Shropshire Magazine December 2024

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

ESTABLISHED1950

GrosvenorHouse,CentralPark, HollinswoodRoad, TelfordTF29TW

TheShropshireMagazinehas acontrolled, selecteddistributioninShropshiretowns, andisavailableforsalefrommany retail outletsandbysubscription

EDITOR

VickiJones vicki.jones@mnamedia.co.uk 01902485159

FEATUREWRITERS

HeatherLarge heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk

MatthewPanter matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk

DanielMorris daniel.morris@mnamedia.co.uk

EDITORIALANDSOCIALDIARY heather.large@mnamedia.co.uk 01902485148

PHOTOGRAPHY

JamieRicketts

SteveLeath TimSturgess

ADVERTISEMENTMANAGER

ClareWeaver clare.weaver@mnamedia.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENTSALES

AlisonJukes alison.jukes@mnamedia.co.uk 07946770451

DISTRIBUTION, SALES &SUBSCRIPTIONS 0800174064

CONTRIBUTORS

LornaMaybery,BillMcCarthy,Ben Waddams,EdThomas

PUBLISHEDBY MNAMedia, Telford

PRINTEDBY PrecisionColourPrinting, Halesfield, Telford

7A VictorianChristmas

DanielMorris chatstothe expertsat acountymuseum anddiscovershowmanyofour Christmastraditionsoriginated inthe Victorianera.

11Masterchef

www.shropshiremagazine.com

HeatherLarge attendsa culinarymasterclassat alocal statelyhomeandgetssometop tipsfor afestivefeast.

32Deckthehalls ... Thepickofthewreathsand festivefoliageonthemarket.

35Bagsoftalent

AShropshirewomanhasturned hercraftyhobbyinto aluxury handbagbusiness. Heather Large findsoutmore.

41 Writecareer

HeatherLarge meetsthe authorwhosebookwasinspired bythevillageshecallshome.

45Backtonature

OneShropshirefarmeris dedicatedtohelpingnaturewith hisfarmingpractices. Lorna Maybery talkstohim...

50 Walkonthewildside

Wildlifeartist Ben Waddams revealswhat we canalldoto helplocalwildlifesurvive.

53Artisticlegacy

MatthewPanter discovershow acountyartistissayingthank youtothecancercentrewhere hewastreatedbydonatinghis artworktoadornthewalls.

56Playonwords

HeatherLarge talkstoa womanwhowasinspiredto write aplayafterherfatherdied.

63Festivefeast

AndyRichardson sharessome ideastocreate afeastforallthe familythisChristmas.

76Luxuryandelegance

MatthewPanter discovers howalocalbusinesshasbuilt areputationforexpertiseina luxurywatchbrand.

86Socialscene

Fromsecretsuppersto anniversayballsandart exhibitionstobusinessopenings, thereisabumpersocialscene.

94 Travel

SarahMarshall sharesthepick oftheUK’sChristmasmarkets, while SamWylie-Harris returns tothemarvelousMaldives.

107Puzzles

Testyourgreymaterwithour regularthreepagesofquizzes, crosswordsandbrainteasers.

110What’sOn

There’splentygoingonas we headtowardsChristmas, frompantosandplaystocarol concertsandfestivefairs.

CHRISTMASWITH THEVICTORIANS

DANIEL MORRIS DISCOVERS HOW MUCH OFOUR CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS HAVEROOTS INTHE VICTORIAN ERA AND HOW ONE COUNTY MUSEUM TAKES VISITORS BACK TOTHOSE TIMES

Chestnutsroastingonanopen fire. Amagnificentfeastof succulentpoultrywithallthe trimmings.Theadornmentof ourhearthswithgreenandgold,andthe promiseofgladtidings.

Itis,ofcourse,beginningtolook alot likeChristmas.

Thesetraditionsarepartofhow theworlddoes Yuletidenow,yet,like everything,theyhad abeginning.And hereinShropshire,weareideallyplaced thisyeartofindout howChristmas,in theformweknowandlove,cametobe.

“Christmasasweknowittodaywas prettymuch aproductoftheVictorian era,”saidLaurenCollier,headof interpretationattheIronbridgeGorge

Museum Trust.“Christmashasobviously beencelebratedforhundredsofyears,but throughoutitshistoryithashadpeaksand falls.Backinthe17th centuryyou’vegot thingsliketheCivil War, andyouhadthe PuritanswhomadeChristmas amuch smallercelebration.

“ButintheVictorianera,youget peoplelikeCharlesDickenswritingA ChristmasCarol,andpromotingtheidea ofthistraditionalfamilyChristmaswhere everybodygetstogetherandit’sabout love,friendshipandgifting,andallof thosepositivefeelingsweassociatewith Christmastoday.”

AsLaurenrelates,manyofthefestive traditionsthatweknowandlovewere aproductof theVictorianera -oneof

thebiggestinparticular.Christmastrees firstbecamefashionableandpopular duringtheVictorianera,andthatwas largelyduetotheroyalfamily,”shesaid. “PrinceAlbert reallymadetheChristmas treepopular.WedidhaveChristmas treesbeforehand,butthere’sthis really iconicimageoftheChristmastreeinThe IllustratedLondonNewsin1848 –an imageoftheroyalfamilyaroundthistree andthey’redecoratingitonChristmas Eve.

“Anythingthattheroyalfamilydo becomesverypopularandfashionable, sootherpeoplestarttopickitupand haveChristmastreesintheirownhomes. Eventuallyitfiltersthroughtheclasses downtotheworkingclass.”

Christmascorrespondencealso tooka hugeshiftintheVictorianperiod,largely thankstothefrustrationofoneman.

“Christmascardswerealsointroduced bytheVictorians,”saidLauren. “Historically,peoplejustsent aletterto eachothersaying‘MerryChristmas’.

“Thestorygoesthatonebusinessman, HenryCole,in1843,basicallygotfedup ofwritingnumerousChristmasletters toallthesedifferentpeople,soheasked alocalprintertojustprint hima load ofcardswith aspacefor asignatureat thebottomthat he couldsendoutto everybody.

“Obviouslyotherpeoplereceived theseandthoughttheywere areallygood idea! Withthepennypost,whichmade postreallycheap,theideaofChristmas cardsjusttookoff.

“Thatwasin1843. Fortyyearslater inthe1880s,fivemillionChristmascards werebeingsentthroughtheRoyalMail.”

Asonewouldexpect,therewerealso Victorianfestivetraditionsthathavenow disappeared. Yetonehasbeenresurrected inthefleshtobeenjoyedonourown doorstepthisChristmas.

“ThoughChristmastreesbecame populartherewere alotofworkingclass peoplewhostillcouldnotaffordone,” relatesLauren.

“Insteadtheywouldhavesomething called a‘kissingbow’. Youcanseethese thisChristmasatBlistsHillVictorian Towninsomeofoursmallercottages wherewetellthestoryofpoorerfamilies.

“Evergreenshavebeen afeature ofChristmasprettymuchforever, and akissingbowissortoftwohoops interlockedtomake asortofspherical frame,andthenevergreensarewrapped aroundthemwiththingslikeapplesand oranges.Therewouldthenbe abunchof mistletoehangingfromthesphere.

“Theideaisthatifyoumeet somebodyunderthekissingbow,youkiss andpluck aberryoffthemistletoeuntil allthemistletoeberriesaregone.”

AsLaurenrelates,BlistsHillVictorian Town,Ironbridge,is awonderfulplace

wherethejoyof aVictorianChristmas canbeenjoyedbyallthisyear,andtickets arenowonsaleforthesite’sChristmas celebrations.

OnDecember7,8,14and15, BlistsHillwillbehostingitsVictorian Christmas Weekends.

Thetown’sstreetsandbuildingswill befilledwithtraditionaldecorationsand organiserspromisethattheairwillbe ringingoutwithfestivemusicfrom alive bandandchoir.

TherewillbefourChristmasGrottos wherechildrenwillbeabletomeet Father Christmasinuniquesettingslikethe Victorianmineandsawmill,whileinthe Victorianschoolroom childrenwillbe abletotakelessonstolearnhowtobea Christmaself!

Visitorswillalsobeabletolearnabout thetraditionsofChristmaspastfromthe town’scostumeddemonstratorsandenjoy authenticliveentertainment.

Someofthetown’seatingplaces willbehosting aseasonalmenuand last-minuteshopperswillbeabletotake advantageoftheChristmasEmporium andVictorianexhibitstobuyuniquegifts andstocking-fillersincludingdelicious foodsandlocal-madecrafts.

OntheeveningsofDecember11, 18and19,BlistsHillwillbehosting ChristmasLates –anopportunity toexperiencethefestivecheerofa

DickensianChristmasafterdark.

Charactersfrom AChristmasCarol willbemakinganappearanceon the streetsoftheVictoriantownasvisitors siponmulledwineorhotchocolateand listentocarolsingersor aliveband.

And,forthefirsttime,theIronbridge GorgeMuseum Trustisthisyearhosting aspecial‘CalmChristmas’withan adaptedgrottosuitedtochildrenand youngpeoplewithspecialeducational needsanddisabilities(SEND)and dementiasufferers.

BetweenDecember11and19there willbesessionsdedicatedtoschools with aSENDprovisionorother similar

supportorganisations.On Friday, December20,andSaturday,December 21,dementia-friendlysessionsdedicated tothe‘youngatheart’,andsessions dedicatedtofamilieswithchildrenor youngpeoplewithSEND,canbebooked bymembersofthepublic.

Nick Ralls,chiefexecutiveofficer oftheIronbridgeGorgeMuseum Trust, said:“OurChristmaseventsare alot offunforvisitors and staffalikeandan opportunitytoliftthespiritsduringthe shortwinterdays.”

Laurenadded:“BlistsHillgives peopleanopportunitytoseeourlocal heritagebroughttolife.It’s acompletely differentexperiencefromgoingtoa museumandreading apaneltoactually seeingsomebodyactivelycarryoutthe tradeandtheindustrythat apanelmight describe.It’s averyrareopportunityto seepeopleblacksmithing,or seeworking shirehorses,oreventastetraditionalfish andchipsortraditionalsweets,andtryon Victoriancostume.

“It’s afantasticexperienceforpeople ofallages.”

n ForfulldetailsofChristmasevents andtickets,visitwww.ironbridge.org. uk. PASS PLUSholdersget10percent offChristmas WeekendsandChristmas Lates.

COOKINGSESSIONS WITH MASTERCHEF

HEATHERLARGE MEETS WESTONPARK’SROBPEREZWHOISSHARINGHIS PASSIONFORFRESH FOODBYSHARINGRECIPES WITHGUESTSWHOCANTHEN ENJOYA MEALINTHERESTAURANT

Whenyouwanttomaster anewrecipe,thereisno betterwaytolearnthan bywatching aprofessional chefinaction.

SinceApril, Weston Park’ssenior souschef,Rob Perez,hasbeensharing hisexpertiseandpassionforquality ingredientswith visitors.

HisHintsand Tipssessionshave beenprovidinghomecookswithpractical guidanceandcreativeinspiration.

Robhas apassionforfreshproduce, locallysourcedingredientsandhearty home-cookedfood.

Hejoinedthe Weston Parkteam in August2022 havingpreviously workedinvariouskitchensincentral LondonincludingtheKingswayHotel inHolborn, thePelhamHotelinSouth Kensingtonandas asous chefat the Gherkin.

Hispassionforfoodwassparked whenhespenttwoand ahalfyearsat theDomaineGayada,inthesouthof France,whereheutilisedlocallysourced ingredientsproducedbylocalfarmersand bakers.

Explainingwhyhefoundworkingat Weston Parkso appealing,hesays:“The EstatetoPlateethosiswhatreallydrew meto Weston Park.

“With apassionforhomegrown, freshproducedrivenfrommytimeinthe southof France,theamountoffreshfruit andveggiesthatcomefrom theWalled Gardenandheritageorchardswaswhat reallystruckme.

“Iwasalsoexcitedtostartcreating menusthatusedthisfreshproducein anewandcreativewayanddevelop menusintheGranaryRestaurantwhich gave customers atasteofmypassionfor homegrown, goodfood.”

DuringhisHintsand Tipssessions, guestsareencouragedtoengage,ask questions,enjoytastingsandhave also beengiven arecipepacktotakehome.

ShropshireMagazinewasinvited alongtoRob’s AutumnFlavoursevent whichshowcasedthewidevarietyof vegetablesgrownbythe Weston Park gardenersinthewalledgarden.

Theyincludedpumpkins,squashes, beetroot,parsnips,spinach,chard, heritagecarrotsandoneofhispersonal favourites –redcabbage.

“Iloveusingredcabbagetomakea freshcoleslawor asalad,”saidRob.

Hehadchosentodemonstratehowto makechickenandmushroompiefilling –which wasperfectfortheseason.Who doesn’tlove apieinthecoldermonths?

Butfirst,Robwantedtotalkvisitors through ataskthatmanypeoplemight findmorethan alittledaunting –breaking

down awholechicken.Heassuredus therewasnothingtofearandstarted byexplainingtheimportanceabout removingthewishbone.

“A lotofpeopledon’trealisethereisa wishboneandwillcutarounditandwaste alotofthemeat,”explainsRob.

Hedemonstratedthebestwayto removethelegs,thighs,wingsandbreasts andexplainedhowtousethecarcassto make‘doublechickenstock’.

Inthekitchen,Robnormallyroasts 10carcassesandthenaddsthemtowater withleeks,celeryandonionbeforeleftto simmerforfourhours.

Thestockisstrainedandchilled.A further10 carcassesare roasted,butthis timetheyareaddedtothechilledchicken stockalongwiththevegetables.This islefttosimmerbeforebeingchilled resultingindoublechickenstock.

Oncethemeatwasready,hestartsto makethepiefilling,addingoilto apan followedbytheonionandgarlic.Next, headdsthechickenalongwithsaltand pepperandtheoystermushroomswhich hadbeengrownbythe Weston Park gardeners.

Oncethemushroomshavestartedto soften,headdsbutterandflour. Robsays hepreferstowaitbeforeaddingmilkand stocktoseehowmuchliquidcomesout ofthemushroomsduringthecooking process.Hethenadjusts theamountof milkandstockaccordinglyandalsostirs insomemustard.

“Ialsoaddthymebecausechicken andthymeisliketheperfectmarriage. Ineverrushbecausethemoretimeyou giveit,themoreflavourandlovecomes through,”saysRob.

Oncecooked,hetransfersthefilling to aovenproofpan.Herecommends usingpuffpastryathomebecause itwouldbesimplerandlesstimeconsuming thanmakingitfromscratch.

Hecutsout aroughcircleandplaces itontopofthe filling,takingcaretotuck inalltheedges.

“Myfirsttwististoaddblackonion seedstothetopandmynexttwististo sprinkleonsomeparmesan.Somepeople addittothesaucewhichworksreallywell oryoucanaddbluecheese –bluecheese andchickenis adream,”saysRob.

Thepieisthenplacedinanovenat 180cfor35minutes.

“It’sveryrustic,buttheflavourisall there,”saysRob.

AftertheHints& Tipssession, attendeesareinvitedtoenjoy athreecoursemealintheGranaryRestaurant.

Robsayshehasenjoyedsharing his recipesandprovidinginspirationtohome cooks.“It’ssomethingI’mverypassionate about.It’snotjustaboutme,it’saboutthe wholeteamhereat Weston Parkandthe gardenerswhogrowthewonderfulfruits andvegetables,”heexplains.

Robhassharedsomehisfavourite festiverecipes,justperfectforimpressing friendsandfamilyatget-togethersthis Christmas.

CHICKENANDMUSHROOMPIE

Ingredients:

1tbspoliveoil

1onion,finelychopped 1tspfreshlymincedgarlic

500 gboneless,skinlesschickenthighs,cut intobite-sizedpieces 1tspseasaltflakes

½ tspcrackedblackpepper

500gmushrooms,thicklysliced 2tbspunsaltedbutter 50gplainflour

375mlchickenstock

250mlmilk

1tsp thyme

1tsp dijonmustard

50gfreshlygratedparmesan 1sheetpuff pastry,partiallythawed,cut into12 rectangles

1egg,whisked

Method:

Heattheoliveoilin alarge,heavy-based fryingpan overmedium–highheat.Addthe onionandgarlic andcookandstirfortwotothreeminutes. Addthechicken,saltandpepper.Cookfor fourtofiveminutes,stirring regularly,until thechickenstartsto turngolden.Addthemushroomsand cookforfourtofiveminutesuntilthe mushroomsstarttosoften. Addthebutterand,oncemelted,stir throughtheflour.

Reducetheheattomedium–lowand slowlywhiskinthestock,milkandthyme. Simmerfor15minutes,uncovered,stirring oncehalfwaythrough.Stirthroughthedijon mustardandparmesan;set asidetocoolslightly.

Preheatthe ovento220°C(425°F) (200°C/400°Ffan-forced).

Spoonthefillinginto apiedishorbaking dish(ifcircular,approximately30cm/12 inchesindiameter; if rectangular,approximately30 x20cm/12 x8inches).

Addpuff pastry overthetopofthepie, gently overlappingandcoveringthefilling.

Bakefor30–35minutesoruntilthepastry isgoldenandcrispy.

HOMEMADEEGGNOG

Ingredients:

6largeeggyolks

1/2cupgranulatedsugar

1cupheavywhippingcream

2cupsmilk

1/2teaspoongroundnutmeg

Pinchofsalt

1/4teaspoonvanillaextract

Groundcinnamon,fortopping Alcoholoptional

Method:

Whisktheeggyolksandsugartogetherin amediumbowluntillightandcreamy. In asaucepan overmedium-highheat, combinethecream,milk,nutmegandsalt. Stiroftenuntilmixturereaches abare simmer.

Add abigspoonfulofthehotmilktothe eggmixture,whiskingvigorously.Repeat, adding abigspoonfulat atime,totemper theeggs.Oncemostofthehotmilkhas

beenaddedtotheeggs,pourthemixture backintothesaucepanonthestove. Whiskconstantlyfor aminuteorso,until themixtureisjustslightlythickened(or untilit reachesabout160degreesona thermometer).Itwillthickenmoreasit cools.

Remove fromheatandstirinthevanilla, andalcohol”,ifusing.

Pourtheeggnogthrough afinemesh strainerinto apitcherorothercontainer andcoverwithplasticwrap. Refrigerateuntilchilled.Itwillthickenasit cools.

Ifyouwant athinner,completelysmooth consistency,youcanaddtheentiremixture to ablenderwith 1or2tablespoonsofmilk andblenduntilsmooth. Servewith asprinkleofcinnamonor nutmeg,andfreshwhippedcream.

SMOKEDSALMONPINWHEELS

Ingredients

4sandwichlongbread(4slices -200g) 7ouncessmokedsalmon(200g) 1cup creamcheese(150g) Chives

1xLemonzestandjuice 20gcapers

Method:

Using arollingpin,slightlyflattenbread slices.Inthiswayyoucan rollthembetter. In amediumbowlcombinethecream cheesewiththechoppedchives,lemon juiceandzestandchoppedcapers. Spread alayerofthesoftenedcream cheesemix overthebread,thencoverwith slicesofsmokedsalmon.

Rollthebreadfromtheshortersidemaking suretocompactit well.Sealedgeofeach rollbyspreadingwithadditionalcream cheesemixture.

Wrapthe rollswithclingfilmand refrigerate foratleast 1hour. Beforeserving, remove theclingfilm,thenusing asharpserrated knifecuteach rollintoapproximatelyfive1 inch(2cm) round.

n Formoreinformationaboutthe restaurantandeventsat Weston Park,see weston-park.com

BEAUTIFULFORMER VILLAGERECTORY

Thischarmingfive-bedroom GradeIIListedGeorgianformer rectoryalsoboasts atwobedroomcoachhouse,tennis courtandanindoorswimmingpool.

TheOldRectoryinPitchford, nearShrewsbury,isonthe marketwith Larch Propertywithanaskingpriceof £2,000,000.Thepropertyisaparticularly fineGradeIIListedformerRectorydating backto1803,withmellowsandstone elevations,cantedbaywindowstothe frontandfullheight sashwindowstothe rearoftheproperty.

Therearethreeformalreception rooms,beingdrawing room,diningroom andsittingroom,plus astudy.Thereisa goodhallandsecondrearstaircase.The largekitchen/breakfastroomhas an AGA, pantryandutilityroom.Thegroundfloor

iscompletedby acloakroom/WCandrear hall/bootroomwithstairsleadingdown tosubstantialusefulcellarage.

Onthefirstflooris alargelanding andaninnerlanding.Theprincipal bedroomsuitehas afitted dressingroom anden-suite,whilethesecondbedroom hasanen-suiteandfittedlaundryroom. Bedroomfourhas ashowerandthere aretwofurtherdoublebedrooms,with bedroomfivehaving aJack and Jillaccess totheprincipalandfamilybathroom.

Thereisanattractivedetached rangeofsandstoneformercoachhouse outbuildings.Theseprovidethreedouble garages,office/storeroomsandhousea leisuresuiteto thegroundfloorwhich includes aswimmingpool.Onthefirst floorisconvertedself-containedtwobedroomedaccommodation.

TheOldRectoryissurroundedbya sandstonewall,withimpressivegrounds thatextendtothreeacres.Theyfeaturea separateprivatemanicuredlawnedwalled garden,anornamentalwalledcobbled courtyardgarden,greenhouse,potting shedandgardenstore.Beyondthisisan enclosedorchard, ahardtenniscourtand astableblockwithgarage/tack/feedstore. Beyondtheorchardaretwopost and railed/hedgedlevelpaddocks.

Thehouseislocatedinthepretty villageofPitchfordwhichis surrounded byrollingcountryside.Thenearbyvillage ofActonBurnellhas avillagepostoffice/ shop,whileCondoverhas avillageshop, postoffice,primaryschool andchurch.

Shrewsburyisonlysixmilesawayand offers awiderangeofamenities and highregardedschools.

ELEGANT HOUSEIS FULL OF CHARACTER

BrooklynVillais aspectacular four-bedroomhomewithan elegantblendofVictorianVilla andcontemporaryfinishesin oneofShrewsbury’smostsought-after locations.

Thepropertyissituatedon theSutton Road, amilefromtheEnglishBridge intoShrewsbury’stowncentre and two and ahalfmilesfromthedualcarriage networkseastofShrewsburylinkingto theMidlands.

Late19thcenturycharacterisreflected throughouttheproperty,pairedwith spaciousaccommodation –nomoreso thaninthehallwaywhichprovidesaccess totheprincipalrooms,two charming receptionroomstooneside.Opposite, doubledoorsreveal21stcenturyopen planlivingintheformof agenerous kitchenbreakfastandfamilyroom incorporatingtheorangery.

Balfours’headofsales,AlistairHilton, comments:“Thisisthemostwelcoming room,spaciouswithanabundanceof naturallight,bothfrom theorangery anditsrooflantern.Theneutralpalletis complementedby arich oak floor.

“Withinthekitchenarea, alarge granitetoppedislandprovidesforall

culinarydemands,asdoestherecessed AEGelectricovenflankedbycupboards.”

Fromthisopenplanspace, arear lobbygivesaccesstothestudy/playroom whichenjoyssimilarviewsoverthe classicgardentothoseofthetwoprincipal receptionrooms.Thelobbyalsoprovides alargeopenutility,WCand walk-in storage.

Takethestaircasetothe galleried landingtofindtwoen-suitedouble bedroomsandtwodoubleroomssharing theluxuriousfamilybathroom.The principalbedroomisalsoenhancedwith awalk-indressingroom.Belowstairsa

vaultedcellarcinemaroomisfittedwith Sonosintegratedsurroundsoundand muchmore.

Fullplanningpermissionisgranted for adouble-storeygarageconversion, alongwithadditionaldrivewayaccessand parking.Alistairadds:“Thisis aunique packagetosimplywalkinto,thereis anexcellentchoiceofprivate and state educationwithinveryeasycommute, plusthetrappingsof acountytown, surroundedbyfabulouscountryside.”

BalfoursaremarketingBrooklynVilla, 15SuttonRoad,with aguidepriceof £1,325,000.Call01743353511.

Anexcitingopportunitytoacquireasubstantialblock ofproductivepasturelandandresidentialdevelopment, totallingapproximately137.07acres(55.47ha),available asawholeorinlots.

P sture ndwith r bePotenti , ed r house eedin eno tion ncudin P ddoc , ots, r dition r uidin s P nnin onsent or esidenti nits,Set n cres

Acharmingfour ve-bedroomcountryhome, overlookinganareaofoutstandingnaturalbeauty, setwithin0.75Acres(0.3Ha).

ountry esidence,Sou ht ter oc tion, dy ic iews, ppro cres , our i e edroo s, onser tory, oube G r ewith h r in Point, woSt bes p c oo , P :

A necountryhouseincludingaseparateapartment, stableblockandtraditionalfarmbuildingsallsetin approx.22.25acres(9ha)ofmainlygrazingland.

ce ent oc tion, iy ouse,Outbuidin s, uestri n, cres ,One edroo nne e, ood nd, r e chin iews, P :

Datingbacktothe1800’s,thisfour-bedroomfamily homewithaone two-bedroomannex,o ersthebestof bothworlds:quietcountrysidelivingonthefringeof thetown.

o h in u c ntPossession,Princip edroo Suite, hree urther oube edroo s, r e chin ountryside iews, nne e, South cin G rden,P r in orSe er ehices, P :

STUNNINGHOME’S AGEORGIANGEM

Thissuperbcountryhouse, designedbeautifullyas afamily home,boasts aprivatelake and aboutfiveacresofgardens.

The Woodlands,at Wolverleynear Wem,isonthemarketwithSavillswitha guidepriceof£2,950,000.

Itis anextremelyimpressiveGeorgian property,thatwasformerly ahotel. Thecurrentownersspenttwoyears refurbishingandextendingitintothe fabulousfamilyhomeitistoday.

Locateddown along,secludedgravel drivewaylinedwithtrees,throughdouble electricgates,thehouseenjoysfabulous viewsacrossthecountrysidebeyond.

Thedoubleporch,with astunning mosaicskylightabove,leadsintothe entrancehall. To theleftistheelegant drawingroom,which hasa beautiful

marblefireplaceandoriginaloakflooring. Oppositeis agenerous-sizedlibrary, withfabulousbuilt-instorageunits,and panelling.Theentrancehall also provides accesstotheformaldiningroom.

Theextensivekitchenis amodern extensionwhichrunsthewidthofthe house.Itisbeautifullydesignedwitha subzerodoublefridge, aWolfdouble ovenwithgashob,twoindustrial extractorfans,stainlesssteeldrawersand worktop.Thereisalsoagenerousamount ofbuilt-instorage.On thegroundfloor, thereisalso agun room,WC, aspacious laundryroomand astunningcinema roomandaspacious roomcurrentlyused as agym. Offthemainhallway,thereisa fullytankedcellar.

Stairsrisetothefirstfloorandsplits; with aatriumabove offeringplentyof

naturallight.Theprincipalbedroomsuite has adressingroomanden-suite.There are afurtherfivedoublebedrooms,all withen-suites.

