist, themethodolo gy lacks sophistication andaccuracy andbulks peat in theFensasthe same as theWelsh uplands, whichit clearlyisn’t

“Farmers cannot be expected to be effective stewards of thelandif they arenot given theright insights andreliableanalytics.”

Ms Woodleysaida newpeatland module within next generation natural capitalnavigator Sandyhas recently been launched to support farmerstocrediblyand accurately measuretheir carbon andbiodi versity footprints forthe very first time

Developed by ateamofscientists andengineers,the system’s founda tion is builttoaccuratelycapture andreflectthe specificfeaturesof afarm, includingamethodology for categorising peatland

‘Electric’trade on memorableday MARKET REPORT

MARKET DRAYTON

WEDNESDAYNOVEMBER30,204 CLEAN

CATTLE &YOUNGBULLS.Christmas cheer in abundanceand atrade whichwas electric making theshowand sale an extremely memorable day. Ahugevoteofthanks to ourjudges, vendors, buyers, sponsors and staffwhose contribution to theday make it special.I am extremely humbled by the levelofsupportreceivedonthe dayfromthe number of qualitycattleforward,the army of buyersinattendance andthe generosity of oursponsors!! Tradewas dynamicwith no fewerthantwenty-eight cattle selling in excess of 300p andnot allthese were in the show either.Showcattleaveraged350p with an overall market average of 256p OurJudgesperformed afantasticjob with Mr Richard Taylor judging ourclean andMr TomBaldwin judging ourbulls.MrIan Brown andFamily, Werringtontaking tophonours on theday with atremendousBritishBlue heifer weighing470 kiloswinning Class SixYoung FarmersClassthen winning Market Drayton CleanChampion and finally being topped for ourSupreme Champion Theheiferthen sold for650prealising £3,055.00and finallybeing purchased by Mr Ed Nield of Betchton.ReserveChampion wasaLimousinheifer againshown by The BrownFamily, Werrington. Theheiferwon ClassFiveSmallholdersClass, sheweighed 548kilosand sold for 420p andreturned £2,301.60and purchased byour judge Mr RichardTaylor.FarmAssured Champion wasawarded to aBritishBluesteershown by Mr BrianTaylor andFamily. The534 kilo steer sold to 590p to gross£3,150.60 andpurchased by Mr Ed Nield.Therewere 75 bulls-Few less bullsforward butwhat we lacked in quantity we madeupfor in quality! Champion Bull wasawarded to the winner of Class14BestContinentalBull theBritishBlueweighed370 kilosselling to 370p (£2,649.20)fromMrPaulMoseley andFamily, Allostock. Mr EdwardsEvans andFamily, Halfway House Limousins sold to 308p (£1,915.76)and 306p (£1,634.04), E.T. White&Son,Brewood Limousin to 298p (£1,817.80)and toppedthe nativeswithan Angusto278p(£1,818.12),The Darlington Family, Springbank sawtheir Limousins to 296p(£2,350.24),280p (£2,217.60)and 266p (£2,298.24), Mr BernardParsons and Family, Golden Hill Lane had atremendous runof bullsto294p(£2,010.96),293p (£1,980.68),284p(£1,936.88),283p (£1,533.86) and280p (£2,217.60). Black andwhitessold to 240p (£1,718.40)from FirTreeCattleCompany, Whitfield.The overall section average returned at 240p (£1,458.45). 60 Steers–Some trulycracking cattle in theranks andfromshowcattleto commercial arealbiteinthe trade. Paul & Christine Tippets,LodgeHill sold Limousins to 370p (£2,382.80),355p(£2,051.90) and350p(£2,016.00).MrDarrenYoung, BalterleyLimousinto365p(£2,204.60)and TheBrown Family,Nuneaton Limousins to 365p (£2,237.45), 350p (£2,040.50), Mr ChrisLongton &Family, Hatton Hall Limousin to 345p (£1,725.00) andCharolais to 330p (£1,762.20)and Team Hancock, Elton British Blue to 318p (£1,558.20).Nativesteersto 270p twice(£1,668.60and £1,501.20) for Herefords from TheEllisFamily, Kenley.In thelumpHF. &J.Langley &Partners, Malpas Angusgenerated £1,891.40and £1,858.56 etc. Thesection average returnedat257p (£1,591.10). 69 Heifers-Nowherenear enough heiferstoquenchthe buying power around thering andmorecould easily have beensold to vendorsadvantage on theday Mr Darren Young, Balterleysold Limousin to 485p (£2,502.60).TeamHancock,Elton runof Limousins to 455p (£2,275.00), 430p (£2,425.20), 390p (£2,410.20), 355p (£2,208.10). Mr ChrisLongton&

Family, Hatton Hall runof continentals to 450p (£2,295.00),410p(£1,927.00), 395p (£1,951.30), 380p (£1,862.00), 340p (£1,890.40), TheBrown Family,Nuneaton 390p (£2,246.40)and 375p(£1,946.25),Mr IanLewis &Family, WoldsLaneLimousin to 320p (£1,881.60)tomention afew Nativesto249p(£1,274.88) from Mr David Charlesworth&Family, HinstockHalland just to highlight thetrade blackand white heifers to 260p (£1,393.60)fromMrMarkLokier & Family, NewtownVilla. Thesection average returned at 278p (£1,567.06). Commercial Highest PriceHeifersMr RichardSavage 306p (£1,927.80)Limousinweighing 630 kilos. Steers N.TN.&EM.Baskeyfield 264p (£1,488.96) BritishBlueCross weighing 564kilos. BullsMrBernard Parsons283p (£1,533.86).Limousinweighing 542kilos.

CHRISTMASSHOW&SALE,60DAIRY CATTLE.The Christmas Show &Sale was judgedbyJohn andJames Colclough, Sandbachand sponsoredbyGenusABS and LLM Farm Vets.The Champion wasthe first prizeheiferfromDavid andIan Whitticase of St Martinsand sold for thetop priceof £2,800.Eightheifers made£2,000 heifers or moreincluding £2,520 WyndfordWagyu, Newport, £2,220 P. &M.Timmis,Standon, £2,200S &AMay,Bromsgrove, £2,200 and £2,000 David Monk,Ormskirk, £2,120 SkinnerBros, MeltonMowbray,£2,020 Eifion Evans, Denbigh.Fourcowscrossed the£2,000 barrierwiththe top priced being athirdcalverfromJohn Lomax,Baldwins Gate,which sold for£2,120. Clayden Farm Partners, Crewe, had the firstprize cow whichwas asecondcalverwhichsold for £2,000,withtheir second calversselling for £2,000 and£1,900. £2,000.Richard Thompson, Ashbourne,£1,980. Therewas a generalreluctancetobid much over £2,000 with themajorityof thecattlemeeting spirited bidding from £1,600 to £1,900.In-calf heifers sold to £1,420 and£1,400, drycowsto £1,120 andheifer calves to £150.Averages:

Top10Heifers£2,183, 38 Heifers £1,719 (all in), Top4Cows£2,050, 12 Cows £1,843 (all in). 1505 PRIME LAMBS.Morelambs forwardwithnearlythree hundred show lambsonoffer were metwitha flying trade throughout. An overall market average was returned at astaggering 266p.The Champion Penof Lambsand FirstPrize in Class19sold to 590p per kilo weighing41.8kgs to gross £246.62for Mr Liam Swinnerton of Lipley Villaand were purchased by thejudge Mr David Jonesof JonesBrothers(Abattoir) Class17BestPen of Five LambsUnder42kg First:-H.F.Jonesof Tynewydd 39kgs(470p) £183.30(ReserveChampion)Purchased by JonesBrothers(Abattoir).Second B. Lawton &Son of Weston Jones38kg(405p) £153.90 PurchasedbyMr TimSkyrme. Class18 BestPen of Five Lambs42Kilosor Over First :- Mr A. Williamsof Basford44.8kgs (400p) £179.20 PurchasedbyMr ScottShepley Second:-Mr A. Williamsof Basford43kgs (380p)£163.40 Purchased by Mr Scott Shepley. Class19BestPen of Five Lambs Farm AssuredFirst :- Mr L.T. Swinnerton of LipleyVilla(Champion) 41.8kgs(590p) £246.62Purchased by JonesBrothers (Abattoir). Second:-B.Lawton &Son of Weston Jones41.2kgs(345p)£142.14 PurchasedMrTim Skyrme.The vast majorityof show lambssold300pto350p/ kilo.Abig thank youtoall vendors, buyers, sponsors andstaff whohelped make the dayahugesuccess andMrDavid Jones of JonesBrothersfor judging.Commercial lambssoldtoadecenttrade toppingat330p for41kilostoreturn £135.30for J. Bailey, Market Drayton.Heavies were in very strong demandregularlyselling between 260p and290p.LambsGraded :- Lights to 278p (£81.18) average 239p(£69.09). Standards to 470p (£183.30)average 259p (£95 21). Mediums to 590p (£246.62)average 276p (£115.54). Heaviesto319p(£151.90) average 265p (£128.23). 583CALVES. What aday in thecalfring for Christmas Show week, packed with qualitycalvesfor our buyers

to getstuck into,and thetrade did not disappoint. Well done to thewinners of both classes today, theBrindley family, trading as Lees DairyFarms,Adderleywiththeir Charolaisbulland heifer,who were both boughtbyMrA Whitfield of Derrington.Also deservingamention today, JH.&AB. Hall &Son,Ellesmere, whosold an Angusbull for£352. Mr L.P. AtkinofWhitgreave whose Charolaisbullsold for£400and Moreton Wood Farm Ltd, Calverhall whosold aBlue heifer for£415. Demand hasbeen very strong forthe top tier andmedium calves butstill a very selective tradefor thebottomend.Trade of theday wouldgotothe Continentalheifers whichhave been on fire with buyers from far andwide.Ontothe section round ups, Friesiansgoodtosell with top price going to JH.&AB. Hall &Son at £112.Besttypes at £70to£110and mediums andsmalls£25 to £50. Thenative bullssaw morequality forwardand tradeupagearwithseveral buyers aftercalvesaroundthe £120 to £180 mark.Top call went to astunning Angusbull from JH.&AB. Hall &Son at £352. Best bullsat£170to£230, mediums at £90to £150 andsmallsat£40 to £70. Next the Continentalbulls,whichwereastrong trade, demandverystrong forthe well shapedbulls no matter of theage.Top call was£405 fora CharolaisbullfromLeesDairy Farms. Bestat £270 to £320 andmediumsat£180to£250, smallsat£100to£160. Thenative heifers have been apleasingtrade with more quality forwardthanwe’ve seen for manyweeks. Top pricewenttoSillito&GillFarming,Ashley who’sHerefordsold for£160. Besttypes £80 to £130,mediums£50 to£70 andsmalls£25 to £40. TheContinentalheifershave been the tradeofthe daywithseveral seasonalbuyers abouttoday lifting thetrade.Top price was ourshowwinnerfromLeesDairy Farm at £445.Bestheifersat£220to£260, mediums £150 to £200,smalls£70 to £130.Agood show of Weanlingstodayincluded Limousins from MrG.B.Warner,Shrewsbury at £440

Ian Brownand hisson arepresented with theirSupreme Champion awardbyjudge RichardTaylor

Farm Support

Group’ssuccess is celebrated at HouseofLords

ThePrince’sCountryside Fund broughttogethermembersofits Farm SupportGroup initiative at theHouse of Lords.

Theevent,hosted by Baroness Kate Rock,was to promote the success of theirinvolvementinthe recent Farm forthe Future programme andtolaunchthe accompanyingevaluationreport.

KeithHalstead, executivedirec torofthe fund,said: “Itwas fantastic to be able to bringtogether thefarmsupport groups whohave been so instrumental to thesuccess of ourFarmfor theFuturepro gramme

“Injustsix months, we managed to supportover 880 farmingfamilies to improve theirbusinessand environmentalknowledge,withan incredibly 95 percentreporting that they feel more confident in theirability to plan forthe future as aresultoftakingpart.

“The programmeisalso creating alegacyoflocal networks,helping to tackle theproblem of isolationin ourcountryside.”

Farm forthe Future is thefund’s free programmeofsupport providing business andenvironment trainingand one-to-one supportto farmersacrossEngland, delivered by Farm SupportGroupsin15areasand virtually.

Funded by Defra, theprogramme helpsfarmers tackle theongoing challenges andgrasp thenew op portunitiesonoffer linked to the agricultural transition. Thepro gramme is nowopenfor farmersto sign up to across Englandvia princescountrysidefund.org.uk/farmforthefuture

‘Considerherbicide programmecarefully’

Farmersshouldconsidertheir spring herbicideprogramme care fully, expertsatcropproduction specialists Hutchinsons say.

They sayfarmers need to avoid carry-over of anyresidualactivity from spring appliedsulphonylurea herbicides,particularlyifitremainsdry andthenturns wetlater on in theseason.

Hutchinsons’technical manager Dick Nealesaid: “Thisisparticu larlythe case forthose growerswho arethinkingabout increasing the areasofcover cropstheywill grow next summer or forthose thinking

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

of coming back into or extending theiroilseed rape acreage.

“The valueofbothcrops is high so it’s best to avoidcompromising theirestablishment if avoidable.

“Thisputsmoresignificanceon how weed controlisbuilt upinthe spring to avoidresidualherbicide activity carrying over

“Itdoesn’t mean holdingoff controlling thedifficult weeds,but look at how ‘softer’ sulphonylureas

couldworkwhilststill controlling the weedswithout thelongtailof residuality. It’s the fine detailsthat will matter.”

Mr Nealepointsout that grassweed contacts such as Hatra and Pacifica Plus canhavelong-lasting effectsinthe soil

He said farmershavetoconsider this if they areplanningtoincorporatetheminspringherbicide programmes wherecover cropsor oilseed rape is following.

Formoreadviceonspringherbicide management, peoplecan visit the firm’s website

Naturalsolutions ‘willbring benefits to farmingbusiness’

Integratingtrees,hedges and3Dbuffers on farmscan improvesoil quality, reduce run-off andcreatevaluablehab itatsfor wildlife,anew piece of work hasfound.

Work carriedout by SACCon sultinghas identified keyactions farmerscan take to better conserve naturalcapital assets on theirland, whichcould have huge benefits to theirbusinesses.

Thefocus hasbeenonexplor ingthe benefits of agroforestry, planting hedgerows, andcreating 3D buffer strips –which consid er ecosystems belowground, at ground level andthe canopiesabove ground

Theteamhas puttogetherfactsheets,videosand podcasts, and shared experiencesfromfarmers to offeradviceonhow to embrace theseactions

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

SACConsulting’sRachelSmillie said:“Thepurpose of this workwas to highlightthe magnitudeofeco system services supplied by what areconsideredasthe least produc tive areasofthe farm,hedgesand edges.

“Wewanted to demonstratethat increasingthe ecosystemservices supplied by yourlanddoesn’tneed to take valuable land outofproduc tion andhow you canget themaximumbenefits from these areas.

“Through re-designing areas such as buffer strips, they canbe enhanced to 3D buffer strips.This type of bespokebufferstrip cansup plyecosystem services in sub-soil, on thesurface andabove ground in thetreecanopyand canbedesigned to comply with regulations,and can relievepressures on yourfarmas well as thewater environment.”

In the firstpodcast episodelook

ingspecificallyatagroforestry, Ra chel spoketofarmerand consultant StephenBriggsfromAbacusAgriculturewho planted4,500 apple trees on hisarable farm in Cambridgeshirein 2009.

Stephenexplained how when he firstmoved to thefarmin 2007, it wasa fullyarable operationof wheatand oilseed rape,but thesoils were exhausted duetoover-cultiva tion,fertiliserand pesticidesusage andhefound they were eroding away in thewind.

He said:“Oneofthe primary thoughtprocesses wastouse the trees as buffersagainst some of the soil erosion by reducing wind speed, butnot only didIwantwindbreaks, theyhad to make me money– I’ve gotrenttopay.”

He said thetrees have brought himadditionalincome, selling about 5,000bottles of fruitjuice a year,aswellasselling apples direct

He said:“Theagroforestryisdelivering everything we want.It’s

reducing wind speed,it’simproving soil quality, thesoils have massively changed from beingbacterial dominated to now very fungal dominated

“We’ve seen a10times species richness improvementinbiodiver sity

“Wehave200 percentmorebum blebeesand 400per cent more polli nating insects.”

In thesecondepisode, agricultur al consultant andmixed beef and arable farmer Mary Jane-Lawrie takeslisteners throughher journey reinstatingold boundaries on-farm andcreatingvaluablehabitatsfor wildlife

Shesaid: “By adding in hedges,it hasgiven aniceboundarytomost of our fields,which is notonlyaplus cosmetically butbyaddingfeatures back in,ithas provided milesof nestinghabitat forbirds andrough grassfor insects.”

Thefactsheetsand podcasts can be foundat sruc.ac.uk

Promar awarded survey contract

Followinganextensive retender processbyDefra,PromarInterna tional hasbeenawarded thenext Farm Business Survey (FBS)con tract in England.

Promar will be responsiblefor recruiting farms, collecting and processing data forthe 2022/23 survey year andfor an initialfouryear period.The transferofcurrent FBSactivitiesand stafffromthe incumbentsupplier, RuralBusiness Research,willcompleteatthe end of January.

“The FBSprovidesessential data to help Defrabetterunderstandand monitorthe economic performance andproductivity of farm business es to help shapeand evaluateagriculturalpolicydecisions, while farmerscan use thedatatoimprove theirbusinessthrough access to management accounts andunique benchmarking,” said Sandra Call wood, director of research with Promar

Disease‘more widespread’

Mycoplasma bovisismorewidespread thanpreviouslythought, affectingbeefand dairycattle acrossthe country, accordingto resultsfroma newsurveillance programme.

Anditcan be easily detected throughbulkmilkserology testing, whichthe resultssug gest aremoresensitive than otherforms of testing.

“For afew years, Ihavesus pected that M. bovis is more prevalent than expected,” ex plainedGraeme Fowlie,direc torofMeadows Vets.“Andfrom working with vets acrossthe countrytakingpartinthe surveillance programme, it’s be come clearthatthatisthe case.”

Theresults,fromvet practices across England, Scotland, Walesand Northern Ireland, show that M. bovisispresent in everyregion.

Appointment is announced

Agronomy firm ProCam hasap pointed SimonMontgomery as technical teamleadfor itsField Op tionsdivision.

Simonjoins FieldOptions following theretirementoftechnical director FrancisDunne. He will be responsiblefor helpingtobring thetwo operations of thebusiness, FieldOptions andProCam, closer together underone umbrella to de liver an improvedservice forboth companies’ customers andpersonnel.

Setupin2004, FieldOptions marketsacomprehensive rangeof forage seedsand associatedproducts, from grassmixtures, maize, fodderbeet, andwholecrop forage mixtures to seeds forenvironmentalschemes,green manuresand game cover.The companyalso providesforageplanningadviceand supplies specialistfertilisers, si lage inoculants andcropprotection agrochemicalstolivestockfarmers

ExpertsatHutchinsons sayfarmers should consider theirspring herbicideprogramme carefully

Businesses must actonanalytics

An award-winningdigital expert is warningofasignificant change in theworld of Google Analyticsand is urging businesses to actnow to ensure asmoothtransition.

UniversalAnalytics –the version of Google Analyticsthatmostweb sitesare using– will stop working on July 1nextyear. Itsreplacement, Google Analytics4,will notbeen abledautomatically andbusinesses will need to ensure it is setupand configurediftheywishtocontinue usingGoogleAnalytics.The new serviceisalready availablefor busi nesses to startusing straight away HelenCulshaw,DirectorofNew port-baseddigital agency Ascend ancy,saiditwas importantthat businesses made theswitchnow to avoid theproblem of having no availablehistoricaldataafterthe July 1deadline.

Shesaid: “Whilebusinesses can make thenecessary changes them selves,setting it allupisnot easy.”

Firm expandsto meetdemand

Theplanningand develop ment department at aShrews bury-basedcompany is ex pandingdue to demand forits professional services forresi dential, commercial, agricultur al andleisure developments.

Hallsmanages thecomplete process, starting with identify ingand promoting potentialdevelopment land,advisingofop tionsand then preparingplans andsubmittingplanningappli cations. Should aclientwish, thecompany canmanagethe sale of letting of land or com mercialorresidential property DirectorShaun Jones said: “Planningapplicationshave become much more complex in recent years.

“The staycationingboomhas createdgreater demand forlei sure type developmentsinrural areas.”

