Mid Wales Journal - 8-Dec-2022

CHILDCARE COMPLAINT IS UPHELD

Councilapologises afterreport flagsuphuman rights failings

Theparents of achild in thecareofPowys County Councilwerenot “informedasapriority”their sonhad been admitted to hospital following an attempttokill himself,areporthas revealed.

ThePublicServicesOmbudsmanfor WalesMichelleMorris hasuphelda complaintthe council breached thehuman rights of the child, knownas“B”,and thepar ents, knownas“Mr andMrs A”

Thecouplehad complainedthe councilhad failed to safeguardand promote theirson’s welfare. They were also unhappyabout how the councilmanaged theircomplaint Theombudsman said thecoun-

ELGANHEARN newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

cil’sinternalinvestigation hadnot ed how theauthorityhad “failed to keep Mr andMrs Ainformedof arrangements forB,including in formingthemasa priority when B hadbeenadmitted to hospital following asuicide attempt”

Thereportsaid: “Thislackof transparencyand administrative failingscausedanavoidable breakdown in therelationshipbetween Mr andMrs Aand thecouncil.”

In thereport, theombudsman’s investigatingofficersaid: “The lack of transparencyand administrative failingsengaged Mr andMrs A’s humanrightsunder ArticleSix and Article Eight. Thecouncilhad not assessed B’sneedsand so it could notshow that it hadregardtothe

humanrightsimplications of the arrangements it made forhim “Moreover,the council didnot recognise B’sconcernswhenthey were broughttoits attentionby B’sparents.Inthis, it deniedhim anymeaningfulparticipation in the complaints process.

“By failing to keepMrand MrsA appropriately informed of arrangementsfor B, thecouncil didnot actfairlyand in line with ahuman rights-basedapproachtothe provision of children’s socialcare.”

Theombudsman’s report makes several recommendations to ensure improvements aremade. Aspokesmanfor PowysCountyCouncil said:“Thecouncil acceptsthe find ings andthe recommendationsfrom thePublicService Ombudsmanfor Walesinthiscaseand hasapolo gisedtothe familyfor itsfailings.”

Covidbooster programmehitsmillion mark

Statistics published this week show over amillion people in Walesreceived theirCovid-19booster vaccination this autumn Public HealthWales’s weekly data showsthe number of people whohavenow received theirboost er reached1,023,594lastweek. It hasalsobeenconfirmed that eligible people in Walesshouldby nowhavereceivedaninvitationfor theirlatestbooster vaccine.

TheWelsh Government has urged anyone whoiseligiblefor a booster, buthas notreceivedaninvitation,tocheck with theirlocal health board.

This year’s autumn vaccinepro gramme hasbeenoffered to anyoneaged50orover,residents and staffincarehomesfor olderpeople, frontlinehealthand care workers, people aged between five and49 whoare in aclinical risk groupand

theirhousehold contacts, andcar ersaged between16and 49

Theroll-outofthe boosterpro gramme beganinSeptember,and is runningalongside theannual fluvaccination programme, to help boostthe immunity of thoseat higher risk againstsevereillness andtoprotectthe NHSthiswinter.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan welcomedthe success of theautumn boosterprogramme

Tempting tastytreatspullin bigcrowdstofoodfestival

Afestive atmosphere attracted huge crowds allday,withthe park andrideschemeand town car parksconstantlybusy.

Organisers said many of the 100artisan exhibitorsfromacross Powys, Shropshire,Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire andSouth Walessoldout of their topquality produce.

Therewas awiderange of goods such as wine,cider beer,apple juice, spirits, charcuterie, gourmet mushrooms, chocolate, fudge and patisserie

Therewerealso spices,cheese, sauces,nuts, olives,marshmallow, puddings,fermented food, pies, meat andgame, bread, preserves, andoils.

Andthe festiveatmospherewas boostedbychoirsand street entertainerswho performedall day. Festivalorganisers GarethClark and PamPeeksaid: “Itwas afantastic day. We hadwhatwebelieve were record numbersofvisitors.

“Itwas definitely one of thebig gest food festivalswehaveever held.There were lots of cars in car parksthroughoutthe town andthe

park andrideschemewas very busy allday

“The weatherwas fantastic, dry andcold, andthe atmosphere was great. Many of thestallholders reported that they sold outofpro duce,some before theend of thefes tival. We hope it wasagreat start to ChristmasinKington

“Wewould liketothank allthe stallholders whoattended, allthe volunteers whohelpedwithnumerous tasksonthe day, before the eventand afterwards,and allthose whocamealong on theday andsup ported theevent.”

Joanna Morgan of Radnor Preserveswith herChristmaschutney at Kington Winter Food and Drink Festival on Saturday.PhotosbyAndyCompton

Record numbersofvisitorspacked into KingtononSaturdayfor oneof thetown’sbiggestwinter food and drinkfestivals ever

Phoebe BoulangerofPresteigne’s BoulangerArtisan Bakery

taking to therural roads

TheFullMoonTractor Runreturns to Rhayader tomorrow (Saturday) to kick offChristmas

Theeventwill be open to alltypes of vehicles.

Therun will startwithaparade around town at 5.30pm with the routepassing both Rhayader and Cwmdauddwr’s Christmastrees before headingaroundthe Elan Valley

Theevent co-ordinator, Ralph Powell of Rhayader VintageClub, said:“Ihopethe lights on thevehicles really complement thetown’s Christmas lights andget people in themood forChristmas.”

Golfing movie on bigscreen

ThePhantom of theOpen film will be shownatavillage near Kington.

It tellsthe true storyofMau rice Flitcroft, who, with thesup port of hisfamilyand friends, managedtogainentry to the 1976 BritishOpen, despitenev er playingaround of golf before It will be shownatPembridge Film Nights as part of the Flicksinthe Sticksprogramme on Thursday next week at 7pm.

Ticketsare £5 andtheyare availablebycalling 01544 388427 or visitartsalive.co.uk

Topensemble settoentertain

MusicinNew Radnor will welcome Syrinx Ensemble,agroup of professionalorchestralplayers and friendswho performtogetherfor thepleasureofmakingand shar ingmusic,tomorrow(Saturday)at 7.30pm

Organisers saiditpromises to be alight-heartedChristmas themed concertwithafew surprises and humour forgoodmeasure

Ticketsare £15and canbereserved in advancefrom01544 350268

NewRadnor is seven mileswest of Kingtononthe A44. Doorsopen at 7pmfor a7.30pm start.

Viewsare sought on council’snew vision

Have your sayoncommitmentof‘Stronger Fairer Greener’

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

KingtonChoral Societywill hold itsannualChristmas concert at St Mary’s Church in the town this weekend.

It will performJSBach’s Magnificattomorrow(Satur day) at 7.30pm andthere will also be works by IrelandParry andStanfordWood HilaryNorriswill play the organand Robert Evanswill be theconductor

Ticketsare £10orfreefor un der18s andtheyare available from kington.choral.org.ukor on thedoor.

They saythe vision is “Stronger Fairer Greener”

CouncilleaderCouncillor James Gibson-Watt anddeputyleader Councillor MatthewDorrancesaid: “Itwill be thefoundationofthe corporateand strategicequality plan,the most importantplanfor thecountycouncil forthe next five years.

“Itisacommitmenttothe communities andpeopleofPowys, and we want to know what you think.

“WhatdowemeanbyStronger Fairer Greener?

“Wewillbecome acountythat succeeds together,withcommuni ties andpeoplethatare well connected socially,and arepersonally andeconomicallyresilient.

“Wewill be an open,well-run councilwhere people’s voices are heardand help to shapeour work andpriorities, with fairer,more equal, access to services andopportunities. We will work to tackle poverty andinequalitytosupport people’swell-being.

“Wewanttoensureagreener future forPowys, whereour wellbe ingislinkedtothatofthe natural world,and ourresponse to thecli mate andbiodiversity emergencies is at theheart of everything we do

“Wehaveaclear idea about what ourvisionmeans butwecannot act alone, we need thesupport of our communities. Letusknowwhatyou thinkofour vision.Isitrightfor Powys? Canwestrengthen it?Have we missed keyelements? We need yourviews.”

Feedback canbeleftonline at haveyoursaypowys.wales

Theclosing date forfeedback is December 23

Playersget readyfor stage

TheChristmas story–but not as it’s ever been seen before –will be performedataLlandrindod Wells theatre this weekend.

TheAlbertHallPlayers arepre sentingbrand newshowJesus, Mary andJoseph– theChristmas storywitha difference

Aspokespersonsaidwithawhole host of mishapsbefalling cast members,who knowsifany of them,or even theset will make it to theend of theshow

Writtenand performedbylocal people,withall proceedstoThe Al bert Hall,it’sa funfamilyshow

Aspokespersonfor TheAlbert Hall said:“We aredelightedthat ourfabulousAlbertHallPlayers arereturning with anotherfan tastic production.Whilst this show

is completely new, andextremely ambitious, thereisnodoubt you areguaranteed to have afantastic time,experiencinglivetheatre.”

Jesus, Mary,and Joseph will take placetonight (Friday) andtomor rowat7.30pm

Therewill be matineeperformances tomorrow andSundayat 2.30pm

Allperformancestakeplaceat TheAlbertHall, whereall of the proceedsfromthe show will be headed

Ticketsare £5 foradults, and£3 forchildrenand they canbepur chased in advancefromthealbe rthall.co.uk or 0300 1024255.

Ticketswill also be on sale on the door up to 30 minutesbeforeeach performance.

Ajuniorsportsgroup raisingmon ey forportable floodlights that can be used by allKnightonteams will be hostingabingo session tonight (Friday)

Knighton’sJunior Sports Associationisholding theChristmas bingo eventatKnightonCommunity Centre.Doors will open at 6.30pm andeyesdownwill be at 7pm.

Allproceedswill go to thesports association to purchasethe winter equipment so theyoungsterscan train throughout theyear.

Therewillbesomegreat prizes to be wonand therewill be abar anda raffle, organisers said.

Annual dinner fortoiletteam

TheLlanyre LooCrewvolun teers held theirinaugural an nual dinner at theBellCountry Inn.

Membersofthe community came together in thesummer to carryout workonthe public toiletswhich hadbeenclosedfor anumberofyears

Businesses includingMarch es ArchitecturalHardware, Elan Electrical SystemsLtd, Phil Taylor Carpentryand Alan Rogers Plumbingdonated goods andservices, enabling thebuildingtobebrought up to standard anditreopenedinAugust.

Bosses at PowysCounty Councilwanttoknow thepublic’sviewontheir newvisionfor thefuture of theauthority.

Cast members areready to entertain. Photos by BenWilliams.

Theperformanceisdescribed as aChristmasstory with adifference

Still time to make comments on company’s plans forsite

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

Time is runningout to commentonplans to erectpolytunnels and workers’ caravans on land near Kington.

Haygrove Limited hassubmitted planning applications to erectan additional 6.5hectaresofpolytun nels –partretrospective–and site 18 workers’ caravans at itssiteon Mahollam Road in theHerefordshirevillageofHuntington.

Haygrove Limitedcurrently cultivatescherriesand blueberries under18hectaresofpolytunnels. Bosses say thenew applicationwill have only a“slight andlocalisedimpact”onthe characterand appear ance of thecountryside

Objections have been lodgedby Huntington Parish Counciland FriendsofArrow Valley

Theobjectors areconcerned aboutthe degradationofthe land scapeand thepotential pollutionof GladestryBrook andthe River Ar row. They saythe proposed season al workers’caravanswould more than doublethe currentpopulation of Huntington Comments aboutthe applications have to be submitted to Hereford shireCouncil by Friday next week

Amazingcommunity effortsare recognised

KARENCOMPTON

karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

SixKnightonresidents have been presentedwithawardsinrecog nition of theirworktohelpmany localgroups.

Jean Pricereceiveda gold kite awardwhile JuliaLlewellyn Roberts,David Alker, Ruth Forrester,Christopher Plantand Karen Plantwereall presented with silver kites.

ThechairmanofPowys County CouncilCouncillor Gareth Ratcliffe presented theawardsat KnightonCommunity Centre Knightonand Beguildy County Councillor AngeliqueWilliamsalso attended

Jean Pricehas been involved in St Edward’s Church,the school governors, theFriends of Knight on Hospital,the Women’sInstitute andthe YoungFarmers Club for many years.

Juliahas been thechairmanof KnightonPrimary School gover norsfor many years.

Shealso runs KnightonMuseum,KINDA,and hasarranged lessons in Welshand sign language in thecommunity

Floors abovebankcould become flats

Planstoconvertthe upper floors of BarclaysBankinBuilth Wells into flatshavebeenlodged with PowysCountyCouncil

LeemingPropertyLimited wantstochangethe useofthe firstand second floors of Crown Buildingsat11BroadStreetfrom office to residential use.

Thebank, whichisonthe ground floor, wouldbeunaffect ed

AgentGeraint Jones of McCa rtneys LLP explainedthe proposalina planning,designand access statement.

Mr Jones said: “The applicantshaveidentified that there is alocal need forhighquality accommodationinthe town centre,whilstmaintaining theretail aspect to ensure theretention of Barclaysbank.

“The proposal is for firstand second floors to each have a two-bedroom flat accessed by a

communalstaircase.The submissionprovidesthe opportunity fora housingmix,extremely well connected to awiderange of amenities, linksservicesand job opportunitiesthatcan directly appeal to thekey target 18 to 30

yearsold demographic. This is a demographicofthe population that is particularly critical in supportingand sustainingthe viabil ityofthe town centre.”

Theplansshow both flatswould provide72 square metresofarea andaswellasthe bedrooms have acommunalarea.

Ms Jones said:“Theproposal aims to achievenochanges to the exterior of thepropertyand minimal changes to theinteriorto ensure it remainsinkeeping with thecharacter of thearea.”

There is no provisionfor park ingas part of theschemeand Mr Jones said thereare council car parksnearby.

Powysplannershaveuntil January 11 to decide theproposal

Thebankisone of only two Barclaysbranchesleftin Powys.

In September,Barclaysclosed itsbanks in both Newtownand Welshpool.

Variousgroups to benefitfromrunning charityshop

Thenextgroup to runKington’s popularcommunity anddistrict charityshopwill be Bleddfa Church

Thechurchwill runthe shop untilTuesday next week

It will be followed by Pentre Farm CommunityInterestCom pany from Wednesday untilDecember 20 Theshopwill then be vacant

during Christmasand theNew Year period

Thesiteiscurrently vacant from January4-10and January 11-17.

St Mary’s ParochialChurch Council will then take it on from January18until January24.

KingtonLions will runthe shop from January25until January 31

Allproceedsraisedduringthe weekswill go to theindividual charities, with 50 organisations raisingagrand totalofover £60,000 each year Anygroup within a10-mileradius of Kingtonwhich wouldlike to be addedtothe waitinglistfor theshopshouldsendanemail to kingtoncommunityshop@out look.com

victimsand firefighters, andhe also helped keep thecentre going throughCovid Ruth hasbeenthe fundraiserat thecommunity centre in thetown. She hashelpedtoget allthe money forthe free lunches, thefamily centre,the youth club,the garden project.

Christopherand KarenPlant were involvedinthe renewalofthe communitycentre,turning it in the town huband keepingthe libraryin town,working closelywithPowys County Council

Fundraise

Karenwas chairman of thetrustees forsome yearsand they also fundraise with many groups in town as well

Councillor Williamssaid: “We were very pleased to be able to give theseawardstosuchgreat volunteers.

“Powys andKnightonwould like to thankthemall forall thehours of volunteering they have done,taking theleadonsomanyworthwhilepro jectsall forKnighton.

“I wouldalsoliketothank allthe volunteers intownfor alltheydofor us.”

Artand crafts areavailable

ThenextKington artand craft Christmas market will take place tomorrow (Saturday)

It will take placeatKington Market Hall andPlace De Marinesfrom 9.30am until3.30pm.

Themarket will featurelocal art ists andcraftspeople.

Thestallswill featuregenuine ly handcraftedproductsincluding cardsfor alloccasions, pottery, ironware,basketweaving,alpaca products, woodturning, art,papercrafts, knitted andcrocheted garments, sewn products, pinloom weaving andwax melts.

ThenextChristmas market will be held on December 17.The marketswill then return in April.

Tractorrun will light up skies

An after-dark tractor runwill lightupthe Radnorshireskies

Penybont YoungFarmers Club organisedasuccessful eventlastyearand hasdecided to hold anotherone this year

Thespectacular sightof tractorsdressed in twinkling Christmas lights will be held on December 18

Everyone wishingtotake part should meet at 3pmand they will setoff at 4.30pm from Crossgates PrimarySchool.

Thecosttoenter is £10per tractor andthere will be aprize forthe best dressedtractor on theevening

Back,fromleft, Councillor Ange Williams, Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe, Ruth Forresterand ChristopherPlant,and,front, DavidAlker,Jean Priceand Julia Llewellyn Roberts. Unfortunately, KarenPlant wasnot able to attend thepresentation

TheBarclaysBankbranchon BroadStreet, Builth Wells

DavidAlker hasbeenchairman of Knighton CommunityCentre foryears andhelpedarrange shelterand food forthe town’s flood

‘War room’to ease pressures

Dozens of NHS“trafficcontrolcen tres” includingone in Shropshire have gone live in abid to manage intense pressure

Atotal of 42 controlcentresacross England will usedatasuchasA&E performance, waitingtimes,staff levels, ambulanceresponse times andbed occupancywiththe aimof managing demand

Thedatawill be used by staffwho will divertambulancesawayfrom full hospitalstooneswithmore space

Onesuchcentre,also dubbed a “winterwar room”, hasbeenim plemented by NHSShropshire, Tel ford andWrekin.

It will runseven days aweek, fullymannedduringdaytime hours with on-callarrangementsover night.

Bosses say thenew controlcentre will allowstaff to see‘real-time’ data from acrosshealthand social care services

Olderstaff are stayingatwork

AhospitalinShropshirehas seen a163 percentincreasein staffaged66and over staying in employment amid thecostof living crisis.

Newresearchshowsthe Rob ertJones andAgnes Hunt Or thopaedicHospitalatGobowen hasseenthe second highestin crease in thecountry of people workingpastthe statepension age. Theincreasecamesecond only to Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, whichsaw ariseof170 percentbetween 2018 and2022.

Theresearch, compiled by fi nancialplanningexperts Money Minder,sentFreedom of Infor mation requests to more than 50 NHSFoundationTrusts acrossEnglandtorevealhow many workers aged 66 andover were stayingwithinpermanent contractswithinthe NHS.

Parentsgiven virusguidance

Health bossesare warningparents acrossShropshiretobeaware of theStrep Avirus –which cancause scarletfever.

At leastninechildrenfromacross theUKhavediedfromthe invasive StrepAinfection in recent weeks.

Whileurgingparents to seek help if worried,the county’schief medicalofficersaysantibiotics can usuallytreat thevirus.The tragic deaths have not been in onearea butspreadacrossthe UK.

Nick White, chiefmedical officer forNHS Shropshire, Telfordand Wrekin,said: “Over last weekend, we sawincreased numbersofpar ents contacting NHSservicesabout StrepAwhich causes scarlet fever “Althoughuncomfortable,this viruscan usuallybetreated with antibioticsavailable from yourlocal GP

“Pleasecontact 111 online or call 111 foradviceand supportifyou are worried aboutStrep A.”

Firefighters startvotingonaction

Morethan33,000 firefighters and controlroomstaff have started votingonwhether to strike over pay.

Membersofthe Fire Brigades Union(FBU) arebeing askedif they want to take industrial ac tion over a“derisory” five per cent payrise.The ballot closes on January 30 FBUgeneral secretaryMatt

Wracksaid: “Strikeactionwill always be alastresortbut we are runningout of options.

“Many firefighters andcontrol staffare desperate.

“Some arestrugglingtoafford to live

“Itisadreadful andveryseri ousstate of affairs. We aredoing everything we cantosecurea de cent offer.”

Troopspreparing forkey 999 roles

Hundreds of troopsare being trainedtodrive ambulances and firefightin theevent of strike ac tion,the Governmenthas said About2,000 militarypersonnel, civilservantsand othervolunteers from across theGovernmenthave been preparingasministers brace forawaveofindustrialaction acrossthe public sector

TheCabinet Office said they included up to 600armed forces

personneland 700staff from the Government’s specialist Surgeand Rapid Response Team,aswellas otherparts of theCivil Service.

As well as coveringfor fire and ambulancecrews,theycould also be draftedintoports andairports in theevent of strike action by Bor derForce staff.

ConservativeParty chairman NadimZahawisaidministers were determined to minimise disruption

Campaignersaysambulance workersright to go on strike

SUEAUSTIN sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

Ludlow healthcare campaignerDarrenChilds says ambulancestaff are righttogoonstrike.

TheLudlow town councillor be ganhis campaign forbetteram bulanceresponse timesafterhis baby daughter Myla suffered asei zure scare andfaced alongwaitfor paramedics.Lastmonth thenight mare wasrepeatedwhenMylafell ill againand thefamilytookher to hospital themselves afterbeing told therewould be await.

Councillor Childs said paramed icsare righttovotefor thedrastic strike action

“These people areincredible,” he said.“Iamfull of supportfor theambulance staff. We have been through Covidand nowwehave come outofthe otherside, our health services areunderfunded andunderstaffed. Waitingtimes areappalling,but when you finally getan ambulancethe serviceyou getisincredible.

“Theyworklongshiftsand unso ciablehours andthe paythatthey getdoes notreflectthat.

“Theysavelives dayinand day out, butyearafteryeartheyhave seen theirwages frozen.I am ful ly behind thestrikes andalso fully behind nurses in areaswhere they have decidedtostrike.”

Thousandsofambulance workers andother NHSstaff will strike on December 21 in arow over pay.

TheGMB,Unisonand Unite areco-ordinating industrial action acrossEngland andWales after accusing theGovernmentofignor ingpleas foradecentwagerise West Midlands AmbulanceService andWelsh AmbulanceService are amongthose that will be hit.

TheGMB said morethan10,000 ambulanceworkers acrossnine trusts in England andWales will strike

Paramedics,emergencycareas sistants, call handlers andother staffwillalso walk outonDecem ber28. GMBrepresentatives will

now meet with individual trusts to discussrequirements forlife-andlimb cover Rachel Harrison, GMBnational secretary, said:“After12years of Conservativecutstothe serviceand theirpay packets, NHSstaff have hadenough.”

Unitesaidmorethan1,600 of itsmembersat theWestMidlands, NorthWestand NorthEastam bulanceservice trusts will join the walkout.

It said theactionisa “stark warning” to theGovernmentthat it must stem the“crisis”engulfing

the NHS. Sharon Graham,Unite generalsecretary,said: “Makeno mistake, we arenow in the fightof ourlivesfor theveryNHS itself

“These strikesare astark warn ing– ourmembersare taking a standtosaveour NHSfromthis government.”

Health SecretarySteve Barclay said:“NHSworkers do an incred ible jobcaringfor ourloved ones anditisdisappointing some will be taking industrial action,ahead of a challengingwinter.

“The economic circumstances mean unions’ demands arenot af fordable –eachadditionalone per cent payrise forall staffonthe Agenda forChangecontract would cost around £700 million ayear.

“We’ve prioritised theNHS with recordfunding andaccepted the independentpay review body’s recommendationstogiveover one million NHSworkers apay rise of at least£1,400thisyear, with those on thelowestsalariesreceivingan increase of up to 9.3per cent

“Thisisontop of thethree per cent awardlastyearwhenwider publicsectorpay wasfrozenand on topofthe widergovernmentsup port to help with thecostofliving.

“Our priorityis to ensure emer gencyservicescontinuetooperate forthose whoneeditand limitdis ruption, particularlyat atimewhen NHSservicesare underhugepres sure duetothe impact of Covid.

“People should continue to use NHS111 online forurgenthealth care advice andcall999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.”

Nurses to carryonworking in roundofwalkouts

NursesinShropshirewillnot be stopping workduringthe first roundofstrikeaction, health lead ershaveheard

RoyalCollege of Nursing(RCN) staffatbothShropshireCommu nity Health Trustand theRobert Jones andAgnes Hunt Orthopae dicHospitalatGobowen voted in favourofstrikeaction, ameeting on Wednesday last week heard.

Staffatthe RoyalShrewsbury Hospital andTelford’s Princess RoyalHospitaldid not support striking on Thursday next week andonDecember 20

AlisonBussey, thechief nurse at NHSShropshire, Telfordand Wre

kin, told theboard ShropComm, RJAH andMidlandsPartnership Foundation Truststaff hadmet le galstrikevotethresholds. Butshe said theRCN hadnot chosen them to take part in thepre-Christmas walkouts

“Nonewill be taking strike ac tion on either of thosedays,”she said.“We will have furtherdates andwewill be seekingconfirma tion.”

TheRoyal CollegeofNursing hasset outalistofservicesthat will be protected from strike ac tion in thebuild-uptoChristmas

Theservicesare chemotherapy, dialysis, critical care unitssuchas

intensivecareand high depend ency,and neonatal andpaediatric intensivecare.

Otherserviceswill be reduced to Christmas dayornight duty levels, theunion said

Nurses andother nursingstaff will take action at half of theloca tionsin Englandwhere thelegal mandatewas reachedfor strikes, everyNHS employer except onein Walesand throughout Northern Ireland. Thestrikewill includeup to 100,000 nurses

TheRCN hassaidexperienced nursesare worse offby20per cent in real termsdue to successivebe low-inflationawardssince2010

NHScampaignerand Ludlow Town Councillor Darren Childswith hisfamily

Nurses in Shropshire will carryon working duringthe firstroundof nationalstrikes

‘Wholesystem approach can ease pressures’

SUEAUSTIN sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

Asystem-wide approachisneeded if Shropshire is to tacklehealthdelays,areporttocouncillors says.

Delays in ambulanceservices, access to A&Edepartmentsand primarycareserviceshavebeenthe subjectofa review by aShropshireCouncil task and finish group.

Areporttoascrutinycommittee,which meetson Monday,saysthere aremanyfactors that contribute to thedelays in thehealthcaresystem.

Theseinclude thedifficultysome people have in accessingprimary care appointments, andShrop shire’ssparse ruralnatureand ageing population Difficultiesinattractingstaffing into caring roles is also having an effect on care providers’ capacity

Thereportsaysthe council is nowworking with hospitalstodischargealmosttwice as many people into socialcarewithout delaythanitdid before the pandemic.Councillor Claire Wild,who leadsthe groupthatproducedthe report,said: “There is no one part of thesystemresponsiblefor thedelayswe areseeingbut we have lots of differentfactors comingtogethertocreatea perfectstorm forShropshire people. Ambulances aredelayedbecause beds aren’t available; people struggletoget GP appointments or primarycareisn’t open long enough; socialcareis struggling with recruitmentwhich meansthatpeo ple canbedelayedleaving hospital “Weneed to worktogetherto find solutionsand not tryand pass thebuckontoone part of thesys tem.”

