Shropshire Magazine May 2023

GODSAVETHE KING

ESTABLISHED 1950

Grosvenor House, Central Park, Hollinswood Road, TelfordTF2 9TW

The ShropshireMagazine has acontrolled, selecteddistribution in Shropshiretowns, and is available for sale from many retail outlets and by subscription

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Martin Wright EDITOR

Caroline Jones caroline.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

FEATURES EDITOR

Vicki Jones vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION

Deborah Clay deborah.clay@mnamedia.co.uk

NEWS EDITOR

Andy Richardson

FEATURE WRITERS

Heather Large heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

Daniel Morris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

Matthew Panter matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL AND SOCIAL DIARY heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER ClareWeaver clare.weaver@mnamedia.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT SALES

Colette Clark colette.clark@mnamedia.co.uk 01952 241377

Sharon Griffiths sharon.griffiths@mnamedia.co.uk 01952 288844

DISTRIBUTION, SALES &SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800 174064

CONTRIBUTORS

Ed Thomas Nick Robinson

Tiffany Vernon

PUBLISHED BY MNA Media, Telford

PRINTED BY Precision Colour Printing, Halesfield, Telford

SELECTION

36

Nowisthe time to think about styling your outdoor space, says Sam Wylie-Harris

43

Andy Richardson explores Newport, its history and attractions

47

Hidden history

As the pomp of the coronation approaches, Daniel Morris looks at the region’s famous part in the story of our last monarch whose name was Charles

110 Beauty

Ditch the plastic bottles and wash your hair the eco-friendly way with this selection of the best

112 Fashion

From pastel to fuchsia, from dresses to accessories, it’stime to discoveryour perfect pink

115 Travel

Katie Wright heads to Los Angeles to find out how Tinseltown is celebrating avery special anniversary

MILITARY PRECISION

MATTHEW

For the majority of us, I’d imagine there would be some nerves. And it would be more than a few butterflies floating softly and delicately in the stomach.

To play akey role in the coronation of King Charles III, forexample,organising itsmilitary and ceremonial aspects –with the eyes of the world on you –seems pretty terrifying.

But, for Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew ‘Vern’ Stokes, originally

from Madeley and now living in Coalbrookdale, involvement in such royal occasions is becoming the ‘norm’.Infact, he must wonder what a‘normalyear’ feels like right now

Since taking on his role eight years ago, he has played aleading role in the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday and royal weddings to name but afew momentous occasions.

And, of course, on amore sombre note, he was akey figure in Her Majesty’s funeral and that of theDuke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, before.

Vern no doubt still hasnerves, but they are superseded by adetermination to make sure the military aspectsof such grandioseaffairs run like clockwork.

Such vastexperience means, you know,the coronation is in safe hands.

But even someone as organised and disciplined as GSM Stokes admits every new event is achallenge

“Weare showcasing the country,the Commonwealth as well,” he says. “It all has to be right. There is an awful amount of pressure in making it right.

“But,” he adds, with asteely resolve, “in typical British fashion, we will pull it off and it will be absolutely fantastic.”

As we chat, full details of the coronation are yet to be revealed.

Reports say The King’s coronation

procession will stretch to just 1.3 miles –around aquarter of the length of the late Queen’s five-mile celebratory journey

Anewly crowned Charles and Queen Consort will make their way back from Westminster Abbey via the tried and tested route of Parliament Square, along Whitehall, around Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and down The Mall back to Buckingham Palace.

The grand procession in 1953 took two hours and featured tens of thousands of participants, with the two-and-a-half mile cavalcade taking 45 minutes to pass any given point.

“Wereceived the date for the Coronation in November,” Vern explains. “We were given asmall brief and the aim is for the coronation to be reflectiveof what society is –acelebration but also to explain the constitution, the historical and spiritual significance of the occasion

“Obviously,there are changes compared to the Queen’s coronation. The Armed Forces are only about180,000 in number now whereas in 1953, the number stood at almost 900,000.

“There were 29,000 troops on parade in 1953 and we can’t do that today but we are still following precedents and we will have about 10,000 people on duty on May 6.

“Wewill fill London with military

PANTER CATCHES UP WITH GARRISON SERGEANT MAJOR ANDREW ‘VERN’ STOKES AHEAD OF HIS DUTIES DURING THE KING’S CORONATION

music and marching troops and there will be gun salutes in London and across the country,as well as ships placed abroad as well as a flypast.

“It will be spectacular,a fantastic day and it all culminates on the Sunday with an incredible concert in thegrounds of Windsor Castle where the military will be providing the orchestra, playing the backing music for some of Britain andthe world’sbest-known artists.”

ForGSM Stokes –aBAFTA winner –the opportunity to play amajor role in another key moment in Britishand world history is something he’s immensely honoured by

“I was the sixth GarrisonSergeant Major in The Queen’s 70-year reign,” he reflects. “For context, that compares to 15 Prime Ministers.

“Those other Garrison Sergeant Majors would have all wished to have the sort of exposure Ihave. In fact, they’d have just wanted one of the events. Ihave managed to captureall of those moments in my eight years of service so it’s been the job that kept on giving in many ways.

“It’s kept me incredibly busy and I’m not sure what life looks like after the coronation in terms of anormal year, because Idon’t think Ihave hadone in this job.

“ButI have been incredibly blessed and privileged to have been part of all those massive national occasions. It’s something Iamproud of.”

Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew ‘Vern’Stokes with Tony Roden, Rachel Waterson andIronbridge Rotary president SteveEvans.

Vern with his fiancée Sue Amer,Ironbridge Rotary Club president SteveEvans and Wellington Rotary president RichardStudd.

Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew ‘Vern’Stokes with his Baftaaward. Photos:DaveBagnall

Something which must make the planning of such occasions achallenge thewhole gamut of emotions organise go through.

Some events –weddings, the coronation, the Jubilee –are joyous. Others –Remembrance Day and funerals –are reflective.

“It’s difficult to manage our emotions,” Vern says.“When it comes to all of them, whether happy,sad or celebratory,you invest so much time a effort into the planning and the delive of the events that you are completely i the zone.

“It’s only afterwards that you take step back and think ‘that was somethin quite special’. Then you can allow you brain to catch up and understand the emotion of what happened.

“You havetobeinthatmindset to make sure that these events go as they should. Youare in aposition to influen and you can’t get tied up in theemotio at the time.”

That was certainly thecase with H Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral i September

Now he has had chancetoreflect fully,the Garrison Sergeant Major say looks back with ‘intense pride’.

“Not because of what was achieve he adds. “But Ithink prideoverwhat

e,is ers s and ery in a ng ur o y nce ons Her in yshe d,” The

ROYALPROJECTS RIGHT ON TRACK

HEATHER LARGE LOOKSATSOME OF THE WAYS THE COUNTY WILL BENEFIT FROM THE KING’S CORONATION, WITH SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT AT THEFOREFRONT

Community groups and volunteers will be working together to create alasting legacy as they celebrate the King’s coronation.

Aseries of projects focusing on sustainability and the environment –both keen passions of His Majesty –are getting under way across Telford &Wrekin.

Among them is theTelford Coronation Walks, 23 new circular walks which will be developed by the Friends of the Telford T50 50 Mile Trail.

They have been designed to help people explore interesting and green historic places around Telford.

“Given King Charles’ love of the environment, history and outdoors, this seems especially appropriate,” says Anne Suffolk, who is part of the volunteer-led

group. Most walks are between three and four miles and all are under five miles, which means they can be enjoyed in one to two hours.

They will all start near abus stop or a large car park to make it easier for walkers to get to the beginning of each route.

“The 23 Telford Coronation Walks explore the remains of early canals like the Guillotine Locks in Hadley and the beautiful pools around Trench, take you to the squatter’s cottage in Lightmoor or tell the story of alocal hero likeDawley’s Captain Webb,” explains Anne.

“Some walks where children go to admire huge flocks of ducks and geese, such as The Flash in Priorslee owe their origins to thelong history of mining in the area. Other walks take in the history of old towns like Dawley,Newport,

Oakengates and Wellington that make up the new borough of Telford and Wrekin

“There are scenic viewpoints where one can hear birdsong or even spot wild deer such as around Smalley Hill Local Nature Reserve and New Works.”

The Telford T50 50 Mile Trail was created to celebrate thenew town’s 50th anniversary in 2018. It links together parks, woods, pools, nature reserves and open countryside with theWorld Heritage Site of the Severn Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and the many new and historic towns and villages that make up Telford

Friends group member,Naomi Wrighton, says the Telford Coronation Walks have been designed to help people discover less familiar green spaces on their doorstep.

Anthony Hook at TelfordSteam Railway.

THIS PAGE,CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Sarah Ryan at Maws Craft CentreinJackfield; artist’simpression of The Monarch’sMini Kingdom at Maws Craft Centre; Friends of the TelfordT50 50 Mile Trail; Anne Suffolk andNaomi Wrighton present The Coronation Walks which havereceived funding; Upper House Barn in Madeley whereKing Charles II was hidden under the hay is one of the landmarks along the first Coronation Walk.

FACING PAGE FROMTOP: The trail goes through pretty woods and dingles; volunteer Rob Miles working on the coronation garden project at Maws Craft Centre.

The projects benefited from council funding p j g

“We’re trying to connect people in Telford with green, open spaces. There are alot of green spaces in Telford but some people don’t know they are there.

“Wehave deliberately not included The Wrekin,The Ironbridge Forge and Coalbrookdale as there are manywellknown and well-documented walks in these areas already,” she explains.

Everyone is invited to join the first guided walk which takes place on Monday,May 8at10.30am from The Hub on the Hill, Sutton Hill Local Centre, 104-106Southgate, TF4 4HG.

“Why choose Sutton Hill?,” says Anne. “Well, the present monarch’s namesake King Charles II once had to flee for his life over what is now Sutton Hill housing estates and golf course.

“After his defeat at the battle of Worcester in the Civil Warhewanted to cross the Severn to escape to aWelsh port. Disguised as alabourer and coached to speak with aShropshire accent, he intended to use aferrynear Coalport.

“Arriving in Madeley he was forced to hide during the day in abarn when he found the town and river heavily guarded by Cromwell’s forces. At night fall he retraced his steps back towards Boscobel where he hid in the famous oak tree, before heading south to sail to exile in France.

“The circular walk retraces his flight across Sutton Hill to the barn in Madeley and back. The very scenic route follows public rights of way including part of the Silkin Way, passes the Hay Incline to the viewpoint at thetop of the Ironbridge Gorge, though aprettywood and then around part of theedge of the golf course.”

Each Telford Coronation Walk will be supported by free leaflets and gpx files to download from www telfordt5050miletrail.org.uk website. All will be signposted with waymarks with the special crown and four nations’ symbols logo. Anot for profitguidebook costing about £5,will also be available when the last walk is completed around the end of 2023. All thework will be done by enthusiastic local volunteers giving their time and energy for free.

Telford Steam Railway is looking to create awoodland walk, which will be called Coronation Way, between the Barrow Crossing and Doseley Halt.

The area is already popular with walkers who generally follow the formation of the old track bed.

But there are plans to extend the line and relay new track in thenearfuture so the railway team decided to create adedicated footpath for people to use instead.

At the moment, the railway’s regular passenger timetable consists of adeparture from Spring Village north to Lawley Village and then back along the line to stop at Horsehay &Dawley.The train then repeats this journey in reverse, for a round trip taking 50 minutes.

The ambitious Steaming to Ironbridge project would see steam trainsregularly returning to theIronbridge Gorge for the first time since 1966. The next phase of work will see the track relaid to Doseley Halt.

“Once thetrainsstartrunning it will notbesafe for people to do walk on the old track bed so we wanted to create a dedicated walkway,” says the railway’s commercial director andvolunteer Richard Owen.

The team will be planting native trees along the trail as well as plantsthat benefit wildlife. “We’re located on one of the wildlife corridors in Telford so we want to see what wildlife we can attract to the area,” says Richard.

The railway is alsohosting acream tea special service to celebratethe King’s Coronation on Saturday,May 6. For tickets, see www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk

At Maws Craft Centre, work is under way to create acommunalwildlife garden, which will be known as The Monarch’s Mini Kingdom, in the Victorian courtyard.

The project is being led by Sarah Ryan of Wild At Art, the centre’s gardener Rob Miles and Nicky Fraser of Loam plants and desirables.

They will be supported by asmall group of volunteers, who responded to a appeal on social media, to transform an existing green space in thecourtyard to create ahaven for awildlife.

It is hoped that this will help to foster both love and respect for theenvironment and help inspire people to find ways of encouraging wildlife in their own gardens.

There will be benches to provide people the chance to spend time in the garden and reflect on what they can see.

Nicky, whohas designed the new garden, says all of theplants going into the ground have been chosen to benefit wildlife.

“Wealready have alot of wildlife here, especially moths. We want to educate people to love all insects, not just the bees, because they all play an important role.

“There will be asuccession of flowers throughout the year.Weare going to be planting nectar-rich plantslike shasta daisies and anthemis. We’re going to have undulating privet hedges to hopefully attract the privet hawk moth.

“Wealso have acolony of sparrows nesting in one of theroofs here and there’s nothing they like more than a privet hedge.

“Although we can’t havea pond for safety reasons, we will be creating awatering hole for thebirds and the insects. It will look like apond but will only be two or three inches deep and filled with stones. It means thebirds can drink and bathe and the insects can drink from the water.Wewant to protect the environment and help it to flourish,” explains Nicky

Subtle signage will provide people with information about what they can look out for in thegarden and there are plans to create achecklist for children.

“It will also be aquiet place to sit and it will feel enclosed, abit like asecret garden,” says Nicky

“People use this area not just to visit the shops and units, but as awalkway so they will also benefitaswell as thepeople living in the flats above the courtyard.”

Sarah will be running workshops giving participants the chancetomake stepping stones, bird feeders and bug hotels for the garden.

She says the team is keen to hear from

anyone who is able to support the project either by sparing afew hours to help or donating nectar-rich plants.

“Atthistime of year people are splitting plants in their garden so of they have any spare, it would be great if they would consider donating them to us,” she says.

Anyone able to help can call 07921542900 or contact Sarah or Nicky via their Facebook pages.

All three projects have received financial support from Telford &Wrekin Council’s King’s Coronation Celebration grant fund.

More than 50 applications seeking support for communityevents and projects were approved with council leader Shaun Davies saying: “The aim is to make the Coronation weekend one to remember,as well as supporting projects throughout theCoronation year that create lasting memories. It will be atime for celebration, community spirit and for marking this occasion.”

Your local eyecarespecialist

WINNING FORMULA

Itiswith pride and delight that we bring the news that Shropshire Magazine has been crowned Regional Supplement/Magazine of the Year at The 2023 NewspaperAwards. At aglittering ceremony,our publication beat off the stiff competition of commended titles from across the country,and we were thrilled to claim the top spot in our category.

Published by the MNA Media, ShropshireMagazine has proudly served the countysince 1950.

Forover seven decades we have helped celebrate the best of Shropshire; from its richcultural scene and its magnificent wealth of heritage, to the many innovative businesses and inspiring individuals that call the area home.

It has been our honour to help shine aspotlightonthe achievements of our county’s many clubs and organisations, the incredible work of its numerous charities, and, of course, the outstanding spirit of the many communities that form its heart.

Over the years it has been our privilege to bring you journalism that both informs and entertains,and a

platform for the topics andissues that matter to you. Always, it is our pleasure to give avoice to the county’s success stories and triumphs, and to support thosewho are driven to make Shropshirethat little bit brighter

In picking up this prestigious accolade, Shropshire Magazine was praised as avibrant publication, with its resilience in achallenging market attributed to its ‘outstanding content and design’.

Judges also stated that ‘the quality of Shropshire Magazine reflects thebeauty of the Shropshire countryside’. In our mission to always showcase the very best of our county,wecan think of little higher praise.

Editor Caroline Jones said: “Weare absolutely thrilled with our award and I would like to congratulate everyone in the team on this success.

“The magazine has avery hardworking, talented and dedicated team and Iamdelighted that their work has been recognised with anational award. It is an excellent achievement that they thoroughly deserve.”

Every year the Newspaper Awards

honour some of the best in the business across categories including National Newspaper of the Year,Regional Newspaper Printer of the Year,and International Newspaperof the Year.At a big night for MNA Media, not only did Shropshire Magazine bring home its award, but also our sister publication, the Bridgnorth Journal, was commended in the Local Weekly Newspaper of the Year category

At Shropshire Magazine we areproud that our commitment to bringing you a first-classpublication has been recognised, and our team is dedicated to making sure that this magazine continues to stand for editorial excellence with every issue.

Thank you to all of you –our readers and our advertisers –for your fantastic support, particularly during this currently challenging economic time.

n Please contact Caroline Jones at caroline.jones@mnamedia.co.uk with any feedback, questions or content opportunities. Foradvertising opportunities please email colette.clark@ mnamedia.co.uk or sharon.griffiths@ mnamedia.co.uk

The award-winning ShropshireMagazine team: Jamie Ricketts, Heather Large, Caroline Jones, Daniel Morris, Vicki Jones, Matthew Panter and Deborah Clay.

GEORGIAN GEM S

ituated on New Road, Wem, Islington House is part of acrescent of terraced Georgian houses and is beautifully finished retaining some original features but with the addition of modern fixtures and fittings.

The property,which is on the market with Savills with a guide price of £550,000, hassash windows with updated modern shutter blinds and wonderful oak flooring in the hallway

The entrance hall provides access to the stylish drawing room with an open fire and Frenchdoors which lead to the garden.

Asnugprovides further reception space andhas feature arches either side of the fireplace. There is adownstairs bathroom with aroll-top bath, sink and WC.

The kitchen dining room has been recently updated. The fitted units and cupboards provide ample storage space with an integrated wine fridge, dishwasher and two fridges with a built-in freezer.There is an electric range cooker with agas hob and aCorian sink. An Esse stove is arecent addition, which may be used for cooking and heating the kitchen dining area and is multi-fuel.

Off the kitchen is autility room and auseful boot room with attic space above.

The staircase rises from the hallway to the first floor where there is afamily bathroom, adouble guest room with built-in wardrobes and shelving, adouble bedroom with adressing area with built-in wardrobes and the principal bedroom with anensuite shower room and an airingcupboard

Onthe second floor is afurther bedroomwith built-in cupboards, astorage room and awonderful office/family room which has plenty of space for three desks and asitting area. There is fibre broadband connected.

The gardens extend from the rear of the house with apatio

area and gravel seating. Mostly laid to lawn, the gardens are beautifully maintained with asilverbirch and magnolia adding colour.During the spring andsummer months, the mature beds offer an array of colour and awonderful haven for relaxing. There is agarden shed, amower and log store, and aseparate summer house.

To the back of the garden is agate leading out ontoan alleyway for pedestrian access. There is aseparategarage with upand-over doors at each end opening onto agravel parkingarea, and an EV charge point.

Properties of the month

Savills

Eccleshall, Staffordshire, ST21

ACountry house of greatgravitas overlooking beautiful countryside,5reception rooms, 6bedrooms, with 5flatsoffering rental income or secondary accommodation.

Guide £1.85 million |Freehold |EPC: F

Farley, Pontsbury, Shropshire, SY5

Wonderfulfamily home finishedtoahigh standard, breathtakingly beautiful countryside views,4reception rooms, 5bedrooms, home office, secondary accommodation.

Guide £1.65 million |Freehold |EPC: E

Talk

PeterDaborn

Head of Residential Sales +44 (0) 1952 239511 peter.daborn@savills.com

Beccy Theodore-Jones

Residential Sales +44 (0) 1952 239532 btjones@savills.com

AmyMeldrum-Beechey

Residential Sales +44 (0) 1952 239513 ameldrum@savills.com

Properties of the month

Savills West Midlands 01590239 500

NEW PRICE

Morda, Oswestry,Shropshire, SY11

Modern and stylish family home withalifestyle twist, 3receptions, 5bedrooms, double garage

Guide £845,000 |Freehold |EPC: C

NEW PRICE

Shrewsbury,Shropshire, SY4

Wonderful period family home with acontemporary twist, 3receptions,6bedrooms.

Guide £795,000 |Freehold |EPC: F

Crudgington, Telford, Shropshire, TF6

Wonderful character with ablend of modern-dayfamily living, 2reception rooms, 4bedrooms, double garage

Guide £650,000 |Freehold |EPC: D

Talk to us today

PeterDaborn Head of ResidentialSales +44 (0) 1952 239511 peter.daborn@savills.com

savills.co.uk | Followuson

Beccy Theodore-Jones ResidentialSales +44 (0) 1952 239532 btjones@savills.com

NEW INS TRUCTION

Wem, Shropshire, SY4

An extremely well presentedtownhousewith beautiful gardens, 3receptionrooms,5bedrooms, garage and EV charge point.

Guide £550,000 |Freehold |EPC: D

AmyMeldrum-Beechey

ResidentialSales +44 (0)1952239 513 ameldrum@savills.com

EMBRACE THEVIEWS

This contemporary four-bedroom home is filled with natural light and spectacular views. It also hasa flexible downstairs ancillary studio, perfect as aguest bedroom with wet room, or office accommodation.

Summer House is located on the edge of Llandyssil, two miles from the artisan market town of Montgomery.Welshpool is nine miles and Shrewsbury and Ludlow are some 25 miles and the property is on the market with Balfours.

Agenerous reception hall provides access to thesitting room and to the open-plan kitchen diner/family room. Light floods into the south-west facing lounge, via the bifold doors onto the terrace and there is glazing to three aspects.

Across the hallway,the substantial kitchen opens through into the dining area with Frenchdoors proffering the morning and midday sun. Adoor from the kitchen also leads to the annex area with downstairs cloakroom and shower room, shared with the fifth ground floor bedroom.

On the first floor there arefour bedrooms, two benefiting from access to abalcony delivering morningviews more exhilarating than the strongest caffeine. The master room with en-suite also enjoys awonderful view,together with the fourth bedroom; both have windows to two aspects. Agenerous family bathroom, with separate shower and bath completes the well laid out first floor

Scott Kemsley,Ludlow sales manager,says: “Summer House is all about location, very convenient to Montgomery with its local farmers markets twice aweek, yet with the most outstanding rural views that could only be enhanced when shared with convivial company and aslender glass.”

Balfours are marketing Summer House with aguide price of £699,000. Formore information call 01584 707100.

Guide Price £1,650,000

AGrand Grade II Listed Georgian Townhouse which offers a Wealth of Period Features and Traditional Character. Six Bedrooms,Dining Room, Drawing Room, Formal Dining Room, Games Room, Large Garage with Workshop above,South Facing Garden.