Driversoffered newHGV course

Abus andHGV driver trainingpro gramme hasbeenlaunchedtomeet thespecificneedsofcoach andhaul ageoperators across thecountry. Theprogramme is thebrainchild of driver trainingspecialistDulson Training andthe pilotproject has seen thecompany’s trainers spend time at Shropshire-basedLakeside Coachestodevelop acoursestruc turedtomeetthe leading coachop erator’s needs.

Thenew servicecentresonDriv er CPC,alegal obligation whichre quires bus, coachand HGVdrivers to complete 35 hourstrainingover a five-yearperiod, andthe success of thepilot projecthas now seen DulsonTrainingrollout thepro gramme to otheroperators whoare alreadyrecognisingthe benefits

SteveDulson, of DulsonTrain ing, whichhas threeShropshire centres, said:“We arenow pro viding bespoke driver trainingfor coachand haulageoperators.”

Roadshow proves major success

Aroadshowaimed at helpingto establishnew strong business connectionsand sharebestprac tice hasbeendeclaredahugesuc cess

Shropshire’s‘Business Growth Roadshow’ended itstourwitha well-attended breakfastsession at Shrewsbury Town FC this week.The free eventpreviously stoppedoff in Oswestry, Lud

low, Whitchurch, Telford, and Bridgnorth

ShropshireChamber director Rachel Owen said:“It hasbeen fantastictobeabletotakethis differentkindofbusinessevent to allcorners of thecounty.”

“We’ve held theroadshowin afantastically diverse rangeof premises andfeedback hasbeen fantastic”

National accolade forlegal expert

Alegal expert from locallaw firm mfgSolicitorshas been ratedastop ranked lawyer in the2022edition of theLegal 500.

Robert Weston,who leadsthe law firm’s ContentiousTrustsand Pro bate department,has been named in thelegal guide’shighestrated hall of fame list forhis consistently excellentservice andadvicetocli ents in complexwills andinher itance cases

Thenewscomesasthe whole department,which includes col leaguesSuzanne Lee, Victoria Wall andAndrewChandler, hasalso been highlightedagain as coveted “TierOne”department– forthe 10th year in arow

Thelaw firm,which hasofficesin Telfordand Ludlow ,has also seen itsAgriculture andRural Affairs team beingrankedagain in Tier Oneafterasuccessfulyear.

Fundingsets up import firm formajor expansionscheme

MATTHEWPANTER matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

ATelford-based wholesale import andexporter hassecured nearly £260,000 as part of majorexpansion plans.

The€300,000 facility,from Growth Lending, will provide New port Farmer with theworking cap ital to expandintonew suppliersas well as diversify itscustomerbase.

Foundedin2019, NewportFarm er facilitatesthe import andexport of producesuchasbananas,limes, plantain andmangoesthrough an integrated supply chainnetwork

Thebusinessworks with aselec tion of producersfromthe Domin ican Republic, Mexico,Costa Rica andColumbia, ensuring that clients acrossEuropereceive thebestqual ityproduce

Thefacility from Growth Lend ingwill enable thebusinesstocon tinuetoimprove theefficiency and reliability of goods,service andcost to clients.

In addition,itwillensure New port cancontinueits missionofrep resentingfarmers andproducers by working directly with distribu tors at theend of thesupplychain, giving them thebestchanceofa goodprice in ahighly competitive market.The business has chosen to workwithGrowthLending as it wasabletooffer astandaloneEUR facility,withnoconditional require ment to fund GBPalongside it

Agency completes£250k investmentdrive

AWestMidland estate andletting agency hascompleted a£250,000 investmentdrive that hasseenit establisha newWorcestershire office near Kidderminster andem bark on arecruitment campaign Berriman Eaton, whichalso has officesinBridgnorth, Tettenhall andWombourne,has used the fundingboost to secure sustained growth in housesales andalet tingsportfolio that hasincreased

CORSER

john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

by 25 percentto400 properties undermanagementinthe last 12 months

In order to continue to offerthe highestlevelsofcustomerservice, thebusinesshas takenonthree newapprentices to join theteam, followinginthe footstepsofiden

ticaltwins Hannahand Sophie Jones andEllaColeman whohave just completedtheir apprentice ships

The finalmajor development has been thelaunchofthe new Ber rimanEaton brandand corporate identity, “NickBerriman, director at Ber rimanEaton,said: “Our £250,000 investmenthas been putinplace to buildonour strong position ”

Newpress will increase printcapacityatSirane

Telford-based packagingspecial istthe Sirane Group, thelargest flexible pouchmanufacturerin theUK, hassigneda deal foran undisclosedsum with Bobstfor installation of the firstVisionCI flexopress in theUK– andthe only onecustomisedtorun Sirane’s wa ter-basedprint technology.

Theinstallationofthe Bobst VI SION CI, whichshouldbeupand runningbythe endofFebruary, will significantly increase print capacity at ourTelford site.Itwill also offersignificant advantages in ourdrive forincreased sustaina bililty.

PeterRalten, chief commercial

officer, said:“Sirane’s alreadythe UK’s largestproducerof flexible packagingpouches in theUK–andthisnew printing pressfrom Bobst will allowustobuild on that position,and move forwards.”

Thenew Bobst pressisdesigned to deliver themostefficientperfor mancefor printing on allmateri als– includingtraditional flexibles –aswellas on Sirane’s innovative andrecyclablepaper-basedEarth film andrecyclableRePEatstruc tures–and Bobsthavecustomised thepress to ourneeds, ensuring it is compatible with ourwater-based printing andwithour innovative Amethyst printtechnology.

As well as thebuildquality and performance, theenvironment was also part of theconsideration.The presshas adualtechnologydrying tunnel with thesmartHEAT re coverysystem. Thesmart Graphic PositioningSystem, smartGPS is amajor innovationin thedevel opment of digitalizedautomation systemsfor theprintingindustry andwill dramatically reduce the amount of material used during theset-upofa printing job.

This smartGPS system andthe catwalkviewing window,will to gether significantly reduce the amount of material wasted while settingup thepress to printajob

Andy Roberts,CarolineEaton andNickBerriman,ofBerriman Eaton

JOHN

ACROSS

1. City which houses HarvardUniversity (9)

8. ‘The Private ---’, play by Peter Shaffer (3)

9. Draper in a1905 novel by H.G. Wells (6,5)

11. African river which forms the frontier between Zambia and Zimbabwe (7)

12. River which passes through Lake Constance (5)

13. In Britain, the actors’ trade union (6)

15. Shrine at which agod is consulted, such as that at Delphi (6)

17. Rainer Maria, poet who authored Sonnets to Orpheus (5)

18. Male character from French pantomime with awhite face (7) 20. 1934 novel by Laurens VanDer Post (2,1,8) 22. Machine used for separating seeds from raw cotton (3) 23. ‘The Living ---’, 1987 James Bond film (9)

DOWN

2. Scottish port on the Firth of Clyde (3)

3. Baton ---, state capital of Louisiana (5)

4. Small antelope of the genus Madoqua (3-3)

5. Antarctic penguin, Aptenodytes forsteri (7)

6. French actress whose screen roles included An American in Paris (6,5)

7. British cleric who became general secretary of C.N.D. in 1980 (5,4)

10. ‘--- the Great’, play by Christopher Marlowe (11)

11. Seaport linked by canal to Bruges (9)

14. Rock group whose last concert was filmed by Martin Scorsese as The Last Waltz (3,4)

16. Plant with whorled leaves and white flowers (6)

19. The short final stanza of apoem (5) 21. Small domesticated feline mammal (3)

WORD WISE

FAMULUS

A Attendant to amagician

B Basket for sowing corn

C Ancient lighthouse or beacon

gives athirdfabric

caps in 1974 (5)

Marat ....., 2000 US Open men’ssingles tennis champion (5)

In bowls, the part of abowl designed to allow it to curve when thrown (4)

&2DFrance-born Spurs defender whomoved to Portsmouth in 2006 (3,7)

QUIZ

In which month is theHenley RoyalRegatta held?

Made familiarwith (4,2)

Silver keepsakes that tell astory arecherished

Ourfavourite jewellery canrepre sent specialmomentsin ourlives, evokehappy memoriesand connect us with lovedones.

Lori Ridgwayloves creatingbespokepiecesfromsilver that tell a storyand will be cherishedbytheir ownerfor yearstocome

Shealso specialises in giving cherishedsentimental itemsanew leaseoflifebyremodelling them into newpiecesthatcan be worn moreeasily.

Lori,who hasaworkshopin Featherstone,has been making jewellery formanyyears andhas workedwithsilver clay forthe past decade

“I’vealwaysmadejewellery, sinceIwas achild.I’m thesortof person whodecideswhatjewellery they want andthenmatches their outfittothe jewellery rather than

theother wayaround. When Iwas younger Icould never find what I wanted,soIstarted making my own. I’dalwayswantedtomake silver jewellery butIthought it wouldbetoo expensiveand Iwould need abig workshop. Then Ifound outabout silver clay anddecidedto give it ago,”she says

Silver clay hasbecome an in creasingly popularchoice amongst jewellery makers as it allows them to easily create finely detailed piec es.It’sformedfromtinypiecesof silver,recycledfromindustry, that is mixedwithabinderand mois ture.Itcan be sculpted,moulded andtexturedjustlikeregular clay to create itemssuchaspendants, earrings andcharms.

Lori is also commissioned to re design piecesthatmay holdsenti mental valueorhavebeenhanded

down throughthe generations.

Lori will re-purpose themetal andstonesand create something newthatthe ownerwill able to and will want to wear againand again.

“A lotofsentimental jewellery sits in people’s jewellery boxesand is never wornsoit’snicefor it to come outand seelifeand be worn again,”she says

As well as making jewellery,Lori also enjoyssharing herexpertise andinspiring others to be creative

The50-year-old,who hasahigh er diplomainsilver artclay, runs workshops throughout theyear teaching participants how to use silver clay andmakea varietyof differentjewellery

Theseare runatThe Granary Workshop in Featherstone and Westhope CollegeinCravenArms.

n Seelrsilverjewellery.co.uk

Helpingdog owners create a positive bond with theirpet

HEATHER LARGE heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Creating positive relationshipsbetween dogs andtheir owners is theaim of experienced trainerand behaviourist Rich vanEggermond.

Having grownupwithdogsin TheNetherlands,heknewfroma veryyoung agethathewanted to workwithdogssome day.

Rick became fascinatedbythe behaviourofdogsand completed aMasters degree in clinical psychology(MSc) –asthere were no animal behaviourqualificationsat thetime. He hasmanaged thedog department at oneofthe largest rescue centresin TheNetherlands andworkedinthe rehabilitation de partment at BatterseaDogs&Cats Home,which waswhere he methis wife Sam, whowas involved in re homingand assessingbothcatsand dogs

Afterencounteringmanydogs with behaviourproblemsthrough hiswork, Rick decidedtoset up All Positive DogServices five yearsago Rick,who is afullmember of the Association of PetDog Trainers, nowworks with petsand owners from southShropshireand Here fordshire. Hisdream wastohelp owners develop apositive bond with theirdog and, in turn reduce the number of animalsthatend up in rescues–aphilosophythatisvery close to hisheart

“A lotofdogsend up in rescue throughnobody’sfault or because no oneunderstands what it takesto look aftera dogofa certainbreed,” says Rick

He is determined to preventthis from happeningbyworking with dogs from an earlyage,where possible, andhelping puppiestobecome “well-adjusted adults”solessani mals endupinrescue

As well as classesofferingbasic trainingfor puppiesand advice on common issues,likechewing,sleep ing, toiletingand lifeskills, his team also offerdedicated sessions forpuppy socialising

“Mostdog owners know to socialise theirdog with otherdogsbut thereare alot of misconceptions abouthow to do this,” says Rick

Theclasses provideasafeenvironmenttodevelop skills such as getting used to newnoises, objects andsmells, how to meet andgreet people,how andwhentogreet other dogs andlearningtoignoreother dogs.

When he firstset up AllPositive DogServices, he workedalone,hir ingalocal villagehalltoteach afew

classes butnow theteam, basedin Hope-under-Dinmore, hasgrown to five

Eachmember of theteamspe cialisesinspecificareas,allowing them to teach arange of different disciplines fordogsofall ages and abilities –frompuppy classes and one-to-one trainingtoscent work andagility

Sessions take placeineithertheir two-acre secure fieldorthe largein door trainingarea.

They also offerworkshops specifically forgun dogs whichare delivered by HelenPhillips, oneofthe UK’s topgun dogtrainers, andhelp owners to learnhow to harnessyour canine friend’s naturalinstincts to buildasolid partnership.

Rick spends alot of histime workingwithdogsthathavebehav iour issues,suchasaggressionand anxiety, whichhavebeenreferred to himbyvetsand rescue centres.

He takesa holistic approach whichmeans lookingatadog’s health, behaviourand environment as awhole andworks closely with vets as theremay be amedical reasoncausing the dogs to actthe way they are.

“I always really enjoy meeting lotsofdogsand people,everydog andeveryowner is different. Ireally enjoy helpingownerstotrain theirdog too.”

n Visitwww.allpositivedogservices.co.uk to find outabout training classes.

ANTIQUES

JOHN RIDGWAYOF OLDMILLANTIQUESCENTRE

Some people have alreadydecorated theirhomesfor thefestive season butfor thoseofyou still to deck yourhalls we have suggestionsabout vintageitems to make yourrooms look amazing.

Let’sbegin with candles and holdersasyou will most likely be usinganumberofthese, scentedcandles really doadd to theYuletideatmosphere.

Atraditional silver candle stickorcandelabralooks lovely on the Christmas dinner table andsmall candlesand tealights canbehousedinanythingfrom china cups to coloured glasses

Red, green, silver or gold candles arethe obviouschoicefor themoreformalholders and scentedtea-lights canbeplaced in cups andvases decorated with holly, berriesand ivy.

Vintagebowls canbeusedfor potpourri, nuts, sweets,pinecones, chocolates,fruit andeven smallcrackersand they look nice filled with allthose colour ed baublesthatdidn’tmakeitto theChristmas treethisyear.

Youcould usesmall urnsand planters forseasonalplantslike

poinsettiaand largevases or jugs fordisplaysofholly andivy or artificialgoldand silver fl

Always remember that poinsettia, mistletoe, hollyand lilies arepoisonous to petsso it’s agood idea to useartificial foliageifyou have cats anddogs.

If you can find some putVic torian or EdwardianChristmas cards on displaywithyourmod ernonesand why notadd some vintagetoyssuchassmall dolls, toysoldiersand teddies to your gift collectionaroundthe tree?

If you’relucky you mightbe able to find some genuinean tiquetreeornaments in good condition, theolder ones are more difficult to track down but it is still possible to buythem still boxedand pristine –wedo have some on sale here

Look outfor chinarobinsand snowmen, they look greatinany room,and also oldbooks that people like to read at this time of year such as AChristmas CarolbyCharles Dickens.

Membersofthe team at AllPositiveDog Services

Silversmith

Lori Ridgway

ow ers, berries, twisted willow and twigs.

WITH

Snow babies

Succulentmeat foryourfeast

Whetheryou liketokeepthings traditionalatChristmas with turkey, or fancyachangewithduck, then Gressingham hasall yourbas es covered.

Producingturkeys andducks to high welfarestandards,Gressinghamcan ensure that you find the perfectand most succulentbirdfor yourfestive table.

AllofGressingham’s turkeys come from RedTractor assured Britishfarms acrossSuffolk, Norfolk andEssex.Gressingham offers both free rangeturkeys andturkeys that have been reared free to roam in largeairybarns with natural daylightand good ventilation.The turkeysare given perches andpeckingobjects to encourage them to in teract andbeactive during theday andatnight they areencouragedto roostand sleep. They eatamix of wheatand soya with vitamins and minerals to ensuretheyare given a balanced diet to meet theirneeds.

If you fancyhavingduckfor Christmas lunch, then Gressing hamoffersdeliciouswhole ducks or crowns that servethree to four people. Perfectfor asmaller crowd, butstill special andsomething a bitdifferent,Gressingham breeds, hatches, rearsand then prepares theducks by hand

Gressingham turkeysare availa blefromCostco andbutchers/farm shops. Prices vary.Gressingham ducksare availablefromSains bury’s,Tesco, Asda,Morrisons, Waitroseand Ocadoall year round. Prices vary

Festiveslice is back in stores

Iconic pastry brandGinsters hasannounced that itslimited-edition Festive Chicken& Stuffing Slicewill return to supermarket shelves,following aTwitter campaign wherehun dredsoffansofthe comforting treat lobbiedtosee itsreturn.

Onefan commented“BRING IT BACK”, whileanother Twitter user said,“C’mon lads getto work!”.

Theperfect lunchtoget into theChristmas spirit,the GinstersFestive Chicken&StuffingSlice includes 100% British chickenand smoked baconina creamy sauce, bakedwithpotato,and asageand onionstuffing made from locallysourced veg (where possible)– allwrapped up in alightpuffpastryand topped with acrispysage crumb.

Forthose whosimplycan’t wait untilthe bigday fortheir festivelunch,the sliceisenjoyed best afterbeing heated in the oven for20minutes (evenquick er in an airfryer)–Christmas musicoptional.

What’s more,costingjust £1.65, notonlydoesitmakea warmingand satisfying lunch, it does so withoutbreakingthe bank.

TheGinstersFestive Slice is availablefromTesco, Asda, Morrisons, Coop, andSains burys.

Truffles combinetangy marmaladeand chocolate

1tbsplight brownsugar

Forthe toppings: BucksFizzMarmalade 15gcocoa powder,sifted 100g roasted, chopped hazelnuts

Method: In asmall saucepan, bringthe cream, butter andsugar to just belowboiling point, stirring over agentleheat. AddBucks Fizz Marmaladeand stir throughuntil melted.Zestthe orange into the mixture.

Pour thehot creammixture over thechocolate chipsand stir gently

untilmeltedand smooth.Pourinto ashallow dish or tray to cool,then coverand chill in thefridge forat least3hours,oruntil firmed up Putthe marmalade, cocoapow der, andhazelnutsin separate bowls.

Remove trufflemixture from thefridge. Usingaspoon, scrape from thedish, thenuse yourhands to shapethe chocolateintosmall balls.

Starting with themarmalade, then thecocoa powder andlastly thehazelnuts, roll thetruffles in thedifferent toppings untilevenly coated.Chill againto firm up.Pop into mini papercases, if you like.

Tastytreatstofeed allthe familyduringthe festivities

ANDY RICHARDSON andy.richardson@mnamedia.co.uk

Ingredients: Serves 8

Forthe trifle:

1x340gjar CottageDelight

MagicalMulled Wine Jam

2oranges,peeled andslicedin halves

420g sponge swiss roll

480mlcustard

360mldoublecream,whipped to soft peaks

500mlmulled wine (ready-made or usingrecipebelow)

135g pack raspberryjelly

Fresh/frozen berries,to decorate

Ground cinnamon,todecorate

Forthe mulled wine jelly:

Forhome-made mulled wine:

500mlred wine

2bay leaves

1staranise

1orange, thinly sliced

8cloves, whole

2tbspsugar

2cinnamon sticks

1packetraspberry jelly

Method formulledwinejelly:

Combineall ingredients(notincludingraspberry jelly) in saucepan andheatgently. Do not boil.Holdat gentle simmer foratleast 10 minutes.Remove from heat andstrain theliquid.

Return liquid to panand dissolveinjelly cubes. If usingbottled mulled wine,heataccordingtobot tleinstructionsbeforedissolvingin thejelly cubes.

To assemble thetrifle: Make your mulled wine jelly in advance, using recipe andmethodstatedabove Pour jelly mixtureintoasmall rectangleorsquarebakingtin,soit’s roughly1 inch high.Leave it in the fridge to set.

To assemble,linethe bottom of atriflebowlwithhalfofyourcake slices.Press slices half wayup alongthe sidesofthe bowl.Arrange halved orange slices around side of bowl.Arrange half of thejelly squaresover thecakemixture.Pour over half of thecustard.Spoon over half of theMagical Mulled Wine Jamevenly.Repeatsteps twotosix Cover thetop with plasticwrap andleave in thefridge foratleast four to sixhours.Whenyou’re readytoserve,add whippedcream andfresh or frozen berriestodecorate before dustingwithcinnamon.