Church will be hostinga Christmastreefestival

St EdwardsChurch will runthe festival from to day(Friday)until Sunday.

Variousgroupsand individualswill be decoratingtrees andnativityscenesatthe eventand they will be on displaybetween 10am and4pm Meanwhile, aChristmas bazaar will take place in St Edward’s Church Hall on December 17 be tween10amand noon

Therewill be books, cakesand bric-a-bracstalls andaraffle. TheChristmas granddrawwill be made at 11.30am. Admissionis£1and theevent is afundraiserfor St Edward’s Church

Acountycouncillor

from hiscabinet post duetothe long-term im pactsofCovid

Councillor SimonJones contracted Covid earlierthisyear. He hadbeenShropshire Council’s cabinetmember responsiblefor adultsocialcareand public health.

Theauthorityconfirmed he will be leav ingthe post temporarily. Hisresponsibili ties arenow beingsharedbetween cabinet membersCeciliaMotleyand DeanCarroll Lezley Picton,leaderofShropshireCouncil, said:“We allwishSimon aspeedyrecovery, andhopethathewill be back soon. IamverygratefultoCeciliaand Deanfor lookingafter hisareas in themeantime.”

Business leadersinShropshiresay they fear rail strikesinthe run-up to Christmas will affect trade at acrucialtime.

TheRMT hasannounced strikeson Tuesday andWednesday,and againonDecember 16 and17, andonChristmas Eve untilDecember27.

Tish Dockerty,ofLudlow Chamberof Tradeand Commerce,calledfor thedispute to be settled

Shesaid: “A lotofpeoplewill be trying to travel to seeothers. It is also an important shopping weekend, beingthe last full week endbeforeChristmas.Wewould expect to have lots of customersout lookingfor presents.”

TheRhayaderReindeerFun Runtakes placeonSunday.

The5krun or walk is suitable forall the family anditwill take placeatRhayader Fire Stationfrom10amuntil 2pm.

Registration will open at 10am andthe race starts at 11am.

OrganisedbyThe Arches,the funevent will includea festivewarm-up anddance forall with LucyWills. This will be open to all, notjustthose taking part in thereindeer run, anditwill startat 10.50am.

Theentry feeis£5plusabooking feefor advancebookingsvia Eventbrite, or £7 on theday or £25for afamilyticketfor two adults andtwo children.

Areport to aShropshire Council meeting next week callsfor anew approachtodealing with health serviceproblems anddelaysinthe county

AKnightonchurch is hostinga Christmas tree festival

Trainservices disruptedby fire

Railway services in Shropshire were disrupted afterahugeblaze brokeout at acomplex of disused factoriesinthe BlackCountry

Morethan100 firefighters were called in to tackle themajor inci dentwhich causedwidespreaddam agein Wolverhampton.

Smokefromthe fire,which de stroyedahugeswatheofold buildings in HorseleyFieldsinthe city, could be seen some 20 miles away in partsofShropshire.

Nearby railwaylines were closed Services calling at Wolverhamp ton–and subsequently at stations in Shropshire –werebadly affected by the fire,which startedat9pm on Monday night

Avanti West Coast, CrossCoun try, London Northwestern Rail way, Transportfor Walesand West Midlands Railwayserviceswereall affected.Itmeant trainswerecan celled,delayed by up to onehouror diverted.

Alertissuedon feeding pillows

ParentsinPowys whohave baby self-feeding pillowsare be ingurged by thecountycouncil to stop using them anddispose of them safely

TheOffice forProduct Safety andStandards has issued an ur gent safety alertasself-feeding pillows/prop feederspresent a risk of seriousharmordeath from chokingoraspiration pneumonia.

County Councillor Richard Church said:“Baby self-feeding pillow products aredesignedto be attached to abottlesothat thebabymay be positioned on itsbacktoself-feed withoutthe assistance of acaregiver hold ingthe bottleand controlling the feed

“Thisisinconsistentwith NHSguidanceinrelationto safe bottlefeeding.” Formore details, visitnhs.uk

Festiveevents forall to enjoy

Churches in MidWales areorganis ingvarious festive celebrations

TheRev LindaWatsonand mem bers of St Matthew’sChurch at Lla nelweddare organising aCarolsat theCrescentevent on Wednesday at 3.40pm.

Theeventwilltakeplaceat The Crescenthousing estate acrossthe road from thechurch. Theyoung andthe not-so-young areinvited to join membersand friendsfor the singingofeveryone’s favourite carols.

Followingthe carols, seasonal refreshments will be availableat St Matthew’sChurch

Meanwhile, therewill be aChrist masfairtomorrow (Saturday) at a Knightonchurch

Thetown’sMethodist Church on Victoria Road will host theevent between11amand 1.30pm

Therewillbegifts, produce, cakesand baconbutties available forall to enjoy

Covidinfections aboveone million

Covid-19 infections acrossthe UK have risenabove onemillion again, with levels increasing in England forthe firsttimesince mid-October.

TheOffice forNationalStatis tics (ONS) figurescome alongside earlysigns Covid-19 patientlevels in Englandare also starting to rise once more.

Thetotal number of people in

privatehouseholdsinthe UK testingpositive forcoronavirus rose to 1.0million in theweekto November21, up sixper cent from 972,400the previous week

It is the firstincreaseinUKwide infections sincethe week ending October17and comesa week afterthe infectionlevels droppedbelow onemillion forthe firsttimesincemid-September

UK roads‘couldcome to astandstill’

Unionmembersworking on Eng land’s roadshaveannounced 12 days of strike action over Christmas andthe newyear.

Membersofthe Public andCom mercialServicesunion (PCS)at National Highways,who plan, de sign,build, operateand maintain thecountry’s roads, will take part in aseriesofstaggeredstrikes from Friday next week to January7

Theunion said theactionrisks

bringing roadstoastandstill. The action will coincidewithplanned strikesbyRMT membersonthe railways.

PCSgeneral secretaryMarkSer wotkasaid: “Weknowour members’actioncould inconvenience travellers whoplantovisit their relativesover thefestive period, but ourmembershavebeenplaced in this situationbya government that won’tlistentoits ownworkforce.”

Shirehalldemolition‘awaste of money’ says poll in county

NICK HUMPHREYS nick.humphreys@mnamedia.co.uk

at Shirehalluntil newofficesare built.

Theauthoritywants to builda ‘multi-agencyhub’aspartofplans foramajor redevelopmentofthe Riverside area in Shrewsbury

Thesitewould have space for about 200workers

Thecouncil said it wanted to oc cupy theofficesby 2026 –although as yetthere is no firm date over when anyofthe Riverside project will be completed.

TheSaveOur Shirehallgroup hascarried outasurveyamong county residents, includinginLud low.

Thegroup askedwhether people thoughtShropshireCouncilshould spendthe money on anew Shrews bury town centre office as planned or invest £4 million to £5 million in refurbishing itsAbbey Foregate building

Thecampaigngroup said 96.8 percentbackedrefurbishingShirehall

Thecampaigners’architects and engineersassessment, they said, forecastsarefurbishment to cost up to £5 million

However,the council abandoned plansin 2019 to revamp theShire hall building –workwhich theauthoritypredicted wouldcostmore than £24million

On theSaveOur Shirehallsur vey, groupmemberMartina Cham berlainsaid: “Weapproacheda coupleofhundred people at random on thestreets of Ludlow andShrews bury andfound very littlesupport forthe idea of anew Shirehall.

“Manypeopleexpressed anger that ‘moreofour moneyisbeing wasted againlikeonthe shopping centres’ anditwas ‘a no-brainer’ that they should refurbishthe current building whichalso serves the county better on thepresent site

“Thisnew buildwill be averyun popularmove with voters, especial ly in financiallydifficult timesand when continueduse of arefurbished Shirehallisthe only financialand environmentalresponsible option.”

Fellow member SallyStote said: “Itisclear what Shropshirepeople want

“Had we askedpeoplein every Shropshiretown, villageand ham letwethink theresults wouldbe very similar.”

Thecampaigners have been call ingfor Shirehalltobesaved for many years.

They saythe largegreybuilding, whichwas officiallyopenedbythe late QueenElizabeth II in 1967,is of importanthistoricalsignificance.

However an attempttoget Eng lish Heritage to give it acertificate of immunitywas rejected inOctober 2020 as it didnot meet thecriteria.

Thecouncil is expected to remain

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

Hubs

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

“Wewill make some smallimprovements to ouroffice accommo dation to better meet theneedsof staffwho usethe buildingsoccasionally forspecificpurposes and forthose whoare morefrequent users– as well as theneedsofcouncillors.

“Withfewer staffusing Shirehall,lessspace is required andonly theground, firstand second floors arenow availabletouse

“Thiswill also lead to significant savingsinthe cost of heatingand lighting thebuilding.”

High note forstarCharlotte as plan is approved

Councillorshavebackedplans by singer-songwriterCharlotte Church to turnthe former home of LauraAshleyinthe Elan Valley into awellnessretreat

PowysCountyCouncil’s plan ning committee voted to grant permission forthe star’s proposal to change theuse of Rhydoldog HousenearRhayaderfroma resi dential dwelling to awellbeing and healingretreat

Proposalsinclude converting part of abarntobecome an artist’s studio andstore,and installing solararraysaswellasother asso ciatedworks.There hadbeenob jections to theplansonroadsafe-

ty issues.Senior planning officer Kate Bowen, whopresented the report to councillors, said Rhayad er Town Councilobjected to the scheme Shesaidroadwideningand building of passingbayswerepart of theproposaland duetothisthe Highways Authoritybelievedan objectioncould not be sustained.

Sherecommended councillors approve theplans andtheir recommendationwould be takenon boardwitha finaldecision dele gated to theplanningprofessional lead,inconsultationwiththe com mittee chairand vice-chair Councillor HuwWilliamssaid:

“Wemustask some questionson behalf of thetowncouncil who do have concerns aboutthe high ways.”

Highways networkmanager Alastair Knox answered aquestion on whetherajunctionfrom theB4518 to theC1219 needed im proving.

“Because thenumbers of vehiclemovements arenot increasing significantly –wedon’t feel we couldsustain an argument at ap peal that they need to improve the visibility at thejunction.”Headd ed that “refreshing” theroadsig nage andadditionalroadmarkings woulddealwiththisissue

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

Shropshire Councilwants to demolish Shirehalland build acivic hub

CharlotteChurch

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 showsthatinDecem berlastyear, West Mercia Police stopped721 motoristssuspected of drink driving. That compared with 486inanaverage month.

Atotal of 64 motoristsinthe West

SUEAUSTIN sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

Mercia area tested last December were foundtobeoverthe limit. The failurerateofnineper cent wasjust belowthe national averageof10per cent

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

“Enjoyinganevening game, whetherathome with familyor

down thepub,increases thelikeli hood of drivingthe next morning with alcohol stillinyoursystem,” says Hunter Abbott,managingdi rector of AlcoSense

“Ifyou drinkfourpints of medi um-strong beerorfourlarge glasses of wine during thefootball, it could take as long as 14 hoursfor thealco holtoclear yoursystem.

“The rule is simple.Ifyou’vebeen drinking,don’t driveand if you’re driving, don’t drink.Ifinany doubt, self-testwitha personalbreathalys er to ensureyou’reclear of alcohol.”

CentralCo-op supports21charitiesand goodcauses

CentralCo-op’scommunity divi dend fund hasawarded £31,980to 21 charitiesand goodcauses, 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 goodcausesand initiatives that make ameaningfuldifference to membersofour communities,” commented theLichfield-based co-operative society’s secretary, Andy Seddon.

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

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

Christmashamperwinnerrevealed

Arafflefor aChristmas hamper in aidofCancerResearchUK provedtobeabig success, theor ganisers said

Thefestive rafflecompetition wasorganised by themembersof theCancerResearchBuilth Wells Committee.

It washeldrecentlyinthe foyer of theCo-opstore on Brecon Road in thetown.

Thelucky winner of theraffle wasPatrick Beehan

Mr Beehan received thehamper from Elaine Price, Builth Wells Cancer Research Committee

KARENCOMPTON

karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

secretary, andCarolineWalsh, Builth WellsCancerResearch treasurer

Mr Beehan said he wasdelight ed to havewon theraffle. Andhethanked everyone who supportedsuchaworthwhile cause.

Theraffleisone of thelatest fundraisinginitiativesorganised by themembers of theCancerRe search Builth WellsCommittee

Patrick Beehan receives thehamperfrom Elaine Priceand Caroline Walsh.Photo by TedEdwards

JAMESEVANS

Irecentlyhad the pleasureofattendingthe RoyalWelsh Winter Fair,which is ahighlightofthe year!

Imet with anumberofdifferentgroupsincluding theFUW, NFU, BASC UK andMamwlad, whodobrilliantworkhelping people over theage of 50 in our farmingcommunities,letting them live at home safely and with dignity.

TheWinterFairhas clearly shownthatrural Walesisstrong andresilient,but we allknow that thereare stillchallenges whichwewill face together

We also celebrated SmallBusiness Saturday,which wasa greatway to supportthe small businesses acrossour area that arethe heartbeatofour communities

They create jobs andgrow wealth, andare avitally im portantpartofthe MidWales economy.

Iwanttosee measures takento supportthemand give them a boost, especially afterthe diffi cultiesofthe pandemic restrictions.

To this end, Ihavecalledfor a reductioninbusinessrates –in Wales, business ratesare the highestanywhereinGreat Brit ain.

This meansour businesses are at acompetitive disadvantage, so aratereduction wouldnur ture andencourage business growth –crucial, especially,for oursmall businesses

I’ve also spentlotsoftimein theWelsh Parliament chamber, raisingissuesofbothlocal and national importance

OneexampleisGilestone Farm, whichthe WelshGovernment bought for£4.25 million.There is aconcerninglackofclarity aboutwhatthe site will be used for, andnobusinesscaserevealed to thepublic.

Ihavecalledfor an agricultur al collegetobecreated there–SouthPowys doesn’thaveone, andatthe moment people from that area have to travelalong waytoget that provision. Creatingone at Gilestonewould have supportfromthe localcommu nity,and provideeducation for thefarmers of tomorrow

My teamand Iare availableto deal with yourcasework, concernsand issues.Don’t hesitate to getintouch with me at james. evans@senedd.wales

Don’t letalcohol spoil yourfun at Christmas

PHILIP DUNNE

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 createdavastrange of ‘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 aspecialmoment 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’s aboutthinking how we candrink more mindfully butstill feel likeyou arehavinga sophisticateddrink.”

HAVE AN ACTION PLAN

What’s likelytomakesticking to 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 disrupted 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“startyourevening with 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. “Findthe balancethatworks foryou anddoit foryourself –itdoesn’t matter what otherpeopleare doing.

“And if you plan on beingalcohol-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

Thecensushappens every10 yearsand givesusapicture of allthe peopleand householdsin England andWales.Answers to census questionshelporganisationsmakedecisionsonplanning andfunding publicser vicesinlocal areas. TheOffice forNationalStatistics(ONS) is releasingdatafromthe 2021 census forEnglandand Wales overthe next fewmonths. Data released this monthhas provid ed insightintohow ourpopulation in SouthShropshireis changing

The findings in theLudlow Constituency have been unsurprising: 96%ofthe localpopulation were born in theUK, comparedto83% of thepollution of England.InSouth Shropshire 2% of peoplewereborninEU countriesand 2% in therestof theworld.59% of SouthShrop shireresidents stated they were Christian, compared with 46% nationally;34% of respondents indicatednoreligion(compared with 37%nationally)

Forthe firsttime, the2021Cen sus askedpeopleiftheyhad previouslyservedinthe UK armed forces.The question wasadded as part of theGovernmentcom mitmenttothe ArmedForces better to meet theneeds of veteransand others whosupport them.AcrossSouth Shropshire, theCensushas foundthatwe have 3,613veteranswithin ourcommunities,representing around 5% of ourpopulation. This is ahigherproportionthan Iexpected andwill help inform theimportanceofthe Government’s ArmedForcesCovenant in ourarea. Thisaimstoensure that thosewho serveorwho have served in thearmed forces, andtheir families,are well supported,including here in Lud lowconstituency.

TheCensushas also confirmed that we face thechallengesof an ageing population.Atthe time of thelastcensus in 2011, theaverage ageinSouth Shropshirewas 44 yearsold.A decade laterthe figure hasrisento48 yearsold.Whilethe average agenationallyhas also risen from 39 to 40 yearsold,itis clearthatour population here in SouthShropshireisageing at amuchfasterrateas more people choose to live here in theirretirement. This is achallengefor ourhealthand social care provisioninyearstocome as well as theavailability of la bour in thelocal workforce.It is critical that we focusonensuring that young people born in Shropshireare able to find well-payingstablejobsand that we have housing availableand affordable forlocal people to buytheir ownhomesand raise theirown familiesherewhen thetimecomes.

December anddrink go hand in hand formany

Somebodyhas to foot thebill forhealthcare

As theNHS strugglestopro vide medicalcarefor theUK, oneofthe biggest problems is that everyone wantssomeone else to foot thebill

Theother problemisbeing honest enough to saythatthe currentsystemcannotprovide healthcare for65million odd citizens, plus 40,000 illegal immigrants crossing theChan neleachyearalso wanting itsfreecare. ReportsofNHS Scotland discussing different ways to fund theNHS, such as userspaying, should notraise concernasall aspectsofmed ical care needs reviewingand reforming. Thestapleanswer from many,thatthe rich should payand no-one else,doesnot take into consideration that themorewealthy have contrib uted more to theNHS through allthe taxestheyhavealready paid andwhenmedical treat ment is needed,theywould out of choicepay forprivate care insteadofjoining aqueue

If you have to payfor some thing, likeprescriptions and dental care,you areinclinedto valuethe servicemore, even if it is just aminimal charge

PeterSteggles, Rushbury

Stand together over weapons

This coming weekendIand many otherwomen will be at theUK’snuclear weaponsbase at Aldermaston.

We will be campingthere to celebrateand remember how we were among30,000wom en whoheldhands around the nine-mileperimeter US mili tary base at Greenham Com mononDecember 12,1982.

We were thereinour strength to say‘No’tothe US cruise nuclearweapons being broughtthere

Thecruise missiles andthe US base were intended to be invisible, to melt into thecoun tryside,but ourEmbrace the Base action broughtitintothe spotlight, as didthe Greenham Common Women’sPeace Camp

Ouractions at Greenham ensuredthatnocruisemis sileswereeverbased thereand eventually thebasewas closed down

Currently, theUKgovern ment is trying to ignorethe UN

PICTURE FROMTHE ARCHIVE

Treaty on theProhibition of NuclearWeapons, nowsigned by 91 states andalready ratified by 68 countries. This is whywe need to increase thespotlight on Aldermaston, wherenew nuclearweapons arebeing de velopedand wherewecontinue to disregardour commitments underthe Non-Proliferation Treaty.

It is high time forall men andwomen to acttogetherto make thechanges we need for asecure, safe andsustaina bleworld.The changesweall need to make cannot take place whilewecontinuetothreaten mass murder anddisregardin ternationallaw

AngieZelter, Knucklas

Public transport lettingusdown

providinggood access to jobs, educationand leisure.

Thetentacles andbenefits of Transportfor London reach farbeyondthe capitalinto what couldloosely be called the‘shires’, usinga zonal system with acorresponding pricingstructure.Compare that with Transportfor West Midlands,where thebenefits arelargely confinedtothe countyboundary. Yetmuchof itsroadsystemisclogged with incoming trafficfrom, forex ample, SStaffordshireand SE Shropshireand otheradjacent shires.Here, public transport is largely at themercy of what is deemed commerciallyvia blebyoperators, hencehigh er fares, fewermoney saving offers, restricted operating timesand unattractive fre quencies with endlessthreats of servicewithdrawals

As aresult, there’sareli ance on thecar.IfTransport forWestMidlandswas more regional with outerzones that offeredgood connectivity, then jobs,leisure andeduca tion couldbeeasilyaccessed by many more people

MikeCrump, Bridgnorth

Queue theory is what theNHS needstouse

Forvarious reasonsIhave made visits to hospitalswhich included longwaits in ambu lances, hospitals, doctors’ sur geries,and so on Thewhole business seemed monumentallyinefficient.

Isaw no signsofbasic “queue theory”use.“Queuetheory” provides arichand usefulset of mathematical models forthe analysisand design of service processfor dealingwithcon tentionfor limitedresources

Have younoticed how bank queues aremuchshorterthan they used to be,asare super market queues?Asyou wait forabankorsupermarket queuetoclear you will notwait very long.That’squeue theory working

Have youwaitedinanambu lanceoutside A&Eorwaited a month to seeadoctor? Idonot seethese queues shiftingwith theuse of relevant algorithms

RobinLloyd,Ellesmere

editor reserves theright to condense or amend letters

If you’veusedpublictransport in theSouth East,you’llknow howeasyand cheaperitisto use.

Itsconnectivityispartlywhy it’s so successfuleconomically,

It wasthe endofanera for Ludlow’s former Cliftoncinema, as thebulldozers took overinApril, 1987.Itshowedits last moviein1980and wasusedasbingohallfor some years.

Beer flowsas pubstaff take trip to races

DAVIDTOOLEY david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

Thousandsofracegoers attended araceday that wassponsoredby Ludlow Brewery.

Theevent hadbeenrescheduled aftergroundconditionsfor theoriginaldateironicallyprovedtobetoo dry.

Therewas plenty of thebrewery’s famous wetstuff on offeratLudlow Racecourse wherethe ground itself wasrated goodtosoft, soft in places followingrecent downpours.

Gary Walters, themanagingdirector of Ludlow Brewery, said:“It wasafantastic day. It wasgreat to seesomanylandlords andlandladies enjoyingapre-Christmas day out.

“There wasjustagreat vibe all day, andnicetosee people having a bitofwell-deserved funand relaxa tion aheadofabusyfestive season

“ThankstoLudlowRacecourse fortheir hospitality, andtoall the team andstaff forputting on such agreat day. Alot of hard workgoes on behind thescenesthatmake Ludlow Racecourse events such a huge success. Andweare very much lookingforward to next year,which will be our fifthannualraceday.”

Theraceday wasthe course’s pe nultimatemeetofthe year,before thebusyChristmas race event.

EmilyGiles andLiam Dovey, both from Ludlow,with apintinhand Bigcrowdsassemble at Ludlow Racecourse for aday of action

Alleyesonthe action as tworegularsstand tracksideatLudlow

Sophie Fisher and StephenDavis from Worcester enjoying theirday out

CrystalMoonahead of the1.15raceinwhich he came in second at 9/2

GroupfromOaker Wood Leisure,Leominster, were determined to enjoytheir day, completewith turkeyhats

Regeneration of town takes astepforward

Potentialprojectstoimprove

Knightonwillbeconsideredby county council officers soon, town councillorshaveheard.

RichardGabbofRoseRegen erationLimited went through thedraft KnightonInvestment Plan at ameeting of thetown council

It includes creating atourism trail andimproving signage, settingupashopfront improve ment scheme,and improving thestreetscape.

Otherplans will look forland foremployment andhousing, create aCambrianWay walking andcycling hub, develop a flood alleviationschemeand setupa vacant shop academyschemeto tackle emptyshops

Proposalsalsoinclude enhancingthe communitycentre andOffa’sDykeCentre,build ingonthe town’s literary and arts festival,tryingtounlock stalleddevelopmentsites to erectaffordablehousing,and establishing aregeneration partnership.

Nowthe planhas been submitted to PowysCountyCouncil, theregenerationdepartment hassaiditwill consider theplan soonand will then contactthe town council

Health heroes arepraised afterworkonwaiting lists

DAVIDTOOLEY david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

Threemembers of staff at TheRobertJones and AgnesHuntOrthopae dicHospitalhavebeen namedHealthHeroes.

Joanne Caffreyand Sian Williams, informationanalysts, and Noel Jennings,information busi ness intelligence lead,who workin theinformation department at the Gobowen-basedhospital, wonthe monthly awardfor theirworkin providingessential submissions, re lating to waitinglists

Theirefforts were so appreciated by Claire Jones, principalanalyst data qualitylead, andIan Roberts, head of informationatRJAH, that they nominatedthemfor thehospi tal’smonthly Health Hero Award.

Claire said:“Everyweekthere is amandatory submission that thetrust must submit –the week ly waitinglistminimum data set (MDS). This submission is relating to patients currentlyonthe trust’s waitinglists

“Asthisisanationalpressure andprioritythere areoften changes

to thereturnand additional ad-hoc requests that come into thedepart ment,oftenwithjustdays’ notice Ianadded: “Joanne, Sian and Noel have shownconsistentdedication to this submission andgoabove andbeyondtomeetdemand.

“There hasbeenlonghours and pure dedication from these three staffnominated to ensure thetrust wascompliant with theask.”

Sian said:“Iamshocked we have

received theaward. We hadalot of extra worktocompleteduringthe pandemic,which made it difficult Butwetackled it as ateamas we know it is importanttokeepthe trustperformingatits best.”

Theteamwerepresented with theiraward,consistingofakeepsake certificate,specialbadge andbox of chocolates donatedby theLeagueofFriends,byStacey Keegan,the chiefexecutive

Committee will be responsible fororganising eventsinfuture

Adedicated committee to organise currenteventsand possibly create newonesinLlandrindod Wellshas been formed

Thetowncouncil agreed to form an events committee to look af tercurrent activities such as the Christmas lights switch-onand look at bringing back oldfavourites or developing newideas

At arecentmeeting,the council agreed theterms of referenceofthe newgroup subjecttoslightamend ments afterareview.

As part of that,the councilagreed therewould be sevenmembers of thecommittee

They will be LlandrindodWells Mayor Councillor Laurence Weerdmeester-Price, Deputy Mayor Coun cillor Wade Curzon andCouncillors KimNicholls, Marcia Morgan, Jase Hawker,JonathanJones andJill Shaw

Thetowncouncil also agreed to hold acommunity engagement day at thePavilion on May13.

This will be achancefor thepub licto find outmoreabout thecoun cil, what it does andwho is involved andalso askresidents fortheir ideas of what thecouncil coulddoin thefutureand what they wouldlike to seeinthe town

ClaireJones, SianWilliams, Stacey Keegan,JoanneCaffrey,Ian Roberts

State of toilets heavilycriticised

Knighton’spublictoilets arean“ab solute disgrace”, thetownclerk has said Neil King said thetowncouncil, whichtookoverthe toiletssever al yearsago fromPowys County Council, needstohaveagood look at theircondition

Thecouncil hasspent moneyto improve thetoilets buttheyhave suffered vandalism.

Mr King said:“We need to do somethingabout it andwedohave some moneyinthe budget.”

Councillor BobAndrews said councillorshavetokeepinmindthe situationatthe Offa’s Dyke Centre andthe councilmay be askedto contribute to thetoilets there.