UNDER OFFER

GuidePrice £895,000

AUnique Lifestyle OpportunitytoSuit Multi-Generational Family Living with Panoramic Views. CharacterProperty,FiveBedrooms,Outbuildings,7.5 Acres(3.03 ha), Rural Position, EPC: C.

GuidePrice £795,000

ASubstantial Black and WhiteDetached Farmhouse with Five /Six Bedrooms laid out overThree Floors.

ThreeStoreys,Large Gardens,3Reception Rooms,3 Bathrooms, Outbuildings,PotentialtoModernise. EPC: E.

GuidePrice £625,000

AFour Bedroom Family Home to Suit Multi-Generational Living or as aHome Generating aRentalYield.

SoughtAfter Village Location, Four Bedrooms including One Bed Annexe,Open-Plan Kitchen, Dining andFamily Room, EPC:D.

Shrewsbury Shropshire

Stottesdon Shropshire

Shrewsbury Shropshire

Llandrindod Wells Radnorshire

AHAMLETHAVEN

Fairview House is asuperbly extended four-bedroom detached dormer bungalow which occupies afantastic plot of approximately 5.3 acres.

Prestige by Mannleys is offering home buyers afantastic opportunity to purchase this stunning home for offers in the region of £765,000 freehold.

It is located in the highly sought-after hamlet of Cold Hatton that provides excellent road links to Telford, Newport and Shrewsbury

The property is perfect for equestrian use with an existing stable block, well drained fields that have river frontage and it has the benefitofplanning approval for further outbuildings and amanège.

The ground floor of the property comprises entrancehall, stunning openplan kitchen/dining/family room with integrated appliances and useful walk-in pantry,large utility room, 21ft sitting room with log burning stove, superb conservatorywith outstanding open views, ground floor guest bedroom with fitted wardrobes and en-suite shower,a further 18ft ground floorbedroom and a ground floor bathroom.

To the first floor Fairview House has afantasticprincipal bedroom with feature en-suite bathroom and afurther double bedroom.

An elegant& stylish 4bedroom, 4bathroom, Georgian home with it’s ownAirBnB furnished barn& outbuildings,all situatedinafantastic location with landscaped grounds of approx 2.34 acres. Brockton Park is an extremely impressiveproperty,blessed with a mixture of character and charm, yet boasting a modern

An amazing opportunitytosecureyour ownlittle havenoftranquillity. Nestledinthe glorious South Shropshirecountryside,Bache Cottage rests in a beautiful rural setting,completewith it’s very own fishing lake,with fishing rights,holidaylets and additional barns which could be converted into further holiday lets subject to planning approval EPC D

EDWARDIAN HOME

This is atruly immaculate, sympathetically improved and extended, four-bedroomed Edwardian residence, situated in one of Shrewsbury’s premier residential localities.

The property –24Porthill Gardens, Shrewsbury –has been greatly improved and sympathetically enhanced. It is on the market with Miller Evans for offers in the region of £800,000.

Downstairs, theaccommodation includes an entrance hall, drawing room

with open fireplace, dining room andthe family room/snug. The kitchen/breakfast room has arange of wall and base units and integrated appliances. There is alsoa utility room and shower room.

Off the landing arethe four bedrooms, two of which have hand basins, and the family bathroom and W/C.

To the front of the property is an attractive landscaped forecourt with agravelledhardstanding providing parking for two cars. Apathway serves the formal reception area andis flanked

by an attractive knot garden. The paved reception area serves the pillared entrance and also extends to the side and the rear of the property.

The enclosed rear garden has araised decked terrace, is laid predominantly to lawn and intersected by avariety of mature trees and fruit trees, etc.

An additional area ofgarden would provide an ideal kitchen/vegetable garden. The pathway extends to agarage with a driveway providing access from Woodfield Road.

Atruly immaculate,sympathetically improvedand extended,four bedroom Edwardianresidence,withan attractiveand secluded garden,parking to the fore and to the rear agarage withadditionalparking space accessed from Woodfield Road.The property is situated in oneofShrewsbury’spremier residential localities within walking distance of the nearby town centre withall itsmajor shopping and transport facilities £800,000

£650,000

This superior,detached four double bedroomed family residenceprovides well planned and well proportioned accommodation throughout,which has been greatlyimprovedand enhanced.The owners impeccable tasteand sense of style together with an unfaltering attention to detail andexacting standardofpresentation, showcases the property at its absolutebest.Locatedonaprivate drivewith one other property,onthis popularresidential area, close to excellentamenities

Porthill Gardens,Shrewsbury

TheRedlands,Shrewsbury

TOWNHOUSE LUXURY

From award-winning luxury property developers SY Homes, Monks Estate Agents is proud to bring to the market 2The Shrubbery –a fully-renovated period property

The property is on the market for offers in the region of £895,000.

Built in 1840 as aprivate residence and later known as the Lord Hill Hotel, this double-fronted townhouse is located on Abbey Foregate. Retaining the scale and grandeur of the original, thebuilding has seen significant investment to the exterior and interior

The original entranceleads into the grand octagonal hallway where the elegant staircase is Grade II listed and has been

retained during the careful restoration. The contemporary tiles have under-floor heating.

The vast dining area is filled with natural light from the huge sash windows and French windowslead to the garden with its lawn and patio.

The Keller-range kitchen has a centre island with granite worktops and splashbacks and arange of integrated appliances.

Double doors lead to the elegant lounge with dual aspect sash windows, stone fireplace and herringbone wood floors. Across thehall is aconvenient guest WC.

Upstairs is the huge master suite with bay window and Juliet balcony,formerly

the bridal suite. There are two further bedrooms, one with en-suite, and afamily bathroom with freestanding bath. Plusa laundry room and airing cupboard.

On the lower level is aversatile space for an office, gym, movie or games room, and wine cellar

There are three private off-street parking spaces plus an electric vehicle charging point.

Significant investment hasbeen made in renovations, alleviating all the risks and hidden expenses associated with a period property,including new doubleglazed wood sash windows, wall and roof insulation, new roof,fully re-wired, replumbed, re-plastered and re-tiled.

Viewings are open now

IntroducingThe Kingsley andThe Chesham.

WhitleyFields, Eaton on Tern,TF9 2BX

The Kingsley£727,500 (PXavailable) The Chesham £749,950

Available forviewing each FridaytoMondaybetween 11am –5pm.

WhitleyFields is set in the heart of Eaton upon Tern,Shropshire, amuch soughtafter,prettyrural village It’sperfectly placed with easy access to Shrewsbury, Telfordand the Potteries as well as theM54 andA49

EQUESTRIAN EXCELLENCE

Jackson Property is marketing arecently modernised singlestorey property with excellent equestrian facilities and land, near Oswestry in Shropshire. Trevwyn, in Wigginton near St Martins, is on the market with an asking price of £650,000

The property is situated in adelightful rural location amongst quiet country lanes providing afantastic opportunity for miles of picturesque, quiet hacking.

The property includes aboot/utility room, acloakroom W/C, open-plan kitchen/dining room and asitting room with fireplace and French doorsto the rear garden.

The kitchen has been recently fitted and features high quality integrated appliances and an excellent array of base and wall units. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower and W/C and there are two further spaciousbedrooms andafamily bathroom.

The property is approached via the walled drive into a tarmacadam parking area with gardens which aremainly laid to lawns.

The equestrian facilities include arecently renewed 60x20m outdoor school. The stabling comes in the form of an American barn style building with internal loose-boxes. There is afeed/ preparation area, tackroom and wash/grooming area. In all about 5.6 acres of pasture comes with the property.

Erbistock, Clwyd

Acharming equestrianproperty, situated in a popular rurallocation, offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside,set within 5.44 acres.

3-bed detached cottage |GF: kitchen, lounge,laundryroom, office (or 4th bedroom), bedroom 1& familybathroom|FF: 2bedrooms& bathroom|Recentlyerected timber range of stables |EPC rating E £730,000

Market Drayton, Staffordshire

An opportunitytopurchasea unique and established fish farm,with 11.32 acresand PP to erecta3-bed dwelling.

Registered fish farm |16spring-fedrearing pools |Steel framed general- purposebuilding |Planning permission to build a3-bed dwelling |Stockproof fencing |Securegated access from TyrleyRoad £395,000

Oswestry, Shropshire

Arecently modernisedand well presented singlestorey propertywith excellent equestrianfacilities andland, near OswestryinShropshire.

3-bed with kitchen, living/dining room,masterbedroom,ensuite, familybathroom&2further bedrooms|American Barn stylestabling 20m x60m manege |Excellent grazing |Approx5.6 acres|EPC D £650,000

Capenhurst,Cheshire

An excellent opportunity to purchase 26.39 acresof good arable landin4 Lots or as awhole.

Locatedinasought-afterrural area |Currently downtograss |Access off Capenhurst Lane with securedgated entrance |Mains water connected|Divided intofour fields |Will consider further Lotting

OIEO £10,000 peracre

CHARMING BARN CONVERSION

Discover the charmofthe idyllic NorthShropshire hamlet of Pentrecoed with The Malt Kiln, an immaculately presented and unique three-bedroom barn conversion.

Agent Halls is seeking offers in the region of £575,000 for the home. Completed to ahigh specification, the property comes with aseparate, twostorey refurbished barn thatcould be used as ahome office and workshop,adouble

carport with an EV charging point, asun room, areception hall, adining room and akitchen/breakfast room. The internal accommodation is versatile and features smart lighting,smart heating, and smart locks. The property has been greatly improved by the current vendors, making it aperfect home to move into.

The gardens have been professionally landscaped and feature two paved patio areas that provide an ideal outdoor entertaining space, two principalareas oflawn, and anumber of well-stocked floral andherbaceous borders. The property also featuresa sunken Grill House, positioned in one corner of the garden, which is perfect for alfresco entertaining. The Barn, located across the driveway adjacent to thecarport, includes an entrance hall, shower room, garage/ workshop and a first-floor room which could be used as office spaceorliving accommodation.

The Malt Kiln is located in the extremely popular semi-rural location of Pentrecoed. The NorthShropshire lakeland town of Ellesmere is only 3.5

miles away,and has an excellent range of local shopping, recreational and educational facilities.

The larger centres of Oswestry (10 miles) and Shrewsbury (21 miles) are also within easy driving distance, both of

which have amore comprehensive range of amenities. Gobowen Railway Station is also approximately six miles away,and has trains to Chester and Shrewsbury with connections beyond.

The Malt Kiln is approached through

electrified double gates, which benefit from akey code entry system. The property is situated within landscaped gardens and is animmaculate threestorey accommodation with technological advances and period charm.

INDIVIDUALDESIGN

Built by award-winning luxury property developers

SY Homes, No.4 Highfield is an impressive fivebedroom, executive home, situated within agated development in Montford Bridge, five miles outside of the historic market town of Shrewsbury

It is on the market with Roger Parry for offers in the region of £785,000.

The property’s high-specification finish includes a Porcelanosa kitchen with integral Neff appliances, three Porcelanosa bathroom suites, and zonal underfloor heating throughout the ground floor

Arecent extension has created alarge garden/family room with bi-folding doors directly onto the rear patio. The patio and landscaped garden offer extensive entertaining space with farreaching countryside views, and to the front there is agenerous parking area, as well as an integral double garage.

There is uPVC double glazing throughout the property,LPG central heating, andanintegrated CAT6 system to most rooms

The property is located within the desirable village location of Montford Bridge, approximately five miles west of the medieval town centre of Shrewsbury.The nearby A5 offers access to the M54 for routes towards Birmingham and further afield.

RhysnantVilla, Four Crosses, SY22

£490,000 Offers In The Region Of

Adetached four-bedroom house set in over 2acres with two paddocks, outbuildings and extensive parking.

Close To Local Road Links, Walking DistanceofShop, 7Miles* From Oswestry and Welshpool

Tenure: Freehold, Council Tax Band: F, EPC: E

Hinwood Road, Westbury, SY5

£350,000 Offers In The Region Of

Adetached period cottage requiring full renovation enjoyingoutstanding views overcountryside.

Development Opportunity, Within2 Miles of Minsterley, SeveralOutbuildings

Tenure: Freehold,Council

Tax Band: TBC, EPC: TBC

Millstream Bank, Worthen, SY5

£575,000 Offers In The Region Of

42

32 1

Atruly immaculate, substantial, detached property situated on the outskirts of Worthen.

Good sized gardens, spaciousaccommodation, localamenities nearby 4 3

Hillocks Cottage, Farm Lane, SY5

£595,000 Offers In The Region Of

2 2 Shrewsbury Oswestry Welshpool Llanidloes Minsterley 01743 343343 01691 655334 01938 554499 01686 449222 01743 791336 www.rogerparry.net

Setin the idyllic surroundings of Snailbeach, aspaciousfour-bedroom detached house

Large Double Garage with Workshop space,Gated off road parking

Tenure: Freehold,Council

Tax Band: E, EPCRating: E

43

Multicoloured floral print duvet, from £32-£43, Matalan

This whimsy wildflower print duvet would look lovely styled up with scatter cushions in sage green, rose pink and buttercup yellow

FLORAL

FLOURISH

THERE’S MORE TO FLOWER POWER THAN POSIES AND BOUQUETS, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

Asnaturebuzzes with life and summer flowers burst onto the scene, filling your space with freshly picked finds is more appealing than ever

From pretty petals to darling buds, here’s our pick of thebunch…

Reversible floral print with trim 100% cotton duvet coverand pillowcase, £25-£55, Next

The colour of the season, these lilac flowers will beautify your bedroom in a flash.

Cath Kidston stargazer chaise longue in strawberry garden, £949, DFS

This aptly named Stargazer is a showstopper,especially if you fancy putting your feet up and spending time on adivan crowned with carnations and roses. Handcrafted and available in arange of Cath Kidston prints.

George riverside 12-piece dinner set, £20, Direct.asda

It’s easy to create wildflower table schemes when you scatter fresh greenery among this melamine serveware.

LauraAshley Elveden 4-slice toaster,£80, Studio

Inspired by Laura Ashley’s Summer Palace design, this tip-top toaster with seven-setting heat control marries function with floral flair

ft deckchair,£150, &Morley stack, deckchairs aren’t suntraps andcan double stylish seating. This cottage print feels right at home ourishing ferns andpotted

Natural History Museum x Dunelm meadowfloral wool rug, from £149-£399, Dunelm

When you want to be surrounded by greenery,this floral rug teamed with exposed wood echoes the biophilic trend.

LauraAshley Gosfordcranberry curtains with eyelet, from £68, Curtains2go

With heading and lining options, these flouncy florals area cinch to hang, with an easy-on-the-eye and versatile colourway

Dried 55cm natural bouquet mixed with thistle, £10, Dunelm

With acottagecore aesthetic, these dried flowers are easy to style in a recycled jar or vintage vase.

Daisies, pansies and snowdrops, small mug, £17 each, Emma Bridgewater These sweet mugs will bring fresh flavour and adash joy breakfast time.

Birds of Paradise photographic rug, from £70-£150, Studio

When you want to walk barefoot among exotic blooms, this statement rug is the next best thing.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING: WAYS TO UP YOUR AL FRESCOGAME

Brambly Cottage sunnyside melamine dish, £25, Wayfair When life gives you lemons… this is the dish for acitrusy burst of happiness.

NOW IS THE TIME TO THINKABOUT STYLING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

The days are getting warmer and it’s time to be thinking about a spring getaway –toyour own garden.

After all, it only takes warmer temperatures to trigger thoughts of outdoor entertaining, so why not spruce up your patio space or preparation?

Matchbox seat pads, £38.50 each, Graham &Green

When it comes to quickie makeovers,a new seat cushion inspired by retro style matchboxes will give your patio chair some newfound flair

STAUB La Cocotte round cast iron cocotte in cherry blossom, from £65 (mini), Zwilling Whether it’sa cheese fondue or asparagus casserole, this gorgeous new pastel shade is amust for spring entertaining.

“Think of your outdoor space like an extension your home,” says Gabrielle Anderson (right), outdoor living buyer at John Lewis. And this season is all about flexible living, she adds, buying pieces you can

“For example, don’t save your glass and china tableware for inside dining only,make the most of your favourite pieces and mix and match them to createa colourfuland eclectic dining table.”

Outdoor cushions are great for adding an extra layer of comfort and pop of colour to dining outdoors, Gabrielle suggests: “They are easily packed and stored away when not in use.”

Here’s how to style your spacefor springtime socials…

John Lewis swirl stripe glass, £22; glass tumbler,£9; coastal explorer spiral fine china serving bowl, £15; coastal explorer fine china tapas bowl, set of four,£12, Ikat print cotton table runner,£15, John Lewis

Swirly stripes and washes of blue signal coastal style and long, lazy lunches. This tableware draws theeye like the Mediterranean Sea.

ProConnect 10 warm white connectible festoon lights black cable, £50; three Lucena cream tassel solar lanterns, £40, Melbourne garden lantern duo with TruGlowcandles (on table), £32, Lights4fun

When dusk starts to fall, no-stress candlelight will highlight your styling tricks and greenery.The five-metre string lights feature 10 bulbs for an atmospheric glow

Tahiti outdoor cane chair,£550, Next Adecorative, showy piece for sure, this fashionable cane chair will turn the tiniest garden into an idyllic setting. Showerproof seat and back cushions can withstand a surprise sprinkle.

Hoole cast iron grill firepit, £40, Gardenesque

Easily portable, imagine how the warming flame from this rustic-style fire pit will lend acosy ambience and focal point for your outdoor seating.

Gozney limited edition yellow roccbox, £399, Gozney

Apizza-oven with panache, the Gozney Roccbox is available in buttercup yellow for alimited time only

Flogan eucalyptus bar trolley, £299; ANYDAYdine white wine glasses, set of four,£15; Nordlux battery outdoor light, £90, John Lewis

Your secret weapon for effortless entertaining, abar trolley ticks every box in the style stakes –and will look just at home in your kitchen.

‘Navigatingfinancialmatterson separationordivorce’

Separationanddivorceisoftenadifficult andemotionallifeevent.Frequently,the mostchallengingaspectisresolvingfinancial mattersandthedivisionofresources.There areavarietyofoptionstomanagethedivision ofacouple’sfinances.Shouldbothpartiesbe cooperative,itdoesnothavetoinvolvethe courtwhichiscommonlyacontentiousand lengthyprocess.Theapproachadoptedcanbe tailormadetoaccommodatedifferingissues andsituationsthatneedtobeaddressed

DirectNegotiation

Itisalwaysopentothoseseparatingor divorcingtocommunicatedirectlyandreach afinancialagreementbetweenthemselves. Thisisacost-effectiveoptionwhereboth partiesremainamicable.Itisprudenttoseek advicefromasolicitortodiscussthetermsof anyagreementreachedandtoensuresuch agreementisincorporatedintoaConsent Ordersothatitislegallybinding.

Mediation

Mediationinvolvesmeetingswitha professionallytrainedmediator.Themediator isaneutralpartywhoislegaltrainedand experiencedinthelegalissuesofdivorcebeing abletofacilitateandmanagediscussionstoaid aresolutionbetweentheparties.Someofthe benefitsarethattheprocessisconfidential, isoftenlessstressfulandcheaperthanother methodsandithelpspartiesretainsome controlovertheoutcome.Mediatorscan arrangeameetingwithpartiestogetheror separatelyifpreferable.

AtAaron&PartnersSolicitors,wehavea qualifiedmediator,VictoriaSyvret,whois experiencedinconductingmediationfor separatinganddivorcingcouples.

Solicitor-lednegotiation

Themoretraditionaloptionistonegotiate financialmattersviasolicitorswhoare instructedbyeachparty.Therewouldneed tobeanexchangeoffinancialdisclosure throughsolicitorstoensureeachpartyknows theextentoftheassetsandresourcesbefore thenenteringnegotiations.Althoughthis methodisusuallybycorrespondence,itis anoptiontohavecollaborative,‘roundthe table’stylemeetingsinstead.Thebenefitsof usingsolicitorsfornegotiationarethatthere issomedistancebetweenpartiestohelp situationswherethereissomeanimosity, whilstthepartiesstillretainsomecontrolover theoutcomewiththebenefitofongoinglegal advice.

Arbitration

Arbitrationisaprocesswherethereisan agreementtobeboundbythedecisionof anindependentthirdparty,knownasan arbitrator.Thearbitratorcanbeaskedto decideononeaspectofadisputeortheentire case.Thearbitratorischosenandagreed bythepartiesandthatarbitratorthenhas discretionastotheoutcome.Theprocessis notdissimilarfromcourtproceedingsbut thereisgreaterflexibility,itislessformal, quickerandoftenmorecost-effective

CourtProceedings

Asalastresort,eitherpartycanapplyto thecourtforafinancialremedytoresolve financialmattersondivorce.Thebenefitof initiatingcourtproceedingsisthatmatters willbeplacedonacourttimetable,giving setdeadlinesthatwillneedtobecomplied withwhichensuresthedisputedoesnot dragonunnecessarily.Thecourtallows theopportunityforpartiestostillreachan

Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutoptionstonavigatefinancialmatters ondivorceorseparation,orotherrelatedadvice,pleasecontact SimonMagnerMawdsley,PartneratAaron&Partnerson01743443043or simon.mawdsley@aaronandpartners.com

agreement,ataFinancialDisputeResolution (FDR)hearingwiththebenefitofaJudgeto helpguideasettlement.Ifanagreementcan’t bereached,aJudgewilldecidetheoutcomeat afinalhearing

PrivateFinancialDisputeResolution

Aprivatefinancialdisputeresolutionusesa Judge,agreedandappointedbytheparties,to helpguideafinancialsettlement,astheJudge woulddoatafinancialdisputeresolutionin courtproceedings.However,itprovidesan opportunitytocircumventthebacklogcurrently facedinthecourtsystemandallowsflexibility andchoiceoverthevenue,date,timeframeand Judgetherebyofferingmorecontrolthanwould otherwisebeexperiencedincourt.

SimonMagnerMawdsley, FamilyLawPartner

Tel: 01686 626465

Craven Arms: 01588 673133

Knighton: 01547 520821

TIRED GRAVEL DRIVE

AWelshpool-based quarrying company is experiencing an increase in demand for their ‘DriveRevive’ service which enables customers to transform the driveway approach to their property This can be themost cost-effective way of rejuvenating atired and worn-outdrive.

Border Stone Wales has developed a simple service which removes tired old gravel andreplaces it with bright, crisp and beautiful new gravel.

Quarry Manager Richard Hilditch says: “If you are looking to sell or simply brighten up your property,decorative gravel is afast, high impact andrelatively low cost method which can transform the look and value of aproperty injust aday or two. Or if you are simply bored with the same colour,why not change for something fresh and different?