CHRISTMAS MORNINGMARMALADE BUNS

Ingredients: Makes12buns

Fordough: 240mlwhole milk

135g dark brownsoftsugar 2tsp mixedspice

½tsp ground cinnamon

2sachets instant yeast(7g) 115g unsalted butter,softened, cutintofourpieces

2large eggs,lightly beatenat room temperature ½tsp salt

563g strong whitebread flour, plus more forsurfaces

2tsp oilfor bowl

Formarmalade filling: 1x340gjar CottageDelight Winter WarmingThinCut

Marmalade, room temperature

100g unsalted butter,verysoft

Forcream cheese frosting: 55gfullfat creamcheese

250g icingsugar

2tbspdoublecream

2-3tsp orange extract

Method: Grease alarge bowl using 2tsp of oil, setaside.Heatmilkto justbelow boiling pointtoscald

Remove from heat andcooltoroom temperature.

In astand mixer,using thedough hook attachment,combineall dry dough ingredients. Addeggs, followedbythe warm milk.Mix at a medium speedfor 10 minutes be fore tippingontoalightly floured surface.

Kneaddough into aballand place into alarge,greased bowl.Cover tightly with cling film andmoveto awarmspottoprove fortwo hours

Once proved, knockbackthe dough.Tip onto alightly floured surface. Gather into aneatball andusing alightly flouredrolling pin, roll dough into a50x35cmrec tangle,makingsurethe dough is smooth andevenlythick as possible

Placethe rectangleofdough with alongedge facing you.Spreadthe softened butter alloverrightto theedges. Spoonover jarofWin terWarming Thin CutMarmalade (reserve 1tbspfor dressing)and spread over thetop of thebutter.

Starting from thelongedgefur thestaway, roll thepastrytowards you,keeping thedough as tightas possible as you roll (makesurethe seal is on thebottom).Takeasharp knifeand trim theends(roughly1-2 inches each side).

Cutthe rolled doughinhalf, then halveyourtwo halves again. Slice each quarterintothree equalslic es andplace on theircut side into agreased andlined 20x30cmbak ingtin.Cover therolls tightlywith cling film andallow to rise until doubled in size.

Pre-heat theoven to 200°/180°C fan/gas6.Oncedoubled,remove cling film andplaceinoven for2530 minutes,oruntil lightlygolden on top. Placetin on wire rack to cool

In amediumbowl, beat the creamcheeseona medium speed untilsmoothand creamy.Add dou blecream andsifted icingsugar Switch to high andbeatfor amin ute. Addorangeextract andbeaton high to combine. Spread theicing over warm rollsinswirlsand serve immediately.

Dust with cinnamon anddecorate with reserved marmalade.

MAGICAL MULLEDWINE JAMTRIFLE

BucksFizzDarkChocolate and Marmalade Truffles

Serveup deliciousChristmas with recipessuretoimpress

Celebrate Christmasin style this year with CaliforniaWalnuts, whohas shared four newrecipes that areset to impress this festiveseason.

From freshlybaked California Walnut,Brie&Cranberry Croissants, to homemade Spiced Apple &CaliforniaWalnut Cookies, a comforting FriedGnocchi dish with Squash &CaliforniaWalnutsand finally, ashowstopping FestiveIn spired Trifle.

Eachrecipe is designed to help useupyourleftoversand areless than £2 perserving,helping you to keep thefestive cheerhigh, while keepingcosts low

CALIFORNIA WALNUT,BRIE& CRANBERRYCROISSANTS

Ingredients: Serves six 350g cancroissant dough

50gcranberry sauce

100g California Walnuts, chopped

100g brie, sliced

1mediumegg,beaten

Method: Preheatthe oven to 200oC, gasmark6.Linealarge baking traywithbakingparch ment

Open thecroissant doughcan accordingtothe pack instructions andcut alongthe perforated linesto make sixtriangles.Spreadeachtri anglewithcranberry sauce. Sprin kle75g walnutsover thedough Placethe brieatthe shortedgeof thedough androlltothe opposite corner to form acroissant shape, transfer to thebakingtray.

Brushwithegg andsprinkleover thereserved walnuts. Bake for1518 minutes untilgolden.Serve warm.

SPICED APPLE &CALIFORNIAWALNUT COOKIES

Ingredients: 20 cookies

100g butter,softened

125g castersugar

1mediumegg,beaten

1small redapple,peeled, cored and finely diced

50gdriedcranberries

50gCaliforniaWalnuts, chopped

300g self-raising flour 2tsp mixedspice

Method: Preheatthe oven to 180oC, gasmark4.Line1-2 large baking trays with baking parchment

Whiskthe butter andsugar to gether untilpale. Whiskinthe egg andstirinthe apple, cranberries andwalnuts. Stirin the flourand

mixedspicetogivea stiffdough Divide into 20 ballsand flatten slightly, placeonthe baking trays andbakefor 15-20minutes until golden.Allow to cool slightly on the traybeforetransferringtoa rack

FRIEDGNOCCHI WITH SQUASH& CALIFORNIA WALNUTS

Ingredients: Serves four 2tbspoil

1red onion, chopped 150g dicedsmokedpancetta 250g frozen dicedbutternut squash

2clovesgarlic,crushed 200g mushrooms, sliced 400g Brussels sprouts,thickly sliced,defrostediffrozen 500g pack gnocchi

1tbspthyme leaves

1tbspchopped sage

FriedGnocchiwith

100g California Walnuts

Method: Heat theoil in alarge fryingpan andfry theonion,pancetta andsquashfor five minutes. Add thegarlic, mushroomsand sprouts andcookfor afurther five minutes Meanwhile, cook thegnocchi in boiling water forthree minutes, drain. Addthe gnocchi, herbsand walnutstothe panand fryfor one to twominutes,seasontotaste

FESTIVE INSPIRED TRIFLE

Ingredients: Serves eight 135g pack raspberryjelly 300mlmulled wine

100g Madeiracake, sliced 50gcustard powder

150g castersugar ¼tsp grated nutmeg 600mlmilk

100g California Walnuts 300mlwhippingcream

Sprinklestodecorate

Method: Cutthe jelly into cubes andplaceina largejug.Heatthe mulled wine to justbelow boiling andpourover thejelly,stirtodis solveand topupwithwater to give 500ml.

Placethe cake slices in thebase of a1.2-litre trifledishand pour over thejelly,chill untilset Meanwhile, placethe custard powder, 50g sugarand nutmegin asaucepanand blendinthe milk, bringtothe boil,stirringcontinuously untilthickened.Chophalf thewalnutsand addtothe custard. Transfer to abowl, cover with cling film andallow to cool

Meanwhile, place50g sugarina smallsaucepanwith50ml water, bringtothe boil then addremainingwalnuts, cook fortwo minutes.

Placethe remainingsugar on a plate. Usingtwo forksremove the walnutsfromthe syrupand toss in thesugar,allow to cool.

When thejelly is set, spread over thecustard.Whisk thecream to soft peaksand spoonoverthe cus tard.Sprinkleover thesugared walnutsand sprinklestoserve

IN SEASON

Essentialveg forthe table at Christmas

In thedeepmid-winter, frosty pars nips mademoan. Or somethinglike that.Weare in winter.Itwillsoon be Christmas. Andparsnipsare in abundant supply Parsnips have been around for ever.They’ve been used as vegeta bles sinceantiquity andwereculti vatedbythe Romans.Prior to the arrivalofcanesugar,inEurope, they were used as asweetener.With a flavoursomewherebetween po tato andsweet potato,theycan be used forjustabout anything:stews, soups, salads,desserts, sidesand savouries.And,ofcourse, they’re an essentialonthe Christmas table.

Roastparmesanparsnipsare a goodway to dazzle friendsand familyat Christmas.For atwist on afa vourite Sunday roastorChristmas side dish,coatparsnipsinpolenta andgrated Italiancheesetoen sureatasty,crunchy finish.Cook untiljusttenderinsaltedboiling water,thencoatin theParmesan andpolenta mixbeforecooking at 220C for15minutes,until crisp. As

an alternative,makeparsnipsex tra-special with a flavourful white miso andmaple glaze. Usethe same method, cookinguntil tender in salted boiling water, before coating in whitemisoand maplesyrup and roasting for10-20 minutes at 200C Thereare myriad ways to pimp yourparsnips, andthe last fornow is acrisp honeyand mustardnum ber. Youknowthe drill:cookuntil tender,add alittlehoney anddried mustardthencrisp up

Parsnips make agreat mash andyou cangivethataspicykick by adding alittlemildcurry powder. They make agood pilaf, with slow cooked basmatirice, lentils andspices.A beef,ale andparsnip puddingisaworkofbeauty, particularlywhencoldnightscallfor warmingdishes. Make it with suet pastry as you putaparsnip-eyspin on thetraditional steakand alepie

Parsnips make greatsoups and MasterChef judge Monica Galleti hasarecipefor aparsnip soup with parsleycream.Makethe soup with onion, parsnips, milk,vegetable stockand bayleaves, before adding parsleycream as agarnish.

Don’tforgetthe joy of agood parsnippud.Parsnipsmakeagreat cake,alongwithmaple syrup, while parsnippancakescan be served with rashersofcrispybacon

Squash &California Walnuts

California Walnut, Brie &Cranberry Croissants

CaliforniaWalnut, brie and cranberrycroissants

FestiveInspiredTrifle

Parsnips have been used as vegetables sinceantiquity

by Andy Richardson

Howthe first 1,000 days have an impact on your baby

Hassocialmedia helped make self-improvement toxictrend?

IMYBRIGHTY-POTTS PressAssociation

TikTok is full of tips

us find new ways to be more produc tive,peaceful, efficient,

and

It’s longbeenknown that childhood sets alarge part of the blueprintfor therestofour lives. Butnew research suggests somethingevenmorespecific than that –events during our first1,000 days,fromconcep tion to agetwo,makeuswho we are.

Thenew book,WhatMakes aPerson: SecretsofOur First 1,000 Days,outlinessomesur prisingdiscoveriesthatshow what happensinthe period af terconceptionand birth, and explains howwecontrolour bodies throughprocesses that go waybeyondjustthe geneswe inherit.

So what arethe secretsof thoseveryearly days of life? Co-authors ProfessorMark Hansonand ProfessorLucy Greenshare afew of them

1. Foetuses ‘breathe’inthe womb –Hansonsaysthe latest informationsuggests foetuses make rapid,shallow breathing movements –althoughobvious ly they’renot taking anyair into theirlungs as they’resur roundedbyamniotic fluid.

2. Foetuses sleepand may dream –Green says research hasshown thefoetusgoes throughstatesofsleep,justas we do afterbirth, includinga statesimilar to dreaming

3. Early development in fluences risk of non-com municable diseases –The authorspoint outthatalmost three-quarters of deaths world wide arecausedbynon-commu nicablediseases (NCDs) such as heartdisease, stroke and cancer.Dutch studiesofchil dren born to women whowere near-starvationduringtheir Second WorldWar pregnancies have foundthatthose children whowerefamishedinearly ges tation hadasubstantially high er risk of many NCDs

4. Nutrient balanceeffects howgenes work –Hansonsays thebalance of nutrients, such as proteintocarbohydrate, af fectshow inheritedDNA works by epigenetic processes(small marksonthe DNA)which influ ence how theembryodevelops.

5. Thedigital worldaf fects youngchildren’s brain development –New research foundthatyoung children who spendseveral hoursa dayon screen-basedactivitiessuchas acomputerorTV show altered executivefunctions

time we switch on theapp. Self-helphashtags aregrowing in popularity #WorkOnYourself has119.5 million views, #GetYour LifeTogetherhas over 40 million and#SelfLoveLifestyle hasnearly threemillion.Itseems like every oneisscrolling forself-improve ment,and it’s made so much easier with seemingly countlessvideos at your fingertips –but thepressureto be better allthe time canget over whelming

Surely we can’tall be bettering ourselves allthe time?And at what pointdoesour desire to be better actually become aburden?

SOCIAL MEDIACAN MAKE US FEEL INFERIOR

When it comestoself-help,“Most of us want aquick fix–somebodyto tell us what to do andmakethings better”, suggests Gillian McMi chael, author andfounder of Full CircleGlobal(fullcircleglobal.com)

“Weare in an ageofsocialmedia overload –wecompare andcon trastourselves to others andwe want what they have.Never has therebeenatimelikenow,where keepingupwiththe Joneses hasa wholenew meaning. Socialmedia platformsshowcase how we canget ourgoals, change ourlivesand bet terourselves.But because it is in a short30-second clip,wedon’t know how to applythistoour ownlives.”

Andthisconstantbombardment of self-improvementcontent canbecome exhausting

“Withsocialfeedoverload, it is difficult to decide what toptips or ideasweshouldtakeonand do somethingwith, as thenextday therewillbethousands more reels

telling us to do somethingdifferent –it’sconfusing andunsustainable,” says McMichael. “Quick fixesnever workinany aspect of yourlife, espe ciallyyourwellbeing –Ithink this approach adds pressure andcan give false expectations.”

WE ONLY SEETHE BEST BITS

MaxHoveyisaninfluencer who focuses on empowering theLGBTQ+ communityand promoting body positivity andself-compassion

“The idea of beingyourperfect self hasalwaysbeenapressure from socialmedia,” he says,adding that ourobsession with self-improvementisthe “natural evolu tion”ofthis.

“Everyone hastheir ownstrug gle, andthe pressureconstantly to be ‘getting yourlifetogether’ is

incredibly toxic,”hesuggests.“The idea of ‘havingittogether’ doesn’t exist. I find it unlikelythatthe people creating thiscontent have it together anddon’t have otherstuff goingoninthe background

“Weare showingall thegreat things in life andnot showingany thingelsethatisgoing on,making otherpeoplefeelbad aboutthemselves.”

THEBUSINESS OF BEING PERFECT

Notall self-helponsocialmedia is toxic, with McMichaelsaying: “I thinkthere areahandfulofskilled professionalssharing theirtipsand techniqueswithawider audience Butthere arealot of people jump ingonthe bandwagon because well ness,self-improvementand trans formingyourlifeisinvogue now

morethanever.” In recent years, “The awarenessofmentalhealth hassignificantly grownand every onewants to better themselves,” McMichaelsays. “Hence, we are more informed,meaning these top icsare nowmorerelatable.”

However,McMichael recom mendsbettering yourself forthe rightreasons –and in asustainable way. “The realityissimple, you’d be much happierifyou invested in self-improvementand self-carebecauseyou wanted to find balance rather than theperfectionthatis presented

“Ifyou arelooking to change yourlife, then find aqualified coach to supportyou –ratherthansome body on TikTokwho is not qualified or experiencedenoughtogiveyou advice on whatyou should do.”

Change in routinecan help beat themorning blues

Waking up during thedarkerwin termorningscan become quitea challenge, as thelimited amount of sunshine cansignificantly impact thecircadian rhythm

Adapting thebedtime routine by having thelightsset to turn on automaticallytoaddingmoreVi taminB-12intothe diet canhelp people wake up feelingenergised forthe day. NicShacklock,from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk, shares eightusefultipstouse in yourbed time routinethiswinter:

n Make themostofthe day light– Walksthroughoutthe pre viousday canhelpnot only get enough VitaminD,but it will help keep youramountofcontact with

daylightatahealthy rate before theearly winter nightkicks in

n Turn lights on automatically –Setting thelightstoturn on at thetimeyou want to wake up,can make you feel morealert andready to getout of bed.

n Hottea in themorning Selectingthe righttea to drink is crucialtofeeling more relaxed andawake in theearly hours. Try greentea or peppermint tea

n Vitamin B-12 –Increasing theamountofVitamin B-12 in yourdietcan tremendously help to improve your energy levels and overallmood.Thiscan be done ei ther throughhealthy supplements or throughfoodssuchasapples,

oranges anddairy products

n Change your wake-up sound –Testingout different soundsfromrainfalltoocean wavescan help preventwakingup feelingsluggishbut rathermore peaceful andrelaxed

n Plan thenextday –Having theday plannedout canhelpyou feel motivatedwhenyou wake in thedarkermornings.

n Placealarmsaroundthe room –Place anotheralarm at the othersideofthe room so you have to getout of bedtoturnitoff

n Increase theroomtempat wake up time –Ifthe temperature is chillyitcan make you want to cosy up andstayinbed

forself-improvement, helping

self-compassionate

well-roundedevery

Theconstant bombardmentofself-improvement contentonsocial mediaplatforms canbecome exhausting

The first1,000 days arecrucial

Bake OffstarVal sharesher food budgeting tips

Householdbillsare aworry for everyone,but thereare stepsthat canbetaken to cutcosts on your food shopping whilestill making themeals you love

From discoveringdiscountsto prioritisingpurchases,former GreatBritishBakeOff contestant ValStoneshas shared hertop tips

n Is it aluxury or an essential? –Whentempted by apricey purchase, wait afew days before buying.You mayrealise theitem wassomethingyou wanted rather than needed –and you candevelop aplantosavefor it

n Skilluponcooking from scratch –Cookfromscratch (even

better with homegrownproduce) to save money; if you buyready meals, themaincostisn’t theingredients, it’s thepreparation that’s gone into making it.Planning mealsfor theweekahead can cutdowncosts as well as waste.

n Become ayellowlabel connoisseur –Bepreparedtoswitch tosupermarket home brands.I’m a lover of yellow discount labels,soI checkthe sell-bydates andwheth er they canbefrozen.

n Looksaren’teverything –Buying“wonky” vegetables doesn’taffecttaste,and they are oftensoldloose soyou aresaving on packaging.

n Be smartwithingredient choices –Pasta andricedishes areincredibly fillingand make use of low-costingredients– thereare lots of money-saving recipesavail able online andinmagazines

n Your freezerisyourbest friend –Iwill batchcookmeals that will serveenoughportionsfor multiple days,freezingthe lefto verstoheatuplater

n Turn to theinternetfor coupons –Learningtonavigate money-saving websites couldlead to huge discountsatthe supermar ket checkout –signing up to email newsletters oftenresults in discounts beingoffered too.

Cost of living crisis putting pressure on petloverstoo

VICKYSHAW PressAssociation

Pets areanimportant andmuch-lovedpartof thefamily– butfor some owners,the cost of their animal,ontop of other bills, is causingrealcon cern.

Research fordog welfarecharity

Dogs Trustfound more than four fifths (84%)ofdog owners have seen arise in costsrelated to theirpet Sadly, thecharity says itsrehom ingcentreshavebeenseeinga rise in dogs arriving with untreated health conditions.Itbelievesthis is duetosome owners simply being unable to afford treatment

“Weknowdog owners arefacing adifficult time,and eightin10dog owners have seen an increase in theamountitcosts to care fortheir canine companions,”saysPaula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust

“Manyare lookingat ways they canreducethe amount they are spending on theirdogs, butat Dogs Trust, we areworried that some of thechoices beingmadebyowners couldbedetrimental to thehealth of theirdog,and actually endup costingownersmoreinthe long term.”

Worryingly,one in 10 (10%)dog owners surveyed by thecharity haddelayedseeking treatment fornon-routine procedures dueto costs. Asimilar number (9%) had delayedormissed routineappoint ments. Thecharity emphasises it is notlayingthe blameatthe door of vets, whoare themselves impacted by rising costs.

Boyden says:“Whileskipping yourdog’s annual vaccinationsmay save you some moneyinthe shortterm,you couldbeputting yourdog at risk of seriousillness andeven death.

“Delayingboostersmay also re sult in theneedtorestart yourdog’s vaccinations, whichwill cost more.

“Wealsorecommend that you

keep up with your dog’s flea and worming treatments. Fleasmight seem aminor issuetodealwith, but abad infestationcan causeyourdog intense irritation.”

Delaying worming treatments is also arisk. Some types of worms areapublichealthriskand canbe passed on to humans,saysBoyden

As forfood costs, around in five (22%)dog owners surveyed by Dogs Trusthaveswitchedtheir usualdog food to acheaper version.

Forthose consideringdoing this, Boyden says it’s importanttocheck whetherthe food is “complete”and designed to be used by itself,or “complementary”,which needs to be served with otherfoodstodeliver alloftheir nutritional needs.

“It’salso reallyimportant to checkthe food is suitable foryour breedofdog andthe stageoflife yourdog is at,” sheadds.

“We’dreallyrecommend that dog owners speaktotheir veterinary surgeryfor advice before changing their dog’sfood to ensure it’s right fortheir pet, andtogradually in troduceany newbrand of food, as achangeindietcan cause stomach upsets.”

Senior vetDaveTweedle,who works forthe My FamilyVetsnet workofclinics, says estimatessug gest it cancostasmuchas£30,000 to keepa dogovertheir lifetime, and£24,000 foracat

He says asignificant proportion of dogs andcatsare actually overweight, whichcan lead to costly health conditions, such as arthritis, breathingproblems, heartdisease anddiabetes.