Butother memberssaidthere has been no news on maintenancework at thecentre lately

Membersagreed to visiteachof thetowncouncil’s toiletstolookat what workisneeded andthe possiblecosts before making decisions.

County losing branch of bank

Powyswill lose anotherHSBC branch afterthe companyannounced it will be closing114 banksin2023.

TheBreconbranchwill close itsdoors on May9

TheLeominsterHSBC branch in Herefordshirewill close on April25.

It comesafteritwas already announced LloydsBankwill close itsLlandrindod Wells branch on January16, leaving just HSBC andthe Principality Building Societyinthe town Breconand RadnorshireMP FayJones said:“Iamsaddened to seethe announcement that HSBC Brecon is oneofthe 114 branches to close.

“WhileIunderstandthatthe majority of jobs arebeing kept, Iverymuchhopethatstaff are beinglookedafterduringthis difficulttime.”

Relaxeddaytime moviesessions

Relaxeddaytime film screenings for parentswithsmall children arebeinglaunched.

Apilot scheme,calledBuggy Flicks, is forparents with babies or toddlers andmonthly screenings will be happeninguntil theend of March.It is beingbased inLeint wardine.

Theseedfor Buggy Flickswas sown back in April2019whenthe sing-along versionofThe Greatest Showmanplayedin Leintwardine CommunityCentre’s regularFlicks in theSticksprogramme

Acrechefor pre-school children over 12 months will be availableat thehall.

Therewillbea charge of £2 per parent

Tea, coffee andrefreshmentswill be available.

Formoreinformation aboutthe sessions, go to leintwardinecentre co.ukand find Buggy Flicksinthe activities menu

SolicitorBethhonouredby national award

Asolicitor whohas been aleading voiceincases involvingmaternity services at Shrewsburyand Telford hospitals haswon anationalaward.

Beth Heath, of Lanyon Bowd ler, hasbeennamed as theclinical negligence lawyer of theyearatthe PersonalInjuryAwards, whichrec ognise theexcellence of law firms andindividuals in thepersonalinjury andmedical negligence sectors alloverthe UK

Judges said theShrewsbury-basedlawyer wasa rising talent in clinical negligence prac tice,achieving bigthingsinashort

SUEAUSTIN

sue.austin@mnamedia.co.uk

space of time.She wasalso know forher thorough andorganisedapproach,and caring andcompassionateattitude

BrianEvans, managing partner at Lanyon Bowdler, said Beth’s awardwas richly deserved anda testamenttothe strength andcom mitmentofthe wholeclinicalnegli genceteam.

He said:“This is abrilliant achievementand is well deserved.I

know Beth wouldsay that shecould nothavewon this awardwithout thesupport of her team,sowithout wishingtodetract from Beth’s stel larpersonalachievement, everyone in theteamisawinner forthe support they give whichenables Beth andour otherclinicalnegligence partners andsenior lawyerstodo what they do.”

Beth said:“Beingnamed as clin ical negligence lawyer of theyearis amajor honour,which Ihopewill give ourclients even more reassurance that Lanyon Bowdlercan be trustedwithsuchsensitive cases.”

Assurances aregiven on services despite cash challenges

Residents will not lose access to councilservicesdespite theneed for morethan£40mofsavings,its lead er hassaid.

ShropshireCouncil hasrevealed itsbudgetdeficitrequires £45m of savingsfor thecomingyear.

Theauthorityhas said it has planstodeliver abalancedbudget, withoutcutting services.The coun cil’scabinet will be askedtoapprove themeasuresinamid-yearreview of its financialstrategy at ameeting on Wednesday

Theproposals do includesetting acouncil taxriseatthe highest possible levelpermitted by govern ment,4.99per cent

ShropshireCouncil’sleaderLezleyPictonsaidleisure centres, mu seumsand theatreswould be protected andthe focusonthe savings wasonchanginghow thecouncil deliversits services

They mayalsoinclude charging forthe collection of greenwaste,although anyproposalfor thecharges wouldhavetobeput forwardin a separate plan

Councillor Picton said there wouldbenoredundanciesaspart of thesavings,and used theexample of thecouncil’sspendingontem porary accommodationasone area wheresavings will be made

Shesaidthe authoritycurrently spends around £5mayearpayingto provideemergency accommodation forthe homeless,withthe majority spentonbed andbreakfasts.

Councillor Picton said that the councilwould reduce itsspending by usingempty homesowned by so cialhousing provider STAR Hous inginstead.

Number of lone children who areseeking asylum is rising

Thenumberofunaccompanied asylum-seeking children beinglooked afterinShropshireisup from last year.

Department of Educationdata shows31lone asylum-seeking chil dren were in care in Shropshire on March 31,upfrom24the year be fore

TheChildren’s Societyiswarning localauthorities,already stretched to capacity andstrugglingto find placements forchildren in care, areleaving young people at risk The figuresshowasylum-seeking children represent asmall fraction of thoseincareinthe region –just 0.37 percent.

Overall, 7,411children were be inglookedafterinShropshireat theend of March in theareawith 426 placed in foster care

MariekeWidmann,Children’s Societypolicyand practice advisor, said:“Children arrive here alone.

MEGANJONES megan.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

Afteratraumatic anddangerous journey, separatedfromtheir families andlovedones, it’s absolutely essentialthattheyget theright supportand protection in placeand quickly.

“There hasbeenabig jump in the number of children putinunregulatedplacements, up by 23 percent, andwithout theright safeguards, theseyoung people areat amas sive disadvantageand risk of going missing, beingsexuallyexploited, groomedorcoerced into criminal activity likecountylines.”

Sheaddeditiscrucialthatthe Governmentprovideslocal authorities with thefunding andresources necessarytocarefor children

TheGovernmentsaidthe large increase in asylum-seeking chil dren reflects theincreaseinthe number of asylum seekersarriving on smallboats on thesouth coast.

ADepartmentfor Education spokesperson said:“Everychilddeserves asafeand secure home,no matter theirbackground, andlocal authoritieshavea responsibility to provideappropriate care forall chil dren in theircare.”Theyaddedthe department recognises thenumber of children in care hasincreased andisfocusedoncreatingstable homesfor them by “removingbar riersand reducing delays in adop tion”.

They said:“We arealso investing millionstocreatehigh-quality, safe homesfor some of themostvulnerable children or to refurbishexist inghomes, aheadofaboldreform plan to fundamentallyimprove chil dren’s socialcare.”

Meanwhile, ahotel near Oswest ry will no longer be used to accommodate asylum seekers.

TheHome Office andSerco, working to find placements for thosewanted asylum in theUK, hadtoldShropshireCouncilthe ho-

tel, on theShropshire/NorthWales border,would be used.

ButLiberal Democrat MP for NorthShropshireHelen Morgan andShropshireCouncillor Steve Davenport said on Friday that there hadbeena u-turn on thedecision Thenewshad prompted concern that thesitewas away from atown centre with no localservices.

HelenMorgansaid: “Wehavea duty to care forasylumseekers but putting them up in accommodation in NorthShropshirewithnopublic transport linksorservicesand a two-mile walk to thenearest shop is notappropriate

“The localcommunity andI shared many concerns butthe Governmentrefused to listen andonly appears to have cancelledthe plans becauseofproblemsagreeingacon tract.”

Sheadded: “Thisentireprocess has been ashamblesand is atypical exampleofthe chaos in theHome Office.”

Clinical negligenceexpertBethHeath of Shropshire’s Lanyon Bowdlerwith hernational award

Turkey farmerstelloftheir challengesasChristmas season approaches

Turkey suppliersinthe region have spoken of the‘nervouswait’ and high costsofbattlingtoensure they don’tsuccumb to thedevastating impact of bird fluinthe run-upto Christmas.

Consumershavebeenwarned of a“big, bigshortage”ofBritish free-range turkeysover thefestive period andhalfofthe free-range turkeysproducedfor Christmasin

theUKhavealready been killed in thebird fluepidemic, BritishPoul tryCouncil chiefexecutive Richard Griffithssaid.

Aspokesman forone supplier, Wrekin Turkeys, said it hasbeena challengingtime. “Wehavea couple moreweeks to stay safe andthat meansit’sevenmorenerve-wrack ingbecause somethingcould happenatany time,” he said

“The turkeyshavetaken alot more caring forand ourcosts have gone up in termsofthingssuchas strawbedding andthe excess la bour involved.”

JamieTully, executive chef at Chartists1770at TheTrewythen in Llanidloes, said acombination of bird fluand thetraditionalChrist masmarketispushing up turkey prices higher than usual.“We

source ourturkeys from atrusted Welshsupplier, so we areconfident that we will be okay forthe festive season,althoughwewillhaveto paymore,”hesaid.

“It’s market forces at work: when demandincreases,sodoes theprice

“Asfood prices in generalare go ingup, we areall goingtohaveto paymorefor ourChristmas meal this year.”

Communitygroup settoown pubafter itsoffer is accepted

KARENCOMPTON

karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

Acommunity group’s offerfor aKington pub hasbeenaccepted.

Open Arms Kington(OAK) should become thenew owners of theOxfordArmsinthe newyear.

Thegroup wantstoredevelop thepropertyintoacommunity hub with abar andcafe, youth space, function roomand accommodation.

It wantstocreateaspace that presents opportunitiesfor awide rangeofages, abilities andinter ests,whilebuilding on thecurrent successfulpub andbed andbreak fast businesses, anduse profits to wardsprojectsthatbenefitKing ton.

OAKdirectorPatrick Conrad said:“Theoffer forthe Oxford Arms wasput in in September and it hasnow been accepted.Weare in tendingtotakepossessionofitin January. We will then closedown forthree to five weekstoundertake some basicrenovations

“Wewill then reopen around March as apub andbar andwewill be relaunchingthe B&Band providing anew food menu

“Community activities canstart from dayone butwewanttorespond to thecommunity’s needs.So people cancome forwardand tell us what they wouldliketosee and what they want.It’sabout beingresponsive to communityneed.”

To getinvolvedinthe project, visit openarmskington.co.uk

Businessesshowthe festivespirit is alive

Christmas spirit is alive and flour ishing in theShropshirebusiness communitywhich is supporting a newinitiative to show thecounty’s elderlysomewarmthand kindness

With thecostoflivingcrisisbit ingintolimited budgetsinthe runup to Christmas,Salop Leisurehas come up with aheart-warming way to show businesses really docare aboutthe elderlywho feel lonely Thecompany is beingsupported

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

by fellow businesses to layonfood andaclassic Christmas film daily in warm,comfortable andfestive surroundings at itsEmstreyheadquarters in Shrewsbury untilDecember 21

Businesses areeachdonat ing£400towards theShropshire

Christmas Comfortand Joyinitiative,which represents £1 for each elderlypersonSalop Leisure expectstohostduringDecember

Each person attendingwillbepay just £2 forthe food andentertain ment,which wouldnormallycost £9.50. Businesses supporting the initiative areReechMedia,SJ RobertsConstruction, Lowfield Timber Frames,Berrysand Mor risLeisure

Appeal launched by vets to payfor Crash’scare

An appeal hasbeenset up to pay formedical care foraninjured dog.

Ayoung male collienicknamed CrashbyArrowfieldVeterinary Practice in Kingtonwas takenin with extensiveinjuriesafterbeing involved in aroadtrafficcollision He wasfound to have afracture to hisrightfemur andtibia anda fracture to hislefthip joint. He also hasvarious otherskinwounds.

Despite more than 800shareson socialmedia,announcementsatlocalfarmers’marketsand trying to trace hisunregisteredmicrochip, thevetshavebeenunableto find hisowner

Aspokesman forthe vets said: “WesoughtadvicefromMSM Vets whoare specialists in orthopae dicand soft tissue surgery. They advisedifCrash wastohaveany chance of making arecoveryhe wouldneedmajor surgeryand quickly.”

MSMvetsdonated theirtime to carryout theprocedures, only charging forthe extensivekit and equipment required forthe work, andthe staffatArrowfieldVeteri nary Practice will carrythe costsof allhis currentand ongoing treatment

Questionsare askedabout investments

Climatecrisiscampaigners have questioned Shropshire Council’spension fund committeeabout itspension scheme.

Fossil Free Shropshiresays the£2billion pension scheme continuestoinvestinfossilfuel giants such as BP andShell and coal mining companyGlencore.

During theShropshireand Telfordand Wrekin councils pensionfundcommittee,aseries of public questionsabout theclimate emergencywere askedbyShropshireresidents andfundmembers

Joanna Blackman,a spokes person forFossil Free Shropshire, said:“In January, the pensionfundcommittee voted to stay invested in fossil fuel companies, preferring to put profitbeforeplanet. They con tinuetoinvestincompanies like BP andShell that areopening newfossilfuelinfrastructure.”

Answeringthe questions, JustinBridges said thefundhad to take aholisticapproachtocli mate change risk

He said:“Coal remainspart of theenergymix in many areas andweare conscious of the hardship associatedbyspiralling energy prices causedbythe contractioninsupply. We have to managetransitionawayfrom fossil fuels.”

County boasts two‘cheapest garagesinUK’

Twoofthe cheapestfuelstationsin thecountry areinShropshire, latest figuressuggest

Though they’vecrept down alit tle, fuel prices remain high

Buttwo Shropshiregarages are offering petrolfor as little as 137.9p perlitre

StaffatDARoberts Fuel andGarage posttheir prices on Facebook daily. Last week,at137.9pper litre forunleaded, and159.9pper litre of diesel, theWhitchurch stationwas hard to beat

Financemanager RickyAllman, whohas workedatthe site forseven years, says he is yettosee apetrol stationwithlowerprices.

Essar at GriffithsGarage, Leint wardine, is also keepingpriceslow –lastweektheywereadvertising 139.9p perlitre forunleaded, and 162.9p perlitre fordiesel.

RobHamiltonand

RyanDavies of MSMvetsoperatedonCrash last week

During hissurgery it became ap parent that therewas more extensive damage than initiallythought to hiship

Unfortunately this meanshewill requirefurther surgerythisweek.

Thevetshaveset up aJustgiving page as they envisage histreat ment will cost in totalbetween £3,000 and£5,000

Anyone whowould liketodonate to thecostofCrash’s treat ment canvisit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/arrowfieldvets-king ton-crashthecollie.

Director Alex Griffithssaid: “I only know of oneother site that is offering slightlylower prices, butweare notpricingagainst any othersites.Wedoour best to offer afairprice,itall dependsonthe fuel market.It’sdifficult to call as it varies pretty wildly,but as prices have been on adownwards trajectory forthe past couple of weeks, it lookslikewewill be sticking around the138.9pmarkfor petrol andmaybe even go down to 158.0p fordiesel. I’msurprisedthe government hasn’t gotinvolvedwithprice controland ensure there’sproper competition.”

Representativesofthe businesses backing thefestiveschemepicturedatits launch

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’

Poorly bunnies aretaken in by county rescuer

Eightpoorlystrayrabbits have been welcomedbyaShropshireanimal rescue centre in abid to find them happyhomes.

TheFuzzy Furriesrabbitand guinea pigrescue centre in Pulver batchstepped forwardtohelpeight ‘malnourished’ bunnieswho had come into the care of Silth’s Sanc tuary.

Silth’sisacharity that rescues, neutersand rehomescatsinLiv erpool. When theservice rescued strayrabbits that were spotted roamingfreelateatnight in pour ingrain, theteambegan reaching outtoother animal rescue services to help rehome them

FuzzyFurries volunteered, and it wasarranged forthe eightrab bits to arrive in Shropshireon Sunday. ChloeOwen, from Fuzzy FurriesRescue, said:“Iwas asked by anotherrescueowner on ares cuenetworkFacebookgroup called BunnyAngelsUKifIhad spaceto do so,due to so many beingfulldue to thecurrent crisis.I said yesand 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. Thedatewill be announcedonthe FuzzyFurries Facebook page

Airporttosave on energy bills with LEDmove

Birmingham Airportexpects to reduce itselectricity consumption by replacingtraditional bulbswithlow-energyLEDsin itshigh-mastlights

It predicts thismovewillsee itshigh-mast lighting energy consumptiondropbyasmuch as 41 percent.

Theplanned move will result in brighter –and thereforesaf er –lighting around theapron, theareaofthe airportwhere aircraft load andunloadpassengers, mail or cargo, as well as re fuel andundergo maintenance.

This step will save apredicted 45.5 tonnes of carbon emissions ayear, reduce maintenance costsand give awelcome saving on theairport’s electricitybill at today’sveryhigh market prices

SimonRichards,chief finance andsustainability officerfor the airport, said: “MovingtoLEDs is anothersmall butimportant step forusinour journeytobecoming anet-zero-carbonair port by 2033

“We’ve been bold in ourpub liccommitmenttothisgoal. We know how we’llget the firsttwo thirds of theway to netzero, but we don’tyet know how we’regoingtodothe finalthird. Butdo it we will,mostlikelywiththe help of technologies notyet in vented.”

Busiest railwaystationsrevealed

Birmingham NewStreet,Coven tryand Birmingham Moor Street arethe region’s busiestrailway stations, closely followed by Wolverhampton

If you find yourselfwonder ingwhy yourlocal trainstation is always packed,itmight well be forgood reason.Accordingto statistics from theOffice of Rail andRoad, Wolverhamptonisthe

fourth most populartrain station in theentireWestMidlandsregion,seeing3,453,320 commuters goingin andout since2021.

This year’s Commonwealth Gamesmighthavesomething to do with thehugenumberof travellers. Between2020-2021, Wolverhamptonstation hadthree timesfewer passengers than it did this year

Motorbike, mowerand trailerstolen

Amotorbike,aride-onmower anda flat-bed trailer have been reported stolen in araidonafarminShrop shire.

Thetheft tookplace betweenNovember26and 27,fromafarmin theAtchamareaclose to Shrews bury

Police have shared images–whichcan be seen at shropshirestar.com –ofthree itemstaken from farm buildingsduringthe incident

Theimages show abluemotor bike,anorange sit-on lawnmower similartothatstolenand alarge Ifor Williamstrailer

Theitems were takenfromsever al agricultural buildings, whichhad padlocks cutfromthe doorstoforce entry.

Police areaskinganyonewithinformationtocontact police online at westmercia.police.uk quotingincident number00338_I_27112022

Authority’smeeting is told of frustrationabout applications

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

Knighton Town Council hasrecommended refusal of aplanningappli cation whichrequested more time to submit in formation.

Andindoing so, councillorsvoiced frustration about developmentsbeingdelayed formanyyears

Memberswereconsidering a proposal to vary acondition on an outlineplanningapprovalfor 103 homesatLlanshay Farm at Llan shay Lane.The applicationisask ingtoallow a12-month extension to submit reserved matterstothe planningdepartment.

Councillor BobAndrews said: “Nothing ever gets builtand it’s time PowysCountyCouncil started to look at these applications andsay to thepeople‘you have had10years andyou have not builtit, you will be refusedplanning’

“Whenthisapplication firstcame before us we hadtwo doctors’ surgeries,two dentists.Now we have oneofeach. We have lost thepolice stationand thehospitalisnot working properly.Ifyou look at the number of housesplanned,where is theinfrastructure?It’sridiculous, nothing ever happens. Iget frus trated.”

Councillor DavidWilliamspro posedrecommendingrefusal of the application. Allmembers voted in favour.

Festive fairinhotel brings in massivecrowd

About2,000 peopleare believed to have visiteda Christmasfairat a LlandrindodWells hotel.

TheeventcalledMiracle on Temple Street took placeatThe Metropole Hoteland Spa. Organiserssaidtheysold280 ticketstosee Santainhis grotto as well as more than300 special Santahot choc olates,and therewas aconstant flow of people over theweekend Therewereover 50 stalls full

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

of hand-crafted andtasty gifts. Therewas live entertainment throughout includinglocal sing er HollyRichards,The Bracken TrustChoir,who accepted a£200 donation to thetrust from the Metropole as payment, andMegan Rees

Several localcharities were at theevent.Sarah Tunnadine, group sales manager for Crest Hotels, said:“CrestHotelsare delightedtohaveacquired the Metropole Hotel. TheChristmas fair wasagreat success andatra dition we arekeentocontinue.

“Crest Hotels aredelightedto embrace thetradition of this community eventwhich we trustwill continue to thrive formanyyears.”

Film shot at statelyhomeisreleasedincinemas

Thelatestscreenadaptationof Lady Chatterley’s Lover, filmed on aShropshireborderestate, has been released in cinemas

TheSony/Netflix film wasmade at Brynkinalt Hall,between Chirk andStMartins

It tellsthe story, writtenbyDH Lawrence,ofthe steamy romance betweenLadyChatterley, played by Emmy nomineeEmma Corrin (The Crown) andJackO’Connell (SAS RogueHeroes).

Born into alifeofwealthand privilege, Lady Chatterley fallsout of love with herhusband andbegins an affair with thegamekeeper on theirestate.

Scenes are filmed both inside Brynkinalt Hall,a Gradelllisted building,and in thegrounds, whichstraddle theEngland-Wales border

Itsrelease hasseenthe film hailed by TheTimes’top critic, KevinMaher as “immensely subtle andmoving”

Alimited number of screen ings meansthe nearestcinemato Shropshirecurrently showingthe film is theCurzoninKnutsford, Cheshire.

ThecustodiansofBrynkinalt Hall,Iainand Kate Hill-Trevor, said they were incredibly proudto have hosted the film crew andhave

some of Britain’sbesttalentonthe estate

They said:“The film industry isn’talwaysglamorous, especially forthe crew behind thesceneswho putinhours each daytoensure everything isperfect forthe stars.

“Early starts andlate finishes meantlongdaysfor allofusonthe Brynkinalt Estate.”

“Pleaseremember Brynkinalt is privatepropertyand is notopento thegeneral public,exceptfor spe cificevents. Pleasesee ourwebsite andfollowour socialmedia for updatesondates when thehouse andgardensare open fortours or events.”

DianeLennon,left, from Dovesand Dandy’sinLlandrindodWells,was at thefestiveevent at thehotel selling leatherproductsand jewellery. BeccaPrice, from Georgeand Honeybased in Crossgates,was also therewith hercustom-madelampshades. Photos by Andy Compton

Prison term for manwho left vile messageson vicar’sphone

Aman will servea five-month pris on sentence afterleaving obscene messages on aPowys vicar’sphone

TheRev Petra Goodband wasde scribedasaGood Samaritanwho felt sorryfor Alan Newton andtried to help him.

ButNewtonleftaseriesof13 vile andmenacingmessagesonher answer machineoverfourdaysin January.

The58-year-old,previouslyof Lant Avenue,Llandrindod Wells, andcurrently in CardiffPrison, hadpreviouslysaidhecould not recall theincident. Magistrates hadentered notguilty pleasonhis behalf to charges of harassingRev Goodband betweenJanuary 12 and 15 by leavingthe messages.

Newton changedhis pleasonthe morning of histrial on November 23, blaminghis actionsonbeing drunk.

Prosecuting, Mr MichaelWil liamstoldMerthyr TydfilMagis tratesCourt RevGoodband ini tially gotonwellwithNewtonand triedtohelphim,but theirrelation ship deteriorated andshe received thevoicemailswhich causedher significant stress

Representinghimself,Newton said he couldnot commentbecause he does notrecallmakingthe calls andhemusthavebeentoo drunk at thetime.

District JudgeStephen Harmes said Newton’s behaviourwas vile

He wasjailedfor 20 weeksfor each offencetobeservedconcurrently.Hemustpay £300 compen sation to RevGoodband anda£154 surcharge.A five-yearrestraining orderwas putin place.

Viralsensation Jackie talksabout councils

From exploringthe meaningof ‘rural’tosharing what it feelslike beingthe number one trend in the country, Jackie Weaver delivered athought-provoking speechwhen visitingaShropshirecharity

Thechief officeratCheshireAs sociation of LocalCouncilswas in vitedtotellthe storyofher unusual rise to fame at theannualgeneral meetingofShropshirecharity Com munity Resource Jackie recalled thesurreal mo ment in February 2021 that she foundout theZoomrecording of a December 2020 HandforthParish

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Councilmeeting hadgoneviral Shesaid: “I receiveda message saying ‘you’retrendingnumber threeinthe country!’ butIdidn’t understand what that meant. I then hadanother messagesaying ‘you’retrendingnumberone!’,but changing thenumberdidn’thelp me much!”

Shesharedhow shethenutilised thespotlight to shineitonthe im portance of localcouncils. Shesaid:

“Wewerelucky to have theattention;totalkabout what localcouncils do.Itwas awonderful opportu nity to engage with really different audiences.”

Themeeting recognisedthose al readymakingapositive impact to thecommunity,withHighSheriff of ShropshireSelinaGrahampresent ingawardstotwo of thecharity’s volunteers ColinHendersonand PeterWalters.Chair of Community Resource Hugh Strickland andnew CEO BevBaxteralso shared theor ganisation’s achievements over the past year andits future plans.

MPswelcome useof fines on water firmstoaid rivers

MPshavewelcomed the useof finespaidbywa tercompanies going straight into environmental andwater qual ityimprovement pro jects.

Finesleviedbyregulator Ofwat andthe EnvironmentAgencyhad been sent straightintothe Treasury’scoffers –but atweak in the lawlastweekmeans themoneywill go to environmentalmeasuresinstead.

Anditisnot an insignificant amount of money–some £141mhas been raisedby finesonpolluting water companiessince2015.

Ludlow MP PhilipDunnesaidit is abreakthroughfor river quality.

“I am delightedthata measure that colleagues andI have called for wasformallyadoptedbythe Gov ernmentwhich will help to clean up theUK’srivers, seas, andwater

DAVIDTOOLEY david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

ways,”saidMrDunne. TheDepart ment forEnvironment,Food and RuralAffairs is settoget the fines money.

Andithas announced anew measurethatcould supportlocal initiativesinShropshireand across thecountry to tackle pollutionus ingmoney raisedfrom finespaidby water companies.

Mr Dunnesaid: “For toolong thesecompanies andothershave contributedtoshockinglevelsof water pollutionand have largelygot away with it.Refunnelling record levels of finestoimprove nature theultimatevictimofpoorwater quality–sends aclear signal that thepollutershouldpay to cleanup themess.”

ButMrDunnewarns that there arenoquick fixes. Much of thesew eragenetworkdates back to Victorian timesand in heavyrainfallthe

drains mixsewageand floodwater whichcan overflow thesystemand endupinthe river “Our Victoriansewerageinfra structureisageingand notdesigned to cope with today’sdemand. Butthere’s farmorewecan do to cleanup ourriversand seas,and I’mpleased to seethe practicalpro posals on whichIhavebeenworking adoptedbyGovernmenttoacceler ateour progress toward resolving these long-termchallenges.”

Daniel Kawczynski,the Conserv ativeMPfor Shrewsbury andAtcham,said: “Itistotally just that watercompanies will nowbeforced to invest £56billion into ourwater infrastructure.Thisisthe single most significant investmentofall time.The Government’sstand to improve river health, protectwild life,and defend publichealthis somethingthatIwholeheartedly standbehind.