The Woodlandsissurroundedby beautifullandscapedgardensandgrounds with anumberofmaturetrees.Thereis aseparatedoublegarage. At thebackisa beautifulterracerunningthelengthofthe propertywherethereis aseatingarea,a diningarea andanoutdoorkitchenunder apergola.The lakeisfullystockedwith KoiCarpandothervarietiesoffish.

The Woodlandsislocatednear Wem. WemoffersprettyGeorgianbuildings, delightfulindependentshops,restaurants, pubs,coffeeshopsand asportscentreand swimmingpool.Therearealsomanywell regardedschoolsintheindependentand statesector nearby.

Fineperiodhouse

Oswestry,10miles

Locatedin astunningruralsettingwithoutbuildingsandapproximately 5acres ofland,and afurther17acresavailablebyseparatenegotiation, thepropertyisin apeacefulandsecludedposition.Offering awealthof characterfeatures,thepropertycomprisessittingroom,study,fittedkitchenand utility,animpressivediningroomandfivebedrooms. Outsideisgenerousparking,anopen-sidedDutchbarnandstable.

Freehold |CouncilTaxBand =H|EPCRating =F

3591SqFt| Guide£1.1million

PeterDaborn

HeadofResidential Shropshire 01952239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

HomeofWilfredOwenSheeropulence ElegantGradeIIlisted

Oswestry,lessthan amile

SteepedinhistoryasthebirthplaceoffamoussoldierandpoetWilfredOwen, thisstunningGeorgianGradeIIlistedhomeisconvenientlysituatedontheedge ofOswestry.Withsouth-facinglawnsandgardens,thepropertyincludessash windows,highceilingsandparquetflooringwith adelightfulmixorformaland informalrooms.Thereis amodernkitchen,sevenbedrooms,andtwobathrooms. Outsideis acoachhousewithofficespaceandstorage.

Freehold |CouncilTaxBand =G|EPCRating =E

4213SqFt| Guide£975,000

PeterDaborn

HeadofResidential Shropshire 01952239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Shrewsbury,15miles

AnelegantGradeIIlistedGeorgianpropertywithprivategardensandincome potentialfrom aflourishingB&Bbusiness,whichwasoriginallyanIronmasters houseandtownlibrary.Exudingcharacterwithwonderfullyproportionedrooms thepropertyiscurrently aprivatehomeandthrivingB&Bbusinesswhichhas beenextensivelyrenovatedbythecurrentowners.Threeofthesixbedroomsare currentlyholidaylets.Parkingisviapermit.

Freehold |CouncilTaxBand =A|EPCRating =D

3007SqFt| Guide£745,000

PeterDaborn

HeadofResidential Shropshire 01952239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

Shrewsbury,14miles

Thisimpressivecountryhouse,setin 5acres,hasbeenextendedandrefurbished withexceptionalcareandattentiontodetail.Thepropertyoffersincredible views,uniqueVersaceItalianmarblebathroomsand astunningkitchen/living area.Thereis acinemaroomandgym,sixbedroomsand afreestandingcopper bathintheprincipalbedroomensuite.

Freehold |CouncilTaxBand =G|EPCRating =D

9165SqFt| Guide£2.95million

PeterDaborn

HeadofResidential Shropshire 01952239500 peter.daborn@savills.com

PLENTY OF SPACE FORLUXURYLIVING

OldColehamCourtnowoffers a‘showhome’whereyoucan experiencethespacious rooms andqualitydesignofthese newluxuryapartments,locatedonthe riversideinShrewsbury.

Stepinside abeautifulnewhome thatis160%largerthanUKstandards. Feelthedesignerkitchenswith stone worktops.Admirethebeautifullytiled bathroomsanden-suites,andimagine creatingyournewhomehere.

To book aviewing,callSharonon 01743403131.

SPACEISLUXURY

OldColehamCourthasbeen architecturallydesignedas aluxurious residence. Fromtheimposingexterior withitscurvedfaçade,totheglamorous lobbywithitsover-sizedtilework,there is asenseofgrandeurunlikeanyother residenceinShrewsbury.

Spaceisluxuryandthisfeeling continuesintoeveryapartment.Spacious roomsboastfloor-to-ceilingwindows. Hallwaysarewidewithdeepstorage. Bathroomsareluxuriouslylarge.

Everyapartmentin OldColeham Courthastheperfectratioofbedrooms andbathrooms.

Thisintentionaldesignistheepitome ofquietluxury,perfectforsharersor hostingguestsinyourhome.

LUXURY YOUCANMEASURE

TheluxuriousdimensionsofOld ColehamCourtareundeniableandcan bedirectlycomparedwithmeasurements ofnewbuildhomesacross theUK.

AnapartmentinOldColehamCourt is160%largerthantheUK’saveragenew purpose-builtflat(datafrom2019,gov. uk),withanaveragemeasurementof92 sqmacross43properties.

Comparisonsfortwo-bedroom apartmentsincreaseto 162%largerwith anaverage sizeof99sqmacross22 two-bedapartments. TheUK’sspace standardsset arequirementof61sqmfor atwo-bedroomsingle-storeyproperty (2015,gov.uk).OldColehamCourtsets anewstandardthatexceednationalspace requirements.Whywouldyousettlefor less?

SPACE TO BREATHE

OldColehamCourtisdesigned around acentral,open-aircourtyardof over360squaremetres.

Plantedwitholivetreesandgreen foliage,thisgenerouscourtyarddraws freshairandlightintotheheartofthe residence.

Fourpropertiesopendirectlyonto the courtyardcreating asenseofextraspace andthatprizedindoor-outdoorvibe.

DISCOVERTHEDIFFERENCEINCOMFORT AND SPACE

Book aviewingof OldColeham Courttodayandseeforyourselfwhat trueluxuryfeelslike:high-specification fixturesandfinishes,elegantinteriors filledwithnaturallight,andgenerous openplanrooms.

Earlybuyershave achoiceofkitchen cabinetry,worktopsandappliances and optionsonflooring,fittedwardrobe stylesandremote-controlelectricblinds. SamplesareavailableinourMarketing Suiteandournew‘showhome’.

OldColehamCourtwillbeready tooccupyintheSpring,withthe first apartmentscompletein February2025. Bookyourviewingnowandplanyour move.

BOOK YOUR VIEWING TODAY

SimplycallSYHomes on017434031 31,oremailsharon@syhomes.co.uk

www.syhomes.co.uk

OurSalesOfficeisnowopen byappointment.

CallSharonon01743403131 oremailsharon@syhomes.co.uk

OldColehamCourtisShrewsbury’s mostexcitingnewriversideresidence

•One-&two-bedroomapartments

•Penthouses&duplexwithlargeterraces

•IdeallylocatedinColeham,Shrewsbury

•Contemporaryarchitecture&design

•Spacious,light-filled,luxuryinteriors

•Open-aircentralcourtyard

•Above-ground,ANPR-securedparking withEVchargers

•Liftaccesstoalllevels

•Expertlyengineeredforitsriversidelocation

•Excellentenergy-efficiency:EPC-ratingB

PERIOD PROPERTY INPOPULAR SPOT

Welcometothisstunning four-bedroomdetached periodpropertylocated onHaygateRoadin Wellington.

Boasting arangeofattractivefeatures, thishomeofferstheperfectblendof characterandmodernliving.Itisonthe marketwith PrestigebyMannleysfor offersintheregionof £625,000.

Asyoustepinside,thespacious entrancehallwaysetsthetoneforwhat liesahead.Thegroundfloorincludes threeseparatereceptionrooms,providing amplespaceforfamilylivingand entertaining.Thenaturallightfloods eachroom,creating awarmandinviting atmospherethroughout.

Thewell-equippedkitchenis functional and stylish,offeringa convenient spaceto preparedelicious meals.Additionalconveniencecomesin theformof abasementutilityroomanda groundfloorWC,easingthedemandsof everydaylife.

Movingupstairs,youwillfindthe mainbedroomcompletewithanensuiteshowerroom,offering apeaceful sanctuarytounwindafter alongday.

Therearealsothreefurtherdouble bedrooms,ensuringsufficient spacefor thewholefamily.A familybathroom,with both abathtub and aseparateshower, completestheupperfloor.

Thebeautifullandscapedreargarden is atruehighlightofthisproperty. Offering alovelyspacetorelax,entertain, andenjoyalfrescodining,itistheperfect backdropformakinglastingmemories withfriendsandfamily.Additionally inthereargardenisthehomeoffice withusefulstorageroom. To thefront ofthepropertythedrivewayprovides convenientoff-roadparking.

Benefitingfromgascentralheating anddoubleglazing,thishomeensuresa comfortableandenergy-efficientliving environmentallyearround.

Situatedin ahighlysought-after location,thispropertyoffersfantasticlocal amenities.ThenearbyBowring Parkand Wrekin Parkprovideopportunitiesfor outdoorrecreationandleisurelywalks. Don’tmissoutontheopportunity tomakethispropertyyourdream home. Book aviewingtodayandexperiencetrue comfort,charm,andconvenienceinthis stunningperiodpropertyonHaygate Road.

MYRTLECOTTAGE

OIRO:£750,000

HAWICKHOUSE HAWICKHOUSE,WATERS UPTON,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF66NP

OIRO:£685,000

26SPARROWHAWKWAY, MYRTLECOTTAGE, CRUDGINGTONGREEN, CRUDGINGTON,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF66JY

6,CRESCENTROAD, 6,CRESCENTROAD, TELFORD,SHROPSHIRE, TF13DN OIRO:£650,000

26SPARROWHAWK WAY,APLEY,TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE,TF16NH

OIRO:£595,000

SPACIOUS HOMEIS WELL PRESENTED

Thissuperiordetachedresidence occupiesanenviablesecluded positioninthishighlydesirable andconvenientresidential location.

Number12Sunfield Park,in Shrewsbury,isawell-presented, deceptivelyspacious,five-bedroom, detachedpropertythathasbeenmuch improvedandextendedtoprovide spaciousandversatileaccommodation.

ItisonthemarketwithMillerEvans foroffersintheregionof£950,000.

Thepropertybrieflycomprises: entranceporch,receptionhall,living room,kitchen/diningroom,utility,family room,cloakroom,open-planguestsuite

toinclude alivingarea,bedroomfive anden-suiteshowerroom.Themaster bedroomhasanen-suiteshowerroom, andtherearethreefurtherbedroomsand abathroom.

Thepropertyisapproachedover alongsweeping‘inandout’driveway servingboththereceptionarea and the doublegarage.

Thegardentothefront hasbeen meticulouslylandscapedandmaintained withneatlykeptlawns,floraland shrubberydisplaysandneatlykept evergreenhedges.

Thesouth-facingreargardenboasts anextensivepavedpatio and terraceideal foroutsideentertaining,neatlykeptand

extensivepleasurelawns,shrubbery displaysandflowerbeds. To onecorner thereis aprivatekitchengarden.

Thereisalso agarageandample parking.Thepropertybenefitsfromgasfiredcentralheatinganddoubleglazing.

Thepropertyoccupiesanenviable positionandissetingenerousgrounds, inthishighlydesirableandexclusive, establishedresidentialarea.Theproperty iswellplacedwithinreachofexcellent amenities,includingstateandprivate schools,thenearbytowncentrewithits manyfashionablebarsandrestaurants, boutiquestyleshops,TheatreSevern, Shrewsburyrailwaystationandrevered Quarry ParkandDinglegardens.

Pontesbury, Shrewsbury£950,000

Curlew Cottageis asuperiorandluxuriouslyappointedfamily residence, providing wellplannedaccommodationwith roomsofpleasingdimensions,setinunspoilt andunrivalled countrysideviews. Onthe ground floor,thereisanentrancehallwithan Inglenook fireplace, astudyand twogenerouslyproportioned reception rooms withthesitting roombeing welllitwithwindowsto the fore and rearandbeautiful Frenchdoorsopening to the extensivegravelled terraceandlandscapedgarden. The dining room communicateswiththelarge kitchenwith extensiverange ofhighqualityunitswith asuperbrangeofintegrated appliancesand acentralislandunit.There isalso aneatlykeptutilityroomwithaccess to acloakroom. Thestaircase risesfromtheentrancehall to the first floorlanding,whichleads to asuperbmasterbedroom withensuiteshowerroom, fourfurtherbedroomsand afamilybathroom. Theproperty benefitsfrom agroundsource heatpumpandunderfloorheatingupstairsand downstairs.

SoldSubjecttoContract

TheBrewery,Shrewsbury£700,000

Thistrulyimpressive,wellplanned townhouseisarranged over fourlevelsandsitsproudlyabove thebankofthe riverSevern,locatedinaconvenientanddesirablelocationwithincloseproximityofexcellent amenitiesandwithineasy reachofthemedieval towncentre. Theresidencehasbeendesigned tocombinethecharmoftraditionalarchitecturewithmodernconveniencesandtheefficientlayoutmaximisesthe generousspacewithlarge floor to ceiling Frenchdoorsonthelowerground floorlevelopeningonto thegarden terrace with riverviewstowardsthe Quarry Park andhistoric towncentre. Onthe ground floor level,fromthelounge, floor toceiling Frenchdoorsopenonto abalconyalsoenjoyingthesame riverviews. Onthe4th floor,fromthemasterbedroom,thereisafurtherbalcony, whichalsooffersviewsofthe surroundingnaturallandscape,viewsalongthe riverand arooftoppanoramaofthe towncentre.Theresidenceisopenandairywithhigh ceilingsandluxurious finishes.The livingspaces flow seamlesslyonto the outdoorareaswithuninterruptedviewsofthe water. Themanicuredgardenand terraceprovidesanidealoutsideentertainingspace, makingthistheperfect location to enjoythetranquillityofthe riverlocation.

Ludlow, Shropshire

Ludlow: 2miles, Worcester:28miles,Shrewsbury:32miles

Attractivecountrypropertyjustoutsidethemarket townofLudlow, combiningproductivefarmland withenvironmentalandheritage features. 2reception rooms, 6bedrooms, 2bathrooms, separate3bedroombungalow, CaynhamCamphillfort,orchard,pasture, andrivermeadows. Availableas awhole,orinlots by separateagreement.Freehold |Council TaxBand =G|EPC =E.

About143acres| Guide£2.1million

Jack Cooper

Savills Telford-Rural Agency 01952239539

jack.cooper@savills.com

TheEverhot traditional electric cookingrangeconsistsof twelve differentproducts,insevendifferentsizes,and 20 stunningcolours.TherereallyisanEverhot tofitallstyles andsizesofkitchen.Allheatstoragerange cookers are hand-craftedusingtraditionalmethodsinGloucestershire. CheckourwebsiteforupcomingCookeryDemonstrations andspeciallaunchoffers.

Seethefullrangeonourwebsitewww.derwas.co.uk DragonWorks,HenfaesLane,Welshpool,SY217BE 01938552246oremailadmin@derwas.co.uk

GIVETHEKITCHEN AFESTIVE FACELIFT

Youknowit’scoming…with partyseason(almost)uponus, it’sthetimeofyearwhenyour kitchentakescentrestage.

Probablythebusiestroominthe house,it’sgoingtobebuzzingwith festiveactivityandasLooeezeGrossman, founderandCEOofTheUsedKitchen Companyputsit:“Servingasthehubfor holidaymeals.”

Sowithyourhostesshaton,here’s howtocreate themostefficientand convivialscheme,seatingplanand tablescape,tomakeeveryspacecount.

Here,Grossmanshareshertoptips andtrickstoupdateyourkitchenin timeforChristmaswithoutbreakingthe bank…

Budget-friendlyseatingsolutions

Ifit’syourturn to hostfamilyand friends,youmaybeworriedabouthow tofiteveryonearoundthekitchen table, especiallyifyou’reworkingwithlimited space.

“Fortunately,therearelotsofcreative solutionsyoucanutiliseinorderto ensureeveryonecaneattogetherin comfort,”reassuresGrossman.

Ifthere’sanextratableordeskyou canaddtoyourexistingdiningspace,lay outyourtablein anL-shape,or parallelto eachother,saysGrossman.“Soeveryone candinecomfortablyandnoneofyour guestshavetoeatin aseparateroom.”

“Anotheralternativeistoaddfoldaway chairsandstools aroundthe tableso

thewholefamilycanfitin,”suggests Grossman.“Andstoretheseitemsaway afterthemeal.”

“Youcanalwaysaskyourguests tobring achairortwo,aneasyand cost-efficientsolutiontoaccommodate everyone,”sheadds.

To unifythespaceandcreatea cohesivelook,shesaystousematching Christmas-themedtableclothsand runners.

“Addcandlesandsmallvasesoffestive flowersdownthemiddleofeachtableand finishitoffwithnapkinsinboldseasonal colours,”underlinesGrossman.

“Thesesimpletweakswillmaketwo separatetablesfeellikeone,givingthe room apolishedandfestivetouch.”

SAMWYLIE HARRIS ONHOW YOUCANTRANSFORMTHEMOSTUSEDROOMINTHEHOUSE

Investinginyourkitchenfor year- roundbenefits

Ifyourbudgetallowsfor abitof flexibility,considermaking afewsmart investmentsinyourkitchenanddining area,notesGrossman,whichyoucan continuetoenjoythroughouttheyear.

Whetheryou’replanning aNew Year’spartyoryou’reexpectingtohost friendsandfamilyatothertimes,these investmentswillpayoffinthelongrun, highlightsGrossman.

“Ifyou’vegot alargetablebutlimited amountofchairs,considerutilisinga benchsoyou canfit morepeoplealong thetable.

“Youcanusuallyfindtheseonplaces like FacebookMarketplaceorsecondhandfurnitureshops –andyoucan makeuseofthebenchinthehouse,oras gardenfurnitureafter,”saysGrossman.

Anotheroptionistoinvestin atable extenderorfoldabletable.“Whilstthis optionmaycomewith ahigherpricetag, itensuresyou’realwayspreparedforextra guests.”

Ifyourspacesimplyisn’tworking anymoreandit’stimefor afullkitchen renovation,shesaystoexploreusedor ex-displaykitchens.

“Youcanfindhigh-qualitykitchens thatmeetyourentertainingneeds whilesavingupto70percentoffthe recommendedretailprice –ensuringyour homeisreadytohostall-yearround.”

Moreover,Grossmansaysyoucan findkitchensstartingat£1,750,including worktopsandsomeappliances,depending ontheconfiguration.

“Thekeytobuying ausedkitchenis tooptfor alargerkitchenthanyou need, givingyouworktopsandcabinetsto useas fillersandendpanels,”advisesGrossman.

“Paintedkitchenswouldbemychoice –theyofferlong-termversatility,asthey canbeeasilyrefreshedwithnewhandles and afreshcoatofpaint.

“Anothertipistofocusonthe worktopsandappliancesonoffer,asthese elementswillplay akey roleincreating yourstatementkitchen.”

Elevatingyourkitchenwith festivedecor

Astheholidayseasonapproaches, manyofusfillourlivingroomswith cosylights,seasonaldecorationsanda beautifullydecoratedChristmas tree, notesGrossman.

However,ourkitchensoftenmissout

onthesamewarm,festivevibe…

“Fortunately,therearelotsofcreative waysyoucanintegratetheholidayspirit intoyourkitchen,”saysGrossman.

Startbyaddingcandleswithseasonal scents suchasnutmeg,ginger and cinnamon.“Notonlydotheycreatea cosyatmosphere,buthelpeliminate anycookingodourswhilstwhippingup holidayfeasts.”

Swapyoureverydaydishtowels withChristmas-themedones.“Not expensiveandcanbepickedupinyour localsupermarketsandpoundshops –definitelyadding abitofChristmas cheer.”

“Replaceeverydayornamentswith bowlsorbasketsofpinecones,holly andseasonalfruit… aglass vasefullof mandarinsorsatsumascreates astriking talkingpoint.”

Shecontinues: “A smallChristmas wreathhungon akitchencabinetdoor orkitchenwindowadds asimpleyet impactfulelement.”

Wrappinglargeredribbonstoyour cabinets hasalsobeen agrowingtrendin recentyears,notesGrossman,“addingan extralayeroffestivecharmwithminimal effort.”

DECKTHEHALLS...

FROMSTATEMENTREDBERRIES TO RUSTICCHARM,SPREAD THEJOYWITHFESTIVEFOLIAGE,SAYS SAMWYLIE-HARRIS.

Whenitcomes to doorscaping,charming décorandcelestial centrepieces, aChristmas wreathisoneofthemosthearteningways tosaywelcome.

Moreover,youcanuptheanteby usingthemaswallart,tyingthemtothe backof achairwith aribbontomatch yourscheme,andlayingthem flatona tableandcrowningthecentrewithLED candles. Agarlandaddsthefinalflourish andstringoffairylightssetsthescenefor awinterwonderland…

1.OHSChristmasFestiveFrosted BerryGarland,Red/Green,£14 (was£21),OnlineHomeShop

Atoptipfortablescapes,garlands make agreat tablerunnerandwithfrosted berries,pineconesandjusttheright measureoffoliage,thisis ajollygoodbuy.

2.HabitatPlumFoliage TraditionalChristmas Wreath,£35,Habitat Withrubyredandplumpetals,fir greenfoliage,vibrantberries and natural pinecones,thiseye-catchingwreathwill add anewdimensiontoyourdoorway.

3. ValleySnowdrift Garland,£52, Dibor

Fora showydisplay,thisglamgarland withsnowwhitepoinsettiasadorned withsparklybaubles,pearlymistletoe berriesandfeatherysprigsofpineneedles makes adazzlingdisplaydrapedarounda staircaseormantelpiece.

4.MistletoeLEDDecoration Wreath,£39.95,AnnabelJames

Thisheart-shapedframestrewnwith mistletoeandlitbywarmwhiteLEDs makes asimple,stylishstatement.

5.JohnLewisLeafandBauble Garland,Champagne,£35,John Lewis &Partners

Aclassycombinationofmetallic baubles,champagnebeads,conesand sprigsofgoldleaves,thisgarlandcanbe hookedacross awindowdressing.

6.GeorgeGold-TonePineChristmasGarland,£18,Direct.asda Alittleglitzgoes alongwayand thisonecanalwaysbestyledas acandle garlandwithgoldLEDpillarcandles.

7.ArtificialPeppermintGarland, £42,BloomingArtificial Cutecandycanestripes,redholly berries,brightbaublesandfestiveribbon totieitalltogether,thisgarlandwilllook stunningstrungaround afireplace.

8.BlueberryChristmas Wreath, £60,EllaJames

With abeautifulrangeofblueberries, whiteberriesandseasonalgreenalongside bluefoliage,thinkastrikingblue velvet ribbonandsapphirebluedécor.

9.MetallicMagicBauble Wreath, £58,Dibor

Dialupthedramawiththisglitzygold wreathembellishedwithbronzebaubles, verdantpinebranches,goldstemsand shimmeringcopperandchampagne accents.

10.StaceySolomonGreen& WhiteMistletoe Wreath,£18, Direct.asda

Combingolivegreenmistletoewith realisticwhiteberries,thisminimalistic wreathwilllookrightathomewith Scandi-styledecos.

11.JohnLewisBerriesandPine Cones Wreath,£40,JohnLewis With arusticfeel,fauxberries,pine cones,frostedleavesandwoven rope, thiswreathmakesa lovelywintryfocal point…placeinthecentreof agallery wallorChristmascollage.

Improvethecomfortandappearanceofyourhomewithnaturaltimberwindowsanddoorsfromsustainablesources. Constructed fromengineeredtimberslowgrownincoldclimates,theirstrength,stabilityandbeautyareguaranteed.

Witha 15% discountoffalltimberwindowsanddoorsinourWinterSale,visitourshowroomstoviewourlovely range ofproducts. You’ll receive expertadviceandseehowbeautifultimberwindowsanddoors reallycanenhancethevalueand beautyofyourhome.

WORLD OF LEATHER FOR‘CRAFTY’ KERRY

ANENTREPRENEUR’SHOBBYOFCREATINGGIFTSFROMDISCARDEDMATERIAL BLOSSOMEDINTOA DESIGNERHANDBAGBUSINESS, SHESPOKE TO HEATHERLARGE

Allof KerryAtterbury’shandcraftedleatherbagsareone of akindpiecesthatnotonly lookandfeelbeautifulbutare alsokindto theplanet.

Inherhomesewingroom,she transformspiecesofleatherthatwould otherwisebedestinedtoendupinlandfill intouniquebags.

Itallstartedaround12years agowhen Kerrydecidedtomake acoupleofbags forherbestfriendsforChristmas.

“Iknewtheywouldratherhave somethingmadeforthemthansomething boughtfrom ashop.

“I’vealwaysbeenverycraftyand creative and Ireallyenjoyedit.

“Myfriendsweresoimpressedand said Ishouldmakesomemore,”she explains.

Herfirstbagsweremadefrom apair ofoldjeansandupholsteryfabricscraps butwhen Kerryheardthrough afriend aboutleatheroffcutsthatwerebeing thrownawayby afurniturecompany,she wasdeterminedtosavethemfromthe rubbishpile.

“Iboughtthoseoffcuts,investedinan industrialsewingmachineandtherest, as theysay,ishistory,”explains Kerry, who livesinLawley,Telford

Later,shewascontactedby acompany in Yorkshirewho alsohada surplusof leatheroffcutsnolongerrequired.

“Ihavefamilyin Yorkshireso Idrove upthere, filledthebootofmycarwith

leatherandsaveditfromlandfill,”she says.

Kerry,wholivesinLawley,Telford, continuedtohoneherskillsthroughout 2003butsoon ranoutofspaceathometo storeherfinishedpieces.

“Ihadthatmanythat IthoughtI shouldtrytosellthembecausetheywere clutteringuptheplace.Itwascomingup toChristmassoitwas agoodtime,”she says.

At firstherbrandwentbythenameof PurpleJamandshesoldherbagsthrough Folksy,anonlinemarketplaceforBritish makers.

“Asmystyledeveloped, Ifeltthebags weretoosophisticatedforthebranding and Ineeded anewname,”says Kerry,

whopreviouslytaughtadultartsandcrafts across Telfordand Wrekin.

Afterrackingherbrainforinspiration, shesaystheperfectnamesuddenly poppedintoherhead –Lilly &Jude.

Notonlydiditseem agoodfitfor herproducts,butitalsohonouredthree womenthatwereveryclosetoherheart.

“Bothofmygrandmotherswere namedLillianandmymumwasJudith -orJudetoherfriends.ShediedinMay lastyear.

“Igettohonourtheminmyown way,”says Kerry. “Theirstrength,loveand joycontinuetoinspiremeeveryday.”

Anewnamealsomeant anewlogo, packagingand awebsitetohelppropel thebusinessforward.“Ididitallmyself soittookquite alongtime.Itwasquitea journey,”explains Kerry.

SinceSeptember,herbusinesshas beenoperatingasLilly &Judeandhas continuedtogofromstrengthtostrength.

Kerrylovesbeingabletogiveher rescuedleather asecondchancetoshine as aneweco-consciousbagwhiledoing herbittohelpreducewaste.