Keepingup-to-datewithparasite prevention,vaccinations, andget ting regular health checks canbe covered as part of monthlyhealth-

care plans, whichmanyvetsoffer, andmay provide valuefor money, he says

Meanwhile, theRSPCA’swebsite cautions that exotic petscan be particularly expensive. Thecharity warnsthatturning down temperaturesorlight sourcesfor exotic pets mayleadtoserious health problems forthem–and potentiallyhighvets’ bills.

It suggests that, forthose strugglingwithcosts, multiple reptiles couldbemovedtothe same room to shareheatsources –but make sure thatanimals do notoverheat

Petinsurance is also amajor considerationfor owners.The Dogs Trustfound 41%ofdog owners claimedthe cost of theirpet insurance hadincreased

Thecharity suggestsshopping around forcoverand always read ingpolicydocuments –asthere will be differencesinthe levellevel of cover,what’scovered andfor how long JonathanPurvis, at theABI, says:“TheUKpet insurancemar ket remainscompetitive despitethe underlying pressures insurers face, with therisingcostfor veterinary treatment,medicines andlabour

“Whenitcomestoour pets, thereis no NHSfor animalsand anyemergency treatment canbe eye-wateringlyexpensive,” he adds “Ifyou areconcerned aboutthe cost of your cover, speaktoyourinsur er to seeifthere areany optionsto manage this.You mayalso benefit from shopping around,but be sure to always chooseapolicythatbest suitsyourneeds.”

Graeme Trudgill,fromthe Brit ishInsurance Brokers’ Association (Biba),sayswithanew policy,it’s importanttocheck whetheritwill cover pre-existing or recurringcon ditions. “Accidentonly” policies will only cover treatment foraccidental injury

Trudgill adds:“Some cover is always better than none –and re member most petinsurancealsoincludes liability that cancoveryou if your petaccidentallyinjures some one throughnofault of yours.”

Howtoorganise your December social calendar andstayrelaxed

With thefestive season almost upon us,how canwestopourselves from burningout,but stillhavefriends left after? writes ImyBrighty-Potts December canbea blur of glitter, booze, familycatch-ups, partiesand secret Santas,which soundsgreat on paperbut in realityoftenends up beingextremely stressful.

But, saying no to invitations–particularly with theaddedpressure to make up forlosttimeafter lockdown –can come with abar rel-load of guilt. Youdon’t want to upsetanyone, butyou definitely can’tsay yestoeverything either

So,how canyou getthe best of both worldswithyoursocialcalendarinDecember?

n Theremay be alot ofpressure to seeeveryoneand join in with everything,but remember that you gettodecide what you sayyes to andhonouring yourlimitsis certainly nota badthing

As clinical psychologist Dr Mari anne Trent(goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk)says: “Itis ok if you have time offoverthe holidaystochoose rest andrecharge, insteadofadditional stressorsthatmay include socialobligations with friendsand familythatcan come with compli cationsaswellasjoy.Itisoktoset boundaries andprioritiseyourself.” n Gettingorganised couldhelp remove some of theoverwhelm Lizzie Grant, professional organiserand founderofDeclutter on Demand (declutterondemand.com), suggests:“Make alistofsocial events and‘must do by’deadlines you have coming up in December Forexample,booking theatre tick ets, restaurants andtravel.

“Thenadd theseevents to your digitalcalendar, with alerts with thecorrect date andtime. Include addresses forevents, so you’renot scrambling around trying to find thoselast-minute. Sync yourdigital calendar electronicallywithrelevant friendsand family,orprint out aphysicalcopyaswelland putitin thehallway or on thefridge where everyone in yourhousehold will see it.”

n It maysound over thetop, but feelingcalmand organisedmeans knowingwhere yourtimeisbeing spent. Time-blockingisagreat way to approach this –basically assign ingaset blockoftimeto each thing you need to do.“Putchunksof time in forsocialengagements and tasks, with astart and finish time, includinghow longitwill take you to getthere,” says Grant. “Thisenablesyou to seeexactly how much time you have availabletocommit to things otherthanthe festive pe riod.Remember,it’salwaysbetter to over-estimatethanunder-estimate how longthingswill take.”

Planning to only be at aparty foracoupleofhours before heading to somethingelse? Allowanextra hour at whichever one you would prefer to be at

n Stop committing to 1,000 things –and leavingnotimeorenergyfor thethingsyou trulylove alongthe way. “Identify what you most enjoydoing andwho you most enjoyseeingat this time of year,to make it special foryou,” says Grant.

Tackling petcarecosts canput pressure on struggling families

Bake Off’sVal Stones

Christmas film setlocations that youcan visittoexplore

Newresearchhas revealed the iconic Christmasmovie loca tionswhere fans canactuallygo andvisit Photographyexperts at ParrotPrint.com have found filming locationsfromclassic Christmas filmswhere visitors canwander around andexplore. Here are some iconic filminglocations to getin thefestive spirit: Shere,Surrey–The Holi day

Fans of this Christmasclassicwillwanttovisit Iris’s cottage.Unfortunately hercosy home wasaset builtfor filming. However,visitorscan explore thechocolate-box villagewhere Amanda spends thefestive season.

St Luke’s Mews,Notting Hill –LoveActually

AFansoan visitthe iconic scenewhere Mark expresses hislovetoJuliet on herdoorstep with aseriesofhandwrittensigns.The pretty street is St Luke’s Mews in Notting Hill, London –and thepinkhome number 27 –has become atouristhotspotf

671 LincolnAvenue,Winnetka,Illinois–HomeAlone 2

Thehome of theMcCallisters is averyimpressivered-brick home that attractsfansfromall overthe world.Tnd theneigh bourhood is decoratedwithlots of lights forthe festive season, TheIce Rink at Rockefel lerCenter, NYC– Elf

Themajorityof filmingfor this festive favourite took place in NewYorkCity,–and oneof themostfestive things to do is go skatingonthe icerinkat theRockefeller Centre,where Buddyand JoviegoonaChristmassydateand sharetheir first kiss on theice.

3159 W11thSt, Cleveland, Ohio –AChristmasStory

Tmuseum dedicatedtothis comedy film hassome iconic propsaswellasbehind-thescenes photosand agiftshop. Theiconichome of Ralphie Parker is open allyearround, Oakville, Canada–The SantaClause

TheSanta Clause ias filmed allaroundOakville–Ontario’s largesttown. Thehome of Scott Calvin is located at 17 Chisholm Street, Oakvillehosts an an nual SantaClaus parade,hich exploressome of theiconiclocationsfromthe film

Caribbeanislandgem’s deep blue skiesand sapphire seas

BY LAUREN TAYLOR

Liftingthe venomous spikes,I carefullycut alongthe striped purple skin of thelionfish. When alive, thesesharp spikes candelivera stingcausing extreme pain andevenparalysis. So catchingthisdelicacy is no easy feat.

They’realso notoriouslydifficult to find,hidingcamouflaged in coral andimpossibletocatch in nets.But here on theDutch CaribbeanIsland of Curaçaothese striking seacreaturesare an invasive species, nega tively impactingnative fish colonies andreefs surroundingthe island since2009afterbeing introduced into Florida’swater.Culling efforts mean huntingthese fish is nowle gal–and necessary.

Localchef, HelmiSmeulders, originallyfromThe Netherlands, liftsahugewooden spearintothe air, with asharp metalend anda spring,pulling it back andsending it forwardtoshow how shecatches lionfish whilediving. They sell for $10eachwhole,and four timesthat filleted,sofor divers able to find them,it’slucrative.Plus, the fish is deliciouspan-fried or deep friedin batter,she says

Just 37 miles from theVenezue lancoastline,between Arubaand Bonaire–makingupwhat’sknown as theABC islands– Curaçao, with itsdiverse cultural historyisthe location of thenew SandalsRoyal Curaçao, whichopenedinJune.

A25-minutedrive from thecap ital Willemstad,the all-inclusive, couples-only resort boasts an open airentrancelobby,leading outonto aviewofthe,double infinity pool –the firstinthe brand’s 17-strong collection across theCaribbean, pool-sidegazebos,palmtrees and, ocean.

“hit forhoneymooners, there’s arealair of exclusivity, withouta hint of pretentiousness; Whileon

thehotel’s beach, crystalclear shal low water gently laps thesandand guestsreadbooks on floating pla toons, leaving only perhapstoorder a‘dirtybanana’ cocktail (rum,cof feeliquor, banana andcream)orthe world famous Blue Curaçaoliqueur

With unlimited alacarte dining, there areeightrestaurants to eatat –fnd eightpools to swim in,includingsome guests canstepstraight into from theirprivate terrace. A

If you want even more space,15 milessouth of Curaçao, is theuninhabited islandofKlein Curaçao. As we glideintothe brightestoftur quoise wateronacatamaran tour with Island Routes (islandroutes. com, $138 USD/£114pp)beforediv ingintoswimtothe longstretch of emptysand, it’s postcard-perfect.

Turtle spotting is common here andreefs offerdiversplentytosee, buta low, flat island is apparently difficult to spot from thebridge of a ship,and as aresulta huge,rusting

wreckofanshipfromthe 1980s and adilapidated weather-beaten lighthouse standlikeeerie beaconson theotherwise empty, smallslice of Caribbeanparadise.

Humanhistory on this constituent countrywithinthe Kingdom of theNetherlands canbetraced back in picturesque world heritage site,Willemstad.HereI find strik ingcoral stonebuildings in Euro pean neoclassical styleadorned in vibrantCaribbean colours. Agov ernor once orderedall homestobe painted in bright coloursbecause thewhite buildingsweregivinghim aheadache, ourguide Maja Atalita Vervuurt says It transpiredheowned theisland’s biggest paintcompany,but thecolourful houses stuckand thesedayswalls of thecitycome with alot ofbeautiful street arttoo.

The17thcentury oldtowncen tre Pundawiththe picturesque Handelskade–acolourful stretch

of waterfrontbuildingsgivingseriousAmsterdam vibes– andthe 19th centuryOtrobanda(meaning “the otherside” in Dutch) aresep arated by thewatersofSaint Anna Bayand itsfamous floating pon toon bridge.And if you’re crossing when aboatneedstopass, it simply swings open into thechannel,sopedestriansbetterholdontight Museum Kura Hulanda, located at thecity-centre harbour, docu mentsthe island’s devastatinghis tory of slavetradingfrom1660s to therevoltof1795famouslyled by national hero Tula,who Danny Glover portrayedinthe 2013 film by thesamename.

Didthatclassicliqueur that featuresin many holidaycocktails and hasmadethisislandfamous? It’s namedafterthe driedpeelofthe bitterorangelaraha, acitrusfruit grownhere. ButIprefertothink it’s areference to thesapphireseas anddeeplyblueskies

Theharbour in Williamstad

The17thcenturytownofPundawith itscolourful buildings

Thedouble infinity poolatSandals Royal Curaçao

ShereinSurrey

Treatyourselftosomething forthe home this Christmas

BY SAMWYLIE-HARRIS

Lookingfor Christmas shopping inspiration?

Pretty much everyone lovessomethingnew for thehome– andthe op tionsare endless.

Whetherit’sanartisanpiece to addinterest, an exciting kitchen gadgetorglitzydecoyou’d never splash outonyourself butwould love to receive,home giftscan take oh so many forms.

Andtohelpyou beat thecrowds, we’veplucked thebestpresents from thepile…

1. LowesGreen wine glassesset of four,£32.50, Oliver Bonas

With ribbed detailing,acurved silhouette andfashionable sage greenbase, theseelegant wine glasses will sitbeautifully against freshorfauxfoliage foratimeless tablescape

2. RussellHobbs RHMD714BL17

L700 WScandibluedigital micro wave,£84.99, Amazon Microwaves arehavinga moment –using asoupçon of theenergyofa conventional oven –and this one’s especially sought-after.Welove the attractiveScandi-stylefor starters, plus it features eightautocookmenus, five powerlevelsand multi-stage cooking.

3. Retro television planter, £15, RedCandy Switch up succulenthourwith this cute planter.

4. AbigailAhern setof3 rattan handledcheeseknives, £35, Free mans

Everycheeseboard criesout for theright knifetoslice into acorner of Stilton or ripe brie.Presented in agift box, this rattan-handled set is tailor-madefor seasonal settings

5. Pomegranatepillar candle, £22, TheWhite Company

If you scentsurroundwithonly one candle this Christmas,the en ticing exotic topnotes of pomegran ate, muskypatchouli andtouch of

amberalwaysfeels rich andfestive

6. Perfumediffuserwood tray andporcelain flowers, £48, Natalia Willmott

When you want to rekindle mem oriesofholidaysinthe sun, these pretty petals areinspiredby flowers from theMaldives. Simplypop afew dropsofperfume or essentialoil on thepistiland enjoy some calming–andstylish –aromatherapy.

7. STAR By Julien Macdonald glasspineapple lamp,£60,Freemans

This chic tablelamp, finished with gold leaves andneutralshade, is abrightchoicefor afastdesigner update

8. M&SCollectioncocktailshak er with recipes,£19.50, Marks& Spencer

Rustling up acocktailismade easy with this elegantshakerand bartender guideinone.Simplyro-

tate thebasefor favourite classic recipestocheer aspiritedChrist mas.

9. I’mDreamingOfAWine Christmas reversiblecushion,£45, Neonimo

This soft, velvet-feel cushionis sealed with aheart zippendant Onefor thewinelover in yourlife.

10.Georgegreybodyvase, £12, Direct.asda

Body vases aretrendingbig time…surely themostseductive waytodisplay dried flowers and freshblooms.

11.Trinity greenvelvet round trinket boxsmall,£17.50; Trinity pink velvet jewellery boxmedium, £29.50,and Trinitybluevelvet jewellery boxlarge,£32.50, Oliver Bonas

‘Tisthe season fortrinkets–and these opulentvelvetboxes will do a fine jobofstoring those precious

pieces in style.

12.Helen MooreArcticleopard faux furhot water bottle,£49,Lux deco

An object of desire,thisfauxfur leopardprint hotwater bottle will warm toesand tinglestyle buds

13.M&Coplumchenilleknitted throw, £28.80 (was £36),M&Co

This luxurious-lookingthrow has cosy writtenall over it

14.M&S collectionsupersoft faux furthrow,from£25-£39.50,Marks &Spencer

This sumptuousthrow in light grey is bound to please

15.Goldmatteffect3piece saucepanset,£75,Dunelm

Pots with panache, give meal timesthe Midastouch with this glammy gold trio whichmarries flairwithfunction. Suitable forall hobs,including induction, they are ovensafeto180 degrees

Terrariums can addatouch of festive magic

Addatouch of festive magicto yourhome with alow-maintenanceterrarium that canbe completely personalisedtosuit yourstyle –and will last long afterthe otherdecorations have been packed away

“Tokeepcosts down,open terrariums caneasilybecreat ed with glassware you already have in yourhome,suchasvases or fish bowls,”saysClaireBish op, senior houseplantbuyer for DobbiesGarden Centres(dob bies.com). “Closedterrariums usuallyfeature acorktopper andcome in alldifferent shapes andsizes, so youcan choose a stylethatsuits yourspace.”

Awidevariety of plants can be used in yourterrarium

“Ideally you want to use slow-growing plants,”saysBish op.“Succulents areperfect for this.”

Terrariums aretypically hu midenvironmentssoany ferns will make agreat addition,says Bishop.Whileterrariumsare low-maintenance, Bishop notes they do requiresome attention when planting to keep them healthyand happy.

“Ifyou’recreatinganopen terrarium, give it an occasional water or amistvia theopening,”she says.“If yourterrar iumistoppedwithmoss, keep themossdamp. If you have a closedterrarium,you only need to water this when you firstcre ateit.”

To create an open festiveter rarium,you will need:A terrar iumorglass container; terrar iumcompost mix; moss;moss branches;tot’plants; lights; decorative items

Method:

1. Startbyliningyourterrariumwithcompost mixand give it agood mist with water.

2. Addyour‘tot’ plants, en suring you mulchwelland don’t overcrowd thecontainer.Sstart with thelargestplant first andthenadd smallervarieties around it

3. Once you arehappy with how theplantslook, addmoss over theexposedsoil, andgive this amistwithwater

4. Decorateyourterrarium with smallpinecones, Christ mastreetrimmings andany otherfestive accessoriesyou have.

5. WiredLED lights placed in side will addatouch of Christ masmagic

I’mDreaming Of AWineChristmasreversiblecushion,Neonimo

RussellHobbs RHMD714BL17L 700W Scandi blue digitalmicrowave Pomegranatepillar candle

Plant expert ClaireBishop

KIRSTIE’S HANDMADE CHRISTMAS

Channel 4, 8.00pm

As anation, we seem to love watching people make things.

How else can we explain the popularity of such shows as The Great British Bake Off,Sewing Bee, Pottery Throw Down, Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker,All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star,Portrait Artist of the Year,MasterChefand all the many other similar competitions out there? You might even suggest that The Repair Shop, thanks to its make do and mend attitude, continues the theme

Anothertoadd to the list is Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas. It has been known to feature contests, but it has aless stressful, cosier feel to it, and pops up annually to get viewers in the mood for the festive season. It started out as an offshoot of Kirstie Allsopp’s 2009 series Handmade Home, in which she (with help from various experts) decorated her then new Devon house with craft items she made herself

In the years since her first dabble into the world of the handmade, crafts have really risen in popularity, with thousands across the country taking up knitting, crochet, sewing, baking, woodwork and more. During lockdown, their appeal grew even more, as the public searched for ways in which to spendtheir time that didn’t involve leaving the house –thanks to numerous online tutorials, they were able to pick up new skills in no time.

But for Kirstie, crafting isn’t just for pandemics, it’s for life.

“I think it’s always interested me, but Inever thought Iwas capable of doing it,” she says of the crafting world. “So Iwould buy it. I’d see something that was made with love and care, and Iwould purchase it. Ineverreally thought Iwas capable of that.

“I was avery early advocate of the immaculate

Christmas, making abig effort with that kind of stuff But it was asurprising discovery for me that Iwas capable of making things myself.”

However,she does admit defeat in some areas, but thinks that afear of failure shouldn’t put people off trying new things.

“The ones that Ican’t get good at involve knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching –I just can’t feel my way towards them,” she admits. “But alot of the crafts are made much, much more difficult on the show by the time aspect, and by having the cameras there.

“There are times when you see me throwing a wobbly,but the truth is,I’m throwing awobbly at the process of being filmed while under this kind of pressure. That is what gets to you –because you are doing this flower arrangement, for example, and someone will say ‘Kirstie, can you talk about what you’re feeling now?’”

Hopefully she’ll be keeping her cool during this programme, in which she confronts her fear of making pastry while creating achoux-inspired wreath. Other masterclasses to look out for include Christmas crackers made from pasta (hopefully they can be eaten afterwards), aboozy hot chocolateand turning odd socks into fun festive friends.

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 Breakfast (S). 9.15 Morning Live At Christmas (S). 10.00 ExpertWitness (S). 10.45 Claimed And Shamed (R) (S). 11.15 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S). 1.00 BBC News At One; Weather (S). 1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather (S). 1.45 Doctors (S). 2.15 Planet Earth: AMeerkat’s Tale (R) (S). 2.30 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 (S). 5.15 BBC News At Six; Weather (S). 5.45 BBC Regional News; Weather (S).

6.15 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 7.15 Bargain Hunt (R) (S). 8.00 Sign Zone: Trawlermen: Hunting The Catch (R) (S). 9.00 BBC News (S). 10.00 BBC News (S). 12.15 Politics UK (S). 1.00

Best House In Town (R) (S). 1.45 Lightning (R) (S). 2.15 FILM: Dancing Through Christmas (Paul Shapiro 2021) Romantic drama, starring AnnaLynne McCord (S). 3.40 FILM: Christmas ALa Carte (Graeme Campbell 2021)

Romantic drama, starring Erin Agostino (S). 5.10 Beechgrove Repotted (S). 5.15 Flog It! (R) (S).

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change: 6.00 Good Morning Britain (S). 9.00 Lorraine (S). 10.00 This Morning (S). 12.30 Loose Women (S). 1.30 ITV News; Weather (S). 1.55 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 2.00 Fifa World Cup 2022 The first quarter final. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 5.30 ITV News; Weather (S).

SPEED (ITV4,

11.10pm)

Keanu Reeves (pictured) portrays LA bomb squad member Jack Traven, who plays adeadly game of cat-and-mouse with the deranged Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper). The latter plants adevice on a bus that will detonate if the vehicle drops below 50mph. While Jack tries to figure away of getting the passengers off the vehicle, keeping it on the road is lefttofeisty Annie (played by Sandra Bullock), who ends up at the wheel when the driver is shot.