“Not wanting to waste this used material, it can be incorporated into our quarry fill products.”

Border Stone Wales offer afree, no obligation, measure and quotation service to customers in the Shropshire and

Mid Wales area. Aside from decorative aggregates, Border StoneWales –based at Buttington Quarry –can offer awide range of striking pieces of feature stone for the garden including individual rocks, cobbles, boulders and slate columns, each unique. The company has recently returned to its roots having established itself as one of the country’s leading suppliers of natural stone products to both trade and DIY customers. Border has also exhibited award-winning gardens at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.

The company’s full range is available to browse at www.borderstonewales. co.uk and visitors to Buttington Quarry are welcome to see and select products for themselves. To book afree no obligation measure up and quote, call 01938 570528.

DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES

BY ANDY RICHARDSON

Warmer temperaturesand beautiful spring foliage brings an upsurge in the number of ramblers making the most of Shropshire’s picturesque countryside. From lowland walks near to lakes to highland strolls across the Long Mynd or Clee Hills, and from gentle explorations of the county’sbeautiful market towns to more vigorous workouts along canal towpaths, woods, or parks, there is something for everyone.

Acton Burnell is aquiet hamlet and asix-mile circular walk helps to share the best of the area, as well as the countryside forming its hinterland.

Acton Burnell is tucked deep in the heart of the Shropshire countryside and it holds two hidden havens, bothsodiscreet that even many Salopians are not aware of their existence.

Secreted behind St Mary’s Church is an eeriethicket of rhododendron and yew.A mysterious path tunnels through that, as if stepping back through time, emerging suddenly into aformallandscape of structured serenity.The ruins of 13thcentury Acton Burnell Castle sit on manicured lawns.

It was built between 1284 and 1293 by Bishop Burnell,

Edward I’s Lord Chancellor,and Parliaments were held here twice, in 1283 and1285. By 1420, thecastle was abandoned, and it was allowed to decay while anew house, Acton Burnell Hall, was built beside it. Nonetheless, the castle remains an impressive example of amedieval fortified manor house.

The Burnell family of Acton Burnell held land in Shropshire from the 1180s,though it was acentury later that Robert Burnell came to prominence. Entering royal service as aclerk to Henry III’s son Prince Edward, he rose to become Chancellor of England and Bishop of Bath and Wells when the prince acceded to the throne as Edward Iin1272.

The king’s military campaigns in Wales frequently brought him to Shropshire, and he stayed at Acton. His visit in 1283 assumed national significancewhen he held aparliament, according to tradition, in the tithe barn here. This was supposedly the first at which commoners were represented.

In 1284, Robert Burnell obtained alicence from theking to fortify his residence. Work was probably still in progress when Robert died in 1292. The large first-floor windows of the castle suggest, however,that it never hadaserious defensive purpose and that it was instead perhaps designed to impress. Evidence of Robert’s building zeal may also be seen in theadjacentchurch, a fine example of Early English architecture. Burnell’s wealth and his position as bishop enabled him to employ the best masons.

By 1420, however,the castle was abandoned. It was allowed to decay while anew house, Acton Burnell Hall (not in the care of English Heritage), was built next to it in the 18th century.Thus saved from later alterations, the castle remains an impressive example of amedieval fortified manor house

Meanwhile, apath opposite St Mary’s Church cuts through the low-crowned trees to aquiet, single-track road to Ruckley,off which stems aminor lane to Langley Chapel. Sat in the middle of a field, this hidden gem has an air of desertion aboutit. Once abustling ruralcommunity,the villagers abandoned the 14thcentury church and its rare17th-century timber furnishingsin 1871 for better-paid work in nearby Coalbrookedale.

Follow the quiet lanes for about six miles around Acton Burnell andPark Wood, once Robert Burnell’s Shropshire refuge from the pressures of life as England’s Lord Chancellor

St Mary’s Church in Acton Burnell

Acton Burnell Castle ruins.

TOWN MOVE FOR ELEGANT RANGE WITH CUSTOMERS’ WELLNESS AT HEART

Soul products are especially crafted to enhance and benefitwellbeing, cleverly blended with calming, luxurious essential oils to create atranquil yet elegant atmosphere in your home.

Originally in IT sales, owner Gemma Vujnovic let her career take abackseat 10 years ago when she started afamily.Now amum of three, Gem wanted to pursue adream she always had which is where Soul, Shropshire was created.

It has been an incredible journey as the Soul brand has gone from strength to strength, starting as ahobby and now aproud supplier of items in the Oscars and Grammies goodie bags four years in a row! The biggest rewards of the business have always been with the wellness of its customers at theheart –and who can put it better than Gem herself?

“I believe that our products can help and support people whilst also looking elegant in the home. From the very beginning, Soul was created with adesire to support wellbeing through offering a range that contains luxury essential oils.

“I have always adored home fragrances, so to havemyown range that not only looks and smells stunning buthelps so many is just everything to me. I’m incredibly lucky to have my own business and do something that I absolutely adore.

“I do not view Soul as ‘just’ ahome fragrance company –itissomuchmore. The concept from thevery beginning has always been unique in the sense that I wanted to offer our customers alifestyle choice when choosing Soul.

“Products are packed with all natural vegan and animal testing free ingredients,

aromatherapy oils and 100% soy wax. So no nasty paraffin(no black soot), protecting both you and the environment

“My vision had always been to launch ahigh quality collection of home fragrances that can impact on individuals’ wellbeing. Ibelieveweare achieving this with the daily messages andfeedbackwe receive. It is my customers’ daily feedback that makesthisjourney authentic and so meaningful to me.”

Order online or visit Gemma in her new unit at 22-24 High Street, Newport.

Whywelove. ..

NEWPORT

ANDY RICHARDSON EXPLORES THE TOWN, ITS HISTORY AND ATTRACTIONS

Filled with history and aburgeoning community spirit, Newport is the market town that remains everpopular with locals and visitors alike. Fewlocations in Shropshire are so well placed, offering the best of the countryside allied to exceptional local facilities and easy access to larger,nearby towns and cities, be that Wolverhampton and Birmingham to the south, Stafford to the east, Shrewsburyto the west, or Stoke-on-Trentfurther north. Newport’s nearness to the M6 also putsthe town within driving distance of Liverpool, Manchester,Sheffield, Derby,and Nottingham, all of which are connected by clear,generally free-flowing roads.

Yetwith so many attractions on its doorstep, many Newport residents ask themselves asimple question –‘When our home town is so good, why would we ever want to leave.’

The All About Newport website sets out many of the attractions in thetown, which originated many centuries ago on the Via Devana, Roman Road, that linked Colchester and Chester.Itisa beautiful historic market town and an ideal place to visit or use as abase while exploring many surrounding villages, hamlets or picturesque Shropshire countryside.

Within the town’s boundaries, there are historical buildings, landmarks, fantastic independent shops and boutiques, traditional pubs, cafes and more.

At the heart of Newport since the 12th Century is St Nicholas Church. The church has gone through many changes through theages, which together with various carvings and beautiful stained windows, offer afascinating glimpse into town history for the passing visitor The church is open seven days aweek between the hours of 11am and 3pm. Their website offers dates and times of upcoming church events.

The church was built in the 12th century with the tower being rebuilt in 1360. Thomas Draper bought the church from the Abbot of Shrewsbury in 1452, but it was not until 1700 thatitgained its land and the rectorywas endowed. The red brick north and south aisles were added in the 18th century.Galleries and gas lightingwas added in 1837. The chancel was rebuilt in 1866. The church has been restored twice, the south side in 1883 and thenorth side from 1890 by John Norton. The west porch was built in 1904, agift from Lady Boughey Restoration work to the church was undertaken in the 1880s, by John Norton, to restore it to its current condition.

In 1912, the controversialpolitician Enoch Powell was baptised at the church where his parents previously had married in 1909.

Newport’s history is notable. It was located in the historic kingdom of Mercia, near where Wreocensæte was once situated. Humans inhabited the surrounding area long before the creation of the town. Once established, Newport became amarket town in the centre of the rural farming area between Stafford and Shrewsbury

In Saxon times, there were two settlements in the area. The first,Eastun, has been identified as Church Aston, and the second was Plaesc which is now Newport. In AD 963, Plaesc was described as having aHigh Street, astone quarry,and areligious community.The name Plaesc means ashallow pool. Few signs of the Saxon settlement exist today, apart from theHigh Street, the Quarry, which could be either the Quarry on Stafford Road, or the Hole Meadow on Wellington Road. This has not been definitely confirmed.

At the time of the Norman Conquest, the land where Newport sits formed part of the manor of Edgmond, which William

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Newport showatChetwynd Park in full swing; the Guildhall in Newport High Street; Market Hall at Newport; Church Aston Infant School taking part in the Newport Carnival procession; Newport’s Old Buttercross, said to have been demolished in about 1858; High Street, Newport.

PAGE 43,FROM TOP: St Nicholas Church; Smallwood Lodge on Newport High Street.

Igave as agift, along with the countyof Shropshire, to Roger,Earl of Shrewsbury Henry Ifounded the borough, first called Newborough, after the manor came into his hands from Robert de Belesme.

Newport was omitted from the Domesday Book of 1086, but this is not uncommon. Other towns omitted include London, Tamworth, Oswestry and Ludlow,all boroughs since Saxon times.

The Normans planned the new town around the older one during the reign of Henry I. The wide main street was designed for its market, and the narrow burgage plots running at right angles to it are typical of Norman architecture and planning, though today only Newport Guildhall and Smallwood Lodge are clear signs of Tudor buildings, due to the 1665 fire which destroyed most of the High Street.

In the centre of Newport itself there is aListed Market Hall building, built in 1860 after an Act of 1858 allowed for a new Market Hall and Indoor Market to be built. The indoor market took over from the Buttercross covered market, which stood where the Pulestone Cross stands today.The original Buttercross offered the people of Newport eggs and butter Today’s indoor market traders offer a much broader range of produce and products, as can be experienced by visiting them on aTuesday,Friday or Saturday

Like many rural market towns, Newport was influenced by industry; it served the needs of the mining area to the east of Shropshire and was alsoaffected by mass-produced industrial goods that replaced traditional crafts.

However,it’sinlandlocation means winters can be harsh. One of thelowest temperatures ever recorded in England, -26.1 C(-15F), was reported in the area in January 1982.That was cold enough to freeze dieselfuel in vehicles.

The town’s sensible councillors have retained free parking, which encourages people into the centre, and there are also banks, alibrary,Post Office, bus stops, free Wi-Fihotspots,local surgeries and more.

The main events staged in and around Newport over the years have included the Newport Carnival, which has been staged in Newport for over 150 years, and the Newport Old Tyme Market which usually happens annually,with Newport Show taking place in July.The newest event is the Newport Music Festival whichhas been hosted by various venues in the town.

Arguably the largest event bringing visitors to Newport,isThe Newport Show which is hosted yearly at Chetwynd Park, near Edgmond.

The show has become one of the leading shows in the Shropshire and West Midlands region due to its position near the town and size of the showground, which also hosts Shropshire Game Fair and British Falconry and Raptor Fair

Another popular event in thetown was the biennial Newport Nocturne Bike Race, which saw the Newport High Street packed with cycling enthusiasts and local supporters, and was well covered by national press andmedia outlets.

OAK’S ROLE IN ROYAL HISTORY

AS THE POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE KING’S CORONATION MARKS THE MONTH, DAN MORRIS LOOKS AT THE REGION’S FAMOUS PART IN THE STORY OF OUR LAST MONARCH WHOSE NAME WASCHARLES

Situated at Bishop’s Wood, Boscobel Houseisa picturesque hunting lodge and former farm site that is today run by English Heritage.

The quaint property is one of the jewels in the charity’s Shropshire crown, offering visitors awindow into several centuries’ worth of the county’spast. Yet, it is known best for its role in the dramatic tale of Stuartruler King Charles II,who wrote the site intothe history books in the 17th century while hiding in fear for his life.

Following his 1651 defeat at Third English Civil Warengagement, theBattle of Worcester,Charles and his supporters fled and sought refuge with Catholic and Royalist sympathisers in the Midlands, desperate to avoid the enemy English Commonwealth troops who were hunting them.

“They knew that this part of the region had alot of well-to-do important Catholic families and so this is where they headed,” said English Heritage curatorCameron Moffett. “Charles and his party were trooping around this bit of the countryside, avoiding pursuit from

the Commonwealth soldiers. They took refuge at nearby White Ladies Priory,and aday later headed over to Boscobel.”

It was on this day thatanepisode occurred that was destined to go into legend, and also birth one of themost popular public house monikers ever to grace our land.

“When they got to Boscobel there were enemy troops hanging around and Charles and one of his officers,William Careless, climbed up into an oak tree,” said Cameron. “The tree had grown to be very leafy,and as suchwas very easy for them to hide in. They hid there for an entire dayand troops were literally going back and forth on the ground underneath this tree looking for them. Theyspent the day there and in the evening they came down and spent the night at Boscobel.”

The ‘Royal Oak’, as it has become known, became famous, with Charles himself eventually spreading the story of his fabled hiding place with great enthusiasm.

“The tree obviously has been aterrific focusfor people interested in the story,” said Cameron. “Once Charles was –20 years on –properlycrowned King, he was

encouraging people to tell exciting stories about this episode in his life. And this one spread so well that, almostimmediately, people started going to see the‘famous tree’.”

However,as Cameron relates, said visitors wanted asouvenir

“People went and they took branches and they cut bark and unfortunately the original tree did not last very long,” she

Boscobel House and farmyard

Charles II.

FROM TOP:

added. “Everybody just wanted abit of it to take away.The passion of the public for the story sadly brought about its end

people loved it too much!”

Adescendant of the original Royal Oak is, however,well-preserved at Boscobel, and is one of the many attractions modern visitors to thesite are able to enjoy.Indeed, todayBoscobel House offers afull and rounded day out made all the richer by English Heritage’s work at the site in recenttimes.

“We finished areinterpretation project at Boscobel about two years ago,” said Cameron. “In this redisplay we have brought anew focus to the outside parts of the site –including afocus on its farming background, which wasn’t really touched on previously.Inthe past, things were very much focused exclusively on Charles and the tree, but now there’salot more at the site relating to itslater history asa Victorian agricultural establishment. Of course we’re still very proudofthe history with Charles, and we’verebuilt ahut thatsits on amound that’s a rebuilding of aplace where Charles lurked and read while he was lying low

“Asbefore,visitors can see the dressed interior of the house and the spaces where we know that Charles was. Youcan see the priest hole where he hid overnight–particularly amazing because, at 6ft 3in, he was avery tall man for the time, and he must’ve been very uncomfortable there!

“Wehave also planted alot of young oak trees with the intention that over decades, the field where the descendant of the original treeiswill eventually start to look as it did when Charles was hiding there.”

Indeed, similar horticulturalwork is at the centre of anational English Heritage project in honourof the newKing’s reign. To celebrate the coronation of His Majesty Charles III, thecharity is setting

The Parlour at Boscobel House; the priest hole at Boscobel House whereKing Charles II hid overnight; reconstructed Roman town house at Wroxeter; Wenlock Priory; Victorian storyteller Sharon King, from Telford, in the grounds of Boscobel House in 2020; Moreton Corbet castle.

FACING PAGE FROM TOP:

The Royal Oak and Boscobel House; Royalist soldiers and followers from the Sealed Knot Civil Warre-enactment group escort the then Prince Charles as he visits Boscobel House.

out to create one hundred wild meadows across its sites.

At locations such as Stonehenge and the Jewel Tower in Westminster (as well as Shropshire sites including Boscobel, Wroxeter Roman City,Wenlock Priory and Morton Corbet Castle), English Heritage will, over the next decade, be endeavouring to restore flower-rich grasslands that have been lost, and enhance those that already exist.

Since the 1930s and the advent of post-war modern farming practices, the UK has reportedly lost 97 per cent of its meadows. Prior to this, much of England’s grassland would have been home to much more diverse flora than it is today.Whilstthe English Heritage estate is relatively unusual in not having been subject to changingagricultural policy,asthe charity tells it, thegrassland surrounding its historic monuments has become ‘municipalised’ over the past century,diminishing the botanical diversity enjoyed by earlier generations.

Kate Mavor,English Heritage’s chief executive, said: “The King’s coronation is asignificant moment in history and we wanted to mark it in ameaningful way,inaway that combines twoofHis Majesty’s passions –nature and heritage. We’re creating more natural spaces at the heart of our historic properties, ensuring that wildflowers and wildlife can flourish there once again, and helping our visitors to step back into history and experience

something with which the sites’ historic occupants would have been familiar.”

Committed as ever to helping people to ‘step into England’s story’,English Heritage also hope this initiative will encourage them to become apart of it.

“In adecade’s time, our coronation pledge will be an inspiring legacy of established, restored and new meadows at 100 of our historic sitesright across England,” Kate added. “Wehope that it will encourage local communities to get involved and help transform their local heritage sites into flower-rich meadows.”

English Heritage is partnering with Plantlife –Europe’s largest charity dedicated to saving wild plants and fungi –onthe project. Plantlife will support English Heritage by providing resources and expertise, skills development training

and knowledge exchange opportunitiesas the initiative progresses.

Plantlife’s chief executive, Ian Dunn, said: “Plantlife is delighted to be working with EnglishHeritage on meadow creation. This new and exciting partnership offers alifelinetoahundred key grassland sites and their associated wildlife, and focuses on achapter of English natural history lost and all but forgotten. Together,welook forward to a future where England’s best historic sites boast thehighest quality grasslands.”

He may not be hiding in atree, but already,and happily,the mark of the new King Charles on heritagesites like Boscobel seems assured.

n Formore information, visitwww english-heritage.org.uk

LULU: PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT

ANDY RICHARDSON CHATS TO THE SINGER AHEAD OF A THEATRE RUN THIS YEAR IN WHICH SHE TALKSABOUT HER INCREDIBLE LIFE

Asmile spreads across her face as she considers thenear-60 years that have passed since Shout.

Lulu can’t quite believe it’s been that long. Wasitreally 1964 that she saw John Lennon and Paul McCartney tell the nation howmuch they loved her debut single on Ready Steady Go!?

Cathy McGowan had turned to the two Beatles and asked them about their favourite new release. They both looked at each other and said: ‘Welove Lulu’s Shout.’ In an instant,Lulu’s life changed.

“Can you imagine, 14 years of age and The Beatles are saying that my record’s their favourite. It was incredible.”

It was. But it simply foreshadowed a

life that was to be filled with incredible moments. Frank Sinatra offered to coach her in vocal warm-ups, she recorded a Bond theme song with 1974’s The Man With The Golden Gun, she married a Bee Gee, the late Maurice Gibb, and worked with David Bowie. There was To Sir With Love, with Sidney Poitier,she hadher own TV show,which featured aparticularly unruly performance from Jimi Hendrix, and then there was an embarrassing encounter with Eric Clapton, which still causes her to blush

The music didn’t stop. The girl who grew up in atough Glasgow environment, won the Eurovision song contest with Boom Bang-a-Bang, created an LGBT

anthem with Independence, was propelled back into the charts with Take That and Relight My Fire and was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II.

From charthitstoThe Commonwealth Games, from West End musicals to Absolutely Fabulous, her’s has been alife that has been filled with hits and remarkable work.

And now she’s heading to theatres around the UK where she’ll be able to talk about some of thoseexperiences and sing some of her best-loved hits. A70date tour,called ForThe Record, started in April and will run through spring until May 28. It will resume in October, concluding on November 12.

She’ll tell stories about her chart success in every decade since the 1960s, her number one hits on both sides of the Atlantic, Ivor Novello Awards, Grammy nominations and writing an international hit for Tina Turner

“I can’twait to get started,” she says. “This will be my first tour in six years and I’m raring to go.”

The only question will be how she fits so many stories into a90-minute performance that features songs aswell. “We’ve been working on this for ayear now and we’ve got afew surprises for later in the year

“I’ll tell you something that’s true. I’ve been performing now for more than 60 years –Iwas gigging in Glasgow as agirl,

long before Shout. But in all thoseyears, this is by far my most intimate show.I’ll be telling stories about parts of my life that I’ve never spoken about before, from the stage.

“And I’ll also be peppering the show with some of mine –and theaudience’s –favourite songs. It’s going to be areally special tour,with really special shows. We’ve put alot of work into this.Iam really looking forward to it.”

Her first memories of singing came long before Shout became ahit. Her dad had been agreat singer and Lulu channelled that, in her own way

“I really felt his voice when he sang. Then Ichannelled it, in away,and added my own youthful vibe, which people loved. Ithink Iwas really attuned to music because of my dad. From the minute Iwas born Iwas tuned into melody and sounds.”

She remembers the first time she ever sang in public, which was at the time of Queen Elizabeth II’sCoronation. She

CLOCKWISE FROM TOPLEFT:

Lulu with Beatles Paul McCartney and John Lennon; Lulu and Maurice Gibb on their wedding day; the singer with her Honorary Degree from GlasgowCaledonian University, in November,2002; performing on Cannock Chase; posing with her OBE at Buckingham Palace, in November,2000; singing at Wolverhampton Civic Hall; Lulu in her role in thefilm To Sir With Love;the performer with her trophy after coming joint first in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song, Boom Bang-a-Bang in 1969; singing with Jools Holland on Cannock Chase.

sang asong called In AGolden Coach, when she was four, and when her father had lifted her high on his shoulders. Later,she’d si at parties that her mother and father hosted. From there, it seemed perfectly natural to make aliving from it. She joined local bands in Glasgow,before auditioning at EMI and Decca.

Shout followed, when she was 14, and her life was forever changed.

“Shout was released, it was the first single, and JohnLennon and Paul McCartney jumped on it. They were on Ready,Steady,Goand they said it wastheir favourite release of that week. Iwas still living athome in Glasgow at the time. IthoughtI’d died and gone to heaven. That was affirmation. Ididn’t realise it then but Idonow; those 1960s bands were all on the same path. Ididn’t want to do some of the other stuff.I was judgemental for atime about Boom Bang-A-Bang, but now I’m very grateful for that. I’m grateful for what it came to mean and for the fact thatpeople love it.”

Her first manager,Marion Massey, helped to mentor her through the swinging sixties and they worked together

for two decades. Lulu became amovie star, starring in To SirWith Love, as her popularity rose on both sides of the lantic. She became part of pop royalty,touring with The Beach Boys, partying with The Beatles, and hanging out with household names whose popularity endures to this day.The men came and went, but there was always the music.