“A lotofbagsaremadefromvinyl andplasticswhicharefullofchemicals anddon’tdecompose.Leatheris anatural product

Withhundredsofpatternstochoose from,includingsomeofherownand thosecreatedbyspecialistdesigners,she saysthereisendlesspotential.

“Ihaveleatherintonsofdifferent coloursandwhat Imakefromthose scrapsofleatherisdictatedbytheleather itself.

“Icansitdownanddecidewhat Ifancymakingthatdaybylookingat thecolourandshapeofleatherandthe patternsthat Ihave.

“Iusedtobe aweddingcakedesigner whichwasverybespokeandtime sensitive.

“Iwasmakingwhatotherpeople wantedmetomakewhichwasstill enjoyablebutnow Iget to makewhatI fancyandpeopleseemtoenjoyitandthat

makesmehappy,”explains Kerry. Some ofhermostpopularpiecesthisyearhave beenhercrossbodybagswhichshesays areidealfortravelling.

“Theyhaveintegratedpurseswith creditcardslotsandaninternalzipped pocket.

“A pursetakesup alotofrealestate in abagbutthismeansyoudon’thaveto carry aseparatepurse.

“Thefrontzipperpocketisbig enoughfor apurseorphonewhichleaves themaincompartmentfree.

“Thecrossbodybagshavebeenvery popularespeciallyduringthesummer,” explains Kerry.

Allof Kerry’sbagsaredesignedto standthetestoftimebothinstyleand durability.Eachonecantakebetweentwo tothreedaystocompleteandit’s avery therapeuticprocess,shesays.

“I’m amakerattheendofthe day.Ienjoymakingthingsandhaving somethingtofocusmymindon.

“Ienjoyknowingthat I’mmaking something,whetherit’s aweddingcake or abag,thatwillhaveanimpacton somebody’sday.

“Itcouldbe abagthat’s asurprisegift forsomebodyor abagsomebodyisusing for ajobinterviewtomakethemfeel moreconfident,itgivesme alotofjoy tobringhappinessintosomebody’slife,” adds Kerry.

n Formoreinformation,seewww. lillyandjude.co.uk

Above:BothsetsofKerry’sgrandparentsonherparents’ weddingday;Kerry’sfavouritephotoofher mumJudithandhermumholdingherwhenshewasabouttwo yearsold

ALL SEWNUP WITH AQUILTINGCAREER

HEATHERLARGE MEETSNICOLADODD WHOREVEALSHOWSHEHASTURNEDHER PART-TIME PASSIONFORANANCIENTNEEDLEWORKCRAFTINTOAWORLDWIDEENTERPRISE

It’s acreativecraftthatwilladda splashofcolourtoyourhome –and keepyouwarmonchillynights.

Quilting –amethodofstitching layersofmaterialtogether –has arich historywhichcanbetracedbackto medievaltimes.

Today,it’sa popularpast-timewith manypeopleenjoyingthesatisfactionof creating apieceofartthat’sbothbeautiful andpractical.

Nicola Dodd,wholivesin Shrewsbury,tookupthecraftaround14 yearsagoandnowdesignsandwrites her ownpatternsforfellowquiltersaround theglobe

“Whenmyfamilyand Imovedinto ournewhouse,wedidn’thaveenough furnituretofillit,”saysthemotherof two.“Iwantedtolearnhowtoquilt tomakeourhomelookcosyandto

introducelotsofcolour.Itwas awayfor metodecoratethehouse.

“Atthe time Ididn’tknowanyone whoquilted,so Istartedlearning how frombooks, YouTubeandtheblogsof fellowquiltersworldwide,”explains Nicola.

Itwasn’tlongbeforeshewashooked onhernewhobbyandbeganexpanding herskills.

Nicolaalsodiscoveredquilters closer tohomeattheShropshire Quiltersgroup, whichisaffiliatedtotheQuiltersGuild.

Herbackgroundinconservation architectureandgardendesignmeant creatingherownpatternswasthenext natural step.

Shestartedherdesignbusiness, CakeStandQuilts,in2015,andsince thenhasdesignedandwrittenaround100 uniquepatterns.

Overtheyears,Nicolahasalso designedprojectsfor Today’sQuilter, Love PatchworkandQuiltingandModa Bakeshop,aswellasappearingas aguest designerontheSewing Quarter.

Herworkisalwaysfullofcolourand shedescribesthestyleofherquiltsas contemporaryandpictorial.Theyoften featureflowers,birds and wildlifeaswell asBritishthemessuchascountrycottages, seasideholidaysandLondonlandmarks.

“WithmostquilterslivinginAmerica, Ihavetoplaytomystrengthswhichis beingBritish.

“MyAmericancustomersloveallof theBritishthemes,”explains Nicola,who hasexhibitedatThe FestivalofQuiltsat theNECinBirmingham.

Someofherdesignshavebeen inspiredbylocalattractionsincluding thegardensatDavid AustinRosesin

Albrightonandthewalledgardenat Attingham Park.

Nicolahasalsopublishedherown patternbookswhichguidereaders throughtheprocessofmakingoneblock at atimeuntiltheyhave acompleted quilt.

“Iwillwritethepatternfirstand then Iwillmakeit.Sometimes Iwillhave peopletestitforme,”saysNicola,who alwayscarries asketchbooktojotdown ideasfornewdesigns.

Shebelievesit’sanidealcraftfor beginnersbecauseitdoesn’ttakelong to pickupthebasicskillsandpeoplecan learnmoreadvancedtechniquesastheir confidencegrows.

“It’s aloteasier thandressmaking becauseitdoesn’t havetofit!,”says Nicola.“Therearekitsavailableaswell aspre-cutfabricto makeiteasierfor beginners. Youcanstartwithverysmall quiltsandbuilduptobiggerprojects.”

EverytimeNicolafinishes aquilt,she enjoysthesenseofaccomplishment.“I

likethefactit’sveryhands-onand Ican makewhat Idesign. Iknowlotsofpeople finditusefulfortheirmentalhealthand Iknew afewpeoplewhohavechronic illnessandenjoysewingbecauseitgives themsomethingtofocusandtakestheir mindofftheirpain,”sheexplains.

Nicolais amemberofShropshire Quilters,whichwillcelebrateits40th anniversarynextyear.

Thegroup,whichmeetsonthe third TuesdayofthemonthatMereside CommunityCentreinShrewsburyholds workshopsthroughouttheyearatBayston HillMethodistCentre.

Ithasaround40memberswhoshare aninterestinpatchwork,quiltingand relatedneedlecrafts.

n Formoreinformationabout Nicola’spatterns,visitwww. cakestandquilts.com,andfordetails aboutShropshireQuilters,seewww. shropshirequilters.co.uk/

RosyGeehasbeenwritingforas longas shecanrememberand pennedherfirstbook at the youngageofseven.

Nowsheiscelebratingthepublication ofherfirstnovel,whichissetin Shropshireandfeatures anumberof recognisablelandmarks.

Writingandbookshavealwaysbeen abigpartofRosy’slife.“Iwrotemyfirst bookagedsevenwhenmybabysisterwas born –Istillhavethatbookto this day.

“Iwroteanotherbookwhen Iwas12, which Iwon aprizeforatschool.As Igot older,Iwrotearticlesformagazines.

“Ihavealwayslovedbooksand remembermydadmakingupstoriesto readtomeatbedtimeas achild.

“When Iwasinseniorschool, Igot anAgathaChristiebookand Ithought it wassocleverhowitallcametogetherat theend.

“Ilovethewaythatwecanbe transportedtoanotherplace,another timeandevenanotherworldsimplyby immersingourselvesin agoodbookand connectingwiththe characters,”says Rosy,wholivesinLeintwardine,nearthe borderofShropshireandHerefordshire.

Overtheyears,shehadalways dreamedofbecoming apublished author buteventuallygaveupontheideaafter

severalfailedattempts.Thenoneday, withthehelpofbest-selling author StephenKing,Rosydiscoveredwhereshe wasgoingwrong.

“Iwastryingtoplotandplanmy novelsanditwasn’tworkingforme, Iwas tyingmyselfinknots.

“Then IreadStephenKing’sbookOn Writinganddiscovered Iwas a‘pantser’ stylewriterlikehim.Thisis an American termandbasicallymeansyouflybythe seatofyourpants.

“Assoonas Irealised Icouldjustsit

downandwrite,theideascameintomy head,”explainsRosy,whoworks as alegal secretary.

“DuringCovid,whenwehad alot oftimetofill, Isatdownandbeganto write. Ithought if Icouldn’twrite anovel, maybe Icouldwrite achildren’sbook, whichturnedouttobemoredifficult.”

Butherhardworkpaidoff,andher picturebook,Mr Tiddy’sGarden,isdue tobepublishednextyear.“It’s apicture bookforthreeto five-year-oldsaboutMr Tiddyandhislovelygarden.

“It’sdesignedtoencouragechildren toeatmorevegetablesandtheycanalso seehowtheyaregrown.Theillustrations byEmmaThomasarebeautifulandbring thebooktolife,”saysRosy.

Hernovel,TheMysterious DisappearanceofMarshaBoden, originallybeganin2022as ablogonher website,whereshewouldpublishtwo chapterseveryweek.

“Istartedtowriteaboutinteresting thingsinthevillagebut Iwondered howlong Iwouldbeabletodothat for.Ithoughtinstead Icouldletmy imaginationrunwildandstartanovel,” explainsRosy.

Lastyear,shesubmittedthreechapters totheCheshireNovel Prize,whichis opentounpublishedorself-published novelists.

“Ihadsubmitteditas athrillerbut theytoldmeitwas a‘cosycrime’novel. Ihad neverheardofcosycrime.It’svery popularatthemomentandit’swhere murdershappeninbeautifulsettingsand aresolvedbyamateursleuths,”explains Rosy.

“Istartedpeddlingthebookaround todifferentagents and publishers.I hadalwayswantedtobetraditionally published,notbecausethereisanything wrongwithself-publishingbutbecauseI

wantedsomeoneelsetosaymyworkwas goodenoughtopublish.

“Onmy14thsubmission,RomaReads Publishingpickeditup.LaurenIlbury hasbeenamazing.She’sbeen awonderful editorandshe’shelpedwiththe developmentaledits,thestructuraledits andtheline-by-lineedits.

“I’velearnedsomuchthisyearandit’s beenanamazingexperience,”addsRosy.

AlthoughthevillageinThe MysteriousDisappearanceofMarsha BodenisbasedonLeintwardine,the characters and scenariosarecompletely fictional.

Localresidents,however,may recognisesomeofthelandmarksinthe book,suchasTheLionwhichfeatures as TheSwaninthebook,aswellasshopsin andaroundLudlow.

Thesynopsisreads:“Little Twichen is asleepyvillageinShropshirewhere nothingmuchhappens...untiltheday MarshBodendisappearsandallhell breaksloose.

“Isthere aserialkillerintheirmidstor hasshejustdisappeared?Didshediscover somethingthatledtoherbeingsilenced? Ordidherhusbandhavesomethingtodo withherdisappearance?

“Withanothertwodeathsinthe village,still,nobodyisgettinganycloser

tofindingoutwhathappenedtoMarsha. Andifshewasdead,wherewasherbody?

“ThemysteryunravelswhenMarsha’s friendsdiscoversomesinisteractivities and,determinedtogettothebottomof whathappenedtoher,make ashocking discovery.”

Rosy,whoisalreadyworkingontwo furthernovels, hasbeendelighted bythe positivefeedbackshehasreceivedfrom readers.

“I’vebeenblownawaybythereviews. Peoplehavesaidtheendingisquiteclever which Iwaspleasedwithbecause Ididn’t wantit tobe predictable,”shesays.

“What Iloveaboutwritingisthatyou havecarteblanchetodoanything.Allof thethings Iwish Icouldsayordo, Ican putinmybookwhichisquitefun.”

n TheMysteriousDisappearanceof MarshaBodenisavailablenow.Formore information,seewww.rosygee.comor www.romareadspublishing.com

PAGE41: Rosy’sbookhasbeeninspiredby herhomevillageofLeintwardine.

PAGE42: TheSwanpubinherbookisbased onherlocalTheLion.

FARMER GROWING CLOSETONATURE

LORNAMAYBERY DISCOVERSHOWED TATEISKEEN TO GETTHEMESSAGEACROSSABOUT WHEREFOODCOMESFROMANDWHATFARMERSAREDOINGFORTHEENVIRONMENT

EdTateis amanon amission. Alifetimetenantfarmer,heis lookingtothefuturebycaring fortheenvironment,while ensuringhisfarmremainsproductiveand financiallyviable.

Ottersanddragonflies are justtwo ofthecreaturesthatheiscurrently encouragingontohis800-acreShropshire farm.Andit’swatermanagementthat’s thekeytotheirfuture success.

Byensuringwaterischannelledin therightway,isclean and plentiful,and storedforuseduringdryweather,Ed isprotectingthesoil, thewildlifeand thecommercial crops,resultingina sustainablebalancethatwillbenefitthe environmentaswellasthebusiness.

“Everybodyneedsgoodquality, plentifulwater,”saysEd,whois afarmer ontheIsleEstatenearShrewsbury.“It’s theessenceoflife.

“Westartedthejourney15years agowhen Itookoverthefarm.Iwas worriedaboutbiodiversityloss,andso wehavebeenon ajourneytoimprove soilhealthand,withthat,weimprove ourenvironmentalhealthandwater management.Throughthisweare achievingsustainableproductionfor yearstocome –forfuturegenerations. Thebiggestlegacywecanpassonisfood securityandenvironmentalsustainability.

“Therearewaystomanagewaterand mitigateclimatechange,”Edexplained. “Firstly,throughsoilhealthandincreasing

soilorganicmatter,whichyou canachieve bymakingsureyouneverhavebareearth inyourarablefieldsbyplantingcover crops.

“Thiswillputgoodrootsinthe groundsowhenitrains,waterislocked in.Thishastwoadvantages,itmeansit’s notgoingintoourriversandcanhelpstop downstreamflooding,andit’savailableto beusedinperiodsofdrought.

“Ihavealso sited bufferstripsaround thefarm –manyabout12mwide –often protecting abankthatmightgodown to aditchorwatercourseandthesesites preventanynutrientrun-off.Weare trying,duringperiodsofhighrainfall, topreventfloodingdownstreamonthe RiverSevern.”

AnNFUShrewsburybranch member,hecountshimselflucky,not onlytohavefourmilesoffloodmeadows followingtheriveraroundthefarm,but also a15-acre‘kettlelake’andwetlandthe farmusestostorewater,onlyreleasingit whenit’ssafetodoso.

Themeadowsactas asuper-sponge soakingupmillionsoflitresofwaterin winterhelpingtoprotectthetownfrom flooding.

“Duringhighrainfall,TheIslePool can storeabout60,000cubicmetresof water.

“Duringfloodseasonourwater storagefillsupand,inthedryseason,we willdrainitbackdownintotheriver,”Ed explains.

CreatedattheendofthelastIce Age,10,000to20,000yearsago,the lakeis ahavenforwildlifeanditisthe managementofthelakethathasseen thenumber of dragonfliesincrease. Shropshirehas34speciesofdragonfly anddamselfly,andalready12specieshave beencountedonthefarm.

Workingwithspecialistsandthelocal fishingclub,Eddevised a‘biodiversity actionplan’toimprovetheecological systemsand,inJune,theBritish DragonflySocietycountyrecorder witnessedthefirstsightingof a‘Norfolk Hawker’dragonflyinShropshire.

“Weareveryluckytoteamupwith specialistswhoknowtheirsubjectsreally wellandoverthenextfewyearswe arehopingtoincreasethenumbersof dragonflies,”Edsaid.

Ontheriver,Edhasputinartificial holts(otterholesusedforsleepingand resting)and,tohisdelight,he’snow seeingthemammalsonfarm,which isalways agoodsignthatnatureisin balance.

“Idoeverythinginmypowertokeep pollutantsawayfromwatercourses,”he said.

“Weworkwiththelocalfishingclub whousethisstretchoftheriverandthey keepaneyeoutforproblemsandreport wildlifespots,andtheyhaveinstalledowl boxesaroundthefarm.”

Edpointsoutthatit’snotjustthebig animalsthatshowhowgoodbiodiversity is.

Hesays:“It’sgreattoseeyourhares, owls,buzzards,butit’sthethingsyou can’tseethat showhowhealthyyour environmentis.

“Undertheground,unseentotheeye, areallthoserootsandtheseareabsolutely vital.Theyhelptobreakupmysoilsand theyprovide alovelyenvironmentforall thesoilbiotatolivein.

“If Iweretopickup adoublehandful ofsoil,we’vegotmorelifeintherethan livingpeopleonthisplanet –about10 billionlivingorganisms.

“Ihavetomakesureallthoseliving

organismsarehappy,reallyenjoyingtheir environment,becauseitmeansthe soilis workingasnatureintended.

“If Idothis, Icanlowerourinputsof artificialnutrientsbecausetheplantsand bacteriawillbeprovidingforus.”

Covercropsplay akeyrole –Ed grows arangeofplantsincludingvetches, phacelia,threetypesofradishes,linseed andclovers.Notonlydotheybring nutrientstothesoil,it’salsoimportant topointoutthattheyaregrabbing atmosphericcarbonandlockingitintothe ground.

Edexplainsthatacrossthearable operationhenowrarelyplantsjustone cropbutaddsextraplantswhichhelp theenvironmentin apracticecalled companioncropping.

“Forinstance,inourmaize(grownas cattlefoodwhich,whenconvertedinto milk,suppliesthelocalcreamerytomake yoghurt)wealwayscompanionitwith clover,whichapartfromprotectingthe soillike anaturalblanket,givestheinsects

somethingtofeedoff,helps manage waterandnaturallyfixesnitrogen,an elementsoimportantinhelpingplants photosynthesise.

“Bymakingspacefornature,not onlydo Iinclude ourvisibleworksof managing theheritagefloodmeadows, hedgesandwoodlands,butalso introducing apolicyofneverleavingbare earth.

“Essentiallywhenwehaveharvested onecropweimmediatelyeitherplant anotherorusesomethingas acovercrops.

“Thesearegrownnotforprofitbut to ensurethelandisalwayscoveredbyliving rootsandgivestheland abreakfromfood production.

“Theyalsohavetheadvantagesof fixingcarbondioxidesafelythrough sequestration,whichalongwith regenerativepractices,hasbeenanother successstory,withthefarm nowfixing 500tonnesmoreatmosphericCO2into thegroundthanitemitsannually.”

Asanaddedbonus,theyalsoprovide

foodforgrazingsheep. “AroundJanuary timewewillmovethesheeptothecover crops,sotheyeatthe cropsandthen fertilisetheland,so Idon’tneedchemical interventionwhenpreparing theground formyseedbeds.

“Whentherootsofthecovercrops havebrokenupthesoil,itmeans Iamless relianton aplough,and Icandirectdrill seedintothesoilwhereverpossible.”

Edsaysthatworkinginthiswayand lookingafterboththeproductiveand non-productiveareasofthefarmhas definitelyincreasedthenumberofinsects.

Ed’sfarmcurrentlygrowswheat (eightdifferentvarieties),beans,maize, oatsandhassheep.

“Weworkonabout asix-yearrotation –myshort-termplanningonthefarmis longerthana termofgovernment!

“Idocrisismanagement,andthisis day-by-day,week-by-weekandmonthby-month.Short-termplanningisabout sixyears,medium-termiswhere Iwant togetmysoilsin20years’timeandlong-

termplanningiswhere Iamplantingtrees acrossthefarm,which Iwillneverseeto maturity,butin200years’timearegoing tolookgreat!”

Ediskeentogetthemessageacross aboutwherefoodcomesfromandwhat farmersaredoingfortheenvironment and,everyyear,welcomesabout2,000 childrenandinterestedgroupsofadults ontothefarm –heisalsoworkingclosely withtheNFUEducationteam.

“Manyofthechildrenwillvisit throughschool,butwedohave othergroupslikeDukeofEdinburgh participantsandScouts,”saysEd.

“Wealsogetcharitieswhoworkwith healingandmentalhealthandremarkable charitieswhoworkwithchildrenfrom disadvantagedbackgrounds.

“Wedoa lotofguidedtoursfrom awiderangeofgroupsfromorganic growerstotheChinesecommunityfrom Telford.

“It’s anicedayout,butalso educationalandit’sreconnectingpeople

withagricultureandseeinghowweare gettingthatfoodfromthefieldontoour plates.”

Edsaystheworkisparticularly rewarding.

“IfI’mluckyenoughtobeableto enjoylife,earn apennyandleavethefarm inbettershapethanwhen Igotit,then that’s alifewellspent.Anythingelseisa bonus,”heconcludes.

PAGE45: Ed Tate farms800acresnear Shrewsbury.

PAGE46: Thefarmhasfourmilesofflood meadowsfollowingtheriveraroundthe farm.

PAGE47: Throughhiswork,Edhashelped toboosttheecologicalsystemsonthefarm, includingthefirstsightingof rare dragonfly speciestheNorfolkHawker,andhehasput inartificalotterholts,whichhasleadtoan increaseinnumbersofthemammals.

GREATOUTDOORS

COUNTY

Walkingis agreatwaytoget someexerciseduringthe wintermonths,thoughit mighttake alittlebitmore efforttodragourselvesoutsidewhenthe weatherisfrosty.Thecounty’snature reservesarewellsupportedbyShropshire Wildlife Trust,whichstrivetostimulate naturerecoveryacrossthecounty.

Therearepopulardestinationsatthis timeofyear,suchasTheErcallNature Reserve,whichisoneofShropshire’sbest geologicalsites.TheStiperstonesRidgeis agreatplacetoescapethecrowds,takea shortdetourfromthemaintrailandhead tooneofthreeShropshireWildlife Trust naturereservesadjacentto theridge.

Herearesomegreatsuggestionsfrom TheShropshireWildlife Trustofplacesto visitinwinter.

TheStiperstonesArea

TherockyridgeofTheStiperstones extendssouthofHabberley(near Pontesbury)for8kmandiscriss-crossed

withtrails.Aswellas awandertothetop forall-roundviewsofShropshire’shills, therockyoutcropsarealsowellworth exploring.SWTnaturereservesin this areaincludeNipstoneRock,TheHollies, andBrook Vessons.

Oswestry

Thehillswest ofOswestryhavethe highestconcentrationofShropshire Wildlife Trustnaturereservesinthe county.Someofthosereservesareonly small,buttheyareconvenientlylinked upbynearbywalkingroutes.SWT reservesthereincludeLlynclysCommon, DolgochQuarry,anabandonedlimestone quarrywithwonderfulwildflowers,and LlanymynechRocks,oldquarrieswith greatbotanicaltreasures.

Telford

The Telfordareaisknownas the birthplaceofindustry,butithassome keynatureareas,allofwhichareeasily

reachablefromnearbyresidentialareas.

GranvilleCountry Parkwasonce ahiveofindustrybuthasnowbeen reclaimedbynatureandis ageminthe middle of anewdevelopmentin Telford. TheErcallisancientoakwoodlandwith spectacular views andmorethan500 millionyearsof historycanbeenjoyed there.

Lightmoorisanotherwonderful, local,wildplaceintheheartofTelford &Wrekinthatisverymuchthefocus ofcommunityactivity.Heapsofcoal, clayandironstonewastefromthe 18thcenturymineswerepiledonto themedievalfieldpatterns,andtracks, tramwaysandanearlycanalcutacrossthe landscape.

Clumpsofbluebells,swathes ofyellowarchangelandbanksofwhite floweredgreaterstitchwortarerefugees of aformerforest,andescapeessuchas gooseberry,privetandsweetsmelling lilachavespreadfromcottagegardens, upinto thetangledwoodlandsofoakand birch.

ANDY RICHARDSON HIGHLIGHTSTHEBEAUTYOFSOMEOFTHE FINESTWALKSINTHE

FEEDING FEATHERED FRIENDSINWINTER

ASTHECOLOURFULREDWINGRETURNS TO GRACEOURGARDENS,ARTIST BEN WADDAMS SHOWSHOWWECANSUPPORT WILDLIFETHROUGHOUTTHEWINTERMONTHS

DecemberintheSalopian naturalworldcanbe avery hardandharshtime,yetthere arethingsonhandtoeasethat somewhat,from alittleChristmascharity to alittleChristmascolour;andthe creaturesthatlinkbothofthosearebirds.

AllthoseChristmas-redberriesfrom hollytreestohawthornhedges,rowanto mountainash and manyothersbesides areabouttomeettheirmatchandthat adversarycomesintheformofthe redwing.

Thesesmallthrusheslooksimilar to ourown,residentsongthrushes,butare easilyidentifiedbythebroadwhitestripe (supercillium)overtheeye,andtheirred underwingwhichflashesastheyflyoff.

Theyare aspectacularwintervisitor toourgardens,parksandhedgerowsand nowis agreattimetospotthem.Being highlysociablebirds,inwinter they

areinvariablyseeninflocksthatmay sometimesnumberhundredsofbirds.

Theautumnandwintermovements oftheredwingareunusual,foritisreally aneruptivespecies,movinginresponse tofoodsupplyandweather,ratherthan making aregular migration.

Forexample,ringinghasshownthat birdsthatspendthewinterinsouthern EnglandoneyearmaywellflytoSpainor even Turkeyinsubsequentyears.

Typicallyyoucanspotthesebirds onfieldmarginswherefeedingflocks, shyandquicktoflyto nearbytrees whendisturbed,willgatherandreturn totheirfeedingspots,oftenmixingwith fieldfares.Buttheycanbetemptedto gardens,withorwithouthollyorrowan trees,astheyarepartialtowindfallapples.

Andindeedthosefeatheredtotemsof allweenjoyinthegardenorparkiswhere wecanreallylend abitofahelpinghand

thisfestive season. Providingnaturalfood forthegardenbirdspeciescanmakea hugedifferencetobirds’survivalinthe winterweatherahead.

Byleavingseedheads,onplantslike thistlesorsunflowersandnot composting anyfallenfruitsuchasapples,youwillbe feedingbirdsandotherwildlifeduringthe wintermonthsbothnaturallyandwithout havingtodomuchwork.

Afteryourbirdsreturntoyourgarden oncetheweathergrowscolder,this harvestwilllargelybetotheirbenefitand your’sthrough viewing-pleasure.

Addtothis acleanandrefilloffeeders with amixofhighqualityseed,fatand mealwormsto helpprovidebirdswith energyduringthecoldermonths,and you’redoingverywellindeed!

Otherpracticaljobscanbecompleted toprepareyourlocalwildlifeforwinter.

Birdsandsmallmammalsuseponds/ birdbathsfordrinkingandbathing throughouttheyear,and awealthofother wildlifewillalsobenefit.

Thisdoesnothavetobe amassive projectandanupturneddustbinlidorold washingupbowlisjustasuseful.

It’salso agoodideatocleanoutthe nestboxesinyourgarden.Placethe contentsinyourcompost heapanduse boilingwatertocleanoutanyparasites. Aftertheboxhasdriedout,replacethe lidandhangitbackup. Wrensandother smallbirdsmayusetheboxtokeepwarm duringthewinter.Ihaveseveral roosting

inoldnaturalnestsfromthesummer.