LOVE ACTUALLY (ITV2,

9.00pm)

Richard Curtis’s directorial debut creates atableau of modern-day London life in which peoplefall in and out of love to asmoochy soundtrack in the

run-up to Christmas. The film stitches together ten separate stories of love, longing,camaraderie and failed relationships, among them Hugh Grant as abachelor PM falling head over heels for atea lady played by Martine McCutcheon. Deliriously, gloriously romantic.

6.05 Countdown (R) (S). 6.45

Cheers (R) (S). 7.10 Cheers (R) (S). 7.35 Everybody

Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.00

Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.30 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 9.00 Frasier (R) (S). 9.30 Frasier (R) (S).

10.00 Frasier (R) (S). 10.30

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

USA (R) (S). 11.25 Channel

4News Summary (S). 11.30

Chateau DIY (R) (S). 12.30

Steph’s Packed Lunch (S). 2.10

Countdown (S). 3.00 Kirstie’s

Handmade Christmas (R) (S).

4.00 APlace In The Sun (S).

5.00 Four In ABed (R) (S). 5.30

Come Dine With Me (R) (S).

6.00 The Simpsons Halloween-inspired tales (R) (S).

6.30 Hollyoaks (R) (S).

7.00 Channel 4News (S). 7.30 Unreported World Acontroversial drug being used in Mexico to address mental illness and drug addiction (S).

8.00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas Kirstie Allsopp offers festive tips on how to have a stylish Christmas (S).

9.00 Gogglebox Theamateur critics share their thoughts on the week’s telly.Last in the series (S). 10.00 The Last Leg Jimmy Carrand Joanne McNally join the regulars (S). 11.05 The Big Narstie Show With guests Scarlett Moffatt, Eddie Hearn, Kojey Radical and Carol Vorderman (S). 11.55 Black Books (R) (S). 12.25 Black Books (R) (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine (S). 12.30 Bargain-Loving Brits In The Sun (R) (S). 1.25

5News At Lunchtime (S). 1.30

FILM: Christmas Matchmakers (David DeCoteau 2019) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Vivica AFox (S). 3.15 FILM: The Christmas Crashers (Sheldon Epps 2022) Premiere. Comedy, starring Skye Townsend (S). 5.00 5News At 5 (S).

PAKISTAN VENGLAND

6.00 The Early Rundown (R).

6.30 The Early Rundown (R). 7.00 Sky News Breakfast (R). 7.30 Sky News Breakfast (R). 8.00 Hope ForWildlife (R) (S). 9.00 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 9.30 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 10.00 Supergirl (R) (S). 11.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R) (S). 12.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R) (S). 1.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R) (S). 2.00 S.W.A.T (R) (S). 3.00 World’s Most Toxic Animals (R) (S). 4.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 4.30 Will &Grace (R) (S). 5.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.30 Futurama (R) (S).

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 6.35 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 7.00 The Cabins (S). 8.00 Love Bites (S). 9.00 Love Bites (S). 10.00 Dress To Impress (S). 11.00 Dress To Impress (S). 12.00 Rolling In It (S). 1.00 Family Fortunes (S). 2.00 Supermarket Sweep (S). 3.05 One Tree Hill (S). 4.00 Chuck (S). 5.00 Chuck (S).

6.00 Classic Coronation Street (S). 6.35 Classic Coronation Street (S). 7.00 Classic Emmerdale (S). 7.35 Classic Emmerdale (S). 8.05 Man About The House (S). 8.35 Man About The House (S). 9.10 Maigret (S). 10.25 Maigret (S). 11.35 Heartbeat (S). 12.35 Heartbeat (S). 1.40 Classic Emmerdale (S). 2.15 Classic Emmerdale (S). 2.50 Classic Coronation Street (S). 3.20 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 Four In ABed (S). 2.40 Four In ABed (S). 3.15 Four In ABed (S). 3.50 Four In ABed (S). 4.20 Four In A Bed (S). 4.50 Kirstie And Phil’s Love It Or List It (S). 5.55 Escape To The Chateau: DIY (S).

6.00 Gregg Wallace’s Magical Christmas Market The Christmas market in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens (R) (S).

7.00 Hamleys At Christmas The hidden stories of the famous London toy store (R) (S). 7.55 5News Update (S). 8.00 Costco At Christmas Cameras go behind the scenes at the membership-only retailer (S). 9.00 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out The presenter heads to Cumbria. Last in the series (S).

7.00 Christmas University Challenge Corpus Christi, Cambridge take on St Anne’s, Oxford (S).

7.30 TopOfThe Pops (S).

6.00 Futurama Earth is invaded by intelligent cats (R) (S). 6.30 The Simpsons (R) (S).

Simpsons Mr Burns buys his employees hi-tech specs so he can spy on them (R) (S). 7.30 Young Rock

10.00 Britain’s Favourite 80s Songs The ultimate 1980s chart(R) (S). 12.50 Criminals: Caught On Camera (R)(S). 1.15 The LeoVegas Live Casino Show (S). 3.15 HenryVIII: Endgame (R) (S). 4.00Ben Fogle: New Lives In TheWild (R) (S). 4.50 Christmas With Mariah Carey (R) (S). 5.35 HouseDoctor (R) (S).

8.00 TopOfThe Pops With Sub Sub, Radiohead, Bjork, Meat Loaf and Chaka Demus &Pliers (S). 9.00 Definitely Dusty An insight into Dusty Springfield’s personal life (S). 10.00 Dusty Springfield At The BBC Atribute to the London-bornpop diva (S). 11.00 Dusty With guest Scott Walker (S). 11.25 CountryMusic By Ken Burns (S). 12.15 CountryMusic By Ken Burns (S). 1.10 TopOfThe Pops (S). 1.40 TopOfThe Pops (S). 2.40 Definitely Dusty (S). 3.40 Close

8.00 David Attenborough’s Global Adventure The greatest filming sequences of David Attenborough’s career (R) (S). 9.00 FILM: The Princess (2022) An insight into the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales (R) (S). 11.00 Late Late Show Best Of The Week Highlights of the talk show

Radio

8.00 Bob’s Burgers Bob realises he could learn from Linda’s customer service skills (S). 8.30 Bob’s Burgers (S).

Celebrity Catchphrase Stephen Mulhern hosts the second of two special World Cup editions (S). 8.00

Dress To Impress Rhiannon, Livand Georgia compete for the affections of model Brad (S).

9.00 FILM: Love Actually (2003) Romantic comedy,with Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon (S). 11.45 Family Guy Peter joins the TeaParty andshuts down the government (S).

Family Guy (S). 12.40

Dad! (S). 1.10

Dad! (S). 1.40 The

Up Sketch Show (S). 2.10 The Stand Up Sketch Show (S). 2.40 Unwind WithITV (S). 3.00 Teleshopping

Heartbeat Adebt collector suggests a way to toughen up Geoff (S).

Martin Louisa plans aspecial evening to celebrate Martin’s birthday (S).

6.55 Escape To The Chateau At Christmas Dick and Angel prepare for Christmas (S).

7.55 Grand Designs Awater tower conversion in central London (S).

Martin The doctor has his second GMC assessment (S).

Cracker Part two of three. Time is running out (S).

Cracker Part three of three. The hunt is on for Albie (S).

Of Frost (S).

Unwind With ITV (S). 2.30

Heartbeat An informant leads police to adrugs shipment (S). 9.00 Astrid: Murder In Paris Astrid questions a seemingly wrapped-up case. In French (S). 10.15 24 Hours In A&E A woman is airlifted to hospital after falling off her mobility scooter (S). 11.20 24 Hours In A&E A man who has been hit by acar may have sustained ableed to the brain (S). 12.25 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (S). 1.25 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (S). 2.25 24 Hours In A&E (S). 3.25 Food Unwrapped (S). 3.55 Close

THE HIT LIST

BBC1, 5.30pm

On The Hit List, it probably helps to have agood bond with your teammate, but is it possible to know each other alittle bit too well?

We could find out tonight, as Marvin and Rochelle Humes introduce a1990s special. The contestantsare Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy,SClub 7’s Tina Barrett and Bradley McIntosh, and 911’s Lee Brennan and pop legend Sonia, and according to the presenters it’s clear that some of them have served in the pop trenches together

Marvin says: “In the nineties special you can tell there was alot of banter flying about between Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy with the SClubguys and Lee from 911, obviously they’ve spent alot of time on the road together so Ifeel like, as much as they love seeing each other again, there was alot of banter…”

Rochelle adds: “It was quite alot wasn’t it? At some points Iwas like ‘Is this ok? Do they know each other,tobebantering this much?’ but they seemed very friendly but it was like they were back on the tour bus together again ”

In between the bantering, they will be answering question on pop music, which is the point of the show.When asked to sum up The Hit List for newcomers, Rochelle says: “Well first of all where have you been?! Secondly,itisthe ultimate music quiz, it is ashow for the whole family,it’s fun, it’s light, it’s that feel good telly that you will want to watch on aSaturday night.”

Marvin adds: “Everyone can get involved, we play music from across the decades, 70s, 80s, 90s, noughties, 10sand 20s, but like Roch said it’s feel-good family entertainment. You’ll be shouting at the TV screen and you’ll want to apply for the

show!”

The married couple are arguably the perfect hosts for the show –after all they have both a background in pop. Rochelle was in girl group the Saturdays and Marvin found fame in JLS.

As Rochelle says: “It was just really important for us to work on ashow togetherthat we were both equally as passionate about, and obviously music is what we’re both known for and it’s something that we’ve always really bonded over,soitwas just like anobrainer,really.”

The only drawback may be if aquestion comes up about one of their groups, although luckily Rochelle isn’t offended if the contestants fail to get them right.

She laughs: “They’ve both come up,but Idon’t think they got either of them! They knew the song but they said different boy bands and different girls bands. Ithink it’s quite funny!”

Let’s just hope no one tonight gets aquestion wrong about one of the other contestants, or all that banter may take amore pointed turn…

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 Breakfast (S). 10.00 Saturday Kitchen Live: Countdown To Christmas (S). 11.30 Nigella: At My Table (R) (S). 12.00 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 1.00 BBC News (S). 1.10 BBC Regional News; Weather 1.20 Bargain Hunt (R) (S). 2.00 Money ForNothing (R) (S). 2.30 MOTD Live: Fifa World Cup 2022 Coverage of the third quarter final. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 BBC News; Weather (S). 5.30 The Hit List (S).

7.45 Ninja Express (R) (S). 7.55 The Deep (R) (S). 8.20 Odd Squad (R) (S). 8.30 One Zoo Three (R) (S). 8.55 Newsround (S). 9.00 Deadly Pole To Pole (R) (S). 10.00 FILM: AChristmas Story (Bob Clark 1983) (R) (S).

11.30 Mountain Vets (R) (S). 12.00 TopOfThe Shop With Tom Kerridge (R) (S). 1.00 The Sweet Makers At Christmas (R) (S).

2.00 FILM: AMatter Of Life And Death (Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger 1946) (S). 3.45 Flog It! (R) (S). 4.05 Christmas Classics: Talking Pictures (R) (S). 4.50 FILM: Nativity 2: Danger In The Manger! (Debbie Isitt 2012) Comedy sequel, starring David Tennant (S).

In the event of World Cup 2022 matches not being shown the following schedule is subject to change:

6.00 CITV 9.25 ITV News (S). 9.30 James Martin’s Saturday Morning At Christmas (S). 11.40 John And Lisa’s Christmas Kitchen (S). 12.45 James Martin’s American Adventure (R) (S). 1.45 ITV News; Weather (S). 2.00 Fifa World Cup 2022 Coverage of the third quarter final. Kick-off is at 3pm (S). 5.15 Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals (R) (S). 5.40 ITV News; Weather (S). 5.50 ITV Regional News; Weather (S).

Sport

6.05 The King Of Queens (R) (S).

7.20 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.35 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.05 The Simpsons (R) (S). 9.35 The Simpsons (R) (S).

10.05 The Simpsons (R) (S).

10.35 The Simpsons (R) (S).

11.05 Couples Come Dine With Me (R) (S). 12.05 Four In ABed (R) (S). 12.35 Four In ABed (R) (S). 1.05 Four In ABed (R) (S). 1.40 Four In ABed (R) (S).

2.10 Four In ABed (R) (S). 2.45

Secrets Of The Middle Aisle At Christmas (R) (S). 3.45 Jamie’s Easy Christmas (R) (S). 4.50

Channel 4News (S). 5.20 FILM: Jingle All The Way (Brian Levant 1996) Comedy,starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 10.05 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S). 10.20 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S). 10.30 Entertainment News On 5 (S). 10.40 Friends (R) (S). 11.10 Friends (R) (S). 11.40

FILM: Jack Frost (Troy Miller 1998) Family fantasy drama, starring Michael Keaton (S). 1.45 FILM: Christmas In Pine Valley (2022) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Rene Ashton (S). 3.45 FILM: You, Me And The Christmas Trees (David Winning 2021) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Danica McKellar and Benjamin Ayres (S). 5.30 FILM: Christmas On 5th Avenue (Amy Force 2021) Drama, starring Kathryn Davis (S).

6.00 Futurama (R) (S). 6.30 Futurama (R) (S). 7.00 Futurama (R) (S). 7.30 Futurama (R) (S). 8.00 Futurama (R) (S). 8.30

Extreme Snakes: Australia (R) (S). 9.30 Extreme Snakes: Africa (R) (S). 10.30 Soccer AM With John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard. 12.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 12.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 1.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 1.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 2.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 2.35 Monkeys: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 3.35 Monkeys: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 4.35 Monkeys: An Amazing Animal Family (R) (S). 5.35 Legends Of The Pharaohs (R).

6.00 Unwind With ITV (S). 6.15 Coronation Street (S). 7.05 Coronation Street (S). 8.05 Coronation Street (S). 9.05 Love Bites (S). 10.05 Dress To Impress (S). 11.05 Dress To Impress (S). 12.05 In For APenny (S). 12.40Family Fortunes: Celebrity Christmas Special (S). 1.40 Celebrity Catchphrase: Christmas Special (S). 2.45 FILM: Rio (Carlos Saldanha 2011) Animated comedy,with thevoice of Jesse Eisenberg (S). 4.40 FILM: The Proposal (Anne Fletcher 2009) Romantic comedy,starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds (S).

6.00 Man About The House (S). 6.35 Maigret (S). 7.35 Maigret (S). 8.45 FILM: Holiday On The Buses (Bryan Izzard 1973)

Comedy,starring RegVarney (S). 10.30 Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S). 11.40 Agatha Christie’s Poirot (S). 12.50 Midsomer Murders (S). 2.55 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). 4.15 Four In ABed (S). 4.50 Four In ABed (S). 5.20 Four In ABed (S). 5.50 Four In ABed (S).

7.05 FILM: Finding Your Feet (2017) Comedy, starring Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie (S).

7.20 5News Weekend (S). 7.25 FILM: AChristmas Carol (1999) Dickens’ classic ghost story, starring Patrick Stewart (S).

7.00 Raiders Of The Lost Past With Janina Ramirez The discovery of a40,000-year-old artwork known as The Lion Man (S).

7.45 Flying Monsters With David Attenborough

The broadcaster explores the world of the pterosaur (R) (S).

9.15 FILM: Murder On The Orient Express (2017) Mystery, starring Kenneth Branagh (S).

9.15 Christmas At Kew Gardens Following the festive celebrations at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew(R) (S).

9.00 Señorita 89 Raúl López Morton threatens Elena (S). 9.45 Señorita 89 (S).

9.15 FILM: Elf (2003) Fantasy comedy,with Will Ferrell (R) (S).

9.00 FILM: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) Comedy,starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles (S).

7.00 Midsomer Murders

Tragedy strikes at a family friend’s wedding (S).

6.25 Come Dine WithMe Chauffeur James hosts the first of five parties in Surrey (S). 6.55 Come Dine With Me (S).

7.25 Come Dine With Me (S).

7.55 Come Dine With Me Music teacher Caroline is the fourth host in Surrey (S).

11.25 FILM: WarFor The Planet Of The Apes (2017) Sci-fi adventure sequel, starring Andy Serkis (S).

11.25 To The Manor Born Richard is reprimanded (S). 11.55 Sykes Eric and Hattie spend Christmas with Corky (S).

11.10 Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything Comedy, starring Sheridan Smith (R). 11.40 FILM: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) (R) (S).

9.00 Midsomer Murders Rivalries behind the scenes at atouring dance show lead to murder (S).

9.00 24 Hours In A&E A teenager with anorexia nervosa is rushed in with low blood pressure (S).

11.05 Family Guy Joe cheats on Bonnie (S). 11.30 Family Guy Lois is reunited with an old flame (S).

11.55 The Ruth Rendell Mysteries Drama, starring Jerome Flynn and Sadie Frost (S).

11.10 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown Sean Lock and Jason Manford take on Jon Richardson and Roisin Conaty (S).

Of 10 Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special (S). 1.15 24 Hours In A&E (S). 2.20 24 Hours In A&E (S). 3.25 Food Unwrapped (S). 3.55 Close

STRIKE: TROUBLED BLOOD

BBC One, 9.00pm

Lately,JKRowling has been hitting theheadlines due to hercontroversialviews on certain matters,but when it comes to writing,she’sstillgot the Midas touch. Most authors dreamofhaving one successful series undertheir belt, but she hastwo –three, if youcount the HarryPotterspin-offFantastic Beastsand Where to Find Them.

Forthose of us who couldn’t get intotheir fantasy worlds, Rowling came up with something far more down to earth and gritty, although she initially tried to keepita secret by writingunder thepseudonym Robert Galbraith. The result wasthe bestselling CormoranStrike crime novels. Earlier thisyear,she released thesixthinthe series, entitled The Ink Black Heart.

The TV adaptations are alittle behind, however,so when theprivate detective and his professionalpartner Robin Ellacott return to our screensthisweek, they’ll be tackling the novel’s predecessor,Troubled Blood.

Whenthe BBCannounced it wasgoing to make aseries based on Rowling’s work,fansstruggledto come up withanactorperfect for the role of Strike, a large, somewhatrumpled but attractive manwho lost half of his left leg while serving with thearmed forces in Afghanistan.Afew eyebrows were raised when Tom Burke washanded thepart, andalthough not fitting Rowling’soriginal literary description, he’s madethe part his own.

Perhaps he turnedtohis own father, actor David Burke, for advice on portraying aliterary detective he played Dr Watsoninthe first series of ITV’s The AdventuresofSherlock Holmes, opposite Jeremy Brett.

“I feel Iowe alot to my forebears, thedetectives I greatly enjoy watching, or the portrayals of detectives Igreatly enjoy watching,”says Burke Jr.“Sometimes one feels that theybalancemoral imperative witha kind of obsessive need to try to understand evil. Ilike

the fact thatStrike alwaysseems to think he’s gotthe measureofthe killerand why they’vedone it.”

This time, while visiting his family in Cornwall, Strike is approached by awoman whowants to know what happened to hermother.GPMargaretBamborough vanishedin1974after aconsultation with apatient Strike’snever tackled acold case before, but the story intrigues him,sohedecides that he and Robin (Holliday Grainger)should give it ago.

Of course, it proves to be far from straightforward, and beforelong, the dynamic duo realise they’reon the trailofa psychopathicserialkiller.What’smore, the supposed witnesses cannot be trusted.

But what manyStrike fans want to know is: will he andRobin ever move out of the ‘friend zone’ and act on the obviousattraction between them?

Well, that would be telling –and Burke isn’tgiving anything away either.Instead, he’s hopingfor something ratherdifferent.

“Not in real life, of course,but I’m quite afan of catastrophe. I’d quite like things to go very,very wrong. But Idon’t know –we’llsee…”

Well, with Rowling’sskills as astoryteller still firing on all cylinders,literally anything could happen

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 BBC News; Weather (S). 12.15 MOTD

Live: Women’s Super League Manchester City vs Manchester United. Kick-off is at 12.30pm (S).

2.30 MOTD World Cup Top10: Controversies (S). 3.00 Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 (S). 5.30 Wallace &Gromit: A Grand Day Out (R) (S). 5.50 BBC News (S).

6.20 Gardeners’ World Winter Specials (R) (S). 7.20 Countryfile (R) (S). 8.15 Landward (R) (S).

8.45 This Farming Life (R) (S).

9.45 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites (S). 11.15 MaryBerry’s Country House Secrets (R) (S). 12.15

Fern Britton Meets June Brown (R) (S). 1.15 Songs Of Praise: Young Chorister Of The Year –Final (S). 2.00 FILM: Clash Of The Titans (Desmond Davis 1981) Mythical adventure, starring Harry Hamlin (S). 3.55 Tiger

Dynasty: Natural World (R) (S).