“I will be requesting ameetingwithSevernTrent to putitto

them how they caninvestlocally forShrewsburyand thecountyof Shropshire as awhole.” Since2015, theEnvironment Agency hascon cluded 56 prosecutions againstwa terand sewerage companies, secur ing finesofover £141m.

At present,moneyfrom finesim posedbyOfwat andthose arising from EnvironmentAgencyprose cutionsisreturnedtothe Treasury from whereithas not emergedto invest in water quality.

Underthe newplans, funds raisedfrom fineswill go to Defra andwill be invested directly back into environmentaland water qual ityimprovementprojectstohelp fix thesourceofpollution

Thegovernmenthas toughened up finesagainst pollutingwater firmsbyexpanding the useof, and raisingthe capon, thecivil Variable Monetary Payments that theEnvironmentAgencycan issue, mean ingsanctions canbeimposed more often.

Grants form has been updated

LlandrindodWells Town Council hasupdated itssmall grants appli cation form

Notfor profitorganisations who have aconstitutionand abank accountwithtwo signatoriescan applyfor asmall granttocover or part-fundprojects, activities and organisational costs.

Butthe councilwillnot consider staffing costsand thegrantsare capped at £250.

CouncillorsSteve Sims andBen jamin Williamssaidtheythought thenew grants form is averygood document,while town clerkJane Johnstonsaidshe thoughtthe in troductionofafeedback form is good Membersconsideredthe changes made andDeputyMayor Council lor Wade Curzon said he thought theteamhad done an excellentand comprehensivejob Membersapprovedthe newgrant form

Invitation given to best chefs

Talented chefsare beingchallenged to puttheir skillstothe test in thetwo most prestigious competitions in Wales.

TheCulinary Association of Waleshas launched theNational andJunior Chef of Wales competitions

To enter, chefs must workat an establishmentorstudy at a collegefor acateringqualifica tion within WalesorbeofWelsh descentand working in another country.

Entriesare nowopenfor both competitions whichwill be held at theWelsh InternationalCuli nary Championships from Feb ruary21-23 at Grwp Llandrillo Menai’scampusinRhos-on-Sea.

Entriesfor both competitions must be received by January31.

Entryforms maybedownloaded from culinaryassocia tion.wales

Santa Clausis coming to town

Builth Wellswill welcome avery special guesttotowntoday (Friday) when Santapaysa visit.

Santawill be touringall thecre ches,nurseries andprimary schools to invite youngsterstojoinhim in hisgrottolater today.

He hasalsosaidhewould be de lightedifresidents linedthe High Streetagain at about5.45pmcheer inghim andhis sleigh on to his grotto,which will be in theStrand Hall.

Thegrottowill be open from 6.15pm until9pm with afreegift foreveryone under11years of age.

Therewillalsobefestive entertainment, abouncy castle,abuck ingreindeer, asoftplayareaand Christmas food

Therewill be mincepies, hot chocolateand mulled wine forthe adults

Builth WellsMayorCouncillor Alan Waller is hoping theevent will be agreat success

BevBaxter,SelinaGraham,Colin Henderson, Jackie Weaver,Peter Waltersand Hugh Strickland

riverdeathstoll

Atotal of 41 river deaths have been recorded in Shropshirebetween 2004 andthe present,with16inthe last 10 years, accordingtoa report Of thoseinthe last 10 years14 were in Shrewsbury,withone inci dentatBridgnorth andone at High ley. Nationally,76river deaths were recorded in theUKin2021withan averageof70ayearover thelast threeyears

Thereportauthors WSP, on be half of Shropshire Council,say:“Of thefatalities, thecasualtieshave been predominantly male with 12 deaths compared to twofemales,a ratioof86per cent to 14 percent.”

It is in line with national statisticsthatshow eightin 10 river deathsnationallyweremen.

“Fiveofthe deaths followed a nightout on aFridayorSaturday, allofwhich were male andbetween theagesof20and 36.Ofthe five deaths wherethe casualtywent missing, four of these were male.”

Text service will helpdeaf

Anew text servicefor adults in Powyswho aredeaforexperiencing hearinglossisnow live, councilchiefshavesaid.

They cannow make contact with thecountycouncil by texting theASSISTteamon07883 307622

Councillor Sian Coxsaid: “It’s so importantthatall of ourfel low citizens areabletocommu nicate with us, askabout servic es, tell us what theirneedsare, andbeheard

“ASSISTisthe wayfor older citizens,peoplewithdisabili ties andunpaidcarerstoask forinformation,guidance, and help with care andsupport,for themselves or others,soithas to be accessible to all.

“I’m very pleasedthatpeople whoare deaf or experiencing hearinglosscan nowcontact us viaatextservice.”

Hospitalwards closetovisitors

Wardsatacommunity hospital have been closed to visitors follow ingaconfirmed outbreakofawin tervomitingbug.

WyeValleyNHS Trust, which runs Leominster CommunityHos pital, says anyone whohas had symptoms of diarrhoeaand/or vomiting in theprevious48hours should notvisit

Aspokesman forthe trustsaid: “Wards at Leominster Community Hospital have been closed to visi tors followingconfirmed cases of norovirus. Pleaseonlycome to the hospital if you really need to.Any one whohas symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in theprevious48 hoursshouldnot visit.”There are twowards at Leominster Community hospital,Minster andEaton Theseare splitintosmaller rooms of singleor five beddedbays, allsin glegender. TheNHS describesnor ovirus as astomach bugthatcauses vomiting anddiarrhoea

Action plan is revealed to make theSevernsafer

River SevernsafetyinShropshire must be tackledthrough alistof 23 recommendations, accordingto areport.

Moreladders should be fitted to help in therescue of thosewho fall in,the review states

Anditcalls for‘Amster dam-style’ riverside urinalsto preventmen whohavedrunk too much wanderingtoo closetothe water’sedge

Thereportbyconsultants WSP wascommissionedafteranumber of tragediesearlier this year

Twomen,NathanFleetwood andTobyJones,diedinthe river in thespace of afew days in March

andApril,and anotherman,Dan Walker,was left with seriousinju ries afterbeing rescuedfromthe water

Thereport’sauthors called for an extensivepublicsafetycam paigntohighlightthe dangersof thefast-flowingSevern.

Jane Trethewey, of Shropshire Council, said:“We have not wait ed forthe report –weare enacting anumberofmeasures.There has been agreat deal of work carried outuptodate.

“Thisincludessupport forpubs, clubsand bars andsupport forpeo plewho become unwell.”

Thereportauthors rule outfenc-

ingoff largeparts of theriver as impractical, saying notall risk can be eliminated

Officers behind thereportsay that therewould have to be afull publicconsultationbeforeany toiletfacilities were installed. They are“acutely” awareofthe need to balancethe issues whichinclude Shrewsbury’s attractiveness to tourists.AWater Safety Action Groupisbeing setuptomakeriver safety along-term commitment.

Thereportwas presented to ameeting of Shrewsbury Town CouncilonMondayand will be discussed by ShropshireCouncil on Wednesday

Festive feverhitstownas the Christmaslightsbring cheer

KARENCOMPTON

karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

Huge crowds turned out forKnighton’sChristmaslightsswitch-on eventonFriday.

Santawas able to visitdespite his busy schedule andhewas driven around on asleigh pulled by atractor. Knighton Town Silver Band playedand therewas carolsingingaroundthe town clockasthe switch-ontookplace

Theclock wasdecorated in spar klinglights, thetown’sstreetshave also been litupand ahugeChristmastreeisonBrookside Square covered in lights

Then most people went back to KnightonCivic Centre whichhad been transformedintoawinter wonderland andSanta’s grotto by Trisha from Restorella

Therechildrencould meet Santa andenjoy refreshments

Some of thetown’sshops also stayedopenlatetoprovide families with thechancetodosomeChristmasshopping. KnightonMayor Councillor Mark Coxill said:“The lights look greataroundthe town anda real community spirit sawthe shops, cafesand pubs enjoy abusy eveningthroughout. Special thanks go to everyone involved whowork tirelessly to bringChristmas to Knighton, includingthe town coun cilmembers, Peterand Sharon, KnightonTownBandand Trisha from Restorella andall thevolun teerswho helped on thenight.”

More spenttohelpthe homeless

ShropshireCouncil spentmil lionsofpoundsonhousing home less people in bedand breakfasts last year,new figuresshow

The figuresfromthe Depart ment forLevelling Up,Housing andCommunities show thecouncilspent atotal of £4.8 million on temporaryhomeless housing in theyeartoMarch –upsignificantlyfrom£2.1million theyear

before.Bed andbreakfastsac counted forasignificant amount of spending with £2.8 million paid –57per cent of thetotal expend iturefor temporaryaccommodation last year

AcrossEngland an estimated £1.6 billion wasusedbylocal authoritiestowards short-term accommodationfor people facing homelessness in 2021 to 2022

Domesticabuse offences increase

Arecordnumberofdomestic abuse offences were recorded in theWest Mercia region last year,new figures show

It followed thetrend across England andWales,which sawthe number of crimes logged by police forces rise forthe sixthsuccessive year.

Office forNationalStatistics fig ures show 17,415 domestic abuse-re

lated crimes were recorded by West Mercia Police in theyeartoMarch up from 16,880 theyearbeforeand thehighest number since2015-16, when comparable recordsbegan AHome Office spokesperson said more than £230million is being invested to tackle rising domestic abuse offences, with theDomestic Abuse Actfurther supporting victims

Dougie Roberts, FreddieMorgan and ZacNewtonwereamong many whoenjoyed meeting Santa at theKnighton Christmaslightsswitch-onevent.The eventattracted huge crowdstothe centreofthe town

TheRiver Severn in Shropshire

Councillor Chris Branford with Santa Claus in hisgrotto during thebig switch-onevent which litup thetown

Councilmotioncalls formeatand dairypromise

Promises to servemeatand dairy products at schoolsare being sought by councillorswho fear menuscould become vegetarian andvegan cuisineonly.

Amotionwas duetobebrought forwardbyConservativecouncil lorsat aPowys County Council meetingyesterday (Thursday) seekinga commitment to serve meat anddairy foratleast thenext five years.

Theconcern is duetoamove earlierthisyearbyLiberal Demo crat/Labourand GreenParty-run OxfordshireCountyCouncil

In Oxford, theadministration

decidedtoban meat anddairy products from officialcouncil func tionstomakethe planet more sus tainable SchoolsinOxfordshirealsohave twodaysaweekwhere the menuis free of meat anddairy

In themotion, Councillor Iain McIntosh said:“Thereisconsiderable concernthatas PowysCounty Councilisunder thecontrolofLabour andthe LiberalDemocrats, a meat anddairy banmay be intro duced here too.

“Thiscouncil thereforecalls upon theLabour/Lib Demadministrationtocommittoserve good

qualitymeatand dairyproducts provided locallywhere possible at allofficialmeetingsand events wherefood is to be served and at allcouncil-run buildings, all Powysschools andcolleges where food is served,for theremainder of this term of administration.”

Mr McIntosh addedthatvegetarian andvegan food should be an “option.”

Hismotionwas duetobeseconded by fellow ConservativeCouncil lor LesGeorge.

Last year theschoolcatering budgetwas over£2.2million,the report said

Still time to suggestsuitable sitesfor future development

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

People still have time to identify suitable land for developmentinPowys.

PowysCountyCouncil hasstart ed athree-and-a-half-year process to prepareits newReplacementLocalDevelopment Plan

Theplanwill setout thecouncil’s proposalsand land-use policies.It will cover up to 2037 with implementationdue from 2026

Thecouncil is stillcalling for potentialdevelopment sites, which will be collectively knownasCan didate Sites, to be submittedfor inclusionin theReplacement Local Development Plan

Thecallfor sitesisopenuntil Tuesday County Councillor Jake Berrimansaid: “One of thereasons we arereviewing ourplanearly is becausewehaveunder-delivered on housingcompletions

“Althoughthe reasonsfor this lack of developmentare complex, what is striking isthat68per cent, that is 54 of the80sites allocated in theexistingplan, do nothave anyformofplanningpermission, they have simply satonsomeone’s booksand contributednothing to ourpressinghousing needs. In call ingfor sitesnow Iwanttomakeit veryclear that we be examiningall proposalsverycarefullyand testing them forclear deliverability.”

To find outmore, visitpowys.gov uk

Therewereprizesgaloreatbingo session

Theannualbingo eveninginaid of theLlanwrtyd WellsEisteddfod washeldatthe Victoria Hall Chairman HywelDaviesextended awarmwelcome to everyone present andespecially to Bryn Davies,the caller forthe evening.

Bingoprizeswerewon by Myfanwy Cook,TobyJones,LiliaBrown, LoganDavies, Delyth Jones,Fre da Jamesand Lucy Arnold.Prizes were also wonbyDiane Saore, Sal-

Santa runwillhelpgoodcauses

The firstever SantaFun Run hosted by TheLakesideBoathouseand LlandrindodCommu nity Events will take placeinthe town on Sunday from 10am until 3pm.

Therewill be an easy routeof about 1.5k around thelakeand then onto thecommonfor an ob stacle course,and aharderroute

of approximately2.5karoundthe lake, up thesteps into thewoods andbacktothe lake andontothe common forthe obstacle course

TheSanta Runwillberaising moneyfor St Michael’sHospicein Hereford andLlandrindod Community Events Book aplace viathe eventbrite website

ly Jones,MoBurton, Gwen Rowlands, Peri Emirali, Victoria Roff, LilyMay Davies,KateJones,Nesta Evansand Jacqui Price.

Thelucky bingoticket waswon by Sandra Wear.Raffleprizeswere wonbyJames Reader,MyraJones, EleriLewis, NannoStaggs, theRev

Andrew Tweed,Sally Jones,Jacqui Priceand Lucy Arnold Otherraffleprizeswerewon by Bryn Davies,MoBurton, Toby Jones,KateDally,Nesta Evans, MollieDavies, Marian Roff,Mar garetWatkins, Lil Dempsey, Ra chel Morris, OllieProtheroe,BronwenDavies, Victoria Roff,Tamara Silk, LizPrice andSionWilliams.

Next year’s eventwill take place on September 23

Memory treetradition is continuing

Thetraditionofthe memory treeis beingcontinued this year at King ton’sStMary’sChurch

Thetreewillbelocated in the Garden of Remembranceand will be decoratedwithstars,the organisers said.

Aspokespersonsaid: “Eachstar will bear thenameorashortmes sage inmemoryofa lovedone who wasorisapreciouspartofyourlife.

“The treewill be illuminated at

aspecial indoor andoutdoor carol serviceonSunday, December 11 at 4pm, when Churches Together for Kingtonand District will be joining theservice

“The starswill cost £2.50each andtheyare availablenow

“Theycan be obtainedfrom KingtonVicarage, by calling 01544 230525 or from AnnEdwards on 01544230271orGill Pennellon 01544230019.”

Rotarians are doingtheirbit to help families from Ukraine

Knightonand District Rotary Club successfullyapplied fora£1,200 grantfromrotary’sown charitythe Rotary Foundation

Themoneywill be used to support Ukrainianfamilies beinghosted in theregionand help them to improve theirspokenand written English.

KnightonrotarypresidentKim Smithsaid: “Thisgrant is specifi callytosupport Ukrainianfamilies beinghosted in theKnightonand District Marchesregion.

“Welivein averyrural area and literacy is anecessary skill to help thefamiliesintegrate andpursue employment.”

Theclubhas workedwiththe NorthHerefordshire andSouth ShropshireSupport Grouptoiden tify theirneedsand agreed the grantwill be used to provideEng lish Speakers of OtherLanguages (ESOL) classes foradultsand chil dren

KnightonRotaryClubInterna tional chairman Paul Barrettsaid: “Classesand workshops arerun by qualified teachersand volunteer teachingassistantsat Leominster CommunityCentre.”

Volunteers andhostfamilieshelp with transportfromthe villages so this grantwill enable theteachers to purchase course materials, workbooks, andteachingequipment.

KimSmith said:“We areproud to be able to supportUkrainian families inour communitieswiththis grantfromthe Rotary Foundation, throughour Rotary District 1150 InternationalCommittee.”

Plenty of festive funfor everyone

Thereare plenty of festiveevents plannedfor Llanwrtyd Wellsresidents as Christmasapproaches.

AChristmas craftfairwillbe held in theVictoriaHallonSunday from2pm until4pm

Therewillbeover 20 stalls, and this year sees thereturnofSanta in hisgrotto.

Mincepies, mulled wine,tea and coffee will be availableand there will be arafflewithmanygreat prizes

AChristmas communitylunch will be held in St James’ Church on Tuesday at 12.30pm.

People cangoalong forafreshly cooked Christmasmealwithall the trimmings.Avegetarianoptionwill be available. Tea, coffee andmince pies will follow

Thecostis£8. Book to reservea placeon01591 610028

Therewill be atraditionalcarol servicefor allatStDavid’s Old ParishChurchonAbergwesynRoadon Wednesdayat6.30pm

It will be acandle-litservice

Andpeopleare invitedtojoinin thefestivities at aPiesand Punch eventin theVictoriaHallonFriday next week from 7.30pm

Awarmwelcome awaits everyone with musicalentertainmentand a grandprize draw.There is free entry.

Councillor Iain McIntosh

Therewas somethingofafull houseatthe LlanwrtydWells Eisteddfod bingosessionatthe VictoriaHall

Food bank is continuingto help thosein need of support

THESTRETTONS

Food –The food bank hashelped 30 people during thelastweek thanks to thedonationsitreceives. At presentitis well-stocked with teabagsand spaghetti butwould welcomedigestive biscuits, washing up liquid,and toothpaste. Christmas food andtreatswould also be appreciated, butpleasemakesureall itemsare well in date anddo notneed to be refrigerated.Anyone in needcan visit thefoodbankatthe Parish Centre on Fridaysfrom2.30pm-4pmorcan contact theteamatStrettonFoodbank@gmail. com

Music –The SilvesterHallwillbe alivewithmusic provided by Graffiti Classics -The ComedyString Quartet this evening (Friday) at 7.30pm.Tickets cost£14 foradultsand £6 forthe under 18sand arebeingsold through thetowncouncil offices, TheOutdoor DepotinSandfordAvenueoronline from silvesterhorneevents.co.uk.Some maybe availableatthe door

Surgery –Councillor Hilary Luff will be at thelibraryfrom10am-noontomorrow (Saturday) foranother of her regular surgeries.

Carols –At11amon Sunday,therewill be acarol serviceatAll SaintsChurch in Little Stretton,and on Monday there will becarolsinCardingMill Valleyatthe National TrustPavilion from 5pm-7pm. CarolservicesatStMichael’s in All Stretton andStLaurence’sChurchwill be on December18.

Entertainment –The Mince Piesand Merrimentevening at Little Stretton VillageHallisonFridaynextweek at 7.30pmwhentherewillbemusical entertainment by BrianStone, aquizand araffle. Visitors arewelcome to take their owndrinks. Reserveaplace on 01694 723627 or by emailing mhaigh3@aol. com.

Survey –Don’t forget thesurveyfor Church Stretton Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool endsonDecember 16 andshouldbe completedonline Strettfest –Strettons Arts Forumis planning acarnivalparadeonMay 27 andwould like to hear from anyperson or groupwhich wouldliketotakepart. As preparationswillbegin in January, contact theorganisers by Wednesday next week by emailing noelbt8@talktalk net, with your ideas

Quiz –AChristmas quiz partyatMayfair is planned for Tuesday at 7pm. KenWillis will bethe question master and teams areinvited to attend.Entry feeis£5per person.Book in at Mayfairon01694 722077

Songs –Seasonal pianoduets andsongs by Gill Styles andRichard Walker will take place at theURC on December 17 at 10am.Admission is free with aretiring collection andproceedsbenefittinglocal good causes.

Activities –During theChristmas school holidaysthere is aholiday activities and food programmeavailablefor those aged 4-16 yearswho areeligible for benefits relatedfreeschool mealsand for those referredto HAF.Placesare available for Ukrainian familiescurrently stayingin Shropshire with host families. Bookings areopen forthe events whichbegin on December 19 to December 23 and should bebookedonline.Some holiday programmesinclude spacesfor thosenot on free schoolmeals

Cyclists puttingthe spotlight on saving soil

Campaignerswho arecycling across theUK andIreland to highlightthe need to save soil from beingdegrad ed stoppedoff in Shropshireat a farm that is runusing conservation measures

Some 12 Cyclefor Soil cyclists, including17-year-old Oscar Smith who is riding the entire900-mile capitalcity-centredroute,visited SoultonHallnearWem on Tuesday last week

EddieReynolds, of Save Soil, said:“We were massivelyhappy with ourvisit to SoultonHallwhich hassomereallyinteresting exam

DAVIDTOOLEY

david.tooley@mnamedia.co.uk

ples of practicesinaction.”They headed then to Birmingham and from theretoRoss-on-Wye on their journey.

They visitedthe hall’s Long Bar rowinthe afternoonbeforetalking to leadingUKsoilexpertDrSimon Jeffrey from Harper AdamsUniver sity

Save Soil’s aimistoraise aware ness of theimportanceofsoiland theproblemscausedbymodern

farmingmethods in reducingthe organiccontent of soils.

Campaignersat Save Soil have highlightedthe United Nations Food andAgriculture Organisa tion’s warningthatwemay have only 60 yearsoffertile agricultur al soil left with, in partsofthe UK, 30-40years before thefundamental eradicationofsoilfertility

SoultonHall’sLongBarrowhas been built by TimAshtonfrom thehallwho wanted to create a spiritualplace, connected deeply with theearth andsoilitisbuilt upon

Assistants will help membersof council’scabinet in theirkey work

TheleaderofPowys County Coun cil hasannouncedthe appointment of twocabinet assistants to support theworkofportfolio holdersinkey areas.

Thenew assistants will have spe cificroles,and attend andcontrib utetocabinet meetings,but they will nothavevotingpowers.

Theroles will supportthe workof portfolioholders butwill not have delegated powers andcannotdeputise forcabinet membersatscrutiny committees.

Forden andMontgomery Council lor Jeremy Brignell-Thorp,who is amember of theGreen Party, has been namedascabinet assistantfor theclimate emergency.

Councillor Adam Kennerley, member forNewtown Northand amember of theLiberal Democrat group, hasbeennamed cabinetassistantfor thenatureemergency CouncilleaderCouncillor James Gibson-Watt said:“Cabinet as sistants will supportthe workof portfolioholdersand jointlychair across-partyclimate andnature steering group.”

He added: “The steering group will agreeaworkprogramme which will report to thecabinet on aquarterlybasis

“Wehopethe steering groupwill setupadhoc working groups on specifictopics, establishexternal stakeholdergroupsonclimate and nature to supporttheir workand report annually to full council.

“The newroles,which areunpaid, will bringadditionalskillsaround climateand nature emergency, ar easthatare keytoeverything we do.”

Firmsbattlingto find theright stafftoensurefuturesuccess

It’s atough time for many businesses in Shropshireand Mid Wales– andofthe issues they face, findingthe rightkindofstaff is now amongthe biggest.

They said Brexit broughtchallenges,asdid negotiatingapan demic. And firmsalso face rising energy pricesand acostofliving crisis

Now, on topofall that, firmsare wrestlingwithhiringchallenges settogointo2023and beyond ArecentShropshireChamber of Commerce survey revealed 76 per cent of thosebusinesses whore spondedare struggling to recruit.

Anotherfromthe Federation of SmallBusinesses reinforced that in fact 78 percentsaidtheywere findingithardtobring in newstaff

RichardSheehan,the chiefexecu tive officerofShropshireChamber,

MATTHEWPANTER matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

said recruitmentisnow a“majorissue” in thecountyand believes the pandemic hasplayedasignificant role in therecruitment challenge.

He believes thewhole ethosofre cruitmenthas changedasa result of people beingforcedtoworkfrom home during lockdowns.

“The pandemic haschanged peo ple’srelationshipwiththe work placein many cases,” he said

“There arealot of vacanciesthat companiesare strugglingto fill sim plybecause they can’taccommodate awork-from-home environment.

“The ‘working from home’fac torissomethingwhich hasbecome alot more importanttoa lotmore people

“It’staken businesses alongtime torealise that,actually, they have to sell themselves nowbecause it is such atightlabour market

“It’salmosta reversalofthe past

“Weare in asituationnow where no longer do people applyfor ajob andit’sjustabout them having to sell themselves

“Businesses have to do thesame.

“The pandemic haschanged people’swhole attitude towardswork andthe workplace

“The migrantlabour issuehas affected us here in Shropshiretoo, especially with thesectors we have such as thosesurrounding agriculture,tourism,leisure andhospitality.

“Theyhavebeenhit really hard by thelossofthatlabour,there’s no question,and we have been flagging thatup formorethana year and progress needstohappen.”

HollieWhittles, humanresources director at Shropshire’sPurple Frog Systems, is aleading figure in theFederationofSmall Businesses andhas also reflected on recruit ment as a“massiveproblem”.

“Fromthe discussionsIamhav inginShropshire, businesses just

can’t find theright staffwiththe rightskills, in theright placeat the righttime,”she said

“Wehaveanageingpopulationin theMarches

“Weare arural areaand busi nesses arebeing hitbyall manner of rising costs, so recruitment on topofthatis amassive problem.

“Wehavea never-before-seensit uation where thenumberofjob va canciesishigher than thenumber of people unemployed or lookingto change career

“The pandemic ledtonew work practicesand flexibilities,which many people arereluctant to leave behind

“Manyofthose whoare looking forworkare holdingout formuch higher payand much more flexi bleworking arrangements.Many workers in traditionallylower pay, high-stress industries,havedecided to change career altogether,creat ingevengreater shortages in areas such as care,hospitality andretail.”

Pictured in theLongBarrowatSoultonHallisfarmer TimAshton. Thefarm is runonsoilconservation methods

Twoare finedfollowing fly-tippinginvestigation

HerefordshireCouncilhas won an enforcementcaseagainst two people foundguiltyof fly-tipping wastewhich they hadbeenpaidto remove from aresidentinKington Hereford magistratesheard how in June 2021 aHerefordshire Council-ownedtravellerssitein Pembridge knownasTurnpike, near Leominster,had become empty of allresidents in preparation foraplanned refurbishment. The emptysitewas then plaguedwith fly-tippingover thecourseofthe next eightweeks Councilofficers attended thesite on August 16,2021and foundev-

idence whichled theinvestigation to aresidentinKington

Officers discovered theresident hadpaid£40 to CorneliusBiddle andHarriettThompson, both of HillView, Leominster,totake away householdwaste to disposeof at thetip

Thecourt heardthe couple had decidedtokeepsome of thewaste to re-use buthad left some black bags of thecollected wasteatthe emptysitein Pembridge,which they hadtravelled to underthe be lief that familymemberswerestill residing there.