“I was at the centre of arevolution. If you’d have asked me at the time what Iwas feeling, I’d have said: ‘Oh, Idon’t know,Idon’t know what I’m feeling. I think I’m happy,but Idon’t know.’ Now, Irealise Iwent through all thefeelings possible. Iwas ateenage girl with pictures of The Beatles on my wall, then Igot to meet them, do acouple of gigs with them, and hang out with them. It’s mindblowing. It’s quite heady stuff.”

And now she’s getting ready to tell some of those stories –for the first time, in ForThe Record.

n Lulu plays Telford The Place on November 9. Tickets are available at the venue and full listings are at www luluofficial.com

SEASONS IN BLOOM

TAMMY HALL NURTURES BLOOMS BY HAND IN HER CUT FLOWER GARDEN.SHE SPEAKS TO HEATHER LARGE ABOUT HER DESIGNS FOR ALL SEASONS

Asthe seasons change so does the wonderful variety of flowers that flourishinour gardensand meadows. From tulips and daffodils in the spring to sweet peas and cosmos in the summer, floral designer Tammy Hall is guided by the rhythms of nature.

She nurtures blooms on atraditional family farm on the Shropshire-Herefordshire border

And drawing inspiration from the time of year,she crafts bouquets and table arrangements full of scented flowers and foliage foraged from woodlands on the farm.

It was after moving to Shropshire around 15 years ago that she first discovered apassion for floristry and set up Wild Bunch Flowers in 2013.

“I had no background in growing but Ihad always spent a lot of time outside bushwalking and camping,” explains Tammy, who grew up in Australia.

After graduating university in Melbourne, she moved to London to work as an architect but in her spare time would hop on atrain to the countryside.

“I found myself craving the landscape. It was always something that had been important to me,” explains Tammy

During atriptothe Long Mynd, she met her partner James while paragliding. After moving to hisfarm near Leintwardine, she worked as an architect in Birmingham but continued to feel drawn to the outdoors life.

“I had this hankering to do somethingmore connected to where Ilived, Ifelt really lucky to be living in this amazing landscape,” she recalls.

After having the idea of growing and selling flowers, Tammy spent her daily train commutefrom Shrewsbury to Birmingham learning everything she could about the subject.

She found inspiration from floral designers she discovered on Facebook such as The Blue Carrot as well as Flowers From The Farm, an association championing artisan growers of seasonal British cut flowers.

Tammy,who tested the water by entering acompetition run by Garden Museum in London, started her business as awedding florist, offering home-grown blooms.

Forthe firstfew years, it remained a part-time venture as she continued with her day job while spending every minute she could outside in the fresh air tending to her English garden flowers.

Becoming amemberof Flowers From The Farm, enabled her to grow the business to thepoint where she was able to leave her day job.

Now she offers her unique style of floral design for weddings and events and sellsbouquets of cut flowers which can be delivered within a15-mile radius or collected directly from the farm.

Tammy also runs asubscription service and sells wholesale flowers to florists.

“Flowers bring alot of joy to people and Ilove making beautiful things out of flowers which people treasure. They are all homegrown which adds another layer of beauty and nostalgia,”she explains.

“The growing year and floristry year is such abusy one, growing and working with flowers is such aprivilege and something Ilove, but the only way Ican plan for the year ahead is to follow the seasons,” she explains.

“During Januaryand February Ispend alarge part of the winter days dreaming of all the colour and beauty Ican grow in our field to work with, to share with people and to give as anectar-filled haven to the wildlife.

“Coming to life with the promise of longer lighter days is real. Igrowmore flowers each year,and always try to grow new varieties.

“I plan the year ahead with lots of separate schedules of work plans –a seed plan, bulb plan, grasses plan and perennials and also roses and peonies. Imake lists for each of these growing categories and pore over seed and plant catalogues.

“I make endless lists –indoor/outdoor job lists, Imake endless schedules of

work for each booked job Ihave in the year to come, Imake schedules of work for the garden, and for my design work. Iconfirm all my bookingsfor the year ahead.

“I have to be clear about planning for the garden to grow cut flowers for florists and also planning for cutting for my brides and upcoming classes.

“And Ialways try to come up with new ways of making my garden flowers available to more people.

“I always grow as many new dahlias and English cottagegarden staples, often annuals like larkspur –not always the easiest flower to germinate I find –and cosmos –one of theeasiest annuals to grow –garden favourites like sweet peas, Californian poppies, rudbeckia, annual phlox and zinnias.

“And it is always lovely to have tendrils growing like clematis and edible flowers like beautiful coloured nasturtiums.

“Some of my favourite flowers to grow are achellia –coming from Australia Ilove the hardiness of this sun-loving flower and another sun-loving edible flower,calendula and also annual phlox, one of the most useful annuals that Iuse as soft fillersinmy floristry work,” she explains.

Keen to shareher knowledge, Tammy also teaches anumber of classes throughout theyearand hasrecently teamed up with Walcot Hall in Lydbury

Spring

North to offer aseries of workshops following the seasons.

The next classes will the Scented Garden Workshop on July 5and the Autumnal Swags Workshop on September 20. There will also be an opportunity to make Christmas wreaths on December 6.

At the heart of the workshops is the idea of provenance. “Each of theclasses is about celebrating the season and how unique it is. Each season has adifferent palette of colour,texture and form. We’re guided by what’s around us and what we can bring intoour homes. It’s alsoabout breaking down any preconceptions people might have about this and show that you can use what you already have in your garden and around your home,” explains Tammy

Emma Hockly,of Walcot Hall, said: “Weare keen to work with Tammy as she is an amazing florist who works sustainably,mostly from her own garden.

“Asa venue, we are working on increasing our events to allow everyone to enjoy the beauty Walcot Hall has to offer

“Tammy’s workshops offer achance to discover the artof flower arranging in auniqueway.She offers something different in the gorgeous relaxed setting of Walcot. Refreshments are also provided.”

ForTammy,teaching others to create eye-catching floral arrangements for their homes is just one of many rewarding aspects of being a flower farmer

“Sharing knowledge and the beauty of flowers is alovely thing to do. Ienjoy having that connection with the land and working with the land. Equally,Ilike the design side of it and making beautiful

Winter

pieces that are seasonaland sustainable for weddings, parties and as gifts. It’s alovely thing to do,” explains Tammy

n To book aplace on the workshop, visit walcothallevents.com, and for more information about Wild Bunch Flowers, see wildbunchflowers.co.uk

Florist and flowerfarmer Tammy Hall who is hosting afloral design workshop at Walcot Hall in Lydbury North.

ARoyal Celebration

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Shrewsbury Tel: 01743 241281

Telford Tel: 01952 216100

E: info@dykeyaxley.co.uk

www.dykeyaxley.co.uk

KINGCHARLES III

LET THE CELEBRATION

BY DANIEL MORRIS

Abalcony appearance at Buckingham Palace, aconcert featuring global starsand a d day of volunteering will all form part of celebrations for the King’s coronation.

Saturday, May 6

The coronation of the King and Queen will take place at Westminster Abbey on the Saturday morning, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury

According to thepalace it will be “a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry”.

The service will “reflect the monarchh’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry”.

Charles and the Queen Consort will travel in ashorter procession route than the late Elizabeth II and break with tradition by only using the elaborate

260-year-old Gold State Coach one way

on their return

The monarch and Camilla have personally decided to make the 1.3 mile outward journey –known as the King’s Procession –from Buckingham Palace in the more modern, comfortable Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which has shock absorbers, heating and air conditioning

They will travel, accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escortofthe Household Cavalry,down The Mall via Admiralty Arch, along the south side of Trafalgar Square, along Whitehall and Parliament Street, around the east and south sides of Parliament Square to Broad Sanctuary to arrive at theAbbey.

The coronation service will begin at 11am.

The priceless array ofcoronation regalia from the Crown Jewels which will be used during the service will include the Sovereign’s Orb, the Golden Spurs, bracelets known as Armills, two maces,

five symbolic swords, theSovereign’s Ring, the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross and the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove.

Charles will be crowned with the 17th century St Edward’s Crown which has been resized to fithis head. He will switch it for the lighter Imperial State Crown at the end of the ceremony as is thecustom.

Camillawill be crowned with the modified Queen Mary’s Crown.

After the service, the King and Queen will return to the palace in a larger ceremonial procession –known as theCoronation Procession. This will feature acastofhundreds of members of the Armed Forces from the UK, Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, as well as the Sovereign’s Bodyguard and Royal Watermen. At the palace, Charles and Camilla will be joined by family members on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events.

Sunday, May 7

Sunday will see “global music icons and contemporary stars” descend on Windsor Castle for the coronation concert which will be broadcast live on theBBC

Several thousand members of the public were selected to receive apair of free tickets through anational ballot held by the BBC.

The audience will also include volunteers from the King and Queen’s charity affiliations.

The show will feature aworld-class orchestra playing interpretations of musical favourites fronted by “some of

The King and Queen Consort will travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.

The Gold State Coach used by The Queen.

the world’s biggest entertainers,alongside performers from the world of dance”, the palace said.

The performances will be supported by staging and effects located on the castle’s east lawn andwill also include aselection of spoken word sequences delivered by stars of stage and screen.

The Coronation Choir,a diverse group created from the keenest community choirs andamateur singers from across the UK (such as refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+singing groups and deaf signing choirs), will also make an appearance.

The Coronation Choir will appear alongside The Virtual Choir,made up of singers from across the Commonwealth, for aspecial performance on thenight.

The palace said the centrepiece of the coronation concert, dubbed “lighting up the nation”, will see the country join together in celebration as landmarks across the UK arelit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.

Meanwhile, people are invited to gather for a“coronation big lunch” on Sunday,overseen and organised by the Big Lunch team at the Eden Project.

Monday, May 8

Monday,a bank holiday,has been set aside for volunteering and is being billed as “the big help out”.

Organised by The Together Coalition and awide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the UK, the big

help out aims to highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities.

The palace said in tribute to the King’s public service, the big help out “will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join thework being undertaken to support their local areas”.

The aim of the day is to use volunteering to bring communities together and createa lasting volunteering

legacy from the coronation weekend. Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said the coronation is “a huge milestone in the history of the UK and Commonwealth”, adding that the weekend of events will bring people together to celebrate “the mixture of tradition and modernity,culture and community that makes our country great”.

The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne after the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

Queen Mary’s Crown.

St Edward’sCrown.

Imperial State Crown.

GODSAVETHE KING

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AWEEKEND OF FUN

BY HEATHER LARGE

The county will be decked out with flags andbunting as communities get ready to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

From picnics and street parties to live music and entertainment, awhole host of events will be taking place during the momentous BankHoliday weekend.

In Shrewsbury,people will be able to watch the coronation of His Majesty and the The Queen ConsortatWestminster Abbey live on abig screen hosted at Shrewsbury Castle.

Owned and managed by Shropshire Council, the venue has been chosen by Shrewsbury BID as the location for showing themomentous event.

Shropshire Council will also be illuminatingTheatreSeverninred, white and blue over the Coronation weekend.

Wellington is organising arange of events to commemorate themomentous occasion, starting with aconcert by the town’s brass band at 11am on Saturday May 6.

Caroline Mulvihill (pictured right), of Wellington Town Council, said that people were encouraged to bring their own chairs to sitontowatch the

performance in the Market Square.

“The town crier will declare the proceedings open, reading aspecial message from King Charles III which will be sent to all town criers across the country,” she said.

“There will also be free face painting, balloon modelling and coronation cupcakes, and street entertainer Jon Drew, dressed in Victorian costume.

“He will be keeping people amused with games such as ‘mop head marathon’ and ‘wacky washing lines’. It promises to be alovely fun-filled community weekend.”

The Wellington Walkers are Welcome group has also organised two walks to mark the coronation.

On Sunday,May 7people canmeet at Wellington Leisure Centre at 2pm to take ashort,mainly flat route, exploring the streets of central Wellington with aroyal connection.

Afterwards, there will be an optional visit to the cafe at Bowring Park to purchase refreshments and the walk will end at the leisure centre by 4pm. Participants should book via wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk

Acommunity coronation walk will

then be held on Monday,May 8, leaving Wellington Leisure Centre at 2pmand followingaroute to Dothill Nature Reserve and then onto the bluebell woods in Apley before returning to Wellington.

In Oswestry,families can bring a picnic blanket and enjoy alive screening

Thousands of street parties areexpected to be thrownthroughout the UK overthe bank holiday weekend.

Local Events

of the King’s Coronation in Cae Glas Park on Saturday,May 6.

There will be children’s rides, magicians, circus performers, facepainting, Alpacas, stalls, streetfoodand live music from Porth-y-waen brass band.

“So why not grab apicnicblanket, head to Cae Glas Park, and enjoy this historic day and sometraditional entertainment with family and friends,” said the town’s Mayor,Councillor Jay Moore.

The Severn Valley Railway will be holding aday of celebrations on Saturday,May 6with ahuge screen on Kidderminster concourse to allow passengers to watch the coronation in a beautiful heritage location.

There will also be amagician to keep youngsters entertained and the Great British Afternoon Teawill be available from the Valley Suite for atastytreat.

Meanwhile, at Highley,The Engine House will be full of miniature marvels for the Spring Model Railway Weekend.

On Saturday,May 6, there will also be an evening of singing,dancing, comedy and music as theSVR hosts aCoronation Evening Variety Show at Kidderminster

The show will be opened by magician Damon Conlan, before live music from Dynamix, ahilarious set from comedian Gerry Kand performance by solo artist Max Stockin. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £12 for members and £7.50 for working members.

On Sunday,May 7, the railway has teamed up with Lee Chapman of Chappers Photography to offer aunique workshop to capture the atmosphere of the railway as it celebrates the crowning ceremony of the new King.

Participants will learn about the railway,location and macro photography

and pick up some skills and tips on how to capture their very best images.

Visit svr.co.uk/event/coronation-dayphotography-workshop for more details.

Acoronation picnic will be taking place at Ludlow Castle as part of the national Big Lunch celebrations on Sunday,May 7.

The event, organised in collaboration with Ludlow Town Council and Ludlow Chamber of Trade, will run from noon until 6pm and there will be food and drink vendors on site. Admission is free but donations to cover the cost of the event would be appreciated.

The castle is also hosting its Discover Ludlow Castle...Royalty event on Saturday,May 6and Monday,May 8.

Over its long history,Ludlow Castle has been host to many members of royalty.Visitors will be able read about their lives and find the parts of the castle they are associated with.

There will also be afreetrail for children. Admission charges apply

Celebrations will also be taking place in Norton-in-Hales, Market Drayton, where trees have already been planted in honour of the historic occasion.

Arow of seven Crabapple trees are now growing on theboundary of the community car parkoverlooking the beautiful landscape down towards the River Tern.The variety of tree, Prairie Fire, was specifically chosen for its magnificent pink floral display in late spring, dark purple foliage colour and its persistent fruit which stays on the branches throughout the winter giving nourishment to wildlife.

During the bank holiday week, ahost of street parties are alsoplanned across the county as communities get together to celebrate.

They include an event organised by Great Dawley Town Council which will take place in Dawley High Street from 11am until 3pm on Saturday,May 6.

It will include live music and entertainment, horse and cart rides, face painting, crafts and free sweets and ice cream.

Shropshire Council has already approved 17 applications to close streets with cabinet member for culture, Rob Gittins, saying: “The Coronation weekend is dedicated to celebrating our communities and the volunteers who give so much to enhance the lives of so many people countywide. They give up their time selflessly and without reward, and our communities are certainly richer for it.”

Meanwhile, Coronation plaques are

People will be able to gather at Shrewsbury Castle to watch Charles’ Coronation.

hMoulson, Chair of the In Bloom group, hNorton in Hales School pupils Evie, 11, and cob, seven, planting trees for the coronation.

also being unveiled in towns the lengthof breadth of Shropshire.

In asymbolic andlasting project, the British Ironwork Centre has teamed up with the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner,toprovide the plaques to everyone of the 20 towns in the county Mayors from the towns will be unveiling their own individual plaque over the Coronation weekend.

Clive Knowles, from the Ironwork Centre, said: “It seemed important that we could show that every single town in Shropshire was unified behind the Coronation and that there was asymbol that would live on after the weekend.”

He presented the idea to the Lord Lieutenant -the King’s representative in Shropshire.

“Over the weekend we will have 20 mayors in 20 towns unveiling the plaques on civic buildings.”

Mrs Turner visited the centre to see the first plaque being inscribed.

Mr Knowles thanked staff at the centre for working hard to getthem ready on time.

“They will be hand delivered to each town, it is abig operation,” he said.

Acoronation picnic will be taking place at LudlowCastle on Sunday, May 7.

WARM WELCOMES

BY HEATHER LARGE

Shropshire has rolled out the red carpet for King Charles III many times over the decades.

Among his visits to the county was one in 1978 when he officially opened the new £12million Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity of coming to Shrewsbury and in particular to Shropshire. Idon’t get to this part of the world too often,” he told the official audience.

His visit was just the tonic for scores of patients, and on the three mixed surgical wards, where the then prince spent nearly half of his two-hour stay,his impromptu chats were greatly appreciated.

In 1979, His Royal Highness travelled to Shropshireagain to mark 200 years of the Iron Bridge

His visit took him to Blists Hill, the Iron Bridge itself -wherehepaid half apenny to cross the bridge -and CoalbrookdaleMuseum of Iron.

He was back in Ironbridge in May 1989 when he opened the £250,000 Museum of the River

Welcomed by huge, cheering crowds he unveiled acommemorativeplaque and wasparticularly interested in a38ft model of the Gorge as it was in 1796.

The £40,000 mock-up was designed by Mr Jim Jones, who explained the history it depicted and the Prince made his own contribution to themodel by planting atree.

That day also saw him make aprivate visit. The Prince spent an hour at the Park on aprivate visit to National Trust propertyAttinghamPark before moving on to Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth.

In 2001, thethen Prince of Wales paid tribute to the county’s struggling farmers while touring Harper Adams.

“The role of institutions like Harper Adams have never been more important,” he told staff as he unveiled acentenary stone at the campus

Later he did his bit to preserve apiece of local historybyplanting an oak sapling when he visited Boscobel House near Shifnal.

His Royal Highness planted the young tree next to thelegendary Royal Oak which was used to hide King Charles II in 1651. He touched it and said: “Good luck tree, all thebest,” before waving the spade in the air as the crowds clapped.

As patron of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, he also visited CoalportChina Museum, where he met craftsmen and women whose businesses had been hit by county’s floods the previous year

Jonathan Harris, who runs Jonathan Harris Studio Glass Ltd, presented the royal with aone-off silver cameo bowl.

Prince Charles thanked Mr Harris for the gift and joked: “Are you sure you can spare it?”

Eight-year-old Francesca O’Shea, from the 2nd Coalbrookdale and

The then Prince Charles paying his toll to cross the Iron Bridge during aroyal visit on July 5, 1979, during which he unveiled aplaque to mark the bicentenary of the bridge. He handed overa 1779 half penny to 76-year-old Monica Jones, who had been the last tollkeeper of the bridge in 1959.

Prince Charles arriving at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, on November 17, 1978, for its official opening. He is pictured after his welcome by the LordLieutenant of Shropshire, Mr John Dugdale.

Photo:MichaelHunt

Ironbridge Brownies, was at the site working on aclay model of Sherlock Holmes which she designed in a competition.

“The prince said that it was avery good drawing and he asked me how Idid it. Iwas amazed when he came over to us,” she said.

And he was welcomed at Shrewsbury School where he was given atour of anew £1.75 million music building named after its retiring headmaster Ted Maidment.

As he approached the building, he was welcomed by afanfare, which had been specially composed for the occasion

The Prince of Wales, Colonel in Chief of the Army Air Corps, cuts acelebratory cakewhilstbeing watched by station Commandant Captain Martin Westwood RN during avisit to the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury in May 2007 to mark its 10th anniversary.

Prince Charles, Mrs Tessa Rogers-Coltman, Pam Coles and ShropshireCountyCouncil chairman Major Adrian Coles at LudlowRacecourse.

Prince Charles giving his speech beforeofficially opening the new music centreatShrewsbury School in 2001.

ARoyalistsoldier from the Sealed Knot Civil War re-enactment group looks on as Prince Charles plants an oak sapling at Boscobel House, near Tong, in February 2001. It was the 350th anniversary of the arrival of King Charles II at the house.

by music student Anthony Wiles. Mr Maidment said the royal visit had been very exciting all round.

“Wehad amost distinguished visitor to open amarvellous new building, and we could not have asked for more,” said Mr Maidment.

The then prince was given atour of the music suites within the building, including the Hillman Room for woodwind and the John Kirkland Room, named after the new music school’smain contractor.Healso had abriefglimpse of the percussion room, andthe Elaine and Malcolm Barr Room, which would be a centre for choral music.

Following his tour of the new music school, Prince Charles took aseat in the auditorium to hear the string orchestra rehearsing the firstmovement of Haydn’s Cello Concerto.

Soloist 18-year-old Andrew Hughes kept asteady hand throughout the piece and was later congratulated by the prince for his performance.

Before officially declaring the music school open, Prince Charles said: “It is aremarkableachievement to have something so specialhere.

“It is contemporary and yet it has that

feeling of always having been there –it’sa timeless building.”

Other visits included one in 2007 when he flew in to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAFShawbury

The royal guest was called on to cut aspecial cake, which he did with great aplomb, using asword.

Smooth as adagger throughbutter, the ceremonial weapon sliced the massive, locally made confection straight across the centre, neatly dissecting the flying school’s own proud crest.

Garden Fencing

Firewood

Farm Gates

Charles looks at aPriest Hole with Head Custodian Peter Trickett at Boscobel House, in February 2001.

Prince Charles meets Principle Wynne Jones at Harper Adams College in 2001.