Althoughwemayenjoytheoccasional cold,crispwalkon awinter’sday,itis likelythatthemajorityofuswillspend moretimeinsidethismonthbutas outlinedabove,thatdoesn’tmeanthatour connectionwiththenaturalworldherein Shropshireshouldstop.

Indeedifanythingitistheopposite thatistrue;ifweprepareandhelpour localfloraandfaunaintherun-upto theevenhardertimesahead,wewillbe rewardedhandsomelywiththeirpresence

becausethere’salwayssomethingwecan doindividuallytobenefitnature,asit continuestocarryusthrough.

PAGE50: RedwingonBerries(oilonboard); MorningSong.

PAGE51: Goldfinchon Teasel;Christmas Post;PromiseofSpring.

Ben Waddamsis awildlifeartist.See hisartworkatCallaghansGalleryin Shrewsbury.

JOHN’SARTWORKA HOSPITALLEGACY

MATTHEW PANTER LEARNSHOWARTIST,TEACHERANDFORMERROXYMUSICROAD MANAGER JOHN WRAGGHASHELPEDTRANSFORMTHE WALLSOFACOUNTYCANCERTREATMENTCENTRE

Itwas somethingthatdawnedon John Wraggat adifficulttimeinhis life.Anartist,formerartteacher androadmanagerforBritishrock bandRoxyMusic,the78-year-oldwas diagnosedwithprostatecancerin2016.

AnditwaswhilesittinginLingen DaviesCancerCentreat theRoyal ShrewsburyHospital(RSH)herealised thathewantedtobringsomejoytoothers intheformofhisart.

John,fromOakengates,hadbeen livinginSpainandgettingupin thenight multipletimestogotothetoilet.

Sohevisited adoctorwhodiagnosed himwithanenlargedprostateand prescribedmedicationtohelp.

WhilevisitingtheUK,hesuffereda seriousstrokeandrealisedhestillfeltill.

Hesaidheputoffhavingthebiopsy heneeded,admittingheshouldn’thave, becausewhenhefinallysaw adoctor intheUKfortheprocedure,hewas diagnosedwithcancerwhichhadspread.

Hehad37radiographysessionsatthe LingenDaviesCancerCentre,Heisnow, thankfully,clearofcancer.

Butherecalls:“Thestaffatthe centrewerefabulousthroughoutallmy treatment.

“However,it’sveryintense andoneof thestrangestthings Ihavebeenthrough.

“SittinginthecentreforallthattimeI realisedthewallscouldbenefitfromsome

colour so peoplewouldhavenicethings tolookatwhiletheyarehavingtheir treatment.”

Andsotheabstract,geometric artist,whohasexhibitedintheUK andinternationallyincludingAmerica, Canada,Japan,andEurope,decidedtodo somethingaboutit.

Hedecidedtodonate£25,000worth ofhisarttotheLingenDaviesCancer Fundandthecentreswherehereceived supportandtreatment.

Hehasgiven15paintingsandprints tothecancercharitywhichcovers Shrewsbury,Telford &Wrekin,andMid Wales.

Onehasalreadybeenhungin the

HamarCentre, awellbeinghubatthe RSHandsixarenowondisplayinthe LingenDaviesCancerCentre.

JohnhasalsogiventheLingen DaviesCancer Fundpermissiontouse thedonatedprintstoraisemoneyforthe charityandforthepaintingstobeusedin thesamewayafterhisdeath.

“Iwantedtotryandmakemywork havesomelongevity,”hesays.

“Idon’twantittoallendupinthe binand Ialsowantedtojustsaythankyou fortheincredibletreatment Ireceived.I thoughtthiswas agoodwaytodothat.”

John,whoismarriedtoJulietandhas adaughterandtwostepchildren,wasborn inStockportandtrainedatStMartins SchoolofArtinLondongaining aFirstClassHonoursDegreeinpaintingand printmaking.

Hethentrainedas ateacherandwhile makingartfrom astudioinDeptford,he startedworkingatHolland ParkSchool taskedwithestablishingtheprintmaking department.

“Itwasamazing,itwasthefirst purpose-builtcomprehensiveschoolin Britainandtherewere14artteachersand ahousesystem,”saidJohn.

Inthestaffroom,Johnstarted chattingto amusicianwhowasrehearsing with abandwith aviewtogoing somewherewiththeirmusic.

Johnrecalls:“Theyhad arehearsal

spaceunderCoventGardenandinvited mealongto apractice. Icouldtellstraight awaytheyweregoingtobereallybig.

“Theyweredoingstuffnoone elsewasdoinganditwasfascinating.I graduallygotintohelping themandthey starteddoingagencygigsaroundLondon andinpubsandclubs.

“ThebandwasRoxyMusic,ledby Bryan Ferry, andtheywereplayingatthe OdeonCinemainStreathamonedayand weresignedbyEGManagement.

“Thewholethingchangedthen,and thebandstartedrecordinginstudiosand touringBritain andIbecametheroad manager,”saidJohn.

Johnevenfeaturesontheband’sLP driving amotorbikedowntheroadwitha microphoneattachedtoit.

AftertouringwiththebandintheUS, Johndecidedhewantedtoreturn to his art.He hadtakenthreecameraswithhim takinghundredsofphotoson thetour anddevelopingthem,butallhisluggage waslostatduringtheflightandhelostall ofit.

Johnhadseveralotherartteaching jobsinandaroundLondonbeforemoving toChurchStrettonComprehensiveand laterto aheadofdepartmentpositionat NorthShropshireCollege.

Johnwasofferedearlyretirementat aged50andtookitandhasconcentrated onhisartfull-timeeversince.

Heneverwantedtobetiedto galleries,butinsteadhasexhibitedwidely andestablish ameetinggroupofartistsin Orgiva,Spainwhenhelivedthereforfive yearsfrom2013,which resultedin650 members.

Heisalso amemberofthe Wellington ArtsCollectiveandalongwithfellow member,sculptorJacobChandler,they setupthe WellingtonArts Trailaround openartists’studios aroundWellington.

“Itwas averysuccessfulevent,”said John.“Isoldpiecesasdidmanyofthe

otherartistsinvolvedandwemighthavea showinLondonas agroup.

“Iwanttogoonwithmyartaslong as Ican. Iintendtodieatmyeaselstill working,”headded.

IftheartworkintheCentreinspires anyone,theycanspeaktoLingenDavies aboutgetting aprint.

n FormoreinformationaboutLingen Davies,pleasevisitwww.lingendavies. co.uk,call01743492396 hello@ lingendavies.co.uk

PLAY SPEAKINGUP ON ALZHEIMER’S

HEATHERLARGE TALKSTOVICTORIAIRELANDABOUTHOWSHE WASINSPIRED TO WRITEAN AUDIOPLAYWHENHER FATHER PASSED AWAY AFTERSUFFERINGEARLYONSETDEMENTIA

WhenVictoriaIreland’s fatherwasdiagnosedwith early-onsetAlzheimer’s, sheturnedtowritingasa waytohelpprocessheremotions.

Nowsheisusingherpersonal experiencestoraiseawarenessofthe devastatingimpactofdementia,notjust onthefamilymember,butalsoonthose aroundthem.

Victoriacollaboratedwithactorsfrom BaystonHillAmateurDramaticsSociety and West Shropshire TalkingNewspapers tocreateanaudioplay –LivingwithAL.

“Mydad,Robert,wasdiagnosedwith early-onsetAlzheimer’sjustbeforehis 60thbirthday.Ialsolivedwithmynan whohadAlzheimer’sandwasinher90s,” saysVictoria.

“MydadpassedawayinNovember 2023,aged75.Hehadworkedallhislife butwasn’tabletoenjoyhisretirement. Hewas averyintelligentmanand Imiss himimmensely.Writinghelpedmeto

processmyemotionsand Iwrote ascript for aplay.Ilovetheatrebecauseit’s avery intimateexperienceandyouaredirectly affectedbywhat’shappeningbefore youwhichhelpsyoutorelatetothe characters.

“Myscripthadneverleftmylaptop, butaftermydadpassedaway Idecided tofinishitanddosomethingwithitasa tributetohim,”explainsthe42-year-old.

Victoria,wholivesinShrewsbury, approachedBaystonHillAmateur DramaticsSocietyforhelpandreceived positivefeedbackonherplay.

“Theysawlotsofpotentialinitand putmeintouchwithformer Radio 4and RadioShropshireproducerChrisEldon Leewhosuggestedrecordingtheplayas anaudioplay

“Ifeltthiswassimilarto astageplay becausepeoplecanlistentoitintheir ownspacemakingit averyintimate experience.It’snicethatit’ssopersonal,” shesays.

Playwright VictoriaIrelandwith,left,producerChris EldonLee,andright,engineerChrisLemonwhohelpedtoproducetheaudioplay

WestShropshireTalkingNewspapers offeredtheirrecordingstudiosforthe projectandresidentrecordingengineer ChrisLemonalsovolunteeredhistime.

“Thepeoplewecastfortheplayhad allbeenimpactedbyAlzheimer’sand dementiainsomeway,”saysVictoria. “When Iwenttorehearsals,Iaskedif anyonehadknownsomebodywhohad sufferedfromAlzheimer’s.

“Everysinglepersonputtheirhand up. Iaskedthemtowritedownthename oftheperson theyhadknownon apiece ofpaperandwetook aphotoas atribute tothosepeople,”sheadds.

“Itwas astarkreminderthatonein threepeoplecoulddevelopdementia intheirlifetime. It’ssuch adevastating diseasethateffectstomanypeopleandI hopethatonedaytheycanfind acure.”

LivingwithALfollowsthelifeof Cybil,playedby FionaHankin,whohas beendiagnosedwithAlzheimer’s,andher familyincludingdaughterSarah(Amy Warhurst).

Thereisalso acharacter,named AL,playedHughClay-Jones,whoonly Cybilcansee,whichVictoriacreatedto personifyAlzheimer’s.

“Itisverymovingbutalso humorous inparts,”saysVictoria.“Iwantedtomake peoplelaughaswellasmakethemcry.”

n LivingwithALisavailableintwo partsonApple Podcasts,Spotify,Amazon Alexa,andallother PodcastPlatforms.

VictoriaandherbeloveddadRobert,andabove readingfromtheplay’sscript

CHARITY

Lotterycashto boostcoffersat children’s charity

AShropshirecharityhasbeen awarded a£25,000grantfrom thePeople’s PostCodeLottery tosupportitsworkhelpingthe familiesofchildrenunderfiveget thebestpossiblestartinlife.

Home-Start Telford&Wrekinhas receivedthegranttohelpfundthe charity’scomprehensivesupport programmeforyoungfamilies underpressure.

CaiaBryant-Griffiths,thestrategic leadatthecharity,saidthatthe grantwas ahugehelpinsupporting Home-Start Telford&Wrekin’s work withparentsofchildrenunderfive. Thecharity’sgoalistoassistyoung familiesinmanagingdailylifeand expandingtheirconnectionswithin thecommunity.

Theirservicesinclude avolunteer peersupport weeklyhome-visiting service, alow-mood/mentalhealth supportgroup,workwithyoung parents, agroupfordads,two groupsfor0–1-year-olds,selfesteemcourses,andtwofamily drop-ingroups,oneofwhich focusesonsupportingfamilies forwhomEnglishisnottheirfirst language.

CaiaBryant-Griffithscontinuedby saying:“We’re sogratefultothe PostcodeLotteryfortheirgenerous donationof£25,000in recognition of thevalueofourserviceto strugglingyoungfamiliesin Telford &Wrekin.

“Corecostsarealwaysdifficultto fund,butaredesperatelyneeded tosupportourflexibleandvaried rangeofsupportforfamilies.

“Withoutfundingforourcorecosts we wouldn’t beabletorunanyof thesevaluableservices.”

CommunityResourceisurgingpeopletosupportthe Warmer WinterAppealtohelpthoseinneed

BIDTOHELP PEOPLE TO STAY WARM

AShropshire charityhas launchedanurgentappealto helpvulnerablehouseholds staywarmthiswinter.

Withwintertemperaturesonthe horizon,localcharityCommunity Resource hasofficiallylaunchedits 2024 Warmer WinterAppeal,callingon residentstosupporthouseholdsacross Shropshire, Telfordand Wrekinintheface ofseverefuelpoverty.

Thiswinter,localfamilies,elderly residents,andvulnerableindividuals facegreaterhardshipthaneverbefore,as therisingcostofenergyandlossofthe Winter FuelAllowanceforsome,putthe essentialneedforwarmthevenfurther outofreach.

CommunityResourcehasrunits Warmer WinterAppealforoverfour years,providingmuch-neededsupport tolocalhouseholdsincrisis.Thiswinter, theneedisevengreater:nearly23%of householdsin Shropshireareoffthe mainsgasgrid, relyingonmorecostly heatingsourceslikeoilandelectric.

Alongsidepoorinsulation and the addedchallengeofruralisolation,heating costsarepushingmorefamiliesintoa “heatoreat”dilemmathatnooneshould

havetoface. Formany,coldhomesalso meanincreasedhealthrisks,especiallyfor olderindividualsandthosewithchronic healthissues.

Throughgenerouscontributionsto the Warmer WinterAppeal,Community Resourceisabletocontinuedelivering vitalassistancetothosemostinneed. Fundsraisedwillbeusedtoprovide emergencyfuelgrants,energy-saving advice,andpartnership supportwith localfoodbankstoensurethatstruggling householdsaren’tleftinthecold.

Everydonationcanhelpprovide immediateandmeaningfulreliefto householdsinneed:

n £10 canfundanemergencyenergy top-up.

n £50 canequipahouseholdwith energy-savingmaterialslikedraftproofingkits.

n £100 can provide avulnerable familywith afuelgrantforwarmthand security.

n To donate,visitwww.justgiving. com/campaign/warmerwinterappeal2024 orcontactCommunityResourceat enquires@community-resource.org.uk

MembersoftheHome-Start Telford& Wrekinteam

GINO COOKS UP ITALIANCLASSICS

Therearetwotypesofpeople: thosewhohavealreadyjoined theairfryerappreciationsociety, andthosewhoabsolutely haven’t.ChefGinoD’Acampoisfirmly inthefirstcamp.He’sgotthreeathome, awholerangeofGinobrandedonesin ASDA,andnow acookbookdedicatedto them.

You’dthinkit’dbe ariskybusiness, takingreveredItalianrecipes,ladenwith historyandtheheartsof athousand nonnas,andshovingtheminthe hotdrawerof akitchengadget.But D’Acampobelievesit’sthegiantoven, restingonitsfuel-guzzlinglaurelsinyour kitchen,that’smostatrisk.

“Theovenshouldbeworried,”says the48-year-old.“Probablynotinthenext fourorfiveyears,butinthenext10…”

Whenairfryerssavespace,electricity andtime,whyfightchange?“Youcantake itwithyouifyougocamping,ifyougoin yourgarden,”saysD’Acampo.

“Anairfryerandanoven,theyare99 percentdoingexactlythesame thing! Theonlydifferenceis,theairfryeris portable.”

Hencewhyhehaslittletimeforthe naysayersunwillingtocheatontheir ovenonprinciple.“Ifyou’retalkingon principle,then alotofpeopleareagainst manythingsfornoreasonwhatsoever.An airfryeristhesameprincipleastheoven,” saysD’Acampo.

“It shouldn’tbecalledanairfryer –it is averyclevermadeupmarketingword. Itshouldbecalled aminioven:anoven thathas afanand aheatingelement.The airfryerhas afan and aheatingelement!”

Thatsaid,he’sdonetheresearchand reckonsonlyaround50percentofItalian foodwillworkinanairfryer.

“Ifyouwanttodo aspaghetti carbonara,howareyougoing to dothat? Impossible!”

Therereallyisnosubstitutefor spaghetticookedinboilingwaterassalty asthesea,butlasagne?Bungitintheair fryer.Aubergineparmigiana,cannelloni withspinach and ricotta,polenta chips, wholeseabreamwithlemon,panettone pudding?Switchthatgadgeton.

Everytimehedoes,D’Acampothinks ofhislatemother,Alba.“Mymotherwas oneofthosewomenthatusedtocookand cleanatthesametime.Andthelast10 yearsofherlife,shelivedbyherself.She wasalwayscomplainingthatwhenever sheputtheovenonitwouldbe,‘Too muchelectricityI’mspending’or,‘The ovenisgettingdirty’,”heremembers.

“Whentheairfryercameintomy handduringCovid, Ithought,‘My mammawouldlovethis. It isperfectfor oneortwopeople,andshewouldhave cleanedless. Iknowshewouldloveit.”

BorninNaples,D’Acamposplits histimebetweenItalyandEngland,and

as adadofthree,familyis central tohis food. Writinghisnewbook,Gino’sAir FryerCookbook:ItalianClassicsMade Easy,aroundthem thoughwas“abloody nightmare”.

“Everybody’s afoodcritic,including mydaughter[Mia],whois12!Noneof themjustsitdown,eatandsay,‘Thisis great’. No,no,no!It’smyfault.I’vebeen injectingthisfoodpassionintothemsince theywereborn.Soyoucanimagineevery time Icreate adish,”hesays, andyoucan practicallyhearhiseyesroll.

Herecentlycreated aricotta and chocolatecake.“Itwasexcellentinmy opinion. Abitofamarettoliqueur. Sweettoperfection. Well,everybody hadsomethingtosay.Onesaid,‘You shouldhaveusedmilk chocolatechipsinstead ofthebitterchocolate’. Theotherone,‘Maybe lessricotta’.Theother one,‘Moresugar’. At theendofit, Ilistento everybody.Sometimes theyareright.Mostof thetime,theyarenot asrightasI am!”

CallingD’Acampo opinionatedisan understatement.It’s whatmakes himsuch

alovablerascalonTV,usuallyflanked byGordon Ramsayand Fred Sirieix, caperingaboutEurope.However,he and Fred havepeeledofftogetherfora neweco-mindedtravelandfoodshow inCroatiaand Austria, calledEmission Impossible.

“WedidmissGordon, Ihavetosay, becauseweliketogoas atrio. But this time,Gordondidn’thavethedates,” explainsD’Acampo.

AquickscanofhisInstagramthough andyouwillfindvideosofD’Acampo cradlingducklingsandbeingswarmedby fluffyquailshe’sincubatedathishomein Sardinia.

“Ilikeanimalsbecausetheyhavea puresoul.They’reverygratefulwhen youlookafterthem,”hesays, beforeadding: “Andtheother thing,theymake asound, which Ilike,buttheydon’t talk!”

Theyendupprettytasty too…“I’mnotgonnalie,” saysD’Acamporoguishly.

n Gino’sAir Fryer Cookbook:ItalianClassics MadeEasybyGino D’Acampoispublishedby Bloomsbury,priced£22. Availablenow.

AIRFRYERCHOCOLATEFONDANTS

“This recipeforlittlechocolatedelights isdedicatedtomysonRocco,asit’shis favouritedessertofalltime,”explainschef Gino,whohaswrittenanewbook,Gino’s Air FryerCookbook,dedicatedtoItalian classics.

“Forallyouchocolateloversoutthere,itis amust-try.Thesearefantasticifyouare entertainingguestsandwanttoimpress, asyoucangetthem readyandcookwhen needed.Theywillhappilysitat room temperaturefortwohours,waitingfora hotdesserttoorder… You’re welcome!”

Ingredients:Serves4

100gbutter,cubed,plusmoreforthe moulds

Cocoapowder,todust 125gdarkchocolate, finelychopped 180gcastersugar ½tsp fineseasalt 3eggs

90gplain flour

Vanillaicecream,doublecreamor mascarpone,toserve

Method:

1.Greasefour175millilitreminipudding mouldswithbutteranddustwithcocoa powder,tippingawayanyexcess.

2.Placeasaucepanofwater overa mediumheatandbringtoasimmer. Placeaheatproofbowlontop,ensuringit doesn’t touchthewater,thengentlymelt thechocolateandcubedbuttertogether untilsmooth(youcanalsomeltthemin amicrowaveifyouprefer).Useaplastic spatulatostirandcombine.

3. Takeoff theheat,stirinthesugarand saltandallowtocoolslightly.Whiskinthe eggsonebyonewithanelectricwhiskon amedium-lowspeed.Mixinthe flourona lowspeeduntilsmooth.

AIRFRYERROASTEDPUMPKINLASAGNE

“Thisisa reallyfantastic,tastylasagne whichcaneasilybecome vegetarianby removingthespeck.

“YoucansubstituteParmesanwith Pecorinocheese,speckwithParmaham, pinenutswithchoppedblanchedhazelnuts andthepumpkinwithbutternutsquash,if youprefer;itwillstillbedelicious.”

Ingredients:Servesfour

1kgpumpkin,cutinto3cmslices 1tbspoliveoil

2tspchillioil,ortotaste 6freshlasagnesheets,about16×11cm 100gslicedspeckham 30gpinenuts

Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper Forthebéchamel: 70gsaltedbutter,plus20gcutintocubes 60gplain flour 700mlwholemilk

70g finelygratedParmesancheese ¼smallnutmeg,freshlygrated

Method:

1.Preheattheairfryerto180°Cforthree minutes.

2.Placethepumpkin,oliveoil,aquarter teaspoonsaltandquarterteaspoonpepper intheairfryer fittedwiththebasketinsert andtoss well.Cookfor20minutesuntil justtender.

3.Meanwhile,makethebéchamelby meltingthe70gramsofbutterina saucepan over amediumheat.Usinga whisk,stirinthe flourandcookforone minuteuntilitisalightbrowncolour. Graduallystirinthemilk, reducetheheat tolowandcookforeightminutes,stirring

4.Equallypourthechocolatemixintothe preparedmoulds.Theycanstandat room temperaturefortwohoursatthisstage.

5.Preheattheairfryerto170°Cforthree minutes.

6.Placethefondantsintheairfryerand bakefor11minutes.Remove andleaveto standfortwominutes.

7.Carefullyrunaknifearoundtheedgesto loosen,thenturnoutontodessertplates. Servewithagenerousdollopofvanillaice cream,doublecream–ormypersonal favourite–mascarpone. continuously.Oncethickened, remove fromtheheatandstirin40gramsofthe Parmesanandthenutmeg.

4.Seasonwithhalfateaspoonofsaltand aquarterteaspoonpepper,stiragainand setasidetoslightlycool,thenadjustthe seasoningandnutmegtoyourtaste.

5.Reducetheairfryertemperatureto 150°C.

6.Spreadone-thirdofthebéchamelin a21-centimetresquarebakingdish,or directlyintotheairfryerdrawer,ifyours isthesamesize,thendrizzleinone teaspoonchillioil.Laytwolasagnesheets ontop;you’llneedtotrimoneandaddthe trimmedpiecetothegapabove thesheets. Addhalfthepumpkininanevenlayer,then halfthespeckand10gramspinenuts. Repeattheselayers,then finishwitha final layerofpastaandthe remainingone-third ofbéchamelontop.Reservethe remaining pinenuts.Cookfor20minutes.

7.Increasetheairfryertemperature to160°C.Sprinkle overthe remaining Parmesancheese,pinenutsandthe20 gramsofcubedbutter,grindpepper over thetopandcookfora final20minutes, untilgoldenandcookedthrough.Letit rest for five minutesbeforeserving.

AFESTIVEFEASTFIT FORALLTHEFAMILY

FROMSWEETCLEMENTINES TO REDCABBAGEANDSTICKYDATES, ANDYRICHARDSON LOOKS ATWAYS TO ADDSOMETHINGEXTRASPECIAL TO THAT TRADITIONAL FAMILYDINNER

Thefestiveseasonbringsa traditionalbountyoffreshfruit andvegthatnoclassicChristmas wouldbecompletewithout. Servesproutsandparsnipsalongside yourturkey,add cranberriestocolourful cocktailsanddatestostickyChristmas puddings.Don’tforgettotucka clementineintothebottomofstockings. Smallandsweet,clementinesarea hybridoftangerinesandoranges.Easy topeelandexceptionallysweet,thereare over20 varietiesofclementine.Thefruit willkeepinthefridgeforuptooneweek. Tescoisamongthemanystockists and aspokespersonsaid:“Clementines areperfectforChristmasshowstopper

puds –finelyslicefor aclementineand chestnutchocolatetartorjuiceandfreeze into aclementinegranita.Theycaneven play abigpartincrisp,seasonalsalads,like aredcabbage,clementineandmozzarella delight. ForfestivepartiesorChristmas gifting,try acranberryand clementine gin.”

Sproutshave asweet,nuttyflavour, andtastegreatrawor cooked.Sproutsdo cookquicklyandcanbecomebitterand mushywhenoverdone,sodomakesure youwatchthemcarefully.Although they shouldbefirm, asharp knifeshouldstill easilyslideintothestem.Brusselssprouts are aclassic accompanimenttotraditional Christmasdinner –experimentwith

acrisp Parmesancrust,cookinbrown butterandtopwith agarlickycrumb,or dotwith aMarmitebuttereventhehaters willlove.Ifyouhaveleftoversproutsafter Christmas,bakeintothissprout,blue cheeseandwalnutpuffpastrytart.

Cranberriesareharvestedinthe autumnwhenthefruitturnsdeepredin colour –perfectforthefestiveseason.

The Tescospokespersonsaid:“Fresh cranberriesaresharpintasteand,if frozen,canbekeptforuptoninemonths. Showofftheirboldcolourin achicken, mushroomandcranberrypieorvivid cranberrymeringuepie.Ifyou’rehaving aChristmasparty,make aprettybatch ofcranberryKirRoyalesforadultsand cranberrylemonadecordialforkids.”

Parsnipshaveanearthyflavourand wereusedinEuropeas asweetenerbefore canesugararrivedinthe 1800s.Choose smallerparsnips,aslargeronesarelikely tobelesssweet.Theycanbestoredinthe fridgeforupto aweek. Parsnipsaregreat foraddingtoheartyvegetarianmainsthat vegetariansandmeat-eaterswilllove–choosebetween aprettysavourycarrot andparsnipcakeorspicyharissavegetable bake. Foraninterestingsidedish,trymiso andhoney-bakedparsnips.

Sweetandstickydatesare astapleof thefestiveseason –whiledrieddatesare availableyear-round,freshonesarebest fromNovembertoJanuary.Thedeep brown,wrinkledMedjoolvarietyofdates isthesweetest,with arich toffee-like taste.Usetoaddfudgytextureanddepth tothesweetnessinthisveganself-saucing dateandcaramelpuddingorserve prosciutto-wrappeddatesfilledwithblue cheesefor afestivestarter.

Thebestwaytobrightenupyour festivemenuisbyaddingseasonal ingredientstotraditionaldishes. So, forinstance,mincepieswork atreat withclementineandcranberriesadded. They’reeasytomake,too.

MINCEPIES

Ingredients: To Serve12

Butter,forgreasing

Flour,fordusting

1x 500g blockshortcrustpastry

1x 411g jarmincemeat 2clementines,zested,peeled,segmented, eachsegmentchoppedinto 3pieces 100gcranberries 1mediumegg,lightlybeaten 1tbspgranulatedsugar

Method:

Preheatthe oventogas6,200°C,fan180°C. Grease a12-holecupcaketin.Lightlydust acleansurfacewithflourand rolloutthe pastryto3mmthick.