4.00 European Cross Country Highlights (S). 5.00 Chris & Michaela: Under The Christmas Sky (R) (S).

6.00 CITV 9.25 ITV News (S).

6.25 ITV News; Weather (S). 6.45 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 7.00 Tipping

Point: Lucky Stars With Judi Love, Pete Wicks and Robert Peston (R) (S).

5.05 Ainsley’s

MIRACLE

ON 34TH STREET (Channel 4, 4.25pm) This is the perfect film to get you in the festive mood. It tells the storyofa woman

Sport 6.00 The King Of Queens (R) (S). 6.25 The King Of Queens (R) (S). 6.50 The King Of Queens (R) (S). 7.15 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 7.40 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.05 Everybody Loves Raymond (R) (S). 8.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 2.20 Quentin Blake’s Clown (R) (S).

2.45 TerryPratchett’s The Abominable Snow Baby (R) (S).

3.20 The Tiger Who Came To Tea (R) (S). 3.50 Father Christmas (R) (S). 4.25 FILM: Miracle On 34th Street (Les Mayfield 1994)

Christmas family drama remake, with Richard Attenborough (S).

6.00 Milkshake! 10.00 SpongeBob SquarePants (R) (S). 10.25 Entertainment News On 5 (S). 10.30 NFL End Zone (S). 11.00 Friends (R) (S).

11.30 FILM: ACozy Christmas Inn (2022) Premiere. Romantic comedy,starring Jodie Sweetin (S). 1.20 FILM: AChristmas Waltz (Michael Damian 2020) Premiere. Festive romance, starring Lacey Chabert(S).

3.10 FILM: Christmas Tree Lane (Steven RMonroe 2020) Romantic drama, starring Alicia Witt (S). 5.00 FILM: Jumanji (Joe Johnston 1995) Fantasy adventure, starring Robin Williams (S).

6.30 Channel 4News (S).

7.00 Big Ben Restored: The Grand Unveiling The extraordinarystoryof the six-year renovation of the iconic clock tower (S).

8.00 Escape To The Chateau Dick and Angel create aconservatory-style winter garden room (S).

9.00 The Handmaid’s Tale June considers a tempting but risky offer from asurprise visitor (S).

10.05 Gogglebox Festive Special The armchair critics cast their eyes over 2020’s biggest Christmas television shows (R) (S).

11.30 Gogglebox Theamateur critics share their thoughts on the week’s telly (R) (S).

7.00 Jackanory (S).

7.15 ChuckleVision Paul and Barry move into ahotel (S). 7.35 Why Don’t You...? (S).

6.00 The Mighty Ones 6.25 The Mighty Ones 6.50 The Mighty Ones 7.15 The Mighty Ones 7.40 The Mighty Ones 8.05 World’s Most Toxic Animals (R) (S). 9.05 World’s Most Toxic Animals (R) (S). 10.05 The Simpsons (R) (S). 10.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 11.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 11.30 The Simpsons (R) (S). 12.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 12.30 UFO (R) (S). 1.30 UFO (R) (S). 2.30 David Attenborough’s Dragons And Damsels (R) (S). 3.30 Live WSL Aston Villa vs Arsenal. Kick-off is at 4.15pm (R).

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 6.35 Love Bites (S). 7.35 Love Bites (S). 8.25 Dress To Impress (S). 9.30 Dress To Impress (S). 10.30 Dress To Impress (S). 11.30 Rolling In It: Christmas Special (S). 12.30 In ForAChristmas Penny (S). 1.15 Catchphrase Christmas Special (S). 2.20

FILM: Mr Popper’s Penguins (Mark Waters 2011) Family comedy,starring Jim Carrey (S). 4.10 FILM: The Grinch (Yarrow Cheney,Scott Mosier 2018) (S). 5.55 FILM: Arthur Christmas (Sarah Smith, Barry Cook 2011) Animated comedy,with the voice of James McAvoy (S).

6.00 Man About The House (S). 6.40 Emmerdale (S). 7.30 Emmerdale (S). 8.30 Emmerdale (S). 9.30 Maigret (S). 10.40 Maigret (S). 11.55 Midsomer Murders (S). 1.55 Midsomer Murders (S). 3.55 Midsomer Murders (S).

12.25 GreatestEver Christmas Movie Blunders (R) (S).

8.00Winter Journey: Schubert’s Winterreise Benjamin Appl and James Baillieu reimagine Schubert’s song cycle (S). 9.30 Dame Fanny Waterman: ALifetime In Music The renowned pianist reflects on her life and career (S). 10.00 Simon Schama Meets Ai Weiwei (S). 10.30 Simon Schama Meets Nadya Tolokonnikova (S). 11.00 Simon Schama Meets Margaret Atwood (S). 11.30 The Truth About Christmas Carols (S). 12.30 Discovering The Bridge

On The River Kwai –Malcolm Arnold (S). 1.30 Mark Kermode’s Secrets Of Cinema: British Comedy (S). 2.30 Write Around The World With Richard EGrant (S). 3.30

Radio

6.00

7.25 Come Dine With Me The last to host is 24-year-old recruitment consultant and lover of all things Essex, Grace (S).

11.05 Emergency Helicopter Medics Aman requires urgent medical care after falling from his motorbike (S). 12.05 999: On The Front Line (S). 1.10 24 Hours In A&E (S). 2.15 Emergency Helicopter Medics (S). 3.20 Food Unwrapped (S). 3.50 Close

BBC RADIO 1 6am Radio 1’s Chillout Anthems. 7.00 AdeleRoberts. 10.00 Radio 1Anthems. 10.30 Newsbeat. 10.32 Radio 1Anthems 11.02 Radio 100s WithNat O’Leary. 1pm Matt AndJamie. 4.00 Radio 1’sLife Hacks. 6.00 TheOfficial Chart: First Look On Radio 1. 7.00 Radio 1’s Chillest Show 9.00 Radio 1’s Indie Show With Jack Saunders. 11.00 BBCIntroducingOn Radio 1. 12mdn’t Radio 1’sFuture Soul WithVictoria Jane. 1.30 Radio 1’sUK R&B Mix. 2.00 Radio 1’s DecompressionSession. 3.00 Radio 1’sChill Mix. 3.30 Radio 1’sMotivate Me Mix. 4.00 Radio 1Dance 5.00 Radio 1Early Breakfast With SamAnd Danni. BBC RADIO 2 6am Good MorningSunday 9.00 SteveWright’s Sunday LoveSongs 11.00 TheMichael Ball Show 1pm Elaine Paige On Sunday 3.00 Sounds Of The 70s With JohnnieWalker 5.00 Judi Love. 7.00 Tony Blackburn’sGolden Hour 8.00 Young Chorister Of The Year 2022. 9.00 Radio 2PianoRoom. 10.00 Radio 2 Unwinds With Angela Griffin. 11.00 Radio 2Unwinds With Angela Griffin. 12mdn’t OJ Borg 2.30 OneHit WondersWithOJBorg. 3.00 Alternative Sounds Of The 90s With DermotO’Leary 4.00 EarlyBreakfast Show BBC RADIO 3 7am Breakfast. 9.00 Sunday Morning 12noon Private Passions. 1.00 Radio 3Lunchtime Concert. 2.00 The Early Music Show 3.00 Choral Evensong. 4.30 Jazz RecordRequests. 5.00 TheListening Service. 5.30 WordsAnd Music. 6.45 Sunday Feature: Shostakovich And The BattleFor Babi Yar. 7.30 Drama On 3: Venice Preserved. 9.00 RecordReview Extra. 11.00 Keelan Carew’sPiano Odyssey 12mdn’t Classical Fix 12.30 Through TheNight BBC RADIO 4 6am News Headlines. 6.05 SomethingUnderstood. 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) Shipp ng Forecast. 12.04 I’mSorry I Haven’t AClue 12.30 The Food Programme 12.57 Weather 1.00 TheWorldThisWeekend. 1.30 Faith In Music 2.00 Gardeners’ QuestionTime. 2.45 One Dish. 3.00 Drama: Working Titles: Convenience Store Woman. 4.00 OpenBook. 4.30 ThePoetryDetective. 5.00 ParadiseLost:The RiseAnd Fall Of The Eldonian Dream 5.40 Profile 5.54 Shipping Forecast 5.57 Weather. 6.00 Six O’Clock News. 6.15 Pick Of The Week. 7.00 The Archers. 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 AndWeather 12.15 Sideways. 12.45 BellsOnSunday 12.48 Shipping Forecast 1.00 As BBC World Service 5.20 ShippingForecast. 5.30 News Br efing 5.43 Prayer ForThe Day 5.45 Farming Today 5.58 Tweet Of The Day BBC RADIO 4EXTRA 6am Poetry Extra 6.30 DearestSquirrel Omnibus. 7.40 Inheritance Tracks. 7.50 APassage To India Omnibus 9.00 Stilgoe’s Around. 9.30 Something To Shout About. 10.00 Desert IslandDiscs 10.30 Susan Hill–Autumn. 11.00 PoetryExtra 11.30 Dearest Squirrel Omnibus. 12.40pm InheritanceTracks. 12.50 APassage To IndiaOmnibus 2.00 Stilgoe’s Around. 2.30 Something To Shout About. 3.00 DesertIsland Discs. 3.30 Susan Hill– Autumn. 4.00 MR James Stories. 4.30 RedAsBlood. 5.00 PoetryExtra. 5.30 Dearest SquirrelOmnibus. 6.40 Inheritance Tracks. 6.50 APassage To India Omnibus. 8 00 Stilgoe’s Around. 8.30 SomethingToShout About. 9.00 Desert Island Discs. 9.30 SusanHill– Autumn 10 00 Comedy Club 10.00 ComedyClub: ElectricInk. 10.30 Comedy Club: SonOfCliche. 11.00 ComedyClub: Detective SergeantNickMohammed. 11.30 Comedy Club:AtHome WithThe Snails. 12mdn’t Poetry Extra 12 30 Dearest Squirrel Omnibus. 1.40 nheritance Tracks. 1.50 APassage To IndiaOmnibus. 3.00 Stilgoe’s Around. 3 30 Something To Shout About. 4 00 Desert Island Discs 4 30 Susan Hill –Autumn. BBC 5LIVE 6am 5LiveScience 7.00 Sunday Breakfast. 10.00 Chris Warburton. 12noon 5Live Sport 12.30 Women’s Football. 2.30 5Live Sport 5.00 5Live Sport 6.00 6-0-6. 8.00 Kammy &Ben’sProper Football Podcast. 8.30 Different With Nicky Campbell 9 00 Stephen Nolan. 12mdn’t MomentOfTruth 12.30 MomentOfTruth 1.00 Dotun Adebayo 5.00 Wake Up To Money BBC 6MUSIC 6am Amy Lamé. 8.00 RadcliffeAnd Maconie. 10.00 Cerys Matthews. 1pm The First Time With 2.00 Guy Garvey’s FinestHour 4.00 Iggy Pop. 6.00 NowPlaying @6Music 8.00 StuartMaconie’s Freak Zone. 10.00 Don Letts’ Culture Clash Radio. 12mdn’t TheHuey Show PresentsThe Hip Hop Mixtape 1.00 6Music’s Rave Forever 2 00 This IsUs–6MusicAt20. 3.00 This Is Us –6Music At 20. 4.00 The BBCIntroducing Mixtape 5.00 ChrisHawkins CLASSIC FM 7am Aled Jones. 10.00 John Brunning 1pm Catherine Bott 4.00 John Humphrys. 7.00 Smooth Classics At Seven. CharlotteHawkins introduces YoungClassical Star LucienneRenaudin Vary 9.00 Moira Stuartt Meets –BillBailey 10.00 Smooth Classics. 1am Bill Overton 4.00 Ear yBreakfast. ABSOLUTE RADIO 8am Jason Manford. 11.00 SarahChampion. 2pm Rock ’n’ Roll FootballWith Jay Lawrence. 6.00 Request Show With ClaireSturgess. 8.00 Sunday Night MusicClub. 12mdn’t Dan Noble. December11 QUEENS PARK RANGERS V BURNLEY Sky Sports Main Event, 12.30pm Live coverageofthe Championship match. SUNDAY 45

Editor’s

THE SAVOYATCHRISTMAS

ITV1, 9pm

Access-all-areas programmes about hotels, holiday resorts and stately homes are all over the TV schedules these days.

But what makes fly-in-the-foyer series The Savoy stand out from the crowd is the fact that the place is not just a central London hotel, it’s anational institution.

Filled with glamour,elegance, history and character,The Savoy has sat alongside the River Thamesfor over 130 years and was the first luxury hotel in Britain.

It has hosted rock stars and royalty,Oscar winners and world leaders, and you can almost hear thevoices of these of other prestigious guests when youset foot inside the place.

The first run of The Savoy was filmed during the most dramatic period of the hotel’s history –anincredibly busy winter season complicated by the devastating coronavirus shutdown.

Despite the obstacles in their way,wesaw how the staff catered for those lucky enough to be able to afford this slice of luxury,with cameras capturing the upstairs, downstairs and the most secret of corners.

As aresult, viewers got to know the team there, including Head Butler Sean Davoren, personally “There is no other hotel of this calibre with its history,” he says.

“I would like people to discover that we are a welcoming, friendly hotel. We are not astuffy hotel. We want everyone to come in and to enjoy this building.

“Sometimes people are put off when you mention The Savoy,but Ihope this series shows that our service is for everybody,not for achosen few “Viewers see avery natural and honest view of The Savoy and they will see exactly how we work on adaily basis.”

In the past, special occasions such as theBAFTAs and Valentine’s Day have featured in the series, which is narrated by Adjoa Andoh.

But like many hotels, the festive season is by farthe most profitable time of year for The Savoy

After the previous year’s Christmas festivities were cancelled, 2021 is now themost vital yuletide in its history

The Savoy is fully booked, and across the property,

every department is preparing for the rush.

Christmas preparations begin in mid-November when, for six intense weeks, the staff work day and night to transformthe hotel into afestive wonderland.

Sean, who is now Guest Experience Manager is scheduled to have his first Christmas off in 10 years.

But before he does, he is on amission to ensure his new butler team is ready for thebig day.Hopefully,staff sickness won’t ruin his festive plans…

Meanwhile, in the Thames Foyer,guests check out the hotel’s seasonal afternoon tea menu.

And 13-year-old opera singer Alfieisinfor asurprise when afamous face drags him on stage up to perform.

Down in The Savoy cellar,Ella from the procurement team has to organise hundreds of tons of food and wine, as the hotel stockpiles in preparation for the celebrations.

With Sean and Michael both off,fellow Guest Experience Manager,Emily plans to wow some new guests, but she has to scramble somewhat to make sure a family has an emotional Christmas to remember

Finally,inThe Savoy Grill, Restaurant director,Thierry and head chef Michael are working flat out to meet guests sky high expectations.

Can they successfully deliver asix-course Christmas day tasting menu, worthy of acertain Mr Ramsay?

6.00 Breakfast (S). 9.15 Morning Live At Christmas (S). 10.00 ExpertWitness (S). 10.45 A Countryside Christmas (R) (S). 11.15 Homes Under The Hammer (R) (S). 12.15 Bargain Hunt (S). 1.00 BBC News; Weather (S). 1.30 BBC Regional News; Weather (S). 1.45 Doctors (S). 2.15 Money ForNothing (S). 3.00 Escape To The Country (S). 3.45 The Bidding Room (R) (S). 4.30 The Weakest Link (R) (S). 5.15 Pointless Celebrities (R) (S).

6.15 My Life At Christmas With Sally Phillips (R) (S). 7.15 Escape To The Country (R) (S).

8.00 Sign Zone: MasterChef: The Professionals (R) (S). 9.00 BBC News (S). 10.00 BBC News (S). 12.15 Politics Live (S). 1.00

Meet The Street At Christmas (R) (S). 1.45 Celebrity Eggheads (R) (S). 2.15 The Best Christmas Food Ever (R) (S). 3.00 World’s Weirdest Events (R) (S). 4.00 Back In Time ForSchool (R) (S). 5.00 Flog It! (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).

6pm 8pm 10pm

7pm 9pm 11pm Late

6.00 BBC News At Six; Weather (S). 6.30 BBC Regional News; Weather (S). 7.00 The One Show (S). 7.35 EastEnders Dot’s family and friends gather for her funeral (S). 8.15 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results The two lowest-scoring couples compete in the danceoff for aplace in the final (S). 9.00 Strike: Troubled Blood Robin risks her life by pursuing avicious suspect (S). 10.00 BBC News At Ten (S). 10.30 BBC Regional News; Weather (S). 10.40 Bill Bailey: Larks In Transit (R) (S). 11.40 The English Eli and Cornelia are reunited (R) (S). 12.30 Have IGot News ForYou (R) (S). 1.05 BBC News (S).

6.00 Richard Osman’s House Of Games (S). 6.30 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip With Chris Hughes and Jake Quickenden (S). 7.30 Mastermind Specialist subjects include William Morris and Torchwood (S). 8.00 Only Connect The Croot Family take on the Crustaceans (S). 8.30 University Challenge (S). 9.00 Strictly: It Takes Two (S). 9.30 Trailblazers: ARocky Mountain Road Trip (S). 10.30 Newsnight (S). 11.15 FILM: Suburbicon (2017) Black comedy, starring Matt Damon (S). 12.55 Sign Zone: Countryfile (R) (S). 1.50 Sign Zone: The Secret Genius Of ModernLife (R) (S). 2.50 This Is BBC Two (S).

6.00 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 6.30 ITV News; Weather (S).

7.30 Emmerdale Chas finally decides to move on from Al (S). 8.00 Coronation Street Summer and Aaron’s lies catch up with them (S). 9.00 The Savoy At Christmas Alook at preparations for the festive period at the London hotel (S). 10.00 ITV News At Ten; Weather (S). 10.30 ITV Regional News; Weather (S). 10.45 Peston (S). 11.40 All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite Hard-hitting wrestling action (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).

6.00 Milkshake! 9.15 Jeremy Vine (S). 12.30 Bargain-Loving Brits In The Sun (R) (S). 1.25 5News At Lunchtime (S). 1.30 FILM: Christmas Lucky Charms (Amy Force 2022) Premiere. Romantic drama, starring Sugenja Sri (S). 3.15 FILM: Our Family Christmas Memories (Catherine Cyran 2022) Premiere. Drama, starring Jesse Irving (S). 5.00 5 News At 5 (S).

VWEST BROMWICH ALBION

6.00 The Early Rundown (R). 6.30 The Early Rundown (R). 7.00 Kay Burley (R). 7.30 Kay Burley (R). 8.00 Hope For Wildlife (R) (S). 9.00 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 9.30 Nothing To Declare (R) (S). 10.00 Supergirl (R) (S). 11.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R) (S). 12.00 NCIS: New Orleans (R) (S). 1.00 Hawaii Five-0 (R) (S). 2.00 S.W.A.T (R) (S). 3.00 Big Beasts: Last Of The Giants (R) (S). 4.00 Will &Grace (R) (S). 4.30 Will &Grace (R) (S). 5.00 The Simpsons (R) (S). 5.30 Futurama (R) (S).

6.00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 6.35 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records (S). 7.00 The Cabins (S). 8.00 Love Bites (S). 9.00 Love Bites (S). 10.00 Dress To Impress (S). 11.00 Dress To Impress (S). 12.00 Rolling In It (S). 1.00 Family Fortunes (S). 2.00 Supermarket Sweep (S). 3.05 One Tree Hill (S). 4.00 Chuck (S). 5.00 Chuck (S).

6.00 Classic Coronation Street (S). 6.35 Classic Coronation Street (S). 7.00 Classic Emmerdale (S). 7.35 Classic Emmerdale (S). 8.05 Man About The House (S). 8.35 Man About The House (S). 9.10 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).

6.00 The Simpsons Homer challenges Marge to a cooking competition (R) (S).

6.30 Hollyoaks (R) (S).

7.00 Channel 4News (S).

7.55 The Political Slot John Healey MP discusses the Labour Party’s view on the importance of Nato (S).

8.00 Waitrose At Christmas Behind the scenes at the supermarket in the run-up to Christmas (S).

9.00 The Disappearance Of April Jones New series. The storyofthe investigation into the disappearance of a fiveyear-old (S).

10.00 Undercover: Sexual Harassment –The Truth (S).

6.00 Secrets Of The Christmas Factory (R) (S). 6.55 5News Update (S).

7.00 Police Interceptors Dan is involved in a high-speed pursuit(R) (S). 7.55 5News Update (S).

8.00 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders Adriver leaves the scene after ahead-on collision (R) (S).