The Making of aKing

Nov 14, 1948: Charles Philip Arthur George MountbattenWindsor,first child of Princess Elizabeth and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, born at Buckingham Palace

King Charles III

As asingle parent, Charles devotes himself to bringing up sons alone

1952: Grandfather King George VI dies, Queen Elizabeth II ascends throne –Charles becomes heir apparent, aged three

1962: Attends Gordonstoun School in Scotland, where father was educated

1969: Studies Welsh language ahead of his investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in north Wales

1970: Graduates inAnthropology, Archaeology and History at Cambridge –first heir to British throne to earn university degree

1971-76: Joins RoyalAir Force and Royal Navy,qualifying as helicopter pilot

2005: Eight years after Diana’s death, Charles and Camilla marry in civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall

2007: Known for his environmental concerns, creates Prince’s Rainforests Project to highlight deforestation. He is also president of World Wildlife Fund in UK

1979: Charles devastated by IRAmurder of great-uncle Louis Mountbatten, calling him “the grandfather Inever had”

1976: Founds

The Prince’s Trust to help young people into work. Dashing polo player,tagged “world’smost eligible bachelor”

1981: At 32, Charles marries 20-year-old Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul’sCathedral, London, watched by TV audience of 750 million.Archbishop of Canterbury calls it “the stuffof which fairy tales are made”

1982, 1984: Sons William and Harry are born, but marriage under strain amid intense press scrutiny and rumours of infidelity

1984: Attacks proposed extension to National Gallery as “monstrous carbuncle”, becoming outspoken critic of modern architecture

1988: Narrowly escapes death in avalanche that kills close friend during skiing trip at Klosters

1990: Establishes organic food brand Duchy Originals, challenging modern farming methods

1992: Charles and Diana separate

1995: In BBC TV interview, Diana describes “three of us” –referring to Charles’slong-standing affair with Camilla Parker Bowles

Aug 1996: Divorce finalised

Aug 1997: Diana killed in car crash in Paris, along with boyfriend DodiAl-Fayed and driver

Passionate about gardening, Charles is famous for “talking” to his plants

2011: Prince William and Catherine Middleton marry Charles becomes grandfather after birth of couple’sfirst child, Prince George,in2013

2020: Family suffers break up when Prince Harry andAmerican wife, Meghan Markle,resign royal duties and move to U.S.

Jun 2022: Charles pays heartfelt tribute to “Mummy” at Platinum Jubilee party celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s70-year reign

Sources: Royal Family, BBC, Encyclopedia BritannicaPictures: Newscom,Getty Images

Sep 8: Queen dies at Balmoral, Charles at her side.After seven decades, Charles becomes king

May 6, 2023: Coronationof King Charles III is held at WestminsterAbbey

Philip, William (15), Diana’sbrother Charles Spencer,Harry (12) and Charles at Diana’sfuneral

DISCOVER ATASTE FOR KOREAN CUISINE

FOOD WRITER SU SCOTT TALKS TO PRUDENCE WADE ABOUT REDISCOVERING HER CULTURE THROUGH COOKING

SuScott says her worldstarted to “collapse” after giving birth to her first child.

“It sounds dramatic, but when my daughter was born, it was like wow,I have this child, there is aresponsibility to keep this newborn alive,” she remembers, with the added pressure of being “the sole bearer of the culture as an immigrant mum”.

Scott moved from Seoul to London when she was 19, and her half-Korean daughter,Kiki, is now eight.

Now 42, Scott has spent most of her adult life in the UK, and she remembers: “Asanimmigrant living in theUK, trying to embrace the culture and immerse myself into it, Ilost the sense of who Iam. Having my daughter made me question my identity

“Cooking Korean food felt like the most immediate, tangible thingIcould reach out to, to makesome sense of who Iwas.”

Not that it was necessarily this easy “The whole process went on for along time, it crept up slowly but surely,” she says.

“It didn’t take me long to realise that my world was collapsing in front of me. Ididn’t know how to put it together. I knew I’d have to dig deep.”

Scott calls it a“hard” and “lonely” experience, but says it was “very rewarding, because you come out the other side knowing exactly who you are”.

She used food as away to reconnect with her homeland, but suggests its importance isn’t uniquely Korean.

“It’s not just my culture –Ithink food is such an integral part of human living. What we often forget is how thesmall things from our ordinary days can make up such apowerful part of who we are,” she says.

When embarking on this journey, there were two dishes from her childhood Scott wanted to try.

“The thing Ireally wanted to recreate and eat was bone broth,” shesays, lighting up at the memory

“When Ithink about my childhood, there’s this powerful moment of smell,” says Scott. “There’s this onespecific memory of my father sourcing thegood meat bones, and my mother preparing the broth for days on end.

“The whole house would smell of bones. It’s not anasty smell, but it’s not overly pleasant either.It’s the dish I absolutely hated as achild, but it’s also the one Ifelt so loved with.”

Scott was initially too scared to make it herself –incase it tainted her memories –but now she says “it has got another story to it”, and shemakes it every winter for her daughter.And no, it doesn’t taste like her mother’s –but shesays that’s “a good thing in away”.

The other dish that “really connected me to the Korean food of my childhood was kimchi stew”, Scott says. She started cobbling together theingredients for this dish without really thinking about what she was doing, and felt a“moment of euphoria” when it all cametogether

“This is the taste of home,” shesays. “Making this dish taughtmesomuch about how Icould reconnect to my

culture, my heritage and myself

“I needed to find the person Iwas when Iwas in Korea, in order to make sense of who Iamnow,as amother.”

Korean food has morevisibility on the world stage than ever before, with Scott saying: “It’s so exciting, isn’t it? I never,ever imagined that Iwould see ajar

Tofu with buttered kimchi –serves4

“Dubu kimchi is made up of two parts: poached tofu and stir-fried kimchi. It is often served as anju, aKorean wordthat means ‘drinking food’,” Su explains.

Ingredients

1tbsp vegetable oil

½ onion, thinly sliced

200g minced pork

½tsp freshly cracked black pepper

20g unsalted butter

2garlic cloves, minced

350g overripe kimchi, roughly chopped

2tsp golden granulated sugar

1tbsp mirin

1½tbsp gochugaru (Korean redpepper

flakes)

1tbsp soysauce

200g tinned chopped tomatoes

396g block of firm tofu

Sea salt flakes

To finish

1tbsp toasted sesame oil

of kimchi in anormal supermarket.It’s amazing. Ithink Korean food has still got along way to go in the UK, though. The range is very limited.”

That’s why Scottwants to highlight everyday Korean dishes in her debut cookbook, Rice Table.

“When you talk about Korean food

½tsp toasted white sesame seeds

1springonion,thinly sliced

Pinch of black sesame seeds

Method

1. Heat the oil in alarge sauté pan. Add the onion with apinch of salt and fry for two minutes to soften. When the onion is starting to smell fragrant, add the pork and the cracked black pepper and stir frequently for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. It should be golden brownincolour with an almost sweet, caramelising smell.

2. Lowerthe heat and melt in the butter with the garlic, then add the kimchi, sugar, mirin and gochugaru. Giveita good stir to combine the ingredients, then sauté gently for fiveminutes, stirring occasionally. Make surenot to burn the gochugaru. We arenot heretocaramelise the kimchi, rather to soften it slowly in luscious fat.

3. After fiveminutes, your pan should look alittle drier than when you started to fry the kimchi. Stir in the soysauce,ensuring it is

Korean fried chicken recipe from Rice Table by Su Scott.

with other people, they talk about bulgogi and bibimbap. Of course, these are wonderful dishes that champion Korean cuisine, buttheyare only afraction of what we offer,” she says.

“I wanted to champion the daily home cooking of Korean culture. Iwanted to champion all the mothers and their labours –that’s not necessarily always celebrated.”

Abig part of this –and what makes up the first chapter in the book –isbanchan culture.

“It’s the small-plate dishes,” Scott explains. “When you Google ‘banchan’, a lot of websites will tell you it’s aside dish” –somethingthat “really bugged” her Banchan dishes in the book include tofu with buttered kimchi, stir-fried fishcakes with green peppers, soy sauceglazed aubergines, and spring onion pancakes.

“Individually they are delicious, they each have aplace in their own right. It’s abit sad to call them side dishes, isn’t it?”

Sweet rice doughnuts –makes 20

completely incorporated, beforeadding the tomatoes. Let it simmer for afurther 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, bring apan of well-salted water to the boil. Slice the tofu into two long blocks about 4cm wide. Gently drop the tofu blocks into the boiling water and poach them for fiveminutes overa low heat. Carefully drain the tofu and cool slightly, taking careofthe hot steam. When they’recooled enough to handle, cut each block into 2cm thick slabs.

5. By now, the kimchi should be ready. Checkthe seasoning and add apinch moresalt or sugar,ifnecessary. To finish, stir in thesesame oil and white sesame seeds. Reservesome of the spring onion for garnish, if you like, and add the remainder

6. To serve, transfer the sliced tofu slabs onto aserving platter or individual plates, along with the sautéed kimchi either on top or on the side. Topwith the black sesame seeds and reserved spring onion.

“This is apopular old-school Korean snack, which deserves morerecognition –itisnot well known outside of Korea,” says Su. “This could be partly to do with the fact that, moreoften than not, most recipes call for ‘wet’ rice flour: freshly milled rice flour made from pre-soaked rice. In traditional baking, wetrice flour was preferredbecause of its excellence in retaining moisture, resultinginmore moist and chewier rice cakes that keep well. Nowadays, morerecipes are being developed using dry flour for the convenience of home baking.”

Ingredients

250g glutinous rice flour

50g plain flour

½tsp baking powder

½tsp bicarbonate of soda

40g golden caster sugar

½tsp fine sea salt

30g unsalted butter,melted

80ml warm full-fat milk

150ml hot water,about 80°C

Vegetable oil, for deep frying

For the cinnamon sugar

2tbsp golden caster sugar

½tsp ground cinnamon

Method

1. Sift both flours, the baking powder and bicarbonate of soda into alarge mixing bowl. Add the sugar and salt.

2. In apourable and heatproof jug, combine the melted butter and warm milk. Stir this into the flour mix, using a wooden spoon or chopsticks. Gradually pour in the hot water and continue to mix until it resembles rough crumbs. Do this in afew stages as your flour may not need as much water,ormight need atouch more, than stated here.

3. When the dough is cool enough to handle, start bringing the ingredients

together by gently kneading until the dough feels supple and the surface is smooth.

4. Place the dough in areusable plastic bag or wrap in clingfilm. Rest in the fridge for at least one hour or overnight.

5. After the dough has rested, divide it into four equal-sized portions, so you havea moremanageable volume to work with. Work one piece at atime, keeping theremaining dough covered. Shape the dough roughly into alog, then divide it into fivesmall golf-ball-sized pieces. The textureofthe dough may feel unusual and alittle crumbly. Don’t worry if this happens –just squeeze the dough firmly to shape.

6. Combine the sugar and cinnamon together in abowlorarimmed roasting pan. Haveanother plate or dish ready lined with some kitchen paper

7. Fill asaucepansuitable for deep-frying with vegetable oil. It should be filled deep enough to submerge the dough balls but no morethan three-quarters full. Heat to 160°C. If you don’t havea thermometer, acubeofbread should brownin12 seconds. When it reaches160°C, turn off the heat and carefully lowera few of the dough balls into the pan, making sureyou don’t overcrowdthe pan. Keep the heat off for two minutes. After two minutes, the dough will start to move andfloat alittle.

8. Turn theheatback on and maintain the temperate at 160°C. Frythe dough balls for fiveminutes, making suretogently push them down with aheatproof sieveor wireskimmer,asthey will continuously float up. After fiveminutes, the doughnuts should appear golden brownand cooked through. Transfer to theplate lined with kitchen paper to absorb the excess oil. Continue with the remaining dough balls.

9. When all the batches arecooked, roll them in the cinnamon sugar while hot and serveimmediately.

n Rice Table by Su Scott is published by Quadrille, priced £27.

STUNNING SAUVIGNON BLANCS

THIS HERBACEOUS, ZESTYGRAPE IS SHARP AS AWHISTLE, SAYS SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

When it comes to crisp, pungent, aromatic whites, New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc steals the show

Indeed, the spectrum of styles and ripeness range from cut-grass and nettles to more tropical, exotic flavours –and alively fruit salad we just can’t drink enough of

Rich and beautifully refreshing,the buzz around these attractive wines means they don’t come as cheap as some of their counterparts. But foralip-smacking glass, this delicious array from Marlborough –the heart of savvy blanc production –are worth the slight splurge…

Yealands ReserveSauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, New Zealand, £11, Sainsbury’s

When it comes to concentrated fruit flavours, this vibrantexpressionhas it in spades. Showing adelectable balance between herbaceous fruit and notes of wet stone, sweet pea and guava, there’s amouthwatering intensity and crisp, minerally finish.

M&S ClocktowerSauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand, £13, Marks &Spencer

With bright, perky,passion fruit, citrus and herbal flavours highlighted by fragrant floral, honey and grassy characters, this shows atextured palate enriched by fabulous freshness and ripe citrus on the finish.

Jackson Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand, £10, from £13, Waitrose

Vivid and pure with lovely key lime, passion fruit, melon and grass, there’s an appealing breadth of zesty,citrusy fruit, streak of minerality, with nuances of lemon and lime lingering on the crisp, refreshing finish.

Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Marlborough, New Zealand, £13.50, Co-op Fragrant, layered and textured, enticing aromatics of passion fruit,lemon-lime and ripe melon draw you in, with a concentrated palate of fleshy,succulent, tropical flavours infused with zingy, citrusy acidity

M&S Collection Saint Clair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2021, New Zealand, £16, Marks & Spencer

Charming on thenose with grassy,tangy aromas, passion fruit flavours are bright and juicy with touches of green capsicum, hints of herbaceousness and traces of nettle, offering lots of zing and bangfor your buck.

Smith &Sheth CRU Sauvignon

Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand, £18, Lay &Wheeler

Gently aromatic with acaressing mouthfeel, this is an elegant style showing great purity.Notes of soft guava, nettles, grass and lime, with aripe mix of citrus and tropical fruit flavours unfold on the palate, embellished with atouchof blackcurrantleaf in the background. A gorgeous glass.

WARM TO AN ENGLISH WINE

English wine is enjoying amuch celebrated renaissance period. The top sparkling wines have been competing on aglobal stage for some time now and each year,in the good ones anyway,the still wines are getting better and better

As the climate warms, vines feel more and more at home in English conditions but there is still alot of work for vineyard managers to do to prevent disease in the vines and loss of fruit throughout the growing season. Warding off late frosts, rain at the wrong time, too much or too little of all weather is all part of theritual

and luck that goes into producing wine in England.

At Commonwoodthey choose to take afar more natural approach to their vineyard management and winemaking that many others,bucking the trend against more interventionist practices. Many vineyards will choose to spray the vines and use other measures to help them along their way to abumperharvest.

The vines were first planted just after the turn of themillennium by Alan Goddard and since then the vines are tended with the least intervention possible using organic practices.

What is criticalfor vines growing in North Shropshire, and in factanywhere this far north, is to ensure constant airflow around the vines and the bunches of grapes. This is to avoid mildew and in the worst cases rot. This is achieved through pruning and strong canopy management throughout the summer, making sure there are enough leaves to photosynthesise, but also allow the vine to put as much energy as possible in to producing plump bunches of healthy grapes. Grass between the rows of vines is also regularly mown to reduce humidity

By the end of summer, Commonwood’s rows of vines display perfect layers, green canopy tops, and right there at picking height, bunches of grapes. The layers are testament to shot selection at pruning time. At Commonwood they’re aiming for vertical shoots to make their way up and along the trellis, acycle thatisrepeated each vintage when the vine goes dormant in winter, before being pruned ready for growing during spring and summer

The lifecycle of the vineyard is never ending. It is often said that between the spring equinox and the summer solstice it’s about plant growth.Then from the summer solsticeuntil the autumn equinox it’s about thefruit. Between

THE MARKET TOWN OF WEM IS THE NEXT STOP ON ED THOMAS’JOURNEY AROUND THE COUNTY MEETING FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCERS. IT WASHERE THATHECAUGHT UP WITH THE MERRY BAND WHO TEND THE VINES AND MAKE THE WINEATTHE COMMONWOOD VINEYARD

the autumn and back again to the spring equinox the vines are largely dormant.

The vines themselves are made up of anumber of German varieties that are well suited to English conditions. The 3,500 vines areportioned up on a one third red and two thirds white ratio. Rondo, Regent and Dornfelder on the red side, although the Rondo is generally used to make rosé wine, Phoenix to make the whites. With some of the vines now more than 20 years old, they are well in to their productive life and they have recently been joined in the vineyard by some new Pinot Noir vines. These vines are now busily establishing themselves before the fruit can be harvested in acouple of years’ time, adding another stringtothe bow of the vineyard.

Alan is now very ably assisted by a number of volunteers including Robin Nugent and his team from Shropshirebased wine merchants Iron andRose, who also run the Glou Glou and Petit Glou wine bars in Shrewsbury.The whole Iron and Rose team get involved in thewhole process from vine to glass, from pruning to pouring Commonwood wines into the glasses of drinkers in their bars –atvery reasonable prices, Imight add.

The wines themselves are fine examples of low intervention English wines. Very natural in feel and taste, informal in approach and generally low in alcohol. Since the early days of the vineyard at Commonwood they haven’t

just grown grapes, they havemade the wine as well.

ForRobin and theGlou Glou team this is about gaining practical handson knowledge of winemaking which in turn can be passed on to customers whoenjoy the conversation and advice that independent wine merchants and specialist wine bars offer Winemaking starts as soonasthe grapes are picked. Each year Alan relies on his experience as an engineer to prepare the tanks and equipment essential for the process. The characterful fleet of machines and contraptions crushes and destems the grapes, before aseriesoftanks and pumps are used during fermentation and months later bottling and drinking

From the rows of vines, the grapes don’t travel any further than to the edge of the vineyard to the winery.After crushing and destemming and the whites are pressed, it’s on to fermentation. The red wines are fermented in an old milk tank from anearby dairy farm. The winemaking process is then slightly different for red, white and sparkling wines but the fundamentals are the same –ferment thejuice using naturally occurring yeast and the sugarinthe juice to create alcohol for acouple of weeks. Then comes malolactic fermentation, maturation, fining, filtration and racking. All in all about 18 months for the red wines, alittle quicker for the whites and longer for the sparkling wines which

are taken away for finishing off using specialist equipment.

The whole range of wines extends to red and white still wines, and then to a sparkling rosé and white wines. They are all available from Iron and Rose, Glou Glou and Petit Glou, all in Shrewsbury, Moyden’s Cheese in Newport market and they are also on the wine list at new vegan restaurant Nooch which is alsoin Shrewsbury

So what’s next for Commonwood?

The team are really keen to open up the vineyard to thecommunity to come and enjoy,tolearn about and try the wines so there are plans afoot for events throughout the summer and, of course, there are more wines to release as well.

Photo:LeviThomas

SEASONINGWORTH ITSSALT

Spring is in full bloom and it’stime to make the most of seasonal flavours.

Maldon Sea Salt has created aseries of warming recipes, that celebrate the best of May.

So head to the kitchen, tuck in, and enjoy.

SLOW COOKED LAMB SHOULDER

Ingredients

2.5kgshoulder of lamb, bone in Pinch of Maldon Sea Salt

Cracked black pepper

Oliveoil for drizzling

500ml lamb stock

2garlic bulbs

1red onion, peeled and chopped

4rosemary sprigs

1lemon, cut into wedges

Method

Preheat the oven to 200C.

Make sure the lamb has come up to room temperature before cooking.

Place the lamb in aroasting tin, rub the skin all over with olive oil and then cut some incisions into the skin. Insert some peeled garlic cloves and small sprigs of rosemary into the cuts. Season generously with cracked black pepper and salt.

Place the lamb in the hot oven and roast for 30 minutes until theskin has browned and crisped up.

Remove from the oven and turn the temperature down to 150C. Carefully pour the stock into the tin around the lamb and add the wedges of red onion and lemon around the lamb.

Cover the tin with tin foil and seal the edges.

Place the lamb back in the oven and allow it to cook for 4-5 hours.

By this time thelamb should be meltingly soft and tender and pull away from the bone easily

Use the cooking juices to make a gravy and serve alongside the rest of your Easter table sides –roasted carrots with thyme, minted new potatoes, steamed greens and mint sauce.

WHOLEBAKED SEA BASS WITH LEMONGRASS, GINGER AND CHILLI

Ingredients

1whole seabass, descaled and gutted

1lemongrass, chopped and tough outer stems removed

20g ginger,sliced

1red chilli, sliced in half lengthways

Coriander bunch

2limes, sliced

2tbsp soysauce

2spring onions

1tsp sesame seeds

1tsp black sesame seeds

Pinch of Maldon Salt

Method

This whole baked seabass recipe is full of aromatic flavours and is incredibly simple to create.

Preheat the oven to 180C. Place the whole seabass on abaking tray large enough for it to fitcomfortably

Lightly score the flesh with your knife –this helps the flavours cook into the fish.

Inside the cavity of the fish, place some ginger,lemongrass, half achilliand some coriander.Scatter the remainder over the fish and some underneath it

GREATBRITISH SPRING SALAD

Ingredients

500g Jersey Royal potatoes

150g frozen broad beans

150g frozen garden peas

250g asparagus

Wild garlic pesto

75g wild garlic leaves

Small handful basil leaves

150ml oliveoil

20g pine nuts

1tsp capers

10g Pecorino cheese, finely grated

Handful of pea shoots

Cracked black pepper

Pinch of Maldon Salt

Method

In afood processor or blender add the pesto ingredients and blitz into apaste.

This can be as chunky or smooth as you like. Place the Jerseys in alarge pan of water,bring to the boil and then reduce to asimmer for10minutes until tender when pierced with aknife.

While the potatoes arecooking bring a second pan of water to theboil and blanch the asparagus, peas andbroad beans for one minute until just tender.Remove the pan from the heat and drain.

When the potatoes are cooked, drain them and allow to steam for aminute. After this, toss them in two thirds of the wild garlic pesto. On alarge serving platter,spoon on the warm pesto potatoes.

Topwiththe blanched asparagus, broad beans and peas. Drizzle with the remaining pesto, somecracked black pepper and some Maldon salt. Garnish with the fresh pea shoots and serve.

Place

Place into the preheated oven for 2530 minutes until the fish is just tender and the skin is crisp.

Serve the fish with apinch of Maldon salt across the skin, and alongside some wok-fried greens and fluffy jasmine rice.

the sliced lime onto the fish and drizzle over the soy sauce. Scatter across the sesame seeds and spring onions.

Ingredients

8thick brioche slices

75g unsalted butter,melted, plus extrafor greasing

Pinch of Maldon Salt

100g fine-cut marmalade

300ml double cream

100ml whole milk

3eggs, large

75g golden caster sugar

1orange, zested

½ tsp ground cinnamon

40g dark chocolate chips

2tbsp demerarasugar

Extracream to serve

Method

Bread and butter pudding is anovel favourite when it comes to classic British desserts. The combination of chocolate and orange gives the pudding abalance of richness with fresh, zesty tones.

Grease the base and sides of adeep baking dish (roughly 25 x20cm).

Mix the melted butter with the marmalade. Use this to brush both sides of the brioche slices, and then cutthem in half diagonally.Arrange the slices in the baking dish and scatterover half of the chocolate chips. Use aPinch of Maldon Salt to sprinkle over thedish for taste.