Using a10cmcutter,stampout12 rounds

forthebasesandgentlypressintothe holesofthepreparedcupcaketin.Usinga 7cmcutter,stampout12more roundsfor thelidsandsetaside.

Decantthemincemeatintoalargebowl andstirthroughtheclementinezestand fruit,until welldispersed.Addaheaped tbspofthemincemeatmixturetoeach pastrybase.Brushtheedgeswithalittle beatenegg,thentopeachwithalidand pressdowntoseal.Prickthelidswitha knife.

Lightlybrushthepieswiththe remaining eggandsprinkle overthesugar.Bakefor 15minutes,oruntillightlygolden.Leaveto coolinthetinfor10minutes,beforegently releasingwithaknife.Enjoywarmorat roomtemperature.

Wrap rawpiesinclingfilmandtinfoil(to preventfreezerburn)andfreezeforupto onemonth.Cookfromfrozen,addinga coupleofminutestothecookingtime. Ofcourse,youmightfindthatyouhave somepiesleft over –as wellasplentyof turkey–andbeingcreativewithleftoversis agreatwaytoseeintheNew Year. Thiseasy recipeformincepieicecream requiresjusttwomincepies,500gof custard,andaslugofbrandy.

Take thelidsoff themincepiesandscoop outthefilling.Reservethepastry. Pourthecustardandbrandy(ifusing),into

afreezer-proofcontainerandstirinthe mincemeatfilling.Popinthefreezerforan hour,stirringevery15minutes,untilhalf set.

Roughlybreakupthe reservedpastry andstirintothecustardmixture.Return tothefreezerfortwotothreehours,until completelyset.

Remove theicecreamfromthefreezer1020minutesbeforeservingtosoften.Serve inscoopswithyourfavouritepudding,such ascrumble.

Withplentyofgreatingredientsinfarm shops,supermarkets,anddelisthisfestive

season,nowisthetimetostartplanning andpreparingfortheChristmasfeast. OnefinaltipforDecemberleftovers involvesthehumbleChristmaspud. EveryonehasaChristmaspudding–andalmosteveryonecan’t eatitall.So putleftoverChristmaspuddingtogood usewithacomfortingfestivecrumble –aperfecteasypudtoenjoy over the holidays. Filledwithapples,pearsandjuicy blackberries,Christmaspuddingisstirred throughthecrumbletoppingforanextra fruitytwist.

THE PERFECTROAST

WILLIAMBRISBOURNEHASBEENPRODUCING FREERANGEGEESEINSHROPSHIREFOR 45 YEARS.HEREHESHARES HIS TOPTIPSFORTHEPERFECTROASTGOOSETHISCHRISTMAS.

Roastgooseisasuperb alternativefortheultimate Christmasfeast,steepedin traditionfor thefestivetable.

Historicallygoosewasthecoveted birdofchoiceforhomesandfamilies acrossBritain.

“Everythingtheysayaboutthecrispy skinistrueandtherich,darkmeatis simplydelicious,fullofflavour,”explains WilliamBrisbourne.

Williamhasbeenrearinggeeseforthe YuletidetableatBroomhill Farmsince 1979. Fromhalf adozengoslingsatage 16, Williamnowrunsanannualflock whichhavebecome alocallandmark seengrazingpastureadjacenttothe road drivingintoNesscliffe.

ThegeesearriveonfarmasdayoldgoslingsinMay,theyarereared traditionally,growingslowlytomaturity andinDecemberarepreparedbyhand, oven-readyforfarmgatecollection.

Nutritionalanalysis showsgoosefat contains arelativelylowproportionof undesirablesaturatedfatsand ahigher proportionofthehealthiermono-or poly-unsaturatedfatsandessentialfatty

acids.“Fatdrainedfromthegooseis excellentforcookingroastpotatoes,roast vegetablesand Yorkshirepuddings,” Williamadds.

RoastingGooseMethod:

Settheovento200degreesC/400 degreesF/gas6/Agatopright.Allow15 minutesperlb/450g,plus20minutes.

Placethegibletsinfourpintsofwater. Bringto theboilandthensimmergently foraroundonehourwiththelidon. Strainandthickenthestocktomakethe

gravy. Pricktheskin,rubsaltandpepper overthe skin.

Stuffthe goosewithyourfavourite stuffing,orasanalternativefillthebody cavitywithchoppedappleandherbs ofyourchoiceandcookthestuffing separatelyin adish.

To preventburning,wrapthelegsin foilandcoverwithsomeofthefat.Place thegooseon atrivetorrackinthemeat tinbreastsideup.Covermeat tinwithfoil andplaceinpre-heatedoven.

Afterthefirsthour,bastethegoose andmakesure thelegsarestillcovered andthattheskinisnotburning. Pouroff surplusfatinto acontainer.Forthelast 30to45minutes,uncoverthebreastto brownandbasteagain,pouringoffthe surplusfat.

Whencooked,liftthegooseontoa carvingdishandleave to restforaround 20minutesbeforecarving.Coverloosely withfoil.

Thepurefatwhichisfoundinthe bodycavityandremovedbeforecooking canbemelted,allowedtosetandstoredin afridgeorcanbefrozen.

ICHEERSTOCHRISTMAS!

fyou’relookingfor alittlefestive inspiration,Momentum Wineshave pickedoutsomegreatwinestosavour overtheChristmasperiod.

ShropshireMagazinereaderscan alsoenjoyfivepercentoffallwinesat momentumwines.co.ukwithdiscountcode SHROPMAGuntilDecember19.

Festivefizz…

Momentumrecommends:Langlois CremantdeLoire –£15.75

Oneofourfavouritesparkling winesoutsideChampagne!LangloisChateauisBollinger’sLoire Valley estate,producingqualitywhiteandrosé sparklingwines.

TheLangloisBrutisdelicate and refreshingwithnotesofquince,peach

andgrapefruitonthenose,followedbya crisp,zestyfinish.

Christmaslunchideas…

Momentumrecommends:Indomita NostrosGranReservaChardonnay –£12.95 Afull-bodiedChardonnaythat cantakeonthoserichflavoursis amustforroastturkeyandallthe trimmings!

TheIndomitaGranReserva isfullandcreamywitharomasof ripestonefruitsbalancedwithfresh acidityand alittletoastynotefrom ageinginbarrel.

Momentumrecommends: DomainedelaPiroletteSaintA Amour –£19.95

We typicallythinkofwhitewine

forwhitemeat,butChristmaslunchis packedfullofsomanyflavoursthat alight redcanalsobe agreatmatch.

TheDomainedelaPiroletteSaint Amourisbrimmingwithjuicyredfruits, lighttanninsandfresh acidity,a perfect matchforturkey,cranberrysauceandthose tastypigsinblankets!

Sweettreat…

Momentumrecommends: Malamado FortifiedMalbec –£16.49

Fancytrying afortifiedMalbec? Madeinthesamemethodas Port,but fromhighaltitudeMalbecvineyardsin A Argentina,ourbest-sellingMalamadois smoothandsilkywitharomasofdried fruit,caramelandsweetspice. Perfect w withstiltonordarkchocolatedesserts.

GETPARTY FIZZING WITHA MAGNUM

ASWEGEARUPFORTHEFESTIVESEASON,OURMINDSTURN TO FRIENDSAND FAMILYAND BRINGING TOGETHERGROUPSOFMERRYMAKERS. EDTHOMAS DECIDED TO EXPLORESOME BIGGERBOTTLESANDHOWTHEY CANGETTHE PARTYSTARTED WITHABITOF PANACHE.

Whoisontheguestlist?Who doyouwanttoinvite?

Whodoyouneedtoinvite, butperhapsdon’twantto?

However,andwhoeveryouendup sharingyourfestiveseasonwiththey,and you,willbeinneedoflubricationand whenitcomestopartiesbiggerisbetter.

Dependingonhowthirstyyouare, andhowlargeyourglassis, astandard bottleofwineusuallycontainsabout fourorfiveglassesofwinesofor gatheringsbigbottlesshoulddefinitelybe considered.

Ifyoureallywanttoshowoff,you canpickup a12-litreBalthazar,that’s 16standardsizedbottles,butdon’tdrop it,firstly,itwillmake arealmess,and

secondly,theycomeat aprettyprice.

Insteadgoformagnums.Theseare twostandardbottles,that’soneand ahalf litresofwine,andshouldmeanyoucan pourabouttenglasses,maybe acouple moreifyou’reservingsparklingwineor champagne.

Largegatheringsmeanyouneedto caterforeclectictastes.It’s acelebratory timeofyearsosomefizzwillalmost certainlyberequired,thediverse,often richandalmostcertainlyindulgentnature ofthefoodservedalsomeansyou’re goingtoneedredandwhitewines,and probablysomerosé.

Nothingsays celebrationquitelike Champagneand Ifinditdifficulttolook pastthebignames,magnumsof Bollinger

aresoindulgentandtheyarereadily availableonline,fromsupermarketsand independentmerchants,youcouldgoup thesizelistifyoureallywantto.

Ifyou’refeelingpatrioticthengraba magnumofNyetimberClassicCuvee,it’s afantasticalterantiveandagain theseare widelyavailable.

Ifyou’reintoyour Proseccothen mostsupermarketswillbestocking magnumbottlesoftheirbestsellersfor thefestiveseasonsotake alookwhenyou popinnexttime.

Ifredisyourtippletherearesome greatoptionsfromplentyofclassicwine regions,theItaliansandSpaniardsareno strangerstobottlinginmagnums.

I’vegot alovelybottleofRioja Vega

Crianzathatmightwellbeopenedthis festiveseason,but Ialsokeepfinding myselfheadingbacktothewinesofthe Rhône Valleyin Francesoflavoursome andadaptable.Greatfor sipping,yet alsoworkingsowellwithyourmeal. CheckoutSéguretfromDomaine deI’Amandineat Tanners,thisisa lovelymouthfulofblackcherriesand blackberrieswith thattouchofRhone spice.

Theyalsooffer awhitewineandina bagin aboxwhichisanothergreatwayto caterforparties.

Thewhitewine Imostassociate withtheChristmastablearethewines ofBurgundy,theysitalongsideroasted poultrysowell.TheChardonnaysof Chabliswiththeirapplefreshnessand richstonefruitflavourscomingthrough aresotraditionalandsoinviting.

TryDomaineServin’sChablisLes Pargueswhichismadefromgrapesgrown onwhatwasearlierinthe20thcentury classifiesas PremierCru,sosurelycomes closetobeing thatquality,butwithoutthe pricetag.

Finally,Iama huge advocatefor celebrating roséallyearround.Thereis alotoffuntobefoundin abottleofrosé afterallandwhenthebottleisbiggerthe logicfollowsthefunisalsoboosted.

Thereareplentyofbigbrandsserving uproséandwhileyoucanfindlovelyrosé

fromallovertheworld,its Provencalrosé thatattractsthemostattention.

AIXis abrandwhogoinforlarge bottlessothat’swhere Ithinkyou shouldlook,doublemagnums,which unsurprisinglyaredoublethesizeofa magnum,arealsoavailable.

Therewehaveit,four French wonders,readytopouratyourpartyand helpyou,yourfriendsandfamilythrough thefestiveseason.

Ed’spicks:

■ BollingerSpecialCuvée,Magnum, £177.99, Waitrose

■ Séguret,CôtesduRhône-Villages, Domainedel’Amandine2021,Magnum, £33, Tanners

■ DomaineServinChablisLes Paragues2022,Magnum,£48,Laithwaites

■ MaisonSaintAix ‘AIX’Rosé, Coteauxd’Aixen Provence,Magnum, £31.99ifyoumixsix,Majestic

CHRISTMASWINE DILEMMAS SOLVED

FROMCRUMBLED CORKSTOCHOOSINGGIFTS, AMYMCCUDDEN FROM TANNERSWINES SPRINKLESSOMEMAGICANDSOLVES YOURWINE-BASEDCHRISTMAS CONUNDRUMS

ChristmasEvenightcap

It’stimetokickbackandsaviour amoment of calm with amincepie andmulledwineor,perhaps, aglassof Champagnebeforethechaosandjoyof thebigdayskicksoffin afewhours’time.

Alwayshaveaback-upbottleor two

Christmasisn’talwaysmistletoe and wine,sometimestherearecorkedbottles, breakagesandunexpectedguests.So,it’s alwaysbesttohave afewback-upbottles offirmfavouritesonstandby,justincase. With ahousefulloffriendsand family,keepingglassestoppedupis justonemorethingfor abusyhostto remember.

To saveopeningsomanybottlesand create astunningcentrepiece,whynotopt for amagnumorbigger?

Whenthecorksplitsorcrumbles

Ithappenstousall. Abrokencork doesn’tnecessarilymeanthewineis faulty,butitisundoubtedlyannoying!

So,whattodo?Eithertryagain andpiercethecorkwiththecorkscrew diagonallyandpull.Orcarefullypushthe splitcorkdownintothewineandthen filteritasyoupourthewinetocatchany brokenpieces.

Ifyoudon’thave aproperwinefilter, then acoffeefilter,a teastraineroreven anewpairoftightswilldoaswell. We wouldalsorecommendusing awaiter’s friendstylecorkscrew.

Whatdoyoubuywinelovers?

Let’sfaceitbuyingwineforsomeone elsecanbetricky.Ratherthanchoosing onebottleitmaybebestto optfora mixedcase,burstingwithoptionsthatwill delightanywinefan,thesearereadymadegiftsthatwilltakethestressoutof presentbuying.

WhichwineforChristmasDinner?

With aplethoraofflavoursand textures,trying to matchthefoodand wineitcouldeasilyturninto achore tryingtopleaseeveryone. We suggest

youoffer aredand awhite.Looktothe Burgundyregionof Franceforanelegant Pinot NoirorWhiteBurgundy,theyare justtheticket.

ForsomeChristmasfoodandwine pairinginspirationexploreAmy’sfestive menupairingsfromstartersthrough todessertsandsweettreats,checkout Tannerswebsite(www.tanners-wines. co.uk/blogs/editorial)

Don’t forgetpost-dinnertipples

Withthefestivemealover,it’stime torelaxwith apost-dinnertippleby thefire, awarmingdramofwhiskyora sumptuousglassof Portcanroundoff abusydayofcelebrationandkeepthat Christmasspiritflowing.

Fussyguests

Afussyguestcanthrowwatertight planningandpreparationoutofthe window.Inthisinstanceit’sbesttopick upsomesure-firewinners –thinkNew ZealandSauvignonBlancand,ofcourse, TannersClaret.

ATIDYNEWCAREER MOVEFORLAUREN

HEATHERLARGE MEETS APROFESSIONALORGANISERWHOISDEDICATED TO HELPING PEOPLEREDUCETHE CHAOSIN THEIRLIVESBYHELPINGTHEMDECLUTTERTHEIRHOMES

Aplaceforeverything and everythinginitsplace,isa sayingthatmanyofuswill haveheard.

Butitisofteneasiersaidthandoneas weaccumulatemoreandmorebelongings whilemovingthroughdifferentstagesof ourlives.

Guidingpeoplethroughcalmingthe chaosandreturningordertotheirhomes areprofessionalorganisers.

LaurenStuartrunsRestoredHome Organisingandaimstohelpfamilies createorganisedandrestoredspacesso theycanfocusonrelaxingandspending qualitytimetogether.

As achild,the30-year-oldalways lovedrearrangingherbedroomand helpinghermotherwithhomedecor projects.

Overtheyears,herloveoforganising

continuedtogrowandsheenjoyed tidyingspacesforfriendsandfamily.

“When Iwas achild, Ialwayshad aplanneror adiaryand Iwasalways schedulingthings.Whenwewentona familyholiday,Iwouldscheduleallofthe activitiesforustodo. Istilldothattoday, ouritineraryisalwayspacked.

“I’mthepersonattheairportwhohas thefolderwithallofthedocuments,”says Lauren,whohailsfromJohannesburgand nowlivesin Telfordwithherhusband Andrew.

Aftergraduatingfromuniversitywith adegreeinmicrobiologyandgenetics, Laurenbeganhercareerworkingina laboratory.Shelaterrealisedthatthejob wasn’ttherightoneforher –although shedidenjoytidyingherlabspace.

“Itwas verymonotonousandnotvery excitingand Ididn’tgetmuchinteraction

withpeople. Ididn’tfeelitwasvery rewarding,”sheexplained.

Aftersomesoul-searching,she decidedtocombineherloveoforganising withherdesiretohelpothersby becoming aprofessionalorganiser.

Laurenattended atraining course runbytheAssociationof Professional DeclutterersandOrganisers(APDO),a membershipbodywhichsetsindustry standardsandprovidesprofessional development.

Hertrainingcoveredeverythingfrom settingup abusinesstothedifferentways ofhelpingpeopletosortthroughtheir belongingsandguidingthemthrough difficultdecisionssuchasdealing with sentimentalitems.

Thefirststepofherprocessis afree 30-minuteonlineconsultationwhereshe cangetanideaof aprospectiveclient’s

spaceandwhattheyarehopingtoachieve.

“Thisisinformalandgivesusa chance to gettoknowoneanother abit. Italsoshowsthemthat Iamnotgoing tobejudgementalandthatI’mnotgong tomakethemfeelbad.TheycanseeI’m compassionateabout them,”explains Lauren.

Theconsultationisfollowedby aspaceassessmentwhereshegathers furtherinformationabouthowherclient wantstheirspacetolookandfeellike whenitisfunctionalandorganised.

Laurenwillthendiscussthebudget, timescaleandthenextstepsoftheprocess beforeputtingtogetheranorganisingplan ofaction.

“Whenpeoplehave alotofclutter intheirhomes,theycanbevery overwhelmedand alotofthetimepeople don’tknowwheretostart. Icomein andmake aplan to workfrom,”explains Lauren.

Declutteringandorganisingsessions startwithremoving alloftheitemsfrom aspaceanddecidingwhethertheybelong intheareaornot.

Anybrokenorexpireditemsare thrownoutanditemsthatdon’tbelong intheroom are movedto amoresuitable location. Itemsthatarenolongerwanted canbedonated.

Theremainingitemsare thensorted andorganisedintocontainerswithlabels accordingtotheclient’swishes.

Labelsensurethateveryfamily

memberknowswhereeachitembelongs.

Shesaidthemost challengingitems tosortthroughwerethosethatheld alotofmemoriesormeaningfor the ownerbecausetheycanprovokedifferent emotions,saysLauren.Shesaid:“When dealingwithsentimentalitems, Iliketo comeupwithcreativewaystodisplay itemsorusethemsothey’renotjust sittingin abox.”

Laurenoffers afreevirtualfollow-up sessiontoevaluatehowtheorganisation systemsareworkingandifany adjustmentsneedtobemade. Peoplecan alsobookmaintenancesessionstofreshen uptheirspaces.

Shecurrentlycovers Telfordand Shifnalforin-personsessionsandalso offersvirtualorganisingsessions,guiding peoplethroughtheprocess.Thereare manybenefitsofcreating apeacefuland tidyhomeincludingimprovingmental healthandreducingstress.

“Itbenefitsphysicalandmental wellbeing,”saysLauren.“Weknowclutter collectsdustsowhenyoutonedown, thereislessdustanditcreates ahealthier livingenvironment. Youcanrelaxbecause youdon’thavetothinkaboutwhatyou shouldbesortingoutbecauseeverything isinitsplace,”sheadds.

n Seerestoredhomeorganising. co.uk,call07534925940oremaillauren. restored@gmail.com

LUCY’S THRIVING AFTER LOCKDOWN

MATTHEW PANTER MEETS LUCYPOOLEWHOSEPHOTOBUSINESS WASHITBYTHE PANDEMIC, BUTSHEUSEDTHETIME TO KICK ON AND START ASECONDENTERPRISE

Holdingdownonejobis atough enoughchallengeformany ofus.

ForhardworkingLucy Poole,onejobjustisn’tenough.She’s gottwobusinesses –andtheyareboth connectedtopassionsofhers.

SheownsLetLuce, afitnessbusiness, whichhasnowopenedupin anewunitat KetleyBusiness Parkin Telford.

Andshe’salsotheownerofLucy PoolePhotographyandhasseengrowth withbothbusinessessincethelockdowns ofthepandemicandsayssheisproudto saytheyarenowthriving.

Lucyisthekindofinfectious,positive personwhomadelockdownworkforher.

“Ididphotographyatuniversity,”she recalls.“Iwasalwaysworkingforstudios. Justbeforelockdown, Ibitthebulletand

wentself-employedwithmyphotography.

“Thatwasgreatbut amonthlater wewentintolockdownsoitwas acase of‘OhMyGod!’. Weddings,myfamily shootsandeverythinggotpostponed.

“But Iputthefeelersoutabout outdoorphotosessionsand Ididdoorstep shootsandthemoneymadefromthat actuallyhelpedmefollowanother passion.

“Wehadgoodweatheratthatpointso Iwasdoing alotofexercise,as Iusually would.

“Istarteddoingvideos,puttingthem onsocialmedia,andpeopleweresaying, ‘howareyoustayingmotivated?Canyou helpme?’”

“So Ibegantothinkaboutit and wondered,should Idosomefitness qualifications?Themoneyfromthe

lockdownphotoshootshelpedmepayfor thequalificationsfor anewcareertoo,so Ireallymadethemostofmytime. Idid leveltwoandlevelthreepersonal trainer qualificationsatthattime.

“Ihavealwaysbeenintofitnessbut neverthoughttodoanythingas acareer because Iwas abitnervousthatI’dlose theloveforit.”

Shestarteddoingoutdoorbootcamps whenpeoplewereallowedtoventure outsideagain assomerestrictionslifted.

“Theywentreallywell,”Lucysaid. “Peopletookmeseriously,eventhough wewerejustouton afield.Whenwe wentbackintolockdown, Ithought,I can’tstopnow.SoI tookthesessions onlineand Ihadpeopleexercisingintheir kitchenandtheirfrontroom. We got throughtherestrictions againandwent backoutsideand,afterthat,peoplewere turninguptosupportmeinallweathers. Isavedupthemoneytomoveinside.”

Shehad aunitinHadleyasshegrew herbusinessfrom afieldto aproper facility.Nowsheislocatedin Ketley,and openedthenewbaserecently.

“It’s aniceareaandI’mproudof myselfbecauseI’vedoneprettywellso far,”shesaid.

“Idothreebootcamps aweek,classes varyingfromeightpeopleto20 and Ialso doone-to-onetraining.

“Ihaveonlinecoachingstilland

I’vealsolaunched‘LetLucewithBaby’, somewhereformumstocomeand exercisein agroup.”

Bootcampsincludecircuitsessions, bodyweightwork andcorework withone-to-onesspecific to whatthe individualwantstoachieve.

“Theunithastwolevels,so Iusethe upstairsas aphotographystudioaswell,” shesays.

“Soitjustallworksverywell.”

Thetworolescertainlykeepherbusy. Lucysays:“Idofitness-relatedwork, MondaytoThursdaywhile Iwillalways makesurethere’stimefor aphoto-shoot.”

Intermsofherphotographybusiness, Lucydoesweddings,familyportraits, newbornshootsaswellasbusiness work.Shealsoworkswithschoolsand nurseries.“It’s abigmix,”sheadds.

“Iloveitandifitwasn’tforlockdown, IamnotsurewhereI’dbenow.”

HERITAGEOFLUXURY ANDELEGANCE

JOHN PASS JEWELLERSHASBEENSELLINGANDREPAIRINGROLEX WATCHESFORMORETHAN 50 YEARSANDITIS APARTNERSHIPTHEYAREPROUDOF. MATTHEW PANTER FINDSOUTMORE.

Rolex –it’s anamesynonymous withluxury,eleganceandmany moresuperlatives.

To beassociatedwithsuch aprestigiousandillustriousglobalbrand requiressimilartraits.

AsanauthorisedRolexretailer,John PassJewellershasproven,overmany years,topossessmanyofthesamehighqualitycharacteristics.

Thelong-standingpartnership betweenthetwoisonethatclearlyworks anditis arelationshipthatiscontinuing togofromstrengthtostrength.

Somuch so thatJohn PassJewellers’ ownRolex AuthorisedServiceCentre, whichopenedin2021,hasexpanded, withfurtheropportunitytogrow.

ItisalreadyhometoRolex-trained watchmaker KenChanandthereare planstoadd asecondwatchmaker,asthe business –which is76yearsold –strives tomaintainthehighestofstandardsand servepeopleinShropshire,Cheshire, Staffordshireandbeyond.

John Pass,with abaseat12 Ironmarket,Newcastle-under-Lyme,had arichheritageas awatchandclockmaker beforejewellery.

“When,in2021,weopenedtheRolex workshop,wewereinmanywaysgoing backtoourheritageofwatch-making,” explainsNatalieCarnes,DeputyManager ofJohn PassJewellers(pictured).

“John Passstartedas aclockand watchrepairshop and it’sbeen alovely journeywhichhasseenusgobacktoour roots,inthatsense.”

Rolexwatchesaredesignedandbuilt tolastand,withthecorrectcare,theycan bepassedfromgenerationtogeneration.

AsanauthorisedRolexretailer,John Passnotonlysells Rolexwatchesbutalso offersrepairsandservicestoensurethat long-lastinglegacy.

“WeonlyundertakerepairsforRolex watches,”saysNatalie.

“Ourworkshopispurpose-builtand tohighspecification.

“Kenjoinedusfrom aRolex AuthorisedServiceCentreinHong Kong andwehaveseenourRolexafter-sales businessgrowfromstrengthto strength.

Suchsuccessmadeuslookatthebusiness andwehavenowexpanded. We have madetheworkshopbiggerandweare preparingtoaccommodate asecond watchmaker,expandingourservice.

“Wehave awonderfulrelationship withRolexandwehavebeen aproud partnerofthemformorethan50years now.

“Thefactwehavesuch alongstandingrelationshipwiththebrandis important.”

StaffatJohn Passhaveallgone through arigoroustrainingprogramme withRolex.

Itmeansthatthereis arealdepthof knowledgeacrossalloftheteam,who regarditas aprivilegetoworkwithsuch beautifulprecisiontimepieces.

Thecompany’sspecialistRolex expertscompleteaninitialassessmentat thepointofreceivingthewatchfrom the customerintheRolexshowroom.

Theserviceprocessisthenexplained

andthecustomerisguidedthrough anyrecommendedworkthatmightbe required.

“Wearetrustedtolookafter aclients’ timepiece,”addsNatalie.“Ourcustomers areoftenhandingover afamilyheirloom sothattrustisincrediblyimportant.

“Weareservicingwatcheswhich wemighthaveoriginallysold20or30 yearsagoandwanttoensuretheyare maintainedformanyyearstocome.

“Ourstaffaretrainedtocarryout an assessmentofthewatch .Theyhavean excellentunderstandingofanywearand tearandprovideaccuratequotes.”

John PassfollowstheRolexService Procedure,designedtoensurethatevery timepieceleaving aRolexworkshop complieswithitsoriginalfunctionaland aesthetic specifications.