9.00 Police: Night Shift 999 New series. Returnofthe documentaryfollowing Gloucestershire Constabulary(S).

10.00 Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts Doctors treat atwo-year-old girl with dangerously low blood-sugar levels (R) (S). 11.05 999: Critical Condition A17-year-old is rushed in by helicopter after a mountain bike accident (R) (S). 12.05 Police Interceptors (R) (S)

7.00 Wild Scotland (S). 7.15 Christmas University Challenge (S). 7.45 Great Continental Railway Journeys (S).

8.15 June Brown: AWalford Legend The EastEnders actress looks back on her life and career (S). 8.45 EastEnders (S). 9.15 Quentin Blake: The Drawing Of My Life The artist tells the story of his creative life in his own words and pictures (S). 10.15 James May: My Sisters’ TopToys A celebration of toys through the decades (S). 11.15 What We Were Watching: Christmas 1991 Grace Dent takes atelevisual trip back in time (S). 12.15 Painting The Holy Land (S). 1.15 Great Continental Railway Journeys (S). 1.45 Discovering The Bridge On TheRiver Kwai –Malcolm Arnold (S). 2.45 What We Were Watching: Christmas 1991 (S). 3.45 Close

7.00 The Simpsons Lisa’s guinea pig destroys a painting in thefamily’s living room (R) (S). 7.30 The Simpsons (R) (S).

8.00 Sport’s Funniest Moments Farcical moments from the sporting world (R) (S).

9.00 ALeague Of TheirOwn Christmas Special 2022 Afestive edition, with Tony Bellew,Eve Muirhead, John Barnes and David Seaman.

10.00 Micky Flanagan –An’ Another Fing Live Astand-up show recorded at London’s O2 Arena (R) (S).

6.00 Futurama An invention allows peopletoswitch minds (R) (S). 6.30 The Simpsons Grampa moves in with the family (R) (S) 8.00 Bob’s Burgers Bob inherits astorage unit from arelative (S). 8.30 Bob’s Burgers (S). 9.00 Family Guy Peter goes to abusiness conference in Atlantic City with Preston (S). 9.30 Family Guy (S). 10.00 Family Guy Part one of two. Stewie decides to take revenge on Father Christmas (S). 10.35 Family Guy (S). 11.05 Family Guy The Grif

An explosion in the woods is linked to the activities of a dangerous criminal (S).

Escape To The Chateau Dick and Angel Strawbridge transformone of the old outbuildings (S).

Grand Designs A disabled Royal Marine builds aspecially adapted home (S).

12.00 The Russell Howard Hour (R). 12.45 Sex AndThe City (R) (S). 1.15 Sex And The City (R) (S). 1.45 The Force: Manchester (R) (S). 2.40 Road Wars (R) (S). 3.10 Hawaii Five-0 (R). 4.05 S.W.A.T (R) (S). 5.00 The Early Rundown (R). 5.30 The Early Rundown (R).

Radio

Highclere: Behind The Scenes The team prepares to host their first charity gala in three years (S).

Coastal Railways With Julie Walters The actress travels from Newcastle to Edinburgh (S).

24 Hours In A&E A 63-year-old builder falls from agreat height while working on a construction site (S).

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

MITCHELL

Anthony Albert (Tony)

Loving Husband to Joan, much loved Dad, Grandad and Great-Grandad.

Passed awaypeacefully on November 30, 2022 at St Kentigern Hospice, St Asaph, Wales.

In our hearts forever God bless.

STOCKTON

Vernon John

Passed away afterashort illness on November 28, 2022 aged 60 years of RedBull.

Much loved Husband of Sue, loving Dad of Amy and Ryan and aPops of Harvey and Poppy

FuneralService, 4.30pm on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Telford Crematorium.

Family flowers only but donations if so desired to Pancreatic Cancer UK for which purpose acollection boxwill be provided in the Crematorium.

All inquires please to

TRUMPER

Victor

(Vic)

Sadly passed away on November 19, 2022.

Aloving Husband, Dad, Grandad and Great-Grandad.

ACelebration of life will take place at Telford Crematorium on December 16 at 9.30am.

Family flowers only,donations if desired to British Heart Foundation and Myeloma UK.

All inquiries to NEWPORT&DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES 01952 820667.

VICKERS

Harold

Passed away peacefullyin The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford with his Family at his side on November 19, 2022, aged 87 years,ofMarket Drayton.

Beloved Husband of Pauline, Dad of David and Brian. A much loved Grandad and Great-Grandad.

Passed away peacefully after along illness bravely fought on November 16,2022,aged 89 years.

Beloved Husband of Dorothy, lovingDad of Janet, Carl, Karen and Brian. Cherished Grandad of Catherine, Ian, Ryan and Harry.

FuneralService, 1.15pm on Wednesday,December 14, 2022atChristChurch, Little Drayton followed by a private Cremation.

Family flowers only but donations if so desired for the Alzheimer’s Society,for which purpose acollection plate will be provided in Church.

Inquiries please to

Aprivate Family Funeral Service will take place.

Inquiries please to

07903 093535.

Prepared to do all aspects of gardening including weeding, no lawns or hedges. Small but well stokedgarden. Amateur or professional welcome. 1- 2hrs per week. Craven arms area Write Box No. P22297 (WS), Shropshire Ltd,Newspapers Queen Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1ES

TEECE

Derek John Retired Plumber

WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER

Barbara

producing content forall of our printand digital platforms–fromin-depth news features forour newspapers, to breaking news articles for our websites, as well as covering stories as theyhappen on live blogs.

We arelooking forNCTJ-trained journalists, able to deliver accurate,entertaining copy to meetstrict deadlines. Afull, clean driving licence is required.

We will also consider NCTJ Diploma trained journalists who are working towardstheir NQJ.

This is abrilliantopportunity to joinour newsroom, covering a diverse, vibrantand busy patch.

Benefits include acompetitive salary, 25 days’annual holiday and the chance to develop your career at Britain’slargest independent regional news company.

If youare interestedin this role, please send acopyofyour CV and covering letter forthe attention of theeditor-in-chief, MartinWrightbyDecember 19, to:hr@claverleygroup.co.uk

FirstDrive: Peugeot408

TEDWELFORD PressAssociation

Againstthe vast swathes of SUVs,manufacturers areincreasinglyhav ingtothinkoutside the boxwhenitcomes to designs– whichequates to increasingly bolder op tionsfor customers. The latest exampleofthis comesfromPeugeot, with itsnew 408.

Designed to sitbetween thecon ventional308 hatchbackand 508 saloon in theline–up,Peugeot’s calling it a‘fastback’and is targeting buyerslooking to escapean SUV, yetwantsomething more ex citing than atraditional hatchback.

The408 is anew addition to Peugeot’srange andarrives with astrikingnew look.A fewhigh lights areits fantasticcolour-coded, framelessgrillealong with thepop ular SUVcladdingfor amorerug ged appearance

Electrification is core to the408 too, with hybrid versions predict-

ed to accountfor thebulkofsales, whilethere’s thenew version of Peugeot’si-Cockpit system,bring ingthe latest in-car technology.

Thereare threepowertrainswith the408 –a128bhp1.2-litre turbocharged petrolenginethatserves as theonlynon-electrified version, andachoiceoftwo plug-inhybrids

Both these hybrids usea1.6-litre turbocharged petrolengine, and arepairedtothe same electric mo torand a12.4kWh battery.

Peugeotclaimsupto40miles of electric rangeispossible, with Peugeotsayingmorethan200mpgand CO2emissionsof26g/km. It will take threehours and25minutes to charge the408,thoughyou can reduce this to an hour and40min utes with afaster7.4kW onboard charger.

Peugeotwon’t admitit, butthe 408isessentially asibling model to theCitroenC5 X–a modelwith aparticular focusoncomfort with itssoftersuspension. Buthere, Peugeothas managedtolivenupthe experience atouch,withthe 408 feeling flatterthrough thecorners, andfeeling moresecureifyou put yourfootdownabit.It’sno sporting model, butitstickstothe road well, whilethe hybrid set-up delivers a

BMWcelebrates fiftyyears of ‘M’

BMWMisbringingits 50yearanniversarycelebrationstoa closewitha newlimited-edition model– the3.0 CSL.

Limitedtojust50units,the 3.0 CSLharks back to thelegendary 3.0 CSL‘Batmobile’ of the1970s.The most recent incarnationuses themost powerful straight-six ever used in a BMWroadcar,withthe 3.0-litre en gine kickingout 552bhp and550Nm of torque, driven to therearwheelsvia a six-speed manual transmission It’s underpinned by specially tuned Adaptive Msuspensionwithelectroni callycontrolled shockabsorbers, while carbon ceramicbrakesare fitted too.

Sittinginfront of thebrakesare central-lockingwheels finished in gold, with 20-inchalloysupfront and21inch versions at therear. Specially-developedMichelintyres bear thenum ber‘50’onthe sidewalls, too.

Theentireexterior design of the3.0 CSLpayshomagetothe original.The kidney grilleismoreupright,for in stance,while therecessesinthe front apronare likethe airintakes of the 1970sversion.The BMWLaser Light headlights areyellow, too, linkingthe 3.0CSL to otherracersfromthe firm

In true referencetothe ‘Batmobile’, thenew 3.0CSL also hasastriking rear wing whichbothmakes abig visualimpactand also generatesadditional downforceoverthe rear axle Underneath, thereare four exhaust

decent amount of punchwhenthe ‘Sport’driving mode is selected

At thesametime, it rideswell with comfortableleather andAlcantaraseats helpingout with this, whilethe refinement on motorways wasparticularlyimpressive.

The408’s design couldreallydivide opinion.It’sPeugeot’sboldest modelinsome time –and that’s coming from abrand that hasbeen pushingthe boundaries anyway

If you like aclean,fuss-free look, it mightnot be thecar foryou –as there’sanawful lotgoing on Butwethink there’stoo much plasticcladdinggoing on at the rear,while the20-inch alloywheels (optional) arechallenging Inside,the 408reallydeliverson thepromise of feelinglargerthan aregular hatchback. The471-litre

boot (536 litresonnon-plug-inmod els),isagreat size,whilethere’s a decent amount of room in therear seats. Headroomisslightly impeded by acombination of asloping roofline andpanoramic sunroof, but6ft adults will stillbeabletosit comfortably

Standard equipment on theentry-levelAlluretrimincludesPeu geot’slatest10-inch touchscreen, whichoffersquick andeasywidgets that make it farless fiddlytouse on themove,along with a10-inch digi talinstrumentcluster,17-inch alloy wheels andareversing camera

Mid-spec Allure Premiumbrings much more visually-pleasing19inch alloywheels, alongwithkey less entryand adaptive cruise control. If you want allthe bellsand whistles,the GT packsfullMatrix

LEDheadlights, aheated steering wheeland electric boot,along with thecolour-codedgrille.

FACTFILE

PEUGEOT 408GTHYBRID225

E-EAT

Price as tested: £43,200

Engine: 1.6-litreplug-inhybrid Power: 222bhp

0-60mph: 7.6seconds Topspeed: 145mph Economy: 211.3-269.5mpg

CO2emissions: 24-30g/km Electricrange: 39-40miles

Thereare numbersonthe doorsand roof of thecar,too,inanother nodto earlyracingcars, whilethe BMWlogo is included on theC-pillar as another referenceto1970s cars

Much of the3.0 CSL’sbodyhas been made with carbon fibrereinforcedplas tic(CFRP), includingareas such as the roof, bonnet andbootlid,whilethe ti tanium rear silencer is around 4.3kg lighterthanaconventional steelver sion

Inside,the rear seatshavebeenremovedand replaced with twointegrated helmet storagecompartmentsand up frontthere aretwo carbon bucket seats. BlackAlcantara is usedthrough much of thecabin whileeachcar gets itsown numbered plaque correspond ingtoits buildslot.

tailpipes positionedinanarrow shape, whilethe rear lights uselaser ‘threads’ that appear to floatwithinthe lights

MG picksupthe pace

BILLMcCARTHY

deep grille, flankedbyLED head lightclustersand largeair scoop.

It’s aserious question,and yes thereare some brilliantcandidates, butin termsofsheer valuefor money,HStakes some beating.

Price, well it speaks foritself and starts at just over £31k andstill comes with themarket leading or matching seven-yearwarrantyand features MG Pilot,araftofsafety measures usuallyseenasanoptional extra on rivalbrands.

TheHSisthe largestofthe SUVs coming in just above theequally stylishZS. Thereare twomodels, theExciteand theExclusive,driven here.MG’s firstplug-inhybrid, it combines a90kWelectricmotor with a1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.Thisdeliversacombined poweroutputof258PS andanelectric-onlyrange of 32 miles.

Thepower unit is matedwitha 10-speed auto transmission to deliver rapid pace,allowingittohit the 60mphmarkin6.9 seconds. Econo my is atheoretical 155.8mpg,but I foundittobequite thirstywhenthe electric rangewas exhausted,with an estimatedmid-40s mpg.

At just over £33k forthe range-topper,ithas thrown down thegauntlettomoreestablished andmuchmoreexpensive compet itors.

Theeye-catchingdesignfeatures theiconicMGbadge dominating the

Sitting on smart, 18-inchalloys, themuscular linesslope to therear wherethe twin tailpipes andan aluminiumlower bumper give it a sporty finish

Thelarge interior hasgood head andlegroom allround andthismod el hascomfortable electrically oper ated leatherseats giving thedriver acommandingviewofthe road.It features an arrayofsoft-touch fin ishtodashand sports seats, with fewerofthe harshersolid plastics Standard kitincludeskeyless entrywithpushbuttonstart,a10.1 inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlayand AndroidAutoand elec tric foldingand heated door mirrors and360-degreecamera.

Thereisalsoa leather finish to themulti-functionsteering wheel, whilethe centraltouchscreen info tainmentsystemcontrols satnav, DABradio/CD/auxand phonecon nectivity.

Thegoodies getbetterasyou move up therange andthisrange-topper adds frontand rear LEDsequential indicators,dual-zone climate control, ambientlightingand panoramic sunroofand electronicopeningtailgate.

Rear seat passengers arecatered fortoo with the recliningseats Therideiscomfortable while

handling isdecentapart from the occasional wallow on corners. The modeldeliversplentyofpacefor itssize, whileemissions of 43g/km make it cheaptotax

Thesizeofthe carismatched by thebootspace with an impressive 448litresofluggage space. Folding therearseats flat extendsthe total capacity to 1,375litres. There’salso adualheightboot floor.

Safety kitisimpressivewiththe MG Pilotset-upofferingsafetyaids, includingActive EmergencyBraking, Lane Assist,Adaptive Cruise Control, ForwardCollision Warn ing, BlindSpotDetection,LaneDepartureWarning System andRear CrossTrafficalert

FACTFILE

MG HS EXCLUSIVEPHEV

Price: £33.595

Mechanical: Combined 258PS 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via10-speedautogearbox

Maxspeed: 118mph

0-62mph: 6.9seconds

Combined mpg: 155.8

CO2emissions: 43g/km

Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles

Christmasmarkets to visitinanEV

ThebestChristmas marketsin England to visitifyou’redriving an elec tric carhavebeenrevealedinanew study.

Manchester Christmas Market topped therankingsofthe survey conducted by PeugeotUK, whichlookedat thenumberofpublicchargepointsthat were offeredwithinathree-mileradius of 14 of VisitEngland’smost-popular Christmas markets. They also looked at charging speedsavailable,and ac commodationwithfreechargingwas also scored

Theresearch also investigated how many of themarketscould be reached usingthe 225-mile rangeofthe Peugeot e-208from15ofthe most populated cities in theUK.

Alltop 10 Christmasmarkets– save forPadstow’s eventinCornwall– were accessible from at leastnineofthe UK’s most populatedcities. Manchester’sChristmas market came outon top, with 14 cities in theUKwithina 225-mileradius. It also hadthe highest number of charging stations, with 69 availablewithina three-mileradius. This included 16 rapid chargers offeringspeedsofover50kW.

Birmingham FrankfurtChristmas market came in second place, with Leedsplaced thirdwithits 62 charging stations –including 17 rapid units. The Yorkshirecitycould also be reached from 13 of theUK’smostpopulated cit ieswithinthe e-208’s225-milerange

JulieDavid,managingdirector, PeugeotUK, said:“Christmasmar ketsare apopular destination to visit during Novemberand December and Peugeot’slatestresearch hasrevealed themarketsand cities that best cater forelectricdrivers.

“Withmorethana million electric driversonUKroads today, things like distance andcharginginfrastructure will play an important role in determining wheredriversheadtothis Christmas.”

York topped thetablesinterms of EV-focusedaccommodation options, with 19 differenthotelsand B&Bs of fering free charging forcustomers

Is therea better value SUVonthe road than this plug-inhybrid?

APeugeot wasusedinthe survey

Sittingvolleyballonthe up as TelfordEagles flyhigh

PAUL JENKINS paul.jenkins@mnamedia.co.uk

TelfordEaglessitting volleyball team is alive andkicking as thesport goes from strength to strength.

Theteamwas formed in 2018 when coachPaulTwitchell re turned from watching the Invictus Gamesin Australia, amulti-sport eventcreated by Prince Harry for wounded, injuredorsickarmed forces personnel.

He wasinspiredbythe inclusive nature of thesport andbrought it to thealready existing TelfordVol leyballClubwhere he trainedand played.

In England, sitting volleyball is playedbetween mixed-sexteams of disabled andnon-disabledplayers, with theemphasis on itsinclusive nature

Thehighest competitiveoutlet at themomentisthe Paralympics wherethe sportisplayedbetween same-sex teams of athletes with qualifying disabilities

On theinternational scene, Great Britainhas amen’s andwomen’s sitting volleyball team plus ateam that goes to theInvictusGames

TheEaglescompetedintheir firstnationalGrand Prix series in 2019 with Twitchellastheir coach, managerand captain.

He hasstepped down nowbut theclubcontinues andtrainsevery Wednesdaywiththe supportof coachesand players from Telford Volleyball Club’s standing teamand thecommitmentfroma fewofthe originalEaglesmembers

RichardLewis from TelfordVol leyballClubsaidthe sportgeneral ly is growingall thetimebut with publicity generatedbythe Invictus Games, thesitting versionisgoing from strength to strength

He said:“Sincelockdownwe

have seen amassive interest from theyounger generation wishingto participatein volleyball,including my ownson whowas committed to football at one pointbut joined the Telfordcluband nowlovesplaying thesport

“Over thelastyearinparticular

we have seen teenagers improve so much we have enteredsecondteams in both themen’s andladies’ senior league on topofour successful first teams.”

TheEaglestrain everyWednesdayatOak Tree Centre,Light moor Village(6.15-7.15pm) with

thesessionsofferingvolleyball accessible forall ages, abilities or disabilities

They welcome newcomersorexperiencedplayers andto find out more,gotothe TelfordVolleyball Facebook page or www.telford volleyballclub.weebly.com

Stretton in seventhheavenastheyreach thesummit

Church Stretton Town took ad vantageofleaders DawleyTown not playingtomovetothe topof theSalop LeisureLeague.

WhileDawley’s clashwith SAHA FC waspostponed,Stretton put seven past hosts MadeleySports, whomissedthe chance togo fifth in thePremier Division table.

ShaunDaviesmay have scored in the28thminutefor Madeley, butthatwas asgood as it gotfor them as bagged sevenoftheir own to take theirgoaltally to 62 in just 12 league gamesthisseason.

Jack Briscoe andHarry Morris each bagged abrace,whileJames Hill, AlexanderRyder andsubstitute Dean Richards were also on target

Hodnet sitinthird –six points behind Stretton,but likeDawley,

with twogames in hand.Their latest victorywas a5-1 success at WemTown,thanks in part to ahat-trick by Macauley Clifton Marcus Dillon andCameron Dour ishalsohit thenet

Fourth-placed Ludlow and fifth-placed MordaUnited were involved in ShropshireChallenge Cupaction, with Ryan Clarke scor ingfourofLudlow’s eightgoals in a huge victory.

Josh Bull,Harry Jones,Ryan Lewisand Stefan Varsi-Hirons were also on target,whileMorda couldnot respond.

While PreesUnited couldnot quitematch their14-0 triumph from thepreviousweek, they hit thegoaltrail once more to down St Martins 8-1.

Last week’s four-goalheroSam

uelFlory hadtosettlefor just abrace on this occasion –afeat matchedbyChris Owen

Theother Preesgoalscorerswere DannyBeirne, TomClive,Ollie Sumner andJacob Freely Eric Mensah andMartinMensah each notchedsecond-half doubles as Ercall ColtsEvolution sawoff GobowenCeltic5-1

AgoalfromMatthew Stuart andapenalty by JamiePortersaw Wrockwardine Wood edgeout Shrewsbury Up &Comers 2-1, with AblaySowe on target forthe county town team.