In alarge bowl, whisk together the double cream, whole milk, eggs, caster sugar,orange zest and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the brioche slices and then leave the mixture for 30 minutes for the brioche to absorb thecustard.

COLOURED MERINGUE KISSES

Ingredients

175g Egg Whites

350g Caster Sugar

Food colouring pastes (weused pink, purple, blue, green, and yellow)

Edible Gold Leaf

Apinch of Maldon Salt

Preheat the oven to 180C.

Once the pudding has sat for 30 minutes, it is ready to bake. Sprinkle over the remaining chocolate chips and the demerara sugar then place into the

Method

This recipe teaches you how to pipe little meringue kisses and the importance of baking them slowly at low temperature. They store in an airtight container and they make the perfect little snack, or edible treat to decorate cakes.

Preheat the oven to 100C.

In the bowl of astandmixeradd the egg whites and whisk until they form medium peaks, then reduce the speed slightly and gradually add the caster sugar ateaspoon atatime. Youneed the sugar to dissolve fully before adding the next amount of sugar andsothis can take roughly 15-20 minutes.

Once all the sugarhas been added, check it is fully dissolved by rubbing a little of the meringue between your finger and thumb –ifitstill feelsgrainy then continue to whisk. It should be smooth and glossy

Once the meringue is made, line afew baking sheets with baking paper

preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and the custard has just set.

Allow it to sit for acouple of minutes before serving with some extra cream.

Agood tip is to stickthe baking paper down with alittle dot of meringue in each corner –this stops thepaper from flying up in the oven and ruining your meringues.

Foreach colour of kisses you need to place asmall nozzle in the end of apiping bag then, using afood-safe paintbrush, brush the inside of the bag with alittle food colouring of your choice. Spoon some of the meringue mixture into the bag and then pipe little kisses onto your lined baking sheets. Repeat this with as many colours as you like.

Once all your kisses are piped, place the trays into the middle of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Theyshould be light and lift easily off the paper when they are baked –ifthey arestill stuck then leave them in for alittle longer

Allow the meringues to cool slightly and then gently brush with edible gold and scatter across some Maldon salt before serving.

AROYAL SALUTETO BRITAIN’S FINEST

BY TIFFANY VERNON, DIGITAL

When considering British stereotypes, we are often described as being sophisticated, polite and self-disciplined. When we aren’t queuing or talking about the weather you can find us enjoying agood cup of tea, food or an alcoholic drink. We are suckers for tradition, have agreat sense of humour and all personally know the royal family…

Whilst in reality,wemay not regularly nip to Buckingham Palace for afternoon tea, Iamsuremany of us will be celebrating the forthcoming coronation.

Let’s face it, if an event involves food and drink with the opportunity to chat about whether or not it will rain as we set up for astreet party,weare there!

With this in mind, raising aglass to this historical event with products that match our personality seems only fitting.

We have all undoubtedly sampled an English sparkling wine by now and heard how it is similar to champagne– the chalky soils in southern England are often found to be acontinuation of those within northern France and are planted with the same trio of grapes: Chardonnay,Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Interestingly,the majority of the best vineyards across Britain planted their vines back in the80s –after realising great potential early on upon assessing local terroirs (the combination of factors such as soil and climate –yes we are back on the weather!), in classic British style, we have been patiently waiting for the vines to grow and our winemakers to perfect their craft before showing these wines to the world decades later

Aperfect example of such an enterprise is Nyetimber –this stunning Sussex estate dates back many years (it’s even mentioned in the Doomsday Book) and today produces what is regarded as the pinnacle of English sparkling wine.

As much as Ilove thewhole Nyetimber range, Ithink you can’t beat their flagship Nyetimber Classic Cuvee,£38, which is brimming with baked apple flavours encased in almond

pastry,complemented by atouch of spice and dashes of honey.This easily reflects the sophisticated character of atypically British wine.

Of course, we don’t just make sparkling wine, so look out for estates such as Sandridge Barton in the Dart Valley of Devon. Originally set up by Maurice and Ruth Ash in the 1960s, they took their prized Jersey cows with them on the train from Essex with a view to making French-style soft cheese. Twenty years later,they planted vines across 32 acres so people could enjoy athirst-quenching accompaniment to their famous cheese(we do love our food and wine after all). My go-to from this estateis always Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve,£14.50,asitbursts with zesty orchard fruit, lemon thyme and elderflower nuanced over grassy tones. Akin to aMarlborough Sauvignon Blanc, it is delicious with every sip.

Stepping away from the more traditional wines of our nation, Ancre Hill Estate in Monmouthshire has been producing interesting and experimental small-batch wines since 2014. Their focus is on being as natural as possible with the use of minimum sulphurand wild yeast whilst farming according to biodynamic practices. Iamalways impressed with their ability to be at the forefront of the winemaking scene, producing orange wines and pet nats ahead of the curve. Celebrate the coronation with

MARKETING AT TANNERS

Sharpham Dart Valley estate.

their Ancre Hill Chardonnay,£25, whichboasts great precision of lemony grapefruit flavours and subtle toasty notes –Iwould say this denotes our composed and restrained British spirit with a nod to being innovative.

Speaking of spirits, gins are another fabulous craft we can be proud of and enjoy sipping –certainly my drink of choice when wine doesn’t fitthe bill.

Tanners Hereford Finest DryGin,£15.50,isthe perfect example of tradition –after Tanners took over the Pullings distillery in Hereford during the 1970s (the building that now homes Tanners Hereford branch), an old gin recipe was discovered within the Pullings archives. In 1983, Tanners revived this recipe which has been followed ever since to create Tanners’ own-labelgin. Wonderfully crisp with well-defined botanicals and a citrus edge, this makes theperfect refreshing G&T

Back in Wales, there is also an abundance of delicious gins. The classic British food pairing of rhubarb and ginger is brought to life in Aber Falls Rhubarb &Ginger WelshGin,£26, namedafter the dramatic waterfall within Snowdonia and inspired by the homely flavours of arhubarb and

ginger crumble. This is subtly spicy and reveals distinctively tart rhubarb notes, lending itself to part of arhubarb sour –grab your lemon juice and egg white and get shaking!

Finally,a gin hailing from Scotland, The Botanist Islay DryGin,£37, is made at the Bruichladdich distillery on the isle of Islay in the Hebrides, where the land is extremely fertile and thus offers an array of botanicals to create aunique gin flavour.This is rich with sweet and earthy notes layered with the distinctive smoky character that is famed on this island. My take for this gin would

be to whip up asmoked dirty martini –itwill pack apunch and whilst it is perhaps not adaytime drink, my goodness it will be delicious whilst you watch fireworks on the eve of the coronation! The Botanist gin comes in adistinctive Latin-embossed bottle and if you look alittle closer at the words, you will see why Isuggestthis product reflects British humour perfectly...

So, whether you consider yourself to be astereotype of aBritishpersona, oryou believe British products reflect our nation well, the diversity of drinks available at our fingertips is undeniable and well worth exploring –even if it is simply for agood old-fashioned drink and aknees-up.

The majority of the best vineyards across Britain planted their vines back in the 80s

Tanners Herefordbranch.

UNDER THE COVER OF ROYALTY

From coronation chairs to personal items used by members of the Royal family,these objects are rare, remarkable, and always in demand.

The allure of Royalty and the fascination with their lives dates back centuries, and it’s no surprise that personal items once owned and used by kings and queens are highly sought after These pieces not only provide aglimpse into the daily lives of these historical figures but also offer aconnection to the past, making them incredibly valuable to collectors.

At Halls Fine Art, the role of traceable provenance is criticalwhenitcomes to such objects. This ensures thatthe market

hasconfidence in the authenticity of the items, and it adds to the fascinating story behind each piece.

Forexample,during the investiture ceremony for Charles as the Prince of Wales, aspecial chair was created for the invited guests. Designed by Anthony Armstrong-Jones and manufactured by Remploy in Wrexham, atotal of 4,600 chairs were made, and they were sold to the public for £12 each following the event. Halls has hadthe privilege of selling apair of these chairs,which fetched £700 at auction

Similarly,chairsand stoolsdesigned by Edward Barnsley were produced for the coronations of George VI and Elizabeth II. These pieces are made

of high-quality materials and were upholstered in elegant fabrics, adding to their historical significance. Halls has sold examples from both coronations, which typically sell for around £200.

Halls also encounters more personal objects with royal connections, such as a handsome umbrella that once belonged to Sir Alfred Rice-Oxley who attended Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Beatrice. According to family history,Sir Alfred was given the umbrella by Mrs Tuck, Queen Victoria’s head dresser, to use on arainy morning walk in the palace grounds. This umbrella, made by Gloria of London, was sold to aprivate collector in the south of England for £280 at auction.

Alexander Clement, asenior valuer at Halls, said: “While the market for royal commemorative items hasdecreased in interest among collectors, the demand for rarer and more unusual objectsconnected with the monarch remains high. Royal collectables are not only valuable investments but also an opportunity to own aunique piece of history with a fascinating story.”

Chairs designed by Anthony Armstrong-Jones for the investitureceremony of Charles as the Prince of Wales.

designed by arnsley.

Umbrella once owned by Sir Alfred Rice-Oxley.

SPARKLING SUCCESS

Aspectacular early 20thcentury diamond drop pendant brooch was the perfect introduction piece for Trevanion Auctioneers new jewellery and silver valuer Amelia Tomkinson this week.

The piece was the star of Trevanion’s March auction, selling for £8,000, plus buyer’s premium.

“This enchanting brooch featured acentral impressive pear cutdiamond which was estimated at 2.25 carats,” said Amelia following the successful sale.

“The pear cut dates to the mid 15th century,and was created by Lodewyk Van Bercken, inventor of the scaif diamond polishing wheel. It’s an unusual and much sought-after cut which requires a large diamond, and produces beautiful reflections of light.”

Amelia, aCheshire native and former Old Moretonian, joined Trevanion Auctioneers in February and brings with her awealthofexperience following her work in the jewellery industry and the successful completion of her Fellowship of the Gemmological Association.

Chinese silver and enamel box.

“Weare delighted to welcome Amelia to the team, and it’s fantastic to see the success of the jewellery and silver in her first sale,” says Managing Partner Christina Trevanion.

Other standout pieces in the auction included asmall Chinese silver and enamel box, which sold for £5,000 plus buyer’s premium.

“This was acharmingpiece dating from the 19thcentury,beautifully decorated with enamelled scenes of court figures –unsurprisingly it attracted interest from buyers around the world,” said AsianspecialistAshley Jones.

After a fierce bidding battle between online and telephone bidders, the box was secured by aBeijing-based bidder

Furniture also proved popular,with aGeorge III oakdresser base selling for £2,600 plus buyer’s premium.

“Good Georgian pieces in original condition are always sought after,and this piece was beautifully detailed, with chevron stringing and‘V’ moulded cabriole legs” said furniture specialist Ian Woodward. “We’ve also seen aresurgence in demand for pine furniture,” continued Ian. “A Victorian scumbled linen press and aScandinavian painted kitchen cupboard were among several pine pieces which sold above their estimates.”

ADutch street scene attributed to William Koekkoek (1839-1895), had art

buyers buzzing, selling for £1,800 plus buyer’s premium. “The new Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has prompted alot of interest in Dutch works. This was abeautifully realised street scene with arealsense of place,” said art valuer Simon Grover After an extended bidding battle, the picture will be making its way to anew home in the Netherlands.

n To book afree, no obligation valuation appointment call 01948800202 or email info@trevanion.com

Amelia Tomkinson FGA, with the diamond drop pendant brooch which sold for £8,000.

Dutch street scene attributed to William Koekkoek.

Next auction to be held on Wednesday 24th May

RECORD-BREAKING LACROSSETRIUMPH

Moreton Hall’s Senior Lacrosse team are celebrating after an extraordinary season which saw them crowned runnersup in the National School’s Lacrosse Championship, the firsttime in the tournament’s history aschool from the north has made it to the finals.

The highlight of the national lacrosse calendar,many larger schools from the south of the country traditionally dominate this Aldershot-based prestigious tournament, fielding teams with an army of substitutes on standby to step in during agruelling 48 hours of lacrosse during which the teams making it to the final will have played 13 matches. Moreton Hall’s First Lacrosse team, aDavid amongst the Goliaths, played for the duration with just three substitutes and with pupils as young

as Year 10 against teams dominated by sixth formers.

Watching Moreton Hall walk onto the field for their match against St Catherine’s School, Bramley,anapplauding spectator hailed them as ‘the Queens of the North’: an epithet the Moreton Hall team are delighted to adopt. Cheering from the sidelines at the tournament in Aldershot, parent Ruth Longfellow said: “The girls were amazing, they grew in confidence and as ateam throughout the two days, so by the time we reached the knockout stages on Sunday,they had it sorted. Calm and collected, they played their game, at their pace, in defence, midfield and attack and looked completely in control to reach the final.”

Parent Heather Pickering who had two daughters in the squad added: “Day two was an absoluterollercoaster of

emotions and energy levels, especially with two matches againstold ‘frenemies’ Bolton and Shrewsbury,where thankfully we were triumphant. The girls’ team spirit and fellowship was so lovely to watch for asquad spread across four school years. Words cannot convey how proud the parents are ofour Mighty Moreton 1st.”

First Lacrosse team captains Georgia Thomas and Laura Hayton-Lee, aware of their place in National Schools Lacrosse history,said: “Second in the country places Moreton higher than any northern school has ever reached. We’re incredibly proud of our team and of our phenomenal coach Miss Lewin; she is both our voice of reason and our loudest cheerleader

“Although every member of our team played spectacularly we feel it would be remiss not to mention Emily Fearne, a15-year-old goalie, who effortlessly blocked the shots of 18-year-old England players time and time again.”

Coach Lulu Lewin reflected: “Everything we’ve worked on all season came together and they played with commitment, composure and courage and the Moreton magic –this is agreat achievement… anditwas so close!”

Moreton Hall Principal Sarah Davis commented: “The starkcontrast of how small Moreton was in terms of team numbers was so evident as other teams ploughed on with (whole team) subs. Andyet the girls played with aconfidence and skill which was wonderful to see. It was such an historic weekend for so many reasons. Iwas incredibly proud of everyone involved.”

INCLUSION,LANGUAGE ANDFOOTBALL

Atarecent Head’s conference one of the speakers introduced me to anew concept –the art of tarrying.

According to the dictionary,totarry is to stay somewhere for longer than expected, or delay leaving. The context for the audience was the importance of taking time in leadership to reflect,or delay making an action, especially given that most of our lives as Heads arespent making multiple, quick decisions.

Without realising it at thetime, Prestfelde has experienced its own tarrying of late and it has proved to be of great benefit. Like many schools, equality and inclusion hasbeen afocus for us. Since arriving at the school last September,the issue of gender equality in sport has been raised by parents, pupils and staff,with football top of the list

The power of women’s football was evident in July last year,when England’s Lionesses were crowned the European Champions and the course of the sport and the future of every girl in the country was changed for ever.The reaction to the success and the way it hasgalvanised asocietal approach has given us an unprecedented chance to change the future for girls in education and beyond. The post tournament mission statement, driven from an open letter written by the Lionesses, was to ensure equal access in school to all sports, including football, and to enforce aminimum of two hours of sport and PE for all. In the independent sector,wedo not struggle with thelatter, however we recognise there is still some way to go to achieve the former.The mission: acompletely equal sporting offer for boys and girls.

In recognising this we set about trying to achieve it,and very quickly fell into what we now realise was ‘lazy language’ through aplan to launch ‘Girls Football’.

At that point an intervention from amemberof our sports staff caused us to ‘tarry’. Mrs Darel Tidman-Poole, is a UEFABLicence Coach and FA Coach Educator,who forced us to pause and think about the language being used.

This is why at Prestfelde we are looking to do it differently.InMarchwe launched Football for theGirls. How words are perceived can change the course or direction, depending on who is reading them. Girls’ Football suggests the sport is different, with different actions and

adaptations, that somehow make it more applicable for girls.

Following the launchevent, where we were joined by female role models who play for clubs in the local area, we have now added football to the games programme for all pupils,calendared for September 2023.

Having led the campaign to allow the girls to play and learn football, Head Girl Carys Tamilarasan said: “It is great that we are now able to play football as the boys have always been allowed to. It is asport that has probably the biggest opportunities available, especially after the Lionesses won the Euros. It tends to attract those girls who find netball and lacrosse tricky, so it gives other people achancetobe part of the matches. I’m pleased that girls at Prestfelde will have the opportunity to play and I’m happy that in my role as Head Girl, Ihave achieved this change.”

We seethis as apositiveforward step towards parity in the offer for girls and boys. By enhancing links to local grassroots clubs and performance pathways, we hope to nurture the talent of the future, and provide alasting impact on the sporting horizon for our girls

From aHead’s point of view,taking the time to reflect on the language used has been invaluable, andIhavenodoubt this subtle change of words will have as big an impact as the decision itself

n Prestfelde School is one of the UK’s leading prep schools for 3-13 years old. Forfurther information,or to book a tour,pleasevisit www.prestfelde.co.uk

Prestfelde girls at the football launch event.

Carys Tamilarasan, centre, with teachers and inspirational female footballers.

PRESTFELDE HEAD MR NICKROBINSON TALKS ABOUT WHY THE DECISION TO OPEN UP FOOTBALL TO ALL WASVITAL

“Throughout the school, pupils’ behaviour is of the highest order. Anatural respect and politeness is evident in all ages.”

“Excellent in all areas ”

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTION REPORT 2023

Come and see what makes Prestfelde one of the UK’s leading prep-schools for 3-13 year old boys and girls www.prestfelde.co.uk

“Pupils make outstanding progress in the development of their knowledge, skills and understanding.” To view Prestfelde’s ISI Report 2023 Executive Summary,please scan.

Girls get off to aflying start in our small and nurturing Junior School. Find out how we educate girls for aworld without limits.

Whole School Open Day 18th May

All through, all girl ages 4-18 Girls first. Always. Arrange your visit at shrewsburyhigh.gdst.net

AWORLD OF OPPORTUNITY BEYOND THE TOWN WALLS

Shrewsbury High School junior girls marked British Science Week 2023 by coming together at The Royal Institution in London with fellow GDST pupils from across the country for aday of scientific experiments, interactive activities, live demonstrations and controlled explosions.

The day began with asession in which girls were tasked with extracting their

own DNA. This was followed by another practical session which involved building acrash-proof cardboard car that could protect achocolate egg.

The girls then heard from two PhD students who discussed their scientific research and what inspired them to become scientists. They took ajourney around the Ri andexplored the paintings and artefacts and even played the periodic table game.

The final part of the event was the showstopper of the day.The girls and their teachers came together at the Ri Theatre to observe –and participate in –acontrolled mess of bangs, crashes, splashes, flames, laughter and explosions!

The Junior Science Conference is just one of the GDST wide events that SHS pupils enjoy throughout the year as part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading network of girls’ schools across theUK.

As afamily of 25 schools and academies, the GDST runs anumber of cross-Trust events and competitions throughout the year.Coming up in the summer term, Year 5pupils will head to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatrefor the Junior EnglishConference; for sixth formers there is the Leadership and Enterprise Diploma in partnership with the London School of Economics or the Space Technology Diploma.

There are travel scholarships, poetry, psychology and classics prizes, theGDST MathsConference at OxfordUniversity, the GDST Techathon, GDST Languages Day,GDST Sing and the GDST Day of Dance and junior and senior sports rallies thattake place throughout the year –all invaluable ways for pupils at Shrewsbury High to be inspired and build lasting friendships with girls from sister GDST schools in places such as Oxford, Norwich, Wimbledon, Cardiff and Newcastle.

Head of Shrewsbury High School

Juniors Kate Millichamp recognises the value to her pupils in being partofthis nationwide family of schools, saying: “Aspart of the GDST family,our girls from Reception to Year 13, have awealth ofopportunities attheir fingertips that individual schools would be unable to offer,via collaboration between schools and across our alumnae network of over 70,000 brilliant women. We are the only GDST school in the local area and as such we are able to bring all theadvantages of this powerful network to our girls.”

To find out more about the opportunities at ShrewsburyHigh School, arrange avisit at www.shrewsburyhigh. gdst.net or call01743 494038. The next whole-school open day takes place on Thursday,May 18.

SOCIAL SCENE

LEGAL SERVICE

Shrewsbury

Scores of dignitaries gathered at Shrewsbury Abbey for one of the last formal duties of outgoing High Sheriff Selina Graham.

The traditional service is achancefor the outgoing incumbent to reflect on their year,and givethanks to those who they met along the way.

The service was attended by many of the county’smayors and officials, as well as LordLieutenant Anna Turner

By taking up the role in April last year,Mrs Graham followedinthe footsteps of her mother,Catherine Lady Forester,who wasthe first female High Sheriff of Shropshirein1997.

When she first took on the royal appointment last year,Mrs Graham vowedtoseek out and celebrate those who make adifference to their communities.

Apassionate volunteer herself, she has spent much of the last year visiting community groups across the county to thank them for their dedication.

Photos: SteveLeath

High Sheriff Selina Graham.

John Campion (Crime Comissioner).

The Legal Service at Shrewsbury Abbey started with aprocession.

Mr Justice Pepperall (Presiding Judge).

Vicar Pat Aldred.

LordLieutenant of ShropshireAnnaTurner

Mr Justice Pepperall, Sir Andrew McFarlane President of the Family Division.

HOSPITAL FRIENDS’TALK

Shrewsbury

Supporters of The League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital enjoyedanentertaining and inspirational talk.

Lt Commander Victoria Graham spokeabout her time in the Queen Alexandra’sRoyal Naval Nursing Service. This included serving as anurse at the British Army base at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

The event took place at StanfordFarm in Shrewsbury and included ahog roast, bar and raffle. All of the money raised will help fund equipment at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

In 2022, the League of Friends gifted atotal of £299,539, which was used to purchase items to improve patient care.

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

Jane Preece, Lt Commander VictoriaGraham.

Shrewsbury League of Friends evening at StanfordFarm.

Alex Baxter,David Bone.

Gill Swain, Lynn Houghton, Jean Parkes.

Alison Holroyd, Jane Preece, Alex Whittall.

June Dickin, BarbaraManud.

Jo Spencer-Jones, Patricia Wells, Lynn Howarth, Maria McCall, Sue Roberts.

Pippa Walker,Louise Kiely, SaraSartain, Cathy Young.