Kenistrainedaccordingtostrict excellencecriteriaandassessedregularly byRolex. Fromadjustingthelengthof abracelettocarryingout acomplete

overhaul,everytypeofservicingoperation for aRolexwatchcanbeentrustedto John Pass.

Eachmovementiscompletely dismantledandcleanedandeachcase andbraceletismeticulouslyrefinishedto restoreitslustre. Timekeepingaccuracy andwaterproofnessarerigorouslytested toguaranteethelevelofqualityand reliabilityyounaturallyexpectfroma Rolexwatch.

Followingmaintenance,eachwatch benefitsfrom atwo-yearinternational serviceguaranteecoveringthepartsand labour.Theavailabilityofpartsandlabour isassuredforeverywatchforatleast35 yearsfollowingitswithdrawalfromthe catalogue.

At theendofthisperiod,however, ifpartsarenolongeravailable,theycan berecreatedbytheRestoration Atelierat Rolex,soeveryRolexwatch,whateverits age,canstillreceiveour uniquelevelof care.

Natalieadded:“Wereallyenjoytaking timewiththecustomers to understand theirtimepiece.

“It’slovelyhearingthestoriesbehind thesewatchesandwearehonouredthat ourcustomerstrustinus to maintain them,meaningtheycanweartheirwatch withconfidence.”

■ To findoutmore,call01782 631076andmakean appointmentwith oneofJohn Pass’Rolexspecialists.

ANTIQUES

GUANYIN AFORCE FORCOMPASSION

InChinesearttherearemanyfigures ofmythologywhoappeareitheras sculpturesordepictedinpaintings andtextiles,writesAlexander Clement,AsianArtSpecialistofHalls.

Therearethe‘EightImmortals’ aswellasthethreegodsoffortune, happinessandlongevity,knownas Fu,Lu andShou.DepictionsofBuddhaarealso acommonthemeaswellasBodhisattva –abeingwhoattainsenlightenmentbut delaysenteringNirvanainordertohelp othersachievesalvation.

OneBodhisattvainparticularis depictedperhapsmorethananyotherand thatisthegoddessGuanyin.

Guanyin,alsoknownas Kuan Yin,is oneofthemostrevereddeitiesinChinese cultureand acentralfigureinMahayana Buddhism,knownastheGoddessof MercyandCompassion.

Hername,whichmeans“One Who PerceivestheCriesofthe World”, captureshercompassionatenatureasshe isbelievedtohearandrespondtothe pleasofthoseinneed.

InChineseBuddhism,Guanyin isconsideredanembodimentofthe bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, amalefigure inIndianBuddhismassociatedwith compassion.When Buddhismentered China, Avalokiteshvaratransformedinto Guanyin,takingon amorematernaland protectiveidentitythat resonated deeply withChinesecultural values,particularly filialpietyandrespectforfamily.This transformationhighlightstheadaptability ofBuddhistfigureswithindifferent culturalcontexts,allowingfor aunique blendofBuddhistandtraditionalChinese valuesinGuanyin’sworship.

Inartandsculpture,Guanyinisoften portrayedas aserene,white-robedwoman with apeacefulexpression,symbolising purityandempathy.Shemayhold avase containingpurewater,whichrepresents thecleansingofsuffering,or awillow branch,whichsignifiesher gentle nature andflexibility.

Sometimes,sheisshownwith multiplearmsandeyes, asignofher abilitytoreachoutandhelpthosein manyplacessimultaneously.

Guanyin’sfeminineformand motherlyqualitieshaveledhertobecome associatedwithmaternityandprotection ofchildren,oftenviewedas adivine motherbyherdevotees.Sheisfrequently worshippedas agoddesswhocangrant

fertilityandprotectwomenduring childbirth,furtherintertwiningherimage withthemesofcareandnurturing.

BeyondherpresenceinBuddhist temples,Guanyinisveneratedinhomes, onaltars,andatsacredsites,where devoteespraytoherforprotection, healing,andmercy.Sheiscelebratedon various Buddhistfestivals,particularly onthe19thdayofthesecond,sixthand ninthlunarmonths,whichcommemorate herbirth,enlightenment,and renunciation.

Herpopularityextendsbeyond Buddhistpractitionersandintopopular Chinesefolkreligion,wheresheis reveredbythosewhomaynotidentifyas Buddhistbutstillseeheras apowerful andbenevolentforce.

Guanyin’senduringinfluenceis rootedinheruniversalcompassionand accessibility.Asthe“GoddessofMercy,” shebridgesthegapbetweenthedivine andthehumanrealms,embodyinga formofspiritualsupport thattranscends

LEFT:AChinesefamille rose porcelainfigure ofGuanyinonstand,19thcentury,soldfor £900(+fees);ABOVE: AChineseblueandwhite porcelainfigureofGuanyin,19thcentury Soldfor£8,000(+fees)

sectarianboundaries.Herimageisnot confinedtoChina;sheis alsowidely reveredinJapan,wheresheisknown asKannon,andinotherEastAsian countries.

Thiswidespreadreverencehighlights herroleas asymbolofunconditional loveandsupportforallbeings,making her atimelessfigureof compassionin bothBuddhistdoctrineandtheheartsof millionsofbelievers.

Manyseeherasabeaconofkindness andempathyin aworldthatcanoften feelharshandunforgiving.Herinfluence enduresnotonlyintemplesandrituals butalsointhevaluesofcompassion andcharitythatarecentraltoChinese culture.Guanyin’slegacy, representing mercy,resilience,andunconditionallove, continuestobe apowerfulsourceof inspiration,offeringcomfortandhopeto thosewhoturntoherintimesofneed.

Hallsisnowconsigningforthenext seriesofauctionsin2025.Call01743 450700.

BRACELETSSPARKLE AT LATESTAUCTION

Anexquisiteandrarebracelet provedtobetheunlikely headlinelotof Trevanion Auctioneers’bumperautumn offering.

Heldovertwodays,their FineArtand Antiquesauctionhad averystrongstart withthespecialistjewelleryandsilver sectionsondayone.

Thestarlotwas abraceletbelieved tohavebeenmadebyrenownedstained glassdesignerJohnHardman Powell,of Birmingham,fromdesignsbyfamous architect AugustusPugin.

“JohnHardman Powellworked closelywithPugin,andmade anear identicalbraceletas aweddingpresent forPugin’sdaughterAnnein1859,”says JewelleryspecialistAmelia Tomkinson.

“Thepreliminarysketchesforthat braceletstillexist,soitwasfascinatingto comparethetwo.”

Thebraceletwasconsignedby asouth Shropshirevendor,andalthoughithad beenpasseddownthroughthefamilyfor generations,nobodyhadanyideathatit wassomethingspecial.

“Thevendorbroughtin aboxof hermother’sjewelleryformetogo through,and Ifound itnearthebottom,” remembersAmelia.

Onauctionday,thebraceletquickly exceededitsestimateand, after alengthy biddingbattlebothonlineandonthe telephone,wasboughtby aspecialist buyerfromthesouthofEngland,selling for£18,500plusfees.

Thisisthelatestin astringof sparklingfindsbyAmeliawho,within thelastyearalonehasdiscoveredand successfullysoldonbehalfofhervendors: adiamondsetbraceletfor£28,000,a pearcutdiamondsetringfor£26,000,an emeraldanddiamondringfor£13,000,a micromosaicnecklacefor£12,500,anda diamondsettiarafor£12,000.

Everyfinejewelleryauctionattracts biddersfromacrosstheglobeandhas firmlyplaced Trevanion Auctioneersas marketleaderswithinthefieldofantique jewellery.

“Thejewellerydepartmenthasgone fromstrengthto strength underAmelia’s watchfuleye,andtheresultsspeakfor themselves,”commentedmanaging partnerChristina Trevanion.

“ItreallyistestamenttoAmelia’shard work,dedicationandresearchskillsthat ourjewellerydepartmentisnowhighly

AbraceletbelievedtohavebeenmadebyJohnHardmanPowellsoldfor£18,500plusfees,whilea 19thcenturyEtruscanRevivalbraceletmade£6,500plusfees

recognisedforitsexceptionalresults.”

Alsoimpressingbidderswas a19th centuryEtruscanRevivalyellowmetal bracelet,formedofsevensquareshaped panelswithstylisedflowerheaddetails. Thepieceattractednumerousbidders, andfinallysoldfor£6,500plusfees.

Theseconddayoftheauction featuredfinefurniture,ceramics,worksof artandcarpets.

Furnitureproved astrongseller,with twoDavidGundryofNottinghamKnole ‘BroadwayMajor’sofassellingfor atotal of£3,300plusfees,and asetofsixDanish mid20thcenturydiningchairsdesigned byHans Wegnerfor FritzHansenmaking £1,100plusfees.

“Midcenturyfurnitureremains astrongsellerinthecurrentmarket, withDanishdesignerscommandinga substantialpremium,”notesfurniture valuerIan Woodward.

“Danishpiecesareusuallycompact andstylish,whichtendstosuitthose livingintoday’ssmallerproperties.”

Anunusuallate19thcenturyMintons Botanicaldessertservicealsosoldwell, attractingbidsfrom aroundtheworld beforefinding anewhomewith aUK buyerfor£1,100plusfees,whilea Victoriansilver-mountedStourbridge

cameoglassscentbottle,attributedto Thomas Webb &Sons,made£950plus fees.

“Thiswas abeautifulblueexample withexquisitedetailing,”says valuer SimonGrover.“Itwaspartof asingle ownercollectionofobjectsofvirtuwhich soldfor atotalof£3,600plusfees.”

Thecollectionalsoincluded arare late19thcenturyCrownDerbyporcelain doublewalledreticulatedteacupand saucerwhichsoldfor£850plusfees.

Ofparticularlocalinterestweretwo colourlithographicadvertisingpostersfor J.E.Thomas& SonsRemovalContractors of Welsh Walls,Oswestry,onedepicting asteam-poweredroadwagonandtrailer, theotheranearly20thcenturyremoval lorryinredlivery.Consignedbythe familythatranthebusiness,thepairsold fornearly£1,100plusfees.

“Thiswas afascinatingauction,” commentedChristina.“Notonlydidit seesomegreatresultsforourvendors,but italsobroughttogethersomewonderful piecesthat madeviewing areallyexciting experienceforourbuyers,andwehad somefantasticcompliments as aresult.”

Trevanion Auctioneersarenow acceptingentriesfor2025. To booka valuationappointmentcall01948 800202.

EDUCATION

Omanistudents giventasteoflife inShropshire

ThegroupatEllesmereCollege

Agroup of15teenagersandtwostaff membershavetravelledalmost5,000 milestoexperiencewhatitisliketolive andlearninShropshire.

Thegroup,aged13to16,travelledto EllesmereCollegefrompartnerschool EllesmereMuscatInternationalin Seeb,Oman,tobepartofthefootball academyandjoininlessons.

Theteenagersdescribedthetripas ‘great’and16-year-old YousifMahmoud AlJufaili,originallyborninMontreal, Canada,saiditwaseverythinghehoped itwouldbe.

Hesaid:“Ihaveenjoyedgettingtoknow differentfriendsfromEllesmereCollege andexperiencingtheirculture,howthey liveandalsogettingtoknowhow they studyandwork.

“Oneofmyfavouritepartswas watching aprofessionalPremier Leaguematch.Thiswasmyfirsttime evergoingtooneanditwasoneofmy bestthingsthat Iexperiencedwhen travellingwiththeschoolorfamily.

“TheEllesmereCollegeboyshave treatedus very well. We felt welcomed fromthefirstday.”

Their week included atriptowatchan excitingmatchbetweenChesterCityFC andScunthorpeUnited, atouraround ManchesterCity’sEtihadstadium andacademy,andticketstowatch ManchesterCityscoreaninjurytime winninggoalagainst Wolverhampon WanderersatMolineux.

Thevisitorsstayedattheboarding housesintheprestigiousShropshire college,saidprayersatShrewsbury Mosque,trainedwiththefootball academy,played afriendlymatch againsttheEllesmereteamand followedtheacademiccurriculumin lessonstoo.

■ Formoreinformationabout EllesmereCollege,bothinShropshire andtheinternationalsites,visitwww. ellesmere.com

PupilsatMoorParkcelebratethe60thanniversaryaspartof aseriesofcelebrations

CELEBRATING 6OYEARSAT MOORPARK

Ludlow’sMoor ParkSchoolis celebratingits60thanniversary andhaswelcomedformerpupil JamesDuffieldasheadteacherto taketheschoolinto anewera.

To celebrate60memorableyearsof Moor Park,theschoolhasbeenholdinga varietyofevents,includingananniversary 1960sthemedlunchandanautumnball forbothcurrentandpastparentsand pupils.

Sixtyyearsago,twobrave schoolmastersDerekHendersonand Hugh Wattsdecidedtobuy abeautifulold housesetinthebreathtakingShropshire countrysidewiththeideaofturningit into aschool.

In1964the schooldoorsopenedwith onlynineboysandforthefirsttermthere weremorestaffthanpupils.

Today,thedreamofDerekHenderson andHugh Watts,thefounding headmastersofMoor Park,is areality with aschoolthathasgonefromstrength tostrength.

To markthe60thyearmilestone, theschoolhassetupThe Founders Fund, acharitablefunddesignedto increasefuturebursariestohelpmore childrenattendMoor Park,whosefamily

circumstancesmaynototherwise have enabledthemtoattendtheschool.

Forthenewacademic year they welcomeJamesDuffieldasheadteacher,a formerpupiloftheschoolhimself.

Jamesreflectsonhisnewrole:“It isanhonourtotakeontheheadshipat Moor Park, aschoolwithwhich Ihave beenassociatedformanyyears –asa pupil,gapstudent,andlateras amember ofstaff.

“WhileMoor Parkcontinues to progressandpreparechildrenfor arapidly changingworld,itstillretainsthecore values Iwasfortunateenoughtobenefit fromas achild.

“Thesevalueshelpensurethatour pupilsremainconfident,possess astrong moralcompass, and maintaintheprecious innocenceofchildhood.

“Seniorschoolstaffoftencomment onthesequalitiesastheyobservepupils joiningseniorschools.

“Thiswasbroughtintosharpfocus recentlyatour60thanniversaryball, wheremanyalumnireminiscedaboutthe ‘happiestdaysofmylife’theyexperienced atthisuniqueschool.”

■ See Page88forpicturesfromthe anniversaryball.

CONKERSAND CODING

Theonlyconstancyintheworldis changeand,assuch,weareliving indecisivetimes, writes William Goldsmith,Headof Packwood

Thisisespeciallytrueineducation, whereperhapsnothingismorepronounced thanthemagnificationofAI.AstheiPhone 16slipsintoourpockets,withit comesa fully-integratedintelligencepackagewith thesamepowerwhich,notsolongago,was thestuffofsciencefiction.

Alongsidetheopportunitiesthisbrings comescomplexityanduncertaintyona numberofprofoundlevels:at aseemingly basiclevel,whatdoesthismeanforour triedandtestedsystemofknowledge-based assessments; at amorecomplexlevel,what roledoschoolsplayinensuringtechnology isusedforthebettermentofglobalsociety?

Aseeminglytoughquestionindeedand notone a300-wordarticlecanevenbegin to dojusticeto.

But,hereinidyllicShropshire, Ithink wehavethekernelofananswer.Itisbased onthevisionthatwe,associety,canreclaim GenerationAlpha’s childhood.Notonly doesthisrightlyshieldtheyoungfrom globaluncertainty –good,ofcourse,for theirhappinessandmentalhealth,butin doingso,itactuallypreparesthemtosteer

theworldtowardscertaintywhentheirtime comes.

Whatimageis conjuredupwhen weconsider aflourishingchildhood? Almostalwaysitinvolvestheoutdoors, someformofcollaborativegame, avision ofkindnessandconfidence. We would almostneverthinkaboutscreens,social mediaorpressure(inwhateverform). Andwhatdoesthistraditional,outdoorsy childhoodteachus? Wisdomtomakethe rightchoice; adevelopedsenseofmorality foundinimmersingoneselfinnature;and aheightenedsenseofbelonginginengaging

withfellowhumanbeings.An antidoteis urgentlyneededasAIluresusawayfrom basichumaninteraction;thisantidotecanbe foundin atraditional childhood,onewhere conkersisas crucial tothefutureascoding. We cannotgobackinhistory,indeed aseachweekpasses,theprecedingdays becomejustthat –intechnologicalterms, anincreasinglyirrelevantpast.Ensuring thegenerationwhowillbecontrollingthe destinyofAIandsuperintelligencehavethe collectivewisdom,moralityandbasicsense ofhumanbelongingisnotonly astrong desire,butanabsolutenecessity.

110

SHROPSHIRESOCIETY 125THANNIVERSARY

Netley Hall

‘TheShropshireSocietyinLondonheldtheir125thAnniversaryGala DinneratNetleyHall,DorringtoninSeptember.

The ViceLordLieutenantofShropshireJennyWynnattendedtheBlack TieDinnerwhichhadbeenarrangedbyHowardFranklin,RetiredCourt Florist,whoisthePatronoftheSociety.

ThePresidentpresidedattheoccasion,Col.MarkCuthbert-Brown, whoisDeputyLieutenantofShropshire.

Photos:Supplied

AnthonyDavies,DrChristineBiddulph,HowardFranklin.

MarkCuthbert-Brown,JayneCuthbert-Brown, LizLowe,DavidLowe.

FionaRutter,GuyRutter.

GrahamandJane Williams.

MandyThornandMarkThorn.

ThegroupgathersattheanniversarydinnergalaatNetleyHall

David Tudor, ValerieHill.

MelHughes,JennyWynn,Howard Franklin, KathrynHughes,GrahamWynn.

LeighNorthcott-Hammond,Jayne Northcott-Hammond,JohnBowen.

Brian Williams,MaureenBeard.

MichaelLillistone,ShirleyDavies.

RogerPemberton,MonicaPemberton.

VivMarsh,LamornaStevens,AnthonyDavies.

GrahamWynn,Howard Franklin, Caroline Watson,Robert Watson.

MOOR PARK SCHOOL

60th anniversary

Guestsgatheredinthebeautifully decoratedmarqueeatMoorPark SchoolinLiudlowtocelebratethe60th anniversaryoftheschool.

Alumnipastandpresent,staff, parents, governorsandfriendsoftheschool were allinattendancewithmany happystoriesshared.

Anauctionand rafflegenerated over £27,000forthenewFounders’Fund–acharitablefunddesignedtoincrease futurebursaries tohelpmorechildren attendMoorPark,whosefamily circumstancesmaynototherwisehave enabledthemtoattendtheschool.

Photos: Faye Kenny-Broom.

HarryChase,RossEdwards,JamesBoden,DougalHutley.

JohnThompson,SarahCharnley,JamesShaw,SarahThornhill.

HettieFenwick.

Headteacherpastandpresent –Charlie Minogue,JamesDuffield,MikePiercy.

TomDuff-Gordon,MillyDick, TomOsbourne.

PhiaFolkes,ZanaBarrattand LydiaUnderhill.

Octavia Shaw.

JamesShaw,OctaviaShaw,CharlieFerrier,EmmaFerrier.

HarryChaseandLornaChase.

Julia Hargreaves.

SamNeil,CharlotteNeil,JamesDuffield.

RichardJohnson, FionaJohnsonandAngusLoughran.

KerryJones,fromBloom,withthechildren.

BLOOMARTEXHIBITION

Callaghan’s, Shrewsbury

StudentsfromBloomArtSchoolheldanexhibitionatCallaghan’s Fine PaintingsinShrewsburytoshowcasetheworkofpupilsfromacross thearea.

BloomArtSchoolisanindependenteducationalsettingbasedina largestudioinColehamwhichis ownedandrunbyKerryJones.She saiditwas awonderfulopportunityforthechildrentohavetheirwork exhibitedin agallery.Sheadded:“Itwas afantasticexhibitionwhich showcasedsomuchtalentinsomanygenresandparticularlyexciting toinclude asculpture thathadbeenexhibitedatthis year’ssummer showandcomebackfromtheRoyalAcademyand alightinstallation whichcaught alotofattention.”

To findoutmoreaboutBloomArtSchoolvisitwww.bloom-art.co.uk Photos:JamieRicketts

StellaCallaghan(Callaghan FinePaintings) andKerryJones,fromBloom.

LocalillustratorLizMellor.

DaisyCollierandKonniePriestley.

HannahSavageandAnnaHagemann.

WolveslegendSteveBullwithBrianBird.

HallsAssociateDirectorLouisePreece, SteveBullandBrianBird.

SteveBullwithbranchmanager MattGilbertandHallsMDJonQuinn.

HALLSBRANCH OPENING Wellington

WolveslegendSteveBullofficiallyopened anewestateagent’sbranch inShropshire.

‘Bully’headedtoMarketStreet, Wellington, Telford,toopenthenew Hallsbranch.

BranchmanagerMattGilberthasbeenjoinedbylettingsmanager LaurenMcConkey,salesnegotiatorCharli Wisdomandsalesassistant IsabelleHonickeatthenewbranch.

Theofficialopeningwas adreamcometrueforMatt, alifelongWolves fan,whogottomeetSteve,oneofhisfootballheroes.Allproceedsfrom theevent wenttotheLingenDaviesCancerFund,Halls’chosencharity chosenbyHalls.

The TelfordbranchlinksupwithHalls’networkofnineotheroffices, includingShrewsburytothe west,Whitchurchtothenorthand Kidderminstertothesouth.

Photos:SteveLeath

StevewithChairmanAllenGittinsandHallsMDJonQuinn.

WithHarry Williams,12,Charlie Wisdom, PrestonHartshorne,12,andAlexandraBennett.

Monks(Sponsors)andSelfHelpAfrica(le toright)RachelSchofield,BarryJohnson,LorraineJohnson,Russell Griffin,KerryGriffin, Sophie Crockford,Caroline Weatherby,RichardWeatherby,JudyBourne,RussellBourne.

PhilEvans,SallyEvans,RichardWalmsley,Abi Walmsley,KarenHeath,ChrisStaples,AmyStaples.

GillianandIanSteedman.

DianneMorgan,CherryHowells.

SECRETSUPPER Shrewsbury

Despitethe weather, 240dinersbravedthe raintoexperienceculinarydelightsatthe Autumn2024SelfHelpAfricaShrewsbury SecretSupper.

Following adrinks receptionatTanners Wines,sixgroupsofguests were secretly guidedtosomeofthebest restaurants inShrewsbury,who welcomedthemtoa mysterystarter,mainanddessert. Overall,theeventwas ahugesuccess, raising over£7,500forSelfHelpAfrica throughsponsorship,ticketsales, raffleand donations.

Participating restaurants were St Vincent, CSONS,RhubarbatDrapersHall,No4,Loopy ShrewandTheAlb.

SophieCrockford,FundraisingOfficer,said: “Thesecret restaurantsdidShrewsbury proudshowcasingtheirvariedmenus andspecialities. We’resothankfulfor the supportofeveryoneinvolvedincludingour sponsor –MonksEstateAgents,thehosting restaurants,ourvolunteersandespecially ourguestsand we arelookingforwardtoour SpringSecretSupperinApril2025.”

FormoreinformationaboutSelfHelp AfricaSecretSupperevents,visitwww. selfhelpafrica.orgore-mailsophie. crockford@selfhelpafrica.org

Photos:Supplied

HughAshworth,JulieAshworth, GailCarberry,JohnCarberry.

PamDriscoll,AngelaStevens,LizParry,Helen Powell,Rosemary Trickett,RoseShantry.

SamandHannahDawes,Steveand Stephanie Taylor,William andHannahWynn,BrettandBeckyThompson,KatieandStuart Thorner –allhostedbySummerHouseInteriors.

WesleyFellows,PeteSnowdon,MylesandClaudiaSharples, JonandSophieKitchen,AbbieLinnehan,Reece Taylor, EmmaandJonPick –allhostedbyFocusArchitects.

AIRAMBULANCE FUNDRAISINGDINNER

Weston Park

JamesAndrews,of TortonBodiesLtd,organised acharityeventat WestonParkinsupportoftheMidlandsAirAmbulanceCharity. SponsoredbyMcPhillips,BKPlus,SummerHouseInteriors,and TortonBodiesLtd,theblacktieeventcreated ablendofeleganceand entertainment.

JanetandMalcolmCrump,JamesandCharlotteAndrews, JackieandCliveAndrews,ClaireandGeorgeSouthall,Lisa andMarkNorcliffe– allhostedby TortonBodiesLtd.

CharlotteAndrews,AmyOliver-KyriacouandJessMunt.

Guestsenjoyedadrinks reception,followedbyaluxuriousfour-course meal.Thenightcontinuedwithdancinginthebeautifulorangery,where TheMockingjaysperformedlive,creating alivelyatmosphere. Theeventsuccessfully raisedcrucialfundsfortheMidlandsAir Ambulance,whichprovideslife-savingservicesacrossthe region. It raised over£6,500onthenight.

Photos:Supplied

Lauren TalbotintroducingMidlandsAir AmbulanceCharitytothedinnerguests.

SarahandChris Walker,PaulandGillInions,NikkiScott andAndrewDunham,DaveandSarahMorgan –allhosted byMcPhillips(Wellington)Ltd.

Dinnerguestsinthedinning roomat WestonPark.

TRAVEL

CELEBRATING ATA CHRISTMASMARKET

SARAH MARSHALL RECOMMENDSTURNINGFESTIVESHOPPINGINTOAMAGICALEXPERIENCE

Wanderingthrough amaze ofilluminationswitha warmingmugofmulled wineinhand,visitinga Christmasmarketistheperfectwaytoget intotheswingoffestivecelebrations. Combineshoppingforgiftswith familyentertainmentateventsranging fromcraftfairstoimmersivetheatre performancesandeventractorraces through asnow-dustedcountryside. ContinentalEuropemaylayclaim tobeingthebirthplaceoftheChristmas market,butjudgingbythevarietyof eventsplannedforthisyear,thereare plentyofgreatoptions closertohome.

NEWCASTLEUPONTYNE

When:UntilDecember22

PuttingtheJoyeauxintoNoel,this popularmarketisidealforcombining shoppingwith socialisingwhileperusing stallsandbarsspreadacrossGrey’s Monumentandthesurroundingstreets.