Biddle andThompsonboth

pleadedguiltyto fly-tippingand were each fined£200and ordered to pay£100towards costsand a victim surchargeof£34 each Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’sheadofpublicprotection, said:“Unlawful wastedisposal and fly-tippingcosts council tax payerstensofthousands of pounds each year

“The councilhas adedicated team of officers whoworktoen sure that anyone found fly-tipping wastewill be prosecuted.”

Themaximum penaltyfor fly-tippingisa £50,000 fine and/or five yearsimprisonment.

Councils askedtoraise levy to improve firefighters’pay

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

With 125vacancies,Mid and West WalesFireand Rescue Service headRoger Thomas said thesitua tionwas unsustainable.

He hasasked councils to raise theirlevytothe servicebyupto13 percenttohelpimprove payfor re tained firefighters

Mr Thomas said availability of retained firefighters hadsteadily declinedfromabout 95 percentin 2015 to 83 percent.

“We’re seeing younger genera tionsperhaps not willing to do, or commit to thesignificant amount of hoursthatweask themtodo,”he said

He said theyounger generation arewanting to maintain awork/life balance.

He said:“Ithink Covidhas ac celeratedthatsituationwhereby people have revaluated theirlife positions, andwe’re seeing people notwilling to commit to such an extensivecommitmentthateffects their lives.”

Retained firefighters arepaida fewthousandpoundsayeartobe on-call, whichvariesaccordingto theirroleand experience They arethenpaidper call-out they respondto.

Shropdoc giveshospice afunding boost

Anot-for-profitcompany haspre sented Shropshire’s SevernHos picewithmorethan£1,600.

Shropdoc raised themoney through itsteam’sexploitsonthe RiverSevernduringthisyear’s Dragon Boat Festival in Shrews bury

TheShropdoccrewwas oneof theteams whogatheredatShrewsbury School Boat Club to take part in theJulyevent,which madea

Veterans areasked to take survey

Powysarmed forces veterans are beingurged to take part in aUKwide Office of National Statistics veterans’surveytolearn more about theirneeds.

County Councillor Matthew Dorrance said:“Thesurveyis asking aboutaccess to services andcircumstances sinceleaving the armedforces, their lifestyle,

health andwellbeing.The Welsh Governmentdevolvedadministrationsand UK Government have been fullyinvolvedinthe survey andthe results will be used to strengthen planstomeet theneeds of veterans in thefuture.”

Thesurveycan be foundatons gov.uk

MATT PANTER

matt.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

return this year followingthe pandemic.

Dr SimonChapple,Shropdoc dragon boat captain, said:“Our team trained hardfor theevent overthe weekendofJuly23and 24 andwehad agreat time messing around on theriver

“There wasofcourse aserious side to proceedings whichwas for us to raise as much money as we couldfor SevernHospice.

“It’sacharity whichisveryclose to ourheartsatShropdoc.

“Weenjoy astrong relationship with them as 15 percentofour home visits involveend-of-life care

“Our dragon boat crew wasmade up of Shropdoc employees,GPcol leaguesand theirfamilies.”

Chimneysweep reminder is offered

Hereford &Worcester Fire andRes cueService is remindinghomeownerstoget theirchimneysswept by an approvedsweep

Thewarning followsaspate of woodburningstove firesinthe area Efficientsweepingpreventschim neydamage, and, in worst cases, household fires.

Fire crewshavebeencalledout to more than10 firesrecently in the area involvingwood burningstoves

or wood alongside–anaverage of aboutone aday

Theseinclude incidents in Ross on-Wye,Hereford, Worcester, Evesham,Luctonand Malvern.

Over themostrecent10-year pe riod, betweenApril 2011and March 2021,there were 1,524chimney firesinHerefordshire andWorces tershire

People can find alocal sweepat hetas.co.uk

Warm spaces areavailable at various venues throughoutarea

THESTRETTONS

Spaces –Several warm spacesare availableincluding Mayfairand the Health andWellbeingCentre which areopen from 9am-5pmMonday to Friday andcan offeracafe, activities, information anddisabled toilets.The libraryisopen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridaysand Saturdaysfrom9.30am-5pm andcan offerbooks, computers, wifi, information andhas adisabledtoilet. St Laurence’sChurchisopen everyday, andthe Methodist Church is openon Wednesdaysfrom12.30pm-4pm and canoffer hotdrinks, boardand table games, toiletfacilities andachancefor a chat, andisdementiaaware.All Stretton VillageHall is occasionally open on Tuesdays andcan offeracafe, mobile library, andtoiletfacilities

Schools –AtStLawrence’sPrimary School thepupilshave allbeen busy learning theirtimes tables,visiting TheatreSevernfor thepantomime,the choir hasbeento AllStrettonHallto entertainthe residents andthe Friends will behosting theChristmas craftfair today (Friday).TherewillbeChristmas services forthe pupils at St Laurence’s Church with Christmas jumperday and Christmas lunch to end theterm. The nurserychildren will beproviding a Christmas show andthe whole school will besinging carols in theSquareat 10am on Friday next week.Atotal of £621 wasraised forChildren in Need and donationsofnew Christmas presents areinvited which will be takento the PrincessRoyal Hospitalfor children whowillbeinhospitaloverChristmas St Lawrence’s hassupported thefood bank with donations of Christmas food At Church StrettonSchool,the chairof Governorshas donated aChristmas Tree to be placedinthe schoolentrance foyerfor students,staff andvisitors to enjoy. Year 11 students arestill busy with their mockexams andthen GCSE historystudents will visitBerlinfor three days of activities focussing on aspects of their GCSE curriculumstudies,and ageography fieldtripfor Year 10 will take them to Birmingham. Thecatering team will be servingupChristmas dinner andChristmas jumperswill be worn as afundraisingopportunityasthe term comestoaclose.Congratulations to thetwo students who represented Shropshire atHimley Hall crosscountry eventwithone of thegirls placed25/74 with Shropshireteamplacing second anda silver medaland theother girl 3/70 with herteambeing thirdoverall andtwo bronze medals. Term endson December 16 butlooking ahead thereis an opportunity for an equestrianteamfor those with access to ahorse or pony.

LUDLOW

Together –Working Together Ludlow members, friendsand volunteers were in St Laurence’s Church from 10am-5pm with astall sellingbooksand craftitems as part of theLudlowWinterFestival. Someofthe trustees andFriendsofWT have booked bowlinglanesatThe Grove for 6pmon Wednesday, andmembers, families andcarersare welcome too. Reserveaplace by ringing 01584 878528 or emailnicjnorth@ad.com. WT is supportedbyChildreninNeed Theannual general meeting hasbeen postponed andaccess to Rockspring is viaSheetRoad andSidneyRoad as SandpitsRoad will be closedfor three months.

Councils arebeing askedtopay more to helpimprove thewages of retained firefighters in MidWales.

Theemptysitewas plaguedwith fly-tipping over eightweeks

Jess Drucefrom Severn Hospice andSharonJochum from Shropdocatthe presentation of thefunding

Health chiefsin vaccine appeal

It’s vitallyimportant forpeopleto gettheir Covidand flujabsthiswin tertoprotect localhospitals, say health chiefs

On Monday last week therewere 51 people whohavetested positive forcoronavirus on thewards of the acutehospitaltrustsinShropshire andleaders of theNHS in thecoun ty want to urge people to gettheir jabs.

Theirmessage is that even if peoplecatch theillnesses –beitat football matches, Christmas events or in hospital –havingtheir vaccinationswill reduce theriskofthem becoming seriously illordying It comesatatimewhenthe hos pitals arestrugglingtocopewith patients whoare fitfor discharge butthere isnowhere forthemtobe sent.Simon Whitehouse,chief exec utiveofthe Shropshire andTelford Integrated Care System,said: “Vac cinationsare ourbestdefence this winter forreducingadmissions.”

Policelaunch safety drive

Wales’sfourpoliceforcesinclud

ingDyfed-Powys have launched theirChristmas drink and drug-driving campaign earlyto encompassthe WorldCup

They areaimingtocatch peoplewho risk theirlifeand the livesofothersbygetting behind thewheel whileunder theinflu ence

Last year’s campaign saw299 arrestsfor drink-driving, with another202 fordrug-driving. Almost 100ofthose arrests –85drink-drive and14drugdrive– came followingroad trafficcollisions. This year’s extended operationbegan on November21tocover theWorld Cupand will seeofficers using intelligence-ledtactics andlocal knowledge of hotspots to detect people whoare drivingunder theinfluenceofalcohol or drugs overthe festive period

Coronation ideas to be considered

LlandrindodWells councillorshave been askedtothink of ideasofhow to celebratethe newKing’scorona tion in thetown.

Councillor SteveDeeks-D’Silva told ameeting: “Our newKingwill have hiscoronationonMay 6and Iwantedustothink aboutdo we want to mark this occasion andif so,how.”

He said astreetparty is fine but it does cost money andittakes alot of organising.

Buthesuggestedall members should go away andthink aboutit andbring back some ideas to the next meeting.

Councillor Jase Hawker said it soundedlikesomethingthe new town council’seventscommittee should look at

So he proposedthe events com mittee should discussany ideasand deal with anyevent Membersagreedtolet theevents committee deal with it

Festivalprovidedtop treatsto tempteveryone’s tastebuds

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

Kington’spopular festive food anddrink festivaltookplace in the town centre on Saturday.

ProducersfromHerefordshire, Powys, Shropshire,Worcestershire, Gloucestershire andthe Midlands gathered to offera greatshopping experience as thetownstarted the festiveseason.

About100 artisanexhibitors were selling awiderange of goods such as wine,cider beer,apple juice, spirits, charcuterie, gourmet mush rooms, chocolate, fudge andpatis serie.

Tastyspices,cheese, sauces,nuts, olives,marshmallow,puddings, fer mented food, pies, meat andgame, bread, preserves,and oils were also on offer.

Therewerealsobooks,Christ mastrees,wreaths, flowers, pottery andwickerwork.

Localchoirs sang festivetunes andstreet entertainers performed.

Establishedin2004withjust 15 stands,the festival hasnow ex panded andcoversthe Market Hall, thecoach house, PlaceDeMarines, CloudNinecar park,the National Farmers’ Union carparkand Mill Street carpark.

Thefestivalattracted many newproducersthisyearincluding thighs andfries from AtoZest, An turBrewery with itsbeer, Divine

Donuts, andFlowerhornBrewery with ale. Artisanchocolatier and patissierDanielJones wassigning copies of hiscookbook ‘Husk and Bean –chocolate,infusions and magic’,which wassponsoredby Bees Knees Cook Shop

LotusMay,Paradise Bites, Sib ling Ginand TheRocket Cafe were also newtothe event.

Butthose lookingfor theirold favouriteswerenot disappointed ei ther as many stallholders returned such as theBeefy Boys,BritishCas sis, Caws Teifi,BreconChocolates, DuganPatisserie, Golden Valley

Goats, HayCharcuterie,LaTris tina,Whata Pickle,Wildjac Dis tilleryand PenrhosGin

RepresentativesfromKington’s French twin town of Marinesalso made atripover with theirFrench goodies.Theycould not make it last year,sotheywerewarmlywel comedback.

Theevent wasfreeofchargeand it wasorganisedbyKington Cham berofTrade

Themainsponsors this year were McCartneys, ArrowMedical,Brit ishCassisand theNationalFarmers’ Union.

Councilvoices concerns over ‘hobbithomes’bid

Objections have been lodgedbya communitycouncil againstplans formorehobbit-style holidayunits at afarmnearRhayader.

PowysCountyCouncilhas re ceived aplanningapplication by thePowellfamilytobuildseven underground“hobbit homes” for tourists to useonlandnearLlwyn gwilym Farm.Earlier this year the family received permission to build five undergroundhobbithomes –a scheme that hadbeenscaleddown from 11 units. Thenew plansfor seven hobbit houses wouldbein addition to those five

Theapplication wasdiscussedby St Harmon CommunityCouncil

Councilclerk Jane Johnston said:“Membersobjectedtothis applicationregarding drainage is sues.Itisnot clearfromthe appli cation if asecondwater treatment plantisbeing installedasone wa tertreatment plantwould exceed theacceptablelimitfor an addi tional sevenunits

“There wasalso concernex pressedthatthe inclusionofdin ingrooms mayenablethe unitsto become twobedroomed” Agent, Paul WatsonofHalls Holdings Ltd, explainedthe plans in aplanning, designand access statement. Mr Watsonsaid: “Hob bit homesare modestly sizedand

placed into thegroundsoonlya smallproportionisvisible exter nally, beingthe entrancedoorplus twowindows.”

Mr Watsondoesn’t believethe drainage from thesitewould have an effect on theRiverWye Special Area of Conservationand as the site is graded as poorquality agri culturallandits loss should not be resisted

Mr Watsonsaid: “The Local DevelopmentPlanissupportive oftourism development as part of farm diversification.”

Powysplannersare expected to decide theapplication by Decem ber28.

Festival organisers Emma Hancocks,Pam Peek,GarethClarkand Chris Coates.PhotosbyAndyCompton

Louise Maceyand Fi Macoll were

selling Alex Gooch’sartisan bread Amelia Dunne,BritishCassis ownerJoHilditchand KittyBulmerKingtonCommunity Choir sang

Keyissues putinspotlight at union’sannualgeneral meeting

DAVIDBANNER newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk

More than 100farmers were at aShropshire meetingwiththe NFU presidentwhere they discussed sector issues, unionbusinessand politicalcampaigning.

Tradedeals, labour,animal health, thefarmedenvironment andsupplychain fairness were put underthe spotlightatthe NFU Shropshireannualgeneral meet ing, includingcurrent challenges in poultry, pigand othersectors

At themeetingatthe Wroxeter Hotel, NFUpresidentMinette Batters andfarmers also discussedspi ralling costsfollowing unprecedented hikesinfuel, feed andfertiliser over thepast12months.

TheEnvironmental Land ManagementScheme(ELMs)was also raised, andShropshirefarmers agreed it needed to be fitfor pur pose andallow them to continue to producetraceable, sustainable,cli

mate-friendlyfood, anddeliver for theenvironment

ELMs is thenew wayGovernment will supportfarmers follow ingthe UK’s exit from theEUfor protecting andmaintaining the environmentthrough sustainable

farmingpractices.Membersheard ELMs wasfar tooprescriptiveand therealso needed to be theright leveloffunding andbudgetin the SustainableFarming Incentive (SFI)strand of it forfarming,food production andthe environment.

Westminster andgrassrootscam paigning andlobbyingwerealso discussed.

“Everything is political,”Mrs Batterssaid. “Be it thefutureof ELMs,the future of people working in ourindustry, thefutureoftrade or ourrelationshipwithEurope, andfor us as aproudly apolitical organisation it’s been importantto forgeand create relationshipswith everyone.Whether that is with this Government, with Oswestry and NorthShropshireMPHelen Mor gan, followingher election as aLib eral Democrat politicianthisyear, with SirKeirStarmer,Caroline LucasorevenSir Tony Blair, whoI metrecently.

“These relationshipsand thedis cussions we have with politicians aresoimportant andthe challenge istoworkupa solution whenever thereisaproblem buttoalso campaignfor change,keepfarming at thefront of theagendaand to get MPsout on farm.Iwould urge you to continue to getyourMPs outon farm to show them what youdo and raise sector issues,working with theNFU team.”

Promar awarded survey contract

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

Promar will be responsiblefor recruiting farms, collecting and processing data forthe 2022/23 survey year andfor an initialfouryear period.The transferofcurrent FBS activities and staff from the incumbentsupplier, RuralBusiness Research,will complete at theend of January.

Promar’s Sandra Callwood said thesurveyprovidedessential data to Defra.

Appointment is announced

Agronomy firm ProCam hasap pointed SimonMontgomery as technicalteamleadfor itsField Optionsdivision.

Simon joinsField Optionsfol lowing theretirementoftechnicaldirectorFrancis Dunne.

He will be responsiblefor helping to bringthe twooperations of thebusiness, Field Optionsand ProCam,closer together underone umbrella to deliver an improvedservice for both companies’ customers and personnel.

mccartneys.co.uk

BRECON, TUESDAY20thDECEMBER

Sale of StoreLambs.Saleat10.00am.Catalogue entriesclose Thursday 15th Decemberat5.00pm.

LUDLOW,FRIDAY23rdDECEMBER

Sale of StoreCattle, StoreSheep,Calves&Fodder.Catalogue entries close Friday 16thDecemberat5.00pm.

BRECON,FRIDAY 30th DECEMBER

Sale of StoreCattle, YoungFeedingBulls,BreedingStock,CullCows& OrganicStock.Saleat9.30am. Catalogueentries closeMonday19th Decemberat12noon.

ORANGE STORESALES–TBCATTLE

LUDLOW,FRIDAY16thDECEMBER

Sale of StoreCattlefromTBRestricted Farms. Sale afterthe Sale at Knighton. Catalogueentries closeFriday 9thDecemberat5.00pm.

LAND FORSALE

AT HIGHFIELD, HORDERLEY,CRAVENARMS, SHROPSHIRE Situatedinanelevatedposition,thislandprovidesanexcellent

WORCESTER, SATURDAY 17th DECEMBER

Sale of StoreCattle, StoreSheep &Calvesand WeanlingsSheep at 10.00am, Calves at 11.00am, Cattle at 11.30am. Catalogueentries close Monday 12th Decemberat3.00pm.

equestrian, amenityand recreational purposes

FORSALE BY INFORMALTENDER

TENDERSCLOSE: WEDNESDAY 21st DECEMBER at 12noon Guide Price- £300,000

AT HAWKHURST,HORDERLEY,CRAVENARMS, SHROPSHIRE

Afantastic opportunity to purchase ausefulblock of prime,level and productive agriculturalpasturelandamountingto approximately 46.32 acres (18.75ha)insix enclosuresset within aringfencewithanatural watersuppliesand good access viaaprivaterightofway,ideal for agricultural,equestrian, amenityand recreational purposes

FORSALE BY INFORMALTENDER

TENDERSCLOSE: WEDNESDAY21stDECEMBER at 12noon Guide Price- £350,000

AT STANBATCH, Nr WENTNOR,BISHOPSCASTLE, SHROPSHIRE

Aunique opportunitytopurchaseanunspoilt, highly ecological value amenityland, situated on theside of therenown Long Mynd in the sought-afterlocation of South Shropshire, amountingto 16.94acres (6.86ha) of steepaccommodation pasturelandset within aringfence withanatural watersupply andgood access off acouncil-maintained road,whilst benefittingfromabreath-taking, uninterrupted, panoramicview.

FORSALE BY INFORMALTENDER

TENDERSCLOSE:

WEDNESDAY 21st DECEMBER at 12noon Guide Price-£160,000 -£200,000

Further information forall theabove land from Craven Arms Office on 01588672385 or Joanna Wall on 07815099802

NFUpresidentMinetteBatters addresses the audienceinShropshire

FarmSupport Groups’ successiscelebrated Naturalsolutions couldbeanswertomany challenges facing farmers, research finds

ThePrince’sCountryside Fund (PCF)brought to gether membersofits Farm SupportGroup initiative at theHouse of Lords.

Theevent,hosted by Baroness Kate Rock,was to promote thesuccess of theirinvolvementinthe re cent Farm forthe Future programmeand to launch theaccompanyingevaluationreport.

KeithHalstead, executive director of thefund, said:“It wasfantastic to be able to bringtogetherthe farm supportgroupswho have been so instrumental to thesuccess of ourFarmfor theFutureprogramme

“Injustsix months, we managedtosupport over 880farming familiestoimprove theirbusiness and environmentalknowledge,withanincredibly95per cent reportingthattheyfeelmoreconfidentintheir ability to plan forthe future as aresultoftakingpart

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

Funded by Defra, theprogramme helpsfarmers tackle theongoing challenges andgrasp thenew op portunitiesonoffer linked to theagriculturaltransition.The programmeisnow open forfarmers to sign up to acrossEngland viaprincescountrysidefund.org uk/farmforthefuture

Integratingtrees, hedges and3Dbuffersonfarms canimprovesoilquality, reduce run-offand create valuable habitatsfor wildlife,a newpiece of work has found.

Work carriedout by SAC Consulting hasidentified key actionsfarmers cantaketobet terconservenatural capitalassets on theirland, whichcould have huge benefits to their businesses

Thefocus hasbeenonexploringthe benefits of agroforestry, planting hedgerows,and creating3Dbufferstrips–which consider ecosystems below ground,atgroundlevel andthe canopies aboveground.

Theteamhas puttogether factsheets, videos andpodcasts, andsharedexperiencesfrom farmerstooffer advice on how to embrace these actions.

SACConsulting’sRachel

Smilliesaid: “The purposeof this workwas to highlightthe magnitudeofecosystem servicessuppliedbywhatare consideredasthe leastproductive areasofthe farm,hedgesand edges

“Wewantedtodemonstrate that increasing the ecosystem services supplied by yourland doesn’tneedtotakevaluable land outofproductionand how you canget themaximum benefits from these areas.

“Through re-designing ar eassuchasbufferstrips, they canbeenhanced to 3D buffer strips

“Thistypeofbespoke buffer stripcan supply ecosystemser vicesinsub-soil, on thesurface andabove ground in thetree canopyand canbedesignedto comply with regulations, and canrelieve pressures on your farm as well as thewater envi ronment.”

In the firstpodcast episode lookingspecificallyatagrofor estry, Rachel spoketofarmer andconsultantStephen Briggs

MARKET REPORT

KNIGHTON

THURSDAYDECEMBER 1,McCartneys reportanentryof1531prime lambsand 371 cull sheep. It wasthe Christmas Fatstock Show andSale. Prizeclasseswerekindly sponsoredbyNFU Mutual,FM Caine& Sons, JAFrancis &Sons, Dilwyns Solicitor &The Horse& Jockey Inn.A record entry for afew yearsfor theChristmas Fatstock. Notthe tradeoflastweek unfortunatelybut asimilar tradetoyesterday. 15 pens over 260ppk andanexcellentshowoflambs for theshow. Thanks toyou allfor your support andcongratulationstoall theprize winners.

Results were as follows: Class1 Bestpen of 10 or moreLambs SiredbyaNativeBreed notexceeding 42 kg 1stAThomas 40kg £95Class 2BestPen of 10 or moreLambs sired by aNativeBreed exceeding 42kg 1st TL& EMDavies 50kg £122.50WestBrom Shield 2ndGRoberts 44kg £106.503rd JG Williams 46.50kg£110.00Class 3Bestpen of 10 or more Lambssired by aContinental Breednot exceeding 41 kg 1stHEWilliams 40kg£110.002nd KTortoriello 39kg £109.00

3rdA Rees 38kg £108.50Class 4Bestpen of 10 or more Lambssired by aContinental Breedexceeding 41 kg 1stKTortoriello42kg £115.502nd AF Beavan&Co42kg£112.00

3rdG Roberts &Son 44kg £113.50Class 5 Bestpen of 5ormoreLambs (any Weight) siredbya Beltex or BeltexX Ram1st ARees 44kg £150.00Champion 2ndEBunning 45kg £122.503rd KTortoriello 38kg £104.00

Class6Bestpen of 5ormoreLambs any weight (confined to vendorsfarming less than 120acres)1st PJGittins 43kg £120.00

2ndA Chilvers 46kg £112.503rd JCMills 41kg £101.00Class 7BestPen of 10 or moreMuleorHalfbredWether Lambs1st JJ Owens45.50kg£107.50 2ndJJ Owens48kg £113.003rd OL &W Davies 43.50kgClass 8BestPen of 5ormoreLambs shownby aYFC Member (10–26years old)1st Jack Gittins42kg£123.00 Reservechampion 2ndLewis &Sam Beaven41kg£110.50 3rd James Ruell 45.50kg£114.50 Cull ewetrade on fire forfatstockday.A marvellousentry of ewes andtrade tomatch from startto finish. 71 ewes over£100meatand weight definitelythe besttrade butleanerewes also dearer than previousweeks. Results as follows: Class9 BestPen of 5ormore ContinentalX or Suffolk XEwes1st SA Cherry £188.00Champion in ewesection 2ndS ACherry£205.003rd SA Cherry £140.00Class 10 BestPen of 5ormore Mule orHalfBredewes1st TASwancott& Son £105.002nd DW Price£93.00 3rdR JLewis £98.00 Class11BestPen of 5or moreHillEwes1st RJLewis £100.002nd RJLewis £86.00 3rdTASwancott& Son

winner of theHorse &Jockey Shepherds Crook for SupremeChampion wasT L&E MDavies.The Knighton Chamber of Trade Championship Trophyfor theBestPen of Lambswas ARees. Bestpen of lambsfrom aYFC member wasJackGittins.TL& EM Davies, Hill Farm wonthe West Bromwich Shield forthe Bestpen of LambsinClasses 1and 2.

KNIGHTON

FRIDAY DECEMBER2,Christmas store lambsprize sale.Auctioneer:KatieDavies. Overall average:£78.56(1953 lambs) The prizeshow& sale waskindlysponsoredby DREAccountants. Suffolk xand Continental xclasseswerejudgedbyTom &Richard Davies. Mule andHillbredclasseswere judged by Roger Abberley.Results areas follows:Class 1: Bestpen of 10 or more lambssired by aSuffolk 1stAL&RLLewis &Son 2ndA Thomas 3rdSRuell Class2: Bestpen of 10 or more lambssired by a Continentalbreed 1stA Scatcherd2nd AJ & IH Morris3rd R&L ReynoldsClass 3: Best penof10ormoreMulelambs 1stG&M Davies2nd G& MDavies 3rdJTP Rogers & Son Class4:Bestpen of 10 or morelambs siredbya Hill breed 1stJMJones &Son 2ndJMJones& Son 3rdS&F JonesAvery pleasing tradewithayardfullofbuyers andgood demandfor alltypes.30% of today’s entrywereMuleand Hill bred ram lambsand were well sought after, with Mule lambsaveraging £75.02and Hill bredlambs averaging £63.41 per head.Equally therewas strong demand forcontinentalxlambs, with qualitycontinuing to be particularlyeasily sold.Iflambsare notquite fit, then stores is definitely theway to go.Trade topped at £101 per head for Texelxram lambs from SDARuell.Continentalxlambs also to £99 per head for Texelxmixed lambsfromR & LMeredith.£97.50per head for Texelxewe lambsfromAJ&IHMorris. £97per head for Texelxmixed lambsfromA Scatcherd. Mule ramlambs sold to £100 perheadfrom Owen Bros.Alsoto£90 per head from G& MDavies and£84 per head fromJTP Rogers &Son.Welsh ramlambs to £82.50 per headfromJMJones& Son, and£76.50per headfromS &FJones.Overall arge lambs £90-£100;Mediumcontinentalxlambs £80-£90; SmallerContinental/Suffolkx lambs£65-£75. LargeMulelambs £80-£90; MediumMulelambs £70-£78. LargeHill bred lambs£75-£82.50; MediumHill bred lambs£60-£73.Small,longertermlambs £45-£58 dependant on breed.Whateversize thesheep,currentlytheydefinitelybenefit

from Abacus Agriculture who planted 4,500apple trees on his arable farm in Cambridgeshire in 2009

Stephenexplainedhow when he firstmovedtothe farm in 2007,itwas afully arable oper ationofwheat andoilseed rape, butthe soilswereexhausted duetoover-cultivation,fertiliserand pesticidesusage andhe foundtheywereeroding away in thewind.