FSB AWARDS Cosford

Small businesses from across the region celebrated a host of successes at the West Midlands FSB Awards. The event, held at RAF Cosfordand hosted by Dave Sharpe, celebrated the creativity and endeavour of small firms across the region.

Therewas success for Bridgnorth business Good2Great, which won the Service Excellence Award. The company is marking adecade of supporting start-ups with Johnny and Sally Themans helping 1,000 new businesses.

Madeley’sFirst Aid Plus, from Much Wenlock,was named Start-Up Business of the Year.The company delivers Ofqual regulated level two and three physical first aid and mental health first aid courses to companies, the agricultural sector,adults with learning disabilities, schools, clubs and children who haveneurodiversity, plus home-schooled children, SMEs and large companies.

Telford’sBethany Tomlinson of LYFBAR was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year.Her awardwas collected by Hollie Whittles, Director of two digital companies –FraggleWorks and Purple Frog Systems.

TheLittle Green Pantry in Wellington was nominated for two accolades– the Sustainability Awardand Start-up Business of the Year

Photos: Jamie Ricketts

Katie Lee, Kelli King, Kelly White.

Peter Atkins, Ellie Atkins.

Madeley’sFirst Aid Plus.

Rus Stone, Anne Buttler.

Jack Price, RuthStringer, ClaireParker.

Rachel Everett, Michelle Poxon.

Peter Armitage MBE, ClaireTaggart, Megan Smith.

Lee Forrest. Lucy Forrest.

The awardwinners.

The event was held at RAF Cosford.

‘FITNESS SAVED MY LIFE’

Rosemary Conley has ahugeamount to thank fitness for.Not onlyhas it brought herfame, fortune and happiness, she credits it with helping save her life, too.

“When Iwas two, Ideveloped asthma. Iwas really very poorly as achild,and my parents were told Iwas unlikely to live beyond 10 years old,” says Conley –who shot to fame with her Hip And Thigh Diet in 1988, later launching anationwide chain of franchised Rosemary Conley Diet &Fitness Clubs.

“Thankfully,and obviously,I’ve lived alot longer than that!”

Now 76, she has made very good use of the ‘extra’ time she’s had. As well as her clubs, which went into administration in 2014, she’s written aplethora of books, made regular TV and video appearances –and even now still teaches exercise classes and keeps herself extremely fit.

Conley,who lives with her second husband Mike Rimmington in Leicestershire, continuestosee alung specialist regularly –and says he told her if she hadn’t become a fitness trainer,her life storywould be very different.

“I’ve been teaching fitness for 50 years, and it’s been good fortune that Iturned into acareer of fitness, which has developed my lungs,” she reflects. “My specialist cannot believe that Ido what Idowith the lungs Ihave.”

She now has monthly injectionsofa newbiologic asthma drug, which has“dramatically extended” her breathing capacity, as well as taking four inhalers every day,plus abronchodilator

“Right through my life, with inhalers, tablets, etc, I’ve managed my asthma,” she says. “I’ve never been hospitalised with it, but it has very muchbeen there. I’ve had to have steroids occasionally.I’ve had pneumonia, I’ve had chest infections, and

ORIGINAL

DIET AND EXERCISE GURU

ROSEMARY CONLEY

TALKS TO LISA SALMON ABOUT LEADINGFITNESS CLASSES AT 76,AND WHY ASTHMA AND ARTHRITIS HAVEN’T HELD HER BACK

my body will react badly if Iget areally bad cold.”

She also has the chronic lungcondition bronchiectasis, which damages the airways and can cause excessive mucus.

“It all sounds incredibly gloomy,but Ihave to tell you, I’ve led an incredibly full life,” she says. “I still teach classes, Igofor personal training twice aweek, and Idoaballet class on aFriday Normally,Iwalk for 30 minutes every morning as well.

“I work well in the gym, Ireally do,” Conley adds. “I invest myself in my fitness because Iwant to live –Iwanttolive as long as Ican possibly drag every year out of my life!”

The remarkable pensioner proudly states that she has blood pressure of 120/60: “At76yearsold, that’s not bad!”

But although she’s very slimand fitnow,she hashad her own weight problems in the past, she points out.

“I struggled to maintain my weight for quite awhile,and it was when Idiscovered low-fat eating in 1986 thatmywhole life changed as far as food was concerned, because Ifound Icould eat quite well and lose weight.”

Afew years later,her HipAnd Thigh Diet was published. “It was ahuge international bestseller,itmade me famous,” she says. “Itwas very appropriate then, it’s not particularly appropriate now.Istill bang the drum for low-fat, even though it’s completely unfashionable. Istill eat alow-fat diet myself, absolutely.”

She says she “absolutely never”eats takeaways, declaring: “I think they’reunhealthy. Ireally am a firm believer that we should try and cook our own food so we know what’s in it, and if we did, we’d feel so much better.”

Despite her age, she has no plans to hang up hertrainers, and

is still full of infectious enthusiasm about theclasses she teaches and their loyal members –some of whom are even older than she is.

“I do two classes every Monday night, I’ve been doing them for 50 years, and Ihavemany members who’ve been coming for over 40 years and they’re still coming every week, bless them. Ilove them! They’re fitness classes, andwedosome aerobics and some strength work, andIhave three people who are over 80, and about 10 people in their mid-70s. We’ve all grown old together.”

Attending her weekly gym and ballet sessions help keep her core muscles strong,she notes–and shedoes all this despite the fact she has arthritis in herfeet and hands.

“I’ve got akneeinjury at the moment, and arthritic feet, but Ican normally manage my arthritic feet with paracetamol, and exercise –it’ssoimportant you move when you’ve got arthritis,” Conley stresses.

“It’s in my hands too, but they’re not painful, whereas my feet are painful.”

She’s determined to share her keep-fitmessage with other older people –in2021, she even launched anew website (rosemaryconley.com), designed to help the over-60s livelonger, healthier,happier lives.

“It’s about lifestyle,” says Conley “You’ve got to find a way to make one or two decisions, like stop snacking, for example ”

Of course, she believes exercise is crucial whatever your age, and for people just starting a fitness journey, she suggests it’s always a good idea to simply go for a walk

“It’s free, it’s healthy, it’s good for your legs, it’s good for your heart and lungs And if you ’ re feeling fitter, then find a walk with a bit of a hill in it, and that’s even better

“It’s never, ever too late to change your lifestyle If people in their 80s start exercising, the benefit will be enormous, ” Conley enthuses “With the right attitude and a love for life, it’s amazing what can be achieved ”

n Rosemary Conley is an ambassador for Asthma + Lung UK For more information on lung conditions, call their helpline on 0300 222 5800 or visit asthmaandlung org uk

‘I invest myself in my fitness because Iwant to liveaslong as Ican’

RAISINGTHE BAR

DITCH THE PLASTIC BOTTLES AND WASH YOUR HAIR THE ECO-FRIENDLYWAY,SAYS KATIE WRIGHT

One of the biggest hair trends of 2023 isn’t a celebrity-inspired cut or TikTok-famous colour – beauty buffs eager to make more sustainable choices are lathering up with solid shampoo bars instead

Starting out as a niche product for eco enthusiasts, shampoo bars have gone well and truly mainstream in recent years, with beauty behemoths like Aussie and Garnier, as well as salon brands such as Percy & Reed, launching their own Cosmetics company Lush reports customers have bought 76% more shampoo bars than bottles of liquid shampoo so far this year

According to Lush, shampoo bars were invented in 1987 by the brand’s co-founder Mo Constantine and cosmetic chemist Stan Krysztal for Cosmetics to Go (the former mail order company owned by the founders of Lush)

They’ve come a long way since then, which explains why even skeptics are now being converted to plastic-free haircare.

Here are six reasons you should think about trying a solid shampoo

1. Less plastic packaging

New research published in journal Plos

One reveals the staggering level of plastic pollution, with 170 trillion particles floating in the world’s oceans

“The worldwide plastic waste issue is obvious,” says Rebecca Mapes (right), CEO of Winden, a hair accessories brand that recently branched out with the launch of its Signature Solid Shampoo What’s really alarming to me is the cosmetics industry contributes so heavily to that waste, and only 9% of all plastic is recycled ”

Recognising the climate crisis can be

paralysing for shoppers, she says: “Solid shampoo is one way we as consumers can easily change our habits, without sacrificing the quality of our haircare products ”

Megan Curtin (left), senior manager of education at hair brand Briogeo, agrees: “Many shampoo bars provide the equivalent number of hair washes as two shampoo bottles, which is a major reduction in plastic waste ”

to sacrifice aesthetics, thankfully that just isn’t true anymore, ” says Rebecca

Shampoo bars – and their aesthetically pleasing cases – take up less space and mean you don’t end up with a graveyard of almost-empty bottles clogging up your bathroom Investing in a case for your shampoo bar will help prevent it from melting away in your shower

5. Convenient for travel

“Shampoo bars are the ultimate on-the-go product, especially with the right travel case, ” says Megan

2.

Reduces water use and carbon emissions

“Good solid shampoo is simply liquid shampoo without the water,” Rebecca explains “Most consumers already have access to water in their homes, and shipping water around the globe just isn’t necessary anymore ”

Plus, the heavier the products, the more carbon emissions result from transporting them

3. Solid shampoo is just as good as liquid

While they may look like a bar of soap, solid shampoos have more in common with their liquid counterparts

“The quality is generally the same as traditional shampoos, meaning they won’t strip your hair,” Megan says

“Most shampoo bars are formulated without harsh surfactants and are infused with hydrating ingredients to provide the kind of slip we ’ re used to with liquid shampoos ”

With a huge range available in stores and online, there’s a solid shampoo whatever your hair type or concern

4. Cut down on clutter

“There was a time when choosing sustainable options meant you would have

“They’re compact and fit easily into the smallest toiletry bags – most are sized to fit nicely in the palm of your hand ”

Some brands even make smaller versions especially for packing in your luggage or cabin bag

“The best part?” Megan adds, “Since they’re solid bars, they are always airportfriendly – no worry about liquids here!”

6. Long-lasting and affordable

How many times have you accidentally squeezed way too much shampoo into your palm, only to watch it drip to the shower floor and run down the plughole?

There’s no such problem with shampoo bars that can be lathered directly onto wet hair, plus you won’t need to use as much product each time – and most are priced under £10

“Our solid shampoo bars are much more concentrated than liquid shampoo, meaning they can last up to 80 washes,” says Rae Stanton-Smithson (left), Earthcare communications lead at Lush

“Not only does this eliminate plastic bottle waste, but potentially saves our customers having to purchase up to three 200ml liquid bottles of shampoo ”

Plastic-free shampoos for every hair type

All Lathered Up shampoo bar £12, Percy and Reed

Be Gentle, Be Kind 3-in-1 cleansing bar for hair, face + body, £26, Brigeo

ut & vanilla poo, £850, Cocon sham Wild

Eco Warrior sensitive sca shampoo bar, £550, Sain

Grüum Hår zero plastic anti-dandruff shampoo bar, £8, LookFantastic

WeDo/ Professional shampoo bar and holder bundle, £2490, LookFantastic

lp sburys

Seanik shampoo bar, £9, Lush

Petite signature solid shampoo, £650, Winden

Garnier ultimate blends honey treasures strengthening shampoo bar for damaged hair, £8 Boots

THINK

FROM PASTEL TO FUCHSIA, IT’S TIME TO FIND YOUR PERFECT PINK, SAYS KATIE WRIGHT

Bursting onto the catwalks last year with Valentino’s autumn/ winter fuchsia fantasy, the pink trend went into overdrive when the first photos emerged from the set of Greta Gerwig’s live-action Barbie movie.

Sparking acraze that swept across social media (not to mention red carpets all over the world), fashion lovers went wild for the rosy hue.

Now,rose-tinted spring collections are landing on the high street –and with the Barbie film set for release in July,you can bet we’ll see another wave of pink mania this summer

PINK

fluted sleeve

knitted bodycon midi dress, £175; Emie jewel detail cross body bag, £110, River Island

Coralsatin pleatedmini wrapdress,

River Island pink poplin

embellished oversized shirt £49; pink low rise parachute trousers, £45

Kaleidoscope

bright pink smart

linen blazer £75; bright pink smart

linen trousers, £45, Freemans

Ted Baker Lounia lilac

Pink cross body satchel bag, £15, Sainsbury’s.

Monsoon twist knot platform heeled sandals, £65.

Nadine Merabi Faye hot pink mini skirt, £150.

Mirla Beane pink trench coat, £175

£30,New Look.

H

Setbeside Hawk Lake in thegroundof HawkstonePark,HawkLakeCaravan Park is greatfor apeacefulgetawaybythe lake. Close tothehistoric townof Shrewsbury,and in theheartofShropshire, we areideallylocatedforexploringShropshireand MidWales. We have5 touring pitcheseach with ahookupand on hard standing, as well as 45staticcaravanpitches,with14bythe lakeitself. Ifyou enjoy fishing,thenthe Carp,Roach, Perch, Bream, Tench, T: 01630 685209 |M:07860 843341

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With its warm,welcoming atmosphereand timeless style, and classic opendeck spacesproviding aplace to fully immerse yourself in themagic of oceancruising, Borealisisvery muchin keepingwith whatguests have cometoexpectfroma Fred.Olsen ship.

WHY NOW’STHE TIME TO EXPLORE LOSANGELES

KATIE

WRIGHT HEADS STATESIDE TO FIND OUTHOW TINSELTOWN IS CELEBRATING AVERY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY

The barrier keeping eager fans out of arguably the most exclusive spot in Los Angeles isn’t ared velvet rope.

It’s an unassuming metal gate on the side of adirt road, which swings open with ascreech to revealasteep slopeleading down to the world-famous Hollywood sign.

Clinging to aneonorange safety rope installed for my visit, Ishuffledown the gravelly path,landing afew metres behind the giant ‘H’ (justover 15m tall) and edge round to thefront of the iconic landmark.

Bathed in morning sunshine and silhouetted againstacloudlessCalifornia sky,the brightwhite letters –recently treated to their once-a-decade repainting

–are beaming down on LA like arow of (slightly crooked) teeth.

“This started as an advertisement to sell homes,” says Ferris Wehbe, trustee of the Hollywood Sign Trust (hollywoodsign.org), which has organised this special visit (members of the public shouldn’t attempt thesame –LAPD officers are stationed 24/7 abovethe sign to prevent trespassing).

Erected by areal estate company sometime in 1923 (the exact date has been lost in the sands of time), theoriginal wooden sign said ‘Hollywoodland’ and was illuminated with bulbs like adressing room mirror

“It used to be lit up, and there was a guy living here, changing thelightbulbs

on an ongoing basis,” Wehbe continues.

While the real estate firm went out of business within adecade, Hollywood was fast becoming ameccafor moviemakers, so the ‘land’ was lopped off and astar was born.

Rebuilt in metal in the 1970s, those nine pearly white letters remain Tinseltown’s most recognisable symbol.

Now Los Angeles is enjoying ayearlong, citywide celebration to mark the sign’s centenary, so there’s no better time to soak up the LA sun and discover the behind-the-scenes historyofHollywood.

Here’s how culture vultures can make the most of the world’s entertainment epicentre…

Major museums

Opened at the end of 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (academymuseum.org) is amovie buff ’s heaven, with four floors packed with costumes, props and other memorabilia tracing thehistory of the film industry

In addition to the permanent collections, current exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971 (until July) puts the spotlight on pioneering African-American entertainers and filmmakers, while in September,a new exhibit will celebrate director John Waters.

Entry is $25/£21 for adults,free for under-18s, andfor an extra $15/£12.50, the Oscars Experience lets you find what it’s like to accept acoveted golden gong, smiling (or fake sobbing) as you lift the 8lb statuette. Your award-winning moment is captionedoncamera then emailed over to share on social media.

Take awalk down memory lane at the Grammy Museum (grammymuseum. org), which pays tribute to hitmakers and award winners throughout thedecades.

Celebrating songwriters, rock’n’roll heroes and today’s pop greats, nostalgic exhibits will give music lovers all the feels. Adults $18/£15; children aged five to 17, $12/£10; under-fives, free.

Behind the scenes tours

Also marking acentenary this year,the Warner BrosStudio Tour (wbstudiotour com) is home to Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, as well as the Friends fountain and couch, and is still aworking studio.

Opt for the last tour of theday on weekends and you might get to walk through ‘live’ sets (to use the industry lingo) when they’re not in use. Adults $69/£58; children aged five to 10, $59/£49.

More of athemepark than a studio,Universal Studios Hollywood (universalstudioshollywood.com) has sections dedicated to Jurassic Park, the Simpsons and HarryPotter (among others), plus a60-minute studio tour which ferries you round sets –old and new –ontrams, and includes three virtual rides.

New this year,Super Nintendo World is like stepping through your screen into Mario and Luigi’s technicoloured landscape.

Venture into Bowser’s Castle and you can ride areal-life version of Mario Kart, donning aVRheadset so you canthrow virtual shells to try and hit 100 points and defeat Team Bowser

Queues for thebiggest rides and rollercoasters can stretchtowell over an hour,so it’s arguably worth splurging on the Universal Express ticket, from $199/£167. Adults from $109/£91; children aged three to nine, from $103/£86; under-threes, free.

Hollywood history

Proving that, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need acar to get around LA, the three-hour electric bike tour from Bikes and Hikes LA (bikesandhikesla. com; $98/£82 per person) takes in La La landmarks like the Hollywood Forever cemetery,where the great and the good have been laid to rest, and theatre-lined Hollywood Boulevard, as well as the more upscale residential areas.

Stopping off at theOriginal Farmers Market (farmersmarketla.com), be sure to sample local favourites, such as amac and cheese-filled Nonna’s Empanada or a glazed Bob’s doughnut.

Fora more sedate option, stroll with LA Walking Tours (lawalkingtours.com; $28/£23 for adults; $16/£13for children) on the Downtown Architecture trail for a close-up look at the city’smost stunning 1920s buildings, like themuralled rotunda of the Public Library and theornate wrought iron staircases of the Bradbury Building, as seen in sci-fi classic Blade Runner.

The route winds up at bustling Grand Central Market (grandcentralmarket. com), where you’ll find authentic Mexican pork tacos at Ana Maria, breakfast baps at Eggslut, crispy fried

chicken at Lucky Bird and awhole menu of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at PBJ.LA.

Where to stay

Quickly establishing itself as ahipster hotspot, Tommie Hollywood (hyatt.com) welcomes visitors with alaidback,artfilled lobby and is perfectly positioned for exploring LA’s main attractions.

Flash your hotel keycard to skip the line (and there usually is one) waiting to head up to Desert 5Spot, thebuzzy, western-themed rooftop bar that locals love.

Conrad Los Angeles (hilton.com) sits amongthe skyscrapers of Downtown LA, providing five-star service to stars suchas Olivia Rodrigo, who was spotted at the hotel on Grammys weekend.

Spacious rooms offer sleek décor in acalming colour palette, exceptional amenities and –if you’re lucky –a view of the Hollywood sign.

FACTFILE

ACCOMMODATION:

Roomsatthe Conrad LosAngeles start from $500/£413 pernight.Rooms at Tommie Hollywoodstartfrom$199/£164 pernight

FLIGHTS: Direct economyreturnflightsfrom Heathrow to LAXwithBritishAirways startat£392.

To findout moreabout LA,goto discoverlosangeles.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOPLEFT: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures; The Hollywood Walk of Fame; foyerofthe Tommie Hollywood; king guest room at theConrad LosAngeles; rooftop bar at Grandmaster Recorders; Grand Central Market; Friends couch and Central Perk set at WarnerBrothers Studios; electric tram at Universal Studios Hollywood.

AREPUTATION TO UPHOLD

PRESS ASSOCIATION MOTORING EDITOR JACK EVANS TEST DRIVES THE TOYOTA GR86

The original GT86 was asmashand-grab success for Toyota. Here was alightweight model with the verve and agility of a classic sportscar,but one backed by alow price and low running costs, too.How do you go about replacing acar as successful as the GT86? Well, if you’re Toyota, you take the same basic recipeand elevate it. That brings us to theGR86.Itfollows

the same ethos as the original but throws in alittle more power and alittle more grip. Does it spoil the package? We’ve been finding out.

The new GR86 –which nowfalls under Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm of performance vehicles –walks the same lightweight line as the car it replaces, but we’ve got aslightly punchier engine designed to solve the original’s issue of

feeling slightly underpowered.

Youmay have seen that the original GT86 famously rode on eco-focused tyres –similar to those fitted to the Prius hybrid –which gave it its slightly slippery driving style. However,they’ve been chopped out for stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4rubber in abid to make the GR86 even better in the bends than the car it replaces.

Things under the bonnet have taken quite the lift. The original2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine of the GT86 has had its capacity increased to 2.4 litres, increasing power from 197to 231bhp in the process. Torque is up from 205 to 250Nm, too, but asmooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox remains. You can get the GR86 with an auto should you wish, however

With azeroto60mph time of 6.1 seconds, it’s by no means the fastest car around, but this is acar more about involvement than outright driving figures. Toyota claims that the GR86 should manage around 32mpg, but expect this to dip significantly if you choose to drive the car in amorespirited manner

If the GT86 was the stunning opener, then you could argue that the GR86 is

the difficult second album. It’s fair to say that the newbie doesn’t feel quite as light in the bends as its predecessor,but that boost in power means that you don’t feel quite as hamstrung in the straights. The steering still has loads of agility to it, mind you, and the front-end grip thatyou get in the GR86 feels much better than the car it replaces.

Youstill have to be on your toes, mind you. Even though thosenew tyres might be stickier,the GR86 still feels noticeably rear-driven so cold mornings or damp junctions take alittle extra care than they would in a‘normal’ car

Toyota has tweaked the look of the GR86, giving it aslightly more rounded, bulbous shape than the GT86. It’s still a fine-looking thing –inour eyes, at least –and does appear to have been influenced somewhat by the latest Supra. It’s not quite as sharp as before, but we feel that many people might find this more grownup aesthetic more appealing.

Around the back, it’s still very recognisable, with the full-width trim section now adding alittle extra interest to the design. Chromed exhaust pipes finish off the entire look nicely,too.

It’s snug and definitely sporty inside the cabin of the GR86. There aretwo rear seats, but these really can only be seen as ‘occasional’ chairs and wouldn’t provide nearly enough space for an adult to sit comfortably.Whatmatters here is driving, however,and thankfully the seating position for whoever is behind the wheel is excellent –though the front of the seat did feel slightly too high for us.

The material quality is basic in places and better in others, but lashings of Alcantara do help to make everything feel atouch more upmarket and worthyofa car with a£29,995 price tag. The 226-litre boot is surprisingly good in termsofboth shape and capacity while lowering the rear seats expands this further.It’s more boot space than you’ll get from aMazda MX-5, too.