Just onematch took placeinDivision One, butitsaw Ercall Colts Revolution climbaplacethanks to a5-1 victoryat Shrewsbury Juniors Marc Wardle,Westley Weston,

Dillon Robb, DominicUdohand Alistair Heighway scored forErcall

Andinthe Division OneLeague Cup, BrownClee were 2-1win ners at bottom club Ercall Colts Rangers

Saturday’s fixtures (2pm kick-offs)

PremierDivision: Broseley v Church StrettonTown; Gobowen Celtic vWem Town;Hodnetv MadeleySports; PreesUnitedv Wrockwardine Wood;SAHA FC vMorda United;Shrewsbury Up &ComersvDawleyTown; Ercall ColtsEvolution vLudlow.

Division One: AFCBridgnorth DevelopmentvLlanymynech; BrownCleevShrewsburyJun iors; Wellington Amateurs vErcall ColtsRangers

Alportleave it late forathrilling victoryoverCity

Whitchurch Alport pulled off an extraordinarylatecomeback to take allthree pointsinaninegoal thriller againstWorcester City

Worcester, whoare struggling just outsidethe MidlandLeague PremierDivisionrelegation zone,tookthe lead through Dy lanHart andReiss Taylor-Ran dle. JamesRowland notched for Whitchurch before the break, as they enteredhalf-time losing 2-1.

Thevisitorsmadealightning fast starttothe second half as Hart scored againwithinamin utetomakeit3-1,beforeSam Yeardley pulled onebackfor Whitchurch just twominutes later. Then,justtwo minutes af terthatgoal, Whitchurch equalisedthrough Alex Hughes.

In what wasafrantic fixture, Taylor-Randlescoredhis seconddirectlyfromafree-kick to restoreWorcester’s lead, before thehosts edged thecontest Whitchurch hadtowaituntilthe 80th minutefor another equaliserwhenJordanEvans pulled them levelbeforeHughes notched hissecondofthe game in the90thminutetogivethe hosts adramatic5-4 lead.Joe Care wasgiven asecondyellow card in the95thminute, but they held on Elsewhereinthe league,anotherhigh-scoringaffairsaw Market DraytonTownlose 5-2toStudley

JamieHands andHarvey Lewisscoredthe goalsfor the hostsbut it wasnot enough as theleague’sbottomclubfellto their17thlossfrom18games

Meanwhile, Shifnal Town were held to agoallessdraw away at LichfieldCity. Kane Lewiscameclose forthe visitors, whileKeanu Cooper wasdenied by thecrossbar in atight contest

In MidlandLeagueDivision One, Shawbury United picked up acrucialwin with a1-0 victory away at Ingles

Despite theLeicestershire club complainingonsocialmediaabout theofficials, claim ingthe free-kickthatled tothe Shawbury goal was‘soft’and that they were denieda‘blatant penalty’,the Shropshire outfit returned home with allthree points

Elsewhereinthe league, AFC Bridgnorth threwawaya lead to lose 5-2athome to Hinckley

AKarlGriffithscornerwas turned into hisown netbya Hinckley defender aftersev en minutes to putBridgnorth ahead, butthe visitors turned on thestyle to take a4-1 advantage. Griffithsscoredasecondhalf consolation before the visitors addedanother,as Bridgnorth fell to defeat

Bottom club Haughmond also lost 6-3toOJM BlackCountry, whileinthe NorthWest Counties League Division One South, EllesmereRangers lost 3-1toleagueleaders Stockport Town

TelfordSitting Volleyball Clubhas been buoyedbythe Invictus Games

Roll of honour

Junior Boy: MatthewMorris

Junior Girl: MillieParry

YouthMale: Oliver Parton

YouthFemale: Lauren Kenvyn

GerryGladwellAward(wicketkeeping): Charlie Ward

Disability Awards

S9sPlayer: OliHarrison

D40Player: Shaun Rigby Disability Champion of the Year: Dave Hassall

CoachingAwards

YoungCoach of theYear: Josh Anders

Coachofthe Year: Naomi Payne

Outstanding Contribution, Services to Coaching: Andrew Leggatt

Outstanding Contribution, Services to Coaching Development: Rod Jones

Schools Awards

Primary School of the Year: OldParkPrimary

SecondarySchoolofthe Year: HLC

PrimarySchoolTeacher of theYear: Andy Parton,Old Park

Primary

SecondarySchoolTeacher of theYear: SophieJones,HLC

SEND School of theYear: Southall School,Dawley

SEND Teacherofthe Year: Rob Davies,SouthallSchool–Women& Girls’ Awards

Women’sCricket Champion: NaomiPayne

Women’sUpand Coming Club of theYear: ChelmarshCC

Women’sTrailblazers: Shel tonCC

Women’sClub of theYear: WemCC

Women’sTeamofthe Year: Frankton CC

Girls’ Club of theYear: WellingtonCC Shropshire Star Awards

AllStars Champion Club: AlveleyCC

DynamosClub: WilleyCC

InspireAward: Whittington WitchesCC

Beyond theBoundaryHub: Sutton HillHub on theHill Beyond theBoundaryCom munity Champion: MarvynJoseph Development Club of the Year: Sentinel CC

ECBGrassrootsAwards

ConnectingCommunities: WellingtonCC

Inspired to Play: Matt Earley

Rising Star: GriffDavies

Game Changer: Chloe Green

UnsungHero: TimBarber

Growingthe Game: Neil and Sally Owen

Lifetime Achiever: Dave Ralphs

Safehands Award: Jennnie

Good

VolunteerGroundsManage ment of theYear: Keith Yapp

Hall of Fame: EveJones

Clubmarkclubs

AlbrightonCC, Allscott Heath CC,Alveley CC,Bomere Heath CC,BridgnorthCC, Chelmarsh CC,Claverley CC,Condover CC, Cound CC,Ellesmere CC,Forton CC,FranktonCC, Knockin &Kin nerley CC,LilleshallCC, Ludlow CC,Madeley CC,Newport CC, Oswestry CC,Pontesbury CC, QuattCC, Sentinel CC,Shelton CC,Shifnal CC,Shrewsbury CC, St Georges CC,WellingtonCC, WemCC, WhitchurchCC, Woore CC,WorfieldCC.

Acelebration of

Theachievementsof clubs, players, schools, communitiesand volunteersincricket across Shropshirewerecele bratedatthe Board’s annual Presentation Evening.

Morethan250 people were at theSovereignSuite at Shrewsbury Town’s Montogmery Waters Mead ow forthe event– the firsttimeit hasbeenheldatthe venue.

BoardChair Adrian Collins paid tributetoall whoreceivedawards on theevening

He said:“It wasgreat to seeso many people in attendance on the nightcelebrating theachievements of people acrossthe cricket community in Shropshire

“There issomuchgoodworkbeingdonetopromote andgrowthe game,and it is brilliantthatweget thechancetohighlightthe achievementsofsomanydifferent people whohelpmakecricket thegreat game it is in thecounty.”

Anew sectionwas introduced to theevening to recognise theimpor tanceofthe growinglinkthe Board andschools in thecounty.

Sixawardsweresplit between Primary, Secondaryand SEND (SpecialEducational Needs) schools.

ThePrimary Teacherofthe Year awardwenttoAndyPartonfrom Old Park PrimarySchoolinTelford

CommunityCoach RyanLockley said:“Andy couldn’t have made us feel more comfortableeachtimewe enteredthe school,his welcoming stylewas extremely reassuring

“His excellentknowledge and willingness to help wasshownin theway they supported with deliveryinschool.

“His dedication wasextended furtherasthe school enteredboth theKS1&2 Chance to Shineprima ry school competitions

“Heisasuperstar at dishingout flyers forlocal club links,promoting summer events at Malinsleefor our communityprojectsand is also very engaging forthe children of Old Park Primary.

“Heisanabsoluteinspiration to cricket in thecommunity and school.”

Old Park School were named Chance to ShinePrimary School of theYear

Lockleysaid: “Thisschoolset the standard extremely high with great attainmentand 100per cent effort from allstudents within theclasses that we delivered to

“The staffengagementwas also fantastic, theirwillingness to get stuckinand supportcontributed to thehugesuccess.”

Hadley Learning Communityhad doublecause forcelebration after landingThe SecondarySchoolof theYearaward whileSophieJones collected TheSecondarySchool Teacherofthe Year accolade

Southall School in Dawley also landed awinningdouble, picking up TheSENDSchoolofthe Year award

whileRob Davies took TheSEND Teacherofthe Year award.

Theeveningalsocelebratedanothergreat yearfor Women& Girls’ cricket in Shropshire with more teams gettinginvolvedatall levels of thegame.

Womenand GirlsRecreational Cricket OfficerKatie Rushtonsaid: “There hasbeenplentyofaction throughoutthe year.

“The autumn andwintersaw the

Indoor leaguesreturnat Wrekin Collegepreceded by theadditional league at Shrewsbury School Cricket Centre

“Spring sawtastersessionsat AllscottHeath CC as they look to re-engageand encouragenew la dies to join theirset up

“SoftballFestivals were in full swingwithlastyear’strailblazers NewportCCand Albrighton CC continuing to thrive

“The indoor season also proved successfulfor ourhardball teams with more involved this year than ever before

“Following this severalnew teamsjoinedsummer hardball ac tivity, includingthe Pontesbury ladies findingtheir feet in themid week league andKnockin &Kin nerley striding into thenew Shropshire8sLeagueFinals Dayduring their firstseasons of hardball.”

Jennie Good –Safehands Award

Disability Champion Dave HassallVolunteer AwardwinnerKeithYapp

Lifetime Achiever Dave Ralphs

Manny andJuliefromHub on theHillPictures: BrianClarke/Kidz in Focus

WemCCare allsmilesafter winning theWomen’s Club of theYear award

Andy Parton from OldPark Primary

agolden summer

Pace aceDillon presents awards to thefab four

Four Shropshirecricket coaches were honoured on thenightand were presented with theirawards by Worcestershire andShropshire fast bowler Dillon Pennington

TheYoung Coachofthe Year awardwenttoJoshAndersfrom Shrewsbury CC.

Ed Ashlin, whoissecretary of the ShropshireCricket CoachesAssociation, said:“Josh hasbeeninstru mental in thedevelopment of both of youngpeopleand more recently the ladies at theirclub.

“Hehas demonstrated excellent commitment to theclub.”

TheCoach of theYearaward went to NaomiPayne from Oswestry CC Ashlinsaid: “The nomination for Naomiwas impressive,there is no doubtshe hasgonethe extra mile to extend thereach of cricket in and around theirclub.”

TheOutstanding Contribution Services to Coaching Awardwentto Andrew LeggattfromOswestryCC.

Ashlinsaid: “Andrewhas had ahugeimpactonjunior cricketat theirclubfor over 20 years. With outhis dedication,the club would nothavethe junior sectionthatit continuestoproduce.”

TheOutstanding Services to CoachDevelopmentaward went to RodJones

Ed said:“Rodhas hadahugeim pact on coaching andcoach develop ment within Shropshire over along period of time,” said Ashlin

“Hewas one of theearly ECB ‘tu tors’and hasworkedextensivelyon ECBcertificatedcourses, enabling coachestopassthrough andhave apositive impact in the fieldwith theirclubs andschools.”

Furber appeals fornew players

An appeal to find more disabili ty cricketers in Shropshire was made during theevening

Eveleads theway into Hall of Fame

TheCricket ShropshireHallof Fame waslaunchedatthe annual PresentationEvening–withCen tralSparksand Birmingham Phoe nixstarEve Jones the firstcricket er to be inducted Shewas presentedwithaframed copy of thecitationwhich will hang on thewallatboard’s officesas part of theHallofFame.

Cricket Shropshire Lead Of ficerSteve Reesesaid: “Wehave arecordofproducingtop quality cricketersinShropshire, andwe decideditwas time to startrecog nising theirachievements through theHallofFame.

“Eve wasanobvious choice to be the firstasshe hasbeenatrailblaz er sinceshe wasayoungster and hasbeenagreat ambassadorfor Shropshire.”

Jones started hercricket jour neyatWhitchurchand wasone of the firstplayers on theShropshire Girls’ AgeGroup pathway. She

made herfull Shropshiredebut in 2008 againstNorthamptonshire andtop scored with ahalfcentu ry.Overthe next four yearsshe became establishedinthe side and wasthe leading runscorerinboth 2010 and2011.

From 2012 shemovedupa level to Staffordshirefor four years, leadingthe runscoring charts therein threesuccessiveseasons

Hernextmovewas to Lancashire whereshe wasamember of theside whichwon theCountyChampionship andTwenty20Cup doublein 2017.In2018she became captain and2019led them to second in the County Championship.

Sheplayedinthe Women’sSu perLeaguefor both Loughborough Lightningand then Lancashire Thunderbeforebecoming oneof the firstplayers to sign aregion al professional contract with West Midlands Cricketin2020.

That sawher switch to play for

Warwickshire, CentralSparksand Birmingham Phoenixin thenewly createdHundred

Shewas namedasCentral Sparksskipper in 2020 andina stellarcampaignin2021, shewas thethird topscorerinthe Rachel HeyhoeFlint Trophy in thecountry, andled therun scoringcharts in theCharlotte Edwards Cup.

In theinaugural Hundredfor Birmingham Phoenixshe was fourth in therun scoringchartsfor thewhole tournament –including the overseas stars.

Thoseperformancessaw herrat ed as the first-ever PCAWomen’s OverallDomestic MVP, andthen votedas thePCA Playerofthe Year by herpeers

Sheearnedacontract forthe MelbourneRenegades in theWom en’s BigBashLeaguefor 2021/22 andthenselection as theEngland Acaptain fortheir tour of Australia.

It came from coachGraham Furber as he highlightedthe successes of the2022season before presentingthe Disability Awards sectionofthe evening.

He said:“ArecentSCB au ditindicated that clubsdo have players in thecountywho could be considered forselection

“Welookforward to working with TylerIbbotsonasour first dedicatedDisability Officerand thenew Disability Hubclubs like St Georges,Shelton andWel lingtonindeveloping disability cricket in thecountyand hopefully findingsome morecounty standard players of both sexes to take thesquadsforward.

“Pleasebeassured that this is not‘Mickey Mouse’cricket –we areoften playingsides containingplayers whoplaySaturday cricket fortheir clubs, andeven in PremierLeagues throughout thecountry.Pleaseget in touch with us, we do need yourhelp!”

Thereare twodisability County squads. TheS9s play in crdiball cricketwithaminimum of nine players-a-sidewith30over gamesand theD40 which playsconventional 11-a-side cricket with 40-over games.

TheGrowing theGameaward recipientswereSally andNeilOwen

MembersfromShelton CricketClubwith theWomen’s Trailblazers awardRepresentativesfromWilleyCricketClubwith their Dynamos Club award

CentralSparks star Eve Jones

Chloe Green –GameChanger

S9saward

winner OliHarrison

NEWPORTTRY TO LEARNLESSONS

PAUL JENKINS paul.jenkins@mnamedia.co.uk

Newportdirectorofrug

Revengethrashing by theseconds

We aregetting better –Wilkin

KevinWilkinbelievesAFC

by

BobAdams

feelshis side need to turn possession into points if they aretomakeprogressin rugbyunion’s National TwoWest.

Histeamwentdown27-5atLuc toniansdespite enjoying around 70 per-cent possession of theballand beingsuccessfulinthe scrums

Adams, whoisin charge of aside playingfor the firsttimeatnational level, said it wasalearningcurve butitwas onehis players should nowbegetting used to as they ap proach thehalfway pointofthe league season

Only ChristopherPerry goton thescoresheetfor Newport, who hadplayers outthrough injury and avirus whichswept through the camp

Speaking from hissickbed after he toowas affected by thesickness bug, Adamssaidneverthelesshe wasdisappointed hissidedidn’tput more points on theboard

He said:“When youlookatthe amount of ball we hadand ourgeneral play in areaslikethe scrum whichwas positive,itisadisap pointing scoreline.

“Out physicalityisthere butit’s what we do with theballwhenwe have it,weneed to be abit cuterand probably move it quicker, maybego formorekicks

“Itisalearningexperiencebut you only learnbylooking at games andputting things rightinthe next one. In some ways Christmas can’tcome soonenoughfor us with injuries andillness andthe games coming thickand fast butwehave twoimportant league gamesbefore then.”

Matt Hubbardscoredthe first trywiththe finalsteps of amoveto open Newport’saccount. Newport’s

pack then drove through Hand sworth’s scrumtwice andKendall’s long pass openedattacking linesfor Josh Raqiotoexploit

Raqioaddedhis second tryfrom a60-yard sprint that ended under theposts,and Fergus Lamb had thebonus pointwrapped up aftera swerving run.

Newportconvincinglyended the half with Barnes starting and fin ishing Newport’s fifthtry andthen

settingupLambfor thesixth of the afternoon.

They were soonextending thetry tallyinthe second half when Lamb brokefreeto find HenryHolmes andin turn Rhys Williams, who flew down theleftand underthe posts.

Barnes,Ben Turner,hat-trick hero Lamb,Charlie Gamble and Gabe O’Reillycompleted asuperb afternoon’sworkfor Newport.

Newman hastochange things at Market Drayton

Market DraytonTownmust ‘changethe attitude of thewhole club’toprogress, according to di rector RobGriffiths.

Drayton, whoare lookingfor a newmanager afterRichard Brown wasrelievedofhis duties last week, lost their16thsuccessiveleague fix ture on Saturday

TheGingerbread Men aremired to thefootofthe MidlandPremier

tableafter relegation last season They arealsoonthe hunt forathird permanentbossofthe campaign

Griffithshas undertaken an in terimpositionin charge andis lookingtobring some players back to theclubthatleftearlier in the campaign

“We’ve hadinterestalready but when thejob waslastout we didnot consider thestandardgoodenough,

so maybeit’sone that we don’t rush,” said Griffiths, whooversawa 5-2home defeat to Studley.

“Tohavelostall games butone provesunfortunately theplayers have not been goodenough, or maybe notmotivated enough,I don’t know

“We’ve really gottolookatchang ingthe attitude on thepitch andthe wholeclub. Theclubisindesperate

need of aboost andmythoughtsis theonlyway is by doingsomething positive on thepitch andthatwill hopefullyspreadthrough theclub.

“Wehad aterribleseasonlast year andwererelegated andthere is ahangover this season ” JamieHands brieflymadeit1-1 forDrayton againstStudley.Har veyLewis struck alatefree-kick consolation

TheBucks have notwon a game away from home formore than twoyears,and the1-0 de feat hasmadethe position in theNationalLeagueNorth even more perilous –being 11 points adrift of 20th-placed Buxton Wilkin’s side went into the game buoyed by their firstleague winunder thebossonSaturday when they beat Banbury2-1, andtheyput in agoodshowing in Yorkshiredespite thedefeat. He said:“We really felt there wasanopportunitytobuildon what we didonSaturday, and when youdon’t,and you lose by an oddmomentinthe game it is disappointing. Ifeelthatwe aregetting closertowhere we want to be,clearly thereare still stridestomake.”

Hockey aces go clear at thetop

Newportstrengthenedtheir posi tion at thetop of Midlands Hockey League Division Seven NorthWest with a5-1 victoryover CannockII. BenjiHowells putNewport ahead with less than oneminuteonthe clock, whilethe Shropshireside’s backline of Hamish Leeds, Sam Millward,Ben Humpherson and RickyLally kept anyattacks at bay. AshWilliamssmashed thesecond home from thetop of theD,before Ed Bushnell gotinonthe action, keepinghis cool from 10 yardsout to find thecornerofthe goal

Cannockgot one back,but Newport regained controlofthe game andCourtneyHornercontinued his fine goalscoringform–addingtwo goalslateontoput them sixpoints aheadofCannock andthree ahead of newsecond-placed side Old Wulfrunians

Meanwhile, NewportIII thrashed TelfordV 6-1thanks to goalsPete Heulin(two),Tom Wright (two), Jon Jones andTom Lewis.

Telford United aretakingstrides in therightdirection despite anotherawaydefeatatBradford Park Avenue on Monday

Action from NewportSeconds’74-0thrashingofHandsworthSeconds on Saturday Picture: MichaelWincott

NewportSecondsgainedrevenge fordefeatearlier in theseasonto Handsworth by thrashingtheir op ponents74-0 on this occasion

Atry-festofsix in each half with outreply didnot flatterNewport as Luke Kendalland FinBarnes bossedthe tempowithstrength and guile.