He said:“Oneofthe primary thoughtprocesses wasto usethe trees as buffersagainst some of thesoilerosion by re ducing wind speed,but notonly didIwantwindbreaks, they hadtomakememoney–I’ve gotrenttopay.”

He said thetrees have broughthim additional income, selling about5,000 bottles of fruitjuice ayear, as well as sell ingapplesdirect.

He said:“Theagroforestryis delivering everything we want It’sreducingwindspeed,it’s improvingsoilquality,the soils have massivelychanged from

beingbacterial dominatedto nowveryfungaldominated “We’ve seen a10times species richness improvementin biodiversity

“Wehave200 percentmore bumblebees and400 percent morepollinating insects.”

In thesecondepisode, agri cultural consultant andmixed beef andarable farmer Mary Jane-Lawrietakes listeners through herjourney reinstat ingold boundaries on-farmand creating valuable habitats for wildlife. Shesaid: “By adding in hedges,ithas given anice boundary to most of our fields, whichisnot only apluscosmetically but by adding features back in,ithas provided miles of nestinghabitat forbirds and roughgrass forinsects.”

The finalpodcast hearsfrom soil andwater scientistMark Stutterofthe JamesHuttonInstitutewho encourages farmers to designateareas of land to 3D buffer strips

Thefactsheetsand podcasts canbefound at sruc.ac.uk

5pm. Contact:KatieDavies 07817474241(Storelambs &Breeding sheep)JennyLayton Mills07867 522859 (StoreCattle) Lloyd Humphreys 07534 532468 (CullCows) Knighton Office 01547 528621

LUDLOW

MONDAY DECEMBER 5,Finished lambs1679 Auctioneer:MichaelThomasTel:07890 898239Top priceLambs:£284.40 Top priceLambs perkg: 632ppk SQQ Average per kg:255.69ppk An increased entryfor theChristmas Primestock Show Day with an improvedquality of lambsforward.A larger percentageoflambswithmeatwhich wasreflectedinthe trade. Theentries for thePrimestock classes were judgedbyMr Jack Gilder whoawarded theChampion Pair to ChrisPaddock, Burway Farm –heand hisfamilybeinggreat supportersofLudlow Market. TheChampions, apairofBeltex x weighed45.5kgand sold for632ppk to AH GriffithsLtd of Leintwardine.The commercial section also attractedagood selling trade with lots up around the300-304ppk. Free on farmgrading serviceavailabletel:01584 872251. FInished cattle –74Auctioneer: MichaelThomas Tel: 07890 898239 Heifers –45Top priceHeiferper head:£2120 Top priceHeiferper kg:400ppk Averageprice Heiferper kg:258.35ppk Steers –29Top priceSteerper head:£2068.88Top price Steer per kg:317.5ppk Averageprice Steer per kg:264.06ppk Agreat show of cattle for theChristmas Primestock classes allcoming from theun-ledclasses. Cattle were judged by Mr Matthew BarrettofMayfield Livestock Co who awarded theOverall Champion to M/sCWRoberts &Partnersfor aLimousin xheifer,whichsold for£2120 (400ppk)to KnightwickButchers. Agood show of cattle forward metanincreased tradethroughout. Plenty of qualitycattleforward which sold well.Freeonfarmgrading service availabletel:01584 872251.Prime bulls119Auctioneer:BradleyTowell Tel: 07496 263916 Topprice bull: £1991Top pricebull per kg:297ppkAverage bullper head:£1352 Averageprice bull per kg:233.14ppk An excellententryofprime bullsforward,sold to asolid trade from startto finish. Strong competition for allgradesasbuyerslook to fillorders. Some excellentbulls in theshow classwerebid for competitivelyand achieved goodreturns. Bestgrade bulls topped at 297ppk for smartLimousinx with heavier sorts£1991.Other top grades 275ppk and above. Well finished -U/R gradeContinenta

bulls250ppk to 275ppk.Dairy xBritish Blue bullsto264ppk and248ppk.Dairy bulls to 218ppk with thewell meatedsorts 200ppk +Lim x: 297ppk,295.5ppk,295.5ppk 290ppk,288ppk, 283ppk, 281ppk, 280.5ppk,279ppk, 278ppkTop Gross Prices:£1991,£1932,£1872, £1862, £1852, £1831, £1825, £1824, £1811, £1808 Brbx: 264ppk,248ppk,238ppk, 237ppk,234ppk, 233ppk,228ppk,226ppk,225ppk,225ppk TopGross Prices:£1522,£1448,£1398 £1396, £1313, £1307, £1299, £1277, £1274, £1267 Cont x: 269ppk,269ppk,261ppk, 257ppk,254ppk,252ppk,252ppk,249ppk, 246ppk,240ppk TopGross Prices:£1964, £1826,£1808,£1691,£1680,£1664,£1634 £1616, £1599, £1597Traditional:255ppk 234ppk,228ppk,227ppk,226ppk,223ppk, 215ppk,214ppk,211ppk, 205ppk TopGross Prices:£1857,£1734,£1556,£1533,£1473, £1431, £1424, £1376, £1302, £1212Dairy: 218ppk,216ppk,216ppk,216ppk 210ppk 210ppk,208ppk,206ppk,206ppk,189ppk TopGross Prices:£1328,£1236,£1196, £1173,£1152, £1093,£1088,£1078,£1077, £1068Cullcows–18Auctioneer:Bradley Towell Tel: 07496263916Top pricecow: £1196Top pricecow per kg:156ppk Average pricecow:£871Average pricecow per kg:134ppk Topprice bull: £1552Top price bull per kg:147ppkCowsselling to alevel trade with threebuyersinattendancefor allgrades. Mostlygrade 3& 4cowsin the average with thebetter grade2cowsto 155ppk.Cullbulls to 147ppk &£1552. Cull sheep –687 Auctioneer:James Amphlett Tel: 07972653077Top priceEwes: £200.00 Ewe average: £81.15 Topprice Ram: £145.50 Ramaverage:£85.98A better entryofewes metanother strong trade. Meatewesstill most in demand butplain sorts also atide trade.BestTexelsverymuchindemand with atop of £200,withothersat£191, £183 and£174.50.Smaller, butstill well-bred Texels sold at £151,£150and £144.Heavy Charollais xand Texelx ewessold to £145, £142 and£140withthe strongestSuffolk xsorts up to £138.All of thebestSuffolk x ewes sold over£125withhalfmeatsorts around £110.Bestofthe Muleshovered around £100 with plainer sortsover£80 SmallHill ewes sold from £40to £60. Charollais rams sold up to £145.50with Texels at £135.50. Forfurther details please contactMichaelThomas Tel: 01584872251 (Work) or 07890 898239 (Mobile)Bradley Towell Tel: 01584872251(Work)or07496 263916 (Mobile) JamesAmphlettTel:01905 769770 (Work) or 07972653077(Mobile) Free on farmgrading servicecontact:Lou JonesTel:07828 921864 or 01568611174 or TedDaviesTel:07772 252293

wrote The Horse’s Mouth? AAnthony Burgess BIris Murdoch CWilliam Golding DJoyce Cary

What sort of creatures arekept in an apiary? ABirds BAnts CWorms DBees

Which Saint Etienne singer released asolo album entitled Lipslide? AMoira Lambert BSarah Cracknell CBeth Gibbons DBeth Orton

Which Indian city associated with Sikhism was the site of amassacrein 1919? ABangalore BAhmadabad CNagpur DAmritsar

What name is given to small flakes of scurf

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)

Petty argument (4)

Lucrative job or enterprise, informally (6)

Lights switch-onmarks start of thefestive season in town

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

TheChristmasseason hasstarted in Kington followingaverysuccessfulfestive lights switch on event.

Music, festive food anddrink and adazzlingdisplay of lights were witnessedbyscoresofpeoplewho packed thePlace De Marinesand Market Hall.

Youngsters were delightedto be able to remind Santaoftheir Christmas wishes in agrottopod whichwas surrounded by awinter wonderland oftrees

Former KingtonPrimary School headteacherAnnePhillips, whoretiredin thesummer after22years, returnedtothe town to lead the countdownand push aplunger to turns thelightson.

Anne said shehad really missed beinginthe school andshe said when shecomesback sherealises how importantthe Kingtoncom munity is andhow greatacommu nity thetownhas Shesaidshe hadthe pleasure of talkingtosome former pupils who areabout to startbusinesses or go abroad andshe thankedeveryone forinvitingher back to have the honour of switchingonthe lights

Anne said:“Youwillsee me popping up alot.Iwill want to cele bratethe future of Kingtonwith you.Lightsrepresent joy andpeace, pleaseeveryone do an actofkind-

ness forsomeone over Christmas.”

KingtonCommunity Choirled a selectionofChristmas carols while Ludlow ConcertBandaccompanied them

KingtonChamber of Tradeand KingtonTownCouncil organised theevent andprovideda free hot gindrink foradults.

KingtonMayor Councillor David Redmayne thankedeveryone for attending, allthose whohad helped to make theeventsuchahugesuc cess,Kington CommunityChoir andLudlow ConcertBand, which he conducts

Fundingtohelpenforce rulesonhomestandards

Families living in cold,draughty rented properties in Shropshire canexpectwarmerhomesthanks to anew council initiative.

ShropshireCouncil hasbeen awardedGovernmentfunding to raise awarenessand enforcethe Energy Efficiency regulations whichrequireprivately rented homestomeetminimum energy efficiency standards.

Underthe regulations, it is an offencefor landlords of domestic properties to grantanew tenancy or continue to letany property with an Energy PerformanceCer tificate rating belowE,unlessthe landlordhas registered avalid ex

emption. Thecouncil is contacting landlords whohavepropertiesthat do notmeetthe minimum energy efficientstandards to ensure they make improvements to theirproperties to reachthe minimumrat ing, or direct them to applyfor an exemption.

Landlords whodonot bringtheir properties up to theminimum standard face enforcementaction whichcan lead to a fine of up to £5,000.

Meetingthese minimumrequirements canbeassimpleas draughtproofing andinstalling lowenergylighting, or mayrequire moresubstantial improvements

such as loftinsulation, doubleglazingand cavity wall insulation,the councilsaid.

ShropshireCouncillor Dean Carrollsaid: “Wewanttenants to have warm,safehousing,and a good energy performancerating is more importantthanever,especiallywithsoaring energy billsand thecostoflivingcrisis.”

“Housing accounts foraround 30 percentofShropshire’scarbon emissions, butreducingheatloss through better insulation andinstalling more energy efficientand lowcarbonheatingand lighting will help to significantly reduce them.”

Motoristsavoid usinglaneone

Nearly half of driverssay they frequentlyoroccasionally avoidusing lane oneonsmart motorwayswithoutahardshoulder, anew survey suggests

TheRAC,which commissioned thepollof1,904 motorists, claimed theresearch “completelyunder mines” themainreasonfor turning hard shouldersintorunning lanes, whichwas to boostroadcapacity.

A fifthofrespondents whohave driven on these all-lane running smartmotorways said they frequentlystayout of theleft-hand inside lane,while28per cent said they do so occasionally

Askedwhy they deliberately avoid drivinginlaneone,77per cent said they areworried they mayencounterastationaryvehicle,while 40 percentare fearfulofbeing hitif they hadtostop. Almost threein four people questioned said they wouldfeelsafer if thereweremore emergencyrefugeareas

Womanabused in carbyman

Police areinvestigatingreports that aman wasverbally abusive to awoman andbangedonthe window of hercar in MidWales

Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating theincident, whichhap penedin NewtownonTuesday last week at about 10.40am.

Thewoman wassitting in her caronShortbridge Streetwhen theunknown manapproached andbegan bangingonthe windowofher car, as othermembers of thepublicwalkedby.

Anyone with informationthat couldhelpofficers is askedto contactDyfed-Powys Police, either online at bit.ly/DPPCon tactOnline,by emailing 101@ dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101.Quote reference: DP-20221129-395

If you aredeaf, hard of hear ing, or speechimpairedtext 07811 311 908.

FifthofATMsin region aregone

TheWestMidlandsregion haslost a fifthofits cash machinessince 2018

Anew studyhas looked at theUK regionswiththe biggest decline.

Overallsince July 2018,the UK haslost21per cent of itsATMs–13,679

London hadthe highestrateof fall at 25 percent.

Financialtechnologyexperts from Swedishbanking as aservice provider,Intergiro,has investigat ed theimpactoncommunities of digitalbanking

In theWestMidlandsthe number of ATMs wasdown1,195 inMay this year from 4,817inJuly2018. It currentlyhas 8.1ATMsper 10,000 residents.

TheSouth East currentlyhas 6.7 ATMs per10,000 residents, whichis thelowestratio overall.

Waleshas lost 639 –alsoafallof 20 percentand haseightATMsper 10,000

Former KingtonPrimary School headteacher Anne Phillipspushes theplungertoswitchthe festivelightson

Ludlow ConcertBandand Kington Community Choirentertained

CouncillorsDavid Redmayne,Bob Widdowsonand RichardBanks with Anne Phillipsand chamberoftrade chairman Emma Hancocks Floand Izzy Kitchingmet Santa

Councillor Dean Carroll

Kington’sclock tower’sChristmas lights. Photos by Andy Compton

Awardjoy for businessowner

Abusinesswoman is celebrating winninganationalaward

NiamhKelly,who ownsThe HR Dept Shropshire, collected an awardatthe National Womenin Business 2022 awards held at Wembley afterbeing crowned‘Business womanofthe Year’inthe small business category

Niamhsaid: “I am thrilled and delightedtohavehad my name called to thestage to receivethis highly-rated nationalbusiness award.

“A greatdealofhardworkhas gone into my business over thepast five years. Theteamand Ialways strive to ensureall ourclients re ceivethe very best advice andtimely supportinthese difficult times andisa just reward foreveryoneat TheHRDeptShropshire”

Theannualevent is designed to shinea bright lightonmanyofthe UK’s extraordinary andinspira tional businesswomen.

Search is on for best start-up

Thesearchisonto find the Midlands’bestnew businesses with thelaunchofthe StartUp Awards National Series

Nowin itssecondyear, the series will shinealight on the flourishingstart-upscene acrossthe UK whichhas seen more than 1.2million newbusinesses createdinthe past two financialyears alone.

Last year’s awards sawmore than 2,500entries nationally, whichwerewhittleddownto 900 finaliststhatbetween them generated£300million annu ally andemployedover 5,000 people.The awards seek to celebrate thepeoplewho will lead the waythrough thecoming challenges into 2023 andbeyond.The deadline forentries is February 17.For moreinformationvisit nationalstartu pawards.com

Homes‘would boostschool’

Planstobuild affordable homesin MidWales wouldhelpanearbypri mary school remain “necessary and open”, developers have claimed.

Mid-WalesPropertyDevelopment wantstobuild19affordablehomes on land next to TheWallers in Cefn, Buttington.

AgentGerallt Davies,ofRoger Parryand Partners, said:“Theapplicantislooking to extend thesite to proposeanew residentialdevel opment andmakeuse of available land

“The proposed scheme will inevitablyboost thelocal economy.

“The development will provide morechildrenfor theprimary school.Smaller schoolswithin Powysare currentlystrugglingto remain open andthisdevelopment will assist in ensuring Buttington, Trewernschoolremains necessary andopen.”

Planners areexpected to decide theapplication by January12.

Newconcierge service at airport

Afullconcierge servicehas launched at Birmingham Airport.

VIPFly offers apickand mixelementand customers canchoose from achauffeur driven carser vice,express lane andloungeaccess

Theconcierge serviceisavail able to book forall departing, arriving andtransferpassengers using Birmingham Airport. The

personalconcierge will accompany customers from thetimethey arrive at theairport to thepoint of departure. Thereare arange of optionstochoosefrom. Custom erscan be metafterparking their carinany of theon-site parking optionsorthe drop-off carpark.

“It’slikebeing aVIP,” said VinceEssex,the founderofVIP Fly.

Housepricesfalling,statistics show

Theaveragehouse pricefellby1.4 percentmonth on month in Novem ber, markingthe biggest drop since June 2020,accordingtoarecent ly-releasedindex.

November’sdropfolloweda 0.9 percentmonth-on-monthfallin October.

Acrossthe UK,annualhouse pricegrowthslowedsharply to 4.4 percent, from 7.2per cent annual growth recorded in October.

Theaveragehouse priceinthe countryin Novemberstood at £263,788, Nationwide Building So cietysaid.

Mortgagerates jumped following thedisastrousmini-budgetinSep tember,withBankofEnglandbase rate rises also pushingupborrowingcosts

Andthatcameagainst abackdrop of households beingsqueezed by rising billsgenerally

Festivesing-alonglaunchedin county will bringcheer again

NICK HUMPHREYS nick.humphreys@mnamedia.co.uk

AnationwideChristmas sing-along whichwas launched in Shropshire will be back to spread festive joyonceagain.

Doorstep Carols wasstarted in thecountyfor Christmasin2020, aimedatuniting peopleduring theCovid pandemic when people couldn’t gettogethertosingtogether in crowds

Theevent,which wasthe brainchildofShropshiremum-of-two Katy Rink,attracted nationalattention including a special feature on TheOne Show –and thousands participated up anddownthe coun try. This year’s sing-along is supportingthe Alzheimer’sSociety, with over 100carehomesset to join in.OnWednesday from 6pmto7pm, participatingBBC Local Radiosta tionsand BBCSoundswill provide thenationwiththe opportunityto sing togetheragain.Everyone is in vitedtojoinin– on theirdoorsteps, in theirstreets, hospitals, care homes–wherevertheyare

Theepicentre of theeventwill be Carols in TheSquareinShrewsbury,hosted by Shrewsbury Town Counciland BBCRadio Shropshire, andorganisers saytheyare inun datedwithrequestsfromacrossthe UK from streetswanting to getinvolved again.

Lastyear, more than 30 BBC Local Radiostationsbroadcast the

carols across theUKwithsome exciting linked-ineventsunder Concorde in Bristol, in Trafalgar Square,atCanterburyCathedral, at care homes, children’s hospitals andcommunity centres.

OrganiserKatyRink, whospread theeventacrossthe nation with the help of pals Beth Heathand RebeccaSmith, said:“It’s wonderfulto

watch Doorstep Carols grow big gereachyearas thewordspreads. We’veenjoyedgreat supportfrom BBCLocal Radiotohelpbring this to thenation.

“DoorstepCarolshas thepower to bringpeople together, creating communitieswhere maybethey didn’t existand cementingfriendshipsyearonyear.

“It’sasmall asktohelpget this goingonyourstreet–and it can have abig impact.Plusyou’llcreate some wonderfulfestive memories andanew family tradition.”Beth, of Shropshire Festivals, said:“It’s so simple to join in andcompletely free –tuneintoparticipatingBBC Local Radio stations,downloadthe words from ourwebsite andsing.”

Road closures confirmed aheadoftown’scarols

Road closures have been an nouncedfor aShropshiretown centre’s Christmascarol concert.

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

Shrewsbury Town Councilis organising theconcert,which will be broadcastlive on BBCRadio Shropshire.

Musicwill be provided by Shrewsbury BrassBandwith membersofShrewsburyMale VoiceChoir leadingthe crowds with renditions of classicChristmascarolsincluding Hark!The Herald Angels Sing,SilentNight andJingleBells

Theconcert will also be available to watch online thanks to Shrewsbury-basedcompany,MicroVideo,withlive-streamingvia thetowncouncil’s website at carolsinthesquare.com/

To allowthe Carolsinthe Square eventtobeheldsafely, therewill be road closuresinplace on High Street,WyleCop (NWdirection) andPrincess Street, whichwillbe closedfrom4.30pm untilaround 7.30pm

TheSquarewillbeclosedall day, from 8amuntil around 7.30pm

TheDarwin Shopping Centre will be open until9pm,whilemany of thetown’sindependentretailers

will also be open late.The Market Hall will remain open until8pm with thelive musicrelay from the Square

HelenBall, town clerk, said:“We always love this annual event, and it does bringsomethingspecial to Shrewsbury in therun-upto Christmas.And it’s greattosee so many people come back year after year to help celebratethisgreat tradition

“DoorstepCarolsalsomakes a return this year,and whilst the main focusisinthe Square in Shrewsbury,there will be communities acrossthe nation readyto join inwithour ownlive event.”

Doorstep CarolsorganisersKatyRinkand Beth Heath

Shrewsbury’s Carols in theSquare will take place on Wednesday

Records arebrokenasfair proves to be ahugesuccess

KARENCOMPTON karen.compton@mnamedia.co.uk

Afantastic andrecord-breakingtwo days were enjoyed by thousandsatthe RoyalWelsh Winter Fair,heldatthe showground in Llanel wedd,BuilthWells.

Theannualevent continuesto maintain itspositionasone of the finest primestock showsinthe UK, this year attractingmorethan700 exhibitors from Wales, England, Scotland,NorthernIreland and Holland.

Thefairwas officiallyopenedby Dafydd WynneFinch on behalf of thefeature county of Clwyd. Dafy dd is afarmerand landownerfrom NorthWales whosepractices main tain afocus on sustainableand re generative farming.

During hisopening speech,Dafydd conveyed theimportanceofcol laborative work within theagricul turalindustry.

Thefairwas Aled Rhys Jones’s firstevent as thechief executiveof theRoyal WelshAgriculturalSocietyafterbeginningthe role in September

“There wasarealcommunity feel at this year’s Winter Fair.” said Aled

“Everyone Ispoke to commented on thevibrant atmosphere,energy andexcitement– allmadepossible by thesupport from ourcompeti tors, traders,sponsors, volunteers andvisitors.

Team

“Asmy firsteventaschief execu tive,Iwould liketothank thewhole team whoplays apartinbringing theWinterFairtolife.

“Itisnot only agreat showcaseof Welshfood andfarming,itisalso a showcaseofour unique Welshspirit.”

Primarilyatradeevent, thefair provides aperfect opportunityto networkwithfellowfarmers,pro ducers, suppliers, andbuyers, and hasbecome theideal hubtodiscuss anddobusiness

Thetwo-day eventisanimpor tant platform forpolicydiscussion anddebatewithMinisters from both theWelsh andUKGovernmentsinattendance, together with arepresentativefromthe German Embassy, showingthatthe eventis

recognisedinternationally.Bosses at thesociety said they were proud thefairhad once againbeenable to play aroleinfacilitating discus sionsbetween highly influentialin dividualsand organisationswhich affect thefutureofWelsh agriculture andthe ruraleconomy

With strong entriesfromacross theUKinall sections, andrecord entriesinthe sheepsection,the livestock, as always, playedcentre stagetothe busy two-day event.

Oneofthe most prestigious ti tlestobewon at theeventeach year,the supremecattlechampion, wasawarded to Baby Guinness, a heifer siredbya Limousinweigh ing596kg,exhibited by Edwards Brothers from Clwyd. Latersold by auctioneersMcCartneysfor an impressive £8,600,BabyGuinness wasboughtbyKathryn Jones of CastellHowellFoods.

Gwyn EdwardsofEdwards Brotherssaidwinningthe supremecattle championmeans “everything”to them as afamily. Gwyn hasbeen part of theWinterFaircommittee formorethan30years, andwas recognisedfor hiscontributionand commitment to thesociety

It wasn’t just thesupreme cham pionthatgot everyone talkingat

this year’s Winter Fair.The re servechampionSassy Girl fetched astaggering £36,000,makinga newWinter Fair record.The pedi gree Limousin heifer wasexhibited by Katrina Little andAllen Shortt from Cumbria.

Morerecord-breakingsales were seen in thepig section, whereapair of Welshpigs, exhibitedbyHD& EM Robertssoldfor an impressive £800/head.

Elsewhereonthe showground, thewinner of thebestoveralltrade standaward went to FrankSutton Ltd.

Busy

Thestand,based in theSouth GlamorganHall, hadabusyfew days displaying products from John Deere,Cat andYamahaand offeringtheir expertise in agricultural machinery.

This year sawover300 tradestands,and over60morestandsin theFood Hall whereguestswere able to sample thesuperb produce from acrossWales andthe border counties

Thelatenight shopping evening againsaw thousandsofvisitorsindulgingin some Christmasshopping andenjoyingthe festiveat-

mosphere andspectacular firework display. Returningfor the firsttime sincethe coronaviruspandemic, Father Christmas kindly took time outofhis busy schedule to meet the childrenatthe Winter Fair in his grotto.Thisyearhealso hadtwo veryspecial reindeer guests, Thor andSimba

Back once again, Ye Olde Winter Fair Pubhosted many guestswho were able to purchase Winter Fair brandedreusablecupstohelpreduce thesingle-use plasticwaste during theevent

As part of theWales Football Tour,BBC RadioCymru brought itsgiant inflatable bucket hattothe Winter Fair,providing agreat pic ture opportunityfor visitors outside theYFC building Fair director William Hanks said:“This year’s eventhas been sensational.

“Weare grateful forthe huge amount of hard work anddedication from themanyvolunteers, stewards,traders, sponsors and, of course,the visitors whomakethis eventpossible.

“Wehopeall of ourguestshave enjoyed theWinterFairand look forwardtowelcoming thembackto oureventsnextyear.”

Survey findsmostpeoplewould liketo carryonworking from home

Public Health Walesresearchhas identified that whilethe majority of people wouldliketocontinue working from home,nearlyhalf also reported worsenedwellbeing andfeelingsofloneliness.

Thesurvey, carriedout in No vember2020toJanuary 2021 duringthe second wave of thecoronaviruspandemic, askedadultsin

employmentinWales whetherthey couldworkfromhome (WFH)and theimpactofWFH on theirhealth andwellbeing

Thesurveyasked respondents to consider theirpreferences forthe future

Threein five respondents want ed to spendatleast some or allof theirworking week WFH. Onein

five wanted to avoidhome working entirely

Of thosewho couldWFH during thepandemic, almost half reported worsenedmentalwellbeing andincreasedfeelingsofloneliness.

Groups whoweremorelikelyto report these effectsincludedworkersintheir 30s, women,those who livedalone,withpoorermental

wellbeingand thoselivingwith limiting pre-existing conditions

Theeffects of WFHondietand exercise were more mixed. Whilst four in 10 reported adecreasein theirlevelsofphysicalactivity, threein10reported an improve ment.One in threereported a poorer diet,whileone in four re ported an improvement

Traders fighting foryourvotes

Tradersata popularmarket hall in Shropshireare asking thepublicto getonline fortheir bid to regain the titleofBritain’s FavouriteMarket

Shrewsbury Market Hall was crownedBritain’s Favourite Mar ket back in 2018 andwas runner-up last year.Now,traders areurging as many fans as possibletohelp them winthe accolade for2023.