Perfectforfamilies, aChristmasVillage inOldEldonSquarefeaturesstorytelling inSanta’stipi,anElf Workshop anda Rockin’Reindeerstage. Take abreakfrom theconsumermayhembygrabbinga GluhweininoneoftheNorth Poleigloo podssetabove themarket.

n Visitnewcastlegateshead.com

EDINBURGH,SCOTLAND

When:Until January4

EverfanciedtheideaofmulledIrn Bru? Fansoftheradioactive-huedfizzcan samplethenoveltytippleatScotland’stop festivefair.Buildup athirstbyshopping forwoodentoysandHarry Potter-themed gifts. Furtherentertainmentcomesinthe formofanovalicerink,fairgroundrides andanelves’workshoptuckedinside aChristmas Treemaze.Andifsweet orangedrinksaren’tyourthing,try apint ofspicedciderfromtheRoyalBotanic Garden.

n Visitedwinterfest.com

BELFAST,IRELAND

When:UntilDecember22

Celebratingits20thanniversary, NorthernIreland’sleadingyuletide eventlauncheswith aDickensianthemedweekendonNovember16. Expectstorytellingexperiencesandlive performancesinspiredbytheVictorian author.Theexperiencewillberepeated attheendofthemonth(November30 andDecember1)forthosewhoprefer toholdoffonfestivitiesfor afewmore weeks.Inbetween(andrightupuntiljust beforethebigday),morethan100stalls willbesetupoutsideCityHall,selling Christmasfayre,handcraftedproducts, bespokeartisancraftsaswellasproviding afestivefoodcourt.

n Visitbelfastcity.gov.uk

LEOMINSTER,HEREFORDSHIRE

When:December14

ReawakentheghostsofChristmas pastbyindulginginfestivefrivolity

steepedinhistory.Locatedintheheartof theblackandwhitevillages(ahuddleof timber-framed,oak-beamedbuildings), thismarkettowncelebratesyeolde Englandatitsmerrybestwith aVictorian Market.

JigalongsideMorrisdancers,guffaw atPunchandJudyperformancesortakea ridein ahorseandcarriage aroundtown. Beyondseasonalmarket stalls,there’sa chance to purchaseantiquegiftsfrom animpressive120dealersspreadacross picturesquestreets.

■ Visiteatsleepliveherefordshire. co.uk

LANCASHIRE

When: VariousdatesfromNovember 16 –December15

BeforethedaysofcheapChinesemadegoods,Christmasmarketsonly stockedproductsbeautifullyhandcrafted byartisans.

Determinedtokeepthattradition alive,creativecollectiveCraftyVintage willbehosting aplatformforbudding entrepreneurs atseverallocationsinthe Lancashirearea.

CelebratingnorthEngland’s manufacturing culture,stallswillbe selling avarietyofhandcraftedhomeware, clothingandgifts.Newfor2024isthe indoorChristmasMarketatBlackburns Farmnear LythamStAnnes.

■ Visitcraftyvintage.com

ABERDEEN,SCOTLAND

When:UntilDecember31

Lightupdarknightswith astroll along aglitteringnewlighttrail,the highlightofthisScottishcity’sfestive celebrations.

Afterwards,delveintotheQuad,a festivemarketheldinthequadrangle atMarischalCollege,whichwillbe transformedinto aglitteringwonderland withwoodenchaletssellingdrinks, produceandhigh-qualityartisanalcrafts. Independenttraderstolookoutfor include Very Spexy,mastersatwelding uniquepieceofjewellery,andStinky Beasties,makersoftoptreatsforpets.

■ Visitvisitabdn.com

KING’SCROSS,

LONDON

When:UntilDecember22

Thebigsmokeis aMeccaforfestive shoppers.Narrowdownthechoiceby headingtosomeofthespeciallycurated events.

Celebratingthecapital’smultiethnicmake-up,King’sCrosswillbe hostingseveralgloballythemedmarkets honouringChristmastraditionsaround theglobe.

ShopforMexicanclothing,jewellery andcrafts(November29-December1) andindulgeinpan-Asianhomewareand foodat aShotengaievent(December 12-15).

■ Visitkingscross.co.uk

•Railwaysleeperstreated anduntreated

•Oakuntreatedsleepersnow availableNewOakBeams

• Fencingmaterialsand accessories WoodenGates

•QualitydeckingStocksof sawntimber&plywood

• Trellis PostsRoofing materials&crashbarriers

•Eco Wood Pellets Available

HERE TO SHARE YOUR TODAYS, TOMORROWS ANDYESTERDAYS

HERE TO SHARE YOUR TODAYS, TOMORROWS ANDYESTERDAYS

Whether you’re celebratinga special occasionorremembering aloved one- we’re here to help.

Whether you’re celebratinga special occasion orremembering aloved one- we’re here to help.

Just call us on 01952244244

Just call us on 01952421502

Ourlines are open between 8.30am and5.30pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturdays and Bank Holidays

Ourlines are open between 8.30am and5.30pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturdays and Bank Holidays

DAILY DEADLINES

DAILY DEADLINES

• Before 4.00pm Monday to Friday for the next day’s edition.

• Before 4.00pm Monday to Friday for the next day’s edition.

• Before 4.30pm Friday for Monday.

• Before 4.30pm Friday for Monday.

• Subject tochange Bank Holidays

• Subject tochange Bank Holidays

Firewood FarmGates

MARVEL AT MAGIC OF THE MALDIVES

OBSESSEDBYTHEBEAUTYOFTHE PARADISEDESTINATIONINTHEINDIANOCEAN, SAMWYLIE-HARRIS REVISITSHER FAVOURITEPROPERTIESAND WASNOTDISAPPOINTED

Excitedbywinewallsanda collectionofmorethan200 labelsspanningtheglobe, Isip champagneandeyeup abottle ofLouisRoedererCristal2004,alongside arare Petrus Pomerol1996Bordeauxour sommelierhasproudlypulledfromthe shelf –illustratingtheimpressivelist.

As adrinkswriter,I’maccustomedto glossytastingroomsandreviewing aflight of fancywines.Asluckwouldhaveit though,we’rein theIndianOcean.

It’sourthirdvisittofive-star Velassaru –abeautiful21-acrecoralislandinthe SouthMale Atoll, a25-minutespeedboat ridefrom VelanaInternationalAirport.

Tonight,we’resittingdowntotheir award-winningdinnerexperienceat Etesian,with asophisticatedseven-course menufeaturinggoldmedal-winning dishes.

Thebutter-poachedlobstertailand trioofpeppercrustedbeefwithherb mousselinearesublime,andwe’re delightedwiththewinepairing –aFrench chardonnayand Australianshirazleadthe charge.

Themenuistestamentto howthe evolvingfoodandbeveragesceneis

puttingMaldivesfirmlyontheculinary map. Travellersareseekinggastronomic experiencesbeyondglorioussunshine, turquoisesea,wonderfulmarinelifeand coral sands.

It’soneofthemanynew developmentsin adestinationmy husbandGilesand Ifellinlovewith15 yearsagoandhavebeenbacktimeand timeagain.

Whenitcomes to designingthe perfectholidaytothisbarefootparadise, choosingtherightresortcanbe confusing. At thelastcount,therewere 172propertiesspreadacrossthe26 atolls–allwithverydifferentofferings.

Nolongerpurely aonce-in-a-lifetime, honeymoondestination,theislandnation issettoattracttwomilliontouristsin 2024.Andalthoughtherearestillplenty

of‘moneyisnoobject’options,there’s affordableluxurytoo.

Severaltop-notchpropertiesnow offerall-inclusivepackageswithselected winesandspirits,choiceofbuffet or alacartemenus,excursionsand complementarysnorkellingequipment. Leavingverylittle‘not’included,it’sa win-winwiththewow-factor.

Forfirst-timers, Ialwayssuggest splittingyourholidaywithtwo destinations –thefirstaccessibleby speedboat,thesecondseaplane.

After along-haulflight,there’s nothinglikepoweringacrossturquoise watersandthetickleofexcitementwhen yourring-shapedislandcomesintoview–andyou’relivingthedream. Withanother resorttoexplore,you’llbeenjoyingthe bestofbothworlds.

Acoupleofdaysintoourholiday at Velassaru,theresortthrows aspecial dinnerbuffetat Vela(oneoftheresort’s fiverestaurants)tocelebrateNational MaldivesDay.

Later,wejointhe‘PurelyWhite’ after partyonthebeachwith aresidentDJ spinninganeclecticmixofR&Bandclub music.Opentorequests, he playsoneof ourfavouritecountrytunesbyJon Pardi. We dancebarefootunderthestarsand crescentmoon.

However,ourfavouritesincedaydot isSand,wherewealsovisitfordinner duringourstay.It’sanoceanfrontgrill withprivatepavilionstowine,dineand sinkyourfeetinthesand.

Thehappyvibeflowsto thenext eveningwith aromanticdinneronthe beach. Attentiontodetailisslickwitha garlandcentrepieceandgrilledlobsterfor mains.

Smilingandlaughing,westrollalong thejettytoourwatervillaperchedover thelagoon –theshadowof astingrayour onlydistraction. To oursurprise, turn downservicegiftsuswith agarnishedbed strewnwithbougainvillea,palmleaves, and aheart-shapedtowel.

Kindandconsideratewith agentle manner,thestaffbecomeyourfriends –and allpartofthejourney. Repeat guestswechattosharesimilarstories ofthoughtfulgestures and treasured moments.

Withitspalm-filledshorelines, fragrantflora andfaunaand sandy pathwaysframedbytrailingbougainvillea, welovestrollingaroundtheislandtochill outandunwind.

Feelingrelaxedandrefreshed, morningsspentsunbathingandbobbing aroundinsoftlyripplingwavesare followedbylong,lazylunches.

FenBar,withbeachfrontviews overlookingtheinfinitypool,iswhere werelaxwith aG&T.Then,withthe promiseof abeautifulsunset,weslipinto thebackseatof agolfbuggyandheadto

PAGE97:Sand restaurantwhereyoucandineunderprivatepavilions,orbythewater’sedge, Velassaru;SeaGrill restaurant,Kandolhu. PAGE 98:Ocean Pool VillaatKandolhu;FenBar,Velassaru;crystalclearwatersandinfinitypoolat Velassaru. PAGE 99:Sun,seaandescapismatKandolhuMaldives

Chill –theresort’ssundeckbaronthe othersideoftheisland. Withsweeping panoramicviews,our timingcouldn’tbe moreperfect.

We order apiñacoladaandintune withshakingofice-cubes, theding-ding soundof abellringsouttoannouncethe ice-cream tricyclecart –complementary gelatoisserved.

Forthesecondhalfofourholiday wetransferbyseaplanetoKandolhu –a bijouresortwith30villaswevisited10 yearsago. We journeythrough aturquoise seascapeand25minuteslaterit’stimefor ournextbarefootadventure.

ThefirsttimewevisitedtheMaldives, Ithoughtmy‘actionman’wouldbe bored,butthere’snotimetofly-and-flop herewithanenchantingislandandhouse reeftodiscover.

TheMaldivianaquariumis unsurpassed –andthefurtheryouventure intotheatolls,northorsouthfrom Velana airport,themoreyou’llberewarded.

Moreover,withKandolhu’sdive centreofferingcomplementaryGoPro hire(withQuickApptodownloadand edityourpictures),it’spossibletofilm andpostpicturesoftropicalfishand turtlesfromyourdreamparadise.

OurOcean PoolVilla,withinfinite viewsoftheIndianOcean,featuresan openbathroomwithshowerandtub. We pulltheslidingdoorstositontheledge, dangleourlegsandgazeatcrystalclear watersbelow.

Anotherhighlightisourplungepool tosinkintowith aglassoffizz. Withour winefridgestockedwithNew World andOld Worldwines,includingcava and Prosecco, as partoftheUltimate Inclusionspackage,youget alotofbang foryourbuck.

Fiverestaurantsofferanarray ofcuisine –fromOliveserving Mediterraneandishes,totheSeaGrill, BanzaiteppanyakiorMexicanand Peruvianfusionspot AtaRoa.Thelatter becomes alunchtimehang-outonthe edgeofthejetty,whereourchefprepares tacosandcevichetoorder,washeddown withice-coldbeer.

WithonethesweetestspasI’vecome across,weindulgein acouples90-minute signaturemassageat Varu.

Thefourtreatmentroomsarenamed afterflowers –Rose,Jasmine,Lavender and Tulip. We restour headsin ‘Jasmine,’ wherelemongrassoilscentstheairand hotstonesrelieveanytraveltension.

Admittedlytherearecheaperbeach destinationstovisit,butI’dargueevery pennyspentintheMaldivesisan investmentinhealth and happiness.

Moreaffordable,all-inclusiveprice packagesmakethespendincreasingly justifiableandhaveaffordedpeoplelike metheprivilegetolive adreamagainand again.

HOW TO PLAN YOURTRIP

Kuoni(kuoni.co.uk)offersthree nightsatthefive-star Velassaru,Maldives (velassaru.com)in abeachvillafullboard, followedbyfournightsatthefive-star Kandolhu,Maldives(kandolhu.com)in abeachvillaonUltimateInclusionsAll Inclusive,includingflightsonBritish Airwaysandtransfersinresort.

Thepriceforselecteddeparturesin June2025basedontwoadultssharing isfrom£4,699perpersonfromLondon Heathrow(£4,799fromGlasgow, viaLondonHeathrow).Includes complimentarymealplanupgrade atKandolhufromFB ALa Carteon bookingsmadeby28.02.25fortravel upto31.10.25.Upgradeto Velassaru IndulgenceAllInclusivefrom anextra £299perperson.

RED HOTFERRARI’S STARTLING POWER

INTHEAGEOFELECTRICANDHYBRID,FERRARI’S FAMOUS V12ENGINE CONTINUESTOLIVEON INTHENEW 12CILINDRI. JAMESBAGGOTT HASBEENFINDINGOUTWHATIT’S LIKE

Inanagewheneveryothernew cararrival heraldsthe birthofyet anotherelectricorhybridmodel, Ferrari’sgloriousnewV12isa welcomebreathoffreshair.

TheItaliancarmakerclaimstobethe lastoneproducing anaturallyaspirated, V12engine –andthisisthe firm’sbreathtaking830bhpnewaddition.

Inthewordsofthemanufacturer’s famousfounder,Enzo Ferrari,the 12-cylinder Ferrariwillalwaysbethe ‘original’andthecarmakerhasvowedto continuedevelopingthelegendaryunit foraslongasit’sallowed.

WHAT’SNEW?

Ferrarisayseverythinghasbeen refreshedwhencomparedtothe812 Superfastthatthismodelreplaces.Some fouryearsinthemaking,the12Cilindri isslightlyheavierthanthe812 –around

35kgtobeexact –butthat’sdownto alackofcarbonseats,bigger21-inch wheelsandtyres,activeaerodynamicsand apoweredrearboot.

Previously,theV12ofthe Ferrari rangewasdesignedtobethepinnacle,but thatcrownnowresideswiththeSF90, sodesignersweregiventheopportunity todialdownsomeofthemadness.That doesn’tmeanthisisanythingless than furioustodrive,butitdoesmeanitcan stillbehaveas acomfortable GT car too.

WHAT’SUNDERTHEBONNET?

Thespectacular6.5-litreV12isas tunefulasyou’dhope. Ferraricallsit a‘hallmarkhowl’andas therevsrise to aheady9,250rpm,it’s asymphonic cacophonythatmakes thehairsonthe backofyourneckstandonend.

With830bhptoplaywith,the 12Cilindricanhit60mphinaround2.7

secondsandwillgoonto atopspeed of211mph.In‘Race’mode,withthe suspensionsettocomfort,it’scloseto perfect.

Some80percentofthe678Nmof torqueavailableisdeliveredatjust2,500 rpmwhichequatestoplentyofpunch inthemid-range.Thedual-clutch, eight-speedgearboxrapidlyfiresthrough cogswithsavagery.Somuchsothaton someoccasionstheshuntthroughthe transmissionisstark.

WHAT’SITLIKETODRIVE?

What Iloveaboutthis car isits breadthofcharacter.Whenyouwantit tobe asedate,cruisingcompanionit’s comfortableandeasytodrive.Around town,thevisibilityissurprisinglygood andwhileitlookshugeontheoutside, whenyou’reinthecockpititfeels manageableandiseasytoplaceonthe

road.Butit’s thecar’sdarksidethat’s reallyintoxicating.Selectthemanual optionforpaddleshifts,buryyourfootto thefloorandthe12Cilindripicksuplike thethoroughbred Ferrariitis.TheV12 soundtrackisheavymetaladdictiveandit isincrediblyrapid.Itneverfeelsheavyor overweight,either,withperfectbalance anddelicatelyweightedsteering.

HOWDOESIT LOOK?

The12Cilindrilookspositively spaceage –andthat’s no mistake.The designerstookcuesfrom1970swedgelikesupercardesignsandcombinedthem with ahomagetomodelslikethe Ferrari 365 GTB4.Ifyou’renotfamiliarwiththe latter,it’sworth aGoogle, asthefamily resemblanceisclear.

Thenewmodelhas along,imposing nosewith aclamshellbonnetthatwraps aroundthefront-mountedV12.The cabinsitsback, nearertherearwheelsand isdominatedbyanarrow-shaped,bodycolouredsashacrosstheroof.Boldrear haunchesand adramaticreardiffusergive the GT carrealdramawhiledynamicaero flapsontherearquarters flickupunder braking.

WHAT’SITLIKEINSIDE?

Ferrarihasdesignedthecabinwith twodistinctsidesthatwraparoundboth thedriverandthe passenger.Three screensdominatethecabinwiththe

driverdialsandinformationbehindthe steeringwheel, asecondscreencentrally mountedforheatingcontrolsandApple CarPlay/Android Auto,andathird (optional)screeninfrontofthepassenger.

Thelattercandisplaythecar’sspeed, g-forcesandrevsaswellasallowthe passengertomanipulatesomeofthe car’scontrols. We foundtheseats alittle uncomfortable,but theyhaveplenty ofadjustmentandcomewithoptional heatingandcoolingoptions, as wellasa massagefunction(£8,957).

WHAT’STHE SPECLIKE?

Standardspecificationis understandablygenerousfor acarcosting £366,500and includesfullmatrixLED headlights,21-inchalloywheels,rainand lightsensors,climatecontrol,rearparking camera,carcover,batterymaintainer, wirelesssmartphonechargerandlots more.

There’salsoanincrediblearrayof personalisationoptionswitheverything fromgoldbrakecallipers(£1,512),carbon fibrerearboottrim(£4,478)tospecial paintcoloursthatwillsetyouback£8,316. Gettickhappyontheoptionslistand ownerswilleasilybeabletoadd£50,000 andmoretothepricetag.

VERDICT

NewV12 Ferrarisdon’tcomealong veryoften,sowhentheydoyouexpect

themtobeveryspecialindeed.Andthe 12Cilindridoesnotdisappoint.

Enzo FerrarisaidtheV12could summonup a‘harmonynoconductor couldevercreate’andhewasn’twrong. Whilethesavageryoftheengineand speedofthegearboxareimpressive,it’s thehowlfromthaticonicpowerplantthat reallymakesthiscaranoccasion.

Somemightthink aV12engineisa bitof adinosaurinanagedominatedby EVsbut,forcarlovers,thecontinuation of alegendlikethisisvitaliftheworldis stilltobefilledwithpure,unadulterated automotivejoy.

FACTFILE

Model:Ferrari12Cilindri

Price:£366,500

Engine:65-litreV12

Power:830bhp

Torque:678Nm

Maxspeed:211mph

0-60mph:27seconds

MPG:TBC Emissions:TBCg/km

NOSTALGIA

1985:Peoplevisiting aBridgnorthsolicitorsofficecouldbeforgivenifthey thoughtthestaff hadgoneslightlyape.Foronhandtogreettheminthe receptionareawas a6ft jetblacktoygorillasporting abrightredbowtieand amassivegrin.SolicitorMrAlanRidgwayboughtthebeastwith a£750bid duringtheBBC’sChildrenInNeedAppealprogramme.

1971: Anexhibition,including ascalemodelof theTVboosterstationtheBBCplannedtoerect onThe Wrekin, wenton show attheShirehall, ShrewsburyinDecember1971.PicturedisCynthiaDavieswhoworkedinthecountyplanning department.

1967:Afire at aJackfieldworkshadledtoanancientsteam-poweredfire enginebeinggiventoShropshireFireBrigade.TheblazewasatMawand Company’stileworks,wheretheoldMerryweatherfireenginehasstoodfor many years.It wasatOswestryandplans were beingmadeforthelate19th centuryhorse-drawnappliancetobe renovated.

ACHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

HEATHERLARGE LOOKSBACK AT DECEMBERWITHPEOPLE GOINGAPE, AROYAL VISITANDTOWNFOOTBALLFEVER

TheChristmasseasonisalmost uponusandthismonth,we’re lookingbackatwhatthegood peopleofShropshireweredoing duringthemonthofDecemberinyears goneby.

Therewas alow-keyopeningofthe M54 WellingtonbypassonDecember11, 1975,andin1979,ShrewsburyConsort –agroupofentertainerswhospecialised in Tudor-stylemusic,wererehearsingfor aconcert.

In1984,theroyal red carpetwas

12.Shealso wenton tovisitCondoverSchool.

rolledoutinShrewsburyas Diana, Princessof Walespaidthecountytowna visit.Herbusyitineraryincluded astopat CondoverSchool.

Meanwhile,visitorsBridgnorth solicitorsofficeweregreetedby agiant gorilla,which hadbeenboughttoraise moneyfortheBBC’sChildrenInNeed appeal.

Andbackin1971,anexhibition revealedplansforwhatwastobecomea countylandmark –theTVboosterstation erectedontopofthe Wrekin.

1971:

1984:ThePrincessof Walesduring aroyalvisittoShrewsburyonDecember

TheMayorofShrewsbury,AldermanMrsE.Parsonage,cutsthefirst turfonthesite,off AlexanderRoad,Shrewsbury,onDecember8,1971,to markthebuildingof anewagriculturefeedmill,helpedbyMr KPeberdy andwatchedbyMr JR Graham.

1971: FourShrewsbury Town playerspoppedinto aradioshop tolistentothethirdround FA Cup draw...andthereweremixedfeelingswhentheylearnedtheyhavetotraveltothe BaseballGroundto facefirstdivisionDerbyCounty.DaveRoberts,AlanGroves,JimHoltonandAlf Woodarepictured.

1964: AnaptnameforoneoftheShrewsbury pubswhichwascompletelycutoff bytherising floodwatersinShrewsburyonDecember14.Not forgottenhoweverasfood,milkandothersupplies were broughtbyboatat regularintervalsby Nevill Tiptonand“Butty”Pugh.

1975:TheopeningoftheM54 Wellingtonbypass onDecember11.Policecadetofficer TinaMucke, andConstablePatrick Walsh remove bollards.

1958: Shrewsbury Town vHartlepoolinDecember1958attheGayMeadow,Shrewsbury.Shrewsbury centreforwardEdgleyheadedthisgoalagainstHartlepool.Itwashisfirstleaguegoal –and it setthe Townonthe roadtovictory.

1957:PicturecourtesyofRayCox.ShropshireandHerefordshirechessteam attheMorrisHallinShrewsburyinDecemberpriortotheannualmatch withStaffordshirewhich thevisitorswon14 -6.

1979: TheShrewsburyConsortonDecember14.Leaderofthegroup RichardDuncan,onright,iswithmembersofthegroupwhospecialisein Tudor-stylemusic,during rehearsalsatCollegeHillHouse,Shrewsbury.

Joinusthis Autumn, fordelightful daysandcosynights,beingcared forwithkindnessand respect.

OteleyRoad, Shrewsbury,SY26GY 01743583445

lime.trees@hc-one.co.uk

Irate Lime Treessecondtonone. AllthestaffI havemetaretrulysuperbpeopleandhavegone aboveandbeyond everystepofthewaytomake mysister-in-lawfeelwelcome, comfortableand athomethere.Theyhavegivenmegreatpeace ofmind -andthey make agreatcupof tea.My sincerethanks.

Sister-in-lawofresident,Lime Trees Carehome.co.uk review

IT’S ANIMAL MAGIC FORBILL’SBOOK

BillBailey’swestLondon residenceishometo afamily ofarmadillos,threedogs, cockatoos,lizards,treefrogs,a coupleofpheasants…andthat’shaving “pareditdown”overtheyears.

Afterall,thecomedianandmusician got ridofsomeofthemoreboisterous animals that usedtomakeuphispersonal menagerie.

“Wehavepareditdown alittlebit –wedon’thave thechickensanymore, whichis ashame.”

“Wehad acockerelfor awhile,and hediscoveredthathecouldcrowlikea propercockerelshould,”Baileyrecounts. Thiswasn’texactlygoodnewsfor theBaileyfamily. “A cockerelcrowingat firstlightin aflatinwestLondon?This isgoingtobe aproblem,”thecomedian thought –sowhenhestartedchatting to aneighbour,hesteeledhimselftoembark onan apologytour.“Hegoes,‘Ilove it,thisisfantastic.Remindsmeofthe countryside’,”Baileyremembers.

Baileyis aregularfaceonthesmall screen,appearingonthelikesofBlack Books,NeverMindTheBuzzcocksand QI, aswellasbeing aclassicallytrained musician– heperformedwiththeBBC Concert Orchestrain 2008inBillBailey’s RemarkableGuide To TheOrchestra.

Inrecentyears,he’sperhapsbest knownforhiswinningturnin the2020 seriesofStrictlyComeDancing. Now,he’spublishedhisfirstmemoir

–My Animals,AndOtherAnimals–whichislessconventionalautobiography, more aseriesoftableauxaboutallthe animalswhohavepoppedintohislifeover theyears.

WhileBaileyhashadsome extraordinaryencountersthatfew ofus haveexperienced –suchasswimming alongside adwarfminkewhaleoffthe coastof Australia,exchangingnotesof Beethoven’sfifthsymphony –sometimes themostmeaningfulonesarecloserto home.

Hesaid: “Anyencounterwehavewith wildnatureismemorableinsomeway. IrememberwalkinginHertfordshire alongtheRidgewaywithmyoldpalSean Lock,whichweusedtodoveryoften,”he

BOOKCASE

says,referringtofellow comedianLockwho diedlastyear.

“Ononeoccasion, wewereemergingfrom thiswoodlookingfor thispath, andsuddenly, therewas aherdofdeer.

“Westoppedand heldourbreathand watchedas thesedeertrottedacrossthis field –thensuddenly,theystopped.They froze,andlookedrounddirectlyatus. We didn’tmove –thentheycarriedonandall jumpedover afence. Irememberwewere in astateofaweafterthat –westilltalked aboutitmanymonths,yearslater.Simple thingslikethatcanhavethisprofound effect –thathappenswith allofuswhen weencounterwildnature.”

Sowhatcreatureinthe animal kingdomdoesBaileyrelatemostto? “Anyanimalthat’sclumsy,becauseI’m notoriously[clumsy] –myfamilywere justamazed Icoulddance,”helaughs.

Bailey’sspelldancingonprimetime televisionmightbebehindhim,but he’s stillwatchingthisyear’scohortofStrictly competitors.“Icertainlyknowwhat they’regoingthrough –putitthatway,” hesays.“Beingabletoconquerthat,being abletomasterthat,thatfelttomelikea hugevictory.”

n MyAnimals,AndOtherAnimals: AMemoirOfSortsbyBillBaileyis publishedbyQuercus,priced£25.

Karla’sChoice, NickHarkaway, ispublishedby Viking,£22. ThelateJohnle Carre’s castofspies arebackfor anewcaper.Itis1963 andGeorgeSmileyandhisCircus friends returntothefrontline.At theheartofthestoryis afather’s searchforhismissingsonwho hasdisappearedontheotherside oftheIronCurtain.Karla’sChoice, pennedbyleCarre’s sonNick Harkaway,isshotthroughwith shadowyglimpsesoflossanda forebodingsensethatnoteveryone canbesaved.