Toyota has really bulked up the equipment available on the GR86. The main screen –which measures eight inches –isn’t too overladen with menus or readouts and it uses both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so, for the most part, you tend to justuse those smartphone mirroring systems rather than the native setup.

The digital display ahead of the driver is also nicely clear and easy to read. You get basic information but it’s actually quite refreshing not to be overwhelmed by features. Standard-fitheated seats were particularly welcome during our chilly test period, too. Chunky dials for the heating and ventilation arereally easy to operate, too.

The GR86 feels like aGT86 that has been tweaked in all theright places. It doesn’t feel quite as light to drive as its predecessor,but we feel that the added power and grip that this new version

brings is awelcome trade-off

Afar more upmarket cabin than beforeisapleasant find, too, while the upgraded technology makes interacting with the infotainment far easier than it was in the earlier car too. Its only sticking point is availability –the GR86 sold out in minutes. But if you’re able to pick up a second-hand version, you’ll be treated to a very exciting experience.

FACTFILE ToyotaGR86

Priceastested:£29,995

Engine:24-litre‘Boxer’petrol

Power:231bhp

Torque:250Nm

0-60mph:61seconds

Topspeed:140mph

Economy:321-325mpg

Emissions:198-200g/km

THEMERRY OLDMONTH OF MAY

BY HEATHER LARGE

May Day celebrations including the ribbon dance around amaypoledate back centuries.

Like many traditions, there are different theories on how it began.

Some historians says it started in Roman Britain about 2,000 years ago.

Soldiers would mark the arrival of spring by dancing around decorated trees to thank the goddess Flora.

Others believe its roots are linked with pagan folklore and ancient Celts would select atree to be stripped of its

branches and decorated with flower garlands.

Today,maypole dances and country fairs are commonplace for the May Day Bank Holiday

Maypoles can often be found on village greens with ribbons pinned to the top for local children to dance around.

ThroughoutMay,many people will also be taking advantage of the sunnier days to get out in the great outdoors and enjoy of some of our county’s wonderful beauty spots.

Things were heating up at Blists HillVictorian Town overthe Bank Holiday weekendin May 2005 as they held aSteam Festival. Owners of steam engines from all round the country flocked to the site to showoff theirpride and joymachines. Pictured is Emma Hallett, of Wheaton Aston.

Maypole dancing in the school playground at Trefonen CofE School, 1968.

The Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton, in May 1961, when morethan 1,000 people crammed into the valley in morethan 30 coaches.

A decorated Claverlley viillage centrewas the scene for a Maypole dance by schoolchildren as part of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977

Bridgnorth Festival Queen ClaireFullwood (centre) with attendants Hayley Smith (left)and Helen Dodd preparing to lead the town’s carnival procession at thefestival in May 1988.

Entertainers descended upon TelfordTown Shopping CentreinMay 1998 to provide family fun overthe Whitsun holiday. Professor Punchinello was just one of the entertainers wooing the crowds with his bubble machine and Punch and Judy show.

The Clun Green Man Festival was taking place between May 2and 5in2003, after being expanded from its previous one-day format to encompass the whole bank holiday weekend. Pictured areDaisy Rawlings, CoCo Donaldson, Hannah Arbon and Alex Pickfordwith Green Man Graham Lambert and Frost Queen Ruth Mapes.

Albrighton Scouts carrying the May Queen 1911

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REMEMBER WHEN

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ALLOCCURRED IN AYEAR IN LIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESS WHICH ONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

WHO… won the men’s 100m event at the 2004 Olympics in Athens?

WHAT… island is located at 57° 35’ 47’’N, 13° 41’ 14’’W? WHERE… in Central America is the Gulf of Fonseca?

WHEN… did Sienna Miller and Jude Law get engaged?

WHO… wrote the novel The Case Of The Drowning Duck?

WHAT… nationality is the golfer Arron Oberholser?

WHERE… did the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupt in 1995?

WHEN… did the Surrealist artist HansBellmer die?

WHO… wrote the novels The End Of The Affair and Our Man In Havana?

WHAT… politician has owned the dogs Ruby,Teddy,Offa, Lucy,Sadie, Crosby and Barley?

WHERE… in Asia do 100 poysha equal 1taka?

WHEN… was the actress Geena Davis born?

WHO… was the Conservative MP for Henley from20012008?

WHAT… are the colours of thethree bandsonthe flag of Armenia?

WHERE… in Africa is Lake Kariba?

WHEN… is National Inventors’ Day in the US?

WHO… wrote the volumes of poetry IFound This Shirt and Perfect Catch?

WHAT… is the capital of Gauteng province, South Africa?

WHERE… did Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen graduate from with a Fine Art Honours degree in 1986?

WHEN… was FidelCastro born?

1 2 3 4 5 6

WHO… won the men’s marathon gold medal at the 1986 European Championships?

WHAT… is the nickname of thecharacterMackenzie Chalker in the television series Casualty?

WHERE… in South America is Lake Arapa?

WHEN… did Leo Sayer have aNo. 1single with When INeed You?

WORDWISE

1. STIGMA

A Mark of infamy B Base of a flower

C Arthritis of thejoint of four-legged mammal.

2. TEAPOY

A Smalltable or tripod.

B One who grades the quality of abeverage.

C Small duck of thegenus Nettion.

3. VARUS

A Scandinavian god of ice. B In-turned foot.

C Armenian order of clergy

A Diseased timber

4. WORMWOOD

B Plant yielding curare. C Abitter plant.

5. ANUROUS

A Egyptian god of the dead.

B Failure in secretion. C Having no tail.

6. BRAIRD

A First shoots of corn. B Stew in closed vessel. C Sea-bream or porgy

1. The Olympic Games took place in London for the second time

2. Gérard Depardieu was born

3. Ernest Bevin signed atreaty with Iraq’s Salih Jabr

4. Aviation pioneer Orville Wright died

1. Star Wars was released

2. Elvis Presleydied

3. The last Orient Express travelled from Paris to Istanbul

4. Red Rum galloped to athird Grand National victory

1. Cigarette advertising was banned on British TV

2. Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple opened on Broadway

3. Julie Andrews won Best Actress in the Oscars

4. Sir Winston Churchill died

1. Film producer Sir Alexander Korda died

2. Grace Kelly married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco

3. Sebastian Coe was born

4. The Olympic Games took place in Melbourne

1. The Soviet Union put the first man in space

2. George Formby died

3. Ballet star Rudolf Nureyev defected to the West

4. TheBerlin Wall was built

1. Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister for the second time

2. Actor David Niven died

3. Daley Thompson won gold in the decathlon at the first World Athletics Championships

4. Culture Club had aNo. 1single with Karma Chameleon

THE WORD MAYSOUND FAMILIAR, WHATDOES IT MEAN?

QUICK CLUES

3. Negligence (9)

8. Cornet (4)

9. Mocking (9)

10. New (6)

11. Postpone (5)

14. Fish (5)

15. Slave (4)

16. Kingdom (5)

18. Hypocrisy (4)

20. Mistreat (5)

21. Dense (5)

24. Leave (6)

25. Divider (9)

26. Nought (4)

27. In the act (3-6)

CRYPTIC

Across

1. Tenure(9)

2. Rebel (9)

4. Burden (4)

5. Misdeed (5)

6. Sounds (6)

7. Kill (4)

9. Cut (5)

11. Imbibed (5)

12. Controlled (9)

13. Love (9)

17. Manufacturer (5)

19. Flog (6)

22. Shackle (5)

23. Yield (4)

24. Nap (4)

CLUES

3. See 25 Across

8. It encircled the neck of athug, one hears (4)

9. Describing drawing paper that could be blank! (9)

10. Akind of yarn without feeling is heard (6)

11. What the bull does in charging or escaping (5)

14. See 26 Across

15. Pipe immersed in water,bythe sound of it (4)

16 It’s quite right to compel payment (5)

18. Small children are additions (4)

20. Give some joint heat treatment (5)

21. It’s designed to raise one in acrowd(5)

24. Big return by wager kept one in suspense (6)

25, 3Ac &23Dn. Does onesee spots before the eyes in nominally subscribing to the contract? (7,2,3,6,4)

26 &14Ac. They cause followers to see red (4-5)

27. The head of the court making certain action of reproof(9)

Down

1. Handcuffs allowed in pairs (9)

2. Second cutting arranged at the farm (9)

4. Make better piece of footwear, we hear (4)

5. Abit of credit tomorrow will be the same (5)

6. Followed adescription of evening clothes (6)

7. Move gradually to the border (4)

9. Peace results if this is put in front of the fire (5)

11. Work hard to produce new stock (5)

12. Asource of sweetness, but grease could emerge from it (5,4)

13. In accordance with the law,the teacher is in support (9)

17. Anumber of coaches to give instruction (5)

19. What the plumber does is audible (6)

22. Among the Chinese no recognised form of address (5)

23. See 25 Across

24. Proceed to be adunderhead (4)

1 2 3

Afashion designer,Iwas born in Manchester in 1971.Imade my London Fashion Week debutin 1997 with acollection entitled Electric Angels. In 2008 Iwon the Red Carpet Designer award and Imade aguest appearance on Project Runway in 2010.

Achild star,Iwas born in Surrey in 1978. Ibecame famous after an appearance on Wogan when, aged ten, Idemonstrated agreat knowledge of antiques. Iunderwent gender reassignment in 2001, and in 2004 my unconventional family and Iwere the subject of the television documentary Little Lady Fauntleroy

WHAT’SMY NAME?

An actor,Iwas born in London in 1962. My great-grandfather was British Ambassador to Italy during the First World War. During my acting career Ihave played aserialkiller, a filmmaker and an FBI agent. Twoof my most famous roles include Westleyin the 1987 fantasy film The Princess Bride and the title role in Mel Brooks’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

4 5

Asinger,Iwas born in Dover in 1987. Ideveloped my style of singing after listening to soul artists such as Aretha Franklin. My debut album was The Soul Sessionsin2003, Ifollowed it with Mind, Body and Soul in 2004 and in 2005. Iappeared on, and won, The Masked Singer UK in 2020.

A film director,Iwas born in Missouri in 1925. Ienlisted in the US Army Air Forces in 1943 and became aB-24 co-pilot. In the 1960s Iworked as adirector on Alfred Hitchcock’stelevisionshow. M.A.S.H., Prêt-à-Porter and Gosford Park are among the well-known films that Ihavedirected.

WORDSPIRALS IMPOSSIPUZZLES

STARTING FROM 1, FILL IN THE GRID IN ACLOCKWISE DIRECTION WITH FOUR-LETTER WORDS. THE LAST LETTER OF EACH WORD BECOMES THE FIRST LETTER OF THE NEXT WORD. IF YOUHAVECORRECTLYFILLED IN THE GRID THERE SHOULD BE ASEVEN-LETTER KEYWORD READING ACROSS FROM 8.

1. Counterfoil 2. Cook in hot water 3. Minus 4. Hourglass substance 5. Stupid 6. Tryout 7. Snare 8. Suffering

9. Fingertip cover 10. Act of lending 11. Bird’shome

12 Musical instrument 13. Breed of horse 14. Dove, say

15. Unemployment benefit 16. Makes mistakes

Key word clue: Surname

1. Be on fire 2. Deprived of feeling 3. Colour 4. Simple

5. Three feet 6. Dingy 7. Male pig 8. Rapid surprise attack

9. Panto character 10. Gaelic 11. Deserve 12. Close to

13. Ridge of coral 14. Cloth flown as an emblem

15. Increase in size 16. Female spouse

Key word clue: Football term

“You know the one about the twoladders and the walls on opposite sides of alane?” asked Joe. “Each ladder went from the foot of one wall to somewhere up the other wall.”

Don smiled. “Yes. We were told the lengths of the ladders, and the height of where they crossed. Why?”

“I just worked out asimilar puzzle, with kalotan measurements,” replied Joe. “One ladder 119 kells long. The top of the other ladder is 42 kells up thewall, and they cross at aheight of 30 kells. Youhave to get the lengthofthe other ladder.”

Youtry!

Betty looked out onto the busy street. “It’s too good an afternoon to be working,” she declared. “But what’s the time anyway?”

“Work it out yourself,” Greg told her.“It’s just three times as many minutes before five as it was minutes after two eight minutes ago.”

Youtry

“I’ll have it,” said Jack, grabbing the book. “I’m twice as old as you were when Iwas as old as you are.”

Jill wasn’t going to fight. “It’s kid stuff anyway,” she told him. “But I’m twice as old as you were when you were six years younger than Iamnow.”

1 2 3 4

How old was Jack?

“You’re only akid,” said Linda. “Don’t forget I’m two years older than you.”

Greg grinned. “So what?” he replied. “In seven years I’ll be three times what you were seven years ago.”

How old was he?

1. School furniture item 2. Male monarch 3. Swimming competition 4. Dull pain 5. Every one 6. German wine

7. Door handle 8. Shrub 9. Notlow 10 Groupofcattle

11. Daybreak 12. Undiluted 13. Elm, say 14. Finishes

15. Ride on waves 16. Commercial group

Key word clue: UK Overseas Territory

ANSWERS ON PAGE 128

4Strictly judge, stage with singer and evening of Anton will favourite s inspired hi Expect beh his time on laughing o Don’t get up clos at Theatre Tickets theatreseve 4Com bran Com Telford, nonsen songs humo the st switche in Che tickets a Tick Visit

yCome Dancing legend and Anton Du Beke, takes to the his show.With live band, guest dancers, expect afab-u-lous fsong, dance and laughter lbeperforming some of his ongs and dances that have is career throughout his life. hind-the-scenes stories from nStrictly that will have you out loud. miss this special opportunity to se to theKing of the Ballroom Severn, Shrewsbury scost £32-£49.50. Visit www. ern.co.uk

median TimVine is back with a dnew stand-up show me to Oakengates Theatre, ,and enjoy amountain of nse, daft one-liners, joyful ,wobbly props and ridiculous our (plus utter drivel). Witness tupidity.Then leave. He ed on the Christmas lights am two years on the run. All arenon-repundable. kets cost £27.

www.telfordtheatre.com

7To cele King C will be hos be achurch Shrewsbur then go to coronation barbecue f The ev

ebrate the Coronation of Charles III, Woore village sting abarbecue. There will hservice with theBishop of ry as guest of honour who will the village hall to judge the nartwork and bench designs. A for the village will follow vent is open to the public with

no booking required. The party takes place at Woore St Leonard’s and Woore Village Hall, London Road, Woore, CW3 9SP.To find out more visit the Woore and Pipegate parish community Facebook page.

7

After his October 2022 date sold out, Gary Delaney returns to Shrewsbury Get ready to dive into arabbit hole of the best jokes in the world –asthe star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation is back.

One of the most sought-after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week specialguest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring you abrand new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only amaster could craft.

If you’re hunting for snark, Gary’s got it covered.

Tickets for Gary’s gig at Walker Theatre, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, cost £21.50.

Visit www.theatresevern.co.uk

THERE are more than 60 free walks in the beautiful surroundings of unique UNESCO World Heritage site Ironbridge. Visitors can see the iron bridge itself in all its splendour and join in one walk or all nine walks.

Ironbridge Walking Festival runs until May 7. Visit www ironbridgewalking.co.uk

Funnyman TimVine brings his stand-up showtoOakengates TheatreonMay 4; Zog the dragon comes to Telfordinanew stageproduction.

9

TimKey (Alan Partridge, The Witchfinder,Tim Key’sLate Night Poetry Programme) is back with an allnew show –ruminations about the great indoors with abit of stamping around with velour tracksuit, continental lagers and some ‘poetry’.

Key’snew book, Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush, is available to buy at utterandpress.co.uk

Tickets for Theatre Severn cost £19.50. Visit www.theatresevern.co.uk

12

Aconcert by students from Chetham’s School of Music will take place as part of free lunch-hour concert series at St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury

Performances begin at 12.30pm, last just 40 minutes and there is alight lunch served after each concert in thechurch hall. Concert-goers can parkfrom noon to 2pm free of charge at thechurch, space permitting.

Full listings, including programmes of forthcoming events, can be found on the church website at www. stchadschurchshrewsbury.com

18-20Bayston Hill Amateur Dramatics Society presents Off The Hook, by Derek Benfield.

Set in the lounge bar of the Hook House Hotel, the plot centres around crooks Fred Baxter and Charlie Mullins who have sprung Harold Spook from prison, so that he can lead them to a suitcase full of money,which he hid at the hotel. Unfortunately,they have the

wrong man. Add to this hotel owner Major Catchpole, who is more interested in his animals than the hotel, Norah, his amorous wife, who chases all themale guests, but has aparticular fancyfor Harold, whom she pursues relentlessly, and her sister Edna, who is employed as a cleaner,but steps into any role thrown at her.Then there are guests Mrs FletcherBrewer JP andher daughter Carol, who are enjoying aquiet countryholiday Finally,more chaos is added when Polly, and her elderly,hard of hearing father,Mr Parkinson arrive at the hotel.

Performances take place at Bayston Hill Memorial Hall, Lyth Hill Road, Bayston Hill, SY3 0DR Doors and licenced bar open at 7pm with curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £9 online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/bhads or £10 by email to bhadsdrama@ gmail.com or on 07814 177540.

23-24

Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragonslearnall the things that dragonsneed to know.Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three. Luckily,the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet…a duel with knight, Sir Gadabout the Great. The smash-hit stageadaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors and Stick Man) is coming to Oakengates Theatre,

Telford, and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before. With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey,Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s muchloved Zog is amagical production for all ages.

Tickets £14 and £16 fromwww telfordtheatre.com

27John Cooper Clarke (below) shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’.

His unique poetry was put to music by producer Martin Hannett and a band of Mancunians, The Invisible Girls. Seminal tracks such as BeasleyStand Evidently Chickentown featured on the album Snap Crackle and Bop, one of four hit 70/80s album releases.

JCC became one of the most prolificartists of the punk years.

His 1980s poetry collection –10Years in An Open Necked Shirt featuring the lyrics to classic tracks from his albums and more, is one of the UKs biggest selling poetry collections of all time.

Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. Today he performs purely as a stand-up solo poet.

His unique poetry show has been touring worldwide for over 15 years.

Tickets for John’s show at Oakengates Theatre, Telford, cost £28.50.

Visit www.telfordtheatre.com

Hannah McEwen and Gary Shaw areorganising the Climbing Out charity football match in Oswestry; Gary Delaney returns to Shrewsbury.

28

Acharity football match is being held in aid of Climbing Out, which helps people rebuild their mindset following aphysical or mental trauma.

The event is being organised by two previous participantswho attended aClimbing Out five-day residential programme last year.The match is taking place at New Saints FC Park Hall Stadium in Oswestry

One of the organisers, Hannah McEwen, first attended aClimbing Out programme in April 2022, following trauma in her personal life and extra stress during the pandemic working as a respiratoryphysio for the NHS.

Her partner,Gary Shaw,inspired by Hannah’s experience, went on to attend a programme last summer,having suffered with PTSD from his time spent in the Army.Gary now works for Total Rail Solutions, who are generously sponsoring the event.

Both Hannah and Gary were made Climbing Out Ambassadors to help more people find out about the charity’s work.

The match will see the Welsh Veterans over-40s team take on the Climbing Out Club. After the match there will be an award ceremony and celebration.

The event will run from 1pm-9pm, with the match kicking off at 2pm.

Tickets can be purchased from www eventbrite.com/e/climbing-out-vswelsh-veterans-charity-football-matchtickets-539606416317

28&29

Shropshire’s Walcot Hall will once again be opening up the magnificent gardens from 1.30pm-5pm on both days as part of the National Garden Scheme. The estate always raises lots of money for charityoverthis event.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGES 123-125

REMEMBER WHEN: 1 1948 2 1977 3 1965 4 1956

5 1961 6 1983

FOUR Ws: 1.Justin Gatlin; Rockall; North PacificOcean bordering El Salvador,Honduras and Nicaragua; Christmas Day, 2004 2.Erle Stanley Gardner; American; Montserrat; 1975

3.GrahamGreene; David Blunkett; Bangladesh; 1956 4.Boris Johnson; Red, blue and orange; On the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe; February 11th. 5.Ian McMillan; Johannesburg; Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts; 1926

6.Gelindo Bordin; Big Mac; Peru; 1977

WORDWISE: 1.A 2.A 3.B 4.C 5.C 6.A

CROSSWORD: QUICK SOLUTIONS:

Across: 3 Slackness; 8 Cone; 9 Satirical; 10 Unused; 11 Defer; 14 Angle; 15 Serf; 16 Realm; 18 Cant; 20 Abuse; 21 Thick; 24 Depart; 25 Separator; 26 Zero; 27 Red-handed.

Down: 1 Occupancy; 2 Insurgent; 4 Load; 5 Crime; 6 Noises; 7 Slay; 9 Sever; 11 Drank; 12 Regulated; 13 Affection; 17 Maker; 19 Thrash; 22 Chain; 23 Cede; 24 Doze.

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS: Across: 3 The dotted; 8 Ruff;

Entrance is £5. Refreshments will be available in theballroom.

Fortickets and more information visit ngs.org.uk

31-June3

Abbey Foregate Drama Group in Shrewsbury are presenting Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, in St NicholasHall, near English Bridge.

The play is directed by group member,Jo Bullockwho said:“Who doesn’t love agood whodunnit? Suspicion, revenge, murder,this play has got it all, but be warned there are loud noises and gun shotsduringthe production.”

Performances start at 7.30pm each evening and tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for under-16s. Call 07951 862881 or 01743 247450, or email info@ abbeydrama.com

9 Cartridge; 10 Crewel; 11 Gores; 14 Lamps; 15 Duct; 16 Exact; 18 Tots; 20 Roast; 21 Hoist; 24 Gibbet; 25 Signingon; 26 Rear; 27 Censuring. Down: 1 Bracelets; 2 Aftermath; 4 Heal;

5 Ditto; 6 Tailed; 7 Edge; 9 Cease; 11 Graft; 12 Sugar beet;

13 Statutory; 17 Train; 19 Sounds; 22 Senor; 23 Line; 24 Goon.

WHAT’S MY NAME?: 1.Matthew Williamson. 2.Lauren Harries. 3.Cary Elwes. 4.Joss Stone. 5.Robert Altman. WORDSPIRAL 1: 1.Stub

IMPOSSIPUZZLES: 1.Other

Shropshire’sWalcot Hall will be opening up the magnificent gardens as part of the National Garden Scheme; Abbey Foregate Drama Group present Agatha Christie’s And Then ThereWereNone.