Theawardsare runeachyearby theNationalAssociation of British Market Authorities. Thetitle of ‘favourite market’ is the only market awardinwhich thepublichavea vote

Market facilities manager Kate Gittinssaid: “The feedback from customers is phenomenal. They love this place. We arebusier andmore popularthanever anditwould be wonderfulifevery singlecustomer couldvotefor us andvotefor us daily.”

To votefor themarket,people canvisit nabma.com

Food prices are soaring again

Food inflationhas surged to 12.4 percenttohit anew record amid predictionsofdampened Christmas cheerand an “increasinglybleak”winter

Overallshoppricesare now 7.4per cent higher than last No vember, up from 6.6per cent in October, to setanother record sincethe BritishRetailConsortium (BRC)records beganin 2005

Butfood inflationaccelerat ed considerably furtherto12.4 percentfromOctober’s 11.6 per cent –also thehighestrateon record as rocketingenergy, an imal feed andtransport costs forced up prices.The BRC-Nielsen IQ Shop PriceIndex shows freshfood inflationroseeven higher to 14.3 percent, up from 13.3 percentlastmonth, driven particularly by thecostofmeat, eggs anddairy

Matchviewing figureat16.6m

An averageaudienceof16.6million TV viewerswatched England’s3-0 winoverWales on Tuesday night last week.

TheWorld Cupmatch on BBC Onealso hadanaudienceshare of 67.9 percent, accordingtoovernight figuresfromratings agency Barb provided by theBBC

Thenumberdoesnot include thosewho watched on theWelsh language channelS4C

Others will have watchedthe game on iPlayer, although those figureswill notbereflected in the overnightdatafromBarb.

England securedtheir victory over Waleswithtwo goalsfrom Marcus Rashford andone from Phil Foden, securing them aplace in the last 16

It comesafteranaverageaudience of 15.1 million tuned in to watch thefullmatch of England vUSA earlierinthe competition, whichended goalless

Acolourful fireworksshowwas one of theattractionsatthe two-day fair in MidWales

School project is commended

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

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

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

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

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

Lack of ‘flexible’ jobsonoffer

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

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

Itsstudy of sixmillion jobadvertsfound that threein10listed anykindof flexible working options.

Despite theshifttoworking from home as aresultofthe pandemic,Timewisesaidonly around oneineightadvertsofferedhybridworking

Carproduction cutatJLR site

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

It is duetocontinuingproblems in obtainingenoughcomputerchips forits latest models

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

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

Thelatestcarsare heavilyreliant on computer chipstocontrola varietyofonboard systemsincluding anti-lock braking, emissionscon trols, satellite navigation andin-car entertainment. Supplies from East Asia have been heavily disrupted in thewakeofthe Covidpandemic

Ian’snew role with AceOnGroup

UK batteryand renewableenergy specialist,AceOn Group, has appointed anew director to the boardtofurther increase itstechnicalexpertise andenergyindus try experience

IanWassman hasstarted in thenewly createdroleoftechnicalsales director,witharemit to elevate thecompany’s salesand technicalsupport functions.

He will be working closely with thesales teams to sharehis re al-world experience of theenergy sector andadd valuetocustomers by showinghow AceOn’s products fitintothe widerpower system

Iansaid: “I thrive on achallenge, so when Imet with Mark andthe team at AceOn,Iknew therewould be plentytoget my teethinto.”

Fundingisvital to help jobsmarket

Asupported employment andtrain ingcharity haswelcomedthe Chan cellor Jeremy Hunt’s commitment to gettingmorepeopleintowork butwarnedprojectswhich currently supportedthose furthest from thejob market were at risk of losing vitalfunding

SoniaRoberts, chiefexecutive of supportedemploymentand train ingcharity Landau,said: “Whilst we welcome theChancellor’s pledge

to supportthe unemployed,whatwe really need is some firm decisions on thelevel of fundingthatmight be availablesothatwecan continue to deliver life-changing projectsand getpeopleintowork.

“Weneed to be ensuring as many peopleaspossiblecan secure employment and, withoutthiscom mitmentfromgovernment,werun theriskofalienatingthose whoare alreadyhardtoreach.”

Businesses urgedtogofor a granttomakebig difference

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

Time is runningout for businesses to gettheir handson£10,000 EU grants to help them pay forvital equipment.

Morethan£670,000fromthe SmallEquipmentGrant pothas alreadybeenpaidtobusinesses in Shropshire,Telford &Wrekinand Herefordshire, helpingtocreate more than 70 jobs

Thecashisstill availablefrom theSEG projectbut programme manager Caroline Cattle says the deadline forapplicationsisJanuary 31

Thegrant scheme is supportedby theMarches LocalEnterprise Part nershipand itsbusinesssupport arm, theMarches Growth Hub, and receives European Regional Development Fund assistance

“SEG moneyhas alreadyhelped 91 businesses in theMarches to buy vitalequipment to help theirbusi nesses grow anddevelop, butthis moneyisn’t goingtobearoundfor much longer,” said Caroline

“A grantofupto£10,000 could make allthe difference to asmall or medium sizedbusiness andcould be thedifferencebetween beingableto expandand just standing still.”

Detailsofthe schemeare available throughthe MarchesGrowth Hub– marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/ support/marches-small-equipment grant/

Hugh settotakeonheadroleatlegal firm

Toplegal firm Aaron& Partners hasappointed anew head of its Shrewsbury office Corporate financepartner Hugh Strickland,who hasworked in thebusinesssince 2014,will take on therolefollowing signif icantgrowthinterms of people andrevenue forthe firm’s Shrop shire-basedoffice in recent years.

He succeedsStuartHaynes, a corporateand commercialpart-

MATTHEWPANTER

matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

ner, in therole. Stuart continues hisfocus on growingthe firm’s in ternationalpractice, in addition to supporting hisclients

StephenTaylor, apartner in the disputeresolution team, hasbeen appointed as deputy head of the Shrewsbury office

Nick Clarke,senior partnerand head of disputeresolution at Aaron &Partners, said:“Hugh leads much of ourbanking, finance work,and is highly respected in Shropshireand beyond.Hugh’s reputation in theShropshirebusiness communitytogetherwithhis understandingofthe business and itsculture mean he’s theperfect fit. We look forwardtohim lead ingthe office.”

Company celebrates fifthbirthdayinrealstyle

AthrivingShropshirebusiness ownerhas celebrated hercompa ny’s fifthbirthdaywitha special partyatacountystately home

Ishbel Lapper,owner of HR SolutionsShropshire, invitedaround 50 guests to sharethe business’s birthday milestonewithher at a partyatWestonPark.

Ishbel,who has25years’experience in theHRsector, startedthe Telford-based business in 2017 af terleaving thecorporate world.

Shetoldguestsatthe partythe business nowhad more than 50 clientsand continuedtogo from strength to strength

“Itwas always adream of mine

to be my ownboss. Having takena year offfollowing thebirth of our beautifuldaughterWillow,wehad decideditwas nowornever andI embarkedintosetting up thefoundationsofmybusiness

“I have been blessedwithworkingwithsome greatpeopleand companieswho have been afantastichelpand arealadvocatefor my business.Despite thechallenges of Covid, Brexit andthe cost of living crisis, thebusinesshas grownyear on year whichistestament to my fantasticclients andthe faiththey have placed in me.”

HR SolutionsShropshirehas been shortlistedfor awards by

both Shropshire Chamberand na tional business organisationsand Ishbel hasregularly contributedto TV,radio andmedia acrossShrop shireand theMidlands.

HollyBrookstein, financeand commercialmanager of Telford-basedFerco Seating, was amongthe guestsat thespecial eventand said:“It is very reassuringhavingIshbelthere to call on forall ourHRneeds. Sheisvery supportive andoffersaveryprofessional serviceatall times.”

Stuart Smallwood, of Shrews bury-basedE-drive West Midlands, added: “Ishbel givesfantasticadvice.”

Deputy head of office StephenTaylorand NickClarkewith Hugh Strickland, corporate financepartner

HowMissLuntprovidedsome sunshine into thelives of blind

TOBY NEAL toby.neal@mnamedia.co.uk

In herelderly,opentopped car, headmistressLucyLuntwould take heryoung charges outfor ridesinthe Shropshire countryside, delightingthemas, with thehooddown, 25mph seemed fast andexcit ing.

They enjoyed many happyhours riding around thecountry lanes, andalthoughthe children couldnot enjoythe sights, they couldenjoy thesounds, smells, andsensations around them

Oneday Davidwas in aserious mood, andasked her: “Will Ibeable to do this myself?Drive,Imean?”

Only atruthful answer woulddo. “NoDavid.” “Not ever?” “NoDavid.”

Miss Lunt suggestedthatagirl might drivehim.After much consideration Davidresponded “All right, that’lldo,”beforethumping hishandonthe seat andadding “Butit’llbemy car.”

Exploring

Foreightyears spanningthe 1950sand early1960s Miss Lunt washeadofanursery school for blindchildrenrun by theRoyal Na tional Institutefor theBlind BasedatOverley Hall,nearWel lington, it wasone of sixSunshine HouseNursery Schoolsrun by the RNIB andMissLunt’srolesaw her striving to bringsunshineintothe livesofthe youngsters, boys and girlsfromall over thecountry

Thechildrenlovedthe hall,with itslarge gardens, andwerefasci natedwhenatreeblewdownas, throughexploringthe felled pine, they couldfor the firsttimeappreci atehow high trees were.There were holidaytrips to theseaside too.

During Miss Lunt’s time there

were normally24children living there,aged betweentwo andahalf to nine or 10,but most beinginthe four to eightage group, with thepri mary handicap beingblindness,although notmanyweretotally blind. When she firststarted some of the children were mobile,but graduallyitbuiltupasa household with children with additional physical or mental impairments.

On Saturday afternoonsshe wouldoften take some of theboys to listen to thetrains.

Frankiegot caught in athorn bush andcom plainedloudly.

“Shut up,Frankie,” said Dennis.“If you make anoise Ican’t see.”

That became thetitle

of Miss Lunt’s book publishedin 1965,three yearsaftershe hadleft OverleyHall, in whichshe told of herexperiences andofthe children underher care there.

“Myeightyears with these chil dren were probably thedeepest ex perience Ieverhad in my life,”she said Anditwas avaried life.

Born in Shrewsbury, shewas educated at Shrewsbury Girls’ High School,and during the warshe helped with the care of evacueesfrom Liverpool.

In 1947 shefound ed thenursery nurses’ trainingschemeatthe oldShrewsburyTechnicalCollege

Previouslyshe hadbeenheadof Leaton Knolls CofESchool, and also in charge of Hodnet Nursery School

Shelived with herparents in Oak Street,Shrewsbury.

On leavingOverley Hall in 1962 shehad intended to retire,but in steadwas askedtoreturntoher previous role of trainingnursery nursesinShropshire.

In herbookshe writes:“Ihope my storywill awakeorfosteran existing sense of comradeshipand warmth with thechildrenitdescribes, andcreatea willing and sympatheticwishtoknowand un derstand such children within your sphere

“Mostofthemhavesomuchneed forunsentimentalinterestand encouragement, andwantsodeeplyto be offeredfriendship.”

Everyday down thepit was‘a battle againstnature’

Youhad to enjoy lifedownthe pit, saysAlanDean. “Ifyou wentdownand didn’t enjoy it,you wouldnever go down again,” says theretired miner.

“Everyday wasabattle againstnature. People thinkwe went down thepit andgot big bonuses, butitwasn’tlikethat.”

Alan,ischairmanand a foundermember of Cannock ChaseMiningHistoricalSociety, whichhas seen thepub lication of 18 booksabout the coalfieldsince it wasformedin 2002.Now,after20years,heis calling it aday,and thesociety will be woundup at theend of this year

Thesociety wasformedat a meetingat theMuseumofthe CannockChase,whenthe late Mick Drury issued an appeal forformerminerstohelphim with abookabout theregion’s mining heritage.Sogood was theresponse that it wasdecided asinglebookwould not do it justice,and asociety wasformed that wouldproduce what has been describedasthe most comprehensive record of mining history ever published

Trevor Matthews,who wrote abookabout theHiltonMain andHolly Bank collieriesas part of thecollection, says the society’s combined worktotals some 1,750pages in allformats

“The National Mining Mu seum in Yorkshire, andMining RecordsinMansfield, have ac claimeditasthe best historyof anycoalfieldever,”saysTrevor, wholives in Claverley. He adds that none of it wouldhavebeen possiblewithout thededicated effortsofMickLucas,who edit ed theentireproduction.

“MickLucas wasutterly in dispensable,”saysTrevor. “He not only edited all18publica tions, each of whichusually required five drafts, butalso provided numerous maps and illustrations

“Thismonumentaltasktook from 2004 to 2017,and without himthishighly acclaimed, tre mendousworkwould nothave been published. We owehim a greatdebtofgratitude.”

Now90, Trevor beganhis career as agraduatetrainee at HiltonMaincolliery, Essington, in 1951,working hisway up to eventually become assistant managerofLittleton Colliery.

Storytime with Miss Lunt at OverleyHallinNovember1961

Children gettogrips with aclimbing frameOverley Hall, Wellington, wherethe school wasbased

Trevor Matthews,from Claverley,atthe memorial gardenfor LittletonColliery

Risotto makes idealdinneron achillyevening

Actor’sdebut cookbook pays

much-loved dad

KATIEWRIGHT PressAssociation

MUSHROOMRISOTTO

Ingredients: Serves four/six 1tbspolive oil

50gbutter

1onion or shallot, chopped 1leek, finely chopped 300g mushrooms, chopped 4garliccloves,finely chopped 1large sprigofthyme leaves 400g risottorice

100mlwhite wine/Vermouth 1.5l chicken/mushroomstock

50gParmesan, grated Salt andblackpepper

To garnish:

15gbutter

250g mushrooms, sliced 2garliccloves, crushed

Method: Heat theolive oiland half thebutterinalarge sauté pan. Addthe onionorshallot andthe leek andcookverygen tly, stirring regularly, untilsoft andtranslucent Addthe mushrooms. Turn up theheatand fryuntil they have given outtheir liquid andlook drybut glossy.Add thegarlic andthyme andstir.

Addthe rice andstiruntil glossy with butter.Seasonwith salt andpepper. Pour in the wine andlet it bubble untilalmost evaporated.

Addalarge ladleful of thehot stock. Stirconstantlybut slowly untilmostofthe liquid hasbeen absorbedbythe rice,thencon tinuetoadd ladlefulsofstock untilthe rice has plumpedup andisaldente andthe sauce around it is creamy

Addthe remainingbutterand theParmesanand beat it into therisotto –thiswill make the risotto extra creamy.Taste and adjust theseasoning if necessary.Cover andkeepwarm.

Placeafryingpan over ahigh heat andadd thebutter. When it is foaming, addthe mixed mushroomsand frythemvery quicklyuntil well browned. Add thegarlicand stir foracoupleof minutes,thenseasonwithsalt andpepper.

Servethe risotto garnished with themushrooms andmore grated Parmesanfor people to addat thetable

Butreading JoeSwash’s odeto hisfatherRicky,who passed away suddenly when theLondon-born ac torand presenter was11years old, is incredibly moving “Hewas aLondontaxidriver buthewould do alot of half mar athons, he wouldrun threeorfour timesaweek,”Swash recallswith pride, speaking to me from the home in Essexheshareswithwife Stacey Solomon andtheir children Rex, three, andone-year-oldRose, as well as Zac, 14,and Leighton,10 (fromSolomon’s previous relation ships) andHarry,15(from Swash’s previous relationship with Emma Sophocleous)

“Hereallyate healthy. Likehe wouldcut thefat offhis bacon–I love thefat on my bacon! Thedoc torsaiditwas athing called sudden deathsyndrome,” Swashexplains.

“Itwas an undetected defaultin hisheart that couldhavehappened [atany time]. He couldhavedied when he waseight,he couldhave died when he was80. It wasjusta matter of time.”

Now40, theformerEastEnders star,who hasjustreleasedhis first recipe book,sayshehad difficulty coming to termswithhis griefasa child.

“Mymum andmysisters were crying –Isortofcouldn’tever open up anddothatmyself. I’donlyever cryorshow anyemotionsifI wasby myself,” he recalls. “Itwas areally sad, sadtimeinmylife. Isortofdetached myself from it alittlebit.It almost feelslikeI’m talkingabout anotherlittleboy,not really me.”

Swash– whogot hisbig breakin 2003 when he wascastas Mickey Miller in theiconicBBC soap –says hestill felt theimpactofhis dad’s deathas an adult.

“It’ssomething that’salways been with me,something thatIfeel

changed me quitealot.Ialways wonder what I’dbelikeifmydad wasstill with me,you know.Some of thebad decisionsI’vemadein life, wouldtheyhavehappened?”

Whilehe’snever hadcounselling, Swashsayshe’salwaysfound cook ingtherapeutic,which is whyhe’s themainchefinhis household: “I really getabuzzfromit. Although Stacey thinks it’s amazing that Ido it,Isortofsecretlydoitfor myself, it’s really goodfor me.”

It wasaftertakingpartinCelebrityMasterCheflastyearand reaching the finalthree that the amateurcookdecidedtoput pen to paper: “Itreallygavemealot of confidenceinthe kitchen. Irealised, youknow, I’maprettygood cook.”

Thebookaimstohelpother busyparents putwholesome meals on thetable.“Likealot of people, we’vegot families,webothwork.

It’s allthe sort of things that Stace andIdotomakeour liveseasier,” says Swash.

Alongsidefamilyfavouriteslike cheese andMarmite scrools, turkeyburgers andTottenham cake, Swashchronicles“my childhood andall thebig thingsinmy life like EastEnders,the Jungle,meeting Stacey –and allthe foodsthatrep resent thosemoments”.

AfterwinningI’m ACelebrity in 2008,Swash recallshow he “secretly fell in love”withSolomon when shetookpartinthe reality TV series twoyears later.

Hostingthe Extra Camp spin-off show,hegreeted theQueen of the Jungle readyfor herexitinterview only to find theobjectofhis affec tionswas –likemanycelebswho emerge afterweeks withouttoiletries –abit whiffy,tosay theleast

“I’m notsurewhether Stacey

wasthe worst smelling,orwhether Ihad such high expectations of her smelling so beautiful,” he says with alaugh.“Thesmell hitmelikea brick.”

Thepairstarted dating in 2016 andmarried earlierthisyear. Familylifewitha brood of five canbe hectic,but thekidsare happyto help outinthe kitchen.

“Theyloveabit of baking,” Swashsays. “Theyloveanything that’s messy, likemeringues.They take alot of pride in what they’re doing, so it’s lovely to see.”

They trytoprioritise family mealtimesasmuchaspossible, he adds:“It always gave me afeeling of security when Iwas akid,and it’s somethingI really want formy kids.”

Swashwants to create thelov inghome lifeheexperiencedinhis earlyyears,eventhoughtheir time together wascut short.

“Overall,I’vegot to thankmy luckystars that Ihad himfor the amount of time Idid,and theimpact he hadonmylife,”saysSwash.

“I hope he looksdownonmeand he lovesseeingusall together,try ingtodo what what he didwhen we were kids.”

n Joe’sKitchen:Homemade MealsFor AHappy FamilybyJoe Swashispublished by Pavilion Books, priced £22.

Mixthe

and-a-halftotwo hours untilithas puffed up to about twicethe size. Turn thedough onto a floured surfaceand knockthe airout of it so it deflates.Shape it into a largerectangle –about 35 x25cm

Roll up thedough alongthe long estside, then cutitinto12rounds. Arrangethe rounds over abaking tray linedwithbaking paper. Cover with adamptea toweland leaveagain untilthe dough has increasedinsizebut is stillquite firm.Preheat youroven to itshigh estsetting

Brushthe rounds with beaten eggand sprinkle with cheese.Bake for20–25 minutesuntil they are adeepgolden brown. Servewarm from theoven.

It’s notoften acookbook canbring youtotears (unlessyou’retalking aboutthe onionchop ping-induced variety).

Actorand presenterJoe Swashhas released acook book

JoeSwash’s newcookbook

Mushroomrisotto

Delightful dishes settodazzle dinner guests this Christmas

ANDY RICHARDSON andy.richardson@mnamedia.co.uk

Christmas is around the corner andit’stimeto startpreparing recipes that will dazzlethrough theholiday season.

So Maldon Salt hascreated araft of deliciousrecipes that will add glitterand sparkle to thefestive spread

SALMON PATE WITH MALDONSMOKED

SALT

Ingredients: Serves four 150g smoked salmon,cut up 180g creamcheese

2tbspcrème fraiche

Zest andjuice of 1lemon

Smallhandful of dill Smallhandful of chives

1tbspcapers, drained and rinsed

1tsp smoked Maldon salt and crackedblackpepper

Method: Putthe ingredientsinto amixingbowl. Mixtogetherso everything is combined.Serve with ryebread, lemon wedges, andanextra sprinkle of dill

MALDONSALTCHOCOLATE& AMARETTOTRUFFLES

Ingredients: Makes12 220g dark chocolate, chopped 120g double cream

1tsp almond extract

2tbspamaretto

90gunsaltedbutter, cutinto small cubesatroomtemp 1pinch of Maldon salt

Coatings: finely chopped pistachios,desiccatedcoconut, cocoapowder

Method: Placethe finely chopped chocolateinalarge heatproofbowl. Putthe creamintoasaucepanand heat untiljustboiling,thenremove from theheatand pour over thechocolate.Allow it to sitfor a fewminutes before whisking until smooth.Add thebutter, amaretto, almond extract,and pinchofMal donSaltand then whiskagain until smooth

Transfer to ashallow tinand allowtocoolatroomtempbefore adding to thefridge to firm up (two hours).Whencooled, rollthe ganachetruffles in yourhands in balls, keepinginthe fridge whilst you do therest. Then roll thetruffles in either desiccated coconut, finely choppedpistachiosorcocoa powder

IN SEASON

by Andy Richardson

Addthe milktoasaucepanand whiskin thecornflourand apinch of Maldon Salt untildissolved.Stirinthe sug ar andpistachio creamand place onto theheat. Allowthe mixtureto

come to theboiland then continue stirring untilthe mixturethickens (three to five minutes).Thenre move from theheatand cool.Once cool placeinthe fridge to cool completely.

Preheatthe ovento180C and placea baking trayinthe oven to heat up (thiswill help thesouffles rise). Preparethe ramekins by greasing with butter andthe dust ingout with icingsugar.Set aside.

Placethe eggwhitesinabowland whiskuntil foaming. Then slow ly addthe sugar, atablespoonata time.Keepwhiskinguntil allthe sugarisaddingand themeringue hasreached medium soft peaks.

Measureout 300g of thechilled panade mixtureand addthe fi nal20g of pistachiocream.Then carefullyfoldinthe meringue egg whites beingmindful not to knock theair outofthe mixture. Spoon the mixtureintothe ramekins and smooth offthe topwithapalette knife. Then use acutlery knifeto “top hat” around thetop rim. Place into theoven on thebakingsheet foreightto10minutes (donot open thedoor)

Remove from theoven, dust with icingsugar andserve immediately with pistachioice creamand cran berrycoulis.

MALDONSALTPISTACHIO &DARK CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Ingredients: Makes15 150g unsalted butter

castersugar

yolks

self-raising flour 30gcocoa powder 50gdarkchocolate, finely chopped

Forthe topping: 100g dark chocolate, melted 50g finely choppedpistachios

PinchofMaldonsalt

Method: Line abakingtraywith baking paperand preheatthe oven to 190C

Creamthe butter andsugar to gether with an electric whiskuntilpaleand fluffy.Beatinthe egg yolks, andthenadd the flourand cocoapowder. Kneadinthe chopped chocolateuntil smooth andwell mixed. Roll into arough disc and wrap in cling film,thenplace in the fridge to chill

On alight flouredsurface,rollthe dough untilisit2cm thickand then usea7cm cutter to cutroughly 25 cookies. Placeontothe baking tray andbakefor eightto10minutes Take thecookies outthe oven and allowtocool. Once cool,dip onehalf in themeltedchocolate andsprin klewith finely choppedpistachios andasprinkleofMaldonsalt.

Mushrooms areperfect for winter eating

Winter is here.Not that you’dnotice.The weatherhas been unseasonallymild, whichhas extended theautumn growingseason. Some cropshavebeenfooledintothink ingit’sspring, whichwon’t auger well when frosts starttobite– as inevitably they will

Thereare still plenty of good cropsavailable andin season,not leastmushrooms

Wild mushroomsare ajoy and make forperfect late-autumn/ear ly-wintereating.

Panfried chickeninamushroom sauceisafabulous, creamy Frecnh recipe that mixesmixed wild mush roomswithchicken stock, drywhite wine anda potofdoublecream to make adelicioussauce

Anothercreamymushroomdish is creamofmushroomsoup. Use porciniand wild mushroomsto make this filling yetlight supper for cold nights.The basicingredients aredried porcini, butter,onions, garlic,thyme,mixed wild mush rooms, vegetablestock,crème fra-

iche or creamand plenty of truffle oil. It is best served with croutons andchives.

Wild mushroom tartlets area greatway to use an abundanceand make sure to useplentyofparme sanand asmall handfulofparsley leaves when toppingyourall-butter puff pastry.Mushrooms lend themselves well to risottoand adish featuringchicken,bacon andwild mushroom is adelight.It oozeswith rich winter flavours andisperfect foracurl-up-on-the-couch evening. It works best by combiningporcini mushroomswithchestnut mush rooms, alongsideplentyofstreaky bacon, parmesanand leftover chunks of roastchicken.Makesure toseasonitwithalittleparsley.An alternativeisabarley, chickenand mushroom risotto,which is alow fat wonder if it’s made with pearl barley,ratherthanrisotto rice

Mushroomsalsopairperfect ly with beef,for instance,ina braisedbeefstewwithred onions andwildmushrooms.Rich, sticky andpacked with flavour, this is thekindofbeefdishthatputsa smileoneveryone’s face,even on thebleakestwinter day. Usepor cini again, if you can find them,or halved chestnut mushrooms. Use braising steak, thicklysliced,and cook it lowand slow

Chocolateand Amaretto Truffles

Pistachiosouffles

Smoked salmonpate

Porcini aretastyifyou can find them

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,

9.00 Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley On The MysteryQueen Part three of three. Lucy Worsley examines the author’s later life (S). 10.00 QI Sandi Toksvig and guests have atesting time (S). 10.30 Newsnight (S). 11.05 How To With John Wilson The complex process of parking in New York City (S). 11.30 How To With John Wilson (S). 12.00 Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (R) (S). 12.30 FILM: AChristmas Story (Bob Clark 1983) Family

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

BIRD

Patrick Lawrence (Pat)

Of Clun.