Gliff,byAliSmith, publishedbyHamish Hamilton,£18.99.

Gliff is aScottishword thatcanmean afright, amoment,or aglance.

Orin AliSmith’slatest novel, agreyhorse.Thefirst oftwo connectedbutindependentnovels –Glyphwillfollownext year –looks forwardinto asinisternewage inwhichlanguageandideascan beyourdownfallandpeopleare verifiedorunverified.Thosetrying to resist –likesiblingsBriarand Rose –mustnavigate anarrowing pathastheydecidewhototrust. Juice, TimWinton,publishedin hardbackbyPicador,£22.

JuiceseesAustralian author TimWinton takeanentirelynew direction,awayfrom thegritty realismof everydaylifeinbooks likeCloudstreet.Itsees anunnamednarrator recounting thestoryofhislife,asthe weather becomesincreasinglyunbearable andoppressive.He’s recruited by rebelforcesandseesthe truth –thattheclimatecrisiswas manmadebyhisancestors.It’sa sweepingepic,onethatisgripping andextraordinarily wellwritten. TheGeneticBookOfTheDead, RichardDawkinsispublishedby Apollo,£25.

Renownedevolutionary biologistRichard Dawkinshasbeen espousinghisbelief thatgeneticsarethe cradleoflifeeversince hishighlyinfluential 1976workTheSelfishGene.In TheGeneticBookOfTheDead, heexplorestheideathatinthe future,advancedtechnologymight helpus‘read’detailsofhuman andanimals’livesfromDNAin fossils.Thereare somanyquirky zoologicalfactsthatthisis well worthexamining.

REMEMBERWHEN

1.RobertMitchumstarredinRyan’sDaughter

2.ActorRiverPhoenixwasborn

3. FredaPaynehad aU.K.No.1singlewithBandOfGold 4. AthleteLillianBoarddiedattheageof22

1.ActorHarvey Keitelwasborn

2.BandleaderGlennMillerrecordedInTheMood

3.ActorDouglas Fairbanksdied 4.GretaGarbo starredinNinotchka

1.GeorgeMichaelwasborn

2.John FKennedymadehis“IchbineinBerliner”speech

3.Gerryandthe Pacemakers hadthree U.K.No.1singles 4.RichardHarrisstarredinThisSporting Life

WORDWISE 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 8 6 9 5 2 3 9 7 5 3

WHO… wasthe firstfemaleHollywoodlegendtofeature on aUSpostagestamp?

WHAT… flowerisdepictedontheRoyalBritishLegion’slogo?

WHERE… istheunitofcurrencythe Randused?

WHEN… didGretaGarbo firstachievefamein Torrent?

WHO… rebuiltBuckinghamPalacebetween1821-36?

WHAT… isthemedicalspecialtyconcernedwiththestudy ofdiseaseprocessescalled?

WHERE… isJakartathecapital?

WHEN… wastheGreatLeap ForwardinstigatedbyMao Zedong?

WHO… composedtheoperaLa Traviata?

WHAT… wastheprofessionoftheFlorentineAndreadel Sarto?

WHERE… isthefishingportof Peel?

WHEN… didtheLocalDefence Volunteerschangetheirname totheHomeGuard?

WHO… isfourthinlineto thethrone?

WHAT… isthemorecommonnameforortho-sulpho benzimide?

WHERE… isMountApothehighestpeak?

WHEN… didColumbussetsailonhisthirdvoyagetotheNew World?

WHO… fromtheactingprofessionismarriedtocomposer CarlDavis?

WHAT… spiritisnamedfromtheDutchfor‘burntwine’?

WHERE… istheriverport FrayBentos?

WHEN… wastheBattleofDienBienPhu?

WHO… refertoGodasthe‘GreatArchitectofthe Universe’?

WHAT… musicalpostwas firstheldbyNicholasLanierin1626? WHERE… inthe FarEastwasKimIlSungpresident? WHEN… didNapoleonBonapartedie?

1.MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrailhitthecinemascreens

2. Tammy Wynettehad aU.K.No.1singlewithStandBy YourMan

3.ActressDrewBarrymorewasborn

4.ArthurAshebecamethefirstblackmantowinthe Wimbledon SinglesChampionship

1.Actor DennisHopperwasborn

2. Ferdinand Porsche’s‘Volkswagen’wasintroduced 3.GaryCooperstarredinMrDeedsGoes To Town 4.TheG.P.O.’sSpeakingClockbegan

1.John TaylorandRoger TaylorofDuranDuranwereborn

THEFOLLOWINGEVENTSALLOCCURREDIN AYEARINLIVING MEMORY.CAN YOUGUESSWHICHONE? 1 2 3 4 5 6

2.Floyd Pattersonbecamethefirstboxertoregaintheworld heavyweighttitle

3.Albert FinneystarredinSaturdayNightAndSundayMorning

4.CyprusgainedindependencefromtheUnitedKingdom

THEWORDMAYSOUND FAMILIAR,WHATDOESITMEAN?

PANCRATIUM

A Largevehiclewithdoublearticulation. B Topoftheskull. C Agenusofplants.

RAGMATICAL

A Disorderly. B Typeofovercoat. C Highlyseasonedstew SARCOLOGY

A Studyofprotoplasm. B Anatomyofthefleshyparts. C Eatingmeat. TEGMEN

A Mongoliantribe. B SouthAmericanlizard. C Acovering. ULTION

A Revenge. B Exceedingtheultimate. C Formationof ascar. VITTA APertainingtocalving. B Animalstripeor headband. C Tenaciousoflife.

CROSSWORD

Across:

1. Focus(11)

9. Survive(7)

10. Temptress(5)

11. Giant(5)

12. Terse(7)

13. Changeable(6)

15. Stress(6)

18. Sure(7)

20. Danger(5)

22. Coach(5)

23. Pariah(7)

24. Suppleness(11)

Down:

2. Groupofeight(5)

3. Duct(7)

4. Observe(6)

5. Mounted(5)

6. Motor(7)

7. Actpompously(11)

8. Barrenness(11)

14. Shorten(7)

16. Finance(7)

17. Inter(6)

19. Additionalbuilding(5)

21. Respond(5)

Across:

1. WarnedLisztaboutthiscountry(11)

9. Otherwisethewisemenreturnwithone Japaneseart(7)

10. Russianwriterdancingwith astudent (5)

11. Girl’scompanynightclub(5)

12. Cocktail,butnot aBlackRussian(7)

13. Overtookandsucceededindrivingtest (6)

15. Excellentagentinbuscomingback(6)

18. Iracamefromhere!(7)

Iwasborntoa Dutchdiplomatfather andEnglishmotherin Spainin 1977.IwaseducatedatRunnymede College. IbecameDavidBeckham’s PA whenhemovedtoSpain.

Aracehorsetrainer,Iwasbornin 1930andchristenedDonald. Istarted traininghorsesbehind aused-car showroominSouthportin1952. Itrained theGrandNationalwinnersRedRumand AmberleighHouse.

20. Andnochangeforthegirl(5)

22. Letoxoutwithpraise(5)

23. Continentallikeonewith anervous twitch(7)

24. SurfingleapmadeintheMiddleEast (7,4)

Down:

2. Theymaybeservedafterbreakinga wrist(5)

3. Charladyseeninthegarden?(3,4)

4. Puzzleoutingame(6)

QUICKCLUES WHAT’SMY NAME?

CRYPTICCLUES 1 2 3 4 5 6

Asinger,IwasborninStatenIsland in1980. IappearedontheMickey

MouseClubwithJustin Timberlakeand BritneySpears.MyhitsincludeGenieina BottleandBeautiful.

AformerEnglandfootballer,Iwas borninLondonin1966. Iwonthe F.A.Cupas aplayerwith Wimbledon andChelsea. IguidedMillwalltothe F.A.

5. It’slawfulforthe Frenchprisonerto return(5)

6. Shortnightdress(7)

7. PaternosterforMCCmembers?(5,6)

8. Ilovetotidyuptheofficeas apeace offering(5,6)

14. Respectnewstaff(7)

16. Ruintheopening?(7)

17. Countryhat(6)

19. Someofthesesoundsilly!(5)

21. OfbirthinSouth Africa(5)

Cupfinalasplayer-manager.

Aking, IwasbornatMonmouthin 1386.ImarriedCatherineof Valoisin 1420.Idefeatedthe Frencharmyat Agincourt.

Afilm-maker,IwasborninKnoxville, Tennesseein1963.Myfirstfilm scriptwascalledCaptain Peachfuzz AndTheAnchovyBandit.SamuelL JacksonandUmaThurmanappearinmy work,thelatterinKillBill.

WORDSPIRALS IMPOSSIPUZZLES

STARTINGFROM 1, FILL INTHEGRIDIN ACLOCKWISE DIRECTIONWITHFOUR-LETTERWORDS.THELASTLETTEROF EACHWORDBECOMESTHEFIRSTLETTEROFTHENEXTWORD. IF YOUHAVECORRECTLYFILLEDINTHEGRIDTHERESHOULD BE ASEVEN-LETTERKEYWORDREADINGACROSSFROM 8.

1. Snooker rods 2. Slide 3. Cougar 4. Verykeen 5. Unable tohear 6. Complete 7. Moltenvolcanicrock 8. Corrosive substance 9. Oppositeofup 10. Hitlerite 11. Aplant 12. Injure with aknife 13. Flashoflighting 14. Balletskirt 15. Asianlanguage 16. Strongimpulse

Keywordclue:Country

1 23 1 2 3 4

1. Corgis,say 2. Snowrunners 3. Unspecifiednumberof 4. Schooltest 5. Isobligedto 6. Amphibian 7. Twofold 8. Raise 9. Inform 10. Noisy 11. Raffleorlottery 12. Wildanimal 13. Just,unbiased 14. Logboat 15. Strongtaste 16. Amatch

Keywordclue:Drink

Thethreechildren hadtheir marblesspreadoutonthe floorwhenJanelookedin.“What alot!”sheexclaimed. “Howmanyhaveyougotthere?”

Bettysmiled.“Gwenand Itogetherhaveseventy-three,”she replied.“ButAndyandGwenhaveonlysixty-two.” Andylookedup.“That’sright,”hesaid. “AndBettyand Itotal sixty-five.” HowmanydidAndyhave?

Billnotedthenewnumberin hislittlebook.“They’ve givenyouthesamefiguresasmy4-digitnumber,”he said.“That’sfunny.”

“Sotheyhave,”Johnagreed.“Butourfirstandsecond digitsareinterchanged,andsoareourthirdandfourth.As yousay,thesamefourfigures,butyoursisfourtimesmy number.”

WhatwasBill’snumber?

“Yourememberthatteaseraboutdividing abignumber, Dad?”Steveasked.“I’vegotanotheronewiththisserial number.”

Tomlookedup.“Soyou’vegotaneightdigitnumbernow. What’stheidea?”

“A goodone,”theboyreplied.“Todivideitby68youjustadd one,andthenremovethefirstpairofdigits.”

Assimpleasthat!WhatwasSteve’snumber?

“Longtime,nosee,”saidSusan.“Doyoustillgotothat YouthCentre?”

Bettyshookher head.“No,itwasonlyopen afew weeks –28days,tobeexact,andnotverystrenuous,”she replied.“Therewerethreeofusondutyeveryday,andeach didsixdays.”

Howmanykindpeopledidthatentail?

1. Lostblood 2. Expensive 3. Roster 4. Elderly 5. Squirrel’s nest 6. Scream 7. Massofbread 8. Losecolourgradually 9. Verge 10. Needlecase 11. Unitoflength 12. Fiftypercent 13. Cutleryitem 14. NewZealandbird 15. Skye,say 16. Fencingsword Keywordclue:Planttype

WHAT’S ON

BlistsHill Victorian Townhas ahostoffestiveeventsthismonth,including VictorianChristmas weekends,festiveeveningsandBreakfastwithSanta; whileonDecember6,worldclassvocalensembleExCathedrawillperformChristmasbyCandlelightatStChad’sChurchinShrewsbury

DECEMBER

1

Thehistoricestateof Walcott Hallsopensitsdoorsfor amagical Christmasmarketandgrottoexperience. Bringingtogethersomeofthefinest artisanmakers,producersandsuppliers fromacrosstheregion,celebrate thestart ofthefestiveseasoninstyle.

Runningfrom11amto4pm,entrance isfreeforchildrenand£2.50foradultsavailablefromthe WalcotHallwebsiteor onthedoor.

1

AscreeningofKissMeKate isonthebillatthe Walker Theatre,Shrewsbury.AdrianDunbar (LineofDuty,Ridley)andBroadway royaltyStephanieJ.Block(IntoThe Woods,TheCherShow)lead astellarcast in asizzlingnew5-starproductionofKiss Me,Kate,filmedliveattheBarbicanin Londonespeciallyforthebigscreen.

Cole Porter’slegendarymusical comedyhasbackstageshenanigans, Shakespeareansonnetsandsinging gangsters –nottomention aromance that’sjusttoodarnhot –and afull-scale orchestraperformingtheshowtune classics.

Ticketsare£16fromwww. theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/kissme-kate-the-musical/

3

Swinginto theChristmasseason withThe RatPackandtheirfamous ChristmasConcertatTheatreOnThe Steps,Bridgnorth.TheOfficialUKNo: 1TributeShow,asvotedbyTheAgents AssociationofGreat Britainforthree

successiveyears,arrivesdirectfrom London’sLeicesterSquareTheatre,The 02and aRoyalCommand Performance. TheacclaimedDavidAlacey(Lovejoyand InspectorAlleyn)starsas FrankSinatra alongside PaulDrakeley(InsideOut–BBC)asDeanMartin.Theyarejoined byformerEastEndersstarandITV’s‘Mr Weather’Des ColemanasSammyDavis Jnr.Togethertheyamazeaudienceswith theirrecreationof amagicalChristmasat TheSandswithSinatra,MartinandDavis inthissensationalshow.

Ticketscost£22.Visitwww. theatreonthesteps.co.uk

6

OneofBritain’sbestchoirsisvisiting Shropshirefor afestiveperformance ofseasonalmusicandreadings -and theeventisexpectedtobe asell-out success.ExCathedra, aworld-classvocal ensemble,isperforming‘Christmasby Candlelight’atStChad’sChurchin Shrewsbury.

Theconcert hasbeenorganisedby ShropshireMusic Trust,whichaimsto bring awiderangeofhighqualitylive musictothecounty.

“Wearedelightedtowelcomeback ExCathedra, achoirwhichenjoysan internationalreputation,”saidJohn MooreofShropshireMusic Trust. “Their DecemberconcertinStChad’sislikely tobe asell-out –itisawonderfulwayto startthefestiveseason.”

“Thisyear’sprogrammeincludes amixofmusicfromcomposers including aneweditionofthe 1591 favouriteCoventryCarol,throughtoa

contemporarypiecebyformerMasterof theQueen’sMusicDameJudith Weir.”

Ticketsare£25eachor£12.50for childrenandstudentsandareavailableat www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/category/ ygwqelabdeazorbycalling03336663366.

7/8

Thefestivespiritis

returning to BlistsHill Victorian Townforits annualVictorian Christmas Weekends.AlsoonDecember 14-15.ManyoftheChristmas traditions weknowandlovetodayhavetheirroots intheVictorianera,andatBlistsHill Victorian Townthefunandjoyofthese traditionsisbroughttolifein an authentic settingforanextra specialexperience.

Thetown’sstreetsandbuildingswill befilledwithtraditionaldecorations, and festivemusicfrom abandandchoirwill ringoutthroughtheair.You’llbeable toperusethewaresinthetown’sstores andlearnaboutChristmaspastfrom costumeddemonstrators.

Theeventrunsfrom10amuntil4pm withentrytimeslotsat10am,10:30am and11am.

7

‘TheSpiritofChristmas’concert willbeheldbyShrewsburyChoralat ShrewsburyAbbeyandwillencapsulate thejoyofChristmastide!

Theacclaimedoperasinger Wynne Evanswillnotbeatthisyear’sChristmas concertashehaswithdrawnduetohis commitmentstotheBBCprogramme StrictlyComeDancing.

Jenny Worley,ChairofShrewsbury

AscreeningofAndreRieu’sspecial Christmasconcert‘GoldandSilver’willbeonthebillat WalkerTheatreinShrewsburyonDecember 7and8;whileon December23rdand27th ascreeningofPaddingtoninPeruwilltakeplaceat FestivalDraytonCentreinMarketDrayton.

Choral,said:“Wewillmiss WynneEvans, butofcourse‘theshowwillgoon’… andwewillbedelightingouraudience with aShrewsburyChoralSpectacular ChristmasConcertinShrewsburyAbbey onDecember7at7.30pm.”

ShrewsburyBrassBandwilladdsome ChristmasmagicoftheirownwithLeroy Anderson’sfamousSleighRide,andthe accomplishedtenorJosephSprattwill beperforming OHolyNightandother favourites.Goalongandsingsomeof yourfavouriteChristmassongs,andenjoy theSpiritofChristmas.

Ticketsfortheperformanceare availableonlinenow(shrewsburychoral. org.uk/buytickets),viawww. shrewsburychoral.org.uk,from Pengwern Books, FishStreet,Shrewsbury;on01743 232236;fromchoirmembersoronthe dooronthenight.

7-8

AndreRieu’sChristmas Concert:GoldandSilveris broughttothebigscreenatShrewsbury’s WalkerTheatre.

ThisyearChristmas comesearly withAndréRieu’scinemaspecialGold andSilver –acelebrationyouwillnever forget.Savourthespiritoftheseason withtimelessChristmascarols,romantic waltzesandbeautifulsongsfromallover theworld –JingleBells, AveMaria,Oh HolyNight,Hallelujah,SleighRideand manymore. Ticketsare£17.50from www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/ andre-rieus-christmas-concert/

10

WalkerTheatre,Shrewsbury, hosts ascreeningofenchanting balletCinderella.ThisChristmas,be transportedinto anetherealworld whereasprinklingoffairydustmakes

dreamscometrue.Thisenchanting balletbyTheRoyalBallet’s Founding Choreographer FrederickAshtonis atheatricalexperienceforallthe family.Ticketscost£17.50fromwww. theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/theroyal-ballet-cinderella/

11

TheMarchesChoirpresenta ‘BigChristmasSing!’atSt John’s Church,Bishop’sCastle.

Thechoir,conductedbyAlistair Auld, willpresent afestiveeveningofcarols and Christmasmusic.

Theywillsing avarietyofseasonal pieces,including“TheAngelGabriel”,a livelyandtunefulre-tellingofGabriel’s story,arrangedbyDavid Wilcocks,and “SingLullaby!”, atraditionalBasque carol,with alovelyliltingmelodiccharm. AngelusetVirginem, ajoyouscarol,with adance-likesetting,willhave abeautiful flutesolo,andthechoirwill also perform anarrangementof“The FirstNowell” and“Pachelbel’sCanon”.Asusual therewillalsobe anumberofcarolsfor audienceparticipation.

Childrenandfamiliesarewelcome, andtherewillbesomespecialcarols inwhichthechildrenwillbethestars! Mincepiesandwinewillbeavailablein theintervaltoaddtothefestivespirit.

Theconcertwillstartat7pm,and tickets(£8,childrenandstudentsfree) areavailablebycalling07806433394, onlinefromwww.ticketsource.co.uk/themarches-choir/t-avgovrz),orfromchoir membersoronthenight.

11–24

JoinRosietheOwl onherenchanting adventuresasshefindsherselfnestled amidstthebranchesof afamily’snew

Christmastree,inTheOwlWhoCame ForChristmasatthe WalkerTheatre, Shrewsbury.

Witnessthejoyandwonderasthe familydiscoverstheirunexpectedvisitor andendeavourstohelpRosiefindher waybackhometotheforest.

InspiredbythetruestoryofRosie theOwl,thischarmingtalecelebratesthe poweroflove,kindness,andthemagicof Christmas. Ticketscost£18fromwww. theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/theowl-who-came-for-christmas/

11,18,19 Step backin timeandexperience amagicalChristmas eveningatBlistsHillVictorian Town afterhours.Indulgein amulledwineor hotchocolateasyoulistentocarollers andexperience atraditionalVictorian Christmas.

Fromartsandcraftstoparlourgames, there’ssomanyfunthings to getinvolved with!Soakupthefestiveatmosphere byshoppingforuniquegiftsinour beautifullydecoratedshops.Pickupa seasonaltreatfromtheBakeryorSweet Shop,tuckinto asteamingbagoffishand chipsfrom theFried FishDealersorsettle downwith arefreshingdrinkintheNew InnPuborEntranceCafé.Thecharacters from ‘A ChristmasCarol’willalsomake anappearance.Theeventrunsfrom6pm until9pm.

14Whitchurch Brass Bandand Fauls SingersChoirfeaturein acharity Christmasconcertat FestivalDrayton Centre,MarketDrayton.

Celebratetheholidayseasonwhile supportinggreatcauses.Allproceedsfrom theconcertwillgotoCancer Research

It’spanto-timeatTheatreSeverninShrewsburyandthis year’s showisSleepingBeauty,runninguntilJanuary12itfeaturesDionne Ward-Anderson, Brad Fitt,GemmaSutton,HarryChandler,Tommy Jand ShaliBordoni;Love2StayoffersthechancetomeetSantaorenjoya Twilight Trail.

UKandTheSevernHospice,makinga differenceinthecommunity.Don’tmiss theharmoniousfusionofWhitchurch BrassBandandthe FaulsSingersChoir in ajointconcertandexperience ablend ofbrassbrillianceandchoralelegance likeneverbefore. Ticketsare£10from www.festivaldraytoncentre.com/whatson/ liveevents

14-15AlsoDecember21 and22.The Furnace KitcheninCoalbrookdalewillbehosting Breakfastwith Santaevents. Families willbeabletocombine ayummy breakfastwith thechancetomeet Father Christmas.Onthemenuareclassicslikea FullEnglishBreakfastandEggsBenedict aswellasseasonalgingerbreadpancakes. FatherChristmaswillminglewithguests astheyeat.Thefirstsittingisfrom9am, andsecondsittingisfrom10:45am.Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk/events/fooddrink-events/breakfast-with-santa/

22

JoinShrewsburyCantata Choirfrom6pmsingingcarols

familiarandnotsofamiliar at theUnited ReformedChurch,ColehamHead, Shrewsbury.‘TheSpiritofChristmas’ concertwillbeconductedbyAnthony CoupewithorganistCatrinaLapage andthe‘BrassButtons’Quartet. Mulledwineandmincepieswillbe available. Ticketsare£10fromwww. shrewsburycantatachoir.org.ukoronthe door.

23/27

PaddingtonIn Peru comesto Festival DraytonCentre,MarketDrayton. Paddingtonreturnsto Perutovisit hisbeloved Aunt Lucy,whonowresides attheHomeforRetiredBears. With theBrown Familyintow,a thrilling adventureensueswhen amysteryplunges theminto anunexpectedjourneythrough theAmazonrainforestanduptothe mountainpeaksof Peru.Ticketsare£8 fromwww.festivaldraytoncentre.com

UntilJanuary12: Itwouldn’t beChristmaswithout apantoand SleepingBeautycomestoTheatre SevernthisChristmas.Brad Fittis

ANSWERS TO PUZZLESON PAGES 107-109

REMEMBERWHEN:1 1970. 2.1939. 3.1963. 4.1975. 5 1936. 6.1960.

FOURWs:1. Answers:Grace Kelly;Thepoppy;South Africa; 1926 2.JohnNash; Pathology; Indonesia; 1958-1961 3.Verdi; Painter;IsleofMan;July 1940 4.PrincessCharlotte; Saccharin;Philippines; 1498 5.JeanBoht;Brandy;Uruguay; 1954

WORDWISE:1.C.2.A.3.B.4.C.5.A.6.B

CROSSWORD:QUICKSOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Concentrate; 9 Outlast; 10 Siren; 11 Titan; 12 Concise; 13 Fickle; 15 Accent; 18 Certain; 20 Peril; 22 Train; 23 Outcast; 24 Flexibility.

Down: 2 Octet; 3 Channel; 4 Notice; 5 Risen; 6 Turbine; 7 Pontificate; 8 Infertility; 14 Curtail; 16 Capital; 17 Entomb; 19 Annex; 21 React.

CRYPTICSOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Switzerland; 9 Origami; 10 Gogol; 11 Disco; 12 Molotov; 13 Passed; 15 Superb; 18 America; 20 Donna; 22 Extol; 23 Asiatic; 24 PersianGulf.

backforShrewsbury’sfun-filledfamily pantomime.Thisyearwillalsoseethe returnof Tommy JRollason,Dionne Ward-AndersonandGemmaSutton. Onceagain, theshowhasbeenwritten bytheaward-winning PaulHendyand producedbythesameteambehindmore than adecadeofboxofficesmash-hit pantomimesatTheatreSevern. Tickets rangefrom£18to£34.50fromwww. theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/ sleeping-beauty/

1-23

LovetoStay,just outsideShrewsbury, hosts aThe Twilight Trailallmonthuntil December23.Itisopentostrollthrough anenchanting Winter Wonderland.A CandyCaneCaféisavailabletostop-off for awarmingdelicioushotchocolate. Gatheraroundthefireinthewoodland areaandenjoyChristmas-themedgames. Openfrom5pmto8pmdaily(last entryat7:30pm),fromNovember29to December23. Pricedat£10perperson under3’sfree.

OrvisitSanta’sGrotto,wherethebig manhimselfwillbewelcomingfamilies.

Down: 2 Writs; 3 Tearose; 4 Enigma; 5 Legal; 6 Nightie; 7 Lord’s Prayer; 8 Olivebranch; 14 Sceptre; 16 Undoing; 17 Panama; 19 Isles; 21 Natal.

WHAT’SMYNAME?: 1.RebeccaLoos. 2.GingerMcCain. 3.ChristinaAquilera. 4.Dennis Wise. 5.Henry V. 6.Quentin Tarantino.

WORDSPIRAL1:1.Cues 2.Slip 3.Puma 4.Avid 5.Deaf 6 Full 7.Lava 8.Acid 9 Down10.Nazi 11.Iris 12.Stab 13.Bolt 14.Tutu 15.Urdu 16.Urge

Keywordsolution: ALGERIA

WORDSPIRAL2:1.Dogs 2.Skis 3.Some 4.Exam 5.Must 6 Toad 7.Dual 8.Lift 9.Tell 10.Loud 11.Draw 12.Wolf 13.Fair 14.Raft 15.Tang 16.Game

Keywordsolution: LIMEADE

WORDSPIRAL3:1.Bled 2.Dear 3.Rota 4.Aged 5.Drey 6 Yell 7.Loaf 8.Fade 9.Edge 10.Etui 11.Inch 12.Half 13.Fork 14.Kiwi 15.Isle 16.Epee

Keywordsolution: FREESIA

IMPOSSIPUZZLES:1.Andyhad 27 marbles. 2.Bill’snumberwas7128. 3.Thenumberwas 59880596 4.The numberwas 59880596

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