Passed awaypeacefully on November16, 2022,aged 89 years.

Muchloved Husband of Allwyn, devoted Father to Sean and Liam and Father in-law to Becky

Will be sadly missed by Family and Friends.

FuneralService at St Georges Church, Clun on December5, 2022 at 11am.

Family flowers only.Donations if desired to Hospice at Home.

All inquiries to W.J. MORRIS AND SON

Funeral Directors Bishops Castle SY9 5BS. 01588 638523 01588 630161.

COLLINS

LEWIS

Joseph Richard (Joe)

Of JL ewi s&S on s, Stiperstones.

Passed awaypeacefully on November14, 2022,aged 85 years.

Muchloved Husband of Kath, devoted Father of Sue, Chrisand David,muchloved Grandad of Sam and Lucie.

Will be sadly missed by Family and Friends.

Funeral ServiceatEmstrey Crematorium, Shrewsburyon December 7, 2022 at 1.15pm.

Family flowers only.Donations if desired to Dementia UK and Midlands Air Ambulance.

All inquiries to W.J. MORRIS AND SON

Funeral Directors

Bishops Castle SY9 5BS. 01588 638523 01588 630161.

PARRY

Vincent Allen

Of The Dingle, Knighton, formerly of Mont Cenise, Clun.

Passed away suddenly on November19, 2022,aged 73 years.

Beloved Husband of Christine,devoted Father to Zoeand Justin,Grandfather to Miaand Freya, who will be sadly missed by Familyand Friends.

Funeral Service to be held at St Georges Church, Clun on December 16, 2022, at 11am.

Immediate Family flowers only

Donations if desired to St Georges Church,Clun, St John’s Church, Newcastle and Cancer Research UK.

All inquiries to W.J. MORRIS AND SON

Funeral Directors

Bishops Castle SY9 5BS. 01588 638523 01588 630161.

WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER

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

BELLS CHRISTMAS DECANTERS (24), complete set, with boxes, all A1 condition, £725. 01939 260716.

LOGS FOR SALE,Bridgnorth, good barndriedlogs. £60 perbuilders bag. Telephone 01746 766117.

Harryand Rene

Love news?Lovetalking to people?

Want to makeadifference?

Britain’slargest independentregional news companyislooking to recruit seniorreporters.

The Midland News Association, publisher of the Express &Star and ShropshireStar, is lookingfor people with experience and enthusiasm to join its team.

We areparticularly looking for:

•SpecialistCrime and Courts Correspondent–Achance to work one of Britain’snewsiestregions, offering an understanding and insightinto the challenges facing police as well as covering major court cases.

•SeniorNewsCorrespondents –Reporterswith relish who will bring in hardnewsstories andhuman interest features, bringing in frontpageleads and substantial online trafficand able to take on lively and interesting backgroundnewsfeatures.

These areroles forambitious, dedicatedand enthusiastic journalists with aproventrack record

As amulti-media journalist, youmustbecomfortable 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 arelookingfor NCTJ-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 join our newsroom, covering a diverse, vibrantand busypatch

Benefits includeacompetitive salary, 25 days’annual holidayand the chance to develop your career at Britain’slargest independent regional news company.

If youare interestedinthis role, please send acopyofyour CV and covering letter forthe attention of theeditor-in-chief, MartinWrightbyDecember 19, to:hr@claverleygroup.co.uk

07973 798488.

Rhoddir rhybudd drwy hyn bod yCyngor wedi derbyn yceisiadau canlynol: Gorchymyn Cynllunio Gwlad aThref (Gweithdrefn Rheoli Datblygu) (Cymru) 2012 (fel y’i diwygiwyd)

Ceisiadau aallai effeithio ar hawl tramwy cyhoeddus ymae Rhan 3Deddf Bywyd Gwyllt aChefn Gwlad 1981 yn berthnasol iddo (Erthygl12(3)):

Cynnig iaddasu nifer oysguboriau traddodiadol yn un annedd breswylgan gynnwysgwella’r fynedfabresennol, gosod gwaithtrincarthffosiaeth a’rholl waith cysylltiedig ar FfermLlanyoyne, Llannewydd, Kington ar gyfer Mr &Mrs SLloyd 22/1931/FUL

Prif Ddatblygiad (Erthygl12(4)): Cais cynllunio llawn ar gyfer datblygiad preswylo 69 tŷ a’rhollwaithcysylltiedig ar dir yn LakesideAvenue, Llandrindod ar gyfer PARHomes Ltd 22/1706/FUL Mae modd archwilio’r ceisiadau hynar wefan yCyngor https://pa.powys.gov.uk/ online-applications/?lang=CY Os byddwch yn cael unrhywbroblemau, ffoniwch 01597 827161 /ebost planning.services@powys. gov.uk Dylai unrhywunigolyn sy’n dymuno gwneud sylwadau am yceisiadau hynun ai e-bostio’r Awdurdod Cynllunio Lleol yn planning.representations@powys.gov.uk neu ysgrifennu at:Gwasanaethau Cynllunio Cyngor Sir Powys, Neuadd ySir,Spa Road East, Llandrindod, Powys, LD15LG ofewn 21 diwrnod oddyddiad.

Croeso ichi gysylltuâ ni yn Gymraeg. Byddwn yn ymateb yn Gymraeg, heb oedi. Gwilym Davies PennaethEiddo, Cynllunio a Gwarchod yCyhoedd. Cyngor Sir Powys

Notification of the following applications received by the Council: Town and CountryPlanning (Development Management Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012 (as amended)

Applications which mayaffect apublic right of waytowhichPart3 of theWildlife and Countryside Act1981applies (Article 12 (3)):

Proposed conversion of atraditional range of barns intoasingle residential dwelling, including upgrading the existing access, installation of package treatment plant and all associated worksatLlanyoyne Farm, Newchurch,Kington forMr& MrsS Lloyd 22/1931/FUL

Major Development (Article 12(4)):

Proposed fullplanning application forresidential development of 69 houses and allassociated worksatland at Lakeside Avenue, Llandrindod Wells forPAR Homes Ltd 22/1706/FUL

These applications maybeinspected on theCouncil’swebsite http://pa.powys.gov. uk/online-applications/?lang=EN .Ifyou have anyproblems please telephone 01597 827161/email planning.services@powys. gov.uk .Any persons wishing to make representations aboutthese applications should either email theLocal Planning Authority at planning.representations@powys. gov.uk or write to:Planning Services, Powys County Council, County Hall, Spa Road East, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LGwithin 21 days of the date of this publication.

Youare welcome to contact us in Welsh. We will respond in Welsh, without delay.

Gwilym Davies Head of Property,Planning and Public Protection.

PowysCounty Council

ShropshireCouncil

Footpath23Ludford&FP7Ludlow

RoadTrafficRegulationAct1984-Section14

TemporaryProhibitionofUseofFootpath

ShropshireCouncil has made an order temporarily prohibiting the useofFootpath23Ludford&FP7LudlowwhichrunfromtheA4117 RocksGreen at GR SO 5261 7579 in ageneral south easterly then southwesterlydirectionthroughtheHenleyGrangedevelopmentto GR SO 5249 7537 then descending steps to the A49.Crossing the Highwaythe footpath ascends steps then runs in ageneral south westerlydirectiontoColdWestonDriveatGRSO52427529.

The Order will come intooperation on 12th December 2022 until the 12th June 2023 and is required on the grounds of public safety becauseofthepotentialdangertothepublicduetothestepsleading offtheA49beinginpoorrepairandworkbeingrequired. Thereisnoalternativeavailable ForfurtherinformationaboutRightsofWayclosuresinShropshirecontact OutdoorPartnershipsatoutdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk

ShropshireCouncil

Footpath59ChurchStretton

RoadTrafficRegulationAct1984-Section14

TemporaryProhibitionofUseofFootpath59 ChurchStretton

ShropshireCouncil has made an order temporarily prohibiting the useofFootpath 59 Church Stretton from grid referenceSO4766 9513(junctionwithFP60&FP61),pastthehillfortandoverCaer Cardoc Hill to SO4799 9583 (junction with FP 39), alength of approximately785metres

TheOrderwillcomecontinuetobeinoperationfrom10thDecember 2022 for6 months or until the worksare completed, whicheveris soonestandisrequiredsothatworkcancontinueonthehillfortrampart. Thereisanalternativerouteavailableviaanadjacentfootpaththat connectstothesurroundingRightsofWayNetwork ForfurtherinformationaboutRightsofWayclosuresinShropshire contactOutdoorPartnershipsatoutdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk.

MG is pickingupthe pace

BILLMcCARTHY

It’s aserious question,and yes thereare some brilliantcandi dates, butinterms of sheervalue formoney, HS takessome beat ing.

Price, well it speaks foritself andstartsatjustover£31kand still comeswiththe market lead ingormatchingseven-yearwar rantyand features MG Pilot,a raft of safety measures usually seen as an optional extra on rival brands

TheHSisthe largestofthe SUVs coming in just above the equallystylish ZS.There are twomodels, theExciteand the Exclusive, driven here.MG’s firstplug-inhybrid, it combines a90kWelectricmotor with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrolen gine.Thisdeliversa combined poweroutputof258PS andan electric-onlyrange of 32 miles.

Thepower unit is matedwith a10-speedautotransmissionto deliver rapid pace,allowingitto hitthe 60mphmarkin6.9 sec onds.Economy is atheoretical 155.8mpg,but Ifound it to be

quitethirsty when theelectric rangewas exhausted, with an estimated mid-40smpg

At justover £33k forthe range-topper,ithas thrown down thegauntlettomorees tablishedand much more ex pensivecompetitors

Theeye-catchingdesign features theiconicMGbadge dominating thedeepgrille, flankedbyLED headlightclus ters andlarge airscoop Sitting on smart, 18-inchal loys, themuscular linesslope to therearwhere thetwintail pipes andanaluminium lower bumper give it asporty finish

Thelarge interior hasgood head andlegroom allround andthismodel hascomfortable electrically operated leather seatsgivingthe driver acom mandingviewofthe road.It features an arrayofsoft-touch finish to dash andsportsseats, with fewerofthe harshersolid plastics Standard kitincludeskey less entrywithpushbutton start, a10.1inchcolourtouch screen with AppleCarPlay and

AndroidAutoand electric fold ingand heated door mirrors and360-degreecamera.There is also aleather finish to the steering wheel. Thegoodies getbetterasyou move up the rangeand this range-topper adds frontand rear LEDse quential indicators,dual-zone climatecontrol, ambient light ingand panoramic sunroofand electronicopening tailgate.

Rear seat passengers areca teredfor toowiththe reclining seats.

Therideiscomfortable while handling isdecentapart from theoccasionalwallowoncor ners.The modeldeliversplenty of pace forits size,whileemis sionsof43g/kmmakeitcheap to tax.

Thesizeofthe carismatched by thebootspace with an im pressive 448litresofluggage space. Foldingthe rear seats flat extendsthe totalcapacity to 1,375litres. There’salso a dual heightboot floor.

Safety kitisimpressivewith theMGPilot set-up offering safety aids,including Active EmergencyBraking,LaneAs sist,Adaptive Cruise Control,

FACTFILE

MG HS EXCLUSIVEPHEV

Price: £33.595

Mechanical: Combined 258PS 1,498cc, 4cylpetrol engine andelectric motor driving frontwheels via 10-speedauto gearbox

Maxspeed: 118mph

0-62mph: 6.9seconds

Combined mpg: 155.8

CO2emissions: 43g/km

Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles

BMWcelebrates fiftyyears of ‘M’

BMWMisbringingits 50 year anniversary celebrations to a close with anew limited-edition model–the 3.0CSL Limitedtojust50units,the 3.0CSL harksbacktothe leg endary 3.0CSL ‘Batmobile’ of the1970s.The most recent in carnationusesthe most power fulstraight-sixever usedina BMWroadcar,withthe 3.0-litre engine kickingout 552bhp and 550Nm of torque, driven to the rear wheels viaasix-speed man ualtransmission.

It’s underpinned by specially tuned AdaptiveM suspension with electronicallycontrolled shockabsorbers, whilecarbon ceramicbrakesare fitted too. Sitting in frontofthe brakes are

central-lockingwheels finished in gold,with20-inch alloys up frontand 21-inchversionsat therear. Specially-developed Michelin tyresbearthe num ber‘50’onthe sidewalls, too.

Theentireexterior design of the3.0 CSLpayshomageto theoriginal. Thekidneygrille is more upright, forinstance, whilethe recesses in thefront apronare likethe airintakes of the1970s version. TheBMW LaserLight headlights areyel low, too, linkingthe 3.0CSL to otherracersfromthe firm

In true referencetothe ‘Bat mobile’,the new3.0 CSLalso hasastrikingrearwingwhich both makesa bigvisualimpact andalso generatesadditional

Thereare numbersonthe doorsand roof of thecar,too,

cars, whilethe BMWlogoisin cluded on theC-pillar as anoth er referenceto1970s cars

Much of the3.0 CSL’sbody hasbeenmadewithcarbon fi brereinforcedplastic (CFRP), includingareas such as the roof, bonnet andbootlid,while thetitaniumrearsilenceris around 4.3kglighter than a conventional steelversion

Inside,the rear seatshave been removedand replaced with twointegrated helmet storagecompartmentsand up frontthere aretwo carbon bucket seats. BlackAlcantara is usedthrough much of the cabinwhile each cargetsits ownnumberedplaquecorre sponding to itsbuildslot.

Is thereabettervalue SUV on the road than this plug-inhybrid?

ForwardCollision

downforceover therearaxle. Underneath, thereare four exhausttailpipes positioned in an arrowshape,whilethe rear lights use laser‘threads’ that appear to floatwithinthe lights

in anothernod to earlyracing

Christmasmarkets to visitinanEV

ThebestChristmas marketsinEng land 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 Visit England’smost-popular Christmas markets. They also looked at charging speedsavailable,and ac commodationwithfreechargingwas also scored

Theresearchalso investigated how many of themarketscould be reached usingthe 225-milerange of thePeuge ot 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 citieswithinthe 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.

“Withmorethanamillion electric driversonUKroads today, things like distance andcharginginfrastructure will play an importantroleindeter mining wheredriversheadtothis Christmas.”

York topped thetablesinterms of EV-focusedaccommodationoptions, with 19 differenthotelsand B&Bs of fering free charging forcustomers

APeugeot wasusedinthe survey

Newtown finding theirformjustin thenickoftime

Newtowncontinued theirreturnto form as they pickedupafourthwin on thespinand movedwithintwo points of thetop sixwithvictory at Caernarfon Town

TheRobins’ recent form at Caer narfon hasbeendecent– andthey showed that afterjusteight min utes as summer signingLouis Rob lesput them ahead.

Alongballfromdeepintothe box from Callum Robertswas flicked on by AaronWilliams, with strike partnerRoblestakinghis shot quicklyand catching keeper Josh Tibbetts cold at hisnearpost. Then just before thehalfhour mark it wastwo as George Hughes splitthe defencewithathrough ball forWilliams.

Butthe two-goal buffer lasted for allofthree minutes as alongball over thetop foundonloanLiver poolstriker FidelO’Rourkeand he lobbed Dave Jones to putthe hosts have into thegame.

Just eightminutes intothe sec ondperiodand thevisitorshad re sorted theirtwo-goaladvantage An overhitcrossfromthe right wasrecycledbyNickRushton and he held offhis manbeforecurling theballbeyondTibbetts into thefar corner

Butthe goalscontinued to come thickand fast at thestart of thesec ondperiodasNoahEdwards gotthe Cofisbackintothe game Butitwas theRobinswho took thespoils.

TNSmarch on as untouchableleaders

TheNew Saints go marchingonas unbeaten leadersofthe JD Cymru Premierafter turningonthe style to put11goals withoutreply past a sorryAberystwyth Town side

CraigHarrison’sconsistentside made it 13 victoriesfrom15league gamesthisseasonbyregistering double figuresatParkHall.

Thetable-toppers took a 13th-minuteleadwhenDanny Davies headed in acornerfrom Ryan Brobbel. Defender Davies doubled thehome side’s advantage

with hissecondgoalofthe night, a close range finish

Adam Wilson then ranontoa long ball andcut in from theleftbe fore findingthe net.

It gotevenbetterfor TNSjust before thebreak as Jon Routledge’s runand crossfromthe left picked outLeo Smithtotakeatouch and fire in alow volley to make it 4-0 Adrian Cieslewicz scored twice inside 10 minutes earlyinthe sec ond half,the firsta fine shot from 25 yardsaftercutting in from the

left,and he then headed home a crossfromJosh Daniels.

Former Shrewsbury Town play er Danielswas also theprovider forthe home side’s seventh goal as he pulled thebackfor substitute GwionDafydd to score.

It wassoon8-0 to Saints as Brob belwas on target with apowerful effort.Saintsaddedthree more goalsinthe final10minutes,with Dafydd scoringhis second,either side of BenClark andDan Williams findingthe net

Teamsupfor thecup as they make good progress

It wasa successfulafter noon forthe MidWales sidesinthe ArdalNorth East League Cup, with four sidesprogressing into thelasteight.

Builth Wellscontinued their goodcampaignwitha4-2 success againstPenycae.

DannyHolland handed theWr exham-basedvisitorsthe lead on thehalfhourmark–but twogoals in threeminutes before the break turned thegamearound.

Lyndon Jones firedhome afreekick before LeeJames latched on to aJones corner to head the Bullsin front.

Eightminutes into thesecond half,Jones puthis side further ahead–beforePenycae were dealt ablow with EddieWoodallsent off.

Builth went even furtherinfront 12 minutes from time as Jamie Evansfound thenet,beforeLiam Skelnargrabbedalateconsolation forthe visitors

Free-scoring Caersws easedinto thenextround as they put five with outreply past Dolgellauatthe Rec

reationGround. First-half strikes from Luke Evans, JamesCollins andCraig Harris hadthe Bluebirds threeupathalf-time andcruising through.

Harris bagged asecond10min utes into thesecondperiod, before JamesCollins grabbedhis second andCaersws’ fifththree minutes from theend of normal time

Jack Jones’ goal late in thegame ensuredLlanfairUnitededged theirway past Llanuwchllyn in a five-goal thriller

RichardDaviesset up Karl Sel iartsfor the firston22minutes as theRailwaymenled at thebreak

MikePritchard levelled from the spot on 55 minutes andthe game wasthendeadlockeduntil 20 min utes from time

Naysha Mwamukaput Llanfair ahead, with Jones striking aminute from time with agoalthatprovedto be decisive

TomJones netted forthe home side within aminutetoset up a franticperiodofinjurytime, but thehome side couldn’t find an

equaliser. In theother clashes, Bow Street beat Rhos Aelwyd 2-0and Flint Mountainwon 6-0athome to BrickfieldRangers

Elsewhere, Llanrhaeadr final ly have liftoff in theArdal North East League as they pickeduptheir firstwin of theseasonatthe 14th attempttomoveoff thefootofthe table.

Thegamewas level at thebreak before Corwen gotthemselves in fronton55minutes –leaving the Waterfallmen staringatanother defeat

Butcaptain JoeVaughan stepped up andtwo minutes laterhecon vertedtoput hissidebackonlevel terms.

Then sixminutes latertheyhad turned thegamearoundasRyan Broadbentput them in front.

Vaughanthenlookedtohave wrappeditupthree minutesfrom time andCorwenhad JamesDavies sent offinthe 98th minute.

Thescoring wasn’t over as Lla nrhaeadr made their firstwin of thecampaignevenmoreemphatic thanks to agoal11minutes into in jury time from Will Roberts.

Therewas athrilling encounter at MaesydreasLlandrindod Wells

beat WelshpoolTownbythe odd goal in seven.

TomDurantput theSpamenin frontjustseconds intothe game –but aftertwo minutesitwas all square as ElliottKinseynetted an equaliser.

Thebasketballstyle starttothe game continuedasDurantthenput hissidebackinfront on eightmin utes

Thegamedid then calm down be fore Welshpoolwerehit with ablow as Ryan Knottwas sent offonthe stroke of half time

DanHalland Robbie Nicholls took full advantageearly in thesec ondhalftoput Llandodthree goals ahead.

ButWelshpool were notgoing to liedownand they fought back late in thegame.

Jake Parr pulled onebackthena minutefromthe endofnormaltime Adam Knottmadeit4-3 -setting up agrandstand finish

Anditlookedliketheyhad com pleted thecomeback aminutelater as they were awardedapenalty

TheusuallyreliableRichard Li tchfieldstepped up buthis spot-kick wassaved –and theSpamenheldon forthe win.

Oswestrydig in to moveabove Hillinleague

Oswestry climbedabove Clee Hill into fifthplaceinrugby union’s Counties TwoMidlandsWest (North).

In frontofagood crowdoflocal supporters,CleeHill kicked offto wardsthe clubhouse.

Afteracoupleofminutes in the Oswestry half,Oswestryfought theirway to just over thehalfway wherethe matchsaw its firstscrum

TheOswestryteampushedthe Clee Hillmen back,which proved to be the firstofmanydominat ingOswestryscrums. Thevisitors couldnot handle thepower of the Oswestry pack,

However,CleeHill faredbetter in thelineout andmanaged to hold most of theirball, butOswestry wouldnot letCleeHill rest andkept applying pressure,keeping thevisi tors in theirown 22

After15minutes,AndrewSmith poweredhis wayover thetry line with threeCleeHillmen hanging on to him.

Unfortunately forOswestry, the refereedid not seehim touchthe ball down anddeclaredhewas held up.

Oswestry continuedtopress andwereawarded anotherpenal ty –and this time TomWilliams

steppedup andconverted thekick, giving Oswestry athree-point lead

From therestart,the ball end ed up goingtoDan Williams, who booted theballdeepintothe Clee Hillhalfwhere yetagain Oswestry piledonthe pressure.

SadlyScott Smithhad to leave thepitch afterreceiving ayellow card,followedbyConnorCrompton five minutes later

Oswestry,withonly13men, were at adisadvantagebut some how duetothe determination of the rest of theteamtheycontinued to dominate thevisitorsinopenplay, resultinginTommy Bromagerun ning over to scoreatry

Thekickwas missed andhalftime wascalledwithOswestryhav ingan eight-pointlead.

AfteratalkbyLee Rogers and captainGaz Ellis, Oswestry re turned to kick offthe second half still twoplayers down Oswestry survived untilthey were rejoined by thoseplayers

With afull-strength pack, Oswestry continuedtobully the visitors back andafter 25 minutes Crompton showed hispower to scoreatry,which wasconverted by TomWilliams, to complete the scoring.

Goal-hungryThe NewSaintswereleftcelebrating an incredible 11 timesonFridaynight Picture: BrianJones

JONNYDRURY jonny.drury@mnamedia.co.uk

Oswestry go on theattack

Picture: NickEvans Jones

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

Cricketers celebrate success –inside

SOARINGROBINS INTOP SIXCHASE

JONNYDRURY jonny.drury@mnamedia.co.uk

Newtownare goingto take the fighttoget into thetop six‘allthe way’ accordingtoChris Hughes –who refuted claims hissidehavehad an under-parstart.

Hughes watched hisNewtown side winfor thefourthgameina rowonFridayevening as they beat Caernarfon Town to remain in the hunt fora topsix spot andashotat theEuropeanplay-offs

Despite beinginthe bottom two earlierin theseason, theRobins haveput arun together andare just twopointsoff thetop six.

Hughes said:“It is neverasbad as you thinkand never as goodas you think, that is my mantra

“BeforeFridaywethought we couldn’t afford to lose if we wanted to getinthe topsix,thatwas pivot al so to go andget awin brings us a bit closer to it

“Thatisfouronthe bounce now includingthe cup, confidenceis high andweare working hard to gether andweare in agood place.

“Buteventhought we areina good placeand on agood run, you have to be better everyweekon agood run. Youneed to be better than theweekbefore, so thereare partsofour gamewehavedonewell andparts we need to improve on.”

Reflecting back on the first15 gamesofthe campaign,Hughesbelieves hissidehaveone putinone off-colour displaysofar.And he also admitted it makeshim laughatthe perception some people have of his side’s openingtothe season –com paredtosome others

He added: “Italwaysamusesme to be honest,the perception people have of ourstart.”

Saints ‘almostperfect’ in 11-0 rout

Griff’shonoured with ECBaward

ANewtown cricketer hasbeenhon ouredbythe ECB.

GriffDavieshas been namedthe ECBGrassrootsRisingStaraward winner –and it comesaftera superb season forthe young batsman.

Davies hasrepresented Shropshireat under-15,16and 18 level, whilehelping hisclubsidetothe under-15stitle

Hehas also been namedNew town’s junior batsmanofthe year, whileJoe Monk wasnamed Newtown’s bowler of theyearfor the firstteam, with JohnAnthony net ting thebatsman award.

Luan Franken, whoplayeda big hand with batand ball allseason scoopedthe all-rounderofthe year award.

Nicoll crashes in Europa Cup

Welshpool’sAdele Nicoll suffered aheavy tumbleinthe Bobsleigh Europa Cup– butmanaged to recover at theeventinGermany

Theshotputterturnedbob sleigh star wascompeting in the latest roundofthe cupin Altenburg in Germany.

On her firstrun,the 26-yearoldlostcontrolofher sled just 30 secondsin on what is oneofthe world’s toughest tracks.

Thesledwenttumblingonto theright side with Nicolls’ head dangerousclose to theice but shemanaged to take evasive ac tion andget thesleduprightto finish therun

PublishedbyMidland News Association Ltd, 51-53QueenStreet,WolverhamptonWV1 1ES.

An earlystrikeand threegoals justbeforehalf-time left theSaints in acommandingpositionatthe break–beforetheyran in seven second-half goalsasthe Seasiderswere humiliated

It couldhavebeenmorewiththe Saints having aballchalked offfor

offside, butHarrisonwas delighted with hisside’sruthlessnatureand refusaltotaketheir foot offthe gas. “Itwas agood performancefrom the firstwhistle andtoscore 11 goalsisfantastic,” said theSaints boss. “Butalso it wasthe counter pressing,being aggressive without theball, we worked hard on set playsand ourdefending wasgreat, it wasanalmostperfect perfor mancereally. It wasgoodtoget an

earlygoalbut we should have had one before thatwas notoffside

“Butteams do back up behind the ball here so it took until40 oddmin utes to getthe next onebut when we didwescoredthree before thebreak andat4-0 arguably thegameis over.But what is pleasing isthatwe came outinthe second half andstill attacked,wedidn’ttakeout foot off thepedal andwekeptaclean sheet as well.”

LeoSmith goesfor goalduring TheNew Saints’ hammering of AberystwythTownPicture:BrianJones

TNS’ performanceintheir 11-0 rout againstAberystwyth Town wasan ‘almostperfect’display according to managerCraig Harrison